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.

family week at the theatre & the stages festival
march 2010
Professional theatres across the state offer free and discounted tickets to performances and special events including theatrical workshops, classes and backstage tours. For a free calendar of events, call 1-800-THE-ARTS or visit www.FamilyWeek.com.

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.
Mar 12-
Mar 28
A Midsummer Night's Dream.

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.
Family Matinee Series
Feb 27
     Little Red Ridinghood / Who Is A Stranger, Surflight Theatre. Ages 4-11. 2pm. $8.
Mar 27
     Rudyard Kipling's How The Elephant Got His Trunk, Theatreworks USA. Ages 3 & up. 2pm. $9.
Mar 27
     Romeo & Juliet, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. 7pm. Ages 11 & up. Adults $5, young people 18 yrs. and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Reservations required.
Apr 10
     Weird, Wild & Wonderful, Box of Light Theatre. 2pm. $8.
Art Workshops for Kids
Special workshops focus on arts and crafts that can be completed in 1-3 sessions.
Mar 9
     Green Art, ages 7 & up. Explor nature thorugh art. 2:30-4pm. $20.
Feb 14
     Pop-up Books, ages 8-12. Celebrate the Year of the Tiger, ages 6 & up. 3-4:30pm. $20.
Mar 21
     Easter Cascarones, ages 7 & up. 3-4:30pm. $20.
Mar 16
     Gardens & Art, ages 7 & up. Turn a gourd and other items from your garden itno a beautiful birdhouse. 2:30-4pm. $20.

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
Jan 30
     Max & Ruby, TheatreWorks.
Feb 27
     Cirque le Masque.
May 2
     The Super Hero!
May 22
     Seussical.

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.
Main Stage
Jan 21-Feb 14
Crossing Delancey, romantic comedy.
Apr 29-May 23
Dangerous Obsession, thriller.

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
Jan 15-Feb 6
     Singin' in the Rain, musical.
Mar 12-Apr 3
     To Kill a Mockingbird, based on the novel by Harper Lee.
Apr 30-May 22
     My Way, musical revue of Frank Sinatra songs.
Children's Theatre
One hour shows designed for ages 3-9. Saturday performances at 10am, Sun. at 10 & 1pm.
Jan 22-23
     The Frog Prince, Brothers Grimm fairytale.
Feb 19-20
     The Jungle Book.
Mar 19-20
     Aesop's Fables.
Apr 16-17
     Wizard of Oz.
May 21-22
     Pinocchio.

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.
Selected Event
Apr 23-May 2
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

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
Feb 5-20
     The Pirates of Penzance, Jr., a For Kids By Kids production.
Apr 23-May 2
     Lovers & Other Strangers, Broadway hit comedy.
Jul 16-31
     The Rocky Horror Show, wild science fiction journey.

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.
Selected Events
May 21-30
Young Performers Workshop Spring Festival of Shows.

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.
Mainstage
Feb 26-Mar 13
     The Pillowman, black comedy by Martin McDonagh.
May 7-22
     Oliver!, musical by Lionel Bart.
Fantasy Children's Theater
Jun
     Children's Show TBA.

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.
Selected Events
Jan 21
     Hairspray, Broadway's musical comedy. 8pm.
Mar 20
     Cirque Le Masque: Seasons, 3 & 7pm.
Mar 26
     The Pirates of Penzance, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players. 8pm, lecture at 7pm.
Apr 16
     The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), The Reduced Shakespeare Company, all 37 plays in 97 minutes. 8pm.
Apr 30
     Cabaret, Kander & Ebb musical. 8pm.
Sunday Kids Club
Entry level arts for the youngest theatregoers. Performances at 1:30 & 4pm. All seats $12.
Feb 28
     The Little Mermaid, musical. Ages 3-8.
Mar 14
     Alice in Wonderland, musical with larger-than-life puppets. Ages 5-10.
Apr 25
     Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Sign Stage on Tour. Ages 4-10.
May 16
     Beauty & the Beast / Peter & the Wolf, New Jersey Ballet, with narration. Ages 4-12.
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
Jan 17
     Johnny Peers & the Muttville Comix, slapstick dog act. 3pm.
Feb 5
     Cirque Le Masque-Evolution, Euroepean-style circus. 7:30pm.
Feb 28
     An Afternoon with Cesar Milan, star of "Dog Whisperer." 3pm.
Mar 5
     The Spencers Magic of Illusion, 7:30pm.
School Time Events
Performances at 10am. Individual or group tickets.
Feb 22
     Let's Go Science Show, grades K-6.
Mar 1
     New Shanghai CircusAcrobats of China, all ages.
Apr 21
     Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre, grades 4-8.

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.
2009-10 Season
Feb 5-14
The Light in the Piazza.
May 7-16
La Cage aux Folles.

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.
Feb 11-21
Through The Night, world premiere written and performed by Daniel Beaty.
Apr 15-May 2
The Last Fall, romantic comedy by Stephanie Berry, world premiere.

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.
Main Stage
Mar 12-27
Southern Hospitality, by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten.
May 7-22
The Play's The Thing, comedy by Ferenc Molnar.

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.
Main Stage
Mar 5-21
Parallel Lives: The Kathy & Mo Show, series of playful, satirical sketches.

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.

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.
2009-2010 Season
Feb 9-
Mar 14
     Calvin Berger, musical retelling of the classic story of Cyrano de Bergerac.
Mar 30-
Apr 25
     Sylvia, comedy by A.R. Gurney about empty nesters and their dog.
May 11-
Jun 6
     TBA.

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.
Feb 19-Mar 28
Lyle the Crocodile.
Apr 17-May 23
Peter & The Wolf, based on the original story and music by Sergi Prokofiev.

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.
Feb 26-Mar 6
     The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, musical. $15, student, child $10.
Family Time Series
Feb 14
     The Moscow Circus, 3pm.
Mar 21
     New Jersey Ballet's Sleeping Beauty, 2pm.
Apr 9
     If You Give a Pig a Pancake and Other Stories, 3pm.
Deaf Theatre's
     Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sign Stage on Tour. 7pm.

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
Jan 22-24
     Nelson Illusions.
Feb 7
     Rock & RollSqueaky Clean. 2pm.
Feb 12-21
     Pygmalion, Pierrot Productions.
Feb 26-Mar 7
     Fiddler on the Roof, Playful Theatre Productions.
Mar 12-21
     The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Maurer Productions Onstage.
Apr 9-18
     TBA, Student Show.
Apr 23-May 2
     Disney's Beauty & The Beast, The Yardley Players.
May 7-16
     My Fair Lady, Pierrot Productions.
Jun 25-27
     Sordid Lives, James Tolin Memorial Fund.
Kelsey Kids Events
Performances Fri.-Sun. Tickets $10, $8, unless noted.
Jan 23
     Magic with the Nelsons, 2 & 4pm. $12.
Jan 29-31
     Bugsy Malone (Jr.).
Feb 20
     The Little Mermaid, American Family Theatre.
Mar 27
     The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Theatre IV. 2 & 4pm.
Apr 10
     Are You My Mother?, ArtsPower. 2 & 4pm.
May 22
     Click, Clack, Moo, TheatreWorks. 2 & 4pm.
Jun 5
     Mother Goose, Kaleidoscope Theatre. 2 & 4pm.

Luna Stage
406 Tompkins St., Orange, 973-744-3309. 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 2009-2010 Events
Jan 8-Feb 14
     Fetch Clay, Make Man, drama by Will Power.
Mar 9-28
     American Buffalo, by David Mamet.
Apr 30-Jun 6
     Take Flight, new musical.

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.
Main Events
Jan 27
NPR's Pete Fornatale, Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock, presentation and book signing. 7pm. $10.
Children's Theatre
Performances at 10:30am.
Mar 23
Pinocchio, musical.

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. Additional events are listed under Music & Dance.
Selected 2009-2010 Season Events
Jun 1-6
Legally Blonde, The Musical.

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
Feb 11-Mar 21
     Exposure Time, by Kim Merrill, World Premiere.
Apr 15-May 23
     Yankee Tavern, by Steven Dietz.
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.

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.
2009-10 Season
Feb 17-Mar 14
     Lost in Yonkers, by Neil Simon.
Apr 7-May 2
     Smokey Joe's Cafe, musical features classics from the 1950's.
Jun 2-27
     Peter Pan, musical adaptation.
Children's Theatre Series
Shows at 10am.
Jan 30
     Strega Nona, Maximum Entertainment. Ages 4-9.
Feb 6
     Max & Ruby, TheatreWorks USA. Ages 5-8.
Mar 20
     A Year with Frog & Toad, Worklight Productions. Ages 5-11.
May 1
     Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. Ages 5-10.
May 8
     Are You My Mother?, ArtsPower National Touring Theatre. Ages 5-7.
May 15
     Charlotte's Web, TheatreWorks USA. Ages 5-10.

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.
Selected Events
Feb 20
     Tomie De Paola's Strega Nona, 2pm.
Apr 17-18
     Pirates of Penzance, Boheme Opera. 3pm.
Apr 23
     Chinese Acrobats of Hebel, 7:30pm.

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 Adult & Family Shows
Mar 10-7
Romeo & Juliet.

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).

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.
Sampler Series
Performances at 1 & 3:30pm for ages 4 and up. $10 & $12.
Jan 24
     Rumplestiltskin, puppets. 1 & 3:30pm.
Jan 31
     If You Give a Pig a Pancake & Other Story Books, TheatreWorks USA, musical theater.
Feb 14
     Max & Ruby, TheatreWorks, musical theater.

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.
Fantastic Voyages 2009 Season
Main Stage
Aug 2
Twelth Night, by William Shakespeare

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.
Vistas Family Scene
Shows begin at 2pm. Pre-show activities begin at 1:15pm. Post-show autograph session. All tickets $9.
Feb 20
     Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, Theatreworks USA. Grades Pre-K-4.
Mar 6
     Pushcart Players' Peter & the Wolf, Family Week at the Theatre event, children admitted free. Grades Pre-K-5.
Mar 27
     The Little Mermaid, American Family Theater. Grades K-5.
Apr 24
     Out of Thin Air!, a magic show starring Bradley Fields. 7pm. All ages. Adults $15, children and students $10.
Apr 25
     The Amazing Adventures of Peter Rabbit, Connecticut Children's Theatre. Grades Pre-K-3.

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.
May 15-23
Meredith Wilson's The Music Man.

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
Jan 15-31
     And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie.
Apr 16-May 8
     You're A Good Man Charlie Brown.
Jun 4-19
     Harvey, by Mary Chase.
Children's Shows
All seats $10.
Feb 26-Mar 14
     Cinderella.
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.
Family Series
Performances at 11 & 2pm. Tickets $20, unless noted.
Mar 7
The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion, magic. Ages 6 & up. 2pm. $35, $25.

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.
Selected Events
Feb 6
     One Man Star Wars Trilogy, 6 & 9pm.
Feb 15
     Fan Yang's Gazillion Bubble Show Stage Spectacular, 11, 1 & 3pm.
Feb 19
     Tomas Kubinek, Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible. 8pm.
Feb 20
     Jesus Christ Superstar, 8pm.
Feb 27
     Le Grand Cirque, 2, 3 & 7pm.
Mar 5-6
     The Wedding Singer, 3 & 8pm.

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.
Jan 29-Feb 7
Annie.
May 14-23
There Goes the Bride, by Ray Cooney and John Chapman.

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.
Mar 12-20
     Indian Blood, by A.R. Gurney.
May 7-15
    The Heiress, by Ruth and Augustus Goetz.
Children's Theatre Production
Jan 29-Feb 14
     How To Eat Like A Child, by Delia Ephron, John Forster and Judith Kahan.

Studio Playhouse
14 Alvin Place, Montclair, 973-744-9752. Community theater presents Dec.-May season with main stage and children's productions.
Main Stage
Jan 8-23
     Laughter on the 23rd Floor, comedy by Neil Simon.
Mar 12-27
     The Seven Year Itch, comedy by George Axelrod.
May 14-Jun 5
     Run For Your Wife, comedy by Ray Cooney.
2009-2010 Magic Trunk for Children
Feb 13-21
     The Wind in the Willows.
Apr 17-25
     The Velveteen Rabbit.

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.
Feb 19-Mar 6
Murder in Green Meadows, adult psychological thriller by Douglas Post.
Apr 23-May 8
Sylvia, by A.R. Gurney.

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.

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.
2009-2010 Season
Feb 9-28
     Barefoot in the Park, by Neil Simon.
Mar 23-Apr 11
     Orestes, A Tragic Romp, adapted from the play by Euripides.
May 18-
Jun 6
     Picasso at the Lapin Agile, by Steve Martin.

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.
2009-2010 Season
Feb 25-Mar 21
     The Goon Squad, by Joseph Gallo. World Premiere.
May 6-30
     Main Stage TBA.
Mon
     New Jersey Playwrights Festival of New Plays, concert reading series on the first Monday of the month. 7pm. $5 suggested donation.

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
Jan 29-Feb 14
     Peter Pan, muiscal.
Apr 9-25
     A Few Good Men, by Aaron Sorkin.
Jun 11-27
     Ragtime, The Musical.
KidsVill Productions
Mar 20-28
     Pinocchio.

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.
2009-2010 Season
Jan 9-23
     The Second Time Around, by Henry Denker.
Mar 6-27
     Dial M for Murder, by Frederick Knott.
May 8-22
     Caught in the Net, by Ray Cooney.

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.
Family Series
Featuring Yates Musical Theatre Company. Performances at 11am unless noted. All tickets $10, $8 children & seniors.
Mar 13
     The Wizard of Oz.
May 1
     Alice in Wonderland.
4th Wall Theatre 2009-2010 Season
Feb 4-6
     One Hundred Years Into The Heart, musical.
Jun 4-19
     The Life, Tony Award winning musical.

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.
2009-2010 Season
Mar 5-28
     Doubt, by John Patrick Shanley.
May 8-10
     Runaway by Elizabeth Swados, performed by local high school students.

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.
Jan 23
     Happily Ever AfterA Cinderella Tale, Pushcart Players.
Feb 6
     Stone SoupAnd Other Stories, Pushcart Players.
Mar 6
     Junie B. Jones, TheatreWorks USA.

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