Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/03/2026
Constantine Maroulis hosted the event, photo by Susan Cook Photography
(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center hosted the 4th Annual Central Jersey Marquee Awards on Monday, May 18, 2026, honoring outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre across Middlesex, Somerset, and Mercer Counties.
This year’s program recognized the work of 27 participating schools, spotlighting excellence in performance, direction, design, and technical achievement. The evening included student performances, guest presenters from Broadway and television, and the presentation of awards across 20 categories.
The ceremony was hosted by Constantine Maroulis, the Tony Award–nominated star of Rock of Ages, who first rose to national prominence as a finalist on American Idol. Maroulis has also appeared on Broadway in The Wedding Singer and Jekyll & Hyde, in addition to numerous national tours, television appearances, and recording projects.
The Central Jersey Marquee Awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre by providing professional adjudication, recognition, and performance opportunities, bringing together students, educators, families, and industry professionals for a night of celebration and inspiration.
The 2027 Central Jersey Marquee Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, May 17, 2027, at the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center. Registration for the 2026–2027 season will open in November of 2026.
Top Honors:
* Best Overall Production: Franklin High School – IN THE HEIGHTS
* Best Lead Actor: Roman Engel as “Prince Eric” – Steinert High School, DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
* Best Lead Actress: Sofia Monfredo as “Leading Player” – Woodbridge High School, PIPPIN
Additional Award Recipients:
* Best Supporting Actor: Nathaniel DeNicola as “Scarecrow” – Bernards High School, THE WIZARD OF OZ
* Best Supporting Actress: Liliana Fay as “Penelope Pennywise” – Piscataway High School, URINETOWN
* Best Ensemble Member: Alexis Brown as “Nautica” – Hightstown High School, BRING IT ON
* Best Production Number: “96,000” – Franklin High School, IN THE HEIGHTS
* Best Chorus: Ewing High School – IN THE HEIGHTS
* Best Music Direction: Grace Gardner – Carteret High School, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
* Best Student Orchestra: Arlene Garcia – Carteret High School, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
* Best Lighting Design: Alan Van Antwerp – The Pingry School, CABARET
* Best Scenery: Jeffrey Van Velsor – Princeton High School – LEGALLY BLONDE
* Best Costumes: Elana Kircher – Spotswood High School, FROZEN
* Best Hair and Makeup: Carolyn Anzuini Seidel – Steinert High School, DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
* Best Choreography: Jessica Tosonotti – Old Bridge High School, ME & MY GIRL
* Best Direction: Kiera Radvanski Hurley – Franklin High School, IN THE HEIGHTS
Student Dedication and Excellence Awards:
* Student Projection Designer: Abigail Merry – Hillsborough High School, SEUSSICAL
* Student Electrics Team: Students Electrics Team – Princeton High School, LEGALLY BLONDE
* Student Costume Designer: Jace Brown – Manville High School, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
* Designer/Puppeteer: Leah Harrell – Spotswood High School, FROZEN
The Central Jersey Marquee Awards continues to grow as a signature program recognizing the next generation of theatre artists, while working to build a cohesive community of theatre students and educators throughout the region.
Hosted at the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, the program reflects the Borough of Carteret’s ongoing commitment to investing in the arts and creating meaningful opportunities for young performers. Under the leadership of Daniel J. Reiman, the borough has embraced cultural development as a key part of its continued growth and revitalization, supporting initiatives that celebrate arts education, recognize student achievement, and provide aspiring performers with the opportunity to perform on a professional stage.
To support the program’s continued growth, the Marquee Awards is actively seeking sponsors for the upcoming season. Interested individuals or organizations should contact Program Coordinator James Mosser at [email protected] for more information.
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "High School Musical 2 JR."
(BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- The Mainstage Center for the Arts presents High School Musical 2 JR. on June 4-5, 2026 in the Dennis Flyer Memorial Theater. The Wildcats are back for an unforgettable summer at Lava Springs Country Club!
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.
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "A Century on Stage: 100 Years in the Making"
(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents A Century on Stage: 100 Years in the Making from June 5-7, 2026. Join them for a once-in-a-century theatrical event as they celebrate 100 years of music, memories, and moments that have shaped The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Broadway in New York City, and American culture itself.
Premiere Stages at Kean University Announces Semi-Finalists for 2026 Play Festival
(UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages, the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, has announced the 2026 Premiere Play Festival Semi-Finalists. The Play Festival panel and literary staff reviewed 894 submissions, an increase of 89 submissions from the previous year, before choosing the 65 Semi-Finalists. An eclectic mix of plays, the Semi-Finalists explore a wide range of topics in a variety of genres.
Maurer Productions to Hold Auditions for "Midnight at the New Dawn" June 6-7
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Maurer Productions OnStage and the newly formed Maurer TheaterWorks have announced a special co-production partnership — in association with Kelsey Theatre — for the world premiere of Midnight at the New Dawn. The ensemble comedy, written and directed by Dan Maurer, will hold open auditions on June 6-7, 2026.
Bergen County Players to present "Kodachrome"
(ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP) will conclude its 93rd season with Kodachrome, a delightful and deeply moving one-act comedy by Adam Szymkowicz. Running as part of BCP's Second Stage for three exclusive performances on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026, this production invites audiences to find extraordinary magic within ordinary lives.
Main Street Theatre Company presents "Legally Blonde, Jr."
(OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents Legally Blonde, Jr. on Saturday, June 6 at Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:30pm each day. Harvard's beloved blonde takes the stage by glittery pink storm in this fun and upbeat adaptation of the hit film and award-winning Broadway musical.
Luna Stage to present "& Sons" outdoors this weekend
(ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage has brought & Sons back for three outdoor performances in the Kelli Copeland Arts Center Courtyard (located two blocks from Luna) June 5-7, 2026. Winner of the Kirk Prize for Best New Play, & Sons by Jack Angelo Cummings is a sharply funny, quietly devastating portrait of brotherhood, labor, and the ways men learn—often badly—to love one another. Admission is free.
Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2026 Rising Star Awards Nominees
(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the nominations for adjudicated production categories of the 31st Annual Rising Star Awards for Excellence in New Jersey High School Musical Theater. Often referred to as New Jersey's version of the Tony Awards for high school musical theater, the Rising Star Awards recognize outstanding achievement in performance, direction, design, choreography, music direction, and overall production.
Studio Garage presents "Chekhov's People" at HACPAC
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Studio Garage presents Chekhov's People at Hackensack Performing Arts Center on June 8-9, 2026 at 8:00pm each night. Performed in Turkish. The play explores the human condition through a blend of Anton Chekhov's The Good Doctor and his short plays The Bear and A Marriage Proposal.
MORE EVENTS
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