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
A look behind-the-scenes at Spotlight Players working on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
(MATAWAN, NJ) -- Most people think magic announces itself with fireworks. Roald Dahl knew it usually begins much more quietly. Sometimes it begins with a chocolate bar. Sometimes with a child who refuses to stop believing. And sometimes, it begins in the basement of a church.
Mala Aria ‐ A Moving Story of Family Love as They Cope with Disease
Addressing a serious health issue can be a stressful situation for those involved. It is rare to see a play take on a disease like malaria. However, a new play running at Premiere Stages at Kean is about this very topic. Mala Aria by Gloria Majule provides an opportunity to learn more about this disease and how it affects families. Although there are few cases of it reported yearly in the United States, it still needs to be taken seriously. In a number of African countries like Tanzania, one of the settings in the play, it is a different story. People live with the threat daily making it a more serious threat to human life.
Playwright Tom Cavanaugh Launches The Book Writers Group with Staged Reading Showcase on August 2nd
(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- The Brook Writers Group, a newly formed theater collective dedicated to developing original theatrical works in Central New Jersey, will present its inaugural Staged Reading Showcase on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the historic Brook Arts Center (10 Hamilton Street) in Bound Brook. The event begins at 5:00pm.
Gateway Playhouse to Hold Open Auditions for "9 to 5: The Musical"
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse of Somers Point is holding open auditions for their third MainStage production of the year, the incredibly fun 9 to 5: The Musical. Auditions will take place from 6:00pm-8:00pm Monday and Tuesday, August 10 and 11, 2026. All roles are open and any performance experience is welcomed (must be 16 or older).
Librarians to Address Censorship after "Alabama Story" matinees at The Theater Project
(UNION, NJ) -- Librarians and library directors of five New Jersey public libraries will take part in panel discussions on censorship following the 10:00am matinee performances of Kenneth Jones's Alabama Story by The Theater Project on Friday, August 7, and Thursday, August 13, 2026 at DMK Black Box Theater (1980 Morris Avenue) in Union..
music
The Strokes release first new album in six years
(NEW YORK, NY) -- The Strokes have unveiled their long-awaited new album, Reality Awaits - their first in six years - on July 24, 2026, via Cult Records/RCA Records. The LP features singles that have quickly become fan favorites: "Going Shopping" and "Falling out of Love." Reality Awaits awaits.
MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- YouTube sensations Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) are making their Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) debut on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. Founded in 2017 by arranger / producer Constantine Delo, the band started as a group of Australian musicians, recording re-arranged covers of 70s and 80s hits and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly.
Brian K & The Parkway releases new single "Roses & Kerosene" featuring Lilly Hiatt
Brian K & The Parkway's new single, "Roses & Kerosene," features a soulful duet with acclaimed singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt. The song is the title track for their upcoming album.
film
Film Review - "The Odyssey"
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is a lot like Odyssey's 'I Got the Melody'. The equivalent of the Roots Suite here is the portion of the movie that follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) and his men as they try to make their way back home following the sacking of the city of Troy. You don't need to have read Homer to be familiar with its various episodes, as they're practically ingrained in the minds of anyone who grew up in the western world. We all learned about Odysseus and his crew sneaking into Troy by hiding in a wooden horse in school, and we've all seen Ray Harryhausen's classic stop motion takes on the mythical monsters of Greek lore. In these scenes Nolan takes us back to those days listening intently to teachers or staring wide-eyed at a TV screen on a Sunday afternoon. Largely eschewing digital effects, Nolan puts the fantastical back into the fantasy genre.
dance
Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays to come to Atlantic City, Jersey City, and Trenton
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Four time EMMY® winner Derek Hough has announced the dates for his upcoming Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays tour. The multi-city tour includes three dates in New Jersey: Friday, December 4 at Borgata Resort Spa & Casino in Atlantic City; Tuesday, December 8 at Loew's Jersey Theatre in Jersey City; and Tuesday, December 15, 2026 at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton.
art
Alfa Art Gallery presents "Pigmented Perceptions"
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Alfa Art Gallery presents "Pigmented Perceptions," from September 1 to October 24, 2026. This exhibition explores oil and mixed media through the work of local fine artists. The Alfa Art Gallery invites you to experience the perspectives of twelve artists as they examine themes of architecture, landscapes, emotions, and identities.
community
Wise Animal Rescue to Host "Barknic" on August 8th
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Wise Animal Rescue presents Barknic, its biggest fundraising event of the year, on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Lackawanna Station in Montclair. Perfect for both pets and their humans, Barknic is an indoor, family-friendly, and animal-friendly celebration that brings together the NJ community for an afternoon of fun while supporting a meaningful cause. Guests can enjoy local vendors, music, interactive activities for dogs and their humans, unique photo opportunities, and the chance to meet adoptable pets from local rescue organizations.
Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage from July 19-25, 2026
Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from July 19-25, 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 (Atlantic, Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union).
Princeton Public Library Events In August 2026
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Here is a look at events taking place at the Princeton Public Library (65 Witherspoon Street) in August 2026. The month includes movie screenings, book discussions, music concerts, technology classes and more.
FEATURED EVENTS
