"It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Tells the Story of George Bailey with Sincerity and Heart
There is a warm feeling in the air at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ). This warmth comes from their current production, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. This play provides audiences with an opportunity to see an enactment of the time honored classic story of George Bailey which comes from a short story titled "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern.
published on 12/19/2025
'Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Jersey Christmas Show' is Filled with Fun
George Street Playhouse presents Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Jersey Christmas Show through December 21. This is a very different telling of the tale of Dickens' A Christmas Carol from the more traditional approach. The show takes some liberties in resetting the tale and the result is an absolutely hilarious production. I laughed a lot and had such a great time seeing this show.
published on 12/11/2025
Disney's "Frozen" at Paper Mill Playhouse is Great Entertainment this Holiday Season
The Paper Mill Playhouse (PMP) presents Disney's Frozen – A Broadway Musical for audiences to enjoy this holiday season. Performances run now through January 11, 2026.
published on 12/08/2025
'Mary Shelley's Frankenstein' at NJ's Shakespeare Theatre is Intense with Superb Staging
Now running at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is a stunning production of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The play comes from author Mary Shelley's original 1818 book of Frankenstein. This version of the play is written by David Catlin. It plays now through November 16th at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
published on 10/28/2025
'An Old-Fashioned Family Murder' – A Whodunit at George Street Playhouse
Many theater goers enjoy going to see a "whodunit." This genre of theater includes mystery stories involving some sort of crime being committed. There are elements of suspense and fun as it challenges the audience to figure out who is responsible. If you are in the mood to solve an onstage theatrical crime, go to George Street Playhouse and see An Old-Fashioned Family Murder.
published on 10/23/2025
'Bull Durham the Musical' Brings the Joys of Baseball to Paper Mill Playhouse
It is said that baseball is America's pastime. The game creates a culture all its own whether it’s on the professional level or right in our own communities. And that's what Bull Durham The Musical does so well. It provides a look into the culture of a baseball minor league team from Durham, North Carolina. The community support for the Durham Bulls allows us to see the joys, the losses, and those great baseball superstitions.
published on 10/21/2025
Romeo and Juliet at STNJ – Beautiful and Powerful
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) presents Romeo and Juliet at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre from September 10 – October 5, 2025. Attending this show will remind you of why it is one of the most popular and influential plays in literature.
published on 09/19/2025
'Walden' at Premiere Stages Merges Reality with a Questionable Future
Climate Change is a frequent topic of concern these days. It holds a questionable future for the earth. There are many opinions on courses of action to take including leaving the earth and starting anew. It's a terrifying subject and one that looms large over us. This is what the play Walden is about.
published on 09/14/2025
'The Mallard' – Winner of 2024 Premiere Play Festival – is Fantastic!
As a part of their mission, Premiere Stages at Kean is committed to supporting emerging and regional playwrights by developing and producing new plays. One of the ways they do this is through their Premiere Play Festival. The Festival offers playwrights the opportunity to develop their work in an encouraging, focused environment through discussions, rehearsals, readings, workshops, and Equity productions. After reviewing several hundred submissions, this year's selection is The Mallard by Vincent Delaney.
published on 07/30/2025
'How My Grandparents Fell in Love' Tells an Emotional Story
It can be fun to hear about how people who love each other first met. This is especially true when it's part of your own family. That very subject is covered in a new show commissioned by New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) and now playing at their theater in Long Branch, NJ. How My Grandparents Fell in Love is based upon a true story which adds to the enjoyment of seeing this show.
published on 07/26/2025
'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare' Extends Its Run in Madison, NJ
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ)'s summer offering is The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]. It is a fast paced, high energy, and humorous presentation of the works of The Bard.
published on 07/12/2025
STNJ Opens New Season with 'The Importance of Being Earnest'
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) begins their 63rd Season with a rousing production of Oscar Wilde's most celebrated play The Importance of Being Earnest. Wilde described the play as "a trivial comedy for serious people." Notes in the STNJ program for this play indicate that it pokes fun "at Victorian society's obsession with appearances, respectability, and rigid social codes." These issues are examined in the behaviors of the characters, each with a specific task in mind.
published on 05/23/2025
"The Shark is Broken" at George Street Playhouse Goes Behind the Scenes
In June, 1975, the movie Jaws began running in movie theaters. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it was such a powerful film that countless numbers of people became afraid to go into the water. This year, the film celebrates its 50th anniversary making it a terrific time to see the play, The Shark is Broken. Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, it is presented by George Street Playhouse now through Sunday, May 18, 2025.
published on 05/09/2025
NJ Rep Looks at Family Relationships in 'Comfort'
Relationships within families vary in scope and importance. But the influence that parents have on their children provide some of the most crucial ones. A new play running at New Jersey Repertory Company examines that issue in a show called Comfort. Written by Neil LaBute, the play focuses on the relationship between a mother and a son. In the process of examining that relationship, other issues arise including whether everyone should be a parent or not.
published on 04/28/2025
'Take the Lead' is Informative and Entertaining
The importance of having arts appreciation studies in schools is an issue that continually draws debate. Questions about what value students get from these studies is at the heart of the discussion. Some answers to those questions are in a new show now playing at Paper Mill Playhouse. The world premier of Take the Lead introduces a new musical based on the 2006 movie of the same name. It tells the true story of Pierre Dulaine who was a champion ballroom dancer. Dulaine is a co-founder of Dancing Classrooms, an arts education program designed to enhance essential life skills through social dance. Dancing Classrooms was brought into the New York City schools where, over the last 30 years, hundreds of thousands of student have participated.
published on 04/16/2025
'King James' at GSP – Entertaining, Clever, and Heartwarming
One of the great gifts a person can have in life is a good friendship. Once found, we are fortunate if it continues to develop and thrive for a long time. This is what happens in the play King James, currently playing at George Street Playhouse. Written by Rajiv Joseph, the show centers around a friendship which develops due to the amazing career of NBA superstar LeBron James. The friendship is between two young men who both love basketball. But it becomes more than that as it goes on.
published on 03/30/2025
Mystic Pizza is a Delicious Slice of Theater at Paper Mill Playhouse
A new musical, Mystic Pizza, is giving theater goers very enjoyable entertainment at the Paper Mill Playhouse. At the performance I attended, people were singing along to some familiar tunes, smiling and applauding enthusiastically. Mystic Pizza is based on the classic 1988 movie of the same name starring Julia Roberts. This production adapts from that movie with a book written by Sandy Rustin. If you are a fan of the movie, you will see some changes, but the basic story remains intact.
published on 02/11/2025
'A Christmas Carol' is Festive and Fun at Shakespeare Theatre NJ
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) enjoys a reputation of producing outstanding shows during the holiday season. This year brings another offering to that fine reputation with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This is one of the best productions you will see of old Scrooge’s journey from being a miser of a man into one who knows how to keep Christmas well.The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) enjoys a reputation of producing outstanding shows during the holiday season. This year brings another offering to that fine reputation with Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. This is one of the best productions you will see of old Scrooge's journey from being a miser of a man into one who knows how to keep Christmas well.
published on 12/19/2024
'Gene & Gilda' is a Love Letter to Them
George Street Playhouse presents Gene & Gilda in a limited run through December 22, 2024. The show is written by Cary Gitter and directed by Joe Brancato.
published on 12/12/2024
'White Christmas' at Paper Mill Playhouse is a Holiday Classic
The time honored classic movie White Christmas comes to life this month at Paper Mill Playhouse. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical is an enjoyable show for the entire family. The production, which is based off of the movie, uses music and lyrics by the great American songwriter Irving Berlin and a book David Ives and Paul Blake. This holiday favorite is a delight to see.
published on 12/07/2024
'Macbeth' at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ - Perfect for this Time of Year
Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare's most popular plays. Classified as a tragedy, the play provides a look at the lengths a man goes to in order to obtain and keep power. Power and politics: two things that drive people to do things they might not normally do. Such is the case with the characters and plot of Macbeth. That idea alone would be enough to go to see the play.
published on 10/25/2024
'What the Constitution Means to Me' Opens George Street Playhouse's 50th Season
George Street Playhouse opens their 50th season with the play What the Constitution Means to Me. Written by Heidi Schreck, this play looks at the U.S. Constitution, Amendments, and Supreme Court decisions in an informative, interesting, and at times fun manner.
published on 10/02/2024
'Sense and Sensibility' is a Theatrical Treat
Attention Jane Austen fans: There is a fabulous new production of one of your favorite Austen novels, Sense and Sensibility, playing in Madison, NJ. Don’t miss your chance to see the time honored classic unfold live onstage at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ).
published on 09/16/2024
The Book of Will – Preserving the Bard's Work
Playing through July 28 at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is The Book of Will. Lauren Gunderson wrote this play around 2017 in order to honor Shakespeare for "igniting her ambitions as a playwright."
published on 07/23/2024
'Still' at Premiere Stages – a Powerful, Well Crafted Play
The new season of Premiere Stages at Kean University opens with with a powerful production of Benjamin V. Marshall's play Still. This play is the true story of William Still, a man who ran an abolitionist office in Philadelphia. Kept under wraps but shown in this play is the work he does as an African American leader in the Underground Railroad. It is said that he helped over 600 slaves escape to freedom. The intensity of all that these pieces of Still's life entails is brought out through fine theatrical crafting including the use of well written dialog and strong theatrical components.
published on 07/18/2024
'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical' is at Paper Mill Playhouse
The Paper Mill Playhouse closes their 85th Season with a crowd pleasing show. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is pure enjoyment for audiences of all ages from the suggested 11 years old.
published on 06/18/2024
"A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder" Tickles a Dark Funny Bone
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) opened their 62nd season last weekend with the show A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder. New Artistic Director Bruce B. Crowe welcomed the audience and explained that this is the first time in a dozen years since a musical was being presented at STNJ. After seeing it performed, I would encourage them not let so many years pass again. In fact, can I put in my order for another one next season?
published on 05/23/2024
New Bell Theater Opens with "East Carson Street"
New Jersey has a new professional theater that is now open and active. The Bell Theater is located in Holmdel's Bell Works complex. it is a part of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center.
published on 05/10/2024
"Gun & Powder" is an Outstanding Musical
Gun & Powder recently opened at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Opening Night was a joyous evening where the audience was dazzled by the new musical. Tremendous applause and standing ovations echoed throughout the night. There was a feeling of celebration in the air as Gun & Powder appears right on track to become a theater classic. It defines the struggles, triumphs, and the importance of family to black women. It shows them in humble beginnings as they set forth with strength and strive to make their way in a difficult world and establish a better life for themselves.
published on 04/19/2024
"East Carson Street" Premiering at Bell Theater
The World Premiere of a new musical, East Carson Street, will open the new Bell Theater in Holmdel, NJ. The play has music by Joe Grushecky with a book by Jonathan Rosenberg
published on 04/06/2024
"Having Our Say" – A Celebration of Age and Memories
George Street Playhouse closes out 2023 with a beautiful show. Having Our Say is based on the true story of two African-American sisters, Sadie and Bessie Delany, both of whom lived past the golden age of 100.
published on 12/15/2023
"A Man for All Seasons" -- Final Show Nov. 5
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) completes their run of A Man for All Seasons this Sunday, Nov. 5. STNJ has a fine history of presenting dramas with historic background. They do it with outstanding direction, strong acting, and creative elements that make for a powerful show. This tradition continues with A Man for All Seasons.
published on 11/02/2023
Premiere Stages Brings New Relevancy to 'Selling Kabul'
Premiere Stages at Kean is now running the New Jersey Premiere of Selling Kabul. Written by Sylvia Khoury, the play runs through September 24 at the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center on the campus of Kean University, Union, NJ. With direction by Taylor Reynolds, the show is intense and thought provoking and it is one that will stay with you for a long time. If you are a person who values family, you may feel sadness as you watch what is going on to people and how it is splitting the citizens of Kabul apart. But this is one that should not be missed.
published on 09/18/2023
"Rock & Roll Man" Final Show is Sept. 1
If you are looking for a good show to see to finish your summer viewing, consider going to New World Stages for Rock & Roll Man. This musical journey tells the story of the beginnings of rock and roll. It focuses on the legendary DJ Alan Freed. Freed brought the music of black artists to the mainstream at a time when segregation was in full swing in the U.S. He is also credited with popularizing the term Rock and Roll to the emerging genre.
published on 08/27/2023
'And a Nightingale Sang' Looks at War Affecting Family Life
Now playing at the Shakespeare Theatre Of New Jersey (STNJ) is the play And a Nightingale Sang. Written in 1977 by British playwright C.P. Taylor, it has been seen both as a play and a film. The play is about a family living in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England during World War II. It has some humor to help balance out some very intense scenes about the war and what it is doing to the Scott family. This production includes songs from that era played by a family member on the home piano
published on 07/22/2023
"The Rose Tattoo" Onstage in Madison
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey opens their 2003 season with a classic from Tennessee Williams titled The Rose Tattoo. The production is an outstanding play to see due to several factors and the direction by Bonnie Monte. In her Director's Notes, Monte writes that she was fortunate to have an opportunity to work with Tennessee Williams in 1981 and 1982 shortly before he died. She writes, "He has influenced my life in the theatre more than any other playwright besides Shakespeare. The Rose Tattoo is Tennessee's homage to love and life, and this production is my grateful homage to him."
published on 06/11/2023
"The Shot" – A Stunning Theatrical Experience
The New Jersey Repertory Company produces many new plays some of which enjoy a world premiere and then go on to other theaters. Although this show is not a world premiere, it appears they have again struck gold with their current offering, The Shot. This show should be one that is seen in other theaters and by many people. It is that good.
published on 04/17/2023
There's a Bee at George Street Playhouse
Yes, there's a bee on the loose at New Brunswick's George Street Playhouse. Not to worry; it won't sting you. But it will get you laughing out loud, a lot. The wonderfully funny musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is a show guaranteed to give you a ton of laughs. It is a well produced production that features a fabulous cast and even a few extras from the audience.
published on 03/26/2023
"Becomes a Woman" Brings a Hidden Gem to Life
In the circle of the arts, hearing the name Betty Smith usually brings the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to mind. This classic novel captures the life story of Francie Nolan's coming of age as a woman in working class Brooklyn in the early 1900's. However, Smith had another part of her writing life that is seldom mentioned. That part is her keen interest in play writing and the theater.
published on 03/09/2023
'Joy' the Musical that Inspires as it Entertains
A new show called Joy is a musical enjoying a premiere run at George Street Playhouse. The show is about Joy Mangano, known to the world as an entrepreneur who invented the Miracle Mop. Although she continues to be a major success, it was a rough road getting there. With a book by Ken Davenport, Mangano’s inspiring story unfolds through good storytelling, an original score and a fine cast.
published on 12/26/2022
'Twelfth Night' Shines Brightly at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
You can always count on The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey to deliver an exceptional production for the December Holiday Season. This year is no exception as they present one of Shakespeare’s comedies, Twelfth Night. The play provides a delightful visit to the theater as a strong acting ensemble provides many funny scenes, some touching moments, and original music using Shakespeare’s own words.
published on 12/16/2022
'Florence and Mojo' Two One-Act Plays
One-act plays use unique formats to tell the story in a more condensed manner than the usual multi-act play does. On stage now through November 13 at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is Florence and Mojo. Each name represents a one-act play written by American playwright Alice Childress.
published on 11/03/2022
"Certain Aspects of Conflict in the Negro Family" Focuses on NJ History of 1967
(UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University presents a new play, Certain Aspects of Conflict in the Negro Family, by TyLie Shider. Mr. Shider is the recipient of the 2021/22 Liberty Live Commission. The Commission is awarded biennially, in partnership with Kean University’s Liberty Hall. It seeks to develop and produce new plays that celebrate New Jersey’s rich and diverse history.
published on 10/20/2022
'Scab' -- The Human Side of Job Changes and Loss
Scab is a Study of What Happens When Jobs Change Hands
published on 09/18/2022
Union Summer Concert Series Rocks with Foreigners Journey
I enjoyed my outdoor experience at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s presentation of Much Ado About Nothing so much that I continued on the next week to an outdoor concert. Next stop: GSP Exit 141 where the Township of Union Summer Concert Series at Rabkin Park plays through July.
published on 07/29/2022
A Summer Delight - "Much Ado About Nothing"
When summer arrives, outdoor theater beckons to us. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) traditionally runs a play a year outdoors. This practice which started in 2002 continues this year with Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Bring your blankets, low back chairs, and picnic dinner to the Outdoor Theatre on the campus of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station. The Greek-style amphitheater has a charm all its own as patrons can enjoy an outstanding production.
published on 07/14/2022
"American Idiot" in Asbury Park is a Winner
Live theater returns to Asbury Park this month as the Asbury Park Theater Company presents American Idiot. An exuberant version of the Green Day Broadway hit show plays one more weekend in the Kingsley Theater at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel. Directed by William Whitefield, this show features a cast with singing voices that will knock your socks off! Green Day’s music and Billie Joe Armstrong’s lyrics are in good hands with Music Direction by Andrew Macirowski. Equally as exciting is the choreography provided by Serena Soffer as the cast puts on a first rate production. This show is a winner that theater goers will love seeing.
published on 07/09/2022
“Enchanted April” Delightful at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey celebrated a very special season opening on Saturday, June 11 with Matthew Barber’s play Enchanted April. It was the first time in two years they have opened a new season. It is also significant because the Madison based theater group also celebrates their 60th Year Anniversary this season.
published on 06/18/2022
"A Walk on the Moon" in the Summer of 1969
There continues to be new joys each week as live theater comes back. Such is the situation at New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse where a wonderful new show is now playing through May 21, 2022. A Walk on the Moon is a musical based on the 1999 movie of the same name. The story takes you back to the summer of 1969 when two significant events occurred as America’s involvement in the Vietnam War was still taking place.
published on 05/13/2022
“Little Girl Blue” Honors Nina Simone
A new musical is now playing at New World Stages. Little Girl Blue is a retrospective of American singer, songwriter, arranger, pianist, and civil rights activist Nina Simone. The production informs, entertains, and engages the audience. The excellent direction of this show is by Devanand Janki. Before opening in NY, this show premiered at George Street Playhouse, New Brunswick, NJ in February 2019. In summer 2021, it was part of the Goodspeed by the River series.
published on 03/19/2022
Baipás Examines Life vs. Death Issues
What happens when a person is in a coma or is under anesthesia during an operation? Are they aware of the state their body is in; do they have any sense of whether they will live or die? Can they see and view their life? These questions has been debated for years with few substantial facts offered to provide answers. The play Baipás, written by Jacobo Morales, now at George Street Playhouse, centers around these issues. Under the direction of Julio Monge, the production provides a fascinating look at two people waiting to hear their fates. In addition to the cast of two delivering very poignant performances, the production uses special stage effects and directed lighting to make the tale come alive.
published on 03/08/2022
‘Snug’ Plays Under the Stars
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) returns to their outdoor summer home this month. Since 2002, STNJ has performed in the outdoor Greek-style amphitheater on the campus of St. Elizabeth University with one exception: 2020 when the CoVid pandemic restrictions prevented its use. But now they are back with two glorious productions available until Aug. 1. Running are Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors and a new play, Snug, written by Bonnie Monte. Both are comedies and both shows are appropriate for all ages.
published on 07/23/2021
"Bad Dates" is Good Virtual Viewing
New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse launches their new Digital Productions with a one woman show that is sure to please. Bad Dates runs until March 14 and it marks the first of four productions being planned for the Playhouse’s 2021 Streaming Season. Written by Theresa Rebeck, Bad Dates stars Andrea Burns as divorcee and single mother Haley Walker. Peter Flynn, Ms. Burns real life husband, directs and their son, Hunter Flynn, edited this filmed production. If you are looking for something that is a cross between all those Netflix movies you’ve probably been watching and live theater, this production fills the bill.
published on 03/04/2021
Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ's Pandemic Playhouse Gives Quality Productions
In the midst of the live theater drought, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) introduces a new remedy: Pandemic Playhouse Entertainment (PPE). This initiative was described by Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte as being inspired by the old television shows of the 1950s and 60s such as Playhouse 90, Masterpiece Playhouse, and Philco Playhouse. Ms. Monte also explained that the STNJ will use their Main Stage at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, NJ and then provide the productions through an online platform which audiences can purchase to see.
published on 02/07/2021
The Doo Wop Project at Kean Stage: A Live Concert Review
Yes, that’s right. Your eyes are not deceiving you. This article is about a live concert held a few nights ago, Thursday, Oct. 22 to be exact. It featured The Doo Wop Project and it was held outdoors at Kean Alumni Stadium in Union, New Jersey. The concert was a part of Kean Stage’s Fall 2020 programs. Kean Stage is finding ways to keep live theater and shows going during this time of the CoVid pandemic.
published on 10/25/2020
