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Film Review - "Bad Apples"

The school classroom is a microcosm of society. It requires a strong leader in a teacher who can ensure everyone is pulling in the same direction. All it takes is one bad apple to disrupt the whole system. When I think back to my school days there were some teachers who knew exactly how to make us behave, and others who simply weren't cut out for the job. The latter's classes were anarchic, with half the class time devoted to trying to corral the little monsters who recognised weakness in their teachers. The sad thing is, most of these teachers would probably have been perfectly good teachers if they were allowed to simply teach rather than having to play a psychological cat and mouse game with budding sociopaths.



 

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Events This Week in New Jersey from September 23-29, 2026

Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from September 23-29, 2026 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.



This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from September 23-29, 2026

Here is a look at shows taking place from September 23-29, 2026 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.



The Wonder Bar presents Dramarama on Saturday

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Dramarama returns to the Wonder Bar on Saturday, September 26, 2026 with Lisa Bouchelle & The Bleu opening the night. Doors are at 7:00pm. New Jersey Stage considers Dramarama as one of the best live bands to ever come out of the Garden State.



Carteret PAC presents An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer on Saturday

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Created by Carl Palmer and his management, the tour is presented with the full cooperation of the Estates of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. This is not a tribute act - This is the real thing.



Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Rich Francese's Italian American Comedy All Stars on Saturday

(AVENEL, NJ) -- Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Rich Francese's Italian American Comedy All Stars on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. This is a fast paced, unpredictable, and hysterically funny show. Featuring the best Italian American comedians in the country!



Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Comedy Night with Jonathan van Halem on October 1st

(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents a Comedy Night with Jonathan van Halem on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. Special guest Kirsten Michelle Cills will open the night.



Wellmont Theater presents Robin Trower on Saturday

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Wellmont Theater presents Robin Trower on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary guitarist from Procol Harum continues to release news works like 2025's studio album Come and Find Me and his latest live album - One Moment in Time: Live in the USA.



Clement's Place hosts City in Notes: A Community Mural-Making Event on September 29th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- How does jazz make you feel? What does it help you see? You’re invited to explore the connection between jazz, legacy, emotion and color at a special community workshop, where everyone can take part in the creation of a new mural that will be installed in the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center on NJPAC's campus when it opens in 2027. The event takes place at Clement's Place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 6:30pm.



The Folk Project's Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series presents Ellis Paul on Friday

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Folk Project's Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series presents Ellis Paul on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 7:30pm. He will be on a bill with The Folk Project's 2026 Songwriting Contest winners: Winter Wilson, Andrew Lorand, and Erik Balkey.



The Berrie Center for the Arts presents Seals & Crofts 2 on Saturday

(MAHWAH, NJ) -- The Berrie Center for the Arts presents Seals & Crofts 2 on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. For millions of fans, the music of Seals & Crofts was more than just songs — it was the soundtrack of their lives.



StocktonPAC presents ODC/Dance - Dance Company Residency on October 9th

(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Stockton Performing Arts Center presents a performance by ODC/Dance - Dance Company Residency on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. ODC is dedicated to the lifecycle of the artistic process. Through their company, school and theater, they aim to inspire audiences, cultivate artists, engage community, and foster diversity and inclusion through dance.



Music Box at the Borgata presents Micky Dolenz - 60 Years of The Monkees

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents Micky Dolenz - 60 Years of The Monkees on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00pm.



Anchor Rock Club presents Israel Nash on December 4th

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Anchor Rock Club presents Israel Nash on Friday, December 4, 2026 at 8:00pm. His upcoming album reimagines Sweetheart of the Rodeo with shimmering harmonies, lush Americana textures, and the soul of the Texas hill country. This heartfelt tribute breathes new life into The Byrds' landmark album while honoring its timeless spirit.



Daily Edition 09-23-26

Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!










FEATURED EVENTS

Celebrating with Stories – Hispanic Heritage Storytime

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 10:00am
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ

UCPAC invites children in Pre-K through third grade and their families to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us for story time with classic books read in both Spanish and in English by community leaders. Pages from the books will be projected onto our screen, as well as read aloud. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

 

An Evening with Kenny G

Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Superstar saxophonist Kenny G has been a staple in pop and contemporary jazz since the 1980s, with crossover hits such as “Songbird” that have made him a favorite of fans worldwide who love his expressive melodies and emotional solos.



 

Dolph Lundgren In Conversation

Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ

Fights Worth Fighting by Dolph Lundgren is a powerful and unflinchingly honest memoir from one of the most enduring icons of action cinema.


 

Beetlejuice

Friday, September 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ

“A JOYFUL, EBULLIENT ANTIDOTE TO REALITY!” — Rolling Stone 



 

Ailey II

Friday, September 25, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Pictured: Ailey II’s Adanna Smalls and Eric J. Vidaña. Photo by Nir Arieli.

 

CLUB MAC Back to School Night!

Friday, September 25, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
Middletown, NJ

Celebrate back-to-school season with a magical Kids Night Out inspired by Matilda! Kids will enjoy themed crafts, exciting games, pizza, drinks, snacks, and fun activities that spark imagination.

 

UB40: The Unstoppable Tour 2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

The iconic British reggae band performs classics (“Red Red Wine,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do”) alongside brand-new tracks from their new studio album.



 

An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ

Created by Carl Palmer and his management, the tour is presented with the full cooperation of the Estates of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. This is not a tribute act – This is the real thing.



 

Decade - A Neil Young Tribute

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Since 2015, Decade has continually performed the most authentic tribute to the music of Neil Young. John Hathaway’s dead on vocals, guitar and harmonica front a stellar band capable of covering any song or era from Neil’s sixty plus years as a recording artist. This is a band not to be missed.



 

Maximum Queen

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Manasquan, NJ

Get ready to be rocked as Maximum Queen delivers the power and spectacle of Queen's legendary live performances at Algonquin's annual Fall fundraising concert. Featuring Martyn Jenkins as Freddie Mercury, this explosive tribute captures the band's iconic sound, theatricality, and energy with precision and passion-bringing anthems like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You" to life.

 





EVENT PREVIEWS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY | KIDS

To narrow results by date, categories,
or region of New Jersey click here.

The Ugly Pancake Comedy Festival to Take Place in Asbury Park and NYC

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Ugly Pancake Comedy Festival is back at The Jersey Shore for the 4th time! Ugly Pancake's Joey Borzotta and Angelo Gingerelli have been bringing the best in stand-up comedy to The Jersey Shore since 2021 and they are celebrating their five year anniversary with their biggest festival yet.


Surflight Theatre presents "Vanities: The Musical"

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Vanities: The Musical weekends from September 23 to October 4, 2026. This musical chronicles the life-affirming journey of three vivacious Texas teens from cheerleaders to sorority sisters to housewives to liberated women and beyond.


South Mountain Film Academy premieres student-led documentary "The Maplewood Theater: The Show Must Go On" on September 23rd

(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The South Mountain Film Academy (SMFA), in partnership with the Maplewood Memorial Library, announced the premiere of "The Maplewood Theater: The Show Must Go On," a poignant 15-minute documentary filmed and produced by local middle school students. The short film explores the history of Maplewood's nearly 100-year-old theater, the venue's role in the community and residents' excitement about the plans to reopen – just in time for the centennial.


Gateway Playhouse presents "9 to 5: The Musical"

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents the hit Broadway show 9 to 5: The Musical across two weekends from September 24 to October 4, 2026. The production brings the beloved workplace comedy to life with the added excitement of two talented casts sharing performances throughout the run.


Luna Stage presents "Hold These Truths"

(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents Hold These Truths weekends from September 24 to October 18, 2026. It's a one man play starring Joel de la Fuente portraying 36 characters. The play, written by Jeanne Sakata, was inspired by the real story of civil rights pioneer Gordon Hirabayashi.







LATEST FEATURES

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY | KIDS

(CRANFORD, NJ) -- Summer doesn’t have to end! Leave your troubles at the door and spend ninety minutes at a completely unhinged beach party... a Psycho Beach Party! CDC Theatre presents this hilarious send up of Gidget, Frankie and Annette beach party movies, with a dash of Hitchcock psychological suspense thrillers across two weekends from October 9-18, 2026.


Here is The Flesh People Fall 2026 New Jersey Film Festival Video Q+A with Writer/Director Keshav Srinivasan, Producer Silvia Chen, Lead Actors Jorge Carrión Álvarez and Louise Heller, Production Designer Yulanda Yo-Rong Shieh, Music Composer Vova Faust (a.k.a. Vladimir Edmond), sound designer Nick Long , and Festival Director Albert Nigrin. The Flesh People will be screening on Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Online for 24 Hours! 



(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Sixty seconds before the ball drops on a New Jersey diner packed with lodge brothers, lovesick teenagers, a tempestuous Hollywood couple, and a writers' group still arguing about a chicken, playwright and director Dan Maurer's newest work asks a simple question with complicated answers: what happens when you finally say the thing you've been holding back?



(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Sesame Street Live! Elmo's Got the Moves on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 2:00pm. Elmo's Got the Moves will have kids and parents alike out of their seats and dancing along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends as they move and groove to fan-favorite songs, including "Sunny Days," "Elmo's Got the Moves," and "Letter of the Day."



(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The Bob Band comes to The Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, October 9, 2026. The band is a group of veteran musicians based in Washington, D.C. dedicated to capturing the vibe, spirit and arrangement of Bob Dylan's original recordings. Showtime is 8:00pm.







LATEST COLUMNS

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Mountain Walk" by The Beagles with Joy

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Mountain Walk," the third single from "Listen for a Moment," the new LP by The Beagles with Joy.


Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 09/17/2026

"Yes, I'm in Montclair," said the incredible Lily Vakili as she talked about her two recent releases,her music and upcoming tour which kicks off on September 26 in Blairstown, NJ to support both. "Actually, "Oceans of Kansas" came out already; I'm still very much supporting and promoting that and it came out last year, that was a full LP and then this year, I released a live in studio EP called "Live Wire."


"Torn"

A crumpled-up piece of paper and a mangled sheet of metal have certain visual similarities. In both cases, rough circumstances have given strange new facets to machine-flattened material. That which was once uniform and controlled has been shot through with irregularity. It feels like a metaphor for life. A curator could put both pieces behind a vitrine and call that an exhibition.

* Events This Week in New Jersey

* This Week in Music

* This Week in Theatre

* Top 15 Most Read Stories from the Past Week

Daily Edition 09-23-26

Here is a look at the articles published yesterday. The Daily Edition comes out Monday through Friday with a recap of articles published Friday through Sunday on Mondays.



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