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THIS WEEK IN THEATRE | FEATURED EVENTS



A look behind-the-scenes at Spotlight Players working on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

(MATAWAN, NJ) -- Most people think magic announces itself with fireworks. Roald Dahl knew it usually begins much more quietly. Sometimes it begins with a chocolate bar. Sometimes with a child who refuses to stop believing. And sometimes, it begins in the basement of a church.





 




Mala Aria – A Moving Story of Family Love as They Cope with Disease

Addressing a serious health issue can be a stressful situation for those involved. It is rare to see a play take on a disease like malaria. However, a new play running at Premiere Stages at Kean is about this very topic. Mala Aria by Gloria Majule provides an opportunity to learn more about this disease and how it affects families. Although there are few cases of it reported yearly in the United States, it still needs to be taken seriously. In a number of African countries like Tanzania, one of the settings in the play, it is a different story. People live with the threat daily making it a more serious threat to human life.




Playwright Tom Cavanaugh Launches The Book Writers Group with Staged Reading Showcase on August 2nd

(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- The Brook Writers Group, a newly formed theater collective dedicated to developing original theatrical works in Central New Jersey, will present its inaugural Staged Reading Showcase on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the historic Brook Arts Center (10 Hamilton Street) in Bound Brook. The event begins at 5:00pm.




Gateway Playhouse to Hold Open Auditions for "9 to 5: The Musical"

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse of Somers Point is holding open auditions for their third MainStage production of the year, the incredibly fun 9 to 5: The Musical. Auditions will take place from 6:00pm-8:00pm Monday and Tuesday, August 10 and 11, 2026. All roles are open and any performance experience is welcomed (must be 16 or older).




Librarians to Address Censorship after "Alabama Story" matinees at The Theater Project

(UNION, NJ) -- Librarians and library directors of five New Jersey public libraries will take part in panel discussions on censorship following the 10:00am matinee performances of Kenneth Jones's Alabama Story by The Theater Project on Friday, August 7, and Thursday, August 13, 2026 at DMK Black Box Theater (1980 Morris Avenue) in Union.










 

EVENT PREVIEWS


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.




Princeton Summer Theater presents "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Summer Theater's 2026 Children's Show is You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which runs weekends from June 20 to August 1, 2026. A beloved musical since its premiere in 1967, Clark Gesner brings Charles M. Schulz's "PEANUTS" characters to the stage. The musical ventures through the highs and lows of young life, from baseball and homework to young love and friendship. With an empathetic and whimsical eye, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown reminds us of the importance of connection and joy.




Surflight Theatre presents "Young Frankenstein"

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Young Frankenstein from July 7-27, 2026. It's alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks' monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches.




Brundage Park Playhouse to Hold Auditions for "Ghost, the Musical"

(RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for Ghost the Musical at the playhouse on Carrell Road in Randolph. Auditions will take place on August 8th and August 11th with callbacks on August 12th. Virtual Auditions are due by Friday, August 7th.




Music Mountain Theatre presents "Urinetown"

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Urinetown weekends from July 10 through August 2, 2026. A sidesplitting sendup of greed, love, revolution (and musicals!), in a time when water is worth its weight in gold.











FEATURES


PHOTOS from "Rock of Ages" by Phoenix Productions

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions presented Rock of Ages from July 10-12, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. The fun musical takes you back to the time of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.




Jersey Arts Podcast: Princeton Summer Theater Tackles Sam Shepard's 'True West'

If you're familiar with the notion of sibling rivalry, today's episode may be the one for you. Today, Gina is speaking with the cast and director of Princeton Summer Theater's production of 'True West.'




CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr." this weekend at UCPAC

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- CAU Community Players present their 15th Anniversary show, Seussical Jr., at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) from July 17-19, 2026. This is a vibrant, family-friendly musical that brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life on stage.




PHOTOS from "Shrek: The Musical" at Algonquin Arts Theatre

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is presenting Shrek: The Musical, from July 11–26, 2026. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud spectacle brings everyone's favorite green ogre and his unlikely companions to the stage in a colorful adventure celebrating friendship, acceptance, and the importance of being true to yourself. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.




PHOTOS from "Young Frankenstein" at Surflight Theatre

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre is presenting Young Frankenstein from July 7-27, 2026. It's alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks' monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.









 

LINKS

* Community Theaters
* Equity Theater Companies









THIS WEEK IN THEATRE






 

 

NYC Musical Marathon & Jack Dallas presents 1756 - Making America

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Divinity Hall @ Centennial AME Zion Church Closter, NJ
 

Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore

Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage Toms River, NJ
 

A Dance with Death: A 1950's Prom Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center Carteret, NJ