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
Centenary Stage Company presents 2026 Women Playwrights Series in April 
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company presents the 2026 Women Playwrights Series (WPS) across three Wednesdays from April 1-15. This year's series will feature staged readings of Big Money by Lauren Ferebee; Breeders by Megan Campisi; and Not It! by Kathleen Coudle-King.
Passage Theatre Company to Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Larry Hilton Stage on April 8th 
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company is proud to host the naming of the Mill Hill Playhouse stage, to forevermore be known as "The Larry Hilton Stage," in honor of great donor, patron, producer and friend of the company Lawrence M. Hilton. Mr. Hilton was a beacon for Passage Theatre for nearly 40 years and a steward for all art, music, theater, and education in his hometown of Trenton, NJ.
'What Became of Us' is a Heartwarming Story Told in a Unique Way 
Family dynamics shape and mold us. The opportunity to examine them is often a subject of conversation. What Became of Us, now playing at George Street Playhouse, is about that very topic. Many moments in the show are heartwarming. However, there are also less comfortable times that are examined. What sets this play aside from a usual siblings tell all tale is the way it is presented. This production is sparse on stage props and active scenes but long on emotional moments that define a brother and sister.
Vivid Stage announces Access Services and Special Performances for "Etiquette" - a World Premiere Comedy 
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at the Oakes Center, presents a world premiere comedy Etiquette by David Lee White from April 9-19, 2026. The play begins at The Cellar Theatre, a regional theatre that is back in production after a year of pandemic Zoom programming, but misbehavior in the audience turns everything upside-down.
Two River Theater Announces 2026/27 Season 
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The award-winning Two River Theater has announced a bold 2026/2027 Season, showcasing unforgettable storytelling with a powerful American classic, an intimate new comedy, and two World Premieres—including a dazzling new musical.
music
State Theatre New Jersey presents The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is the ultimate ABBA tribute, touring through North America for the past 20 years. The audience and the press all agree that "This is the closest to ABBA you'll ever get!"
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Susan Werner 
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Susan Werner on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Over the course of her twenty five year career, Susan Werner has earned a reputation as "one of the most innovative songwriters working today" (Chicago Tribune).
Berlin Under A presents "Roots Rock Women" on April 16th 
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Berlin Under A presents "Roots Rock Women" on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The lineup includes Debra Devi, Faith NYC, Stephanie Marie & The Double-Knit Players. Doors are at 5:30pm.
Avenel PAC presents 20,000 Roads: The Music of Gram Parsons featuring Pat Guadagno, James Maddock & Lisa Bouchelle 
(AVENEL, NJ) -- The dynamic trio of Pat Guadagno, James Maddock, and Lisa Bouchelle, accompanied by a powerhouse band of 'First Call' musicians, including Saturday Night Live drummer Shawn Pelton, come together to deliver 20,000 Roads: The Music of Gram Parsons, a soulful and heartfelt celebration of the timeless catalog of one of American music's most influential pioneers. The show comes to the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 7:30pm.
film
RVCC to Hold Film Screening, Discussion of "The Librarians" on April 8th 
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The English department and the Evelyn S. Field Library at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) will present a screening of the documentary, The Librarians, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 4:30pm. The program, which is free of charge and open to the public, will be held in the Event Center at the College's Branchburg campus.
art
The Art House Gallery presents Expanded Metamorphosis: Contemporary Approaches to Process 
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions presents Expanded Metamorphosis: Contemporary Approaches to Process. This group exhibition, curated by Andrea McKenna, will be on view at the Art House Gallery from Saturday, April 4 through Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Steve Datz: "The Consistency of Inconsistency" 
Steve Datz will put you in mind of Jackson Pollock. Maybe he hates that comparison, and maybe he's happy to own the influence; either way, it's tough to ignore. Many of his paintings feature multicolored drip-squiggles on long, horizontal canvases. If they never quite achieve the intensity of Pollock's plasma storms, they feel similarly kinetic, and similarly electrified. Pollock's paintings are often suggestive of the firing neural network of a deep thinker. Datz's synapses in paint are not quite as dense, and not quite as tormented.
community
MPAC's annual Sustainability Series returns for 2026 with Free Presentation of National Geographic Live! - Rise of T.rex 
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)'s annual Sustainability Series returns for 2026 with a free presentation of National Geographic Live! - The Rise of T.rex on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30pm. Tyrannosaurus Rex is the most famous dinosaur out there, but few people know the true story of this species. This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of BASF.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live 
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
