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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260117T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T233000
DTSTAMP:20260425T064020
CREATED:20250808T190412Z
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SUMMARY:A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest
DESCRIPTION:The Forest of Arden is full of possibilities! Banished by her uncle and disguised as a boy\, Rosalind and her beloved cousin Celia journey into the woods and discover new friends\, love letters\, music\, and ultimately\, themselves. Director Noelle Marion (last season’s A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest) returns to helm this lively frolic through the forest. Now in its 13th year\, A Little Shakespeare engages young artists with the work of the Bard in an adaptation directed and designed by professional artists\, and performed and supported backstage by high school students. \nSingle ticket onsale to be announced.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/a-little-shakespeare-the-tempest/
LOCATION:Two River Theater\, 21 Bridge Avenue\, Red Bank\, New Jersey\, 07701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Theatre
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260215T170000
DTSTAMP:20260425T064020
CREATED:20260119T130207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T155005Z
UID:77541-1769155200-1771174800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Kim’s Convenience
DESCRIPTION:김씨네 편의점\n\n\n\nA Neighborhood Story Takes Center Stage as McCarter Theatre Celebrates Korean Culture Through Community Partnership \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen McCarter Theatre opens the doors to its Berlind Theatre this winter\, it will not simply be raising the curtain on a beloved play. It will be creating a broader cultural moment that extends well beyond the stage\, rooted in local connection\, shared heritage\, and the lived experiences of New Jersey’s diverse communities. From January 23 through February 15\, 2026\, McCarter will present Kim’s Convenience\, the acclaimed stage work by Ins Choi that inspired the global Netflix phenomenon\, while simultaneously deepening its community ties through a meaningful partnership with Woo Ri Mart\, the longtime family-owned Korean grocery store based in West Windsor. \n\n\n\nThe collaboration reflects a growing emphasis at McCarter on storytelling that resonates both artistically and culturally. Kim’s Convenience centers on the Kim family\, Korean immigrants who operate a small neighborhood convenience store\, and explores generational divides\, identity\, economic pressure\, and the quiet heroism of everyday life. By partnering with Woo Ri Mart\, McCarter is grounding the production in the real-world experiences that mirror the play’s narrative\, inviting audiences to engage not just as ticket holders\, but as neighbors. \n\n\n\nFor many patrons\, the story of Kim’s Convenience feels instantly familiar. At the heart of the play is Appa\, the stubborn but deeply loving patriarch who has poured his life into the family store\, believing it to be both his legacy and his bridge to the future. As outside developers circle and family relationships strain under the weight of unspoken expectations\, humor and tenderness collide in a story that balances laugh-out-loud moments with emotional honesty. The play runs a brisk 90 minutes with no intermission\, allowing the narrative to unfold with momentum and intimacy. \n\n\n\nThis production arrives at McCarter with considerable pedigree. Originally developed and premiered in Toronto\, Kim’s Convenience became a theatrical success long before it was adapted for television. Its transition to the small screen introduced millions to the Kim family\, but the stage version retains a unique immediacy\, allowing audiences to feel the rhythms of the store\, the silences between conversations\, and the cultural nuances that can sometimes be softened in translation to television. The production is presented by McCarter Theatre in collaboration with Soulpepper Theatre Company and Adam Blanshay Productions\, in association with American Conservatory Theater\, underscoring its national significance. \n\n\n\nDirection for this run is by Weyni Mengesha\, whose work has been widely praised for its sensitivity and clarity in handling stories rooted in cultural specificity while speaking to universal themes. Under her guidance\, the Berlind Theatre becomes an extension of the neighborhood corner store at the center of the play\, a space where humor\, conflict\, and affection coexist in equal measure. \n\n\n\nAdding to the excitement surrounding the production\, McCarter has announced additional performances due to strong early demand. Tuesday evening shows have been added on February 3 and February 10\, both beginning at 7:30 pm\, expanding access for audiences eager to experience the production. Select performances will feature James Yi in the role of Appa\, including afternoon and morning matinees that are expected to draw a wide cross-section of theatergoers. \n\n\n\nThe partnership with Woo Ri Mart elevates the experience beyond the auditorium. As a trusted fixture in West Windsor\, the grocery store represents the kind of family-run business that anchors communities and preserves cultural traditions across generations. By aligning with Woo Ri Mart\, McCarter is acknowledging the real-life counterparts to the fictional Kim family and creating opportunities for cultural exchange\, education\, and celebration around the production. For audiences\, this connection reinforces the authenticity of the story unfolding on stage. \n\n\n\nThis approach reflects a broader trend within New Jersey’s performing arts landscape\, where theaters are increasingly serving as hubs for civic engagement and cultural dialogue. McCarter’s willingness to extend the reach of Kim’s Convenience into the surrounding community aligns with the spirit found throughout the state’s vibrant arts scene\, as highlighted across Explore New Jersey’s coverage of local performance and culture within its theatre and performing arts section. The result is an experience that feels both intimate and expansive\, honoring a specific cultural story while welcoming audiences of all backgrounds. \n\n\n\nKim’s Convenience ultimately asks timely questions about legacy\, belonging\, and the cost of holding on in a rapidly changing world. As redevelopment pressures mount and generational values collide\, the Kim family’s story reflects the challenges faced by countless families across New Jersey and beyond. McCarter Theatre’s presentation ensures those questions are explored with warmth\, humor\, and respect\, while its partnership with Woo Ri Mart grounds the production in the lived reality of the community it represents. \n\n\n\nWhen the lights dim at the Berlind Theatre this winter\, audiences will not just be watching a play that inspired a television hit. They will be stepping into a shared cultural space where storytelling\, community\, and heritage intersect\, reaffirming McCarter Theatre’s role as one of New Jersey’s most vital artistic institutions.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/kims-convenience-%ea%b9%80%ec%94%a8%eb%84%a4-%ed%8e%b8%ec%9d%98%ec%a0%90/
LOCATION:McCarter Theatre Center\, 91 University Place\, Princeton\, NJ\, Princeton\, New Jersey\, 08540\, United States
CATEGORIES:Theatre
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T233000
DTSTAMP:20260425T064020
CREATED:20251103T104402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T104411Z
UID:66267-1769191200-1769383800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:44th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival
DESCRIPTION:New Jersey Film Festival Returns in 2026 with Expanded Hybrid Screenings and 45 Premieres Across Multiple Weekends \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Garden State’s film community is already buzzing as the 44th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival prepares to roll out the red carpet from January 23 through February 22\, 2026. Presented by the Rutgers Film Co-op and the New Jersey Media Arts Center\, this highly anticipated event will once again blend the best of both worlds with a hybrid format\, offering audiences the flexibility to enjoy screenings either in person at Rutgers University in New Brunswick or online through a video-on-demand platform. \n\n\n\nFor more than four decades\, the New Jersey Film Festival has served as a cornerstone of independent cinema in the state\, spotlighting groundbreaking filmmakers\, daring new voices\, and powerful storytelling that transcends borders. The upcoming winter edition promises to be one of its most ambitious yet\, featuring 45 diverse films\, including New Jersey and regional premieres\, exclusive screenings\, and special guest appearances from filmmakers and industry professionals. \n\n\n\nAmong the standout titles slated for screening are B.F. Skinner Plays Himself\, Arrested at Delaney Hall\, Portrait of a Monastery\, ANDA\, Don’t Look in the Dark\, The Shoshani Riddle\, and Sum Function. Two documentaries\, Mama’s Voice and Zinema\, will also shed light on the human impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine—illustrating the festival’s ongoing commitment to socially conscious and globally resonant storytelling. \n\n\n\nEach festival weekend will showcase an eclectic mix of narrative features\, documentaries\, shorts\, and experimental works\, giving audiences an opportunity to discover fresh perspectives and emerging talent from around the world. Both film lovers and casual viewers can expect an immersive experience that highlights innovation\, creativity\, and the emotional depth of modern cinema. \n\n\n\nThe hybrid structure allows ticket holders to tailor their festival experience. Online screenings will be available for 24 hours on their designated show dates\, while in-person showings will take place on select Fridays\, Saturdays\, and Sundays throughout the festival’s run. General admission is priced at $15 per program\, $10 for students attending in person\, and $120 for an All-Access Pass\, which grants entry to all screenings—both virtual and live. \n\n\n\nBeyond the films\, the festival will also host two free filmmaking workshops that provide invaluable insight into the art and business of moviemaking. “The Film Business” session will be held on February 1\, offering guidance for aspiring filmmakers navigating the industry\, while the “Intro to Filmmaking” workshop on February 15 is designed to help beginners understand the essentials of storytelling through film. Space for these workshops is limited\, and advance registration is required. \n\n\n\nThe New Jersey Film Festival has long been recognized as a vital platform for independent creators\, giving them the opportunity to connect directly with audiences\, critics\, and fellow artists. Each year\, the festival draws participants from across the country and abroad\, reinforcing New Jersey’s reputation as a thriving hub for arts and culture. \n\n\n\nWith its mix of virtual access\, local engagement\, and an ever-expanding roster of talent\, the 2026 edition reaffirms the festival’s dedication to accessibility and creative excellence. As it celebrates more than 40 years of cinematic tradition\, the event continues to evolve with technology while maintaining its intimate\, community-centered spirit. \n\n\n\nTo stay up to date on film festivals and arts events happening throughout the state\, visit Explore New Jersey’s Film Festivals section for the latest updates\, event coverage\, and insider previews of New Jersey’s growing film scene. \n\n\n\nTo buy screening tickets click on this link: https://watch.eventive.org/newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2026 \n\n\n\nTo buy an All Access Pass click on this link: https://newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2026.eventive.org/passes/buy
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/44th-bi-annual-new-jersey-film-festival/
LOCATION:Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center\, 4170 Academic Building - 15 Seminary Place\, New Brunswick\, New Jersey\, 08901-8525\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/images.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies":MAILTO:NJMAC12@gmail.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T233000
DTSTAMP:20260425T064020
CREATED:20260112T225732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T225744Z
UID:76846-1769194800-1769383800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:
DESCRIPTION:A Bold Voice for a New Generation: Aspire Performing Arts Company Brings Spring Awakening to Fair Lawn \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis winter\, northern New Jersey audiences will have the opportunity to experience one of modern musical theatre’s most powerful and provocative productions as Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Spring Awakening in Fair Lawn. Known for fearless storytelling and high-caliber performances\, the Wayne-based company is preparing to deliver a production that challenges\, moves\, and resonates long after the curtain falls. \n\n\n\nSpring Awakening is a rock musical that speaks directly to the emotional turbulence of adolescence\, exploring themes of identity\, repression\, discovery\, and resilience through an electrifying contemporary score. Since its Broadway debut\, the show has been widely recognized for redefining what musical theatre can accomplish\, combining raw honesty with poetic lyricism and high-energy music that connects deeply with younger and older audiences alike. \n\n\n\nAspire Performing Arts Company has built a reputation for selecting productions that are both artistically ambitious and culturally relevant. Their decision to stage Spring Awakening reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to presenting theatre that does more than entertain—it invites reflection\, conversation\, and empathy. By placing these stories on a local stage\, Aspire continues to elevate the regional performing arts scene and offer audiences access to Broadway-caliber material close to home. \n\n\n\nThe production will be presented at the Fair Lawn Community Center over three nights in late January\, transforming the venue into an intimate performance space where audiences can experience the emotional intensity of the show up close. The setting allows for a deeply personal connection between performers and viewers\, heightening the impact of a story that thrives on authenticity and vulnerability. \n\n\n\nFor students\, educators\, families\, and lifelong theatre lovers\, Spring Awakening offers more than a night out. It serves as a mirror to the challenges many young people face today—navigating expectations\, self-expression\, and personal truth in a rapidly changing world. Through its bold musical language and deeply human storytelling\, the production opens a window into conversations that remain relevant across generations. \n\n\n\nNorthern New Jersey has become a growing hub for innovative stage productions\, and Aspire’s latest offering continues that momentum. The region’s theatres and performing arts companies are increasingly known for their willingness to take creative risks and present meaningful work that reflects the realities of contemporary life. \n\n\n\nReaders who enjoy following how live performance continues to shape the cultural heartbeat of the Garden State can explore more features through Explore New Jersey’s coverage of theatre\, which highlights productions\, companies\, and artists redefining the local stage. \n\n\n\nAs Aspire Performing Arts Company prepares to bring Spring Awakening to Fair Lawn\, the production stands as both a celebration of artistic courage and a testament to the strength of community-based theatre. It promises an evening of music\, emotion\, and storytelling that will leave a lasting impression on audiences throughout the region.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/76846/
LOCATION:Fair Lawn Community Center\, 10-10 20th St\, Fair Lawn\, New Jersey\, 07410\, United States
CATEGORIES:Theatre
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ORGANIZER;CN="Aspire Performing Arts Company":MAILTO:lisa@aspirepac.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T233000
DTSTAMP:20260425T064020
CREATED:20260111T191731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260111T191745Z
UID:76754-1769349600-1769383800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:West Orange Classic Film Festival
DESCRIPTION:West Orange Classic Film Festival Returns for 20th Anniversary with Iconic Screenings and Insightful Discussions \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWest Orange is once again embracing its cinematic legacy as the Classic Film Festival kicks off its 20th season\, offering a carefully curated lineup of timeless films\, star-studded features\, and lively discussions. Running from January 25 through March 15\, 2026\, the Festival combines entertainment with education\, inviting audiences to experience the magic of classic cinema alongside expert commentary and interactive post-screening conversations. The event is a collaboration between the West Orange Arts Council and the West Orange Recreation Department\, with support from the New Jersey Film and Television Commission. \n\n\n\nScreenings are scheduled for Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the AMC DINE-IN Theater in the Essex Green Town Center at 495 Prospect Avenue\, West Orange\, New Jersey. Attendees can expect introductions and Q&A sessions led by a distinguished roster of guest speakers\, including actors\, filmmakers\, authors\, film historians\, and educators\, providing rare insight into the artistry\, historical context\, and cultural relevance of each selection. \n\n\n\nFestival founder emeritus Ken Mandel emphasizes the unique connection to West Orange’s cinematic roots: “This festival celebrates our rich film history\, from Thomas Edison’s groundbreaking contributions to motion picture technology to the iconic Black Maria studio\, giving film lovers a chance to explore and honor this legacy.” \n\n\n\nThe 2026 lineup pays tribute to legendary performers such as Robert Redford and Diane Keaton\, while also showcasing the work of filmmaker John Sayles\, whose films reflect a deep connection to New Jersey and New York. The selections span a variety of genres and themes\, balancing entertainment with meaningful commentary on social\, political\, and cultural issues. \n\n\n\nPaul Castiglia\, Festival volunteer\, emcee\, and guest speaker\, notes\, “While these films entertain\, they also reveal larger societal questions—class struggles\, political intrigue\, and the human cost of conflict are all subtly interwoven into the narratives.” Highlights include the romantic and cultural conflicts in Annie Hall and It Happened One Night\, the imaginative yet wartime-focused storytelling in The Secret of Roan Inish and Cinema Paradiso\, and the exploration of racial inequality in The Brother from Another Planet. The Festival also examines institutional paranoia in films like Three Days of the Condor\, offering a mix of reflection and engagement for audiences. \n\n\n\nThe season concludes on March 15 with a screening titled Politics Schmolitics\, featuring classic comedic shorts\, trailers\, and cartoons that lampoon elections\, espionage\, and political scandals. Laurel & Hardy\, Betty Boop\, The Little Rascals\, Daffy Duck\, and The Three Stooges are among the featured icons\, providing both laughs and commentary on the human condition. \n\n\n\nEsteemed speakers for this year’s festival include Festival founder Joyce Weisinger Kaffel\, Stuart Weinstock\, director of the New Jersey Jewish Film Festival\, and Gerard Amsellem\, a foreign film expert. They are joined by film historian John Chasse and pop culture writer Paul Castiglia. Actor Alvin Alexis serves as the guest speaker of honor\, introducing and discussing The Brother from Another Planet on February 1. Alexis\, known for his work in The Wiz and stage productions\, shares his experiences to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers\, bridging the gap between classic cinema and modern performance. \n\n\n\nFor those who love film and storytelling\, the West Orange Classic Film Festival is more than a movie screening—it is an immersive cultural experience. Tickets are $13 per movie\, giving attendees a full afternoon of entertainment\, education\, and the chance to enjoy classics as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen. For more details on this and other local cinematic events\, visit our film festivals section to explore upcoming opportunities to engage with New Jersey’s vibrant film community.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/west-orange-classic-film-festival/
LOCATION:AMC DINE-IN Essex Green 9\, 495 Prospect Ave\, West Orange\, New Jersey\, 07052\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film & TV,Film Festivals
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ORGANIZER;CN="West Orange Arts Council":MAILTO:info@woarts.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T180000
DTSTAMP:20260425T064020
CREATED:20251022T170121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T170141Z
UID:64772-1769356800-1769364000@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart
DESCRIPTION:Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Brings Color\, Music\, and Magic to New Jersey This January \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGet ready for a world of color\, imagination\, and pure fun as Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! comes to New Jersey this winter. Presented by Walmart\, the beloved DreamWorks Animation series is stepping off the screen and onto the stage in a brand-new live show that promises to delight kids and families alike. With two performances scheduled for Sunday\, January 25 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.\, this interactive musical adventure is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated family events of the season. \n\n\n\nProduced by Terrapin Station Entertainment and TEG Life Like Touring in association with Universal Destinations and Experiences\, Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! transforms the hit Netflix show into a vibrant\, one-of-a-kind theater experience. Young fans will join Gabby and her lovable crew of Gabby Cats as they sing\, dance\, and embark on a colorful new journey full of surprises\, teamwork\, and laughter. \n\n\n\nIn this magical stage story\, Gabby unboxes a mysterious acorn that can only grow with the help of a rainbow’s touch. But when the mischievous CatRat accidentally breaks the rainbow\, a color-filled adventure begins. The mission? To restore every hue of the rainbow before it’s too late. Along the way\, Gabby and her friends teach valuable lessons about creativity\, kindness\, and the power of working together — all wrapped up in the show’s signature songs\, dazzling visuals\, and playful energy that have made the series a global favorite. \n\n\n\nFamilies attending can expect an immersive experience where the audience becomes part of the action. The show combines the magic of live theater with the familiar warmth of Gabby’s Dollhouse\, offering fans an up-close chance to step into the world they’ve only seen on screen. It’s a celebration of music\, color\, and imagination — a perfect outing for families looking to share something special together this winter. \n\n\n\nTickets for Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! go on sale Friday\, October 24 at 10 a.m. Members who contribute $500 or more to the venue’s nonprofit mission can access presale tickets starting Thursday\, October 23 at 10 a.m. Membership not only unlocks early access but also helps support the theater’s educational and community programs\, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive across New Jersey. \n\n\n\nThis event continues the state’s growing lineup of high-quality live entertainment for families\, further solidifying New Jersey’s position as a hub for cultural and artistic experiences. From Broadway-style shows to interactive concerts and touring productions\, there’s always something magical happening for audiences of all ages. \n\n\n\nFor more about upcoming performances and family-friendly live events across the Garden State\, visit Explore New Jersey Music to stay connected with the latest happenings and ticket announcements.  \n\n\n\nFor information about the Mayo show on October 25\, 2025\, click here.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/gabbys-dollhouse-live-presented-by-walmart/
LOCATION:State Theatre New Jersey\, 15 Livingston Avenue \, NJ\, New Brunswick\, NJ\, 08901\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music,Theatre
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ORGANIZER;CN="Terrapin Station Entertainment":MAILTO:INFO@TERRAPINENT.COM
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