Summer Stages: New Jersey - Extraordinary Entertainment Choices

New Jersey has theater and musical offerings throughout the state just for you this summer. Whether you are looking for an original theatrical gem, a captivating play or music under the stars, there is entertainment to enjoy. Here are some suggestions from our editorial department.

New Jersey Repertory Company, Long Branch

The New Jersey Repertory Company is a professional, non-profit theater founded in 1997 by SuzAnne Barabas (Artistic Director) and Gabor Barabas (Executive Producer). The theater's primary mission is to develop and produce new plays and to make a lasting contribution to the American stage. NJ Rep has productions year-round with a two plays this summer that shouldn't be missed.

Butler - June 12th through July 13th
Butler is a World Premiere by Richard Strand, directed by Joseph Discher . The play is the recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award. It's the start of the Civil War and lawyer Benjamin Butler has just been promoted to the rank of Major General at Fort Monroe, a Union hold-out in the state of Virginia. Shepard Mallory, an escaped slave, seeks sanctuary at the fort. But, the law of the land has not yet changed and slaves are still considered property and must be turned over to their "rightful owners".

Lucky Me - July 31st through August 31st
A World Premiere Comedy by Robert Caisley, directed by SuzAnne Barabas. From the playwright who brought you Happy comes a whimsical comedy about love, aging, airport security, and 22 years of bad luck.

New Jersey Repertory Company is located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch. For tickets, call (732) 229-3166 or visit, www.njrep.org.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is the state's largest professional theatre company dedicated to the presentation of Shakespeare's canon and other classic dramatic entertainments. It is theater at its best this summer. The Outdoor Stage production of Molière's comedy, The Learned Ladies, brings theatre alive under the stars at the popular summer venue on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morris Township. The Learned Ladies begins on June 18th and continues through July 27th. Main Stage productions this summer include William Shakespeare's The Tempest from May 28th through June 22nd, The Devil's Disciple by George Bernard Shaw beginning July 2nd and The Alchemist by Ben Johnson beginning August 7th. For performance schedules and tickets, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark

NJ PAC has a summer full of exciting events including their outdoor concert series, Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City. They will be held on Thursday evenings at the Center's Theater Square starting on July 10th and continuing through August 29th. Artists include Rhythm Revue with Felix Hernandez, Third World, Funky Meters and Living Colour.

NJ PAC's Second Annual "Family Fair at Theater Square" is a free event that has entertainment, tours, contests and demonstrations that will delight all ages.

For more information about upcoming New Jersey Performing Arts Center events, visit www.njpac.org or call 1-888-GO-NJPAC. You can also visit the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's box office at One Center Street in the heart of the Newark Arts District.

Plays in the Park, Edison

Enjoy wonderful theater performances under the stars. Plays in the Park is celebrating their 50th Anniversary Season with a terrific line-up of shows.

Sunset Boulevard from 6/18 through 6/28; Shrek from 7/9 through 7/19; Bye-Bye Birdie from 7/30 through 8/9. All Summer Performances Begin at 8:30 p.m. Shows play every night of the week at 8:30, except for Sundays. For more information and ticket prices, visit http://www.playsinthepark.com.

Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn

Paper Mill Playhouse is presenting an all new production of Grease, the 1950's rock and roll musical celebration about growing up and falling in love through June 29th. The show is an irresistible mix of fast cars and first loves with Danny and Sandy, the Greasers and the Pink Ladies. Grease is pure summer fun with astounding dancing and amazing songs that will make you want to stand up and shout, "A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!" Tickets may be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343, at the playhouse box office at 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn or online at www.papermill.org.

UC PAC and Hamilton Stage in Rahway

The Union County Performing Arts Center has something for everyone during their summer season.

* June 8th at 2:00 pm, Peter Pan, a TheatreWorks USA production at the Mainstage * June 13th at 8:00 pm, Total and Friends featuring Pam Long and Kima Raynor at the Mainstage * June 13th at 8:00 pm, Damn the Torpedoes: Ultimate Tom Petty Tribute Band at Hamilton Stage *June 21st at 8:00 pm, Jeanne Jolly presented by Split Level Concerts at the UC PAC Loft *July 18th at 8:00 pm, Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx at the Mainstage *Aug. 8th at 8:00 pm, Mint Condition at the Mainstage

For showtimes and ticket prices, call the Union County Performing Arts Center box office at (732) 499-8226 or go online to www.ucpac.org.

Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The Tempest

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