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
This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place March 24-30, 2026 
Here are previews of plays taking place from March 24-30, 2026 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview.
Kean University Theatre Department presents "The Bald Soprano" by Eugène Ionesco 
(UNION, NJ) -- Kean University Theatre Department presents The Bald Soprano by Eugène Ionesco from April 10-18, 2026 in the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. Has your day-to-day life begun to feel like some surreal hallucination?
Mile Square Theatre presents "The Mountaintop" 
(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre presents The Mountaintop from April 16 to May 3, 2026. This is a gripping reimagination of events the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright–Katori Hall and directed by Jamil A.C. Mangan, the play imagines a pivotal moment in history through a deeply human lens.
Roundtable Theater Company presents "Jagged Little Pill" 
(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Roundtable Theater Company presents the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Jagged Little Pill from April 9-12, 2026 at the George Frey Center for Performing Arts in the Fair Lawn Community Center. Set in modern-day Connecticut, this contemporary musical utilizes the genius of Alanis Morissette's 1995 album of the same name to tackle some of today's most important issues.
Brookdale Performing Arts Center presents Stephen Sondheim's "Company" 
(LINCROFT, NJ) -- Brookdale Performing Arts Center presents Stephen Sondheim's Company - performed in an immersive, in-the-round setting where it feels like you're a guest at Bobby's birthday party. This intimate staging pulls the audience into the heart of the celebration, surrounding you with music, laughter, and the beautifully messy moments of modern relationships. Performances take place across three weekends from April 10-26, 2026.
music
Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open 
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Contemporary folk stalwart Lucy Kaplansky will perform at Jersey Shore Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Jersey-born songwriter and guitarist Dave Vargo will open the show. The show is part of the on-going Split Level Concerts Series which highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from March 24-30, 2026 
Here is a look at shows taking place from March 24-30, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
WP Jazz Room presents John Pizzarelli's "Dear Mr. Bennett" on Sunday 
(WAYNE, NJ) -- WP Jazz Room presents John Pizzarelli's "Dear Mr. Bennett" on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Shea Center for Performing Arts. The Grammy-winning producer, guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli celebrates the centennial of iconic singer Tony Bennett.
Middletown Arts Center presents MAC Music Cafe on Sunday 
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents MAC Music Café on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Join them for an evening of original music, dynamic performances and unforgettable live energy featuring Reina Williams & Patrick Bamburak, JStu and Michael Brett.
Bluesman Selwyn Birchwood to celebrate album release at Lizzie Rose Music Room on Saturday 
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-winning visionary bluesman Selwyn Birchwood will celebrate album release at Lizzie Rose Music Room on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 7:30pm. His fifth Alligator Records album, Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues, is released a day earlier.
Grunin Center for the Arts presents Brass Queens on Saturday 
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Grunin Center for the Arts presents Brass Queens on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 7:00pm. Brass Queens is a female-led, New York-based brass band that has been dominating the brass band scene since 2019.
The Growing Stage presents: A Baroque Spring Concert for the Whole Family 
(NETCONG, NJ) -- Join The Growing Stage as they welcome Conductor & Music Director Robert Butts, and The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, as they perform a selection of pieces designed to introduce their young patrons to classical music. The acoustics of the muraled walls and antique tin ceiling of their home, The Historic Palace Theatre, truly sing when live music is presented.
Songwriters in the Pines Series Returns to Albert Music Hall on Sunday 
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Local songwriters will take the spotlight at Albert Music Hall on Sunday, March 29, 2026, when the venue's Songwriters in the Pines Series returns for an afternoon dedicated to original music. The show brings together regional performers sharing original songs and some of the stories behind them, offering audiences a relaxed setting to experience new music and perhaps discover a new favorite local artist.
Beginnings LIVE! at the Grunin Center 
Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of the Chicago tribute band, Beginnings, at the Grunin Center for the Arts on March 14, 2026.
comedy
Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club presents Reverend Bob Levy this weekend 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club presents Reverend Bob Levy from March 27-28, 2026. Religious he is not! But, Reverend Bob Levy is certainly one of the funniest, most irreverent, innovative comedians on the circuit today.
community
Events This Week in New Jersey from March 24-30, 2026 
Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from March 24-30, 2026 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
UCPAC presents Stories of a Lifetime Writing Workshop for Seniors Ages 55+ 
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) proudly presents a free six-week workshop titled "Stories of a Lifetime" for seniors 55+ from April 13 - May 17, 2026. Through guided prompts and group discussions, senior writers will explore a variety of themes, connecting through a personally meaningful lens.
New Jersey Civic Information Consortium Releases Draft Framework to Reimagine Public Media in New Jersey 
The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium (NJCIC) released a draft report on March 23, 2026 that underscores the vital role statewide public media plays in ensuring the people of New Jersey have access to trusted news and information and makes the case for expanded state investment. The upshot - New Jersey needs a modern statewide public media system to strengthen local journalism and combat misinformation, expand civic information, and ensure residents across the state have access to arts, culture, sports, and education programming.
