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Livingston High School Theatre Students Bring Beloved Children's Story to Life on Monday

Free General Admission, Special Guest Appearances & Ambassador Animal from Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 06/14/2026

(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- Students from Livingston High School's Theatre Arts 1 program will take center stage in a heartwarming and imaginative production of "The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree" on Monday, June 15, 2026 in the Livingston High School Auditorium. This special event is open to the public with free general admission. Showtime is 7:00pm.

This special performance represents the culmination of a semester-long final project that brings together students from all grade levels and a wide range of abilities. Tasked with adapting the beloved children's story into a short, touring theatrical production, students have collaborated on every aspect of the show—from storytelling and character development to staging and performance.

More than just a play, Little Billy is designed with a meaningful mission: to inspire young audiences. Following its debut, the production is intended to tour local elementary schools, sharing powerful lessons about courage, kindness, perseverance, and self-discovery.

"Like all great children's books, In Search of the Magic Tree tells a compelling story kids can relate to, while integrating strong values that parents will appreciate. With its upbeat protagonist and colorful characters, this is a tale for everyone to enjoy." —Dan Wolf, founder and principal of Lone Wolf Writing Company & former Vice President of Corporate Communications at The Walt Disney Company

Adding to the excitement of the evening, Little Billy—who serves as an ambassador to the Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve—will be represented through a special animal ambassador appearance from the sanctuary. This unique experience will give children and families the opportunity to connect with animals while learning an important message about compassion, empathy, and caring for all living beings.




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Best-selling author Barry Farber brings his special edition hardcover children's book and animated TV series, The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree, to an exciting step forward in a new stage adaptation, coming to life through the creativity and passion of Livingston High School's student performers. Farber will be on hand to sign copies of the special edition hardcover copy of the book following the performance, and a portion of proceeds from book sales will benefit the Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary & Preserve.

"This project is about more than theatre," said program representatives. "It's about giving students a voice, fostering collaboration, and using storytelling as a way to positively impact younger children in our community."

Families and community members are invited to attend this inspiring evening of student-driven theatre—now enhanced with special guests, free general admission, and a meaningful message for children of all ages.

Barry Farber is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, broadcaster, television host, and inventor best known for the international bestseller Diamond Minds and as host of Diamond Minds with Barry Farber on Brinx.TV. Over four decades, he has interviewed and worked with figures ranging from Kevin O'Leary and Tony Hawk to Johnny Bench, Dionne Warwick, Jackie Mason, Evel Knievel, and Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, gaining insights into perseverance, courage, resilience, and achievement. He wrote The Adventures of Little Billy to share these life lessons with children, emphasizing the importance of kindness, empathy, determination, and believing in yourself.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players' Reading Series presents a Staged Reading of "The Laramie Project 10 Years Later" on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 7:00pm. Written by Moises Kaufman and Leigh Fondakowski, this is a powerful and deeply moving epilogue to the groundbreaking original. The reading is directed by Thomas J. Donohoe II.
Livingston High School Theatre Students Bring Beloved Children

Livingston High School Theatre Students Bring Beloved Children's Story to Life on Monday

(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- Students from Livingston High School's Theatre Arts 1 program will take center stage in a heartwarming and imaginative production of "The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree" on Monday, June 15, 2026 in the Livingston High School Auditorium. This special event is open to the public with free general admission. Showtime is 7:00pm.

The Company Theatre Group presents a Staged Reading of "Final Day, the Musical" on June 16th

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Company Theatre Group presents a Staged Reading of Final Day, the Musical in the Ruth Bauer Neustadter Gallery at Hackensack Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm. Set on the final day of World War II in Germany, Final Day follows prisoners awaiting liberation as they confront a camp commandant under orders to execute them all.

interACT Theatre Productions presents "Psycho Beach Party"

(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch presented as part of OUT IN MAPSO PRIDE 2026 with two performances June 19-20 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts.
The Barn Theatre presents The Solstice Showcase

The Barn Theatre presents The Solstice Showcase

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents The Solstice Showcase, its biennial festival of original one-act plays, from June 19-21, 2026. This three-day event showcases new works of up-and-coming playwrights from the NJ/NY area and beyond and other theatrical talent.

Chatham Community Players present a reading of "Indecent" by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel

(CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players present a reading of Indecent by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. The play charts the history of an incendiary drama and the path of the artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it.
Cape May Stage presents a reading of "What Would Meryl Do?" by Neal Lerner

Cape May Stage presents a reading of "What Would Meryl Do?" by Neal Lerner

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents a reading of What Would Meryl Do? by Neal Lerner on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is a one-man comic whirlwind about a desperate man in a small upstate town who decides to teach a class on how to live like Meryl Streep — because why not? Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Middlesex County's Plays in the Park presents "All Shook Up"

(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays in the Park kicks off its season with All Shook Up from June 17-27, 2026. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, it's 1955, and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets.

Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park presents "All Shook Up" by Joe DiPietro

(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents All Shook Up by Jersey's own Joe DiPietro from June 17-27, 2026. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, it's 1955 and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets.

Cumberland Players presents "Reefer Madness, the Musical"

(VINELAND, NJ) -- Cumberland Players presents Reefer Madness, the Musical across two weekends from June 19-28, 2026. When a clean-cut kid from a stand-up American family falls prey to marijuana, his descent into the pit is filled with jazz, sex and violence. This pointed polticial satire will go straight to your head!

 

FEATURED EVENTS


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Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 3:00pm
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George Street Playhouse presents "Good Witch Bad Witch"

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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Spamalot

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 2:00pm
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