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Garden State Film Festival: AL6 (Champion Chronicles: Defying The Odds; Stronger Than You Think)

Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 2:30pm



Asbury Lanes
209 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

Champion Chronicles: Defying The Odds - Overcoming the Odds Wagner was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a condition where the umbilical cord gets wrapped around a limb of a developing fetus, causing it to be underdeveloped. Yet, from a young age, Wagner refused to let his condition stop him. Growing up in Baker, Florida, Wagner fell in love with the game of football, playing on both sides of the ball. it wasn’t until middle school, when he started to play at running back that he showed he could really dominate on the gridiron. In a four-year varsity career at Baker High School, he rushed for over 5842 yards and 66 touchdowns. As a junior, he made national headlines by breaking the state of Florida’s high school single-game rushing record that was set by Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry in 2012, rushing for 535 yards in just 25 carries. Saluki Football Despite rushing for over 1900 yards as a junior and over 2000 yards in his senior year, he had one offer to play Divison One football at Southern Illinois University. In the documentary, Wagner talks about his amazing journey to Division One football and the life lessons he has learned along the way. Directed by Ryan Sahlin, Chris Delany (00:08:15) Asbury Park Premiere

Stronger Than You Think - Against all odds, Ali Truwit survived. 
Just days after her college graduation, a snorkeling trip turned into a nightmare when the accomplished collegiate swimmer was attacked by a shark. The brutal encounter would test every ounce of her strength and will to live. Against staggering odds, Ali survived — but her life was forever altered. The loss of her leg marked not just a physical transformation, but an emotional reckoning. Faced with unimaginable trauma, Ali made a powerful choice: to reclaim her story and use her experience to inspire others. Leaning on the values that had always guided her, she set her sights on a nearly unthinkable goal — earning a spot on the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Team... just one year after the attack. This film follows her extraordinary journey: through the pain of recovery, the battle to return to the water, the triumph of making Team USA, and ultimately, rising to the podium in Paris. It’s a story of survival, strength, and a young woman’s unbreakable spirit — a testament to what’s possible when resilience meets purpose. Directed by Janice C Molinari, Melissa Forman (01:39:22) East Coast Premiere




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EVENT PREVIEWS

Arden

Arden Theatre Company presents "Dear Evan Hansen"

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Arden Theatre Company brings the Tony Award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen, to the F. Otto Haas Stage this spring. Featuring a book by Steven Levenson and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the production is directed by Terrence J. Nolen and co-conceived by Jorge Cousineau and Nolen. Performances begin May 21, the show opens May 27, and runs through July 5, 2026.



MPAC

MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.



Classic

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.



Music

Music Mountain Theatre presents "My Fair Lady"

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents the classic musical, My Fair Lady, weekends from June 12 to July 5, 2026. The tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady, featuring one of musical theatre's greatest scores.



East

East Lynne Theater Company presents "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years" by Emily Mann

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The reimagined East Lynne Theater Company opens its Season Forty-Six with the extraordinary, real-life story Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years by Emily Mann, running June 18 to July 19, 2026 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME in Cape May.






 

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This Week in Music

Here is a look at shows taking place this week along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas