Published by New Jersey Stage
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
This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place May 27 to June 2, 2026 
Here are previews of plays taking place from May 27 to June 2, 2026 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview.
THEATRE REVIEW: 'Private Lives' Brings Comedy and Passion to Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) opens its 2026 season with Private Lives by Noël Coward. The play is a comedy filled with many funny moments as two couples seek to enjoy loving relationships on their honeymoons. Complications occur as the story develops the characters through witty dialog, passionate moments, and physical comedy. STNJ is in top form with their presentation of this play.
Mile Square Theatre presents "7th Inning Stretch" with a twist 
(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre's beloved annual fundraiser, 7th Inning Stretch, returns with a new look for this year inspired by the World Cup coming to New Jersey. This year’s edition takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 and trades baseball for soccer, featuring seven original short plays celebrating the passion, humor, intensity, and culture of the game.
music
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from May 27 to June 2, 2026 
Here is a look at shows taking place from May 27 to June 2, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
Arrival from Sweden LIVE! at UCPAC 
Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Arrival from Sweden at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) on May 16, 2026.
"Mesmerizing!" Punch Brothers LIVE! at MPAC 
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Punch Brothers at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on May 14, 2026.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Shine" by Helen O'Shea feat. Michelle Moore 
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Shine" by Princeton singer-songwriter Helen O'Shea. The song from Helen's latest album, "Songs in the Key O," features E Street Band backing vocalist Michelle Moore.
film
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms Video Q+A 
Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the New Jersey International Film Festival, leads a Q+A with Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms Lead Actor Taylor Lhamon and Director Vincent Turturro. Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms will be screened on May 29, 2026.
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Interview with Counterfeit Kids Director/Writer James Sclafani! 
Here is Festival Director Al Nigrin’s interview with Counterfeit Kids Director/Writer James Sclafani! Counterfeit Kids screens at the New Jersey International Film Festival on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Short Film Video Panel 
Here is the 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Short Film Video Panel that features Festival Director Al Nigrin and NJIFF Official Selection filmmakers: Jen Nista, Max Beckerman, David Arrow and Gianfranco and Stefania Bello.
Two amazing shorts Bottom Feeder and Impivaara screen at the 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival on May 29 
We are always being watched, always being seen, always looking. But where are we? Who are we looking at? What are we seeing? Is it all a dream? Who’s dream is it? ‘Bottom feeders’ are the lowest form of species on the pyramid at the bottom of the deep, dark, and unexplored sea. Sometimes, if you pay attention, ‘bottom feeders’ take shape in the lowest form of human beings at the bottom of the deep, dark, and unexplored subconscious. Bottom Feeder is a black and white experimental film, shot on 16mm film in a square 4x3 format. Vito Trabucco is a Los Angeles based filmmaker, is known for his award-winning films Charlie Christ (2024), Britney Lost Her Phone (2023), and Kevin Can Wait (2020). In Bottom Feeders, Trabucco brings you on a dream-like journey with a woman, the aptly named Pageant (an uncommon name historically associated with theatrical spectacles), who by way of nature, explores her own dream and the meanings behind her visions, both in her head and what she sees. A front door, fractured. A home, for whom? A doll, draped in desire. A sunset, alone but for how long? A reflection, a gaze. A location, unknown.
New Release Review - "Obsession" 
After gathering a sizeable following on YouTube with a series of short comedy skits, Curry Barker used that platform to self-release his feature film debut, 2024's found footage thriller Milk & Serial. Available to watch for free, that movie has racked up over two million views. It's no surprise then that Hollywood knocked on Barker's door, but what is perhaps surprising is how much the Blumhouse-backed Obsession feels like an indie movie rather than a Hollywood production. With an intimate cast and just a handful of locations, you suspect Barker would have made Obsession himself if the House of Blum hadn't thrown money in his direction. Unlike so many other filmmakers who have been rendered soulless by the studio system, Barker has maintained his vision here, and he even casts Milk & Serial's Cooper Tomlinson in a major supporting role.
community
Events This Week in New Jersey from May 27 to June 2, 2026 
Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from May 27-June 2, 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.
