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Purpose

Thursday, January 28, 2027 @ 7:30pm

McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540


Tickets run from $35 - $110

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Purpose, the gripping and hilarious new drama from two-time Tony Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, is “a thumping, riveting, guns-blazing, major new American play” (NY Daily News) that is “unstoppably fierce, funny, and ruthless!” (The New York Post). 

An electrifying, intimate and intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the influential Jasper family. And like all families, there are cracks beneath the surface. When the son returns home with an uninvited friend, the family is forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith, and its legacy. 

“Purpose channels everything from August Wilson to Tennessee Williams. It’s a sparring match, crackling with sharp punchlines, pulling us into an all-out brawl.” — New York Magazine




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UPCOMING EVENTS




 

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EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The Bald and the Beautiful will be live at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 7:30pm. Fans are invited to join renowned drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova for an unforgettable evening exploring the boundaries of modern beauty and comedy.



Disney

Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic! in Atlantic City this November

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- A dazzling new Disney On Ice production is skating into Atlantic City, and it's unlike anything audiences have seen before. Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic! invites fans to step into the spotlight and join a glamorous red-carpet celebration packed with never-before-seen performances, chart-topping music, and more than 30 beloved Disney characters – coming to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall from November 6-8, 2026.



CarteretPAC

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".



NJPAC

NJPAC presents comedian Matt McCusker on November 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents comedian Matt McCusker and his Healing Frequency Tour on Friday, November 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. McCusker, acclaimed for his unique blend of humor and philosophical insight, promises an evening of laughter and reflection that is not to be missed.



Outpost

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.












LATEST COLUMNS


BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/10/26

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 Des & the Swagmatics, Bamberdost, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Jonny Couch, Sean Henry Tonight!, and Ava LaMonte. Plus a look back at "Duluth" by Particle Zoo.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Soaked" by Kiaura Rose

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Soaked" from Kiaura Rose's debut seven-song debut album, "Vagrant."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 08/06/2026

"I am great! I was in California last weekend and just got back, I have the day off and I'm getting to chat with you so everything is great," says Monster Jam monster truck driver Angelina Nock as she let us in on the profession, her background and what we can expect when she gets behind the wheel of Megalodon at Newark's Prudential Center August 14 through 16.




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