(JACKSON, NJ) -- This June, audiences are invited to experience two unforgettable musical productions as Jackson Arts Ministry (JAM) transforms their outdoor stage into a celebration of music, storytelling, and student talent with performances of Seussical Jr. from June 6-7 and Les Misérables School Edition from June 11-14, 2026.
Seussical Jr. brings together many of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved characters in a colorful musical adventure led by the mischievous Cat in the Hat (Evangeline Steiner). The story follows Jojo (Alex Morello), a young child whose imagination often gets them into trouble, and Horton the Elephant (Olivia Leone), who discovers a tiny world living on a speck of dust and vows to protect it at all costs.
Along the way, Horton also agrees to care for an egg left behind by the carefree Mayzie La Bird (Hazel Bertrand), while Jojo struggles to fit in under the watchful eyes of Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville (Nate Caruso & Callie Mammana). As Horton faces ridicule from the bold and opinionated Sour Kangaroo (Daphne Jones) and others who refuse to believe in the tiny Whos, the characters learn powerful lessons about friendship, loyalty, imagination, and standing up for what is right. Filled with energetic songs, humor, and heart, Seussical Jr. is a fun-filled musical celebration for audiences of all ages.
Set against the backdrop of revolutionary France, Les Misérables School Edition follows the powerful journey of Jean Valjean (Brayden Morgan), a former prisoner seeking redemption while being relentlessly pursued by the determined Inspector Javert (Miles Imregi). After promising the dying Fantine (Maia Minty, Jenarosa Devine) that he will care for her daughter, Valjean becomes the guardian of Cosette (Anna Daly, Jordana Krieger), whose future becomes intertwined with idealistic student revolutionary Marius (Reed Minty) and the passionate rebels led by Enjolras (Jacob Marin).
Audiences will meet the scheming and comedic Thénardiers (Daniel Buonocore & Madison Hassett, Marc Kemprowski & Noelle Brower), who exploit those around them for personal gain, and their daughter Éponine (Paige-Marci Seaman, Isabella Benavides), whose unrequited love for Marius leads her to risk everything to help him. As Paris erupts in unrest and the students prepare to fight for justice at the barricades, the characters’ lives collide in a moving story of hope, sacrifice, love, and redemption. Featuring beloved songs including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” and “One Day More,” Les Misérables remains one of the world’s most powerful and enduring musicals.
These shows feature talented young actors from across New Jersey, ranging in age from 10-18. Both shows are directed by Denise Tiedemann, who has an extensive theater background including Broadway. Both shows are presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun with Seussical Jr. or the sweeping drama of Les Misérables School Edition, JAM invites the community to come support these talented young performers and enjoy an exciting season of live theater under the stars. Tickets are $20 and available for purchase online. All performance details can be found on the ticketing website.
Jackson Arts Ministry, known as JAM, is an inclusive, community-centered youth theater program based at Jackson Church. Each year, JAM produces two high school and two middle school productions, as well as Junior Jammers, an acting program for students in grades 2-4. Dedicated to keeping the arts accessible, JAM offers low-cost registration and provides scholarships for families needing financial assistance. The program is entirely volunteer-run, with all proceeds from registration, ticket sales, and concessions reinvested directly into the productions. Open to performers of all experience levels and abilities, JAM ensures that every student who auditions receives a role.
