Liberty Arts Theatre Brings “Michelle’s Bark Mitzvah Bash” to Life in Leonia

Liberty Arts Theatre is set to bring laughter, music, and a healthy dose of chaos to Bergen County with “Michelle’s Bark Mitzvah Bash,” an immersive comedy running November 6 through 9, 2025, at The American Legion – Post #1 in Leonia. The show offers audiences a whimsical take on family dynamics, political humor, and ‘80s nostalgia, all through the lens of a very unique celebration: the bat mitzvah of an Afghan hound named Michelle. For more theatre updates and performance news across New Jersey, visit https://explorenewjersey.org/theatre/

The story centers on Michelle, whose family is a blend of Re-PUP-licans (dogs) and Demo-CATs (cats). As these furry political factions gather to celebrate Michelle’s 13th birthday on November 9, 1989, tensions flare, sibling rivalries surface, and comedic chaos ensues. The narrative cleverly weaves together humor, music, and dance to explore themes of family, tradition, and love, proving that even in the midst of disagreements, it is memory and connection that ultimately define family.

Audiences can expect a vibrant homage to the 1980s, complete with dance-offs and a soundtrack reminiscent of the era. The combination of witty writing, lively choreography, and immersive storytelling makes this production a perfect outing for theatre lovers of all ages.

The creative team behind the production includes writers Alison Miller and Michael Larson, with Larson also directing and Miller producing. Choreography is provided by Jamie Chandler, Nicole Cariddi, Tiffany Valens, and Erica Mallon, ensuring a dynamic, energetic stage experience. The show is presented in three performances: Thursday, November 6, at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, November 8, at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 9, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online.

Founded in 2021 by Leonia native Alison Miller, Liberty Arts Theatre has quickly established itself as a community-focused performance collective in Bergen County. The theatre’s mission is to combine humor and art to bridge divides, encourage dialogue, and create an open forum for diverse perspectives, making productions like “Michelle’s Bark Mitzvah Bash” both entertaining and thought-provoking.

“Michelle’s Bark Mitzvah Bash” promises to be more than a night of laughs; it is a celebration of creativity, family, and community, offering audiences an experience that resonates long after the final curtain. For ticket information and other upcoming performances across New Jersey, visit https://explorenewjersey.org/theatre/