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
Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2026 Rising Star Awards Nominees 
(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the nominations for adjudicated production categories of the 31st Annual Rising Star Awards for Excellence in New Jersey High School Musical Theater. Often referred to as New Jersey's version of the Tony Awards for high school musical theater, the Rising Star Awards recognize outstanding achievement in performance, direction, design, choreography, music direction, and overall production.
Middlesex County and Thinkery & Verse present "Liberty Madness" at State Theatre 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County and Thinkery & Verse present an original live production of Liberty Madness at State Theatre New Jersey on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a dynamic, magical stage play that tells the story of America’s haunted past.
Arden Theatre Company presents "Dear Evan Hansen" 
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Arden Theatre Company brings the Tony Award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen, to the F. Otto Haas Stage this spring. Featuring a book by Steven Levenson and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the production is directed by Terrence J. Nolen and co-conceived by Jorge Cousineau and Nolen. Performances begin May 21, the show opens May 27, and runs through June 28, 2026.
music
The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on June 7th 
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 7:00pm. NOTE: This show was originally scheduled for May 14. All tickets will be honored on the new date.
comedy
Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club presents Sheba Mason this weekend 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club presents Sheba Mason on May 15-16, 2026. Born into a theatrical family – Jackie Mason (comedian) and Ginger Reiter (playwright) – Sheba has been performing since the age of two as a stage prop in her mother's play where she sat in her high chair and drank from her bottle.
film
Obsession, Murder, and Movie Magic: Brian De Pal-Month Comes to Asbury Park 
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The ShowRoom Cinema presents Brian De Pal-Month, a three-film retrospective celebrating the stylish, suspense-driven work of visionary filmmaker Brian De Palma. Taking place throughout the second half of May, the series spotlights three of De Palma's most acclaimed thrillers—each showcasing the director's mastery of voyeurism, psychological tension, and bravura cinematic technique.
dance
Dance Reflections presents "Dancescapes 2026" at Hamilton Stage 
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Dance Reflections presents "Dancescapes 2026" - an afternoon of original dance works at Union County Performing Arts Center's Hamilton Stage on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Showtime is 1:00pm.
community
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Elects Jennifer B. Clifton and Kevin Francfort to the Board of Trustees 
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- At its most recent board meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) elected Jennifer B. Clifton and Kevin Francfort, to its Board of Trustees. Their term will begin on July 1, 2026 and will run through June 2029.
