Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/11/2026
(ORADELL, NJ) -- Fresh off being named the #1 Theater Venue in Bergen County by (201) Magazine's Best of Bergen poll, the Bergen County Players (BCP) will open its 2026/27 season with Mel Brooks' The Producers. As one of America's longest-running little theater companies, BCP returns for its 94th season to present this area premiere at the Little Firehouse Theatre from September 19 through October 10, 2026.
The production coincides with two monumental milestones: the 25th anniversary of the musical's legendary Broadway premiere, and a worldwide celebration of comedy icon Mel Brooks' 100th birthday.
"Bringing a production of this magnitude to the Little Firehouse Theatre stage is a massive but exhilarating challenge," said Director Alan Demovsky. "Between the show's milestone 25th anniversary and celebrating Mel Brooks' 100th birthday, the energy surrounding this production is palpable. We have assembled a phenomenal group of performers who perfectly balance the brilliant, vaudevillian comedy with the sheer vocal power this score requires. Our audiences are going to be thoroughly entertained and rolling in the aisles".
The cast & crew of "The Producers"
BCP's premier production features an exceptional lineup of local talent: Russ Crespolini of Randolph as Max Bialystock; Jesse Kriesel of New City, NY as Leo Bloom; Lisa Benke of Westfield as Ulla; Larry Brustofski of Oakland as Roger De Bris; Ian Kenny of Alpine as Franz Liebkind; and Joey Lozada of Hackensack as Carmen Ghia.
Bringing the dynamic choreography and larger-than-life musical numbers to the stage is a powerhouse ensemble featuring Janica Carpenter, Patrick Dwyer, Melissa Giordano, Nicole Henry, Beckham Kern, Allana Mariano, Joseph Martinez, Carlos Palencia Junior, Maria Possavino, Kyle Rifkin, Ariel Sanchez-Bello, and Rachel Silverstein.
"For a production that makes a point of being tasteless, The Producers exudes a refreshing air of innocence," noted the New York Times in its original review. "It is, to put it simply, the real thing: a big Broadway book musical that is so ecstatically drunk on its powers to entertain that it leaves you delirious."
Early Access tickets for The Producers and the rest of the 2026/27 season are available now. Patrons can activate Early Access status by making a minimum $75 tax-deductible donation online or by calling the box office at 201-261-4200. Regular ticket sales for the general public will open on July 20th.
Special discounts for groups of 20 or more are available by calling the box office (extension 6) or by emailing [email protected]. The box office is located at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ. For updates, schedules, and to purchase tickets, visit the Bergen County Players official website at www.bcplayers.org.
Located in Oradell, NJ, Bergen County Players, Inc. is a non-equity, volunteer theater company dedicated to presenting outstanding quality productions at affordable prices. Operating continuously for 94 years, BCP has garnered a regional reputation for excellence in community theater.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Ritz Theatre Company presents 2026 One-Act Play Festival
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents their 2026 One-Act Play Festival from August 28-29. The festival features one-act comedies from practicing and promised playwrights from around the world!
George Street Playhouse presents "Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares"
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares - a comedy show with original songs from August 26-30, 2026. Direct from an acclaimed run at Edinburgh Fringe and two sold-out Off-Broadway engagements comes this one-woman comedy show from the mind of Tony Award® winner Laura Benanti.
Spring Lake Theatre Company presents "Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret"
(SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- Spring Lake Theatre Company presents two performances of Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret from August 29-30, 2026. This is a one-act play from the experiences of America's longest war, blending heartfelt storytelling with a unique cast of combat veterans and military family members.
Bell Theater at Bell Works presents Broadway Sings for Aaron Lazar on August 31
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- In 2022, as the world was finally coming out of COVID-19, Aaron Lazar was invited to return to the stage to lead the cast of The Bridges of Madison County, playing opposite Kate Baldwin at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal. Just days into rehearsal, Lazar received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurological disease with no known cure. Thus began Lazar's "extraordinary" journey.
Light Opera of New Jersey to Hold Auditions for "Amahl and The Night Visitors"
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey will hold auditions for Amahl and the Night Visitors, a heartwarming holiday opera, on August 27th and September 3rd from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Callbacks will be on September 5th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Auditions will be in Basking Ridge. Registrants will be advised of exact location after registering. All roles are opened and paid.
Haddonfield Plays & Players presents "Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis"
(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- What happens when fantasy meets 50-something reality? Find out when Haddonfield Plays & Players presents Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis from September 4-6, 2026. This is a sharp-witted, satirical play written by Amy Ferris and adapted from her best-selling memoir.
Fifth Annual Broadway in the Park concert to Take Place September 7th
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- SOMA Stage presents the fifth annual Broadway in the Park concert on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026 at the Memorial Park Amphitheater in Maplewood. This year's concert, Broadway in the Park: Let's Rock!, features Broadway's biggest rock and pop hits from the 1950s through today. Showtime is 4:30pm.
East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of "Lunar Eclipse" by Donald Margulies
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of Lunar Eclipse by Donald Margulies from August 27 through September 20, 2026. In the play, George has been waiting for this night – the seven stages of a lunar eclipse are viewable from the farm that he shares with his wife Em – and she decides to join him in taking in the view.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "A Doll's House, Part 2"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Fifteen years after leaving her family and stagnant marriage, Henrik Ibsen's Nora returns home in Lucas Hnath's A Doll's House Part 2. Nutley Little Theatre presents this sequel to Ibsen's classic play across three weekends from September 11-26, 2026.
Center Players to present "The Realistic Joneses" at the Jersey Shore Arts Center
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Center Players of Freehold will present The Realistic Joneses by Will Eno as its first Signature Series production of the 2026-27 season. Directed by Center Players’ Artistic Director Michael Tota, the production will run from October 2-4 at the Herbst Theatre at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove, marking the first time Center Players has performed in the venue.
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