Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!
If your arts organization sends out press releases, make sure you have [email protected] on your media list for coverage.
theatre
PHOTOS from "Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science and History Mystery" at The Growing Stage 
(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage, the children's theatre of New Jersey, is presenting Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science and History Mystery weekends from March 6-22, 2026. This was adapted for the stage by Suzanne Maynard Miller and is based on the book Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France by Mara Rockliff. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Bergen County Players Pairs Southern Hospitality with "The Cake" for an Exclusive Opening Weekend Celebration 
(ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP) is turning up the heat for the opening of Bekah Brunstetter’s hit dramedy, The Cake, with a special community-focused promotion: "A Slice of Community: Opening Weekend Reception." To celebrate the "faith, family, and frosting" at the heart of the play, BCP has partnered with local favorite The Modern Cakery to host a complimentary pre-curtain reception in the lounge of the Little Firehouse Theatre during opening weekend, March 14-15, 2026.
Nutley Little Theatre presents a Staged Reading of "With a Capital C" by Lawrence Paone 
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- On Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 7:00pm, Nutley Little Theatre presents a free staged reading of With a Capital C - an original script written by Drew University Alum, Lawrence Paone and directed by another Drew Alum and NLT member, Mead Winters. There will be a talkback with the author immediately following the performance.
NJCU Center for the Arts presents Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill" 
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- New Jersey City University's Center for the Arts presents Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill across two weekends from March 20-29, 2026 in the Margaret Williams Theatre. Released in June 1995, "Jagged Little Pill" made a household name of Alanis Morissette, earning her the title of the best-selling international debut artist in history. Three decades later, that same album was the inspiration for a Broadway musical. Jagged Little Pill is a raw, edgy, topical, and by no means difficult to swallow.
Nutley Little Theatre to Hold Auditions for "Asuncion" by Jesse Eisenberg 
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre will hold auditions for Jesse Eisenberg's 2011 play Asuncion on Sunday, April 23 and Monday, April 24, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The production will be directed and produced by Craig Tiede.
music
South Jersey Musician Wants You To Be In His Music Video 
Craig Whitaker is asking New Jersey to be in his music video. Not as extras. Not as a backdrop. As the whole point.
McCarter presents Yasmin Williams on Thursday 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Acclaimed acoustic fingerstyle guitarist Yasmin Williams will perform at McCarter Theatre Center on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs and Montclair Film presents the Music of John Prine: Film and Concert 
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs and Montclair Film presents "In Spite of Ourselves," a concert and film screening of You Got Gold, on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The concert and film are a tribute to the music of the legendary singer-songwriter John Prine.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Open Up the Door" by Jackson Pines 
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Open Up the Door," the latest single from Jackson Pines' new album, "Wheel."
film
New Release Review - "Crazy Old Lady" 
In its 1960s peak, the Hagsploitation (or psycho-biddy) sub-genre gave a second act to classic Hollywood stars like Joan Crawford, Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland, who found themselves cast as aging psychopaths. It wasn't without controversy, drawing accusations of ageism and misogyny from critics. It's a surprise that our current age of sensitivity has seen a mini-revival of the form with movies like X and The Visit using senility as a cheap, albeit effective way to explain their villains' actions.
art
Princeton Makes To Close Art Market On March 21st 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Makes, a Princeton-based artist cooperative, has announced that it will close its art market in the Princeton Shopping Center on Saturday, March 21, 2026 and have a 20% Off Sale until the store closes.
Vote for the 2026 Monmouth County Travel Guide photo 
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has announced that voting for the 2026 County Travel Guide cover photo is now open.
community
Ocean County College Foundation awarded $50,000 from Santander US to support English Language Learners 
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Ocean County College Foundation has been awarded $50,000 from Santander Bank to provide scholarship programming to support the school's English Language Learners (ELLs) through tuition assistance, providing enrollment in credit-bearing ESL courses, increased access to non-credit ESL programs for underserved populations, and enhanced community engagement and economic mobility for Ocean County residents.
Works & Process Announces Open Call for 2026-27 Residencies 
Works & Process, a non-profit performing arts organization that champions artists and their creative process from studio to stage, announces an open application for week-long, out-of-town residencies for NYC-based choreographers and dance companies.
Vendors Wanted for Monmouth County Fair 
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Calling artists, crafters, commercial and food vendors! Applications to become a vendor for the 51st Annual Monmouth County Fair are now available. Held at East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold, the fair is the largest, family-oriented, multi-day event held in Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore area. This year’s dates are Wednesday-Sunday, July 22-26, 2026.
Wharton Performing Arts School 2026 Summer Camps Return to Berkeley Heights with Expanded Programming 
(BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ) -- The Wharton Performing Arts School (PAS) is excited to share that its 2026 summer camps will take place in Berkeley Heights, ensuring campers can enjoy the program's most popular offerings. Full-day camp options are now available for children aged 7 and up, and half-day camp options begin at age 4.
Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage from March 1-7, 2026 
Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from March 1-7, 2026. Each week we publish at least 70 articles, including original columns and features, promoting events and covering arts news taking place throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week's top 15 includes articles from 8 counties in New Jersey (Atlantic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union).
