Here are previews of plays taking place from July 14-20, 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. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.
Most of the events previewed here are articles created by New Jersey Stage, but you may send press releases to [email protected] to have your shows considered for previews. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. They serve as event boosters – they help your shows get higher rankings with search engines. There is no cost for preview articles. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads are available from $50-$100 per event and can be purchased up to 3 months in advance.
FEATURED EVENTS
“Shrek: The Musical” at Algonquin Arts Theatre (MANASQUAN, NJ) — Algonquin Arts Theatre is presenting Shrek: The Musical, from July 11–26, 2026. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud spectacle brings everyone’s favorite green ogre and his unlikely companions to the stage in a colorful adventure celebrating friendship, acceptance, and the importance of being true to yourself. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
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The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center present “The Little Mermaid” (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) — The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center present The Little Mermaid across two weekends from July 10-19, 2026. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages.
OCC Repertory Theatre Company presents Lerner & Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” (TOMS RIVER, NJ) — OCC Repertory Theatre Company presents Lerner & Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” across two weekends from July 10-19, 2026 at Grunin Center for the Arts. This is their award-winning story of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady, which is widely considered one of the greatest musicals of all time.
Vivid Stage presents 2026 Vivid Summer Solos (SUMMIT, NJ) — Vivid Stage has announced the lineup for 2026 Vivid Summer Solos – performances outside on the lawn of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. The weekly play reading series takes place each Wednesday in July. This year includes readings of Fair State by Megan Gogerty, Long Drive Home by Stephen Kaplan, Maker of Worlds by Wendy Schmidt, and The Call List by Brian James Pollak.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Classic American Tales’ presents Tales at the Dormer House every Thursday (CAPE MAY, NJ) — From June 4 through October 15, 2026 (except for July 2), Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents Tales at the Dormer House in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting.
East Lynne Theater Company presents “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years” by Emily Mann (CAPE MAY, NJ) — The reimagined East Lynne Theater Company opens its Season Forty-Six with the extraordinary, real-life story Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years by Emily Mann, running June 18 to July 19, 2026 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME in Cape May.
Princeton Summer Theater presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (PRINCETON, NJ) — Princeton Summer Theater’s 2026 Children’s Show is You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which runs weekends from June 20 to August 1, 2026. A beloved musical since its premiere in 1967, Clark Gesner brings Charles M. Schulz’s “PEANUTS” characters to the stage. The musical ventures through the highs and lows of young life, from baseball and homework to young love and friendship. With an empathetic and whimsical eye, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown reminds us of the importance of connection and joy.
The Ritz Theatre Company presents “Grease” (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) — The Ritz Theatre Company presents the classic musical Grease weekends from June 26 to July 19, 2026. Grease is a love song to the 1950s and a cornerstone of the American musical comedy form. The production is directed by Bruce A. Curless.
Princeton Summer Theater presents “The 39 Steps” (PRINCETON, NJ) — Princeton Summer Theater’s 2026 season continues with The 39 Steps, a noir farce full of danger, mystery, and laughs. The production runs Thursdays through Sundays from July 2-18. The play is based on the 1935 Hitchcock film, a mystery thriller about a man who is mistakenly swept up into a world of spies and murder.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville (PITMAN, NJ) — Get ready to kick back and soak up the island vibes with a musical comedy packed full of Jimmy Buffett’s greatest hits—from “Margaritaville” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and more when the Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville. Performances take place weekends from July 3-26, 2026.
Surflight Theatre presents “Young Frankenstein” (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) — Surflight Theatre presents Young Frankenstein from July 7-27, 2026. It’s alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches.
Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park presents “1776” (EDISON, NJ) — Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park presents 1776 from July 8-18, 2026. The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits.
Spring Lake Theatre Company presents “Me and My Girl” (SPRING LAKE, NJ) — Spring Lake Theatre Company presents Me and My Girl from July 8-19, 2026. This is a joyful, tap-filled British musical comedy about love, class, and unexpected royalty.
SoHo Playhouse presents the U.S. premiere of “Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England” (NEW YORK, NY) — Direct from London’s West End, SoHo Playhouse presents the U.S. premiere of Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England, written and performed by Alex Hill, and directed by Sean Turner, running July 8 – 18, 2026 in a limited engagement at SoHo Playhouse, located at 15 Vandam Street in New York City.
Centenary Stage Company presents “The Wedding Singer” (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) — Big hair, bigger laughs, and a soundtrack packed with infectious energy are headed to the stage this summer as Centenary Stage Company presents The Wedding Singer, opening July 9 and running through July 19, 2026 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” at Van Vleck House and Gardens (MONTCLAIR, NJ) — The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing outside at Van Vleck House and Gardens across two weekends from July 10-18, 2026. This is no ordinary stage production, it’s an immersive theatrical experience.
The Summit Playhouse presents “Into The Woods” (SUMMIT, NJ) — The Summit Playhouse presents Into the Woods across two weekends from July 10-19, 2026. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece… and a rare modern classic.
Luna Stage presents Shakespeare’s “Hamlet, abridged” outdoors this July (ORANGE, NJ) — Luna Stage takes Shakespeare on the road from July 10-19, 2026 with outdoor performances of Hamlet abridged in four parks. This is a taut reimagining of Shakespeare’s legendary story of family, revenge, and the corrupting influence of power.
The Yardley Players present Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at Kelsey Theatre (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) — Ariel and all of her friends are bound to make a big splash when The Yardley Players presents “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” across two weekends from July 10-19, 2026, at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor Campus.
First Avenue Playhouse presents Mary Chase’s “Harvey” (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) — First Avenue Playhouse presents Mary Chase’s Harvey weekends from July 10-25, 2026. This is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that tells the gentle, whimsical story of Elwood P. Dowd, a kind and amiable man who goes through life accompanied by his best friend — a 6-foot-3½-inch tall invisible white rabbit named Harvey.
Music Mountain Theatre presents “Urinetown” (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) — Music Mountain Theatre presents Urinetown weekends from July 10 through August 2, 2026. A sidesplitting sendup of greed, love, revolution (and musicals!), in a time when water is worth its weight in gold.
The Theater Project presents “Having Our Say” by Emily Mann (UNION, NJ) — The Theater Project’s 2026 summer season will begin with a bang with a production of Having Our Say, Emily Mann’s 1995 Tony Award-nominated drama about “two ‘maiden ladies’ with century-old stories to tell”, July 11-21, 2026 at the DMK Black Box Theatre.
Main Street Theatre Company presents “The Music Man JR.” (OLD BRIDGE, NJ) — Main Street Theatre Company presents The Music Man JR. across two weekends from July 11-19, 2026. There’s trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian in this adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” (MADISON, NJ) —- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) presents Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, running July 11 through August 2, 2026 at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.
Iron Mountain Stage Company presents “46 Plays For America’s First Ladies” (RINGWOOD, NJ) — Iron Mountain Stage Company presents 46 Plays For America’s First Ladies from July 11-19, 2026. A biographical, meta-theatrical, genre-bending ride through race, gender, and everything else your history teacher never taught you about the founding of America.
Cape May Stage presents “Kalamazoo” (CAPE MAY, NJ) — Cape May Stage presents Kalamazoo by Michelle Kholos Brooks and Kelly Younger from July 15 through August 23, 2026. When two cautious strangers meet later in life, polite conversation quickly takes flight — sparked by sharp wit and surprising confessions.
Off Book Productions present “The Women of Congress” outside HACPAC (HACKENSACK, NJ) — Travel back to 1776 with Off Book Productions for a free outdoor musical performance of The Women of Congress at the at the Atlantic Street Park at Hackensack Performing Arts Center. Performances take place Wednesdays July 15th and 22nd, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Trilogy Repertory presents “Shrek, The Musical” in Basking Ridge (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) — Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents Shrek, The Musical across two weekends from July 16-25, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show! Showtime is 8:00pm.
James Rana to perform in Cape May for Classic American Tales on Thursday (CAPE MAY, NJ) — On Thursday, July 16, 2026, James Rana will read the first chapter of Vladimir Nabokov’s “Pnin” at The Dormer House in Cape May. Every Thursday through October 15, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers, with lemonade and homemade desserts also served. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day’s American Idiot (MONTVILLE, NJ) — Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day’s American Idiot from July 17-19, 2026 at the Barn Theatre. The band’s powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The production features two sets of casts.
The Blue Moon Theatre presents “Where the Lost Children Play” (WOODSTOWN, NJ) — The Blue Moon Theatre presents Where the Lost Children Play across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. This is a dystopian stage play by Hannah Lee DeFrates. It follows two young women, Willow and Poppy, navigating a grim society.
Somerset Valley Players presents “Freaky Friday” (HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) — Somerset Valley Players presents Freaky Friday weekends from July 17 through August 2, 2026. This is a heartfelt, high‑energy musical comedy about family, second chances, and seeing life through someone else’s eyes!
The Theater Project presents “Too Fat For China” by Phoebe Potts (UNION, NJ) — The Theater Project presents Too Fat For China from July 17-19, 2026 in the DMK Black Box Theater. Comedian Phoebe Potts’ one-woman show follows the surprises and painful realizations of her adoption journey with humor and candor.
Fool Moon Theatre presents “The Drowsy Chaperone” (MARGATE, NJ) — Fool Moon Theatre Company presents the award-winning madcap musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. Winner of five Tony Awards, this is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.
Yendor Theatre Company’s Summer Play Series Returns with World Premiere of “The Cousins” by BV Marshall (NEWARK, NJ) — Yendor Theatre Company (YTC) has announced the return of their renowned summer play series, as part of their Neighborhood Theatre Initiative. Launched in 2019, the Neighborhood Theatre Initiative stages free, professional theatre directly in public, outdoors spaces throughout the City of Newark. This year’s production will be The Cousins by Jersey’s own BV Marshall, directed by YTC Artistic Director, Andrew Binger. Performances will be held at Lincoln Park on July 17th and August 7th, and at Military Park on July 31, 2026. Shows begin at 7:00pm and are free of charge.
Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” this weekend (GLEN RIDGE, NJ) — Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney’s Descendants: The Musical from July 17-18, 2026 at the Ridgewood Avenue School with a different cast each night. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, this is a musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!
Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with “Much Ado About Nothing” (BLOOMFIELD, NJ) — Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard’s ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.
“Chip and Gus” – a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th (FLORHAM PARK, NJ) — On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.
EVENT LISTINGS
Click on the date for more information or to purchase tickets for the show
COMING SOON
2026 Broadway Bound Theatre Festival Preview (NEW YORK, NY) — Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival features the world premieres of two musicals and ten new plays by writers from New York and across the country. The festival runs July 23–August 16, 2026 at AMT Theater in the heart of the Theater District.
Woodbridge Community Players present “9 to 5, The Musical” (WOODBRIDGE, NJ) — The Woodbridge Community Players present 9 to 5, The Musical from July 23-26, 2026 at The Theater at Woodbridge Middle School. Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world.
Mystic Vision Players presents “Seussical, the Musical” (LINDEN, NJ) — Mystic Vision Players presents Seussical, the Musical across two weekends from July 24 through August 1, 2026 in the Susan L. Hudak Auditorium inside Linden High School. The musical features a Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty; Music by Stephen Flaherty; and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. It was Co-Conceived by Eric Idle and Based on the Works of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss).
The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret (UNION, NJ) — Kaleidoscope Kabaret (that’s Kabaret with a K), The Theater Project’s annual festival of live music and short comedic plays, will liven up the stage of DMK Black Box Theatre in Union Township’s new Arts Center from July 24-26, 2026.
Aspire Performing Arts presents Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” (MONTVILLE, NJ) — Aspire Performing Arts Company, an award-winning performing arts company based in Wayne, will present Disney’s Descendants: The Musical from July 24-26, 2026 at the Barn Theatre in Montville. The production features two casts of young performers and is directed by Joey Nasta with musical direction by Shannen Lynn and choreography by Charlize Dominguez.
Mile Square Theatre presents “Urinetown: The Musical” (HOBOKEN, NJ) — Mile Square Theatre (MST) is proud to present its first-ever Pre-Professional Theatre Program production, Urinetown: The Musical, book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann. The entire production is led by a team of professionals – the assistants and cast are all young artists ages 18 to 25, based in Hudson County and from across North and Central New Jersey. The production runs from Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Dover Little Theatre presents “The Solve It Squad” (DOVER, NJ) — Dover Little Theatre presents The Solve It Squad weekends from July 24 to August 8, 2026. The play takes place 20 years after the murder of his beloved dog, Cluebert, when a familiar case comes across the desk of FBI agent, Scrags.
Chatham Players present Jersey Voices – New Works By Jersey Playwrights (CHATHAM, NJ) — Chatham Players present Jersey Voices – New Works by Jersey Playwrights – across two weekends from July 24 to August 2, 2026. One act plays by David Weil Baker, Clinton Festa, Charles Grayson, Steven Hayet, Jeanne Johnston, Matt McHugh, and Missy Renwick will be performed.
Country Gate Players presents “The Addams Family Musical” (Youth Production) (BELVIDERE, NJ) — Country Gate Players presents The Addams Family Musical (Youth Production) from July 24-26, 2026. This is the spectacular culminating production of their 2026 Summer Youth Performance Workshop.
East Lynne Theater Co. presents “Funny Girls” (CAPE MAY, NJ) — East Lynne Theater Co. begins building a new artistic bridge between the two cities with the launch of its Philadelphia Summer Residency Series — a new chapter in the tale of two historic cities connected by a shared cultural life.
Clinton Area Stage Troupe presents “The Wizard of Oz” (ANNANDALE, NJ) — We’re off to see the wizard! Clinton Area Stage Troupe presents The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum with performances July 24, July 30-31, and August 1, 2026 in the North Hunterdon High School Theater. This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has entertained audiences for generations.
Nutley Little Theatre presents “The Worst Fairy Tale Ever” (NUTLEY, NJ) — The Narrator is ready to start the show, but how is that supposed to happen when nobody else in the cast has read the script and the costumes haven’t even arrived yet? Children, families, and the young at heart will find out when Nutley Little Theatre presents The Worst Fairy Tale Ever by Todd Wallinger July 25-26, 2026.
Award-Winning “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche” Returns for One-Day Fundraising Preview Before Edinburgh Fringe Debut (GARWOOD, NJ) — Before taking their award-winning production to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland this August, Cheese Platter Productions will present one final hometown performance, and one final opportunity for audiences to help send the company overseas.
Surflight Theatre presents “Pretty Woman, The Musical” (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) — Surflight Theatre presents Pretty Woman: The Musical from July 28 through August 16, 2026. Fall in love all over again with one of the most beloved romances of all time!
Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park presents “Guys and Dolls” (EDISON, NJ) — Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park presents Guys and Dolls from July 29-August 8, 2026 with performances at 8:00pm. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. The production is directed by Matt Muccigrossi.
Centenary Stage Company presents Maltby & Shire’s “Closer Than Ever” (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) — Broadway veteran John Leone, an original cast member of Jersey Boys, will lead the cast of Centenary Stage Company’s production of Maltby & Shire’s Closer Than Ever, the finale of the theatre’s 2026 SUMMERFEST season. Directed by award-winning director Sara Louise Lazarus, whose acclaimed career spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre, the intimate musical revue runs July 30 through August 9 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University.
The Road Company presents “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” (WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) — The Road Company presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition from July 30 through August 1, 2026. This is a 60-minute, kid-friendly stage adaptation of the classic 1939 film. It follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as a tornado sweeps them to Oz. Joined by new friends, Dorothy must outsmart the Wicked Witch to ask the Wizard for a way home.
CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness (CRANFORD, NJ) — CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness from July 30 to August 1, 2026. This a slightly unhinged night of original works by emerging and established playwrights.
NJ Rep presents the World Premiere of “A Change of Position” (LONG BRANCH, NJ) — New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) presents the world premiere of A Change of Position, by Jeffrey Sweet, based on characters created by Michael Kosarowich, and directed by James Glossman. The production runs from July 30 through August 23, 2026. Set in a Pennsylvania trailer park, A Change of Position follows a teenage girl whose difficult home life becomes even more complicated when one of her mother’s regular “clients” presents an unexpected proposition.
The Village Playbox presents “Guys and Dolls” (HADDON HEIGHTS, NJ) — The Village Playbox presents Guys and Dolls across two weekends from July 31 through August 9, 2026. Hailed as the perfect musical comedy, this award-winning classic gambles with luck and love under the bright lights of Broadway.
Off-Centre Stages presents Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) — Off-Centre Stages presents Stephen Sondheim’s Company weekends from July 31 to August 9, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. The production is directed by Jonathan Edmondson.
Holmdel Theatre Company presents “Spring Awakening” (HOLMDEL, NJ) — Holmdel Theatre Company presents Spring Awakening across three weekends from July 31 through August 16, 2026. An angsty rock musical adaptation of the seminal play about the trials and tribulations of growing up.
Magnolia Productions presents “Are The Bennet Girls Ok? “ (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) — Magnolia Productions presents Are The Bennet Girls Ok? across two weekends from July 31 to August 8, 2026 at The Theater at The Navesink Library. This is an adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by Emily Breeze.
Paper Mill Playhouse’s Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents “New Voices of 2026: On Vacation” (MONTCLAIR, NJ) — Paper Mill Playhouse’s Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents New Voices of 2026: On Vacation at Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University. This is a world-premiere, full-scale concert that takes audiences on a musical journey around the world. Three performances take place over July 31 and August 1, 2026.
EVENT PREVIEWS
James Rana to perform in Cape May for Classic American Tales on Thursday
(CAPE MAY, NJ) — On Thursday, July 16, 2026, James Rana will read the first chapter of Vladimir Nabokov’s “Pnin” at The Dormer House in Cape May. Every Thursday through October 15, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers, with lemonade and homemade desserts also served. Showtime is 4:00pm.Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with “Much Ado About Nothing”
Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” this weekend
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day’s American Idiot
The Theater Project presents “Too Fat For China” by Phoebe Potts
“Chip and Gus” – a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th
Off Book Productions present “The Women of Congress” outside HACPAC
Trilogy Repertory presents “Shrek, The Musical” in Basking Ridge
The Blue Moon Theatre presents “Where the Lost Children Play”
Nutley Little Theatre presents “The Worst Fairy Tale Ever”
FEATURED EVENTS
