Gateway Playhouse is stepping into 2026 with a bold artistic declaration: for the first time in its history, the beloved venue will present a MainStage season composed entirely of musicals. The announcement marks a milestone moment for one of the region’s most cherished performance hubs, reinforcing its reputation for ambitious programming and crowd-pleasing productions. For theatre lovers across New Jersey, this all-musical lineup promises a year filled with classic storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and the timeless joy of live performance.
The 2026 MainStage slate brings together four celebrated titles that span styles, eras, and generations. Audiences can look forward to the charming and heartfelt You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the electrifying rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, the suave and witty Guys and Dolls, and the upbeat, empowering energy of 9 to 5: The Musical. By curating a season built solely around musicals, Gateway Playhouse signals a renewed commitment to theatrical spectacle—one that invites seasoned theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike to immerse themselves in the magic of the stage. More opportunities to explore regional performance offerings can always be found on Explore New Jersey’s theatre page.
Before the curtain rises on 2026, Gateway Playhouse is closing out the year with a festive series of productions designed to bring families together and capture the warmth of the season. Leading the holiday programming is Scrooge the Musical, a musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ iconic A Christmas Carol. Featuring music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and inspired by the beloved 1970 film, the show follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformative Christmas Eve journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Audiences can expect stirring musical numbers, spirited choreography, and a story of redemption that never loses its emotional power.
This year’s performances of Scrooge will take place on the following dates:
Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m.;
Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.;
Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m.;
Friday, December 12 at 7 p.m.;
Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.;
Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under, making it an accessible holiday outing the whole family can enjoy.
Holiday celebrations continue on Saturday, December 20, 2025, when Lights Out Presents: A Very Valli Holiday brings the unmistakable sound of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to the stage. This spirited tribute blends chart-topping hits with favorite seasonal classics, offering a nostalgic evening built on soaring falsettos, tight harmonies, and the unmistakable charm of one of New Jersey’s most iconic musical legacies. Tickets for this special performance are $35.
Rounding out the winter lineup is Old Friends: A Night of Songs and Stories, arriving January 31, 2026, at 7 p.m. This intimate concert reunites singer-songwriter Brian Conover and multi-talented performer Debby Jenkins for their first onstage collaboration in four decades. Joined by pianist and vocalist Scott Breiner, the trio will share a mix of music and personal anecdotes that celebrate lifelong artistic connection, creative evolution, and the joy of returning to the stage with someone who has shaped your journey.
With a historic MainStage season ahead and a holiday calendar filled with heartwarming performances, Gateway Playhouse continues to distinguish itself as one of New Jersey’s most dynamic cultural institutions. Whether you’re visiting for a seasonal celebration or planning ahead for the theatre-rich year to come, there has never been a better moment to experience the creativity, community, and craftsmanship that define this cherished venue.
