New Jersey’s vibrant cultural landscape is about to get even richer! Thinkery & Verse, the acclaimed theatrical company celebrated for its unique blend of classical inspiration and keen political awareness, has just announced its ambitious 2025-2026 season. This isn’t just a lineup of plays; it’s a deep dive into the very heart of New Jersey’s cultural fabric, promising original works, engaging community events, compelling historical narratives, and even interactive public art projects that invite everyone to participate.
Thinkery & Verse has carved out a reputation for creating theatre that doesn’t just entertain, but also challenges audiences to think critically and engage with the high stakes of modern life. Their upcoming season doubles down on this mission, promising to uncover “what’s buried, whether it’s clay beneath our feet, the untold stories of our ancestors, or the trees that should line our streets,” as Co-Artistic Director Karen Alvarado eloquently puts it. They’re not just presenting stories; they’re inviting the public to actively shape New Jersey’s past, present, and future narratives.
Here’s a glimpse into what makes this season truly groundbreaking:
Monuments to Migration (Fall 2025): As part of a statewide initiative honoring New Jersey’s diverse immigrant communities, Thinkery & Verse will debut a powerful new play. This original production is born from community storytelling sessions held throughout the year, truly giving voice to the lived experiences of those who have shaped our state. It’s a commission from Rutgers University and CoLab Arts, promising a deeply resonant and personal theatrical experience.
Holiday Spirits (December 4-13, 2025): Just in time for the festive season, prepare for a captivating evening of ghostly tales and timeless poetry. Set within the atmospheric, candlelit sanctuary of New Brunswick’s historic Episcopal Church, this family-friendly production will feature works by literary giants like Dickens, Frost, and Poe. Adding to the charm, a pop-up holiday market will accompany the performances, and for those looking to bring the magic elsewhere, this production is also available for off-site bookings.
Scenes from a Revolution (Spring 2026): Commissioned by Middlesex County for the America250 celebrations, this original production promises a compelling exploration of a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. It dramatizes the complex and often painful fracture between Benjamin Franklin and his Loyalist son during the American Revolution. What makes this production particularly vital is its commitment to incorporating Indigenous and Black histories, providing a more complete and nuanced understanding of this defining era. To be performed in New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, and Carteret, the play will feature an all-local cast, further cementing its connection to the communities it serves.
But the ambition of Thinkery & Verse extends beyond the traditional stage. Their season includes innovative projects like:
- Brick Makers Residency (April–December 2025): A free, hands-on public workshop series offering a unique opportunity to learn traditional 18th-century brick making at East Jersey Old Town Village. This is presented in partnership with the Middlesex County Office of Arts and History, connecting participants directly with New Jersey’s tangible history.
- Trees Initiative (Year-Round): Following successful presentations in New York and Berlin, Thinkery & Verse continues its multi-year “Trees” initiative. This climate-forward project is dedicated to planting and maintaining native street trees and urban forests throughout our region, inviting community members to participate in seasonal plantings and even English/Spanish recitations of Joyce Kilmer’s “Trees.”
Thinkery & Verse also has a workshop production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth slated for October 9-25, 2025, reimagined in colonial New Jersey during the first wave of Scottish immigration. This visceral production, exploring themes of race, gender, and war in Early America, will be directed by Dr. John Meyer and star Karen Alvarado, taking place at The Church of St. John the Evangelist in New Brunswick.
This upcoming season truly highlights the power of theatre as a living, breathing art form capable of exploring the past, reflecting on the present, and shaping our collective future. Thinkery & Verse is not just putting on shows; they’re fostering conversations, bridging communities, and bringing history to life in ways that are both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.
For anyone looking to experience the cutting edge of New Jersey theatre, to delve into compelling historical narratives, or to engage with art that truly matters, Thinkery & Verse’s 2025-2026 season is an absolute must-see. To learn more about this innovative company and discover their full schedule of performances and community events, visit https://explorenewjersey.org/theatre/. Prepare to be challenged, enlightened, and thoroughly entertained by the power of New Jersey’s vibrant theatrical scene. Go to the website for more information.