Published by New Jersey Stage
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
Magnolia Productions presents Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, "Crimes of the Heart" 
(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions presents Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Crimes of the Heart across two weekends from April 17-25, 2026 at The Theater at the Navesink Library. The story follows the three MaGrath sisters as they reunite in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, following the shooting of Babe's husband.
North Star Theater Company presents Fast-Paced Comedy Thriller, "The 39 Steps" 
(OGDENSBURG, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company presents The 39 Steps from April 30 to May 3, 2026 at the NSTC Studio Theater. This is a wildly inventive comedy thriller adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the classic Alfred Hitchcock film. Directed by Bert Piper, this high-energy production features a talented cast bringing dozens of characters to life in a whirlwind of quick changes, physical comedy, and theatrical ingenuity.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents a Reading of "The Agitators" by Mat Smart 
(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) has announced the cast for its upcoming presentation of The Agitators by Mat Smart, presented as part of the theatre's Revolutionary Voices play reading series. The performance will take place on Monday, April 27, 2026 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. Showtime is 7:30pm.
George Street Playhouse presents "My Lord, What a Night" by Deborah Brevoort 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse has announced the cast and creative team for My Lord, What a Night written by Deborah Brevoort (Blue Moon Over Memphis) and directed by Sheldon Epps (Play On!). It's about a remarkable friendship and a night in New Jersey that changed history. Performances run from April 28 through May 17, 2026.
music
Two Generations of Jazz: Pianist Caelan Cardello and Bassist Rufus Reid at April Jersey Jazz LIVE! 
"I find it wonderfully satisfying and enjoyable to make music with Caelan. The evening will go like the wind, and it is unfortunate we have only one set, but there will be more opportunities. Don't be late!"
Ocean Casino Resort presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell 
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Fronted by the unmistakable voice of Ali Campbell, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell will be bringing their Big Love Tour to Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City with Matisyahu on Friday, May 1, 2026. Showtime is 9:00pm.
"The Master at Work" Jimmy Webb LIVE! at The Vogel 
Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Jimmy Webb at The Vogel on March 22, 2026.
comedy
Howdy Stranger to Bring SNL-Style Comedy to HACPAC 
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- New Jersey's top-rated improv team, Howdy Stranger, flips the script with their annual sketch comedy show, Scripted, coming to the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm.
film
Salem County Film & Arts Festival Releases Promo Video Inviting Filmmakers and Film Lovers to Celebrate Creativity Across the County 
(WOODSTOWN, NJ) -- The Salem County Film & Arts Festival is gearing up to bring an exciting celebration of film, creativity, and community to the region, welcoming filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across New Jersey and beyond. On April 25, 2026, Salem County will host their first Film & Arts Festival in Woodstown, NJ. A newly released promotional video offers a glimpse into the energy and experiences that attendees can expect, while highlighting Salem County as a unique and film-friendly destination.
New Jersey's Premier Independent Film Festival(R) Draws Record Crowds, Sold-Out Screenings, 800+ Students, and Industry Leaders in 2026 
(ASBURY PARK & CRANFORD, NJ) -- The 24th Annual Garden State Film Festival (GSFF), New Jersey's Premier Independent Film Festival (R), drew record crowds across Asbury Park and Cranford, delivering sold-out screenings, strong industry participation, and one of the most impactful weekends in the festival's history.
art
East Lynne Theater Company Presents The Premiere of "Art Titans: Masters Of A New Era–Sydnei SmithJordan: Pop Fusion And The Power Of Legacy" 
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The new East Lynne Theater Company continues to recreate itself and expand boundaries by hosting the world premiere of the ongoing documentary series "Art Titans: Masters of a New Era," which now focuses on world-renown, Cape May artist Sydnei SmithJordan in "Pop Fusion and the Power of Legacy." There are two opportunities to see the documentary and view SmithJordan's work at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME Church: red-carpet premiere on Saturday, April 11 at 7:00pm and Sunday, April 12 at 2:00pm.
Winifred McNeill: "Between Air and Earth" 
Any good cook will tell you that reducing something doesn't always mean diminishing it. Sometimes it's the best way to intensify its personality. Size, we've learned in the era of streaming entertainment on tiny phone screens, does not determine how clearly a thing communicates. If it fills our senses, it can slip right into our bloodstream.
community
Roselle Park Arts Festival returns April 25th 
(ROSELLE PARK, NJ) -- The Roselle Park Arts Festival, a free community-wide celebration of the arts, will return Saturday, April 25, 2026, bringing artists, live music and family-friendly activities to downtown Roselle Park.
