By Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 08/20/2026
Today’s episode hits extra close to home for host Gina Marie Rodriguez. As a member of the Puerto Rican diaspora who often feels neither here nor there, she says she is honored to get the chance to speak with the director and cast of the Ritz Theatre Company’s production of “La Gringa.”
La Gringa, written by Carmen Rivera, is the story of a young woman’s search for her identity. Maria Elena Garcia goes to visit her family in Puerto Rico during the Christmas holidays and arrives with plans to connect with her homeland. Although this is her first trip to Puerto Rico, she has had an intense love for the island, and even majored in Puerto Rican Studies in college. Once Maria is in Puerto Rico, she realizes that Puerto Rico does not welcome her with open arms.
Recording this episode while in Puerto Rico herself, on location for a short film with a very similar theme, this interview is special to Rodriguez. Culture should not be gatekept. This is a story of reclamation.
Stay tuned to hear from the cast and creative behind “La Gringa.”
The production runs from September 4-20, 2026. Ritz Theatre Company is located at 915 White Horse Pike in Haddon Township, New Jersey. Tickets are available for purchase online.
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The American Soldier
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ
RENTAL EVENT -- As part of the VA New Jersey Health Care System’s Veterans Resilience Arts Trail for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, VA New Jersey Health Care System and OCC’s Veteran and Military Resource Center are proud to present The American Soldier.
Dementia Man, An Existential Journey
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 11:00am
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ
Is it possible to believe in a meaningful future with a neurocognitive disease?
Lou Antonucci - "You, Me, & Harry" Celebrating The Music of Harry Chapin
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ
"You, Me & Harry" offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the music of Harry Chapin, transcending the typical tribute show. By integrating lesser-known anecdotes and backstories with a captivating solo musical performance, this show delves into Harry Chapin's multifaceted career - not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a storyteller, filmmaker, and, most importantly, as a humanitarian. His music resonates deeply, embodying truth, emotion, and purpose.
Will Hoge
Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ
Will Hoge has a career whose milestones include Number One hits, Grammy nods, major-label record deals, and hard-won independence. Years before Americana music received its own category at the Grammy Awards, Hoge was on the frontlines, helping to pilot and popularize the genre's blend of American roots music. In the current digital era dominated by influencers seeking shortcuts to stardom, Will Hoge proudly treads the scenic route, immersing himself in the journey rather than fixating on the destination.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 35mm
Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ
Raised in the sewers of New York, bathed in radioactive ooze, and trained in the art of ninjutsu by their rat sensei Splinter, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael – are heroes in a half shell!
ADVANCED EVENTS
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EVENT PREVIEWS
Center Players presents a reading of "You've Got Hate Mail" on September 14th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players presents a reading of You've Got Hate Mail by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 7:00pm. The reading takes place at The American Hotel and is directed by Sharon Coyle.
James Dalton to read "Ginsberg's Howl" with the Ginsberg Beat Connection on Monday at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- New Jersey artist James Dalton will read "Ginsberg's Howl" with the Ginsberg Beat Connection on Monday, September 14th at The Rotunda as part of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The event takes place at 7:00pm.
Acclaimed Americana Singer-Songwriter Chris Knight to Perform at The Vogel on September 15th
(RED BANK, NJ) -- After 28 years as a recording artist, singer-songwriter Chris Knight remains boldly empowered to make music that always delivers the unflinching truth. In fact, the man raised in Slaughters, Kentucky uses a simple, direct barometer to regularly check his muse: "If I can't believe myself, I won't sing the song."
The Vogel presents singer-songwriter Chris Knight on Tuesday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents singer-songwriter Chris Knight on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 7:30pm. Special guest Chance Stanley will open the night.
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.
SOPAC presents "The Unwitting Magician" on September 16th
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents The Unwitting Magician on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Is it a play? Sort of. Is it a reading? Kind of. Is it a magic show? Sure. With a magician? Definitely not.
LOVERULES at Rutgers Shines the Spotlight on a Jersey-Born Artist and Activist
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, the largest exhibition of art by Hank Willis Thomas in New Jersey to date, runs from September 17 to December 20, 2026 in the Voorhees Gallery of Zimmerli Art Museum.
Twenty-fifth Season of Westminster Conservatory Noontime Recitals Opens on September 17th
(LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ) -- On Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 12:15pm, the 25th season of Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will open with a recital of music for solo piano by Korean composers. The performer, Eunju Kim, is a member of the teaching faculty of Westminster Conservatory. The recital will take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church (61 Nassau Street) in Princeton. It is open to the public free of charge.
The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on September 17th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Molly is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and virtuosic guitarist whose innovative blend of bluegrass, Americana, pop, and rock has made her one of the most dynamic artists in modern roots music.
SOPAC's Herb + Milly Iris Gallery Presents unveiled26, Celebrating the Artists of the 23rd Annual Studio Tour SOMA
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents unveiled26, an exhibition featuring works by artists from South Orange and Maplewood, opening Thursday, September 17, at the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery. The exhibition will remain on view through November 8, 2026.
