OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy presents "Present Laughter"

New Jersey Stage Menu

OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy presents "Present Laughter"

Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 11/08/2026

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Ocean County Vocational Technical School Grunin Performing Arts Academy presents Present Laughter from November 20-22, 2026 at Grunin Center for the Arts. Step into the dazzling, chaotic world of one of Noël Coward's greatest works -- a sparkling, laugh-out-loud comedy about fame, love, and the art of always being on display.

Meet Garry Essendine: charismatic, hopelessly vain, and the undisputed star of London’s West End. Garry is preparing for a whirlwind tour of Africa, but his biggest challenge isn’t getting ready—it’s getting out the door. In his final week in London, Garry’s stylish apartment becomes a whirlwind of hilarious high drama.

As he tries to pack, he finds himself dodging a parade of colorful characters all vying for a piece of him: a smitten young debutante, an outrageously persistent aspiring playwright, his best friend’s seductive spouse, and a revolving door of secret romantic entanglements. Caught in the middle are his delightfully unbothered ex, his sharp-witted secretary, and his exasperated manager, all trying to save Garry from himself before his life completely unravels.

Loosely inspired by Coward’s own larger-than-life personality, Present Laughter is a hilarious, affectionate send-up of the theatrical world. Packed with rapid-fire wit, slamming doors, and endless charm, it’s a classic farce about a man who simply cannot stop acting, even offstage.

Performances take place Friday, November 20 at 7:00pm; Saturday, November 21 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; and Sunday, November 22 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. Grunin Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Ocean County College in Toms River, New Jersey.

New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info

You can have your events appear here,
whenever someone reads an article about
Toms River

click here for more information

Louis

Louis Armstrong Hot Five Centennial Celebration feat Andrew Stephens

Sunday, Nov 08, 2026
@ 3:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ

Between 1925 and 1928, Louis Armstrong made a series of influential recordings with a studio group, the Hot Five, that changed the shape of jazz to come. To pay tribute to these legendary sessions, Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon will welcome the dynamic trumpeter and recent Juilliard graduate Andrew Stephens, along with a small group made up of some of New York’s finest traditional jazz musicians.

Travis

Travis Mills

Monday, Nov 09, 2026
@ 6:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ

Retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne is a recalibrated warrior, motivational speaker, actor, author, and advocate for veterans and amputees. Travis’s New York Times bestselling memoir, Tough as They Come, is currently available for sale in bookstores everywhere. Despite losing portions of both arms and legs from an IED while on active duty in Afghanistan, Travis continues to overcome life’s challenges, breaking physical barriers and defying odds.

OCVTS

OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy presents "Present Laughter"

There are multiple performances including:

Friday, Nov 20, 2026
@ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ

Step into the dazzling, chaotic world of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter—a sparkling, laugh-out-loud comedy about fame, love, and the art of always being on display.

CLICK HERE to view all remaining performances.

A Christmas Carol

Saturday, Dec 05, 2026
@ 1:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ

Yates Musical Theatre for Children returns for another year of tradition with A Christmas Carol.

OCC

OCC Concert Band: Magic of the Season

Saturday, Dec 05, 2026
@ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ

Step out of the cold and into a winter wonderland of sound as the OCC Concert Band presents THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON. This festive program wraps you in the warmth of holiday cheer, featuring sweeping symphonic arrangements, timeless carols, and joyful musical surprises that capture the heart of winter’s celebrations. From moments of quiet reflection to exhilarating bursts of holiday energy, the concert offers something for every listener. And keep your eyes open, an old, jolly elf in a bright red suit may just make a special appearance to share in the merriment.

ADVANCED EVENTS

To search for a single date, choose the same starting and ending date.

EVENT PREVIEWS

The Newton Theatre presents Puss N Boots featuring Norah Jones, Sasha Dobson, and Catherine Popper

The Newton Theatre presents Puss N Boots featuring Norah Jones, Sasha Dobson, and Catherine Popper

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Puss N Boots featuring Norah Jones, Sasha Dobson, and Catherine Popper on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 7:00pm.

Teaneck International Film Festival names first recipient of Sandi Klein Creative Woman in Film Award

Teaneck International Film Festival names first recipient of Sandi Klein Creative Woman in Film Award

(TEANECK, NJ) -- The Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) has named filmmaker Luchina Fisher the first recipient of the Sandi Klein Creative Woman in Film Award, a new annual honor celebrating an exceptional woman whose work reflects the creativity, curiosity, integrity and commitment to social impact that defined Klein's life and her nearly two decades with the festival. The award includes a $1,000 grant. Fisher will receive the inaugural award at the TIFF screening of her film, The Dads, on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 2:30 pm at Teaneck Cinemas (503 Cedar Lane).

Registration Now Open for LIT Tap Dance Experience in Edison on November 8th

Registration Now Open for LIT Tap Dance Experience in Edison on November 8th

(EDISON, NJ) -- With a new dance studio year now underway for many dancers and families, registration is officially open for the LIT Tap Dance Experience, coming to Edison VFW Post 3117 on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Presented by Taplife Hero Foundation, LIT is a focused one-day tap dance experience built around technique, musicality, artistry, mentorship and community.

Grunin Center

Grunin Center's "Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon" Celebrates 100 Years of Louis Armstrong's Hot Five Recordings

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts' "Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon" series brings a century of jazz history to the stage this fall with a celebration of Louis Armstrong's groundbreaking Hot Five recordings, featuring trumpeter Andrew Stephens on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 3:00pm.

Center Players presents "It

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.

"Directors

"Directors' Commentary" to have NJ Premiere at SModcastle Film Festival

(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- After its world premiere at Dances With Films LA (DWFLA), one of the nation's leading indie film festivals, Directors' Commentary will have its New Jersey Premiere at SModcastle Film Festival, hosted by filmmaker Kevin Smith. The film will screen on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 12:00pm.

U.K. Folk Trio, The Longest Johns, to Perform at The Vogel

U.K. Folk Trio, The Longest Johns, to Perform at The Vogel

(RED BANK, NJ) -- U.K. folk trio The Longest Johns will perform at the Vogel on Sunday, November 8, 2026. They are are known the world over for their rollicking harmonies and raucous energy, blowing new wind into the sails of traditional sea shanties and work songs. They are on a U.S. tour to support their latest release End of the Earth. Showtime is 7:00pm.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026

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.

Rethinking Greed and Wealth in Modern Society with Paul Vigna on November 11th

Rethinking Greed and Wealth in Modern Society with Paul Vigna on November 11th

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Join journalist Paul Vigna for an eye-opening conversation about his provocative new book, The Almightier: How Money Became God, Greed Became Virtue, and Debt Became Sin, during a virtual discussion on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 2:00pm.

Ferrell Studios presents "Carrie, the Musical"

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?

New Jersey Stage

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Nobody covers the Arts throughout
the Garden State like
New Jersey Stage!

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and on our RSS feed

Art | Comedy | Dance | Film | Music | Theatre | Advertising | About Us | Pitch a Story | Links | Radio Shows | Privacy Policy