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
Two River Theater Announces New Cohort of Theater Makers Under Commission 
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The award-winning Two River Theater is proud to spotlight its ongoing commitment to new plays and musicals with more commissions supporting some of today's most compelling theater makers. Commissioned artists in 2026 are Tony® Award-nominee Joe Iconis (The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical at La Jolla Playhouse), whose TRT commission, Be More Chill, premiered at Two River prior to its Broadway run, and playwright Iraisa Ann Reilly (A Bodega Princess Remembers... at Ensemble Studio Theatre), whose work has been featured in Two River's Crossing Borders/Cruzando Fronteras Festival.
This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place April 14-20, 2026 
Here are previews of plays taking place from April 14-20, 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.
The Actors Studio of New Jersey and The Sieminski Theater present "Finishing the Hat: The Music of Sondheim" 
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Actors Studio of New Jersey and The Sieminski Theater present Finishing the Hat: The Music of Sondheim from April 18-19, 2026. This is a spectacular tribute to the legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim.
Rutgers Theater Department presents "Hamlet" 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Rutgers Theater Department presents eight performances of Shakespeare's most popular play, Hamlet, at the Levin Theater (on the Douglass Campus) from April 24-May 2, 2026. The production is directed by Cameron Knight.
music
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from April 14-20, 2026 
Here is a look at shows taking place from April 14-20, 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.
Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday 
(VINELAND, NJ) -- The Landis Rock Fest 2026 takes place Saturday, April 18th at The Landis Theater in Vineland. Get ready for a full night of original music, hard-hitting rock, and nonstop energy. Showtime is 7:00pm.
The 17th annual Elephant Talk Indie Music festival Takes Place This Weekend in AC 
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The 17th annual Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival will take place at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City from April 17-19, 2026. The festival features performances from over 70 acts.
Hey Bulldog to Pay Tribute to The Beatles at Liberty Science Center 
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Hey Bulldog will perform a tribute to The Beatles in the Planetarium at Liberty Science Center on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. Come see one of the area's best Beatles cover bands perform some good old fashioned no fuss rock and roll!
comedy
Comedy Shows This Weekend: April 16-19, 2026 
Here's a look at comedy shows taking place across the state from April 16-19, 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.
The Stress Factory presents Andrew Dismukesis this weekend 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Stress Factory presents Andrew Dismukesis from April 16-18, 2026. He is a stand up comedian, writer and actor who you've probably seen on "Saturday Night Live". He joined SNL in 2017 as a writer and became an on‑air cast member in 2020, earning a following for his dry delivery and inventive sketches.
Late Spring Improv Classes Begin May 4 at Vivid Stage! 
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center, is enrolling its late spring session of improv classes for adults. This session runs May 4 through June 29, 2026. Classes offered this session include the Joy of Improv introductory class, the advanced Scene Essentials and the Improv Production Lab. The Open Improv Jam for all levels is on April 29.
film
New Release Review - "Thrash" 
If the premise of Thrash sounds familiar you might have run across the movie when it was announced back in 2024 under its original title "Beneath the Storm." Or perhaps in 2025, when it was retitled "Shiver" and set for a theatrical release in August of that year. Now the movie has been renamed once again and its cinema release scrapped. Sony have sold it off to Netflix, who have dumped it on their platform with all the ceremony of an unwanted goldfish being flushed down a toilet.
art
Picture Middlesex County Contest Returns for Spring 2026 with New Video Submission Option 
Middlesex County's popular photo contest, Picture Middlesex County, is back for the spring season, inviting residents to showcase life and nature across Middlesex County through photography — and, new this year, videography. Submissions will be accepted until Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The winning photos and videos, selected by a panel of judges, will be publicly displayed at future County events and featured in marketing materials.
community
Events This Week in New Jersey from April 14-20, 2026 
Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from April 14-20, 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.
books
Joyfully Set Daily Rituals to Eat Freely and Live Radiantly with Author Radhi Devlukia-Shetty 
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- How can singing to your food and eating dessert before dinner improve your digestion, skin, and overall wellbeing? Bestselling author and entrepreneur Radhi Devlukia-Shetty will take you on a journey in a virtual discussion on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The event presented by the Ocean County Library begins at 2:00pm.
