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Aries Spears

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm



State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

See comedian Aries Spears live at State Theatre New Jersey! Ever since New York native Aries Spears was 14 years old, he has been a force to be reckoned with in the comedy scene throughout America. His quick wit, charisma, and ferociously aggressive style of comedy have earned him critical acclaim, high accolades, and above all, a busy schedule. From being a regular on Fox’s Mad TV, starring in feature films, appearing on a number of national talk shows, and continually touring the country where he continually sells out each and every city, Spears’ talents are widespread as he just passed the three million spins played on Pandora and his podcast is one of the "Musts" in the U.S.

In 2023, Spears guest starred in CNN’s See It Loud hit docuseries on the history of Black Television, alongside Amanda Seales, Da’Vinchi, Debbie Allen, Deon Cole, Desus & Mero, Gabrielle Union, Jimmie Walker, Judge Greg Mathis, Lynn Whitfield, Mo’Nique, Naturi Naughton, Sherri Shepherd, Tatyana Ali, Tisha Campbell, Vivica A. Fox, and many more.

As a principal cast member on Fox’s hit sketch comedy show Mad TV, Spears brought a fresh, hip style to the already-edgy program. The producers made full use of many of Spears' talents by calling on him frequently to create new hilarious characters and write sketches where he thrived for eight seasons.

Some of the many recurring characters that Spears is famous for on the show include: Belma Buttons, Bill Cosby, Jesse Jackson, Mike Tyson, Walter (Crackheads), Reggie (Erascist), Dollar Bill Montgomery, Shaquille O'Neal, The Klumps, Michael Jackson, Sisqo, Evander Holyfield, El Diablo Negro, and more. He also boasts a number of uproarious impersonations on the show that include James Brown, Al Pacino, and his childhood idol Eddie Murphy. The Spears-branded sketch “Talkin’ American” was Mad TV’s most popular bit, keeping fans tuned in and boosting Mad’s ratings impressively on Saturday night.

Spears has also found great success in the world of feature films. At the age of 17, after being spotted in a comedy club, he landed a part in the movie Home of Angels which eventually led to a starring role alongside John Leguizamo in The Pest followed by the notable role as Cuba Gooding, Jr.’s brother in the blockbuster hit, Jerry Maguire.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

"Slanted

"Slanted Floors" returns to its Greenpoint Apartment

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Following critical acclaim and sold-out performances, Slanted Floors — hailed by the Daily Beast as "one of New York's most unique and exclusive pieces of theatre" — returns for a strictly limited five-week engagement in its original Greenpoint apartment setting. Performances will run May 26 through June 26, 2026, with 150 seats available.



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.



Paper

Paper Mill Playhouse presents "West Side Story"

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents West Side Story, the final production of Paper Mill's 2025-2026 season, from May 28 through June 28, 2026. An enduring masterpiece based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, West Side Story reimagines Romeo and Juliet in 1950s New York, where young lovers Tony and Maria dare to dream of a future together as rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks clash for control of the streets.



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.



Cape

Cape May Stage presents "What the Constitution Means to Me"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck from June 3-28, 2026. Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning constitutional debate competitions across the country. In this electrifying and deeply personal play, she revisits that teenage self to explore how the U.S. Constitution has shaped her life — and how it continues to shape all of ours.






 

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LATEST COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "I Will Walk You Home” by Wiser Time

Wiser Time, aka Central Jersey singer-songwriter-guitarist Carmen Sclafani, just dropped his latest album, "There’s A Change A-Comin'," on his own Wiser Time Music. The closing focus track, "I Will Walk You Home," is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.




BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 6/15/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Night Windows; Bionic Rhoda; The Mighty Alrighty; Danello, The Sad Surfer; Wiser Time; and Mars Kushi. Plus a look back at "Hot Town" by Chris Rockwell.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Under the Carousel" by Josh Herman

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Under the Carousel," the latest video from North Jersey singer-songwriter Josh Herman.




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