Here are previews of plays taking place from October 27 to November 2, 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.
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.
Dunbar Repertory Company presents "FOR COLORED GIRLS Who have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf" (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Dunbar Repertory Company presents Ntozake Shange's FOR COLORED GIRLS Who have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf at the Middletown Arts Center across two weekends from November 7-15, 2026. This is the groundbreaking "choreopoem" – a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. The production is directed by Darrell Lawrence Willis, SR.
It's a Family Affair: A Hilarious Dark Comedy Premieres at Avenel Performing Arts Center Before Heading Off-Off-Broadway (AVENEL, NJ) -- Retirement was supposed to bring JT Tyler some peace. Instead, the retired fire captain discovers that after 40 years of putting out fires for everyone else, the biggest fire he may ever face is burning right inside his own home.
Arden Theatre Company presents "Topdog/Underdog" (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company continues its 2026/27 Mainstage Season with Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize- winning play Topdog/Underdog, a gripping two-person drama exploring brotherhood, rivalry, survival, and the ties that bind families together. Directed by three-time Barrymore Award-winning artist Amina Robinson and co-produced with People's Light, Topdog/Underdog starts its run on the Arden's Arcadia stage on October 29, with opening night on November 4, and performances running through December 13, 2026.
Seton Hall Theatre presents "Twelfth Night" at SOPAC (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Seton Hall Theatre presents William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night from October 29 to November 1, 2026 at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). The production is directed by Stephanie ila Silver-Silberstein.
Two River Theater presents "Stir" by Melinda Lopez & Joel Perez (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents Stir by Melinda Lopez & Joel Perez from October 31 to November 22, 2026. Join them in the kitchen as two siblings piece together their mother's beloved black bean recipe. Secrets simmer and memories are on the menu as they reconnect from across the country.
Women+ on the Edge of Democracy presents a play reading evening on November 2nd (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Women+ on the Edge of Democracy presents a play reading to foster community and conversation on Monday, November 2, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Summit. The event, which begins at 7:00pm, is co-sponsored by St John’s Lutheran Church, Interweave, and Vivid Stage. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Centenary Stage Company's Annual Fringe Festival Returns in November (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's annual Fringe Festival returns this November with three intimate, unconventional, and thought-provoking theatrical experiences. Featuring Too Fat for China, Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman, and Unseen, this year's festival explores adoption, art and mental illness, and the often-unseen people who make the magic of theater possible.
Speranza Theatre Company presents "Petticoat Patriots" (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Speranza Theatre Company presents Petticoat Patriots by Jennie Contuzzi at the Museum of Jersey City History from November 5-7, 2026. In September 1780, Jane Tuers crossed the Hudson River to sell eggs and vegetables in British occupied New York. She returned with something far more dangerous: a warning about Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point.
Centenary Stage Company to open Fringe Festival with Phoebe Potts' Solo Show "Too Fat For China" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company launches its annual Fringe Festival with comedian, comic storyteller, and professional Jew Phoebe Potts and her acclaimed one-woman show, Too Fat For China, running November 5–8, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2026 @ 7:30pm - George Street Playhouse presents The Unexpected 3rd at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Thursday, October 29, 2026 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents The Unexpected 3rd at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Thursday, October 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm - George Street Playhouse presents The Unexpected 3rd at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Friday, October 30, 2026 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents The Unexpected 3rd at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, October 31, 2026 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents The Unexpected 3rd at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, October 31, 2026 @ 5:00pm - A-Diamond Entertainment presents Man of the House at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Now in its 12th year, the #1 Urban Stageplay Man of the House tackles domestic abuse, where the man is the victim as opposed to the abuser. The piece focuses on the verbal and emotional aspects of Domestic Violence. Man of the House is written, produced, directed, and stars award-winning producer Andre Davis. Also starring: R&B Singer Monifah, C. King from MTV's Wildin' Out, and special musical guest Avery Wilson from The Broadway Musical "The Wiz".
Saturday, October 31, 2026 @ 7:30pm - George Street Playhouse presents The Unexpected 3rd at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Sunday, November 1, 2026 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents The Unexpected 3rd at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
The Village Playbox presents "The Philadelphia Story" (HADDON HEIGHTS, NJ) -- The Village Playbox presents The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry across three weekends from November 6-21, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church of Haddon Heights. This smash Broadway comedy, about an eventful wedding weekend at the estate of a wealthy American family, inspired an Oscar-winning film and the hit musical High Society.
Cumberland Players presents "The Pillowman" (VINELAND, NJ) -- Cumberland Players presents The Pillowman across two weekends from November 6-15, 2026. With echoes of Stoppard, Kafka and the Brothers Grimm, The Pillowman centers on a writer in an unnamed totalitarian state who is being interrogated about his gruesome short stories and their similarities to a series of child murders.
Playhouse 22 presents "Working" (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Playhouse 22 presents Working weekends from November 6-22, 2026. Based on Studs Terkel's best-selling book of interviews with American workers, Working paints a vivid portrait of the workers that the world so often takes for granted: the schoolteacher, the phone operator, the waitress, the millworker, the mason, and the housewife, just to name a few.
Phoenix Productions presents "Parade" (RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions presents Parade at Count Basie Center for the Arts from November 6-8, 2026. The tragic, true story of the trial and lynching of a man wrongly accused of murder is brought to theatrical life.
16th Annual Tri-State Theatre Festival to take place November 6-8 (SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- South Street Players presents the 16th Annual Tri-State Theatre Festival from November 6-8, 2026. Produced by Rob Sullivan, the festival showcases the best new short plays written by local writers from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Pioneer Productions presents Neil Simon's "Rumors" (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions presents Neil Simon's Rumors from November 6–15, 2026 at The Stage at Fellowship Hall. This is Simon's celebrated comedy of confusion, deception, and nonstop laughs. Known for its rapid-fire dialogue and relentless comic momentum, Rumors is widely regarded as one of Simon's most ambitious and brilliantly constructed farces.
Burlington County Footlighters presents "The Drowsy Chaperone" (CINNAMINSON, NJ) -- Burlington County Footlighters presents The Drowsy Chaperone weekends from November 6-21, 2026. When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious Tony Award-winning musical farce.
Axelrod Performing Arts Center presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (DEAL PARK, NJ) -- Axelrod Performing Arts Center presents Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's beloved musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from November 6–22, 2026. The irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son.
South Camden Theatre Company presents "Sex Please We're Sixty" (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company presents Sex Please We're Sixty weekends from November 6-22, 2026. Directed by Zuhairah McGill, the comedy by Susan and Michael Parker is a celebration of life!
Mile Square Theatre presents "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf" (HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre presents For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf from weekends from November 6-15, 2026. Written by Ntozake Shange, this groundbreaking "choreopoem" is a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women.
Gateway Playhouse presents "Harvey" (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents Harvey Mary Coyle Chase from November 6-8, 2026. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play was one of the longest-running comedies in Broadway history, charmingly presenting amiable Elwood P. Dowd's friendship with a tall white rabbit which only he can see.
Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "Elf The Musical Jr." (BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- Mainstage Center for the Arts presents Elf The Musical Jr. at the Dennis Flyer Memorial Theater from November 6-8, 2026. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with this production performed by the talented young artists of Mainstage Center for the Arts!
First Avenue Playhouse presents "Over the River and Through the Woods" by Joe DiPietro (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents Over the River and Through the Woods by Joe DiPietro from November 6-21, 2026. This is a heartwarming family comedy about the bond between generations.
Center Players presents "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" (FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players presents It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play with four performances across two Sundays (November 8 and November 15, 2026). Performances are split between the American Hotel and Mattison Crossing.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026 (HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026 from November 10 to December 20, 2026. Celebrate the season with this spectacular holiday production filled with the music, memories, and traditions audiences have cherished through the years.
Ferrell Studios presents "Carrie, the Musical" (PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios presents Carrie, the Musical at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center from November 12-15, 2026. Based on the classic novel by Stephen King, the musical poses the question: What happens when someone is pushed too far?
Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival presents "Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival continues with Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman, a captivating one-woman play written and performed by Erica Knight. Running November 12–15, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University. The production explores the turbulent life and legacy of Ralph Albert Blakelock, one of America's most celebrated yet tragically overlooked nineteenth-century painters.
Theater League of Clifton presents "1776" in November (WAYNE, NJ) -- Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of opinionated, stubborn and deeply divided delegates gathered in Philadelphia and somehow managed to create a new nation. This November, the Theater League of Clifton brings their story to the stage with 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical about the tumultuous days leading to the Declaration of Independence. Directed by Maren Sugarman, the production will be presented November 13–15, 2026, at the Wayne Community Center.
Lomotion Live presents "Etiquette" by David Lee White (BOONTON, NJ) -- Lomotion Live presents Etiquette, a timely and biting comedy by playwright David Lee White, directed by Lauren Moran. The production will run November 13–15, 2026 at Lomotion Live at Parsippany Arts Center in Boonton.
NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window" (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- What happens when we look through a window? Do we see the world as it really is, the world as we wish it could be, or something we never expected? New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) invites audiences to discover the unexpected with NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window" a festival of eight original short plays presented over two weekends, November 13–15 and November 20–22, 2026 at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch.
Bridge Players Theatre Company presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical" (BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical weekends from November 13-28, 2026. In this musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic, The Herdmans – widely known as the "worst kids in the history of the world" – crash Sunday School lured by the promise of free snacks and end up hijacking the annual church Christmas pageant!
For the Whim Productions presents William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (BRIDGETON, NJ) -- For the Whim Productions presents William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream from November 13-20, 2026 at the Ashley McCormick Theatre in the Hopeloft in Bridgeton. A whimsical comedy where fairies, lovers, actors, and our audience collide in an enchanted forest, blending magic, romance, and mischief. The production is directed by Heidi Dugan.
The Maplewood Strollers presents "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Maplewood Strollers present Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street weekends from November 13-22, 2026. Attend the dark, witty and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th century London.
Readington Community Theatre presents "Anatomy of a Murder" (WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ) -- Readington Community Theatre presents Anatomy of a Murder by Elihu Winer across two weekends from November 13-22, 2026 at Rockaway Reformed Church. In a quiet town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a small-time lawyer is pulled into a sensational case that quickly grips the entire community.
The Barn Theatre presents Roald Dahl's "Matilda, the Musical" (MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents Roald Dahl's Matilda, the Musical weekends from November 13 to December 5, 2026. The story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Villagers Theatre presents "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" (SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre presents The Last Days of Judas Iscariot in The Andrew Russoniello Black Box weekends from November 13-21, 2026. Set in a time-bending, darkly comic world between heaven and hell, the play reexamines the plight and fate of the New Testament’s most infamous and unexplained sinner.
The Growing Stage presents Murder at the Palace (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage presents Murder at the Palace - a roaring 20's murder mystery - on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. All proceeds benefit the artistic and educational programming of The Growing Stage.
Moorestown Theater Company presents "9 to 5, the Musical" (MOORESTOWN, NJ) -- Moorestown Theater Company presents 9 to 5, the Musical from November 18-22 at First Methodist Church. Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world.
Somerset County Vocational Technical High School Theater Arts Department presents "Come From Away" (BRIDGEWATER, NJ) -- In a story about strangers becoming family and tragedy giving way to unexpected hope, one real-life couple's love story has given students at Somerset County Vocational Technical High School a personal connection to the musical they are bringing to the stage.
Centenary Stage Company to Close Out 2026 Fringe Festival with "Unseen" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company will conclude its 2026 Fringe Festival with Unseen, written and performed by Kimberly Prentice, November 19–22, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre. Blending physical comedy, rapid-fire character changes, and heartfelt storytelling, Unseen takes audiences backstage into the demanding, unpredictable world of Broadway's wardrobe crew, celebrating the people whose essential work often goes unnoticed.
The Road Company presents "Solid Gold: A Show-Stopping Cabaret" (WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents Solid Gold: A Show-Stopping Cabaret, an original retrospective revue, from November 19 to December 5, 2026 at the Grand Theatre.
A Work of Heart Productions presents "The Wedding Singer" at Porta (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- A Work of Heart Productions presents The Wedding Singer at Porta in Montclair from November 19-21, 2026. Enjoy a themed cocktail and dinner while experiencing a LIVE production of the popular play based on the hit film, featuring an incredible cast and live rock band!
EPIC Players presents "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" (NEW YORK, NY) -- EPIC Players presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time from November 20 through December 6, 2026 at ART/NY Mezzanine Theatre. This award-winning adaptation of the bestselling novel by Mark Haddon is a rich exploration of the touching and bleakly humorous tale of 15-year-old Christopher, his neighbor's dog and how best to venture out into the adult world. It was adapted by Simon Stephens.
Inspire 23 Productions Brings Two Powerful Stage Plays to New Jersey This November! (AVENEL, NJ) -- Get ready for an exciting weekend of fun, laughter, drama, and live entertainment as Inspire 23 Productions presents two captivating stage plays (Tangled Vows and The Man Beneath the Mask) at the Avenel Performing Arts Center.
Passage Theatre Company presents "Jitney" by August Wilson (TRENTON, NJ) -- This holiday season, Trenton's only professional theatre company is staging the first-ever performance of an August Wilson play within the state capital. Passage Theatre Company will present August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Zuhairah McGill and starring Passage Theatre Executive Artistic Director Brishen Miller as Booster. The production runs from November 27 through December 20, 2026. The production is supported in-part by funding through the NJEDA's A.R.T. – Phase II Grant Program, Isles, and GoTrenton.
Surflight Theatre presents Irving Berlin's "Holiday Inn" (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn from November 28 through December 20, 2026. The beloved film classic comes to the stage in a charming crowd-pleaser featuring one glorious Irving Berlin number after another, each celebrating a different festivity.
Light Opera of New Jersey presents "Amahl and the Night Visitors" (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- This holiday season, Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) invites audiences of all ages to experience the magic of Gian Carlo Menotti's beloved one-act opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2026
@ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
@ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Enlow Recital Hall
Hillside, NJ
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
@ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
@ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
@ 8:00pm
NJPAC - Prudential Hall
Newark, NJ
