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
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents "Matilda, the Musical" 
(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Matilda the Musical from May 1-3, 2026 at the Fair Lawn Community Center. Based on Roald Dahl's classic children's book, Matilda the Musical follows Matilda Wormwood, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers.
music
Sweet Honey in the Rock Brings 50+ Years of Music and Message to McCarter Theatre Center 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Sweet Honey in the Rock, the GRAMMY-nominated vocal ensemble celebrating more than 50 years of artistry, returns to McCarter Theatre Center on Friday, April 24, 2026 with its signature blend of socially conscious and spiritually uplifting music. Showtime is 7:30pm.
MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on September 9th 
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on May 8th 
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on Friday, May 8, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on May 8th 
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. EagleMania has been dazzling audiences for over a decade by spectacularly reproducing the music of the Eagles.
Princeton Junction Teen Named Winner of PDFNJ's 22nd Annual Your Song! Your Voice! Contest 
(PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) -- [GLOBE NEWSWIRE] -- Chloé Cheng of Princeton Junction, a junior at The Peddie School, has been named the winner of the 22nd Annual Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey music competition.
The Newton Theatre presents So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary 
(NEWTON, NJ) -- If you watched the film Song Sung Blue and realized you like more Neil Diamond songs that you thought you did, you should check out So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 29, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Tuckerton Porchfest returns May 2nd with Music, Poetry, Art & Community along Main Street 
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Tuckerton Porchfest returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026 (rain date: May 3rd) from 11:00am to 4:00pm, transforming Main Street into a vibrant, walkable celebration of local creativity. Featuring live music, poetry, visual art, vendors, and community experiences, this grassroots festival invites attendees to explore multiple porch stages hosted by local businesses and residents.
Jann Klose releases new single "Future Trap" 
Internationally acclaimed artist Jann Klose returns with his compelling new single, "Future Trap," offering a bold and sonically rich preview of his forthcoming album The Future Trap, due for release on May 29, 2026. The new single was released on April 17th.
Shinedown to Play Shows in Newark and Philly in July 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- One of the biggest bands in the world, Shinedown, will be releasing their brand new studio album EI8HT on May 29, 2026 (via Atlantic Records) and released the new song "Outlaw." In addition, they announced their massive Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour, taking the band to 11 countries across 54 dates, including local stops at Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday, July 21st and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 23rd.
comedy
Hamilton Stage presents comedian Preacher Lawson on April 25th 
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center presents comedian, TikTok and YouTube star, and MMA fighter Preacher Lawson on Saturday, April 25, 2026. He will perform two shows: 7:00pm & 9:30pm.
State Theatre New Jersey presents comedian Jim Breuer on May 2nd 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- See comedian Jim Breuer live at State Theatre New Jersey in his new tour, Find the Funny! on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Best known as "Goat Boy" on Saturday Night Live, Breuer is an American comedian, podcaster, writer, and actor with over 30 years of comedy under his belt. Bryan McKenna opens the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
film
Trenton Filmmaker Phillip McConnell to Premiere New Short Film "Tell Me Where We Stand" 
(HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- Independent filmmaker Phillip McConnell will premiere his new short film, Tell Me Where We Stand, at Mill One on Sunday, May 31, 2026, bringing together local artists, performers, and members of the community for an evening celebrating independent film and storytelling.
First Look Review - "City Wide Fever" 
Every cinephile goes through a Giallo phase at some point. How could they not? The Italian sub-genre has everything you could want from cinema: sex, violence, funky music, eye-popping '70s costumes and production design, and lashings of style. That said, if you demand logic, Giallo probably isn't for you.
community
Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage from April 12-18, 2026 
Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from April 12-18, 2026. Each week we publish at least 70 articles, including original columns and features, promoting events and covering arts news taking place throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week's top 15 includes articles from 9 counties in New Jersey (Atlantic, Bergen, Cumberland, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union).
Morris Arts presents 18th Annual Great Conversations on April 29th 
(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- Morris Arts presents the 18th Annual Great Conversations on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 6:00pm-9:30pm at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. This one-of-a-kind gala supporting Morris Arts encourages guests to unplug, make meaningful face-to-face connections, and immerse themselves in the art of conversation.
