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
Vivid Stage presents 2026 Vivid Summer Solos 
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage has announced the lineup for 2026 Vivid Summer Solos - performances outside on the lawn of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. The weekly play reading series takes place each Wednesday in July. This year includes readings of Fair State by Megan Gogerty, Long Drive Home by Stephen Kaplan, Maker of Worlds by Wendy Schmidt, and The Call List by Brian James Pollak.
MPAC presents Disney's Frozen, The Broadway Musical 
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Let it Go! Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)'s 2026 spring production of
Disney's Frozen takes the stage for five performances May 29-31. The show will be directed by Cathy Roy. Music Direction by Charles Santoro. The cast includes 50 young performers from throughout the region, representing seven New Jersey counties.
Jersey City Theater Center presents 2026 Voices International Theatre and Arts Festival 
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) presents its signature Voices International Theatre and Arts Festival from June 4-26, 2026 across multiple venues in Jersey City, and the Professional Voices Festival Conference on June 11 at White Eagle Hall.
Bergen County Players Announces 2026-27 Season 
(ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP) has unveiled its lineup for the 2026-27 season. As one of America's longest-running little theater companies, BCP returns for its milestone 94th season with an ambitious, joyous lineup of audience-pleasing musicals and innovative plays. Mainstage productions include:
The Producers; Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors; Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella; Calendar Girls; The Imaginary Invalid;
One Man, Two Guv'nors and a mystery musical to be named later.
music
Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Richard Barone & Glenn Mercer: Hazy Cosmic Jive on Wednesday 
(AVENEL, NJ) -- Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Richard Barone & Glenn Mercer: Hazy Cosmic Jive on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Borgata Event Center presents SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani & Steve Vai 
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Borgata Event Center presents SatchVai Band featuring Joe Satriani & Steve Vai with special guest Animals As Leaders on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards 
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
Starland Ballroom presents Sevendust on Saturday 
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- The Starland Ballroom presents Sevendust on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:00pm. The night also features performances by Snot and American Adrenalin.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Magical Mystery Doors on Friday 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Magical Mystery Doors on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a tribute to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors. They blend and layer the music of three legendary bands to create something new and unique for music fans everywhere. Limited tickets remain.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Boss Bash" featuring The B-Street Band 
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre will host its annual fundraising event, "The Boss Bash," on Saturday, June 6, 2026, featuring two electrifying performances by The B-Street Band — the longest-running and most requested tribute to Bruce Springsteen in the country.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alexis P Suter on Saturday 
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alexis P Suter on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:30pm. Three-time Blues Music Award (BMA) nominee including the 'Koko Taylor' and Best Soul Blues Female Artist award categories, Alexis is an American blues, and soul blues singer-songwriter.
Carteret PAC presents Air Supply on May 29th 
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Air Supply on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band is celebrating their 50th anniversary, promising an unforgettable evening of timeless hits and heartfelt memories.
Eric Darius LIVE! at UCPAC 
Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of jazz saxophonist Eric Darius at UCPAC's Hamilton Stage on May 9, 2026.
comedy
Punkie Johnson (SNL) to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show at Newark Culture Club 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Comedian, writer, and actor Punkie Johnson is known for her hilarious work as a former cast member on Saturday Night Live. When Johnson joined SNL in its 45th season, she made history as the first out Black lesbian cast member and became a featured player the following season. She will be headlining a lineup of LGBTQ comedians at Newark Culture Club on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:00pm.
film
UCPAC presents John Waters' "Pink Flamingos" in 35mm on Thursday 
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) presents the film Pink Flamingos in 35mm on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. Join them for John Waters' notorious 1972 cult classic, starring the inimitable Divine as a self-proclaimed queen of filth competing in a grotesque rivalry for the title of "the filthiest person alive."
dance
McCarter Theatre Center presents the Mark Morris Dance Group: Dances to American Music on May 30th 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents the Mark Morris Dance Group: Dances to American Music on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:30pm in the Matthews Theatre. This is a vibrant celebration of the rich tapestry of American music and dance.
community
Audible's Business Attraction Program Reaches New Milestone, with 30+ New Business Openings in Newark 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Audible, the world's leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, has announced a wave of new business openings supported by its Business Attraction Program, underscoring the company's continuing commitment to economic growth and neighborhood vitality in its headquarters city.
Hands Off NYC and Unidos-MN Awarded Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship 
On Monday, May 18th, Type Media Center and the Puffin Foundation announced that both Hands Off NYC and Minneapolis-based Unidos-MN will receive the Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship this year. They cited the two grassroots organizations' commitment to the protection and empowerment of their local communities.
Wine & BBQ Fest to Take Place in Sewell June 13-14 
(SEWELL, NJ) -- FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER! After years of unforgettable summers at Washington Lake Park, the team behind the beloved Washington Lake Park Wine Festival returns to this stunning South Jersey destination—this time with a bold new twist. Get ready to kick off summer in smoky, savory style at the WINE & BBQ FEST, happening June 13-14, 2026 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, from 12:00pm–5:00pm each day.
Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage from May 10-16, 2026 
Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from May 10-16, 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 8 counties in New Jersey (Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Union).
