Explore New Jersey

Seascape
2026-01-10 19:00 - 2026-01-18 23:30 (America/New_York) | Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Rd, Oradell, New Jersey, 07649, United States
Edward Albee’s Seascape Brings Provocative Theater to Oradell This January

Bergen County theatergoers have a rare opportunity to experience the Pulitzer Prize-winning work of Edward Albee as the Bergen County Players present Seascape at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell, New Jersey. Running for a brief but compelling engagement from January 10 through January 18, 2026, this production promises to immerse audiences in a thought-provoking blend of humor, philosophical reflection, and theatrical innovation.

The remaining performances as of Friday, January 16, include Friday evening at 8:00 PM, accompanied by a special Q&A session with the Executive Director of the Edward F. Albee Foundation, as well as shows on Saturday, January 17 at 8:00 PM and Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available through the Bergen County Players’ online portal, providing easy access for those eager to secure seats for this intimate and intellectually stimulating production.

Albee’s Seascape explores the human experience through an inventive lens, fusing absurdist comedy with poignant existential reflection. The story follows Nancy and Charlie, a middle-aged couple who have recently retired and are enjoying a quiet afternoon on an empty beach. Their mundane conversation about the routines and uncertainties of life is interrupted in a startlingly imaginative turn when two human-sized, articulate lizards emerge from the ocean. What begins as a surreal encounter quickly evolves into a meditation on communication, evolution, and the search for meaning, as the human and lizard “couples” attempt to bridge the gap between their vastly different perspectives.

The production at the Little Firehouse Theatre emphasizes the subtle interplay between dialogue, timing, and character nuance. The intimate setting of the venue enhances audience engagement, allowing every expression, pause, and line to resonate more deeply than in a larger performance space. The cast brings Albee’s intricate characters to life with precision, capturing the delicate balance of humor, discomfort, and philosophical inquiry that defines the play.

Audiences attending this run will not only witness a landmark work of American theater but also have the chance to engage with the broader cultural context surrounding Albee’s legacy. The Friday Q&A session provides unique insight into the playwright’s intentions, the nuances of absurdist theater, and the enduring relevance of themes such as human connection and societal evolution.

For those who enjoy combining theatrical experiences with other cultural outings, Oradell and the surrounding Bergen County area offer a variety of attractions that complement a night at the theater, from local dining to interactive workshops in the arts. Visitors may also explore other offerings in the region’s thriving theatre scene, connecting live performance with a broader appreciation of creativity and storytelling in New Jersey.

Seascape is an essential experience for theater enthusiasts, students of drama, and anyone intrigued by Albee’s distinctive voice and the challenges of understanding the world from multiple viewpoints. Whether attending for the intellectual richness, the humor, or the rare opportunity to see a Pulitzer Prize-winning play performed locally, this Bergen County Players production offers a memorable and impactful evening that highlights the enduring power of live theater.

The Little Firehouse Theatre is located at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ 07649. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance due to limited seating for this limited engagement of Albee’s celebrated work.

Edward Albee’s 'At Home at the Zoo'
2026-01-15 17:00 - 2026-01-17 23:30 | Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, New Jersey, 07756, United States
Ruth Stage Brings Edward Albee’s “At Home at the Zoo” to Life at the Jersey Shore Arts Center

The Jersey Shore Arts Center is set to welcome theater lovers this winter as Ruth Stage presents Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo, a rare opportunity to experience the playwright’s groundbreaking work in its full, two-act form. Running January 15-17, 2025, this production combines Albee’s 1959 classic The Zoo Story with its long-awaited prequel, Homelife, written nearly half a century later, creating a complete portrait of the characters and themes that have made Albee a titan of American theater.

Albee envisioned the two plays as a single, full-length work to give greater depth to the character of Peter, who in the original The Zoo Story served largely as a “backboard” for the more dynamic Jerry. The combined play explores isolation, loneliness, miscommunication, and the raw, sometimes animalistic instincts that shape human behavior, giving audiences a chance to dive deep into both the psychological and emotional currents of Albee’s world.

The first act, Homelife, introduces Peter, a comfortably affluent publishing executive, and his wife, Ann, in their Upper East Side apartment. Ann articulates a quiet dissatisfaction with their ordered and predictable lives, seeking a spark of disorder to awaken something dormant in their relationship. This act provides insight into Peter’s inner detachment and the marital stagnation that sets the stage for the shocking events to follow.

The second act, The Zoo Story, transports audiences to a Central Park bench where Peter encounters Jerry, an isolated and desperate man whose desire for connection takes a disturbing turn. Jerry’s conversation begins with the famous line, “I’ve been to the zoo,” and escalates into a chilling examination of alienation, societal barriers, and the desperate need for human interaction. The act builds to a harrowing climax, illuminating the play’s exploration of violence, vulnerability, and the extremes of human longing.

Ruth Stage is renowned for delivering performances that are both thought-provoking and deeply engaging, and this production promises to immerse audiences in the intensity of Albee’s writing. The intimate setting of the Jersey Shore Arts Center allows for a uniquely up-close theatrical experience, where every line and gesture carries emotional weight and resonance.

For those looking to explore the broader landscape of performing arts in New Jersey, the theatre guide on Explore New Jersey provides an extensive overview of upcoming plays, performances, and cultural events, making it easier than ever to plan a night out immersed in the state’s vibrant arts scene.

Ruth Stage’s At Home at the Zoo offers a rare opportunity to witness a fully realized Albee masterpiece, combining the dramatic intensity of The Zoo Story with the character depth of Homelife. Whether you are a devoted fan of Albee’s work or encountering it for the first time, this performance promises a profound and unforgettable theatrical experience that challenges, engages, and resonates long after the curtain falls.

A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest
2026-01-17 17:00 - 2026-01-25 23:30 | Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, New Jersey, 07701, United States
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.
Single ticket onsale to be announced.
