New Jersey Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations

Guest Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at McCarter Theatre-Holiday Spirit in Princeton
by Marina Kennedy - December 17, 2024

McCarter Theatre Center’s annual production of A Christmas Carol has returned to Princeton, New Jersey, and brings with it plenty of holiday merriment....

Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at STNJ-Top Show to Tantalize the Imagination
by Marina Kennedy - December 11, 2024

If you want to see a production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol presented to perfection, make plans to visit The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ). ...

Review: GENE & GILDA-A Humorous and Affecting Story of Legendary Performers at GSP
by Marina Kennedy - December 09, 2024

George Street Playhouse (GSP) is now presenting a two-hander that should be on your December entertainment schedule.  Gene & Gilda tells a captivating story about the relationship of the two celebrated performers, Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner....

Review: WHITE CHRISTMAS at Paper Mill Playhouse-Ideal Holiday Cheer for All
by Marina Kennedy - December 04, 2024

'Tis the season for a fabulous holiday show and that means you must see Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of 'Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical.' ...

Review: Catalyst Theater Company’s BAT BOY Transforms Prejudice
by Chloe Yang - November 17, 2024

Catalyst Theater's 'Bat Boy: The Musical' shines with Nick Rubano (Edgar), Tracey Lynne Haskell (Meredith), Beth Siegling (Shelley), and Scott McGowan (Dr. Parker) leading a powerful exploration of acceptance and humanity in this intimate production about a journey of love and prejudice....

Review: José Rivera’s YOUR NAME MEANS DREAM at NJ Rep-A Captivating New Play
by Marina Kennedy - November 06, 2024

This fascinating new play is an insightful examination about aging and the use of advanced technology in caregiving....

Review: MY ITALY STORY Bridges Generations at Hamilton Stage
by Chloe Yang - October 27, 2024

Experience Italian-American family drama in 'My Italy Story.' This captivating one-man show stars Michael Notardonato as he masterfully portrays multiple characters on a journey of identity and reconciliation. Don't miss it — Oct 24-27 at Hamilton Stage, Rahway, then Nov 1-3 at Sieminski Theater, Ba...

Review: Art House Productions’ GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES Bleeds Beauty
by Chloe Yang - October 27, 2024

Art House Productions' gripping staging of 'Gruesome Playground Injuries' explores love, pain, and healing through 30 years of friendship. Ashley Renée-Scott and Mario C. Brown shine as Kayleen and Doug, whose bond transcends romance in this intimate black box production running through Nov 10. Must...

Guest Review: ARB’s WONDERMENT Celebrates the Magic of the Mind with Whimsy and Drama
by Marina Kennedy - October 24, 2024

Anyone who has spent a childhood afternoon daydreaming in their bedroom is sure to be captured by the whimsical charm of WONDERMENT, the program that opened the American Repertory Ballet (ARB) 2024-2025 season....

Review: MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ-An Outstanding Production
by Marina Kennedy - October 22, 2024

An awe-inspiring production of William Shakespeare’s masterwork tragedy, 'Macbeth' is now being performed at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) through November 17th. Read the review. ...

Review: Conor McPherson's THE WEIR-A Marvelous Play at Centenary Stage Company
by Marina Kennedy - October 11, 2024

Centenary Stage Company (CSC) is now presenting a marvelous production of Conor McPherson’s The Weir through Sunday, October 20th in the Sitnik Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center. ...

Review: JERSEY BOYS at Paper Mill Playhouse is Exhilarating
by Marina Kennedy - October 09, 2024

'Jersey Boys' is now being performed at Paper Mill Playhouse and this reimagined production of the biographical musical is spectacular from the opening number to the curtain call writes our critic. ...

Review: AMERICAN MARIACHI at Two River Theater is Enthralling
by Marina Kennedy - October 07, 2024

Two River Theater is now presenting American Mariachi.  This production has it all. It is a heartfelt story with plenty of humor and marvelous music....

Review: WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME at GSP-An Extraordinary Relevant Show
by Marina Kennedy - September 30, 2024

George Street Playhouse (GSP) opens their 50th Anniversary Season with 'What the Constitution Means to Me.'  ...

Guest Review: EMPIRE RECORDS: THE MUSICAL at McCarter Theatre-Electrifying
by Marina Kennedy - September 22, 2024

On Sunday, September 15, the Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center saw a packed house for 'Empire Records: The Musical,' an adaptation of the eponymous cult classic film....

Review: THE OTHER AMERICAN-A Powerful and Fascinating Play at NJ Rep
by Marina Kennedy - September 11, 2024

New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) continues its 27th Season with the stunning world premiere of The Other American, crafted by playwright, D.W. Gregory.  Read the review. ...

Review: SENSE AND SENSIBILITY at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ-Simply Wonderful
by Marina Kennedy - September 10, 2024

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues their successful 2024 Season with a gem of a production, Jane Austin’s, 'Sense and Sensibility' now through September 22nd. The show is impeccably directed by Nisi Sturgis and features a marvelous cast....

Review: DIVERSION at Premiere Stages-An Excellent and Compelling Play
by Marina Kennedy - September 09, 2024

Premiere Stages at Kean University is now presenting the compelling New Jersey Premiere of playwright, Scott Organ’s 'Diversion' through September 22nd.  Get your tickets.  It is an excellent, must-see production that addresses a current, significant issue....

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.  ...