New Jersey’s theatre scene is in full stride this November, offering a remarkable mix of large-scale productions, inventive new works, and beloved classics staged in intimate community spaces. From Somerset to Red Bank and New Brunswick to Millburn, audiences are filling seats as local talent and world-class touring productions anchor one of the busiest cultural months of the year. For those looking to pair an evening at the theatre with more statewide arts experiences, Explore New Jersey’s guide to theatre provides a deeper look at venues and performances happening throughout the season.
Somerset audiences currently have the chance to step into the magic of one of Disney’s most cherished stories. Villagers Theatre is presenting a buoyant, full-scale staging of Mary Poppins, directed by Jack Tomy. The show, which features the familiar blend of whimsy, sharp choreography, and heartwarming family themes, runs Friday through Sunday through November 22. With just two weekends left, families and fans of classic musical theatre are making their way to the intimate playhouse to experience the tale of the practically perfect nanny brought to life with fresh energy and community passion.
In Red Bank, Two River Theater continues to generate conversation with The Monsters: A Sibling Love Story, a production that blends emotional nuance with bold theatricality. The show, which has been praised for its dramatic depth and inventive staging, runs through November 23. Its exploration of sibling bonds—told with humor, intensity, and a striking visual palette—has solidified it as one of the most compelling new works onstage this fall.
Alongside these regional standouts, New Jersey’s major performing arts centers are in the midst of significant November runs. The State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick is closing out its performances of Elf – The Musical, the high-spirited adaptation of the holiday film favorite. The final shows are tonight, Saturday, November 15, and tomorrow, November 16, offering families one last opportunity to see Buddy the Elf’s journey unfold in all its festive cheer.
The holiday season picks up in Millburn as Paper Mill Playhouse prepares to launch its grand production of Disney’s Frozen – The Musical, a major staging that begins Saturday, November 29. The show is expected to draw audiences from across the region throughout the holidays, thanks to its sweeping score, richly designed sets, and beloved characters. As one of the state’s premier venues, Paper Mill continues to anchor New Jersey’s reputation as a thriving national hub for musical theatre.
Drama lovers will find plenty to admire at the Middletown Arts Center, where Dunbar Repertory Company is presenting A Soldier’s Play, Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama. The production concludes Sunday, November 16, and has been recognized for its sharp ensemble work and timely thematic resonance. Meanwhile, Hackettstown’s Centenary Stage Company is offering My Italy Story from November 20–23, a deeply personal play that combines humor and heritage in a richly drawn narrative.
West Windsor’s Kelsey Theatre is wrapping up its run of Drop Dead! on November 16, providing audiences with one last chance to catch the zany comedy. In Long Branch, Into the Woods continues at the Lauren K. Woods Theatre, with another performance slated for Sunday, November 16. Sondheim fans have been filling the house as the production navigates the show’s intricate blend of fractured fairytales and poignant truths.
Beyond the shows playing now, theatres across the state are looking ahead to a vibrant winter and spring. Paper Mill Playhouse has unveiled its 2025–2026 lineup, which includes major new productions of Come From Away, West Side Story, and 1776. The State Theatre New Jersey will soon welcome live performances of A Charlie Brown Christmas, bringing one of the season’s most nostalgic stories to the stage at the end of November.
In Princeton, the McCarter Theatre Center is preparing for its early-2026 run of Kim’s Convenience at the Berlind Theatre. The production, based on the acclaimed Canadian play that inspired the hit television series, is expected to draw wide interest as it brings humor, family dynamics, and cultural identity into sharp, relatable focus.
With major premieres, limited-run classics, and new works emerging across the state, New Jersey continues to offer a robust and diverse theatre landscape. Whether it’s community actors shining on local stages or nationally acclaimed productions anchoring the marquee, this month proves once again that the Garden State remains one of the most vibrant centers for performing arts on the East Coast.
