Events This Week in New Jersey from May 19-25, 2026

 

Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from May 19-25, 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. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Music, Theatre, Comedy, Books, Art, Community, Event Listings.

Most of the events previewed here are articles created by New Jersey Stage, but you may send press releases to info@newjerseystage.com to have your shows considered for previews. New Jersey Stage offers the best promotion for the arts with banner ads from $50-$100 for up to 3 months of advertising. For more information on advertising with us, click here.

FEATURED EVENTS

Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead". (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Crossroads Theatre Company presents Sizwe Bansi Is Dead from May 19 - June 14, 2026 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. This is a powerful, funny, and deeply moving story about identity, survival, and the extraordinary ingenuity of ordinary people navigating an unjust system.

McCarter Theatre Center presents "Mrs. Christie" - a new comedy-mystery by Heidi Armbruster. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Mrs. Christie, a witty new comedy-mystery by Heidi Armbruster, from May 6–31, 2026. The production is directed by BOLD Associate Artistic Director Donya K. Washington in her McCarter directorial debut.

 

Vivid Stage presents Meet the Artist New Play Readings throughout May. (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center, will present its annual Meet the Artist new play reading series on Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20 and 27. This year includes works by Brad Goren-Wilson, Vince Gatton, Erin Mallon, and Elizabeth Irwin. All readings will take place at the Summit Community Center (100 Morris Ave) at 7:00pm.

Thursday, May 21 - UCPAC presents John Waters' "Pink Flamingos" in 35mm. (RAHWAY, NJ) -- Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) presents the film Pink Flamingos in 35mm on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. Join them for John Waters' notorious 1972 cult classic, starring the inimitable Divine as a self-proclaimed queen of filth competing in a grotesque rivalry for the title of "the filthiest person alive."

Middletown Arts Center and Dunbar Repertory Company presents "Seven Guitars" by August Wilson. (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center, in conjunction with Dunbar Repertory Company, presents a special production of Seven Guitars, directed by Mark Antonio Henderson, across two weekends from May 23–31, 2026. The play by August Wilson follows a blues musician chasing redemption and a second chance as love, ambition, and fate collide in powerful portrait of dreams deferred.

Saturday, May 23 - Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alexis P Suter. (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alexis P Suter on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:30pm. Three-time Blues Music Award (BMA) nominee including the 'Koko Taylor' and Best Soul Blues Female Artist award categories, Alexis is an American blues, and soul blues singer-songwriter.

Sunday, May 24 - Roxey Ballet presents Mowgli's Jungle Adventure - A Thrilling Family Ballet Inspired by The Jungle Book. (EWING, NJ) -- Roxey Ballet invites audiences of all ages to journey deep into the jungle with Mowgli's Jungle Adventure on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at the Villa Victoria Theater. This exciting family-friendly production brings the beloved story inspired by The Jungle Book to life through breathtaking dance, theatrical storytelling, colorful costumes, and imaginative choreography. Showtime is 2:00pm.

MUSIC

Wednesday, May 20 - Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Richard Barone & Glenn Mercer: Hazy Cosmic Jive on Wednesday. (AVENEL, NJ) -- Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Richard Barone & Glenn Mercer: Hazy Cosmic Jive on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 7:30pm. 

White Eagle Hall presents The Feelies 50th Anniversary Shows. (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- White Eagle Hall presents The Feelies 50th Anniversary shows on May 22-23, 2026. The band will be performing The Good Earth and Crazy Rhythms albums.

Saturday, May 23 - Centenary Stage Company presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience. (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company in partnership with the Hackettstown Rotary Club presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 8:00pm. The performance will take place in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center with proceeds in part to benefit the many initiatives of the Hackettstown Rotary Club.

Saturday, May 23 - The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang. (FORT LEE, NJ) -- The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang in a double bill of Chinese music culture on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:00pm.

Saturday, May 23 - Starland Ballroom presents Sevendust. (SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- The Starland Ballroom presents Sevendust on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:00pm. The night also features performances by Snot and American Adrenalin.

THEATRE

Hitchcock Meets Hilarious: Bergen County Players presents "The 39 Steps". (ORADELL, NJ) -- Fresh off being named the top live music or theater venue by 201 Magazine's "Best of Bergen" readers, Bergen County Players (BCP) invites audiences to brace themselves for a whirlwind of espionage and outrageous comedy with the Tony Award-winning The 39 Steps, which runs weekends from May 2-31, 2026. Directed by BCP life member Steve Bell, this breakneck adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film classic blends film noir suspense with Monty Python-style absurdity.

Ritz Theatre Company presents "Porgy and Bess". (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents Porgy and Bess from May 1-24, 2026. Set in the 1930s in Catfish Row, a Black community in Charleston, South Carolina,the musical tells the story of Porgy, a kind but disabled beggar, and Bess, a woman trying to escape her violent lover Crown and the seductive pull of drugs offered by Sportin' Life. The production is directed by Darryl Thompson, Jr.

Haddonfield Plays and Players presents "Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill: The Musical". (HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Haddonfield Plays and Players presents "Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill: The Musical" from May 8-23, 2026. This exhilarating musical was inspired by the themes and raw emotions laid bare in Alanis Morissette's seminal album of the same name.

The Players Guild of Leonia presents "Jesus Christ Superstar". (LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia presents Jesus Christ Superstar across three weekends from May 8-24, 2026. Featuring Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Tim Rice, this is a rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

South Camden Theatre Company presents "Chicken & Biscuits" by Douglas Lyons. (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company presents Chicken & Biscuits by Douglas Lyons across three weekends from May 8-24, 2026. This is a story that explores love, family, and the families we choose, reminding us all of the resilience and unity at the heart of our community.

Classic American Tales celebrates Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain, Paul Robeson, and the American Revolution in May. (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- In May alone, Classic American Tales performs on a farm, in two different libraries, and at historic Peachfield.

Luna Stage presents PLAYFEST in May. (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents PLAYFEST across two weekends from May 14-24, 2026. PLAYFEST contains staged readings, works-in-progress, workshop performances, and magic! Best of all, tickets are FREE!

The Maplewood Strollers presents "Much Ado About Nothing". (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Maplewood Strollers presents Much Ado About Nothing across two weekends from May 15-24, 2026. Wit flies, sparks ignite, and love is anything but simple in this classic by William Shakespeare.

The Barn Theatre presents Monty Python's "Spamalot". (MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents Monty Python's Spamalot weekends from May 15 through June 6, 2026. King Arthur's legendary quest for the Holy Grail gets a hilarious twist in this uproarious musical, lovingly ripped from the 1975 classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Music Mountain Theatre presents "Disaster!". (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Disaster! weekends from May 15 through June 7, 2026. Earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and the unforgettable songs of the '70s take center stage in Broadway’s side-splitting homage to classic disaster films.

First Avenue Playhouse presents "Old Love". (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents Old Love by Norm Foster across three weekends from May 15-30, 2026. This love story spans three decades with half a dozen meetings between Bud, a salesman, and Molly, his boss's wife.

Princeton Summer Theater Announces 2026 Season. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Summer Theater has unveiled its 2026 subscription season which will run from June 11th to August 1st, featuring an exciting lineup of three mainstage pieces and a family-friendly musical. Productions include Barefoot in the Park, The 39 Steps, True West, and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "Private Lives". (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Private Lives by Noël Coward from May 16 to June 7, 2026 in the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. A razor-sharp comedy of manners, Private Lives crackles with Coward's signature wit and elegance.

Liberty Arts Theatre presents "I Know What I Give My Life For" (The Short Life Of Walter Klingenbeck) on May 19th. (LEONIA, NJ) -- Liberty Arts Theatre presents "I Know What I Give My Life For" (The Short Life Of Walter Klingenbeck) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at American Legion Post #1 in Leonia. Admission is free, showtime is 7:30pm. The production is presented by Roland Weimer.

Zoopraxic presents "In the Devil's Hands" by Helen Banner. (LONG ISLAND, NY) -- In the Devil's Hands, Helen Banner's riveting new play will extend its run to 21 performances running between May 20 and June 14, 2026. Set in the Channel Islands in the 1940s, this intimate and immersive production will have its world premiere at the new micro theatre space Zoopraxic in Long Island City (first stop in Queens).

Asbury Park Theater Company presents Thornton Wilder's "Our Town". (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- The Asbury Park Theater Company presents Thornton Wilder's Our Town across two weekends from May 21-31, 2026 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Described by Edward Albee as "the greatest American play ever written"- it is one of the defining plays of American theater. The production is directed by Bailey Dumlao.

Villagers Theatre presents a reading of "The Best Most Super Fantastic Hiking Tour". (SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre presents a reading of "The Best Most Super Fantastic Hiking Tour" by Fay Corinotis on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. Admission is free ($10 cash donation suggested).

Bear Tavern Project and the 2026 Tomato Patch Jr Students present "Cosmic Campfire Chronicles". (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Bear Tavern Project and the 2026 Tomato Patch Jr Students present Cosmic Campfire Chronicles across two weekends from May 23-31, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. It takes place one quiet night deep in the forest, a group of children gathers around a flickering campfire, swapping ghost stories under a sky ablaze with stars. Suddenly, the stars begin to move.

Surflight Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's "A Grand Night for Singing". (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's A Grand Night for Singing weekends from May 23 through June 7, 2026. Taste and imagination, the two key ingredients for a first-rate revue, abound in this fresh take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein canon, conceived by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie.

Main Street Theatre Company presents "Annie KIDS". (OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents Annie KIDS on May 23-24, 2026. The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world's best-loved, Award-winning musicals.

COMEDY

Check out our This Week in Comedy: May 19-25, 2026 column for shows taking place throughout the state at comedy clubs, performing arts centers, and casinos. 

COMMUNITY

Land of Make Believe slates Grand Opening for Memorial Day Weekend. (HOPE TWP, NJ) -- There are many traditions come Memorial Day Weekend including parades, tributes to our service men and women, past and present, and family gatherings. For many families there is another annual tradition - a trip to the Land of Make Believe, a close by destination with affordable, bargain pricing.

BOOKS

Tuesday, May 19 - Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True Potential with Bestselling Author Nir Eyal. (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- What if the only thing standing between you and the seemingly impossible was belief? This is the question posed by bestselling author Nir Eyal in his newest book, Beyond Belief, which he will discuss on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 during a virtual discussion presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 2:00pm.

Thursday, May 21 - Bruce Eric Kaplan to Receive the Maplewood Literary Award on May 21st. (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bruce Eric Kaplan, writer, cartoonist and executive producer, will receive the Maplewood Literary Award on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Maplewood Memorial Library. The event begins at 7:00pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

ART

Creativity Unveiled as Middlesex College Opens Student and Alumni Art Showcase. (EDISON, NJ) -- Students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered on Thursday for the unveiling of the Student Showcase art exhibit on Middlesex College's Edison campus. The showcase features various student art selected by president Mark McCormick and the College's Visual, Performing, and Media Arts (VPMA) department, which is on display throughout the second floor of Chambers Hall, including the President's suite.

The BrassWorks Gallery presents "Sharp Teeth, Long Tongues!". (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The BrassWorks Gallery presents Sharp Teeth, Long Tongues!, an exhibition of works by Ann Vollum, a New Jersey–based fiber and mixed media artist whose practice intertwines storytelling, cultural memory, and environmental consciousness. The exhibition showcases a range of Vollum's welt-felted sculptures and intricately embroidered textile works, each piece pulsating with color, texture, and imagination. It runs from February 8 - May 22, 2026.

Trenton City Museum presents "African American Abstractions". (TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie presents African American Abstractions, a vibrant and colorful showcase filling three galleries with works by James E. Dupree, Femi J. Johnson, and Kenneth J. Lewis. African American Abstractions is on view through May 24, 2026. Janis Purcell worked closely with the artists as the exhibition's curator.

ACC Gallery presents "Echoes over the Hudson". (TENAFLY, NJ) -- ACC Gallery presents "Echoes over the Hudson" from May 5-23, 2026. The exhibition brings together a dynamic group of contemporary Korean artists working across the New York Tri-State region.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Tuesday, May 19 @ 7:30pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Wednesday, May 20 @ 7:00pm - Vivid Stage presents New Play Readings: "Neither Snow Nor Rain" by Erin Mallon at Summit Community Center, 100 Morris Avenue, Summit

Wednesday, May 20 @ 7:30pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Wednesday, May 20 @ 7:30pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Thursday, May 21 @ 7:00pm - Pink Flamingos in 35mm at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway

Thursday, May 21 @ 7:00pm - Open Mic Poetry Night with State Theatre New Jersey Poet-In-Residence Alyea Pierce at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Thursday, May 21 @ 7:30pm - Indigenous at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

Thursday, May 21 @ 7:30pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Thursday, May 21 @ 7:30pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Friday, May 22 @ 7:30pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Friday, May 22 @ 7:30pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Friday, May 22 @ 8:00pm - Princeton’s Famous Triangle Show: Aisle Be Damned! at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, May 23 @ 2:00pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, May 23 @ 3:00pm - Dunbar Repertory Company presents "Seven Guitars" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown

Saturday, May 23 @ 7:00pm - Princeton’s Famous Triangle Show: Aisle Be Damned! at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, May 23 @ 7:30pm - Alexis P Suter at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

Saturday, May 23 @ 7:30pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, May 23 @ 8:00pm - Dunbar Repertory Company presents "Seven Guitars" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown

Sunday, May 24 @ 2:00pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Sunday, May 24 @ 3:00pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Sunday, May 24 @ 4:00pm - Dunbar Repertory Company presents "Seven Guitars" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown

This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays May 19-25, 2026

 

Here are previews of plays taking place from May 19-25, 2026 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview. Click on the title to go to the full preview.

Most of the events previewed here are articles created by New Jersey Stage, but you may send press releases to info@newjerseystage.com to have your shows considered for previews. New Jersey Stage offers the best promotion for the arts with banner ads from $50-$100 for up to 3 months of advertising. For more information on advertising with us, click here.

FEATURED EVENTS

McCarter Theatre Center presents "Mrs. Christie" - a new comedy-mystery by Heidi Armbruster  (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Mrs. Christie, a witty new comedy-mystery by Heidi Armbruster, from May 6–31, 2026. The production is directed by BOLD Associate Artistic Director Donya K. Washington in her McCarter directorial debut.

Vivid Stage presents Meet the Artist New Play Readings throughout May  (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center, will present its annual Meet the Artist new play reading series on Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20 and 27. This year includes works by Brad Goren-Wilson, Vince Gatton, Erin Mallon, and Elizabeth Irwin. All readings will take place at the Summit Community Center (100 Morris Ave) at 7:00pm.

Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead"  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Crossroads Theatre Company presents Sizwe Bansi Is Dead from May 19 - June 14, 2026 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. This is a powerful, funny, and deeply moving story about identity, survival, and the extraordinary ingenuity of ordinary people navigating an unjust system.

Middletown Arts Center and Dunbar Repertory Company presents "Seven Guitars" by August Wilson  (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center, in conjunction with Dunbar Repertory Company, presents a special production of Seven Guitars, directed by Mark Antonio Henderson, across two weekends from May 23–31, 2026. The play by August Wilson follows a blues musician chasing redemption and a second chance as love, ambition, and fate collide in powerful portrait of dreams deferred.

EVENT PREVIEWS

Hitchcock Meets Hilarious: Bergen County Players presents "The 39 Steps"  (ORADELL, NJ) -- Fresh off being named the top live music or theater venue by 201 Magazine's "Best of Bergen" readers, Bergen County Players (BCP) invites audiences to brace themselves for a whirlwind of espionage and outrageous comedy with the Tony Award-winning The 39 Steps, which runs weekends from May 2-31, 2026. Directed by BCP life member Steve Bell, this breakneck adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film classic blends film noir suspense with Monty Python-style absurdity.

Ritz Theatre Company presents "Porgy and Bess"  (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents Porgy and Bess from May 1-24, 2026. Set in the 1930s in Catfish Row, a Black community in Charleston, South Carolina,the musical tells the story of Porgy, a kind but disabled beggar, and Bess, a woman trying to escape her violent lover Crown and the seductive pull of drugs offered by Sportin' Life. The production is directed by Darryl Thompson, Jr.

Haddonfield Plays and Players presents "Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill: The Musical"  (HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Haddonfield Plays and Players presents "Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill: The Musical" from May 8-23, 2026. This exhilarating musical was inspired by the themes and raw emotions laid bare in Alanis Morissette's seminal album of the same name.

The Players Guild of Leonia presents "Jesus Christ Superstar"  (LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia presents Jesus Christ Superstar across three weekends from May 8-24, 2026. Featuring Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Tim Rice, this is a rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

South Camden Theatre Company presents "Chicken & Biscuits" by Douglas Lyons  (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company presents Chicken & Biscuits by Douglas Lyons across three weekends from May 8-24, 2026. This is a story that explores love, family, and the families we choose, reminding us all of the resilience and unity at the heart of our community.

Classic American Tales celebrates Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain, Paul Robeson, and the American Revolution in May  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- In May alone, Classic American Tales performs on a farm, in two different libraries, and at historic Peachfield.

Luna Stage presents PLAYFEST in May  (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents PLAYFEST across two weekends from May 14-24, 2026. PLAYFEST contains staged readings, works-in-progress, workshop performances, and magic! Best of all, tickets are FREE!

The Maplewood Strollers presents "Much Ado About Nothing"  (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Maplewood Strollers presents Much Ado About Nothing across two weekends from May 15-24, 2026. Wit flies, sparks ignite, and love is anything but simple in this classic by William Shakespeare.

The Barn Theatre presents Monty Python's "Spamalot"  (MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents Monty Python's Spamalot weekends from May 15 through June 6, 2026. King Arthur's legendary quest for the Holy Grail gets a hilarious twist in this uproarious musical, lovingly ripped from the 1975 classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Music Mountain Theatre presents "Disaster!"  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Disaster! weekends from May 15 through June 7, 2026. Earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and the unforgettable songs of the '70s take center stage in Broadway’s side-splitting homage to classic disaster films.

First Avenue Playhouse presents "Old Love"  (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents Old Love by Norm Foster across three weekends from May 15-30, 2026. This love story spans three decades with half a dozen meetings between Bud, a salesman, and Molly, his boss's wife.

Princeton Summer Theater Announces 2026 Season  (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Summer Theater has unveiled its 2026 subscription season which will run from June 11th to August 1st, featuring an exciting lineup of three mainstage pieces and a family-friendly musical. Productions include Barefoot in the Park, The 39 Steps, True West, and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "Private Lives"  (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Private Lives by Noël Coward from May 16 to June 7, 2026 in the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. A razor-sharp comedy of manners, Private Lives crackles with Coward's signature wit and elegance.

Liberty Arts Theatre presents "I Know What I Give My Life For" (The Short Life Of Walter Klingenbeck) on May 19th  (LEONIA, NJ) -- Liberty Arts Theatre presents "I Know What I Give My Life For" (The Short Life Of Walter Klingenbeck) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at American Legion Post #1 in Leonia. Admission is free, showtime is 7:30pm. The production is presented by Roland Weimer.

Zoopraxic presents "In the Devil's Hands" by Helen Banner  (LONG ISLAND, NY) -- In the Devil's Hands, Helen Banner's riveting new play will extend its run to 21 performances running between May 20 and June 14, 2026. Set in the Channel Islands in the 1940s, this intimate and immersive production will have its world premiere at the new micro theatre space Zoopraxic in Long Island City (first stop in Queens).

Asbury Park Theater Company presents Thornton Wilder's "Our Town"  (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- The Asbury Park Theater Company presents Thornton Wilder's Our Town across two weekends from May 21-31, 2026 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Described by Edward Albee as "the greatest American play ever written"- it is one of the defining plays of American theater. The production is directed by Bailey Dumlao.

Villagers Theatre presents a reading of "The Best Most Super Fantastic Hiking Tour"  (SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre presents a reading of "The Best Most Super Fantastic Hiking Tour" by Fay Corinotis on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. Admission is free ($10 cash donation suggested).

Bear Tavern Project and the 2026 Tomato Patch Jr Students present "Cosmic Campfire Chronicles"  (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Bear Tavern Project and the 2026 Tomato Patch Jr Students present Cosmic Campfire Chronicles across two weekends from May 23-31, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. It takes place one quiet night deep in the forest, a group of children gathers around a flickering campfire, swapping ghost stories under a sky ablaze with stars. Suddenly, the stars begin to move.

Surflight Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's "A Grand Night for Singing"  (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's A Grand Night for Singing weekends from May 23 through June 7, 2026. Taste and imagination, the two key ingredients for a first-rate revue, abound in this fresh take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein canon, conceived by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie.

Main Street Theatre Company presents "Annie KIDS"  (OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents Annie KIDS on May 23-24, 2026. The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world's best-loved, Award-winning musicals.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm - Vivid Stage presents New Play Readings: "Neither Snow Nor Rain" by Erin Mallon at Summit Community Center, 100 Morris Avenue, Summit

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Thursday, May 21, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Thursday, May 21, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Friday, May 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Friday, May 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Friday, May 22, 2026 @ 8:00pm - Princeton’s Famous Triangle Show: Aisle Be Damned! at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, May 23, 2026 @ 2:00pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, May 23, 2026 @ 3:00pm - Dunbar Repertory Company presents "Seven Guitars" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown

Saturday, May 23, 2026 @ 7:00pm - Princeton’s Famous Triangle Show: Aisle Be Damned! at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, May 23, 2026 @ 7:30pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, May 23, 2026 @ 8:00pm - Dunbar Repertory Company presents "Seven Guitars" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown

Sunday, May 24, 2026 @ 2:00pm - Mrs. Christie at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton

Sunday, May 24, 2026 @ 3:00pm - Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Sunday, May 24, 2026 @ 4:00pm - Dunbar Repertory Company presents "Seven Guitars" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown

COMING SOON

"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 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.

Middlesex County and Thinkery & Verse present "Liberty Madness" at State Theatre  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County and Thinkery & Verse present an original live production of Liberty Madness at State Theatre New Jersey on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a dynamic, magical stage play that tells the story of America’s haunted past.

Theatre Exile presents the Philly Premiere of "The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar)"  (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- South Philadelphia's Theatre Exile closes its season with the Philly premiere of The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar), a powerful and darkly comic play by Nia Akilah Robinson. The production, directed by Ontaria Kim Wilson, runs May 28 through June 14, 2026. The play confronts a troubling chapter of American history while exploring the ways the past continues to echo across generations.

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.

Gateway Playhouse presents "Guys And Dolls"  (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Broadway's classic musical Guys and Dolls is primed to be a sure bet at Gateway Playhouse from May 28 to June 7, 2026. Filled with colorful characters, phenomenal dance numbers and cherished songs by Frank Loesser, the high-energy show follows the paths of smooth-talking gamblers, sassy showgirls and a very determined missionary as love and luck collide in the streets of New York City.

Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "Game of Tiaras"  (BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- Mainstage Center for the Arts presents Game of Tiaras on May 29-30, 2026 at Harmony Hall at Gloucester Township. Showtime is 7:00pm each night. Prepare for a hilarious royal showdown in Game of Tiaras!

MPAC presents Disney's Frozen, The Broadway Musical  (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Let it Go! Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)'s 2026 spring production of Disney's Frozen takes the stage for five performances May 29-31. The show will be directed by Cathy Roy. Music Direction by Charles Santoro. The cast includes 50 young performers from throughout the region, representing seven New Jersey counties.

Brundage Park Playhouse to Hold Auditions for "Anything Goes"  (RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for the musical Anything Goes at the playhouse on Carrell Road in Randolph. In-Person Audition Dates are on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 12:30pm-5:00pm and Monday, June 1, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Virtual auditions are also accepted. Callbacks by invitation are on Saturday, June 6th from 12:00pm-5:00pm.

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.

Two River Theater and Deaf West Theatre Announce Taylor Iman Jones to Star in new musical "Elephant Shoes" alongside Daniel Durant and James Olivas  (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater and Deaf West Theatre are thrilled to announce Taylor Iman Jones (Six The Musical, Head Over Heels) will star as Roxy in the world premiere co-production of Elephant Shoes, alongside Daniel Durant (Spring Awakening, CODA) and James Olivas (Evita, American Idiot).

Premiere Stages at Kean University Announces Semi-Finalists for 2026 Play Festival  (UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages,?the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, has announced the 2026 Premiere Play Festival Semi-Finalists. The Play Festival panel and literary staff reviewed 894 submissions, an increase of 89 submissions from the previous year, before choosing the 65 Semi-Finalists. An eclectic mix of plays, the Semi-Finalists explore a wide range of topics in a variety of genres.

The Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "High School Musical 2 JR."  (BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- The Mainstage Center for the Arts presents High School Musical 2 JR. on June 4-5, 2026 in the Dennis Flyer Memorial Theater. The Wildcats are back for an unforgettable summer at Lava Springs Country Club!

NJ Rep presents the World Premiere of "The Vienna Lessons"  (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) will present the world premiere of Jack Canfora's The Vienna Lessons, directed by Evan Bergman, with performances from June 4-28, 2026. The play takes place in Vienna, 1787. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, at the height of his powers but struggling financially, meets a serious and supremely confident teenager who wants to hire him as a teacher, Ludwig Van Beethoven.

Studio Players presents "She Kills Monsters"  (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players presents She Kills Monsters across three weekends from June 5-20, 2026. A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games! In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "A Century on Stage: 100 Years in the Making"  (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents A Century on Stage: 100 Years in the Making from June 5-7, 2026. Join them for a once-in-a-century theatrical event as they celebrate 100 years of music, memories, and moments that have shaped The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Broadway in New York City, and American culture itself.

Chatham Players presents "Things I Know to Be True"  (CHATHAM, NJ) -- Chatham Players presents Things I Know to Be True by Andrew Bovell across two weekends from June 5-14, 2026. In the play, Bob and Fran Price have worked their fingers to the bone, and with their four children grown and ready to fly the nest, it might be time to relax and enjoy the roses. But, as each season brings changes, it becomes clear that life never works out as planned.

Somerset Valley Players presents "Crimes of the Heart"  (HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- Somerset Valley Players presents Crimes of the Heart weekends from June 5-21, 2026. Warmhearted, irreverent, zany and brilliantly imaginative, Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning play examines the plight of three young Mississippi sisters betrayed by their passions.

Dover Little Theatre presents "Fun Home"  (DOVER, NJ) -- Dover Little Theatre presents "Fun Home" weekends from June 5-20, 2026. Adapted from Alison Bechdel's groundbreaking graphic novel, Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2026 Rising Star Awards Nominees  (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the nominations for adjudicated production categories of the 31st Annual Rising Star Awards for Excellence in New Jersey High School Musical Theater. Often referred to as New Jersey's version of the Tony Awards for high school musical theater, the Rising Star Awards recognize outstanding achievement in performance, direction, design, choreography, music direction, and overall production.

First Issue of 2017 for New Jersey Stage Magazine

The latest issue of New Jersey Stage magazine is available for free at www.njartsmag.com -- this issue is for the film fan! We've got a preview of the New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2017, including features on Art of the Prank and The Northlander films; reviews of A United Kingdom and Split; plus the debut of a new column called JERSEY ON FILM in which we take a look at movies that involve New Jersey in a prominent way.  The first film examined is Danny Collins starring Al Pacino as an aging rock and roller who receives a letter from John Lennon (originally intended for him 40 years earlier).

We've got a feature on the rootsy, Americana band The Bitter Chills; tons of cd reviews; a music video by The Porchistas called "Mr. Chump" (a parody on you know who); the latest episode of Bongo Boy TV; a look at the Rock Against Hate compilation; and the answer to the eternal question of "Do musicians like performing 'Mustang Sally'?"

In addition, we have a theatre preview that looks at shows coming to stages around the Garden State.

The new issue is available for free at www.njartsmag.com and readable on any PC, tablet, or smart phone.  Designed like a traditional publication, but featuring audio and video to make the pages come alive!

Mike June's Revolution

By Gary Wien

When Mike June left New Jersey for Austin about eight years ago, the move made perfect sense.  June’s gritty Americana songs seemed as though they were born from a Texan landscape anyway.  Years of playing in the local scene helped him further develop his sound, culminating in a pair of brilliant records in 2012 (Exile On Wilson Street and Talkin’ Revolution Blues).  His newest, Poor Man’s Bible, will be released early in 2016.  It’s one that builds on several themes in his recent records — spirituality, honesty, and a revolution he notices taking place across the globe.

Mike will likely be performing songs from the upcoming release on his current U.S. tour which includes a pair of shows in New Jersey and one in Philadelphia. The tour comes a few weeks after returning from a 16,000 mile round-trip journey of shows through Germany, France, England, Scotland, Holland, and Denmark.  In a letter to his mailing list sent in early October, the upcoming tour was dwarfed by two significant events.  The first bombshell was the announcement of his engagement to fellow musician Jess Klein.

“I had been thinking about it for a long time, but definitely didn’t plan for it to happen on this tour,” explained June.  “We were in this town in France for a few days; a 5th century city with a castle.  It was just beautiful.  We had a day off and she has a friend who lives in South Africa and was visiting Paris.  So, the wheels started spinning.  It was like this is more than perfect…”

“It wasn’t as romantic as it sounds though,” continued June.  “It’s pretty funny because we were both so tired from all of the traveling, by the time we got to Paris we had driven about four hours, and I had to drag her down to the Eiffel Tower.  When we finally got there I was like, ‘I know you’re tired and I’ve been dragging you around every city in Europe for the past month, but this is why.’”

The couple has been thinking about moving out of Austin and starting somewhere new.  In the past decade, the rising cost of living in the city has made it difficult for many musicians to survive.  In addition, Austin’s population has swelled in recent years, largely due to an influx of musicians arriving with a dream of making it big.  The influx has completely oversaturated the local music scene.

“It’s like Los Angeles,” explained June.  “When you go to L.A., you can walk up to anyone in the city and ask, ‘How’s your screenplay going?’ They’ll be like, ‘How did you know I was writing a screenplay?’ Austin is kind of the same with songwriters.”

June is originally from River Valle, NJ; his fiancee is from Rochester, NY, and they both have family in Florida.  They are considering a move to somewhere like Raleigh, NC, where they would be only a few hours away from the venues in the Northeast they’ve played for years.  The east coast would also be a better base for a touring musician than living in the middle of Texas, far away from everything else.

The second bombshell dropped in Mike’s email to his fans was that this might be his last tour.

“I’ve been working hard for the past couple of years,” he said.  “It’s a constant grind.  The good shows are few and far between and the money’s not coming in.  I’m starting to feel the burn out.  It’s one of those things you usually think about when you’re on tour or in a hotel room by yourself after a crappy night.  I just want to sit back and wait and see what happens with this record, getting married, and moving.”

“Being in the music industry these days is like a Catch 22,” he added.  “I started touring so much because I couldn’t buy the publicity you’re supposed to get with a radio promotion.  I was hoping a tour would get me some attention, but that didn’t turn out that way.  And you don’t exactly make a lot of money when you’re touring to pay for those things.  It becomes a vicious cycle.”

The new record looks to be coming out at the right time.  Even though the songs were written long before guys like Bernie Sanders turned the presidential campaign upside down and Pope Francis emerged as a breath of fresh air for the Church, the message and themes of the songs largely sound as if they were written as a response to these developments.  As someone who has toured across the world, Mike’s songs have not only struck a chord with people but show that people everywhere are facing the same problems.

“What I see is that people are starting to look within and realize that these material things are not as important as we used to make them out to be,” said June.  “I think people are turning inward and saying to themselves, ‘I need to be a better person and we need to be better people.  This world is too big not to share.’”

“When I started writing the songs on Poor Man’s Bible two or three years ago, I was going through my own personal spiritual inventory,” he continued.  “Then when I started singing these songs out loud, I thought nobody is going to give a crap about them because I was singing about myself.  But the more people you talk to, the more you get a sense that you’re on the same page.  I was surprised when I started doing these songs in the South.  I thought I’d get run out of town, but people were like, ‘I feel the same way.’  And I got a lot of the same responses over in Europe.  It was surprising.”

Ironically, while June has scathing lyrics about religion in songs like the new record’s title track, the emergence of Pope Francis has helped to renew June’s faith in the Catholic Church.  He was raised a Catholic, but says he’s been almost anti-Catholic since turning 17.  He sees Pope Francis as less of a revolutionary figure as one that simply speaks the Gospel of Jesus without the constraints put on by the Church for hundreds of years.

“He’s not doing anything unexpected from him other than saying these are the words of Jesus and this is how we should be acting,” said June.  “I think people got tired of the politics in America with people saying they are religious but with policies and belief systems that don’t line up together. As opposed to pushing things like the sexual scandals under the rug, the Pope is genuine and represents the best parts of the religion and that is what people are responding to.”

June may be political at heart, but he admits he has far too many skeletons in his closet to ever run for office.  As he gets older, he does feel a calling to do something greater though.  He’s thinking about pursuing a law degree and ultimately representing and helping those who are too poor to generally afford legal protection. “I feel like I need to be doing more as far as being involved in society as opposed to just singing about it,” he said.

One thing Mike won’t give up is playing music.  He may be undecided about future tours, but he says he’ll never stop playing live or making records.  But just in case this is his last tour, be sure to catch him in November.  He’s got a little of everything coming up from a solo club date in Philadelphia at the World Cafe Live to a full band show at Mexicali Live in Teaneck to an intimate house concert as part of the popular Rosie’s Café series in Brick.

PHOTO BY Mikk Duncan at Third Man Images