(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company will open its 2026/27 season with an extraordinary evening of music, swing, and entertainment when internationally acclaimed Swedish performer Gunhild Carling takes the stage at the Sitnik Theatre on Saturday, September 12 at 7:30pm.
Known around the world as Sweden's "Queen of Swing, Jazz, and Vaudeville," Carling is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and entertainer whose electrifying performances have captivated audiences across the globe. Bringing her distinctive blend of jazz, swing, funk, comedy, and vaudeville to Hackettstown, Carling promises to launch Centenary Stage Company's new season with an unforgettable night of live performance.
Born into the legendary Carling Family musical dynasty, Carling was surrounded by music from an early age, picking up her first instrument before she could walk. Today, she is an accomplished performer on an astonishing array of instruments, including trombone, trumpet, recorder, ukulele, piano, harmonica, and bagpipes. Her performances combine virtuosic musicianship with showmanship, humor, and the theatrical flair that has made her a worldwide sensation.
Advance tickets range from $32–$47 and are available for purchase online. Tickets are $5 more on the day of the performance. The performance takes place in the Sitnik Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center, located at 715 Grand Avenue in Hackettstown, New Jersey.
Carling has amassed more than 70 million views on YouTube, building a global following that spans generations and musical tastes. Her appearances with Postmodern Jukebox introduced her dynamic performances to millions of viewers, while her residencies at New York City's renowned Birdland further established her reputation as a distinctive voice in the jazz world.
Her career has taken her to some of the world's most celebrated stages and festivals. She has toured with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, under the direction of Scotty Barnhart, and has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, as well as jazz festivals, clubs, and concert stages around the world.
Whether leading her own big band, performing in an intimate jazz club, or entertaining thousands at a major festival, Carling brings an extraordinary energy and personality to every performance. Her shows blend the timeless appeal of swing with the theatrical excitement of vaudeville, creating a live experience that is far more than a traditional concert.
"Gunhild Carling is an incredible way to begin our new season," said Christopher Young, General Manager of Centenary Stage Company. "She is an extraordinary musician and performer who brings tremendous energy, humor, and excitement to everything she does. We're thrilled to welcome her to Centenary and give our audiences the opportunity to experience her remarkable talent live."
The September 12 performance will officially launch Centenary Stage Company's 2026/27 Professional Season, featuring an exciting lineup of theatre, music, dance, and special events throughout the year.
The Centenary Stage Company Box Office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 1:00pm–5:00pm, and two hours prior to each performance.
The 2026/27 Season of Performing Arts at Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra S. Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and CSC corporate sponsors including Heath Village, Visions Federal Credit Union, Explore Warren, and the Hackettstown Rotary Club, along with the many members and supporters of Centenary Stage Company.
