Event Listings and Previews for Plays Taking Place April 17-23, 2023

Here are previews of plays taking place from April 17-23 including a look at productions starting this week, those continuing this week, and those closing this week. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Be sure to send press releases for your plays to info@newjerseystage.com to be included. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview.

FEATURED EVENT LISTINGS

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 @ 7:00pm – WP Voice/Opera Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Kamala Sankaram’s Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers at Hunziker Black Box Theatre, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ, 07470

Thursday, April 20, 2023 @ 6:00pm – Gilligan’s Die-Land Murder Mystery at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ, 07001

Thursday, April 20, 2023 @ 8:00pm – Vivid Stage presents “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ, 07901

Thursday, April 20, 2023 @ 8:00pm – Reefer Madness at Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook, NJ, 08805

Friday, April 21, 2023 @ 5:00pm – WP Voice/Opera Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Kamala Sankaram’s Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers at Hunziker Black Box Theatre, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ, 07470

Friday, April 21, 2023 @ 6:00pm – Gilligan’s Die-Land Murder Mystery at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ, 07001

Friday, April 21, 2023 @ 7:30pm – The Taming of the Shrew at Grunin Center – Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ, 08754

Friday, April 21, 2023 @ 7:30pm – Trilogy Repertory Theater presents “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” at Sieminski Theater, 8000 Fellowship Road, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920

Friday, April 21, 2023 @ 8:00pm – Vivid Stage presents “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ, 07901

Friday, April 21, 2023 @ 8:00pm – Park Players Productions, Inc. Presents “Pippin” at The Church Of The Good Shepherd, 1576 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ, 07024

Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 6:00pm – Gilligan’s Die-Land Murder Mystery at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ, 07001

Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 7:00pm – WP Voice/Opera Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Kamala Sankaram’s Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers at Hunziker Black Box Theatre, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ, 07470

Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm – The Taming of the Shrew at Grunin Center – Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ, 08754

Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm – Trilogy Repertory Theater presents “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” at Sieminski Theater, 8000 Fellowship Road, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920

Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 8:00pm – Vivid Stage presents “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ, 07901

Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 8:00pm – Tell Pharaoh at Monmouth University – Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ, 07764

Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 8:00pm – Reefer Madness at Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook, NJ, 08805

Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 8:00pm – Park Players Productions, Inc. Presents “Pippin” at The Church Of The Good Shepherd, 1576 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ, 07024

Sunday, April 23, 2023 @ 2:00pm – The Taming of the Shrew at Grunin Center – Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ, 08754

Sunday, April 23, 2023 @ 2:00pm – Vivid Stage presents “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ, 07901

Sunday, April 23, 2023 @ 2:00pm – Reefer Madness at Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook, NJ, 08805

Sunday, April 23, 2023 @ 2:30pm – Trilogy Repertory Theater presents “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” at Sieminski Theater, 8000 Fellowship Road, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920

Sunday, April 23, 2023 @ 3:00pm – WP Voice/Opera Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Kamala Sankaram’s Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers at Hunziker Black Box Theatre, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ, 07470

Sunday, April 23, 2023 @ 4:00pm – Tell Pharaoh at Monmouth University – Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ, 07764

Sunday, April 23, 2023 @ 5:00pm – Park Players Productions, Inc. Presents “Pippin” at The Church Of The Good Shepherd, 1576 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ, 07024

Sunday, April 23, 2023 @ 7:00pm – A Bronx Tale Starring Chazz Palminteri at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ, 07631

Plays opening this week

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 – Crossroads Theatre Company presents Genesis Festival 2023 of New Voices and New Plays  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — Crossroads Theatre Company presents Genesis Festival 2023 of New Voices and New Plays from April 19-23, 2023 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. The 2023 Genesis Festival features new works for the stage from some of the world’s most exciting writers, young and emerging artists, as well as well-known established writers. This is an interactive experience that invites conversation and audience feedback writers after each reading.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 – Centenary Stage Company’s Women Playwrights Series presents Reading of “Backwards, Forwards, Back” by Jaqueline Goldfinger  (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) — Centenary Stage Company’s Women Playwrights Series will continue with the third reading of 4 in the series for 2023 with a reading of Backwards, Forwards, Back by Jaqueline Goldfinger. The reading will take place on Wednesday, April 19th at 7:30pm in the Kutz Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ on the campus of Centenary University.

Thursday, April 20, 2023 – Spring Solos Series at Vivid Stage Continues with “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey”  (SUMMIT, NJ) — Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, begins with 101 Humiliating Stories by Lisa Kron from April 13-16, kicking off their three-week Spring Solos Series. Second in the series is The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by James Lecesne (April 20-23); third is Harry Clarke by David Cale (April 27-30). Each of the three solo shows explores the many dimensions that every person contains, and allows each actor to portray a multitude of characters along the way.

Thursday, April 20, 2023 – Centenary Stage Company’s NEXTStage Repertory to present “The Addams Family”  (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) — Centenary Stage Company’s NEXTStage Repertory is currently in rehearsals for the spring musical production of The Addams Family. Performances will take place in the Sitnik Theatre on the Centenary University campus at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. An original story about every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met.

Friday, April 21, 2023 – West Hudson Arts & Theater Company presents “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”   (WEST HUDSON, NJ — The West Hudson Arts and Theater Company (WHATCo) has announced the cast for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown opening April 21st at WHATCo’s new venue at 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison, NJ (the former Holy Cross School.) Performances run April 21-30. Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship.

Friday, April 21, 2023 – Trilogy Repertory To Present “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” At Sieminski Theater  (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) — The Sieminski Theater welcomes Trilogy Repertory to the stage in April for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a musical comedy about everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit. Performances run April 21-23 and April 28-29.

Friday, April 21, 2023 – Park Players Productions, Inc. Presents “Pippin”  (FORT LEE, NJ) — Park Players Productions, Inc. will present Pippin across two weekends (April 21-23 and April 28-30). Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse, who directed the original Broadway production, also contributed to the libretto. The musical uses the premise of a mysterious performance troupe, led by the Leading Player, to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince on his search for meaning and significance.

Friday, April 21, 2023 – The Premier Theatre Company presents “Next to Normal” at the Navesink Library Theater  (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) — The Premier Theatre Company will present Next to Normal at the Navesink Library Theater in Navesink (Atlantic Highlands) on April 21, 22 and 23, 2023. Next to Normal, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores how one suburban family copes with crisis and mental illness.

Friday, April 21, 2023 – Lewis Center For The Arts’ Programs In Theater And Music Theater Present “La Gran Cumbia Espectacular!”  (PRINCETON, NJ) — The Lewis Center for the Arts’ Programs in Theater and Music Theater at Princeton University present La Gran Cumbia Espectacular!, a theatrical performance conceived by Princeton senior Kaelani Burja celebrating cumbia, a rhythm/dance/music genre with African and Indigenous roots that originated along Colombia’s Río Magdalena, featuring choreography by guest artist Andrea Guajardo. Performances, which are free and open to the public, are April 21, 22, 27 and 28 at 8:00pm in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex on the Princeton campus. No tickets are required.

Friday, April 21, 2023 – Playhouse 22 presents “Superior Donuts”  (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) — Called “a very entertaining comedy-drama with a whole lot of heart”, Superior Donuts by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts is coming to Playhouse 22 on April 21 and runs weekends through May 7. Directed by Jon Heron, the play follows the relationship between despondent Arthur Przybyszewski, a former 1960s radical who owns a rundown donut shop in Chicago’s Uptown, and Franco, his energetic but troubled young African American assistant, who wants to update the establishment with lively music and healthy menu options.

Saturday, April 22, 2023 – Nutley Little Theatre presents a Sensory Friendly Performance of “Tin Cat Shoes”  (NUTLEY, NJ) — Nutley Little Theatre is proud to announce a sensory friendly performance on April 22nd at 2:00pm of Tin Cat Shoes by Trish Harnetiaux, Directed by Sarah Gorden. This performance is suitable for audiences with sensitivity to sudden light and sound cues.

Saturday, April 22, 2023 – The Artist Collective Troupe presents 2nd Annual “Wish Upon A Song”  (BELMAR, NJ) — The Artist Collective Troupe will present its 2nd Annual “Wish Upon a Song,” an animated movie musical revue benefitting Make-A-Wish New Jersey, in Belmar on Saturday, April 22. Join all your favorite fairytale characters including princes, princesses, heroes, villains, and more for a musical journey that teaches us that the most powerful magic can be found right in our very own hearts!

Saturday, April 22, 2023 – Hudson Theatre Works presents “The 3 Little Pigs”  (WEEHAWKEN, NJ) — Hudson Theatre Works presents Children’s Theatre April 22-23 with performances of “The 3 Little Pigs” by Diana London at Theatre at the Wilson School (80 Hauxhurst Avenue) in Weehawken. This is a humorous new version of the well-known story by Hoboken author Diana London. Along with some new characters, the 3 Little Pigs learn some important lessons as they outwit the big bad wolf!

Sunday, April 23, 2023 – Centenary Stage Company’s Great Authors Out Loud Series Presents “A Celebration Of Shakespeare”  (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) — Centenary Stage Company’s Great Authors Out Loud Series returns with a “Celebration of Shakespeare” through a collection of Shakespeare’s works on Sunday, April 23rd at 7:00pm. This event will celebrate the playwright’s birthday and the 400th anniversary of his first folio. Presented by Anne Occhiogrosso and Randall Duk Kim, this event is free to attend, and advanced reservations require a $5.00 donation.

Plays ending this week

Old Library Theatre presents “The Prom”  (FAIR LAWN, NJ) — Old Library Theatre (OLT), Fair Lawn Recreation Department’s resident theatre company, has announced their cast for the upcoming production of the Broadway musical, The Prom, set for performances over two weekends, April 14-23.  This will be the New Jersey Community Theatre premiere of the 2019 Drama Desk Award winner for Outstanding Musical. 

NJ Rep presents “The Shot” starring Sharon Lawrence  (LONG BRANCH, NJ) — New Jersey Repertory Company will present Robin Gerber’s new play The Shot April 6–23, 2023 in its Studio Theatre. The Shot will star Emmy nominee and Broadway alum Sharon Lawrence (Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof). Michelle Joyner will direct the production.

A Look at Jess Bennett from “Rock of Ages” at Brookdale  (LINCROFT, NJ) — Jess Bennett, a student at Brookdale Community College, is a passionate performer who has been singing, dancing, modeling, and acting since she was three years old and is thrilled to be a part of the musical production Rock of Ages. She is currently the Vice President of the Business Club and a member of the Dance Club, where she enjoys choreographing and dancing with others who share her interests. Jess has recently been inducted into the PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) Honor Society, is a member of the National Success and Leadership Honor Society and will be graduating with an associate degree in business administration at the end of the Fall Semester 2023.

Old Library Theatre presents the NJ Community Theatre Premiere of Award Winning Musical “The Prom”  (FAIR LAWN, NJ) — Old Library Theatre (OLT), Fair Lawn Recreation Department’s resident theatre company, will present the New Jersey Community Theatre premiere of the Broadway musical, The Prom, over two weekends, April 14th through April 23rd. Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. The Prom, written by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin, with music by Matthew Sklar, tells the story of four fading Broadway stars, who are in desperate need of a new stage.

Plays continuing this week

Spring Solos Series at Vivid Stage Kicks Off with “101 Humiliating Stories” April 13-16  (SUMMIT, NJ) — Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, will present 101 Humiliating Stories by Lisa Kron from April 13-16, kicking off their three-week Spring Solos Series. Directed by Mark Spina (Union), the show will be performed by Laura Ekstrand (Livingston), Artistic Director of Vivid Stage. Following this comedy is The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by James Lecesne and Harry Clarke by David Cale. Each of the three solo shows explores the many dimensions that every person contains, and allows each actor to portray a multitude of characters along the way.

Laurin Talese Stars as Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” at Philadelphia Theatre Company  (PHILADELPHIA, PA) — Audiences are invited to step back in time to a seedy Philadelphia bar in 1959 for the final performance of jazz icon Billie Holiday. Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) is proud to produce Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, written by Lanie Robertson with musical arrangements by Danny Holgate. This Tony Award-winning Broadway and television play with music will be directed by PTC Resident Artist Jeffrey L. Page, fresh from his triumphant revival of 1776 on Broadway, for which he served as co-director and choreographer.

Two River Theater presents New Modern Take on “Romeo and Juliet”  (RED BANK, NJ) — A World Premiere modern verse translation of Shakespeare’s ode to young love hits the stage at Two River Theater from April 8 – April 30, 2023. Romeo and Juliet, the classic tale of star-crossed love, is infused with contemporary vitality by playwright Hansol Jung (Wolf Play, Wild Goose Dreams, Cardboard Piano). Seen in 2020 as part of Two River Theater’s Two River Rising online reading series, this Romeo and Juliet was originally commissioned by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Play On! Project and will be presented at Two River in partnership with the National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO).

Inis Nua Theatre presents Philadelphia Premiere of “Hymn” by Lolita Chakrabarti  (PHILADELPHIA, PA) — Inis Nua Theatre Company presents the final mainstage production of its 19th season with the Philadelphia premiere of Hymn, written by British playwright Lolita Chakrabarti. This play tells the story of two brothers who meet in adulthood, and their attempt to find connection and become family. This music-filled two-hander will be directed by Eric Carter and stars Dwayne Alistair Thomas and Garrick Vaughan. The show runs from April 12 to April 30th, for a total of 15 performances. All performances will take place at the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Theatres at the Drake, 302 S. Hicks Street in Philadelphia.

The Black Box Spring 2023 Staged Reading Series  (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) — From April 13th through April 30th, The Black Box presents an eclectic series of new and under-produced plays, many at the start of the “incubation” process! These dynamic staged readings will be on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – all starting at 8:00pm, The location is the new Black Box loft space, located at 8 East Palisade Avenue, 2nd Floor, between Van Brunt and Dean Streets.

Center Players presents “Deathtrap”  (FREEHOLD, NJ) — Suspense and intrigue are coming to Freehold as Center Players presents Ira Levin’s classic thriller, Deathtrap. Directed by Jeff Caplan of Freehold, the production will run from April 14-30, 2023 at Center Playhouse (35 South Street) in Freehold.

South Camden Theatre Company presents “Lettice & Lovage”  (CAMDEN, NJ) — South Camden Theatre Company continues their 2023 season with Lettice & Lovage by Peter Shaffer from April 14-30, 2023. This is a comical and satirical play centered on a flamboyant tour guide who loves to embellish the history behind an English country house and who butts heads with a fact-conscious official from The Preservation Trust during one of her tours.

Music Mountain Theatre presents “Blithe Spirit”  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) — Music Mountain Theatre’s 2023 season continues with Blithe Spirit beginning on April 14, playing on weekends through April 30. A smash comedy hit in London and New York, this much-revived classic concerns fussy, cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine, who has remarried but finds himself haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife, Elvira. To gather background for his new book, Charles and his second wife, Ruth, invite the extremely eccentric medium, Madame Arcati, to perform a séance.

The Holmdel Theatre Company presents “The Diary of Anne Frank”  (HOLMDEL, NJ) — The Holmdel Theatre Company presents The Diary of Anne Frank weekends from April 15-30, 2023. Originally by Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett, this is newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman. In her gripping new adaptation Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit and determination.

Plays coming soon

George Street Announces Cast and Creative for “Tales from the Guttenberg Bible”  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — George Street Playhouse (GSP) has announced the full cast for the spring comedy event– the world premiere of Tales from the Guttenberg Bible written by and starring Steve Guttenberg at the Arthur Laurents Theater at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. Performances run April 25th to May 21st, 2023.

Mile Square Theatre presents “Balloonacy”  (HOBOKEN, NJ) — Mile Square Theatre will present their first Theatre for Family and Young Audiences Production since the pandemic shutdowns of 2023: BALLOONACY, directed by ANDREW BALDWIN. BALLOONACY will play a four-week limited engagement at Mile Square Theatre from Wednesday, April 26 through Sunday, May 21. Balloonacy is a wordless comedy about the power of friendship.

Spring Solos Series at Vivid Stage to Close Out with “Harry Clarke” by David Cale  (SUMMIT, NJ) — Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, will close out their three-week Spring Solos Series with Harry Clarke by David Cale. Each of the three solo shows explores the many dimensions that every person contains, and allows each actor to portray a multitude of characters along the way. Harry Clarke takes place April 27-30.

The Summit Playhouse presents “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”  (SUMMIT, NJ) — The Summit Playhouse presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Simon Stephens. The production runs during the weekends from April 28 through May 13, 2023 at The Summit Playhouse. Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain, but is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog he sets out to identify the culprit, which leads to a journey that will change his life forever.

State Theatre Presents “Legally Blonde-The Musical”  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — The fully renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents Legally Blonde—The Musical with four performances from Friday, April 28 through Sunday, April 30, 2023. Based on the iconic movie, Legally Blonde—The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves, contrary to dated bias, that you can be both legally blonde AND the smartest person in the room.

Legally or Illegally Blonde, this Actress Really Knows this Play  Most actresses appear in a play long after it has already been a successful movie. Not Lea Sevola. She appeared in Legally Blonde: the Musical, the college beauty queen comedy, when she was 17 and then, years later, saw the movie. Now she is back again on stage, co-starring in a new version of Legally Blonde that is touring the country. Lea is legally and illegally blonde.

Luna Stage presents “The Ground on Which We Stand”  (WEST ORANGE, NJ) — Luna Stage presents The Ground on Which We Stand, a multi-writer, site-specific performance exploring the history and impact of The James Howe House from 1780 to the present day. The Howe House is the first property in the Township of Montclair to be owned by an African American and formerly enslaved person, and has been the site of much current controversy. Four performances take place outdoors in Montclair on April 29th and two performances indoors at Luna Stage on April 30th.

Luna Stage presents the World Premiere of “The Ground on Which We Stand”  (MONTCLAIR, NJ) — Luna Stage presents the World Premiere of The Ground on Which We Stand, a multi-writer, site-specific performance exploring the history and impact of The James Howe House from 1780 to present day. The Howe House is the first property in the Township of Montclair to be owned by an African American and formerly enslaved person, and has been the site of much current controversy.

Centenary Stage Company to Hold Auditions for Next Stage Rep Productions of “Rock of Ages” and “Seussical the Musical”  (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) — Centenary Stage Company, a not-for-profit professional theater in NW NJ, will hold auditions for its Summer Stock Season. This summer CSC will present Rock of Ages and Seussical the Musical. Auditions will take place on May 4 and May 5 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at the Centenary Stage Company located at 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown NJ.

Eagle Theatre presents “Water by the Spoonful”  (HAMMONTON, NJ) — The real and digital worlds collide this May 4-21 at Eagle Theatre with award-winning drama, Water by the Spoonful. The 2012 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is written by Philadelphia native, Quiara Alegría Hudes, known best for her work on the complete A Soldier’s Fugue Trilogy, of which Water by the Spoonful is a part, and the book for the acclaimed musical In the Heights.

CDC Theatre presents “In The Heights”  (CRANFORD, NJ) — CDC Theatre presents “In The Heights” by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Fridays and Saturdays, May 5-20 at CDC Theatre in Cranford, NJ. ​​In the vibrant New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights, bodega owner Usnavi and his friends dream, hope and work for a bright future.

The Growing Stage presents “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!”  (NETCONG, NJ) — The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong will present their final mainstage production of the 2022-2023 season, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! from May 5-21. It is based on the book Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus by Mo Willems, published by Hyperion Books for Children with a script by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton, lyrics by Mo Willems, music by Deborah Wicks La Puma and dramaturgy by Megan Alrutz. This production is under the direction of Lori B. Lawrence, TGS’s Director of Educational Programming with musical direction by Laura Petrie and choreography by Cari Sanchez.

South Street Players presents “The Dining Room” by A.R. Gurney  (SPRING LAKE, NJ) — South Street Players presents The Dining Room by A.R. Gurney across two weekends (May 5-7 and May 12-14) at Wesley Hall in Spring Lake. The play is a comedy of manners, set in a single dining room where 18 scenes from different households overlap and intertwine.

Molière in the Park to Present English Language World Premiere of Molière’s “Tartuffe Or The Hypocrite”  (BROOKLYN, NY) — Molière in the Park, in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and LeFrak Center at Lakeside, will present the English language world premiere of Molière’s Tartuffe Or The Hypocrite, reconstructed by Georges Forestier, translated by Maya Slater, and directed by Molière in the Park’s Founding Artistic Director Lucie Tiberghien. Tartuffe Or The Hypocrite runs May 6-27, 2023 in a limited engagement at Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center in Brooklyn.

McCarter Theatre presents “Blues For An Alabama Sky”  (PRINCETON, NJ) — McCarter Theatre is delighted to welcome audiences to Pearl Cleage’s love letter to friendship and the Harlem Renaissance, Blues For An Alabama Sky, on stage in the Berlind Theatre May 6-28. The play marks the McCarter directorial debut of Associate Artistic Director Nicole A. Watson.

Algonquin Arts Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for “Hello Dolly!”  (MANASQUAN, NJ) — Algonquin Arts Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its spring musical, Hello Dolly! The show will run at Algonquin Arts Theatre from May 6-21. Jerry Herman’s energetic musical is filled with charisma and with heart. Matchmaker Dolly Levi is a widow, a matchmaker, and also a professional meddler – but everything changes when she decides that the next match she needs to make is to find someone for herself.

Art House Productions presents the 2023 INKubator New Play Festival   (JERSEY CITY, NJ) — Art House Productions presents the 2023 INKubator New Play Festival from May 8-17. This year’s playwrights are Micharne Cloughley, Amir-Gabriel Gad, Adin Lenahan, Iraisa Ann Reilly, Edwin Rivera-Arias, and Emmy Weissman. Audiences who attend the festival will have the opportunity to participate in conversations with the writers, directors, and actors following each performance. All readings are free to attend, but advanced registration is required.