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This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place August 18-24, 2026

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 08/18/2026

Here are previews of plays taking place from August 18-24, 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.

Most of the events previewed here are articles created by New Jersey Stage, but you may send press releases to [email protected] to have your shows considered for previews. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. They serve as event boosters - they help your shows get higher rankings with search engines. There is no cost for preview articles. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads are available from $50-$100 per event and can be purchased up to 3 months in advance.

FEATURED EVENTS

McCarter Theatre presents the Octopus Theatricals Production of "All The Devils Are Here"  (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre presents the Octopus Theatricals Production of All The Devils Are Here from August 19-30, 2026.  Learn how Shakespeare invented the villain in a play created and performed by Patrick Page. The production is directed by Simon Godwin.





 

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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.

EVENT PREVIEWS

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.

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.

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.

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.




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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.

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.

Theater League of Clifton presents "The Altos" - an Interactive Dinner Theater Comedy Mystery  (WAYNE, NJ) -- The Theater League of Clifton will present "The Altos," an interactive dinner theater comic mystery by David Landau, for three weekends in August 2026. Meet the crime family that inspired it all: the Altos! (like 'The Sopranos', only lower!) The first week of performances take place The Village Inn in Wayne and the last weeks at Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria in Clifton.

First Avenue Playhouse presents "Cocktail Hour Confessions"  (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents Cocktail Hour Confessions by Jared Kelner across two weekends from August 14-29, 2026.  During the cocktail hour of an interracial wedding, family secrets and hidden prejudices surface.

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.

Asbury Park Theater Company to Hold Open Auditions for "The Wolves" by Sarah DeLappe  (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Park Theater Company (APTCo) has announced that its first mainstage production under newly appointed Producing Artistic Director Nate Patten will be The Wolves, Sarah DeLappe's Pulitzer Prize finalist play that has captivated audiences across the country with its sharp wit, emotional honesty, and unforgettable portrait of young women finding their voices.

Surflight Theatre presents "1776, the Musical"  (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence when Surflight Theatre presents 1776, the Musical from August 18-30, 2026.

Ferrell Studios Community Theatre presents "Merrily We Roll Along"  (METUCHEN, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios Community Theatre, a nonprofit theatre organization serving Central New Jersey, announces its upcoming production of Merrily We Roll Along, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth. The production will close the company's 2025-26 season, themed "Our Time," with five performances at St. Luke's Episcopal Church Auditorium in Metuchen, NJ from August 20-23, 2026.





 

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Brundage Park Playhouse presents "Anything Goes"  (RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse presents Anything Goes across two weekends from August 21-30, 2026. Set sail aboard the S.S. America before the end of summer with a dazzling production of the classic musical comedy.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the date for more information or to purchase tickets for the show

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm - All The Devils Are Here at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 7:30pm - All The Devils Are Here at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Friday, August 21, 2026 @ 7:00pm - All The Devils Are Here at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 2:00pm - All The Devils Are Here at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm - All The Devils Are Here at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Sunday, August 23, 2026 @ 2:00pm - All The Devils Are Here at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

COMING SOON

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.

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.

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!

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.

Surflight Theatre presents "Ghost, The Musical"  (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Ghost, The Musical from September 1-20, 2026. Based on the iconic 1990 film, Ghost, this romantic fantasy is brought to the stage, blending heartfelt emotion, gripping suspense, and supernatural wonder.

Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "The Bodyguard, The Musical"  (PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents The Bodyguard, The Musical from September 4-27, 2026. This is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable music based on the Warner Bros. film screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan.

Music Mountain Theatre presents "The Cher Show"  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents The Cher Show weekends from September 4-27, 2026. This powerhouse musical celebrates the legend that is Cher, from her humble childhood to her teen pop stardom, to her celebrated film career and her evolution as a rock goddess.

Ritz Theatre Company presents "La Gringa" by Carmen Rivera  (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- Ritz Theatre Company presents La Gringa by Carmen Rivera weekends from September 4-20, 2026 in their intimate black box space. Directed by Edwin “Rico” Santiago, the play is about María Elena Garcia, a young Puerto Rican woman born and raised in New York City, travels to Puerto Rico for the first time during Christmas, hoping to connect with her roots and find a sense of belonging.

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.





 

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Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"  (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) presents Edward Albee's landmark American masterpiece Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? from September 5–27, 2026 at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.

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.

Cape May Stage presents "Your Name Means Dream"  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Your Name Means Dream from September 9 through October 18, 2026. Directed by Roy Steinberg, this is a lyrical and thought-provoking new play by José Rivera that follows Aislin, an aging woman whose world is transformed when she is paired with Stacy, an advanced AI caregiver designed to anticipate her every need.

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.

Bell Theater at Bell Works presents "Come From Away" to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11  (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Bell Theater at Bell Works presents the Tony Award-Winning Musical Come From Away from September 11 through October 4, 2026. Discover the remarkable true story of the small town that welcomed the world.

Somerset Valley Players present "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood"  (HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- Somerset Valley Players present The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood by Mary Lynn Dobson weekends from September 11-27, 2026. Get ready for a fast?paced, side?splitting spoof of the legendary outlaw you almost remember!

Skyline Theatre Company presents "The Guys" by Anne Nelson  (BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents The Guys by Anne Nelson at the Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center from September 11-12, 2026. As we honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11, The Guys is a poignant, true-story-inspired drama.

Two River Theater presents August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson"  (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents August Wilson's The Piano Lesson from September 12 to October 4, 2026. Directed by Francois Battiste, this epic Pulitzer Prize-winning play pits brother against sister as the Charles family fights over the fate of their prized heirloom - a hand-carved piano.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents "Send Me No Flowers"  (HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Send Me No Flowers from September 16 through October 22, 2026. When George Kimball, a Westchester commuter with a flair for hypochondria, overhears his doctor discussing a heart patient, he’s convinced his time has come.




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Kenny

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Friday, October 02, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ

Blues-rock powerhouse Kenny Wayne Shepherd celebrates 30 years of his groundbreaking debut Ledbetter Heights with a milestone tour coming to State Theatre New Jersey. In this electrifying live experience, Shepherd and his band perform the landmark album in full, along with a second set of career-spanning favorites that showcase his signature blend of fiery guitar work, blues tradition, and rock energy.

 

Graham

Graham Nash – Live on Tour 2026

Friday, October 02, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ

“There are concerts. And then there are musical events that come across as transcendent experiences, celebrations of songs and sounds and stories that have endured for good reason, live shows that enter the space of the sacred.” – Miers on Music (2025)

 

I’m

I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce

Friday, October 02, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ

Critically acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo, with the blessings of Kitty Bruce (daughter of the late Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation, proudly present “I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce,” directed by Joe Mantegna.

 

John

John Pizzarelli presents “Dear Mr. Bennett”

Friday, October 02, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ

Grammy Award -winning producer and guitarist extraordinaire, John Pizzarelli salutes the legendary Tony Bennett celebrating over 60 years of unparalleled artistry. From Bennett’s ’50s pop hits like “Because of You” and “Rags to Riches” through his timeless classics of the ’60s such as “I Wanna Be Around” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” to his remarkable collaborations with Bill Evans, Pizzarelli’s trio will bring these iconic songs to life once again. The evening will also highlight Bennett’s incredible revival in the ‘90s while Pizzarelli weaves in personal anecdotes and stories that reveal the man behind the music.

 

Dora

Dora and the Lost City of Gold - A Sensory Friendly Movie Experience at UCPAC's Hamilton Stage

Friday, October 02, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ

UCPAC’s Sensory Friendly Theatre movie screening of “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” is a digital presentation specially adapted for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Supported in part by funding from the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the NJEDA’s A.R.T. Phase II Grant Program.  Learn more about Sensory Friendly Theatre events.

 

ADVANCED EVENTS

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EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band as part of the Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $52.

Monmouth Arts presents "Culture Around the Corner"

Monmouth Arts presents "Culture Around the Corner"

(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth Arts presents the inaugural "Culture Around the Corner," a FREE three-day multicultural festival taking place Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4 in Long Branch. The festival will bring Long Branch alive with music, dance, food, visual art, artisan experiences and family-friendly programming that celebrate New Jersey's cultural traditions and creative communities.

UCPAC presents "I

UCPAC presents "I'm Not A Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce"

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Critically acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo, with the blessings of the late Kitty Bruce (daughter of Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation, present "I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce," directed by Joe Mantegna at the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) on Friday, October 2, 2026. Doors are at 6:00pm, showtime is 7:00pm.

The Levoy Theatre presents Arthur Miller

The Levoy Theatre presents Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman"

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman from October 2-4, 2026. This thrilling Pulitzer Prize-winning drama – a work of deep and revealing beauty – remains one of the most profound achievements in the American theatre.

The Ruth Bauer Neustadter Gallery at HACPAC presents Gustavo Rojas: Towards the Future

The Ruth Bauer Neustadter Gallery at HACPAC presents Gustavo Rojas: Towards the Future

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Ruth Bauer Nustadter Gallery at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) presents Towards the Future, an exhibit of digital paintings by Gustavo Rojas. The exhibit will be on view from October 2 through November 14, 2026 at HACPAC.

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie presents Joe Zook and Blues Deluxe on October 2nd

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie presents Joe Zook and Blues Deluxe on October 2nd

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie invites area music lovers to rock out to the sounds of Joe Zook and Blues Deluxe when the popular band takes the stage Saturday, October 2, 2026. Doors will open at 6:00pm for the 6:30pm to 9:00pm show. Transformed into a blues club with cafe seating, Trenton City Museum will set the stage for not only great music, but great food and beverages, too, which are included with reservations.

Music Mountain Theatre presents Agatha Christie

Music Mountain Theatre presents Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None"

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None weekends from October 2-18, 2026. A dark thriller in three acts. One of Christie's most foreboding tales and a masterpiece of dramatic construction, this classic play's growing sense of dread and unfaltering tension will keep you guessing to the very end.

Off-Centre Stages presents "Little Women" at the Kelsey Theatre

Off-Centre Stages presents "Little Women" at the Kelsey Theatre

(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Off-Centre Stages presents Little Women across two weekends from October 2-11, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. 

Magnolia Productions presents "Ms Holmes & Ms Watson Apt. 2B"

Magnolia Productions presents "Ms Holmes & Ms Watson Apt. 2B"

(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions presents Ms Holmes & Ms Watson Apt. 2B by Kate Hamill across two weekends from October 2-10, 2026 at The Navesink Library. This is Sherlock Holmes as you have never seen her!

bergenPAC presents an evening featuring Bottom Line co-founder Allan Pepper and music journalist Billy Altman

bergenPAC presents an evening featuring Bottom Line co-founder Allan Pepper and music journalist Billy Altman

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents an evening featuring Bottom Line co-founder Allan Pepper and music journalist Billy Altman, who co-authored the book Positively Fourth and Mercer: The Inside Story of New York's Iconic Music Club, The Bottom Line on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:00pm.