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
Freehold Jewish Center presents NJ Premiere Reading of "The Silence of Our Friends" by Gary Morgenstein 
(FREEHOLD, NJ) — The Freehold Jewish Center (Congregation Agudath Achim) will present the New Jersey premiere reading of award-winning playwright Gary Morgenstein's provocative new play The Silence of Our Friends on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2:00pm as a special fundraising event with all ticket proceeds going to the synagogue.
Be Amazed by the Golden Age of Radio at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library 
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Return to the era when families gathered around the wireless set for "theater of the imagination." The Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library will host a live presentation by WREP: When Radio Entertained People on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. A trivia game will take place before the show at 6:30pm. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. Join them for an evening "broadcast" of skits from the Golden Age of radio, performed live by WREP's veteran actors.
Theatre Horizon presents "Ain't Misbehavin'" - The Fats Waller Musical Show 
(NORRISTOWN, PA) -- Theatre Horizon the award-winning professional theater nestled in Norristown's Arts Hill District, presents Ain't Misbehavin', The Fats Waller Musical Show, the Tony Award-winning production. The production is directed by Amina Robinson, a three-time Barrymore Award winner who returns to Theatre Horizon for the first time since winning for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for The Color Purple in 2018. Ain't Misbehavin' runs from April 29 through May 17, 2026.
NJ Rep presents "Sins of the Mother" by Israel Horovitz 
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) will present Sins of the Mother by acclaimed playwright Israel Horovitz, directed by Evan Bergman, weekends from April 10 through May 3, 2026. Set in the tight-knit fishing town of Gloucester, Massachusetts, this play follows Douggie, a young man returning home to prove his roots among a group of rugged, fiercely loyal locals who live by their hands—and sometimes by violence.
music
The Newton Theatre presents Kashmir: The Spirit of Led Zeppelin - 55/50 TOUR 
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Kashmir: The Spirit of Led Zeppelin brings its 55/50 TOUR to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. The tour celebrates two groundbreaking albums - the 55th anniversary of Led Zeppelin IV and the 50th anniversary of Presence. This tour promises an unforgettable journey through the soundscapes that have influenced generations and continue to inspire.
The Vogel presents Chris Pinnella & The Big Band Project 
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Get ready for an electrifying afternoon of music as Chris Pinnella & The Big Band Project take the stage on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at The Vogel, delivering a high-energy, crowd-pleasing concert experience that reimagines the sound of a classic big band for today's audiences. Showtime is 3:00pm.
Krakauer & Tagg's Good Vibes Explosion comes to OCC's Grunin Center on Sunday 
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College will come alive with the energy and extraordinary sounds of Krakauer & Tagg's Good Vibes Explosion on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 3:00pm.
Algonquin Arts Announces New Concert Series 
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is proud to announce its newly unveiled Concert Series, an exciting lineup of dynamic live performances spanning summer 2026 through spring 2027. Featuring everything from chart-topping tribute acts and nostalgic throwbacks to immersive theatrical concerts and special event programming, this series invites audiences to experience the power of live music, storytelling, and entertainment in an intimate Jersey Shore setting.
South Jersey Jazz Association To Honor Bob Ferguson At Awards Ceremony on April 30th 
(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor trumpeter Bob Ferguson with the 2026 George Mesterhazy Jazz Master Award at a gala event on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club. The award, named for a much-beloved local jazz pianist who made a lasting mark on the great American art form of jazz, is given to individuals who have greatly contributed to the performance of jazz both locally and nationally.
New Jersey Symphony presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- With just three programs remaining on the 2025–26 season, Music Director Xian Zhang conducts Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem, the composer's final composition last performed by New Jersey Symphony in 2018, from April 16-19, 2026. Mysteriously commissioned and incomplete at the time of Mozart's death, the Requiem is widely regarded as one of the composer's most accomplished works. Written for a funeral Mass, the music is intensely emotional, ranging from powerful drama to languid sorrow to serene tenderness.
The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on April 17th 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Christ Congregation Church. Two women plus ten instruments equal one good time when the award-winning duo of Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon take the stage. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Bergen Institute for the Creative Arts at Bergen Community College presents Back to Bergen on April 16th 
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Bergen Institute for the Creative Arts at Bergen Community College presents Back to Bergen, a new live music concert series featuring none other than the college's own music program graduates performing original music and classics. Held Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the college's Ciccone Theater, the inaugural installment will showcase the program's success at producing top notch musicians across a variety of genres from classical and jazz to R&B, pop and rock.
MPAC presents The String Queens on April 24th 
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! The String Queens come to Mayo Performing Arts Center, Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Prudential Center presents Sergio George: Festival "Ataca Sergo" 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Following the resounding success and unforgettable energy experienced at the Kaseya Center, renowned producer, musician, and visionary Sergio George raises the bar once again, taking his Festival ¡Ataca Sergio! to the next level. This time, the concept returns as a birthday celebration set for Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the iconic Prudential Center in Newark. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Sold-Out Cabaret Returns: The Light Between – A Modern Cabaret Comes to Lincroft on April 25th 
(LINCROFT, NJ) -- After selling out 200 seats in just days, The Light Between – A Modern Cabaret returns for a special encore performance Saturday, April 25, 2026 at The Earth Room at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County. Created and performed by PJ Casbar and Tom McCormack, the show blends original music, musical-theater favorites, and modern pop into a character-driven cabaret evening that moves between humor, storytelling, and moments of theatrical surprise. Showtime is 7:30pm.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 4/6/26 
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Ali Zanders, Sam Tunkel, Brian Westervelt, Jay Ingstrup, A Halo Called Fred, Damfino, Regency Club, and Night Windows. Plus a look back at "This American Life" by Diego Allessandro.
comedy
Comedy Shows This Weekend: April 9-12, 2026 
Here's a look at comedy shows taking place across the state from April 9-12, 2026. New Jersey Stage compiles this list from comedy clubs, casinos, and performing arts centers. You can send information on shows to infoatnewjerseystage.com for consideration in future columns.
film
Loew's Jersey Theatre Unveils Vision for Revitalized Cultural Landmark, Including Official Renderings and New Venue Logo 
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The historic Loew's Jersey Theatre unveiled a first look at its future as a reimagined, multi-purpose cultural destination, releasing new architectural renderings and designs that highlight the venue's transformation into a year-round hub for entertainment.
New Jersey's Premier Film Expo Returns to East Rutherford April 30th 
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the Screen Alliance of New Jersey (SANJ) will host its second NJ Film Expo at Meadowlands Arena in Rutherford. Building on the strong success of its inaugural year, the expo returns on an even larger scale with several panels, hundreds of vendors, live music and food trucks to showcase New Jersey's expanding role in film and television.
dance
Ballet Arts and Adelphi Orchestra Present Coppélia for Ballet Arts' 50th Anniversary Season 
(RIVER EDGE, NJ) -- Ballet Arts marks its 50th anniversary season this spring with a joyful new production of Coppélia, presented in collaboration with the Adelphi Orchestra. Performances will take place May 2 and 3, 2026, at River Dell High School in Oradell, featuring live orchestral accompaniment, guest artists, and a multigenerational cast of local dancers and students.
art
43rd Ellarsie Open Announces Juror Adam Welch: Accepting Submissions Until May 6th 
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie announces the 2026 juror and the Call for Art for its annual Ellarslie Open juried art show. Adam Welch, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Princeton, will jury the 2026 show. Artists are invited to submit artwork online, from April 1 through May 6, 2026 for consideration by the juror.
Noyes Arts Garage Exhibits Highlight College Students' Work and Contributions of Immigrants and Migrant Laborers 
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University presents "Monuments to Migration and Labor" and "Emerging Visions: Southern New Jersey University and College Visual Arts Student Showcase". The first honors the contributions of immigrant and migrant laborers and the second features artwork by college students. Both will be on display until June 27, 2026.
books
Fund for Irish Studies at Princeton University presents "After Oscar: Wilde between the li(n)es" 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton University's Fund for Irish Studies continues its 2025-26 series with a talk by Merlin Holland, the only grandson of famed writer Oscar Wilde, about his legendary grandfather on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 4:30pm in the James Stewart Film Theater at 185 Nassau Street in Princeton. Holland will draw from his extensive research, family history, and newly published book, After Oscar: The Legacy of a Scandal.
Trailblazing Media Executive and Former New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado to Headline VOCES Latino Thought Leaders Series at Montclair State University on April 30th 
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Latinos of Montclair presents trailblazing media executive, former New York Secretary of State, and author Rossana Rosado in Montclair on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 6:30pm as part of VOCES to discuss her new memoir, Bronx Attitude. Moderated by labor organizer and political leader Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina.
