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
CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr." this weekend at UCPAC
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- CAU Community Players present their 15th Anniversary show, Seussical Jr., at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) from July 17-19, 2026. This is a vibrant, family-friendly musical that brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life on stage.
This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place July 14-20, 2026
Here are previews of plays taking place from July 14-20, 2026 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview.
Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents "New Voices of 2026: On Vacation"
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents New Voices of 2026: On Vacation at Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University. This is a world-premiere, full-scale concert that takes audiences on a musical journey around the world. Three performances take place over July 31 and August 1, 2026.
NJ Rep presents the World Premiere of "A Change of Position"
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) presents the world premiere of A Change of Position, by Jeffrey Sweet, based on characters created by Michael Kosarowich, and directed by James Glossman. The production runs from July 30 through August 23, 2026. Set in a Pennsylvania trailer park, A Change of Position follows a teenage girl whose difficult home life becomes even more complicated when one of her mother's regular "clients" presents an unexpected proposition.
Spring Lake Theatre presents "Bye Bye Birdie"
(SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- Spring Lake Theatre presents Bye Bye Birdie from August 12-16, August 20-23, 2026. Teenagers, rock & roll and national television – this musical captures the energy and excitement of the late 1950s with warmth, hilarity and an exuberant score.
Center Drama presents "Grease"
(DEAL, NJ) -- Center Drama presents the classic musical, Grease, from August 13-23, 2026 at the JCC Performing Arts Center in Deal. With a hip-shaking rock 'n' roll score featuring hits like "Summer Nights" and "We Go Together," Grease celebrates Rydell High's class of 1959 in all their duck-tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping glory.
Main Street Theatre Company presents "Pippin"
(OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents the musical, Pippin, across two weekends from August 15-23, 2026. There's magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz's iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece.
Music Mountain Theatre presents "The Will Rogers Follies"
(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents The Will Rogers Follies weekends from August 7-30, 2026. Presented in the style of a Ziegfeld Follies revue, The Will Rogers Follies chronicles the life of the beloved American entertainer through snappy tunes, elaborate production numbers, and comic sketches.
Clinton Area Stage Troupe presents "The Wizard of Oz"
(ANNANDALE, NJ) -- We're off to see the wizard! Clinton Area Stage Troupe presents The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum with performances July 24, July 30-31, and August 1, 2026 in the North Hunterdon High School Theater. This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has entertained audiences for generations.
Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney's "Descendants: The Musical" this weekend
(GLEN RIDGE, NJ) -- Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney's Descendants: The Musical from July 17-18, 2026 at the Ridgewood Avenue School with a different cast each night. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, this is a musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!
Off Book Productions present "The Women of Congress" outside HACPAC
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Travel back to 1776 with Off Book Productions for a free outdoor musical performance of The Women of Congress at the at the Atlantic Street Park at Hackensack Performing Arts Center. Performances take place Wednesdays July 15th and 22nd, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Theater Project presents "Alabama Story" by Kenneth Jones
(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project will wrap up its 2026 summer season with the first New Jersey production of Kenneth Jones's Alabama Story, about the clash between censorship and civil rights in the Jim Crow South, August 6-16 at the DMK Black Box Theatre. Alabama Story blends fact and fiction.
music
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from July 14-20, 2026
Here is a look at shows taking place from July 14-20, 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.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
MPAC is Celebrating Classic Artists This August
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Nostalgia takes center stage this August at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) with tribute shows dedicated to the legendary music of Bob Weir & the Grateful Dead and the 1960s Woodstock era.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
comedy
The Stress Factory Comedy Club presents Adam Hunter on Sunday
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Stress Factory Comedy Club presents Adam Hunter on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 7:30pm. He brings nonstop laughs with lightning-fast crowd work, high-energy sets, and a million jokes per minute.
kids
Explore the Arts this August at UCPAC's Kaleidoscope Kids Camp
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- The Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) Summer Arts Camp Series offers four one-week, arts-focused camps designed for children ages 7–12. Each beginner-friendly program provides hands-on instruction, creative exploration, and a culminating showcase experience and pizza party at the end of the week, where family and friends can come enjoy their children’s work and see what they learned firsthand!
community
Events This Week in New Jersey from July 14-20, 2026
Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from July 14-20, 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.
NJPAC hosts ViewerCon on Saturday
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Get ready for an unforgettable day celebrating the best of television, film and pop culture at the inaugural ViewerCon on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). One ticket gives you access to a full day of exclusive conversations, celebrity appearances, behind-the-scenes stories, special screenings and unforgettable experiences with the stars and creators behind some of today’'s biggest shows and films. The event begins at 10:00am.
Haddon Township to Host 2026 World Cup Watch Party at Haddon Square
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Camden County Board of Commissioners, along with Haddon Township, invites residents and visitors to Haddon Square for a two-day 2026 FIFA World Cup(TM) Watch Party on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19. The weekend celebration will feature live screenings of the Third Place Match and World Cup Final, along with food, drinks, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
FEATURED EVENTS
