Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 05/12/2026
(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents PLAYFEST across two weekends from May 14-24, 2026. PLAYFEST contains staged readings, works-in-progress, workshop performances, and magic! Best of all, tickets are FREE!
The first weekend includes a reading and conversation with Red Wine in a Whiskey Glass; a solo performance of Hold These Truths; and the opening of a visual art installation.
Red Wine in a Whiskey Glass by Matt Monaco - In a bar at the edge of nowhere, two strangers are drawn into an inescapable reckoning. The new play and talkback takes place Thursday, May 14 at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 17 at 5:00pm. It will be performed by Matt Monaco, Kat Tyler, and Drew Hirshfield.
Hold These Truths by Jeanne Sakata - In Seattle during World War II, University of Washington student Gordon Hirabayashi agonizes over US government orders to forcibly remove and mass incarcerate all people of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast without due process of law. As he fights to reconcile his country's betrayal with his passionate belief in the U.S. Constitution, Gordon journeys toward a greater understanding of America's triumps - and a confrontation with its failure. Hold These Truths will be performed on Friday, May 15 at 8:00pm; Saturday, May 16 at 5:00pm; and Sunday, May 17 at 3:00pm. It is a solo performance by Joel de la Fuente.
And on Saturday, May 16 at 3:00pm, the official opening of an art exhibition by Jane Sayer will take place. She is Luna's resident graphic designer.
The second weekend includes scenes from Pyretown and a process conversation plus performances of The Unwitting Magician.
Scenes from Pyretown by John Belluso - After exploring in rehearsal over several months, two actors and a director share scenes from the first act of Pyretown and reflect on their process. This is a workshop performance and conversation with actors Byron Hagan and Monica Ross, and director Nathan Darrow. Performances take place Thursday, May 21 at 7:30pm; Saturday, May 23 at 5:00pm; and Sunday, May 24 at 3:00pm.
The Unwitting Magician by Jeremy Dobrish - An actor opens a sealed envelope, reads a script they have never seen before, and discovers, alongside the audience, that they are somehow performing impossible magic. It will be performed by Adrian Baidoo on Friday, May 22 at 8:00pm; by Lucas Pinner on Saturday, May 23 at 3:00pm; and by Lisa VillaMil on Sunday, May 24 at 5:00pm.
Tickets may be reserved online. The theater is located at 555 Valley Road in West Orange, New Jersey.
Luna Stage develops and produces vibrant plays about local and global experiences. This summer, Luna’s commissioned world premiere RIFT by Gabriel Jason Dean made its international debut at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre where it was honored with the 2025 Scotsman Fringe First Award. Other Luna world premieres include Tony Award-winner Matthew Lopez’s breakout play The Whipping Man, which became one of the most widely-produced plays in the United States; Jenny Lyn Bader’s Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, which had two extended runs Off-Broadway in the 2024-2025 season; three premieres by Obie-winner Nikkole Salter; and the Luna-commissioned The Ground On Which We Stand, which received the 2024 Giles R. Wright Designation for Excellence in African American History.
The company has served as an arts anchor of New Jersey’s Valley Arts neighborhood, a traditionally-underserved region bridging the townships of Orange and West Orange. Luna received the JerseyArts People’s Choice Award for Favorite Small Theatre in New Jersey, and is dedicated to eliminating barriers to participation and nurturing the next generation of audiences and artists.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Shakespeare Theatre's Acting Apprenticeship Company presents "Love's Labour's Lost"
(MADISON, NJ) -- The Acting Apprenticeship Company at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Love's Labour's Lost on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm in the K.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. Fall under the spell of Shakespeare's sparkling comedy of romance, wit, and unexpected desire.
Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O on Friday as part of the North to Shore Festival
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O - an evening of solo theatre performances rooted in culture and community on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Express Newark. The event is part of the 2026 North to Shore Festival.
"Golden Girls - The Tribute Show!" comes to Kelsey Theatre on June 27th
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Drag Events Unlimited presents Golden Girls - The Tribute Show! on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. This is an evening of hilarious fun with your favorite Sassy Seniors! Live Scenes, Trivia, Games, Musical Performances, Sing-Alongs, and more! Showtime is 8:00pm.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Monty Python's Spamalot
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the national tour of the Tony Award®-winning musical comedy, Monty Python's Spamalot, for four performances from June 27-28, 2026. First seen on Broadway in 2005, the original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony® Awards and won three, including Best Musical. It features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle.
The Premier Theatre Company presents "1776"
(RUMSON, NJ) -- The Premier Theatre Company presents the musical 1776 in the Rumson School District Auditorium from June 26-28, 2026. Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence.
The Artist Collective Troupe presents "Once Upon A Mattress"
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Artist Collective Troupe presents their summer musical, Once Upon A Mattress from June 26-28 at The Villas of Holmdel. Winnifred the Woebegone is just a simple swamp princess looking to win the heart of Prince Dauntless. But can she pass the impossible test Queen Aggravain has in store for her?
Ritz Theatre Cabaret Series presents "Dream On!"
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company continues its Cabaret Series with Dream On! on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. Curated by Connor Twigg, this event features regional artists singing songs from their dream roles.
Liberty Arts Theatre presents "The America 250 USO Tour" featuring a star-studded cast from Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Jefferson with music, dance, comedy and after party!
(LEONIA, NJ) -- Liberty Arts Theatre will keep us all rockin' in the free world with the high-octane celebration America 250 USO Tour - where Vaudeville meets American history – featuring a star-studded cast from Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson to George Patton, a live orchestra, song-and-dance numbers and comedy sketches. The America 250 USO Tour will march into the American Legion Post #1 (399 Broad Street) in Leonia on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 7:00pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Spotlight on NJ: Play Reading Event
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present a three-day Spotlight play reading event featuring works by New Jersey playwrights at the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center from July 6-8, 2026 with performances at 7:00pm each night.
Live On Stage Productions presents "Together Off-Broadway: Merman & Martin in Concert" at Cape May Stage
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Live On Stage Productions presents Together Off-Broadway: Merman & Martin in Concert at Cape May Stage from July 4-10, 2026. This show celebrates the remarkable bond between Ethel Merman and Mary Martin — two of Broadway’s brightest stars.
FEATURED EVENTS
