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Behind the Scenes as Misfits Theatre Co. prepares for their Inaugural Book Musical Production: "She Loves Me"

By John Posada

originally published: 05/20/2026

(MATAWAN, NJ) — Misfits Theatre Co. is currently rehearsing for their inaugural book musical production, She Loves Me, which will be presented July 10-12, 2026 at Matawan Regional High School. Photographer John Posada was at a rehearsal to take photos.

She Loves Me features music by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof) and book by Joe Masteroff (Cabaret), It’s  a charming and heartfelt musical comedy set in a 1930s perfume shop in Budapest. The story follows two feuding coworkers, Georg and Amalia, who have no idea they are falling in love through anonymous letters.Filled with wit, romance, and unforgettable melodies, this beloved musical reminds audiences that true love might be closer than they think.

It was nominated for five Tony Awards in 1964 and the 1993 Broadway revival won the Olivier Award for Best Musical, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, and the 1994 Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

The production is directed by Christopher J. Guell, with musical direction by David F. Shirley, and choreography by Lizbeth Mongone.

Performances take place Friday, July 10 at 8:00pm; Saturday, July 11 at 8:00pm; and Sunday, July 12 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $25 and available for purchase online. Matawan Regional High School is located at 450 Atlantic Avenue in Aberdeen, New Jersey.




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Dedicated to producing bold, entertaining, and accessible theater for audiences of all ages, the “Misfits” celebrate the unexpected while embracing the beautifully imperfect. The company brings together talented local performers and artists to create memorable live theatrical experiences for the community.

“With a live orchestra, original choreography, and a passionate cast and creative team, She Loves Me marks an exciting new chapter for Misfits Theatre Co.,” said Dr. Angela Ronan. “We are thrilled to present a production that celebrates both artistry and community.”

Here are some more photos from the rehearsal.

Founded in 2022, Misfits Theatre Co. is a nonprofit community theater company serving Monmouth County. The organization was established by Dr. Angela Ronan along with fellow Manalapan residents Diane Greaves, Nichole Lorusso, Susan Garland, and Margaret Saulon. Together, they sought to create a welcoming creative outlet for adults ages 18 and over.

“We created Misfits Theatre Co. to be a welcoming home for anyone who loves theater,” said Dr. Angela Ronan. “Our goal has been to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection in a judgment-free environment.”

 She Loves Me is licensed by Music Theatre International.

About the author:

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.



EVENT PREVIEWS

(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.
Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon

Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's "London Suite"

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's London Suite with three performances from July 11-12, 2026. Witty, charming, and unmistakably Neil Simon, London Suite invites audiences into a series of hilarious and heartfelt encounters set in the same London hotel room.

The Light Opera of New Jersey presents "H.M.S. Pinafore" at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Light Opera of New Jersey presents H.M.S. Pinafore from July 11-12, 2026 at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center. This is a comic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan that satirize the British class system. 
Misfits Theatre Co. presents "She Loves Me"

Misfits Theatre Co. presents "She Loves Me"

(MATAWAN, NJ) -- Misfits Theatre Co., a community theater organization dedicated to producing bold, entertaining, and accessible theater for audiences of all ages, presents its inaugural book musical production, She Loves Me at Matawan Regional High School from July 10-12, 2026.
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents "Sense and Sensibility" outside duCret Center of Art

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents "Sense and Sensibility" outside duCret Center of Art

(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center invites audiences to experience Jane Austen's beloved classic Sense and Sensibility in a charming outdoor production this summer at duCret Center of Art in Plainfield. Performances take place July 10-12, 2026.

Howell PAL Theater Company presents "Grease"

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Howell PAL Theater Company presents the classic musical Grease weekends from July 10-12, 2026 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Grease is a love song to the 1950s and a cornerstone of the American musical comedy form.
Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough

Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough

(CHATHAM, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions is thrilled to announce encore performances of their production of Heidi Schreck's "What the Constitution Means to Me." Following a sold-out run of the show in downtown Morristown earlier this year, the original cast and production team have partnered with Chatham Borough to present an encore weekend July 11-12, 2026 at the Stanely Center.

Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.

The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at Van Vleck House and Gardens

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing outside at Van Vleck House and Gardens across two weekends from July 10-18, 2026. This is no ordinary stage production, it’s an immersive theatrical experience.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Summer Solos: "Fair Stage" by Megan Gogerty

Wednesday, July 08, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ


NYC Music Marathon & Jack Dallas presents Miranda

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Demarest Methodist Church
109 Hardenburg Ave, Demarest, NJ


My Fair Lady

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


The Little Mermaid

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


Shrek: The Musical

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ



 

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