New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


//****************************** ?>

 

This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays
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.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



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.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



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.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



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.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



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.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.

Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik

MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Ferrell Studios Community Theatre presents "Merrily We Roll Along"

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.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
High Altitudes and High Stakes: Virtual Discussion with Author Lucy Foley on August 27th

High Altitudes and High Stakes: Virtual Discussion with Author Lucy Foley on August 27th

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Join Lucy Foley, author of the brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, on Thursday, August 27, 2026 for a virtual discussion presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 2:00pm.

51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th

(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Free Summer Event: Wilma

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Vail Mansion Plaza
110 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Orleans, Firefall, Pure Prairie League & Atlanta Rhythm Section

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


All The Devils Are Here

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love Concert

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ