Musical theater nerds can rejoice, George Street Playhouse is bringing back “Tick Tick… BOOM!,” the posthumously produced musical by Jonathan Larson, best known for having written the widely known rock opera, “Rent.”
All in Theater
Broadway Stars Perform Sondheim Classic with American Theater Group
No one writes songs about relationships quite like Stephen Sondheim, and A Little Night Music, now being performed by American Theater Group at Hamilton Stage, is no exception.
'Black Girl Magic' Celebrates the History and Accomplishments of Black Women Through Story and Song
Guided by the Ancestors, African Warrior Queens, a woman named Sister struggles to find a place of self-reconciliation and acceptance in the world as she is given a glimpse into the lives and legacy of Black women—past and present, young and old. This is the story behind “Black Girl Magic,” a powerful show coming to West Windsor Township, NJ, hailing from the Underground Performing Arts Collective in Suffolk, Virginia.
The Caribbean Musical Retelling of The Little Mermaid, 'Once On This Island,' Is Coming To South Jersey
A restaging of the Caribbean-infused musical “Once On This Island” is coming to the Levoy Theatre in Millville, New Jersey, running for four performances from February 9th through February 11th. Filled with immersive storytelling, the show is directed by Domonic Barnes and choreographed by Olivia Cruz. Conducting a live band is music director Bryan Broughton.
'The Cher Show' Celebrates the Life and Legend of a Musical Icon at the State Theatre
The Tony-award winning musical, “The Cher Show,” is on tour and making its way to the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick. The show encompasses everything we know and love about Cher – the Bob Mackie costumes, the musical hits, the love stories, the drama, and moments that may surprise even her biggest fans.
Keith Alessi is a One-Man Show in 'Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life'
"Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life," the quirky one-man show conceived of and performed by Keith Alessi, will be on stage at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on January 24. The SOLD-OUT show is a co-presentation of MPAC, Morris Arts, and AM Higley Construction.
And while the tomatoes and banjos in the title are emblematic in some ways, they also refer to things that shaped Alessi’s life.
A 'Discover Jersey Arts' Look Back at 2023
As we near the end of the 2023 calendar year, the Discover Jersey Arts team decided to take a look back at the things we've accomplished. We've published a wealth of content this year, but these five pieces are the ones we're most proud of—these exemplify the Discover Jersey Arts mission most.
We want to tell exciting, unique stories that will pull you in and seat you in the theatre, dance hall, concert venue, or museum floor. We aim to provide a platform for voices to be heard in a space where they may not normally be seen, and above all else, we're here to help you discover (New) Jersey arts.
Black Nativity Brings Blessings to the Basie
"Black Nativity", a gospel song play inspired by the Gospel of Luke and with a book written by Langston Hughes, first premiered on Broadway in 1961. It has since been performed all over the world as a joyful, musical celebration of the Nativity story. Dunbar Repertory Company will bring its vision of this timeless classic to the Count Basie Center for the Arts this December 30th.
Have 'A Tuna Christmas' With Cape May Stage
"A Tuna Christmas" is a humorous play set in the fictional town of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. The play is a sequel to "Greater Tuna" and was written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears, and Jaston Williams. It debuted in 1989 and has since become a popular comedic fixture in American theater, especially around the holiday season.
Moorestown Theater Company spreads holiday cheer with 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr.'
This holiday season, the Moorestown Theater Company (MTC) in Burlington County will present "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr." and the acclaimed youth theater organization will do it all with a cast of elementary and middle school students — as well as a few ninth graders.
Get Ready for Christmas with 'A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage'
Charlie Brown, created by Charles M. Schulz, first appeared in 1950 in the St Paul Pioneer Press. Over 70 years later, Charlie Brown and his friends are still entertaining audiences.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” was the first television program based on Schulz’ comic strip and it aired in 1965. Since then, the beloved Christmas classic has been adapted for the stage with much acclaim. “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage” has been delighting Peanuts fans since 2013.
The touring production will soon be stopping at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ for a one day, two performance run.
SCTC Presents "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"
Next up at the South Camden Theatre Company’s Waterfront South Theatre is “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” based on the award-winning 2003 novel by British author Mark Haddon and adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens. The production opens on Nov 3 and continues Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons through Nov 19.
The play starts when Christopher Boone, the 15-year-old central character, self-described as a “mathematician with some behavioral difficulties.” makes an unfortunate discovery and sets out to learn who is behind the disturbing deed.
"Lost in Yonkers" Finds Its Way to Morristown
Pioneer Productions Company is dedicated to sharing the collective human story through live theatrical performance by producing shows that are relevant to our time and inspiring audiences to attend live theatre.
And it serves their mission well that their upcoming show is Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers.” Though set in 1942, the play echoes the troubles of our modern world and speaks to audiences through the eyes of a dysfunctional albeit entertaining New York family.
The play boasts the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Drama along with four Drama Desk Awards and another four Tonys including Best Play. Focusing on two young boys, after the death of their mother, who are abruptly left with their forbidding grandmother and their young aunt with an intellectual disability, the play shows audiences a glimpse of one family’s difficult life in NY during the WWII era. Bringing both humor and heart to a troublesome time.
Jersey Arts speaks with Pioneer Productions Company Founder and “Lost in Yonkers” Director, Dan Vissers and his cast, Heidi Molnar and Noah Shidlovsky about their upcoming production.
Art House Productions Brings "Tracy Jones" to Life
"Tracy Jones" is a touching comedy of individual connection in an increasingly busy world. And the play will mark the first fully staged production in Arthouse Production's new space.
The play's synopsis reads: "The main character, Tracy Jones, rents out the back "party room" of Jones Street Bar and Grill: The Place for Wings and Things to throw a party to which she's invited every woman in the area who is also named Tracy Jones. Tracy sits for over an hour alone, nursing her Diet Coke, waiting for any other Tracy Joneses to show up, and help alleviate her epic loneliness. Through her encounters with the limited guests that attend, this hilarious play challenges the audience to question loneliness, connection, and why we do the things we do."
Jersey Arts speaks to director, Alex Tobey and writer, Stephen Kaplan about bringing this show to life.
Patricia Quinn Celebrates 48 Years of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and Magenta
It’s officially Spooky Season and quite possibly, the best season for a night of debauchery with "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" 48th Anniversary Spectacular Tour. On October 25th at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ, Rocky Horror fans will be treated to a screening of the original unedited film alongside a live shadowcast. Audience participation is encouraged and expected.
Patricia Quinn, the film’s very own Magenta, will be in attendance as well with special VIP Meet & Greets available.
Jersey Arts speaks with Patricia about Rocky Horror and their journey from stage to screen as we celebrate 48 years of this cult classic film.
Pulitzer Prize Finalist Play “Bulrusher” Hits the Stage at McCarter Theatre
Music, humor and clairvoyance are soon to thrill audiences at McCarter Theatre Center in the form of Eisa Davis' Pulitzer Prize finalist play, “Bulrusher.” A period piece set in 1950s California, “Bulrusher” is the coming-of-age tale of a multiracial young woman bestowed with the gift of clairvoyance as she navigates life in her mostly white town. More than a fish out of water story, Bulrusher highlights the beauty, complexity and compassion that make life the nuanced ride that it is.
Jersey Arts speaks with Director Nicole A. Watson and the cast of McCarter’s “Bulrusher” to learn more about this vibrant story.
Eighth Annual Natya Darpan Festival of Plays Brings Together Indian Communities of Different Languages
An exciting array of plays will take the stage at the eighth Natya Darpan 2023, a festival of short plays in multiple languages, on Aug. 20 from 1:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Middlesex College in Edison, New Jersey. Hosted by the Indian Heritage and Cultural Association of NJ (IHCA-NJ) in association with the General Consulate of India (New York), Natya Darpan 2023 will feature six amazing short plays in English, Hindi and Marathi, with English supertitles for non-English plays, by award-winning theater groups from around the country.
A Night of Dancing "On the Town" in Lambertville
Patrons of Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville asked a show that is full of dancing and tunes not easily forgotten. On stage Aug. 4-20, Music Mountain has given “On the Town” a colorful, pop art, comic book-style look.
Fans of the “Golden Age” of cinema, when audio and artistry became of equal quality, will know the 1949 film of “On the Town” for its stars, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, Jules Munshin, and Vera-Ellen, and its Leonard Bernstein tunes, like “New York, New York.”
The musical “On the Town” is not an adaption of the film but rather the other way around. It was a musical hit for the American Ballet Theatre in 1944, and has undergone several revivals. That’s right, the Ballet.
Dive With Two Hands Into the Soup of Characters in "Avenue Q"
What if some colorful puppets with large eyes and mops of hair told you today what was really going on with the people and influences in your life during your youth? Would you have an aha moment? Would you be able to laugh out loud at the fresh perspective? You may likely want to shield your children’s eyes and ears.
Avenue Q is a musical that won the Tony Triple Crown – best musical, score and book – and tells the story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a New York City, settling on an apartment on the more affordable Avenue Q. While he searches to find his way, much discovery is had by means of an unprogrammed course in the adult world provided by the people in his neighborhood. Princeton and most of his neighbors are puppets. Or, are they an extension of the puppeteers, who are actors?
Yasmina Reza's Tony-Award-Winning Play "Art" at Cape May Stage
Yasmina Reza's play "Art" is a thought-provoking and hilarious exploration of the complexities of friendships, the subjective nature of art, and the impact of individual perspectives on relationships. Premiering in Paris in 1994, "Art" quickly became a worldwide sensation, translated into and produced in 30 languages, receiving numerous awards, including the prestigious Tony Award for Best Play in 1998.
The production of “Art” at Cape May Stage stars Christopher Dolman, Scott Greer and Timothy J. Stickney, and runs through Aug. 27. Cape May Stage is an artistic haven that fosters creativity, and community engagement and enriches lives. With its dedication to artistic excellence and historic charm, it remains an enchanting destination for theater lovers and a cultural resource for the Cape May region.