Here are previews of plays taking place from July 28 to August 3, 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. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.
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Vivid Stage presents 2026 Vivid Summer Solos (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage has announced the lineup for 2026 Vivid Summer Solos - performances outside on the lawn of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. The weekly play reading series takes place each Wednesday in July. This year includes readings of Fair State by Megan Gogerty, Long Drive Home by Stephen Kaplan, Maker of Worlds by Wendy Schmidt, and The Call List by Brian James Pollak.
Premiere Stages presents the World Premiere of "Mala Aria" by Gloria Majule (UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University presents the premiere production of Mala Aria by Gloria Majule, winner of the 2025 Premiere Play Festival, from July 16 - August 2, 2026 in Kean University's Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. Directed by Jamil A.C. Mangan, Mala Aria will feature actors Nazira Cisse, Shiro Kihagi, Eugene Nesmith and Anita Welch-Smith.
Classic American Tales' presents Tales at the Dormer House every Thursday (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 4 through October 15, 2026 (except for July 2), Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents Tales at the Dormer House in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting.
Princeton Summer Theater presents "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Summer Theater's 2026 Children's Show is You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which runs weekends from June 20 to August 1, 2026. A beloved musical since its premiere in 1967, Clark Gesner brings Charles M. Schulz's "PEANUTS" characters to the stage. The musical ventures through the highs and lows of young life, from baseball and homework to young love and friendship. With an empathetic and whimsical eye, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown reminds us of the importance of connection and joy.
Brundage Park Playhouse to Hold Auditions for "Ghost, the Musical" (RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for Ghost the Musical at the playhouse on Carrell Road in Randolph. Auditions will take place on August 8th and August 11th with callbacks on August 12th. Virtual Auditions are due by Friday, August 7th.
Music Mountain Theatre presents "Urinetown" (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Urinetown weekends from July 10 through August 2, 2026. A sidesplitting sendup of greed, love, revolution (and musicals!), in a time when water is worth its weight in gold.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Ken Ludwig's "Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery" (MADISON, NJ) —- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) presents Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, running July 11 through August 2, 2026 at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.
Cape May Stage presents "Kalamazoo" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Kalamazoo by Michelle Kholos Brooks and Kelly Younger from July 15 through August 23, 2026. When two cautious strangers meet later in life, polite conversation quickly takes flight — sparked by sharp wit and surprising confessions.
Somerset Valley Players presents "Freaky Friday" (HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- Somerset Valley Players presents Freaky Friday weekends from July 17 through August 2, 2026. This is a heartfelt, high‑energy musical comedy about family, second chances, and seeing life through someone else's eyes!
Yendor Theatre Company's Summer Play Series Returns with World Premiere of "The Cousins" by BV Marshall (NEWARK, NJ) -- Yendor Theatre Company (YTC) has announced the return of their renowned summer play series, as part of their Neighborhood Theatre Initiative. Launched in 2019, the Neighborhood Theatre Initiative stages free, professional theatre directly in public, outdoors spaces throughout the City of Newark. This year's production will be The Cousins by Jersey's own BV Marshall, directed by YTC Artistic Director, Andrew Binger. Performances will be held at Lincoln Park on July 17th and August 7th, and at Military Park on July 31, 2026. Shows begin at 7:00pm and are free of charge.
2026 Broadway Bound Theatre Festival Preview (NEW YORK, NY) -- Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival features the world premieres of two musicals and ten new plays by writers from New York and across the country. The festival runs July 23–August 16, 2026 at AMT Theater in the heart of the Theater District.
Princeton Summer Theater presents "True West" (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Summer Theater draws its 2026 season to a close with True West, the darkly comic drama by the Pulitzer Prize winning Sam Shepard. The production runs across two weekends from July 23 to August 1st at the Hamilton Murray Theater. True West is a poignant American classic, exploring the volatility of two brothers' reunion in their mother's house in California.
Mystic Vision Players presents "Seussical, the Musical" (LINDEN, NJ) -- Mystic Vision Players presents Seussical, the Musical across two weekends from July 24 through August 1, 2026 in the Susan L. Hudak Auditorium inside Linden High School. The musical features a Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty; Music by Stephen Flaherty; and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. It was Co-Conceived by Eric Idle and Based on the Works of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss).
Dover Little Theatre presents "The Solve It Squad" (DOVER, NJ) -- Dover Little Theatre presents The Solve It Squad weekends from July 24 to August 8, 2026. The play takes place 20 years after the murder of his beloved dog, Cluebert, when a familiar case comes across the desk of FBI agent, Scrags.
Chatham Players present Jersey Voices - New Works By Jersey Playwrights (CHATHAM, NJ) -- Chatham Players present Jersey Voices - New Works by Jersey Playwrights - across two weekends from July 24 to August 2, 2026. One act plays by David Weil Baker, Clinton Festa, Charles Grayson, Steven Hayet, Jeanne Johnston, Matt McHugh, and Missy Renwick will be performed.
East Lynne Theater Co. presents "Funny Girls" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Co. begins building a new artistic bridge between the two cities with the launch of its Philadelphia Summer Residency Series — a new chapter in the tale of two historic cities connected by a shared cultural life.
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.
Surflight Theatre presents "Pretty Woman, The Musical" (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Pretty Woman: The Musical from July 28 through August 16, 2026. Fall in love all over again with one of the most beloved romances of all time!
Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents "Guys and Dolls" (EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents Guys and Dolls from July 29-August 8, 2026 with performances at 8:00pm. Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. The production is directed by Matt Muccigrossi.
Teaneck New Theatre presents "The Taming Of The Shrew" as part of HACPAC's Shakespeare in the Park (HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Teaneck New Theatre presents Taming of the Shrew in Atlantic Street Park on July 29, August 5 & 12, 2026 as part of HACPAC's Shakespeare in the Park. The free performances start at 7:30pm each night. The production is directed by Fred Alvaro.
Centenary Stage Company presents Maltby & Shire's "Closer Than Ever" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Broadway veteran John Leone, an original cast member of Jersey Boys, will lead the cast of Centenary Stage Company's production of Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever, the finale of the theatre's 2026 SUMMERFEST season. Directed by award-winning director Sara Louise Lazarus, whose acclaimed career spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre, the intimate musical revue runs July 30 through August 9 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University.
The Road Company presents "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition" (WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition from July 30 through August 1, 2026. This is a 60-minute, kid-friendly stage adaptation of the classic 1939 film. It follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as a tornado sweeps them to Oz. Joined by new friends, Dorothy must outsmart the Wicked Witch to ask the Wizard for a way home.
CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness (CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness from July 30 to August 1, 2026. This a slightly unhinged night of original works by emerging and established playwrights.
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.
North Star Theater Company presents "The SpongeBob Musical" (HAMBURG, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company brings the colorful world of Bikini Bottom to the stage with Nickelodeon's The SpongeBob Musical, running July 30 through August 2, 2026 at Wallkill Valley Regional High School.
Centenary Stage Company presents Maltby & Shire's "Closer Than Ever" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's 2026 SUMMERFEST season comes to a memorable close with the upcoming production of Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever, featuring Broadway veteran John Leone, an original cast member of Jersey Boys, leading a talented four-person ensemble. The acclaimed musical revue begins July 30 and runs through August 9 in the Kutz Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University.
The Village Playbox presents "Guys and Dolls" (HADDON HEIGHTS, NJ) -- The Village Playbox presents Guys and Dolls across two weekends from July 31 through August 9, 2026. Hailed as the perfect musical comedy, this award-winning classic gambles with luck and love under the bright lights of Broadway.
Off-Centre Stages presents Stephen Sondheim's "Company" (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Off-Centre Stages presents Stephen Sondheim's Company weekends from July 31 to August 9, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. The production is directed by Jonathan Edmondson.
Holmdel Theatre Company presents "Spring Awakening" (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Holmdel Theatre Company presents Spring Awakening across three weekends from July 31 through August 16, 2026. An angsty rock musical adaptation of the seminal play about the trials and tribulations of growing up.
Magnolia Productions presents "Are The Bennet Girls Ok? " (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions presents Are The Bennet Girls Ok? across two weekends from July 31 to August 8, 2026 at The Theater at The Navesink Library. This is an adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by Emily Breeze.
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.
Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents "Annie" (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents its Summer Theater Program's production of Annie from July 31 through August 2, 2026. The production celebrates the program's 15th anniversary and highlights bergenPAC's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing outstanding arts education within the community.
Trilogy Repertory presents "You Can't Take It With You" in Basking Ridge (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents You Can't Take It With You by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman across two weekends from July 31 to August 8, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show! Showtime is 8:00pm.
Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's "Matilda Jr." (HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's Matilda Jr. from July 31 to August 2, 2026. The summer program includes students aged 7-15.
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.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Vivid Stage Summer Solos: "The Call List" by Brian James Pollak at Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit
Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 1:00pm - Mala Aria at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:00pm - Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm - NYC Musical Marathon & Jack Dallas presents 1756 - Making America at Divinity Hall @ Centennial AME Zion Church, 5 Lewis Place, Closter
Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:00pm - Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Mala Aria at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Saturday, August 1, 2026 @ 3:00pm - Mala Aria at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Saturday, August 1, 2026 @ 7:00pm - Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Saturday, August 1, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Mala Aria at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Sunday, August 2, 2026 @ 3:00pm - Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Sunday, August 2, 2026 @ 3:00pm - Mala Aria at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
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.
Two River Theater presents ¡Festejo! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents the 15th anniversary of ¡Festejo! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage, from August 6–9, 2026. Curated by José Zayas, the annual festival, formerly known as Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras), will feature five new play readings by acclaimed and emerging Latine playwrights.
Villagers Theatre's TeensVill program presents "The Wedding Singer" (SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre's TeensVill program presents The Wedding Singer across two weekends from August 7-16, 2026. Based on the popular movie, the play takes place in New Jersey in 1985. A wannabe rock star (aka a professional wedding singer) is left at the altar and finally changes his tune.
The Levoy Theatre presents "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Beautiful: The Carole King Musical across two weekends from August 7-16, 2026. This is the inspiring true story of Carole King's journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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.
Alison Fraser and Bernard Dotson to Star in "Driving Miss Daisy" at Bell Theater (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- In the mid-1980s, aspiring playwright Alfred Uhry was seriously considering leaving the business after nearly two decades spent trying to find his voice and his subject. Instead, he sat down and wrote a play about his grandmother, not knowing that story would go on to win a Pulitzer Prize and four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for the subsequent film adaptation. That masterpiece was Driving Miss Daisy. a modest, quietly told story about an old Southern woman and her driver. A brand-new professional production of Driving Miss Daisy will be presented August 7-23, 2026 at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel.
Gas Lamp Teens present "Fame: The Musical" (GLEN RIDGE, NJ) -- Gas Lamp Teens present Fame: The Musical on August 7-8, 2026 at the Ridgewood Avenue School. Fame has inspired generations to fight for fame and light up the sky like a flame!
The Premier Theatre Company presents "Jesus Christ Superstar" (RUMSON, NJ) -- The Premier Theatre Company presents Jesus Christ Superstar in the Rumson School District Auditorium across two weekends from August 7-16, 2026. This is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events, but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
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).
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.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Rogue Shakespeare with "The Merry Wives of Windsor" (MADISON, NJ) -- This August, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) invites audiences to experience Shakespeare the way it was meant to be — immediate and gloriously bold — with Rogue Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor, running August 14-23, 2026 at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.
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.
