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Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage from April 26 to May 2, 2026

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 05/03/2026

Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from April 26 to May 2, 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 7 counties in New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Passaic, and Union).

The vast majority of articles at New Jersey Stage are written in-house, but we also accept press releases sent to [email protected]. These event preview articles get noticed when we first publish them and then get noticed again the week the event takes place. Our articles and event calendar web pages are picked up by search engines and resources like Google News. We also offer banner ad advertising prices for the arts. For information on advertising at NewJerseyStage.com, click here.

1) '60s Rock 'n Roll Revival LIVE! at STNJ - Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of '60s Rock 'n Roll Revival concert at State Theatre New Jersey on April 18, 2026.

2) 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.

3) American Theater Group Appoints Charlotte Cohn as new Producing Artistic Director - (UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) has announced the appointment of Charlotte Cohn as its new Producing Artistic Director, marking an exciting new chapter in the company's artistic and organizational evolution.




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4) 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.

5) PHOTOS from "SpongeBob SquarePants Jr " at Roman Productions - (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Roman Productions presented The SpongeBob Musical Jr. at Saint John Vianney High School April 25-26, 2026. Under the direction of Wendy Roman, this production showcased the strength of a youth theater program rooted in confidence, collaboration, and individuality. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

6) George Street Playhouse announces their 2026-2027 Season - (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse has announced their lineup for the 2026–2027 Season. Productions includes The Unexpected 3rd, 2 Pianos 4 Hands, Bad Dates: End Game, and The Cocktail Party Effect. There will also be two special events with limited runs - Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares and Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show.

7) The NJ Film Expo takes place on Thursday - (EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- The NJ Film Expo takes place on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the Meadowlands Arena from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Admission is free, but advance registration is appreciated to help them manage the attendance.

8) Events This Week in New Jersey from April 28 to May 4, 2026 - Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from April 28-May 4, 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.

9) 2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12 - (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night.  As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.

10) The Jersey Jumper Sam Patch – America's First Daredevil - By the end of the 1820s, Sam Patch was one of the most famous men in America. His feats of daring in Paterson, New Jersey were reported in the nation's newspapers as he made a spectacular leap from atop the great waterfall on the Passaic River. So legendary was his fame that President Andrew Jackson named his horse after him.

11) Asbury Park Theater Company presents Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" - (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- The Asbury Park Theater Company presents Thornton Wilder's Our Town across two weekends from May 21-31, 2026 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Described by Edward Albee as "the greatest American play ever written"- it is one of the defining plays of American theater. The production is directed by Bailey Dumlao.

12) "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th - (NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.

13) The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang - (FORT LEE, NJ) -- The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang in a double bill of Chinese music culture on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:00pm.

14) Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2026-2027 Season - (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced its 88th season of world-class shows to be presented during the theater's 2026-2027 season in Millburn. The season includes productions of Mary Poppins, Ken Ludwig's Lend Me a Tenor, Million Dollar Quartet, and Dear Evan Hansen.

15) State Theatre New Jersey Announces 2026-27 Broadway Season - (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey has announced its 2026-27 Broadway Season, featuring seven fantastic national Broadway tours. The 2026-27 Broadway Season will feature Tony® Award-winning hits, fan favorites, and multiple State Theatre debuts. Season tickets for the 2026-27 Broadway Series are on sale now and save buyers over 35% on tickets to these shows. Single tickets will go on sale in late July.




EVENT PREVIEWS

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Carteret

Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes

(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular

Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular

(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America

Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year

(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival

Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026

Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.

Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th

Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Magic Entertainment presents Gaurav Gupta LIVE

Monday, June 22, 2026 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Magic Entertainment presents Gaurav Gupta LIVE

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


George Street Playhouse presents "Good Witch Bad Witch"

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 3:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


George Street Playhouse presents "Good Witch Bad Witch"

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Guest Attraction: Friends of Jockey Hollow present Rick Atkinson on the War for America, Morristown & Jockey Hollow, 1777 – 1780

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ



 

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