(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Combine a Jersey diner, four couples, and a live-streaming video series and you have Midnight at the New Dawn, a new comedy making its world premiere at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College's West Windsor Campus with performances from October 16-18, 2026.
Midnight at the New Dawn is a wickedly funny, warm-hearted comedy set in a New Jersey diner on New Year's Eve, focusing on four couples entering different crossroads in their relationships. With only two hours until midnight to figure out what comes next, things get even more interesting when they find themselves part of a live-streaming web series called "Truth Be Told." With each couple and their relationships taking turns in the hot seat, it's funny, modern, meaningful, and has been described as "Neil Simon with a wi-fi connection."
Maurer Productions OnStage and the newly formed Maurer TheaterWorks have partnered for the special co-production, written and directed by Dan Maurer. The production reunites an NJACT Perry Award–winning creative team for the first time in more than a decade.
"This is the show I've been writing toward for a long time," Maurer said. "It's funny—genuinely funny—but it earns its laughs from real human drama. These are people you know. One of them may even be you."
Maurer is a director, playwright, and member of the Dramatists Guild. He has co-produced more than twenty productions, winning multiple NJACT Perry Awards and an induction into the NJACT Hall of Fame. He recently founded Maurer TheaterWorks to develop original works; Midnight at the New Dawn is his company's inaugural full-length production. Maurer Productions OnStage has called Kelsey Theatre their home for more than 20 years.
The cast of "Midnight at the New Dawn' includes Bob Abrahamson of Newtown, Pa.; Emma J. Allison of Somerset, N.J.; Lauren Aponte of Belle Mead, N.J.; Jessica Braynor of Lawrenceville, N.J.; Emre Celik of Princeton, N.J.; Tonia Del Priore of East Windsor, N.J.; Chris Guear and Laurie Hardy of Hamilton, N.J.; Ainsley Hardt of Yardley, Pa.; J.R. Hazelton of Belle Mead; Justin Mancini of Hamilton; Ava Mattson of Plainsboro, N.J.; Tina Michel of Neptune, N.J.; Nigel Rogers of Bordentown, N.J.; Elizabeth Rzasa of Ewing, N.J.; Joe Violi and Mark Violi of Hamilton; Brian Wurtz of Levittown, Pa.; and Joe Zedeny of East Windsor.
Performances take place Friday, October 16 at 8:00pm, Saturday, October 17 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm, and Sunday, October 18 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $24 for adults and $22 for for seniors and students and are available for purchase online or by calling the Kelsey Box Office Monday through Thursday, 9:00am to noon, at (609) 570-3333. All performances are at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.
Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the Theatre. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.
This special co-production between Maurer Productions OnStage and Maurer TheaterWorks Presents reunites an acclaimed, Perry Award–winning creative team for the world premiere of an original new comedy. Inspired by stage legends like Neil Simon and Noël Coward — and fueled by the delightful chaos of internet-age relationships — this sparkling ensemble play is a recipe for laughter. It’s New Year’s Eve. The coffee is hot and the clock is ticking at the New Dawn Diner, where the lives of several couples converge. As midnight approaches, old loves are tested, new sparks fly, and everyone must decide who they’re bringing into the new year, and who they’re leaving behind. Funny, tender, and full of heart, Midnight at the New Dawn is a romantic comedy about risk, resilience, and the hope that comes with every fresh start.
