Events This Week in New Jersey: February 13-20, 2024

Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from February 13-20, 2024 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, Dance, Film, Community, Event Listings.

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Tuesday, February 13 – Shea Center for Performing Arts presents Step Afrika!. (WAYNE, NJ) — On Tuesday, February 13th, the Shea Center for Performing Arts presents Step Afrika! – a group that blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional West and Southern African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Make Plans for New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2024. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, in association with the Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies, will present the New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2024 which marks its 42nd Anniversary. The Festival will be taking place on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between January 26-February 18, 2024.

The Growing Stage presents “Carmela Full of Wishes”. (NETCONG, NJ) — The Growing Stage: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey,  is thrilled to kick-off 2024 with Carmela Full of Wishes weekends from February 2-18, 2024. Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios from the book by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson, this production is directed by Danny Campos, veteran TGS performer and teaching artist. The play invites us to Carmela’s 7th birthday, and she’s finally old enough to accompany her big brother on his errands.

CDC Theatre presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”. (CRANFORD, NJ) — CDC Theatre presents The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 across three weekends from February 9-24, 2024. ​This is an ingenious and wildly comic romp by playwright John Bishop. Poking antic fun at the more ridiculous aspects of “show biz” and the corny thrillers of Hollywood’s heyday, the play is a non-stop barrage of laughter as those assembled (or at least those who aren’t killed off) untangle the mystery of the “Stage Door Slasher.”

Bridge Players Theatre Company Returns to Its Home Stage With “Be More Chill”. (BURLINGTON CITY, NJ) — Bridge Players Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its long-awaited return to its home stage at Broad Street United Methodist Church.The first presentation in its regular space since February 2020 will be the exciting pop musical Be More Chill, across three weekends from February 9-24, 2024.

Thursday, February 15 – State Theatre New Jersey presents “Menopause The Musical 2”. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — State Theatre New Jersey presents Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 8:00pm. Show tickets range from $29-$69. This is the sequel to long-running, international hit show Menopause The Musical®, a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.”

Friday, February 16 – bergenPAC presents Dru Hill. (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) — Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Dru Hill on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 8:00pm. In a career that spans over two decades, Dru Hill has accomplished literally everything an R&B/Pop group could dream of achieving. From having a string of Top 40 #1 hit singles, multiplatinum selling albums, movie and television appearances, headlining sold out concert tours around the world, and to selling an eye-popping 40 million records worldwide.

Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents “Rabbit Hole”. (TOMS RIVER, NJ) — The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents Rabbit Hole across two weekends (February 16-18, February 23-25). The play by David Lindsay-Abaire was the recipient of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize. Performances take place in the Grunin Center for the Arts’ Black Box Theater.

Friday, February 16 – State Theatre New Jersey presents Jerry Rivera. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — State Theatre New Jersey presents Grammy®-nominated, multi-platinum salsa singer Jerry Rivera live in concert on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 8:00pm. DJ Ralphie Mercado opens the show at 7:30pm. Show tickets range from $39-$99.

Saturday, February 17 – State Theatre New Jersey presents Sofia Phiharmonic Orchestra. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — State Theatre New Jersey presents the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra led by Principal Conductor Derek Gleeson on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 7:00pm. The all-Beethoven program includes Coriolanus Overture, Piano Concerto No. 5, and Beethoven Symphony No. 7. Joining the orchestra for part of the program is pianist Ivaylo Vassilev. Tickets range from $25-$55.

Saturday, February 17 – New Jersey Festival Orchestra presents iconic Donizetti tragedy “Lucia di Lammermoor”. (SPRINGFIELD, NJ) — Brigadoon meets Macbeth in New Jersey Festival Orchestra’s February 17th production of Lucia di Lammermoor, Donizetti’s spellbinding tale of marriage, madness and murder. Internationally acclaimed guest vocalists join Maestro Wroe and NJFO to present this haunting romantic thriller about a young and fragile woman living in a world of shadows.

Wednesday, February 14 – Freedy Johnston to Perform in Hoboken. (HOBOKEN, NJ) — Freedy Johnston, touring in support of his latest album Back on the Road to Ya, will perform at the 503 Social Club in Hoboken on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 7:00pm. The album earned praise from publications like Mojo and Rolling Stone.

Thursday, February 15 – New Jersey Symphony presents Respect: A tribute to the Queen of Soul. The New Jersey Symphony presents Respect: A tribute to the Queen of Soul from February 15-18, 2024. This program features symphony favorite Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy® Award-nominee Ryan Shaw performing such iconic hits as “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Amazing Grace,” and many others.

Thursday, February 15 – Westminster Conservatory Noontime Recitals presents music for solo piano. (PRINCETON, NJ) — Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will present a recital for solo piano on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 12:15pm. The soloist, Theodore Hendricks-Verdejo, is a member of the teaching faculty of Westminster Conservatory of Music. The recital will take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church. It is open to the public free of charge.

Friday, February 16 – Ocean Casino Resort presents 311. (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) — American rock quintet 311 will take the stage at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall on Friday, February 16, 2024. Widely regarded as one of the most entertaining and dynamic live bands in the U.S., 311 mixes rock, rap, reggae, and funk into their own unique, hybrid sound. Showtime is 9:00pm.

Friday, February 16 – Newton Theatre presents The Hit Men. (NEWTON, NJ) — The Newton Theatre presents The Hit Men on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 8:00pm. Relive Rock’s greatest hits with The Hit Men – five fantastic musicians who have shared the stage with legendary artists, including members of Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Wings, Alan Parsons, Billy Joel, Sting, Elton John, Journey, The Who and Cream.

Friday, February 16 – PEAK Performances to present “Blind Injustice”. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) — PEAK Performances at Montclair State University is producing two opera-in-concert performances of Blind Injustice, composed by Montclair State University College of the Arts faculty member Scott Davenport Richards (A Star Across the Ocean, Charlie Crosses the Nation) with a libretto by David Cote (Three Way, The Scarlet Ibis). The performances—featuring 12 principal singers, a 12-member orchestra, and a chorus of 30—explore the true stories of six people who were tried, unjustly convicted, imprisoned, and who ultimately freed themselves with the help of the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP).

Saturday, February 17 – Ocean Casino Resort presents Kool & The Gang. (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) — One of the most inspired and influential funk units, Kool & The Gang, take the stage at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 8:00pm. The local R&B legends from Jersey City, New Jersey will bring the heat with chart-topping singles “Get Down on It”, “Jungle Boogie” and “Celebration”.

Saturday, February 17 – The Wellmont Theater presents Flogging Molly. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) — The Wellmont Theater presents Flogging Molly on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 8:00pm. The night also includes performances by Amigo The Devil, Gen and the Degenerates.

Saturday, February 17 – The Newton Theatre presents Lotus Land – The American RUSH Tribute. (NEWTON, NJ) — The Newton Theatre presents Lotus Land – The American RUSH Tribute on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $39-$54.

Saturday, February 17 – Light Opera of New Jersey presents “The Barber of Seville”. (RAHWAY, NJ) —- Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) presents performances of Rossini’s comedic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville February 17-18, 2024. This beloved opera tells the story of Count Almaviva and his attempts to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina, with the help of the cunning Figaro, the barber of Seville.

Saturday, February 17 – Symphony in C Presents Romantic Harp featuring Daniel Benedict. (CAMDEN, NJ) — New Jersey-based young professionals orchestra Symphony in C presents harp player Daniel Benedict in the program Romantic Harp on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts’s Gordon Theater. Daniel Benedict, who is the Principal Harpist of Symphony in C and is currently attending The Curtis Institute of Music, performs Renié’s Harp Concerto on a program alongside Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides and Symphony No.1, Op. 11 led by Symphony in C’s Music Director, Noam Aviel. Showtime is 8:00pm.

Paper Mill Playhouse presents “After Midnight”. (MILLBURN, NJ) — Paper Mill Playhouse presents After Midnight from January 31-February 25, 2024. Conceived by Jack Viertel (former Artistic Director of City Center Encores!), this Jazz Age rhythm and dance extravaganza is an electrifying musical revue that transports you to the Cotton Club of the Harlem Renaissance, an unparalleled time in New York City when jazz and swing were king. The production is co-directed by Dominique Kelley and Paper Mill Playhouse’s Associate Artistic Director Jen Bender and choreographed by Kelley.

Music Mountain Theatre presents “City of Angels”. (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) — Music Mountain Theatre (MMT) presents a three-weekend run of City of Angels, a musical with a book by Larry Gelbart, music by Cy Coleman, and lyrics by David Zippel. Get ready to enter the musical noir world of 1940s Los Angeles, where Stine, a writer of detective stories, struggles to adapt his crime novel into a workable screenplay and maintain his integrity in backstabbing Hollywood.

Two River Theater presents the World Premiere of “The Scarlet Letter” by Kate Hamill. (RED BANK, NJ) — A new year, and a world premiere! Riding the wave of its 30th anniversary season, set in motion by audience sensation Hair this past fall, Two River Theater has announced the cast and creative team for its second production of the season: the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter by Kate Hamill (Pride and Prejudice, Little Women), one of the American theater’s most widely produced contemporary playwrights, and directed by Shelley Butler (Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, A Doll’s House Part 2).

Bergen County Players presents “Pride and Prejudice”. (ORADELL, NJ) — Heed the invite from some of the most memorable characters in fiction! Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America’s longest-running little theater companies, will open its first mainstage production of the new year with a comedic retelling of Jane Austen’s great romantic tale Pride and Prejudice. Performances run weekends from February 3-24, 2024 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell.

Passage Theatre Company presents World Premiere of “Ghetto Gods in Divineland”. (TRENTON, NJ) — In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Trenton’s only professional theater company is paying homage to the Poor Righteous Teachers. Trenton’s first superstar hip-hop group—the philosophers and messengers for good and for the ‘hood—inspired Passage Theatre Company’s upcoming show Ghetto Gods in Divineland, a brand-new play co-written by Richard Bradford and Anthony Martinez-Briggs and Directed by Ozzie Jones. The production runs from February 8-25, 2024.

Luna Stage presents the World Premiere of “RIFT or White Lies”. (WEST ORANGE, NJ) — Luna Stage presents the World Premiere of RIFT or White Lies by Gabriel Jason Dean, directed by Ari Laura Kreith, from February 8-March 3, 2024. Two brothers–one a progressive novelist, the other a convicted murderer and high-ranking member of a white supremacist prison gang–are united through their traumatic childhood. Now adults, these men navigate the edges of their brotherly bond. Are they truly so different? Is it possible to love someone whose beliefs you hate? RIFT is a story of estrangement, ideological divide, and the fight to change one another.

Theater League of Clifton presents “A Tribute to Carol Burnett”. (CLIFTON, NJ) — The Theater League of Clifton will present its dinner/theater production of “A Tribute to Carol Burnett” beginning on Saturday, February 10, 7:30pm, at Mario’s Restaurant, 710 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. The show will recreate favorite comedy skits from the popular Carol Burnett Show, which aired for 11 seasons (1967-1978) on the CBS television network and won numerous Emmy awards.

Jersey City Theater Center presents Escultores del Aire/Danza, Abend/Catalonia-USA/Costa Rica. (JERSEY CITY, NJ) — Jersey City Theater Center presents the International Arts Exchange Project (IAEP) on Thursday, February 15 at 7:00pm as a part of the Voices International Theater Festival. This captivating cultural experience featuring Los Escultores del Aire/Danza, Abend/Catalonia-USA/Costa Rica transcends borders through the universal language of the arts. After the performances, the audience is invited to engage in a unique networking experience, fostering connections and conversations that go beyond geographical boundaries.

WHATCo presents Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None”. (HARRISON, NJ) — West Hudson Arts & Theater Co (WHATCo) presents Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None with six performances across two weekends (February 16-18 and February 23-25) at The Theater at WHATCo (15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South) in Harrison. This play tells the story of 10 strangers who are summoned to a remote island and accused of misdeeds. When the weather cuts them off from the mainland one by one, the guests are killed in accordance with a sinister nursery rhyme. They must find the killer if they hope to survive.

WHATCo presents Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None”. (WEST HUDSON, NJ) — The West Hudson Arts & Theater Co (WHATCo) brings the classic mystery And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie to its Main Stage for a six performance run across two weekends (February 16-18 and February 23-25). This tells the story of 10 strangers who are summoned to a remote island and accused of misdeeds. When the weather cuts them off from the mainland one by one, the guests are killed in accordance with a sinister nursery rhyme. They must find the killer if they hope to survive.

Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater & Music Theater presents “Love Type Beat”. (PRINCETON, NJ) — The Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theater and Music Theater at Princeton University will present Love Type Beat, a partly immersive new play conceived and directed by Princeton seniors Nica Evans and Tanéyah Jolly. The work explores Black women and femmes’ relationships with different types of love through a series of vignettes, some of which invite audience interaction and participation. Performances are on February 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 8:00pm in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex on the Princeton campus. The show is free and open to the public, however due to the immersive nature of the show attendance at each performance is limited to 30 and advance tickets are required through University Ticketing.

October Ensemble presents Debut Production: “The Sweetest Crime: A Chocolate Covered Murder Mystery”. (SURF CITY, NJ) — October Ensemble presents their debut production, The Sweetest Crime: A Chocolate Covered Murder Mystery, on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at St. Thomas of Villanova in Surf City. This is a hilarious chocolate-themed murder mystery full of over-the-top characters, chocolate puns, saucy secrets, and an interactive performance to discover who the killer is! Performances take place at 2:00pm & 7:00pm.

Friday, February 16 – NJPAC presents Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef. (NEWARK, NJ) — Due to popular demand, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has added a second show for Pioneering Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef. He is set to perform his English-language solo show, The Middle Beast, on Friday, February 16th, with performances at 7:00pm & 9:30pm.

Friday, February 16, 2024 – Stockton PAC presents “BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular”. (GALLOWAY, NJ) — Last year marked the 50th anniversary of hip hop, and what better way to celebrate than with Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center? “BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular,” an electrifying show that features a high-energy tribute to this creatively charged American art form, will take the main stage on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 7:30pm.

Saturday, February 17, 2024 – Limón Dance Company to perform at NJPAC. (NEWARK, NJ) — Hailed as “rich in feeling and form… fresh with possibilities (The New York Times),” the internationally acclaimed Limón Dance Company led by Artistic Director Dante Puleio, returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for a one-nightly performance, Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 7:30pm. This NJPAC performance celebrates the New Jersey debut of the company’s ensemble of young and emerging dancers, Limón2.

Thursday, February 15, 2024 – The 2024 NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival to Take Place in February. (NEW YORK, NY) — The NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival (NYCITFF), formerly a program of the New Ohio Theatre, will take place February 15-18, 2024 at the Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, located at 502 West 53rd Street. The festival, led by Executive Director and Programmer Marc Weitz, and Producer and Programmer Allyson Morgan, is now in its 8th year.

Saturday, February 17, 2024 – Middletown Arts Center Announces February Movies at the MAC. (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) — The Middletown Arts Center has announced the lineup for Movies at the MAC in February. The movie series presents three separate programs spotlighting the best in comedy, theater and music on celluloid: The MAC Classic Comedy Movie Series, The MAC Broadway Matinee Film Series and Monday Night Music Club at the MAC.

Thursday, February 15 – Black Box Studios and Liberty Arts Theatre to present Monthly Open Mic Nite on February 15th. (TEANECK, NJ) — Black Box Studios and Liberty Arts Theatre presents their monthly Open Mic Night for music, comedy, and more on Thursday, February 15th at Debonair Music Hall. A cash bar is open throughout, and in honor of Valentine’s Day this month’s festivities will be hosted by none other than Drunk Cupid, last seen as MC circa 2020! Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.

Friday, February 16 – FL!P Circus to Begin 2024 Season in Paramus. (PARAMUS, NJ) — FL!P Circus, has been winning over audiences since debuting in 2022. The intimate big top experience, created by the Vazquez family, is hitting the road again with its brand-new Tour ’24 production. Hailed as one of America’s best new family entertainment events, this new show was specially curated to showcase an incredible and eclectic mix of international human performers. The new production launches its year-long national tour at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ (February 16 – March 5) before moving to the Cross Country Center in Yonkers, NY (March 8 – April 2). Additional area dates to be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now.

Tuesday, February 20 – Discover Lakewood’s Sports Glory and Railroad Heritage at the Ocean County Library Lakewood Branch. (LAKEWOOD, NJ) — Learn about athletic prowess and a heralded passenger train, both ingrained in Lakewood’s past. The Lakewood Historical Society will present “Sports-in-the-Pines: 100 Years of Athletic Competition in Lakewood” and “Take a Ride on the Blue Comet” at the Ocean County Library Lakewood Branch on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The event begins at 7:00pm.

7:00pm – Step Afrika! at William Paterson University – Shea Center for Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne

7:30pm – Tuesday Night Book Club – Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God at VIRTUAL, ,

Wednesday, February 14

10:00am – Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad (Field Trip) at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown

Thursday, February 15

12:30pm – Bill Charlap, piano at William Paterson University – Shea Auditorium, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne

7:30pm – iLe at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton

7:30pm – National Theatre: Broadcast in HD – Romeo and Juliet at Monmouth University – Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch

7:30pm – New Jersey Symphony: Aretha – A Tribute at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown

8:00pm – Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’ (R) at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Friday, February 16

2:00pm – Afternoon Recital: Emiko Edwards at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River

7:30pm – Steve Katz – Our Story Teller Series at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

7:30pm – Rabbit Hole at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River

8:00pm – Jerry Rivera at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

8:00pm – New Jersey Symphony presents Aretha: A Tribute at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

8:00pm – Bridge Players Theatre Company presents “Be More Chill” at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 36 E Broad Street, Burlington

8:00pm – Dionne Warwick at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown

8:00pm – Hilarious Whodunit Coming to CDC Theatre in Cranford at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford

8:00pm – The Robert Cray Band at William Paterson University – Shea Center for Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne

8:00pm – Dru Hill at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

8:00pm – The Legendary Ingramettes at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton

Saturday, February 17

1:00pm – Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

3:00pm – Bridge Players Theatre Company presents “Be More Chill” at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 36 E Broad Street, Burlington

4:00pm – “Carmela Full of Wishes” at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong

4:00pm – Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

7:00pm – New Jersey Festival Orchestra presents “Lucia di Lammermoor” at Renaissance Church, 639 Mountain Ave, Springfield

7:00pm – Magic of Lyn at William Paterson University – Shea Center for Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne