Here are previews of plays taking place from September 16-22, 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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Premiere Stages presents the NJ Premiere of "Flawless" by John J. Wooten (UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University presents the New Jersey premiere production of Flawless by John J. Wooten, September 3-20 in Kean University's Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. Flawless had its world premiere at Penguin Rep and is being produced in partnership with Penguin Rep and Shadowland Stages. Director Joe Brancato, Artistic Director of Penguin Rep, returns to direct. Original cast Ellen Adair, Michael Frederic and Alexander Rios reprise their roles from Penguin Rep production.
State Theatre New Jersey presents the National Broadway Tour of "Beetlejuice" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the national Broadway tour of the award-winning musical comedy Beetlejuice for five performances from September 25-27, 2026. Based on Tim Burton's dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of "Lunar Eclipse" by Donald 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.
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.
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
The Players Guild of Leonia and Kaleidoscope Ensemble present the World Premiere of "The Old Ladies Bar" (LEONIA, NJ) -- The World Premiere of The Old Ladies Bar by Natasha Caroline Lowery Rivers is a co-production between The Players Guild of Leonia and Kaleidoscope Ensemble. Directed by TS Murphy, the production takes place weekends from September 18-27, 2026.
Collingswood Community Theater presents Musical Comedy Cabaret on September 18th (COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- Collingswood Community Theater presents Musical Comedy Cabaret on Friday, September 18, 2026 in the Collingswood Grand Ballroom. The event begins at 7:30pm. This is a fundraiser for the company.
The Barn Theatre presents "The Last Virginity Tour" (MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents The Last Virginity Tour weekends from September 18 to October 4, 2026. Four women in a retirement community meet weekly for their baking club. But instead of swapping recipes, they share stories about their "first time," inspiring one of them to plan a road trip revisiting where they each lost their virginity.
Chatham Players present "The Thanksgiving Play" (CHATHAM, NJ) -- Chatham Players present The Thanksgiving Play weekends from September 18 to October 3, 2026. Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire.
Passage Theatre Company presents "Teen Dad" by Adrienne Dawes (TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company presents Teen Dad by Adrienne Dawes from September 18 to October 11, 2026. In the play, Abby, a precocious emo-goth teenager, orchestrates a surprise reunion for her mother Tanya and birth father Tom, with the help of her mom’s fiancé/healer John.
South Camden Theatre Company presents "Native Gardens" (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company presents Native Gardens by Karen Zacarías weekends from September 18 to October 4, 2026. Gardens and cultures clash, turning friendly neighbors into feuding enemies in this hilarious comedy of good intentions and bad manners.
Burlington County Footlighters present "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (CINNAMINSON, NJ) -- Burlington County Footlighters present The Hunchback of Notre Dame weekends from September 18 through October 3, 2026. From the Academy Award-winning team comes a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero.
Playhouse 22 presents "POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive" (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Playhouse 22 presents POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive weekends from September 18 through October 3, 2026. Directed by Jennifer Greenberg, this is a riotous comedy about the women in charge of the man in charge of the free world
.Villagers Theatre presents "[title of show]" (SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre presents [title of show] across two weekends from September 18-26, 2026. In this play by Hunter Bell, Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away.
PHOTOS from "The Old Ladies Bar" at The Players Guild of Leonia (LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia (PGL) opens their 2026-2027 season with a world premiere production of The Old Ladies Bar, in collaboration with Kaleidoscope Ensemble Theatre Company. This new play, written by Natasha Caroline Lowery Rivers, runs weekends from September 18-27, 2026 at the at the Civil War Drill Hall Theater in Leonia. Photographer Chris Hietikko was on hand to take photos.
Bergen County Players to open 94th season with "The Producers" (ORADELL, NJ) -- Fresh off being named the #1 Theater Venue in Bergen County by (201) Magazine's Best of Bergen poll, the Bergen County Players (BCP) will open its 2026/27 season with Mel Brooks' The Producers. As one of America's longest-running little theater companies, BCP returns for its 94th season to present this area premiere at the Little Firehouse Theatre from September 19 through October 10, 2026.
Click on the date for more information or to purchase tickets for the show
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 11:00am - Dementia Man, An Existential Journey at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Flawless at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Friday, September 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Flawless at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Saturday, September 19, 2026 @ 3:00pm - Flawless at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Saturday, September 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Flawless at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Sunday, September 20, 2026 @ 3:00pm - Flawless at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Surflight Theatre presents "Vanities: The Musical" (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Vanities: The Musical weekends from September 23 to October 4, 2026. This musical chronicles the life-affirming journey of three vivacious Texas teens from cheerleaders to sorority sisters to housewives to liberated women and beyond.
Gateway Playhouse presents "9 to 5: The Musical" (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents the hit Broadway show 9 to 5: The Musical across two weekends from September 24 to October 4, 2026. The production brings the beloved workplace comedy to life with the added excitement of two talented casts sharing performances throughout the run.
Luna Stage presents "Hold These Truths" (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents Hold These Truths weekends from September 24 to October 18, 2026. It's a one man play starring Joel de la Fuente portraying 36 characters. The play, written by Jeanne Sakata, was inspired by the real story of civil rights pioneer Gordon Hirabayashi.
Art House Productions presents "RENT" (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions present the organization's Fall mainstage production of RENT by Jonathan Larson weekends from September 24 to October 18, 2026. Experience the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that defined a generation. It is presented as part of Art House’'s 25th anniversary season.
StageWorks Theatre Group presents "Lizzie" (POMPTON LAKES, NJ) -- Rage! Sex! Betrayal! BLOODY MURDER! Lizzie is a rock-show retelling of the bloody legend of America's first and favorite axe-wielding double-murderess and hometown girl, Lizzie Borden. StageWorks Theatre Group presents Lizzie with two casts weekends from September 24 to October 11, 2026.
Arden Theatre Company opens 2026/27 season with "Girl from the North Country" (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company opens its 2026/27 Mainstage Season with the acclaimed Girl from the North Country. The musical, written by Conor McPherson, uses reimagined songs by Bob Dylan to create a moving American story of resilience in uncertain times. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen, Girl from the North Country brings together a cast of 13 actor-musicians who also serve as the show's orchestra. The story unfolds on the F. Otto Haas Stage beginning September 24, with opening night on September 30, and performances running through October 25.
State Theatre New Jersey presents the National Broadway Tour of "Beetlejuice" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the national Broadway tour of the award-winning musical comedy Beetlejuice for five performances from September 25-27, 2026. Based on Tim Burton's dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
Bridge Players Theatre Company presents "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" (BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company presents Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? weekends from September 25 through October 10, 2026. Focusing on eight children during their Catholic elementary and high school education in the 1950s, this hilarious musical captures the funniest aspects of youthful growing pains and the trying moments of adolescence.
Phoenix Productions presents "Pirates - The Penzance Musical" (RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions presents Pirates - The Penzance Musical from September 25-27, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts. This is a jazzy and joyous reimagining of the beloved Gilbert & Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzance.
Asbury Park Theater Company presents "The Wolves" (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Asbury Park Theater Company presents The Wolves across two weekends from September 25 to October 4, 2026 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Sarah DeLappe's Pulitzer Prize finalist play follows a high school girls' soccer team as they navigate friendship, identity, competition, and the challenges of growing up through fast-paced, funny, and deeply human conversations on and off the field.
Masquerade Theatre presents "Avenue Q" (RIVERSIDE, NJ) -- Masquerade Theatre presents Avenue Q weekends from September 25 to October 17, 2026. This puppet-filled comedy follows a group of twenty-somethings seeking their purpose in big-city life.
Haddonfield Plays and Players presents "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Haddonfield Plays and Players presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street weekends from September 25 to October 10, 2026. It's the dark, witty and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th century London.
Atlantic City Theatre Company presents "Forever Plaid" at StocktonPAC (GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Atlantic City Theatre Company presents Forever Plaid at Stockton Performing Arts Center with three performances from September 25-26, 2026. When four young singers are killed in a car crash, they posthumously take the stage for one final gig in this goofy, 1950s nostalgia trip.
Centenary Stage Company's Young Audience Series presents "Grace for President" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Young Audience Series presents Grace for President, October 1-5, 2026 in The Little Theatre at Centenary University. Based on the beloved children's book by Kelly DiPucchio, the musical follows Grace, a spirited young girl who has a big question when her teacher displays a poster featuring every U.S. president: "Where are the girls?"
NJ Rep presents "Nacho Ate Superman" (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company presents Nacho Ate Superman from October 1-25, 2026. This is a comedy by Michelle Kholos Brooks about a sunny, laid-back, progressive beach community that becomes a lot darker as next-door neighbors clash over an incident involving their pets.
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'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.
Jersey City Theater Center presents "Miss Bellas" on October 3rd (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Theater Center presents Miss Bellas on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at White Eagle Hall. It is a 60–75 minute original music-theater work that explores fame, class division, cultural erasure, and moral responsibility. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Center Players to present "The Realistic Joneses" at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Center Players of Freehold will present The Realistic Joneses by Will Eno as its first Signature Series production of the 2026-27 season. Directed by Center Players’ Artistic Director Michael Tota, the production will run from October 2-4 at the Herbst Theatre at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove, marking the first time Center Players has performed in the venue.
Surflight Theatre presents "Deceived" (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Deceived from October 7-11, 2026. Based on the original play, Gaslight, by Patrick Hamilton, Deceived is a psychological thriller that will leave audiences on the edge of their seat.
Vivid Stage presents "B.I.N.G.O" in October (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, will present a new comedy from October 8-18, 2026 - B.I.N.G.O. (or Brittney Isle's Nice Geriatric Orgy) by Erin Mallon. In this workshop production, we meet Barb, who desperately needs friends, who has moved into a 55+ community.
East Lynne Theater Company presents War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The Martians are coming... to New Jersey! East Lynne Theater Company presents War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast from October 8 to November 1, 2026. The play was adapted by Joe Landry from the novel by H.G. Wells. It was inspired by and including the Mercury Theater on the Air's infamous 1938 radio play.
Apricot Sky Productions to present premiere of "Kill Goofy" by Eric Alter (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- At thirteen, Freddy and Barney were a matched set; everybody called them Fred and Barney. Then Barney's family left town suddenly, and the two best friends spent thirty years not talking about why. In Kill Goofy, the new play by Livingston native Eric Alter, they are finally back in the same room, a childhood bedroom that has not changed since 1994, circling the one thing they both experienced and never once discussed.
The Growing Stage presents Roald Dahl's "Matilda, the Musical" (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage kicks off their season with Roald Dahl's Matilda, the Musical weekends from October 9-25, 2026. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.
The Ritz Theatre Company presents "Trolls and Men" (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents Trolls and Men by Alex Wilkie weekends from October 9-25, 2026. Set in 1940s Norway, and based on a true story, Trolls and Men tells the inspiring story of Julius Thoreson, the artistic director of the Trondheim Transformational Theater. The production is directed by Lori Aleixo-Howard.
American Theater Group to present East Coast Premiere of "Destroying David" as 2026-27 Season Opener (UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) presents the East Coast premiere of Destroying David at the DMK Theater at Union Arts Center from October 9-18 and at the Sieminski Theater from October 23-25, 2026. Destroying David is a thrilling, witty and heartfelt solo show about the power of art to help us through our darkest hours. The play is written and performed by Emmy Award-nominee Jason Odell Williams. ATG's new Producing Artistic Director Charlotte Cohn will direct.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "Hamlet" (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) presents William Shakespeare's Hamlet from October 10 to November 15, 2026 at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. Few plays have so completely captured the human imagination as Hamlet. It is a story of murder and revenge, but also of deep grief, passionate love, vicious betrayal, and wild madness.
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue comes to The Levoy Theatre in October (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- Following sold out performances and rave reviews across the country, The Golden Girls are back and better than ever with a stage show that's more exciting than a trip to the Rusty Anchor. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is returning with a US Fall Tour in 2026 that comes to The Levoy Theatre on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Doors are at 6:00pm, showtime is 7:00pm.
George Street Playhouse presents "The Unexpected 3rd" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents The Unexpected 3rd, written by and starring Kathryn Grody (A Mom's Life), and directed by Timothy Near (A Doll's House, Part 2). Previews begin October 13, 2026, at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center with opening night set for October 16, for a run through November 1, 2026.
Premiere Stages presents "Effa Loves Baseball" (HILLSIDE, NJ) -- Premiere Stages presents Effa Loves Baseball across two weekends from October 15-25, 2026 at Enlow Recital Hall. In this Liberty Live Commsion play, Effa Manley manages the Newark Eagles, a team she wants to take all the way to the Negro League World Series.
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.
Is it possible to believe in a meaningful future with a neurocognitive disease?
"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 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.
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!
