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Shoshana Bean
2026-09-18 20:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), 1601 Irving St., Rahway, NJ, 07065, United States
Tony Award Winner Shoshana Bean Brings Her Powerful “Only Smoke Tour” to Rahway for One Unforgettable Night

New Jersey’s thriving theater and live music community is preparing to welcome one of Broadway’s most celebrated performers as Tony Award-winning vocalist, actress, songwriter, and recording artist Shoshana Bean brings her acclaimed Only Smoke Tour to Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Friday, September 18. Fresh off one of the most remarkable years of her already extraordinary career, Bean’s upcoming appearance promises to be far more than a concert. It will be an intimate evening of storytelling, healing, emotional honesty, and world-class musical performance from an artist who has become one of the most respected voices on the American stage.

For audiences throughout New Jersey, the performance offers a rare opportunity to experience an artist operating at the peak of her creative powers in the intimate setting of one of the state’s most treasured historic theaters. As Broadway continues to evolve and expand its reach beyond New York City, performances like this reinforce New Jersey’s growing reputation as a destination for premier theatrical and musical events.

The timing of Bean’s Rahway appearance could not be more significant. Coming just months after capturing the 2026 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her acclaimed performance in The Lost Boys Musical, she arrives carrying the momentum of a career that has reached new heights while remaining deeply connected to the authenticity that has defined her artistry from the beginning.

For theater fans, Shoshana Bean’s name has long been synonymous with excellence. Her journey through Broadway has been marked by transformative performances, fearless artistic choices, and an unmistakable vocal style capable of moving audiences from tears to standing ovations within moments.

Yet what makes the Only Smoke Tour particularly compelling is that it allows audiences to experience a side of Bean beyond the characters she portrays on stage.

The songs featured throughout the tour emerge from deeply personal experiences, chronicling a journey through heartbreak, self-discovery, resilience, and ultimately healing. Rather than hiding behind a theatrical role, Bean places her own story at the center of the performance, creating an evening that blurs the boundaries between concert, confessional, and artistic expression.

The result is an experience that resonates far beyond traditional live entertainment.

At its core, Only Smoke represents the power of music as a vehicle for transformation. The material explores the aftermath of a devastating breakup, but rather than dwelling solely on loss, the songs chart a path toward recovery, reflection, and personal growth. In doing so, Bean taps into emotions that audiences universally understand, regardless of age, background, or life experience.

That emotional accessibility has become one of the defining characteristics of her career.

Throughout her time on Broadway, Bean has consistently demonstrated an ability to bring extraordinary humanity to every role she undertakes. Whether commanding center stage in blockbuster productions or delivering intimate performances through her own music, she possesses a rare gift for making large audiences feel as though they are sharing a private conversation.

It is a quality that has helped distinguish her in an industry filled with remarkable talent.

Her recent Tony Award victory for The Lost Boys Musical further cemented her place among Broadway’s elite performers. The production quickly became one of the most talked-about theatrical events of the season, with critics and audiences alike praising Bean’s ability to bring depth, complexity, and emotional resonance to her role.

The award itself represented more than industry recognition. It served as validation of years of dedication, artistic growth, and unwavering commitment to her craft.

For many theatergoers, however, Bean’s rise to Broadway superstardom has been years in the making.

Her acclaimed performance in Hell’s Kitchen introduced audiences to another dimension of her extraordinary abilities. The production showcased not only her vocal prowess but also her dramatic range, earning widespread praise and numerous award nominations. Her portrayal resonated deeply with audiences and further established her reputation as one of Broadway’s most compelling performers.

Prior to that, she delivered a celebrated turn opposite Billy Crystal in Mr. Saturday Night, earning both Tony and Grammy nominations while demonstrating her remarkable versatility. Each role seemed to reveal new layers of her artistry, expanding an already impressive body of work.

Longtime theater fans may remember her groundbreaking run in Wicked, where she became the first replacement for the iconic role of Elphaba. Taking over one of the most demanding roles in modern musical theater requires immense courage and talent. Bean not only met those expectations but helped redefine the role for a new generation of audiences.

Her portrayal of Jenna in Waitress further demonstrated her ability to balance emotional vulnerability with vocal brilliance, continuing a pattern that has defined her career.

While Broadway has provided the platform for many of her most visible achievements, Bean’s impact extends far beyond the theater world.

As a recording artist, she has built an impressive catalog of independent releases that have consistently resonated with listeners around the world. Her albums and EPs have climbed both Billboard and iTunes charts, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences outside traditional theatrical settings.

The success of these recordings speaks to the authenticity that permeates her work. Whether performing on Broadway or releasing original music, Bean approaches every project with a commitment to emotional truth. That authenticity has helped cultivate a devoted fanbase that follows her across genres and artistic mediums.

The Only Smoke Tour may represent the purest expression of that philosophy.

Rather than presenting a conventional concert built around familiar standards or Broadway favorites, the show invites audiences into a deeply personal narrative. Each song serves as a chapter in a larger story, revealing moments of heartbreak, confusion, resilience, and eventual renewal. The performance becomes not simply a showcase for an extraordinary voice but a reflection on the human experience itself.

That approach feels particularly appropriate for a venue like the Union County Performing Arts Center.

The historic Main Stage in Rahway has earned a reputation for presenting artists in a setting that encourages genuine connection between performers and audiences. Unlike massive arenas where distance can diminish intimacy, the theater allows attendees to experience every nuance of a performance. Every lyric, every emotional inflection, and every musical detail becomes magnified within the venue’s elegant surroundings.

For New Jersey audiences, the event also highlights the state’s continued emergence as a major destination for arts and culture. Increasingly, world-class performers are choosing New Jersey venues for special appearances, recognizing both the quality of the facilities and the passion of local audiences.

The performance adds another notable chapter to the state’s vibrant cultural calendar.

Beyond the awards, accolades, and career milestones, what ultimately distinguishes Shoshana Bean is her willingness to embrace vulnerability as a creative strength. In an entertainment landscape often focused on spectacle, she continues to prioritize authenticity. Her songs speak honestly about pain, growth, relationships, and redemption. Her performances invite audiences not simply to watch, but to feel.

That emotional connection is precisely what makes live performance so powerful.

When Bean takes the stage in Rahway this September, audiences will witness more than a Tony Award-winning performer celebrating recent success. They will encounter an artist sharing a deeply personal journey through music, storytelling, and emotional truth.

The evening promises moments of reflection, catharsis, inspiration, and extraordinary musical artistry. It represents an opportunity to experience one of Broadway’s brightest stars in a setting designed for connection and intimacy.

For theater lovers, music fans, and anyone who appreciates the transformative power of live performance, the Only Smoke Tour stands as one of New Jersey’s most anticipated arts events of the season. As Shoshana Bean continues to build an already remarkable legacy, her stop in Rahway offers audiences the chance to witness an artist at the height of her powers while sharing a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

On September 18, the spotlight will shine on one of Broadway’s most celebrated voices. For one unforgettable night, Rahway becomes the center of a remarkable artistic journey, and audiences will have the opportunity to experience every note, every emotion, and every moment firsthand.
