Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from May 24-30, 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 (Bergen, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Union).
The vast majority of articles at New Jersey Stage are written in-house, but we also accept press releases sent to [email protected]. These event preview articles get noticed when we first publish them and get brought back into focus on the website the week the event takes place. Our articles and event calendar web pages are picked up by search engines and resources like Google News and NewsBreak. We also offer banner ad advertising prices for the arts starting at just $50. For information on advertising at NewJerseyStage.com, click here.
1)Â Events This Week in New Jersey from May 27 to June 2, 2026Â -Â 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.
2) 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.
3)Â "Mesmerizing!" Punch Brothers LIVE! at MPACÂ -Â (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.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) 2026 Jersey City Jazz Festival to Take Place May 29-31 - (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Jersey City Jazz Festival returns in 2026 with its biggest event yet, inviting music fans of all ages to experience jazz from across the spectrum including straight-ahead, Latin jazz and more throughout an unforgettable three-day celebration. Presented by Exchange Place Alliance, the free event runs from Friday evening, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 along the Hudson River waterfront at Exchange Place Plaza, offering sweeping views of lower Manhattan.
9) 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.
10)Â Arrival from Sweden LIVE! at UCPACÂ -Â 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.
11)Â This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from May 27 to June 2, 2026Â -Â 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.
12) Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th - (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center.  This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
13) 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.
14) Middlesex County Schools Rally Behind REPLENISH, Donating More Than 77,000 Pounds of Food to Help Families in Need - (MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- Students, families, teachers, and school staff across Middlesex County are continuing to make a powerful impact in the fight against food insecurity through their ongoing support of REPLENISH. During the 2025–2026 school year, 106 schools participated in food drives that collectively donated more than 77,000 pounds of food to support Middlesex County families struggling to meet their basic needs.
15) [TIE] 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.
15 [TIE] 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.
