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
McCarter Theatre Center presents performances by John Malkovich in "The Music Critic" and The Improvised Shakespeare Company 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents a weekend of comedy and theatrical invention with John Malkovich in The Music Critic on Saturday, April 17 in the Matthews Theatre, and The Improvised Shakespeare Company® for three performances April 16–17, 2026 in the Berlind Theatre.
Misfits Theatre Company presents "Murder Me Always" 
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Misfits Theatre Company presents a limited engagement of Murder Me Always, a rollicking comedy murder mystery written by Lee Mueller, directed by Dennis Connors, and stage managed by Angela Ronan. The production runs for two performances only (April 18-19, 2026) at Villas of Holmdel.
Rutgers University-Camden presents "Little Women, the Musical" 
(CAMDEN, NJ) -- The Department of Visual, Media, and Performing Arts at Rutgers University–Camden presents Little Women, the Musical across two weekends from April 9-18, 2026. Inspired by Louisa May Alcott's cherished novel, this musical tells the story of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March as they come of age in 19th century Massachusetts, facing challenges of love, loss, and fresh starts.
Theatre Philadelphia presents The 9th Annual Philly Theatre Week 
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Theatre Philadelphia presents the return of Philly Theatre Week, running from April 23 - May 3, 2026. This 10-day celebration will feature close to 50 events, with a lineup showcasing the dynamic and diverse theatre community of the Greater Philadelphia region through full-scale productions, workshops, interactive events, and more.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "Pippin" 
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is proud to announce the full cast for its upcoming production of Pippin, running May 8–17, 2026. From Stephen Schwartz, the renowned creator of Wicked, comes a dazzling and thought-provoking musical about a young man's journey to find purpose.
music
New Jersey Youth Symphony Presents "Voices of the North: Nordic & Baltic Soundscapes" featuring 2026 Concerto Competition Winner Mason Chu 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS), a program of Wharton Arts, presents its signature spring concert, Voices of the North: Nordic & Baltic Soundscapes, on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the Nicholas Music Center at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Billy Ocean LIVE! at Kean Stage
Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Billy Ocean at Kean Stage on April 2, 2026.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Make This World Stand Still" by Lisa Bouchelle feat. Amanda Shires
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Make This World Stand Still” from Trenton-bred roots/country songstress Lisa Bouchelle’s forthcoming album, “Vandals, Thieves & Lovers.”
comedy
NJPAC presents "Hasan Hates Ronny | Ronny Hates Hasan" 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a night of uproarious comedy with "Hasan Hates Ronny Ronny Hates Hasan," starring acclaimed comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng. This comedic showdown takes place Thursday, April 23, 2026 in Prudential Hall. Join them for a night where pettiness is celebrated, laughter is guaranteed, and the only thing Hasan and Ronny agree on is that you should be there! Showtime is 7:00pm.
film
Trenton Film Society presents a Regional Documentary Film Festival 
(TRENTON, NJ) -- The Trenton Film Society presents a Regional Documentary Film Festival on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Mill Hill Playhouse. Screenings are scheduled at 6:30pm on Friday and noon, 3:00pm, and 6:00pm on Saturday, followed by a reception and awards ceremony.
community
RVCC presents Bill Blagg's Magic in Motion 
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Local audiences will have the opportunity to explore how physical science creates magic when the Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College presents Bill Blagg's Magic in Motion on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 11:00am.
books
Jam-Packed Lineup Revealed for the 10th Montclair Literary Festival 
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Literary Festival has unveiled an exciting, jam-packed lineup of authors for its 10th anniversary, taking place from May 2-11, 2026. Spanning 10 days, the festival will feature more than 60 authors in over 30 events, with the majority free for all attendees.
kids
Ocean County Library Toms River Branch to Host 2026 Ocean County Children's Festival 
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Celebrate early childhood with art, music, entertainment, and activities during the 2026 Ocean County Children's Festival, presented by the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC). The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch will host the event on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
