Kids Guide NJ | New Jersey Theater Shows for Kids, Teens & Adults

PLEASE NOTE:
Hours, prices, exhibit and event information are subject to change.
Please call ahead or use the convenient website links to get the latest information prior to your visit.

the arts

The Arts categories (Theater and Music and Dance) include an incredible array of performances for all ages-from parents and grandparents to young adults, teens, older students and young children. Shows specifically designed for young children are typically found under a title like "Family Series." Keep in mind that many shows for family audiences are full-length productions and will be enjoyed best by older children and teens. Age recommendations are only guidelines. Parents must use their discretion in determining their individual child's readiness for a theater, music or dance performance.

The Arts Council of the Morris Area (973-258-5115) and Arts Council of the Essex Area (973-744-1717) publish complete arts calendars each quarter. Subscriptions and other benefits are available with membership.

The New Jersey Theatre Alliance,, an alliance of professional theaters in New Jersey, publishes a calendar four times a year. They also sponsor Family Week at the Theatre and The Stages Festival annually in Mar. and publish a catalog online at www.classactnj.org, which details educational and outreach programs offered by the group's members and affiliate theaters. For information, contact New Jersey Theatre Alliance, 8 Marcella Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052, 973-731-6582, email info@njtheatrealliance.org, or visit their website at www.njtheatrealliance.org.

www.njartstix.org
A program of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance offers an overview of performances across the state and the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets 48 hours in advance of showtime or one week in advance with a $30 yearly donation.

www.culturalaccessnetwork.org
Website lists all accessible theaters, museums, cultural attractions and performing arts centers around the state.

2010-2011 season
Calendars for many venues are not available until midsummer for the new season.
Contact individual theaters for their schedule or go to the "Hot Picks," "Music & Dance" or "Theatre" pages for convenient links to theater websites.

Actors Shakespeare Company
West Side Theatre, New Jersey City University, 285 West Side Ave., Jersey City, 201-200-2390. Nov.-May season includes main stage productions, family classics, staged readings, panel dicussions and post-show parties. Discounts for students and children.

All Children's Theatre
1180 Rt. 46 W., Parsippany, 973-335-5328, email:allchildrensth@aol.com. Where Every Child Is a Star-performing arts by young performers ages 4-17. Performances Saturdays spring-fall and Friday evenings in the summer. Air-conditioned theatre seats 70. Group discounts. Established 1983.

Appel Farm Arts & Music Center
457 Shirley Rd., Elmer, 800-394-1211. Year round programs include concert series, family series, arts classes, summer camp and annual arts and music festival in June.

ArtsPower Field Trip Series
Webster Commons, 271 Grove Ave., Bldg. A, Verona, 973-239-0100. Non-profit professional touring theater presents original school-time shows at theaters throughout the state and is also available for booking at school assemblies or other events. Consult website for schedule and to purchase tickets.

Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201-227-1030. Oct.-May season offers music, dance, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra concerts, comedy, family and special events. See Music & Dance for additional performances.
Family Fun Series 2010-2011
Nov 6
     Mad Science Presents CSI: Live, 1 & 4pm.
Nov 28
     Bill Blagg IIIIllusionist, 7pm.
Jan 15
     Doktor Kaboom, 4pm.
Feb 5
     Bubble Time: The Dawn of Undiluted Joy, 4pm.
Mar 6
     Boom Town, Cirque Mechanic. 4pm.
Apr 8
     Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, 7pm.
May 29
     Seussical, 1 & 4pm.
Holiday Event
Dec 23
     Christmas Carol.

Bickford Theatre
Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown, 973-971-3706. Year round performances include special concert events, movies, Main Stage and children's theater series and Jazz Showcase, co-sponsored by the New Jersey Jazz Society. Student discounts and subscriptions available.
Summer Theatre Series for Children
1-hr. performances at 11am & 1:30pm, unless noted. Admission to museum included. No babes-in-arms. Individual tickets $10, $9 members, series and group discounts.
Jul 8
     Choo Choo Charlie's Magic Show, ages 3-8.
Jul 21
     Buckaroo Bindlestiff's Wild West Jamboree, ages 5-12.
Jul 22
     Mammoth Follies, ages 4-12.
Jul 28
     Harlem Wizards, ages 3-adult.
Bayer Children's Theatre Series
1-hr. performances at 11am & 1:30pm, unless noted. Admission to museum included. No babes-in-arms. Individual tickets $10, $9 members, series and group discounts.
Feb 20
     Dance Innovations, dance for all ages.
Mar 19-20
     Alice in Wonderland, Marionette Players. Ages 4-10.
Apr 24
     Improv 4 Kids, comedy show.
May 15
     Go For The Stars, Gary Pozzato, hands-on multi-media presentaiton. Ages 1-105.

Broadway Theatre of Pitman
43 S. Broadway, Pitman, 856-384-8381. Six main stage shows, a Dec. holiday show and children's theater season are presented in a former movie and vaudeville theater from 1926. Concerts, movies, special events and children's summer theater camp are also scheduled.
Main Stage
Jul 16-Aug 7
     Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Aug 13- 22
     Seussical, the Musical.
Sep 10-Oct 2
     Lost in Yonkers, by Neil Simon.
Oct 29-Nov 20
     The King & I.
Dec 10-19
     A Christmas Celebration.
Children's Theatre
One hour shows designed for ages 3-9. Saturday performances at 10am, Sun. at 10 & 1pm.
Jun 25-26
     Sleeping Beauty.
Jul 23- 24
     Little Engine That Could.
Sep 24-25
     Mother Goose.
Oct 22-23
     Frankenstein's Birthday Party.
Nov 19-20
     Rapunzel.
Dec 16-18
     'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Brookdale Performing Arts Center
765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, 732-224-2411. Music, dance, and theater department performances Sept.-May and free outdoor summer theater.
Summer Outdoors on the Great Lawn
Jul 8-18
Julius Caesar, Shakespeare Ensemble. Thurs.- Sat. 7pm, Sun. 6pm.

Brundage Park Playhouse
Carrell Rd., Randolph, 973-989-7092. Community theater with Feb.-Dec. performances, improv comedy, For Kids by Kids performances, youth theater classes and summer camp. Performances on Fri. & Sat. at 8pm, Sunday 2pm.
2010 Season
Jul 16-31
     The Rocky Horror Show, wild science fiction journey.
Aug 11-15
     Kids' Cabaret 2010, youth take center stage.
Oct 8 - 23
     Barefoot in the Park.
Shakespeare Initiative at Brundage Park Playhouse
Jun 4-13
     The Tragedy of King Lear.
Dec 3-12
     The Tempest.

Centenary Performing Arts Guild
Centenary College campus, 400 Jefferson St., Hackettstown, 908-979-0900. Concerts and special events, jazz series, theater season by professional Centenary Stage Company, Women's Playwright series, and Festival of Shows presented by members of Young Performers Workshops at end of fall, spring & summer sessions. Student rates; student matinees; Family Night on Thurs. with 2-for-1 tickets available only at the door.

Chatham Community Players
23 N. Passaic Ave., Chatham, 973-635-7363. In addition to the Player's regular season, Fantasy Theater, the children's entertainment arm of the Players, presents two productions per year. Subscriptions, student rates, group rates.
Fantasy Children's Theater
Jun 12-21
Seussical, Theatre for Young Audiences version.

Collingswood Community Theatre
Children's shows at Scottish Rite Auditorium, 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, 609-217-4691. Local community theater stages 4-5 productions per year, annual cabaret show and new children's theater series.
Jul 8-9
The Rainbow Fish, musical. 1pm. $5.

Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
100 South St., Morristown, 973-539-8008. 1,200-seat venue offers a wide array of classical music, jazz, dance, drama, comedy, children's programming and contemporary music. Create-your-own subscriptions; family subscriptions; student and group discounts. Internship/community service programs available to high school students. School-time shows open to school groups. See listing under Music & Dance for additional events.
Sunday Kids Club
Entry level arts for the youngest theatregoers. Performances at 1:30 & 4pm. All seats $12.
Jun 6
Max & Ruby. Ages 3-9.

Count Basie Theatre
99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, 732-842-9000. Nov.-June season of concerts by major recording artists, comedy, dance, theater, classical music and family events in a 1,550 seat theater circa 1926. Cool School offers classes in acting, dance, music, voice and videography; youth jazz training program for middle and high school students; school shows. See Music & Dance for concert and dance listings and check website for new shows.
Selected Events
Sep 17-26
The King & I.
Dec 5
A Christmas Carol.

Cranford Dramatic Club
78 Winans Ave., Cranford, 908-276-7611. Community theater has been presenting plays and musicals in Cranford since 1918. Oct.-May season features 3 major productions and annual holiday children's show in Dec. Subscriptions, sr. & student discounts available. Performances Fri.-Sun.
2010-2011 Season
Oct 8-23
     Grease.
Feb 4- 19
     Moon Over Buffalo.
Dec 10-12
     Stuart Little, children's show.
May 6-21
     Gypsy.

Crossroads Theatre
7 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, 732-545-8100. Regional theater presents 4-play main stage season with a focus on literary works that examine the African American experience. Subscription, student and group discounts are offered.

Darress Theatre
615 Main St., Boonton, 973-334-9292. Former 1920 vaudeville house presents theater, special events and film screenings, some with live organ accompaniment.

DeBaun Auditorium
Stevens Institute of Technology, Castle Point on Hudson, 5th & Hudson Sts., Hoboken, 201-216-8937. Theater, music and dance events, Spoken Word series and special events.

Dover Little Theatre
Elliot St., Dover, 973-328-9202. Community theater presents Oct.-June subscription series. Junior Theatre Initiative offers free reserved seats for school-aged children (aged 17 & under) at select performances. Reservations must be made by a parent or guardian 48 hours prior to performance and are open to youth in Dover and neighboring towns who have an interest in theatrical arts.

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre
Baird Center, 5 Mead St., South Orange, 973-378-7754, ext. 2228. Professional theater in residence at the Baird Center produces innovative material, staged readings, annual family production, offers an internship program for high school and college students, classes for teens and adults, summer Teen Actors Conservatory and a variety of volunteer opportunities. First Friday, the first performance of each mainstage show, costs $10 for students.

Florham Park Players
299 Brooklake Rd., Florham Park, 973-377-9078. Community theater sponsors Jerry Gibson Memorial Youth Summer Theater, a summer theater experience for ages 13-19.
Jul 27-31
High School Musical.

Forum Theatre Arts Center
314 Main St., Metuchen, 732-548-5600. Mainstage theatre, special events, Kids Forum children's theater, films and school time performances are presented in a 1928 theater and vaudeville tryout house. After school and summer arts programs are available for children and teens.

George Street Playhouse
9 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, 732-246-7717. Professional theater dedicated to the production of new American plays offers subscriptions, student subscriptions, Next Stage Series (new play workshop series), student matinees and touring theater productions for grades K & up (732-846-2895 x115). Year-round theater classes for ages 5 to adult.
2010-2011 Season
Oct 5-31
     Circle Mirror Tranformation, by Annie Baker. 2010 Obie Award Winner for Best New American Play.
Nov 16-Dec 12
     [title of show], musical comedy.
Feb 8-Mar 6
     The Subject Was Roses, by Frank Gilroy.
Mar 22-Apr 17
     A Fox on the Fairway, by Ken Ludwig.

Growing Stage
The Palace Theatre, Rt. 183, Netcong, 973-347-4946. Professional children's theater presents Sept.-May season. Group rates, subscription series. Touring show available for schools and community organizations. Performances on Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm.

Hudson Theatre Ensemble
Sixth St. & Park Ave., Hoboken, 201-377-7014. Professional community theater presents adult shows and Silly on Sixth children's series.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse
88 Rt. 173W (Rt. 78 exit 12), Hampton, 908-730-8007, 800-447-7313. Dinner theater presents musical reviews, light-hearted comedies, annual holiday revue and summer musical.

JCC MetroWest
JCC MetroWest Maurice Levin Theater, Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, Ross Family Campus, 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, 973-530-3410. Shows for children and families, performances by JCC Children & Teen Production Companies, Triple Threat Theater Camp & Vacation Programs, JCC Maccabi ArtsFest, and New Jersey Jewish Film Festival.

Kean Stage
Kean University Wilkins Theatre or Eugene and Shelley Enlow Hall, Morris Ave., Union, 908-737-7469. Sept.-May season includes world-class music and dance artists, chamber music series, student and faculty productions, Holocaust Resource Center events, lecture series, family series and on school time performances. During summer, Premiere Stages, a professional equity theater company in residence, develops new plays and offers family-friendly musical theater and youth theater camp. Student rates; subscriptions. See Music & Dance for more events.
Premiere Stages 2010 Season
Jun 25-27
     The Jag, by Gino Dilorio, staged reading. 7pm. All seats free.
Jul 15-Aug 1
     The Good Counselor, by Kathryn Grant. Winner of the 2010 Premiere Play Festival.
Sep 3-19
     Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods, by Tammy Ryan. Co-produced with Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, in partnership with the Kean University Human Rights Institute.
Premiere Stages Musical Fun Series
Jul 14
     Pinocchio, Running Rabbit Family Theatre. Ages 6-12. 11am & 1:30pm.
Jul 21
     Stone Soup & Other Stories, Pushcart Players. Ages 3-10. 11am.
Jul 28
     Cuentos del Arbol, Pushcart Players, bi-lingual musical. 11am.

Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College
1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, 609-570-3333. Live cultural events, family theater, children's theater and adult events, both professional and semi-professional, year 'round. Most performances Fri.-Sun. Tickets $16, $14 and $12.
Selected Full-Length Events
Jun 25-27
Sordid Lives, James Tolin Memorial Fund.

Luna Stage
406 Tompkins St., Orange, 973-395-5551. Professional equity theater occupies temporary space in Orange while its new home is under construction at 55 Valley St., West Orange. Theater education programs for children and adults are offered. Check website for updates.

McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
91 University Place, Princeton, 609-258-2787. Internationally known artists in music, dance, theater and special events. Extensive education programs include student matinees, touring shows, theater workshops, group backstage tours, in-school programs and professional development. Discount subscriptions for ages 35 & under.
Ongoing
Young-At-Art Subscription, discount subscriptions available for ages 35 & under.
Selected Events
Dec 5-26
A Christmas Carol.

Monmouth University Performing Arts
Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Ave., West Long Branch, 732-263-6889. Sept.-May season of contemporary concerts and special events, visiting writers, theater, dance and children's theater in an intimate 700-seat theater. In summer, Shadow Lawn Stage presents summer theater. For birthday party packages, 732-571-3473. See Music & Dance for more events.
Children's Theatre
Performances at 10:30am.
Jul 22
Pinocchio, 10:30am.

Montclair State University
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair State University, One Normal Ave., Montclair, 973-655-5112, box office; 973-655-3059, info. Presents School of the Arts theater, music and dance performances and professional arts events through Peak Performances. All tickets $15. www.peakperfs.org

Montclair Operetta Club (MOC)
Performances at Memorial Auditorium, Montclair State University, 973-744-3133. Community theater presents two musical productions in fall and spring from Broadway classics to contemporaries. Student rates.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center
One Center St., Newark, 1-888-GO NJPAC. 2,750-seat Prudential Hall and 500-seat Victoria Theater in Newark. Classical music, international dance, world music & jazz, contemporary concerts, theater and family series. Subscriptions; individual tickets; $10 student rush tickets offered at the box office one hour before curtain time. Subject to availability, valid ID required, limit two per student.

New Jersey Repertory Company
Lumia Theatre, 179 Broadway, Long Branch, 732-229-3166. Professional theater presents new plays, classics and staged readings. Senior, student, group discounts.
Mainstage Events
Jul 8-Aug 15
Sunlight, by Sharr White.

New Jersey Youth Theatre (formerly WYACT)
Westfield, NJ, 908-233-3200. Offers professional classes in drama, musical theater, voice and dance from September through mid-May annually. In April holds auditions for its prestigious, free summer program for aspiring young performers and technicians (ages 16-21+), culminating with one or more professional-level productions presented at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and at other professional New Jersey theaters.
Jul 16-25
Rent, suitable for ages 15 & up. NJPAC. Purchase tickets at www.njpac.org or 1-888-GO-NJPAC.
Jul 30-Aug 8
Rent, suitable for ages 15 & up. Algonquin Arts Theater, 173 Main St., Manasquan. Purchase tickets at www.algonquinarts.org or 732-528-9211.

Paper Mill Playhouse
Brookside Drive, Millburn, 973-376-4343; 973-379-3636. Professional theater presents musicals, plays, concerts, fall and spring children's theater and school time performances. Flex pass options, group, sr. and student subscriptions. Student rush tickets may be available the day of performance in person with student ID. On special dates for select shows, receive one free child's ticket with purchase of full price adult ticket. Conversation series with cast and directors prior to curtain is held for some dates.
2009-2010 Season
Jun 2-27
     Peter Pan, musical adaptation.
2010-2011 Season
Make It A Family Pack-with a regular subscription, add a half-price subscription for each child.
Sep 22-Oct 17
     Hairspray, musical.
Nov 19-Dec 19
     Les Miserables.
Jan 19- Feb 13
     The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Mar 16-Apr 10
     A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Apr 27- May 22
     Curtains, musical mystery-comedy. Pin
Children's Theatre Series
Check website for new fall season.

Patriots Theater at the War Memorial
Located on Memorial Dr. in downtown Trenton's historic Capitol Complex, 609-984-8400. Owned by the state of New Jersey, Patriots Theater hosts the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, contemporary musicians, comedy and theatrical events Oct.-May and summer outdoor concert series.

Pax Amicus Castle Theatre
23 Lake Shore Dr. (Exit 26 Rt. 80), Budd Lake, 973-691-2100. Year round season of Broadway and off-Broadway revivals; professional productions of Shakespeare's plays for students; comics and other performing artists; and a season of theater for children. School time performances.
Selected Events
Thru Jul 24
     Beauty & the Beast.
Aug 14-21
     Kittens.
Oct 2-16
     Alice in Wonderland.
Oct 29
     Edgar Allan Poe.
Nov 26-Dec 18
     Babes in Toyland.
Dec 4-18
     It's A Wonderful Life.

Plays-in-the-Park
Stephen J. Capestro Theater, Rt. 1S (1 block south of Menlo Park Mall), Edison, 732-548-2884. Middlesex County Department of Parks & Recreation's community theater presents summer outdoor and indoor performances at Roosevelt Park and annual holiday show at the State Theatre in New Brunswick (also see Arts in the Park).
Jun 23-Jul 3
     1776. No performance July 4 or Sundays.
Jul 14-24
     The Wedding Singer.
Aug 5-15
     High School Musical.

Playwrights Theatre
33 Green Village Rd., PO Box 1295, Madison, 973-514-1787. Professional theater devoted to the development of new plays and writers for the stage. World-premiere productions; new play roundtable readings; extensive year-round educational programs for young people and adults, including special teen classes and classes for teachers (also see Enrichment and Camps).

Raritan Valley Community College
Edward Nash Theatre, Rt. 28 & Lamington Rd. (Rt. 78 exit 26 or Rt. 22W), North Branch, 908-725-3420. Major Artists Series, new Tuesdays with Stories Series, Sampler Series for younger children, Family Series for children ages 8 and older and their families, and school-time performances. See additional listings under Theatre. Student and series discounts.
Selected Major Artists Series
Oct 8
     The Diary of Anne Frank.
Nov 21
     A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Dec 3
     A Christmas Carol.
Jan 23
     The Music Man.
Family Series
Recommended ages 8 and up.
Oct 29
     Theatre of Illusion.
Jan 28
     Golden Dragon Acrobats.
Feb 25-26
     46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes.
Apr 23
     Shopping for Shoes.
Sampler Series
Recommended ages 4 and up.
Nov 27
     A Christmas Carol.
Feb 6
     Duck for President, Fancy Nancy & Other Story Books.
Mar 20
     Peter & the Wolf; Beauty & the Beast.
Apr 16
     The Berenstain Bears in Family Matters.
Apr 30
     Room on the Broom.
May 12-14
     Pero or The Mysteries of the Night.
May 15
     Tom Chapin & Friends.
Tuesdays with Stories
7pm performance includes discussion and light snack. $25.
Oct 19
     Three Cups of Tea.
Nov 16
     The Giver.
Jan 18
     The Glass Castle.
Mar 15
     The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.
May 17
     The Secret Life of Bees.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, Drew University campus, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, 973-408-5600. Professional theater dedicated to the presentation of Shakespeare and other classic masterworks. Subscriptions, FlexPass, student rates and $10 student rush tickets available for April thru Dec. season. Pre-performance talks and post-performance discussions on select dates. Shakespeare Live!, one-hour production followed by discussion for grades 3-12, available to tour schools, libraries and other organizations, 973-408-3964.
2010 Season
Jun 2-27
     The Taming of the Shrew, William Shakespeare.
Jul 7-Aug 1
     Arms & the Man, George Bernard Shaw.
Aug 11-29
     No Man's Land.
Sep 15-Oct 10
     All's Well That Ends Well, William Shakespeare.
Oct 20-Nov 14
     The Lion in Winter, James Goldman.
Dec 1-Jan 2
     I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith.
Outdoor Stage
Jun 23-Aug 1
     The Servant of Two Masters, Carlo Goldoni.
Selected Special Events
Oct 25
     Something Wicked This Way Comes, dramatic readings from ghost and horror classics.
Sep 20, Oct 4, Nov 15
     Lend Us Your Ears, full play reading series.

Shea Center for Performing ArtsWPLive
William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Rd., Wayne, 973-720-2371. Arts hotline: 973-720-ARTS. Jazz series, professional touring artists, family and schooltime shows, university theater and music performances and lecture series presented Sept.-May.

ShowKids Invitational Theatre (SKIT)
Shows at Voorhees High School, 256 County Rd. 513, Glen Gardner, 908-638-5959. Non-profit family community theater group was founded to provide a theater experience for children in Hunterdon County and give the community professional quality children's theater. Tickets $10-17, seats sell out quickly. Costumes and props available for rent.

Somerset Valley Playhouse
Rt. 514 (689 Amwell Rd.), Neshanic Station, 908-369-7469. Year 'round community theater staged in a 1900's 2-room schoolhouse.
Main Stage
Jun 4-19
     Harvey, by Mary Chase.
Sep 17-Oct 10
     The King & I.
Oct 29-Nov 14
     The Curious Savage.
Dec 3-19
     A Christmas Story.
Children's Shows
All seats $10.
Jul 9-25
      Alice in Wonderland.

South Orange Performing Arts Center
One SOPAC Way, South Orange, 973-275-1114. Intimate 415-seat theater presents performances by major artists in theater, dance, comedy, music, family events and performances by the Seton Hall University Arts Council and Battery Factory Theater in residence. See Music & Dance for additional events.

State Theatre
15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, 732-246-7469. Full schedule of Broadway, music, dance, opera, symphony and variety events plus a children's series. Student matinees (open to students & general public), artist-in residence program, Symphony Scholars program, and professional development workshops for teachers. For education programs, call 732-247-7200, ext. 534 or visit www.statetheatrenj.org/education. Also see Music & Dance listings.
2010-2011 Selected Events Ages 2+
Dec 3-5
     Cirque Dreams Holidaze.
Selected Events Ages 2-9
Oct 31
     Leo Lionni's Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch.
Feb 21
     The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Selected Events Ages 5+
May 15
     Lemony Snicket's The Composer is Dead.
Selected Events Ages 12+
Apr 1-2
     A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Selected Events Ages 15+
Nov 4
     Penn & Teller.
Feb 2-5
     500 Clown MacBeth.

Stony Hill Players
Performances at Oakes Outreach Center, 120 Morris Ave., Summit, 908-277-1732. Community theater produces three shows for fall, winter and spring seasons. Student discounts, subscription rates.

The Strollers
Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Rd., Maplewood, 973-761-8453. Community theater presents three plays and one children's production during Nov.-May season. Student discounts, subscription rates.

Studio Playhouse
14 Alvin Place, Montclair, 973-744-9752. Community theater presents Dec.-May season with main stage and children's productions.

The Summit Playhouse
10 New England Ave., Summit, 908-273-2192. Community theater presents three shows a year and sponsors Kaleidoscope Theatre, a summer youth theater program.

Surflight Theatre
Beach & Engleside Aves., Beach Haven, 609-492-9477. Presents well-known children's stories and fully staged professional musical theater all summer to vacationers and residents of Long Beach Island. Ice cream concoctions at the ShowPlace Ice Cream Parlour next door are named after Broadway show tunes and served by singing and dancing waiters and waitresses during summer. (609-492-0018 for seating info.)

The Theater Project
1033 Springfield Ave., Union, 908-659-5189. Union County College's professional theater company presents April-Oct season, new play series, family program and hosts annual young playwrights competition.

Tri-State Actors Theater
Historic Crescent Theater, 74 Main St., Sussex, 973-875-2950. Professional regional theater presents MarchDec. season, new play reading series and hosts the Tri-State Actors Youth Company, a theater training program for students.
Selected Events
Aug 4-21
     Hey Ho, Pinocchio, Tri-State Youth Acting Co.
Sep 23-Oct 10
     Sleuth, by Anthony Shaffer.
Dec 8-23
     A Christmas Carol.

Two River Theater Company
21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank, 732-345-1400. Sept.-June season presents theater series and education programs which include student matinees, summer theater classes, internships for high school and college students and professional development. Senior and student discounts are available.
2010-2011 Season
Sep 21-Oct 10
     Intimate Apparel, by Lynn Nottage.
Oct 26-Nov 14
     Opus, by Michael Hollinger.
Dec 7-Jan 2
     Charlotte's Web, adapted from E.B. White.
Feb 1-20
      A Thousand Clowns, by Fred Gardner.
Mar 22-Apr 10
     Candida, by George Bernard Shaw.
May 17- Jun 5
     Jacques Brel is Alive & Well & Living in Paris, music and lyrics by Jacques Brel.

12 Miles West Theatre Company
In residence at Playwrights Theatre, 33 Green Village Rd., Madison, 973-259-9187. New Jersey's first professional resident theater company is dedicated to presenting original and lesser known works as well as innovative interpretations of classic plays. Sept.-May season includes main stage productions, staged readings, guest artist series and children's theater. Theater arts program for children, teens and adults, 973-566-9700. Discounts for theater students and professionals on Thursday performances.

Union County Performing Arts Center
1601 Irving St., Rahway, 732-499-8226. Concerts, jazz, comedy, theater, film, family and children events are presented in a 1,300 seat vintage 1920's auditorium. Student/sr. discounts. Summer theater program for ages 5-18 and Generation Rock music program for ages 8-18. See Music & Dance for additional events.

Villagers Theater
Franklin Twp. Municipal Complex, 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, 732-873-2710. Community theater presents Main Stage, Black Box (adult themes), teen and children's productions Oct.-June. Summer theater arts program; children's parties.
Selected Mainstage Productions
Jun 11-27
Ragtime, The Musical.
KidsVill Productions
Jul 30-Aug 15
13.

Westfield Community Players
1000 North Ave. W., Westfield. Box office, 908-232-1221, opens 1 week before show. Office, 908-232-9568. Community theater presents Oct.-May season.

Westminster Arts Center
Corner of Franklin & Fremont Sts., Bloomfield, 973-748-9008 ext. 279. Sept.-May season consists of Saturday morning/afternoon shows for the entire family presented by professional musical theater and puppet show companies. Adult productions of diverse and lesser known works are produced by 4th Wall Theatre. Student/sr. discounts offered.
4th Wall Theatre 2009-2010 Season
Jun 4-19
     The Life, Tony Award winning musical.
4th Wall Theatre 2010-2011 Season
Sep 24-Oct 1
     The Fourth Wall, A.R. Gurney; The Real Inspector Hound, Tom Stoppard.
Jan 21-23
     Funny Girl, music and lyrics by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, book by Isobel Lennart.
Mar 10-12
     Musicals-in-DevelopmentStage Series.
Jun 3-18
     A Man of No Importance, book by Terrence McNally, music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

What Exit? Theatre Company
Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Rd., Maplewood, 973-763-4029. Professional theater company dedicated to producing contemporary comedies and comic dramas. Student rates available. The Performance Classroom offers dance, choreography, musical theater and audition technique classes for ages 6-18 as well as summer theater camp and dance and comedy classes for adults.

Women's Theater Company
In residence at Parsippany Arts Center, 1130 Knoll Rd., Lake Hiawatha, 973-316-3033. Professional theater company dedicated to development, promotion and inclusion of women in all aspects of theater production. Oct.-May season. School touring productions and theater workshops available.

Young People's Theatre
Performances 1pm at Terrill Middle School, Terrill Rd., Scotch Plains. Series of three one-hour children's performances Jan.-Mar. $6 at the door.

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