New Jersey Theater Reviews

Review: STILL at Premiere Stages-A Compelling and Affecting Historical Play
by Marina Kennedy - July 17, 2024

Premiere Stages is now presenting playwright Benjamin V. Marshall’s 'Still.'  This World Premiere play is inspired by historical events that are both captivating and affecting....

Review: THE BOOK OF WILL at STNJ-Entertaining and Riveting, A Must-See
by Marina Kennedy - July 16, 2024

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is now presenting 'The Book of Will,' a production that has it all.  This riveting play is filled with wit, drama and humor....

Review: THE BOOKSTORE at NJ Rep-An Excellent and Engaging Play
by Marina Kennedy - July 14, 2024

See 'The Bookstore' this summer while you can and enjoy a trip to one of the New Jersey shore’s favorite theatres!...

Review: AS YOU LIKE IT on STNJ's Outdoor Stage Intrigues with Humor and Romance
by Marina Kennedy - July 01, 2024

Under the starlit skies at St. Elizabeth University, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is presenting William Shakespeare’s As You Like It on their Outdoor Stage....

Review: GEM OF THE OCEAN at TRT-Powerful and Presented to Perfection
by Marina Kennedy - June 17, 2024

Two River Theater (TRT) is now presenting an extraordinary and compelling production of August Wilson's 'Gem of the Ocean,' expertly directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg and featuring a stellar cast....

Review: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Shines Bright at Paper Mill Playhouse  
by Marina Kennedy - June 12, 2024

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is now on stage at Paper Mill Playhouse through June 30.  Music lovers and many more will be captivated by this production that showcases King’s influence on the music industry and tells her personal story on her rise to stardom....

Review: QUEEN OF THE NIGHT at Luna Stage in West Orange-Poignant and Appealing
by Marina Kennedy - May 27, 2024

'Queen of the Night' written by travis tate and directed by Luca Pinner is billed as “a story of queerness, Blackness, masculinity and the challenges of camping with family.” It will definitely appeal to a broad audience.  ...

Review: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER at STNJ-The Best in Musical Comedy
by Marina Kennedy - May 24, 2024

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) kicks off its exciting 62nd season with the musical comedy, 'A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder.' We loved it from the opening scene to the curtain call....

Review: DISASTER! THE MUSICAL at West Hudson Arts & Theatre Company
by Gina Sarno - May 01, 2024

Disaster! puts a comedic spin on the beloved classic disaster movie genre, infused with the funky beats of disco! As the curtains rise on the grand opening of New York City's latest sensation, the floating casino known as the Barracuda, an impending earthquake threatens to turn the night upside down...

Review: THE TWO HANDER at NJ Rep-A Psychotherapy Story Excellently Performed
by Marina Kennedy - April 29, 2024

New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) is presenting the world premiere of 'The Two Hander' adroitly written by Julia Blauvelt.  The play is superbly directed by the Company’s Artistic Director, SuzAnne Barabas and features the abundant acting talents of Jill Eikenberry and Ella Dershowitz. ...

Review: GUN & POWDER at Paper Mill Playhouse-An Exciting, Elaborate New Musical
by Marina Kennedy - April 17, 2024

Paper Mill Playhouse is presenting the exciting and elaborate new musical, 'Gun & Powder.'...

Review: A THOUSAND MAIDS at Two River Theater-Meaningful and Humorous
by Marina Kennedy - April 15, 2024

Two River Theater (TRT) is now presenting the captivating world premiere comedy, A Thousand Maids. ...

Review: ARTHUR & FRIENDS Make A Musical! at The Growing Stage-Children's Theatre at its Best
by Marina Kennedy - March 20, 2024

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey has produced another successful, inspiring show for young viewers and their families.  They are currently presenting the New Jersey premiere of ARTHUR & FRIENDS Make A Musical! ...

Review: SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE-An Exquisite Production at Axelrod PAC
by Marina Kennedy - March 15, 2024

Axelrod Performing Arts Center is now presenting Sunday in the Park with George, a vibrant, beautifully staged production that enjoys splendid direction and choreography by Broadway veteran, Eamon Foley....

Review: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC by ATG-A Stellar Production Now at Hamilton Stage
by Marina Kennedy - March 13, 2024

American Theater Group (ATG) New Jersey’s renowned professional theater company, is now presenting a stellar production of 'A Little Night Music' with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler. Hunter Foster, who directed ATG’s highly acclaimed production of Parade last season,...

Review: THE CLUB at GSP-A Perceptive, Entertaining Play About Class and Race
by Marina Kennedy - March 05, 2024

'The Club,' a world premiere play, is currently being performed at George Street Playhouse (GSP) located at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC). ...

THE TEMPEST: A SURROUND SOUND ODYSSEY by Knock at The Gate Brings Shakespeare's Beloved Play to Life
by Marina Kennedy - March 04, 2024

If you enjoy classical theatre, then you should know about Knock at the Gate that produces narrative, immersive 3D audio experiences. ...

Review: ESSPY at NJ Rep-A Must-See Incisive Comic-Drama
by Marina Kennedy - March 02, 2024

New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) is launching their 27th Season with a sure fire hit, the world premiere of Nandia Shenoy’s play, ESSPY...

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Ritz Theatre Company is Something to Think About and Something to Drink About
by Amber Kusching - February 26, 2024

The world surrounding the small shtetl of Anatevka is changing. Conflict draws near, and Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, must navigate this changing terrain, raising five daughters and, ultimately, his faith in this unforgettable, classic musical. The original Broadway production, directed by Jerome R...

Review: Kate Hamill's THE SCARLET LETTER at Two River Theater Captivates with the Timeless Theme of Womanly Strength
by Marina Kennedy - February 12, 2024

Two River Theater is presenting the stunning world premiere of 'The Scarlet Letter' skillfully reimagined by Kate Hamill, the renowned contemporary American playwright....

Review: AFTER MIDNIGHT at Paper Mill Playhouse-A Jazzy, Exhilarating Musical Revue Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance
by Marina Kennedy - February 06, 2024

Paper Mill Playhouse is now presenting After Midnight, a scintillating musical revue....

Review: IBSEN'S GHOST at George Street Playhouse-A Hilarious Must-See
by Marina Kennedy - January 26, 2024

Are you ready for some good laughs and great entertainment?  That’s just what you’ll find at George Street Playhouse (GSP) with their current production of Ibsen’s Ghost. ...

Review: MIDWINTER'S NIGHTS DREAM at STNJ-A Delightful Holiday Show with Wintery Magic
by Marina Kennedy - December 15, 2023

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is concluding their successful season with a dazzling version of William Shakespeare’s popular romantic comedy presented as 'A Midwinter Night’s Dream.' ...

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Paper Mill Playhouse-See this Excellent Musical Theatre Gem
by Marina Kennedy - December 12, 2023

An exceptional production of Fiddler on the Roof is being performed at Paper Mill Playhouse through January 7, 2024....

Review: THE GREAT GATSBY at Paper Mill Playhouse-The Exceptional World Premiere
by Marina Kennedy - October 24, 2023

Paper Mill Playhouse opens their 85th Anniversary Season with the world-premiere production of 'The Great Gatsby,' based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  This show is phenomenal, destined to become a treasured addition to American musical theatre. ...