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
Players Guild of Leonia Announces Bold, Community-Focused Season 
(LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia (PGL) has announced a vibrant, boundary-pushing 106th season under the banner "New Voices. New Energy. Same Heart – Embracing the community in community theatre." Founded in 1919 and performing in the historic Civil War Drill Hall, the Guild's new season transforms its storied home into a hub for bold stories, diverse artists, and community connection.
Jackson Arts Ministry presents "Seussical Jr." and "Les Misérables School Edition" 
(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.
Bell Theater at Bell Works presents "We'll Meet Again" - A New American Musical 
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Broadway's Daniel Kutner directs We'll Meet Again, a new American musical presented by the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in association with Loveliest Village LLC and Mount Jefferson LLC at Bell Theater at Bell Works for 12 performances from June 18-28, 2026. It is inspired by the real-life story of Heinz "Henry" Stern, a five-year-old Jewish boy who along with his family escaped from Nazi Germany in 1937 and immigrated to America.
music
The Princeton Festival's Opening Weekend has Broadway Melodies, Opera Arias, Ballet, and Family Friendly Fun 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The 2026 Princeton Festival opens at Morven Museum & Garden with a music-filled weekend including family friendly activities. Friday, June 5, Sierra Boggess, Broadway's original "Little Mermaid," returns to the Festival with her favorite Broadway songs mixed with personal anecdotes.
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th 
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
comedy
NJPAC presents comedian Iliza Shlesinger on June 27th 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Stand-up sensation Iliza Shlesinger brings her acclaimed comedy tour to Prudential Hall at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 8:00pm. With seven stand-up specials — including her latest Amazon Prime hit, A Different Animal, and six Netflix specials — Iliza has established herself as one of the most prolific and fearless comedians working today.
film
Terrific animation Godzilla’s Day Off screens at the 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival on May 30! 
I loved the introduction to the short animated film Godzilla's Day Off by Myra Sito Velasquez. It was very retro and fun. I love, love, love this style of animation, it's very South Park which is the reason I was so drawn to this piece. It's very nostalgic for me as my dad was always watching South Park when I was growing up #cartman #godzillabuiltlikecartman #southparkxgodzilla #cartmansdayoff.
community
Old York Cellars Launches the "MIDFIELD" Summer Celebration 
(RINGOES, NJ) -- For generations, the historic Old York Road connected travelers, merchants, diplomats and cultures on the journey between Philadelphia and New York. Long before it was a paved route, Old York Road began as an ancient network of Lenni Lenape trails, eventually forged by colonists into a critical "King's Highway". For generations, this high-stakes corridor carried the weight of the nation, acting as a vital strategic highway for General George Washington's troops during the American Revolution and serving as the premier overland stagecoach route connecting Philadelphia and New York. Inspired by that legacy, Old York Cellars continues that tradition of connection through wine, food, and welcoming hospitality.
Jersey City Arts Council Announces 2026 Individual Artist Fellowship Recipients 
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Jersey City Arts Council, in partnership with Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs, has announced the twenty recipients of the 2026 Individual Artist Fellowship Program. This year's fellows represent a dynamic cross-section of Jersey City's creative community, spanning disciplines including visual arts, music, dance, folk arts, culinary arts, digital media, and arts education.
Newark Restaurant Week Returns June 19-28 to Showcase the City's Global Flavors during FIFA World Cup 2026(TM) 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Taste the World: Newark Restaurant Week returns June 19-28, 2026, bringing together the city's celebrated restaurants, longtime local staples, and emerging destinations for 10 days of dining timed with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities across the region.
books
Learn to Make Simple, Sustainable, Delicious Meals during Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy Virtual Author Talk on June 23rd 
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Join Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy as they talk about their new book, The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, during a virtual discussion on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 2:00pm. The event is presented by the Ocean County Library. Come celebrate beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms.