Prepare for a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other with an electrifying tribute to two iconic rock bands! brings the best of both worlds, with powerhouse vocalist Constantine Maroulis () leading the charge. Sing along to timeless hits in a high-energy show that will have you dancing and rocking out all night.
The Billy Joel Songbook featuring Chris Pinnella
Join powerhouse vocalist Chris Pinnella (formerly of Trans-Siberian Orchestra) as he returns to the Algonquin stage paying tribute to The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel. This concert covers it all and will feature Pinnella’s spectacularly talented 8-piece band complete with horns, bringing that authentic Billy Joel sound to life.
Good Stuff: The Music of Sting and Steely Dan
Gear up for an unforgettable night as Good Stuff returns to the Algonquin, bringing the iconic music of Sting and Steely Dan to life! This powerhouse band delivers spot-on renditions of timeless hits with top-tier musicianship that has wowed audiences up and down the East Coast. Don’t miss this incredible tribute!
Frankie Valli Tribute – Let’s Hang On
Get ready to experience the magic of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons! Let’s Hang On, America’s #1 tribute to Frankie Valli, delivers spot-on vocals, choreography and all the mega hits you love, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and more. This high-energy show has wowed sold-out audiences nationwide.
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Get ready to do the ‘Time Warp’ at Algonquin Arts Theatre! Don’t miss THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, the cult-classic musical that’s equal parts wild, weird, and wonderful! Join Brad, Janet, and the outrageously charismatic Dr. Frank-N-Furter for a night of sci-fi thrills, unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll, and over-the-top fun.
EagleMania – The World’s #1 Eagles Tribute
Prepare for an unforgettable performance as takes the stage at Algonquin’s Fall Benefit Concert! For over a decade, this world-class tribute band has wowed sold-out audiences worldwide with stunning five-part harmonies, masterful guitar work, and an uncanny ability to recreate the legendary sound of The Eagles.
Rent
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! RENT is back in an all-new production, bringing its powerful story of love, friendship, and resilience. With unforgettable songs like “Seasons of Love” and a message that resonates as strongly today as ever, this Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is the must-see event of the summer.
The Wizard of Oz
Step into the magical world of Oz featuring all the beloved moments and iconic songs of the classic MGM film. This timeless musical adventure will transport audiences on an adventure with Dorothy, Toto, and their unforgettable friends as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Don’t miss this enchanting family favorite, live on stage.
Ben Folds in Concert with New Jersey Symphony
June 14 @ 12:00 AM
Ben Folds guest artist
New Jersey Symphony
Emmy®-nominated singer-songwriter-composer Ben Folds joins the New Jersey Symphony for a unique and unforgettable performance of music from across his career. Widely regarded as one of the major musical influences of our generation, Folds’ enormous body of genre-bending music includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. His latest album, 2023’s What Matters Most, is a blend of piano-driven pop-rock songs, while his 2015 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra soared to #1 on both the Billboard classical and classical crossover charts. He released his first Christmas album in 2024 and last Fall recorded a live album slated for release in 2025 with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where he served for eight years as the first artistic advisor to the NSO.
Co-presented with New Jersey Symphony
Meredith Willson’s The Music Man
“Grand and Glorious!” “…totally enchanting abso-tootin’-lutely smashing revival. It will give you new life.” —Variety
There’s trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony® Award-winning musical comedy The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize—this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. Featuring songs such as “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Trouble,” “‘Til There Was You,” “Pickalittle,” and “Gary, Indiana,” The Music Man is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.
60s Rock ‘n Roll Revival
An incredible four act ’60s Rock ‘n Roll Revival roars into State Theatre New Jersey starring the Grass Roots, The Lovin’ Spoonful, the Brooklyn Bridge, and headliner to be announced!
The Grass Roots had many hit singles in the late ’60s and early ’70s, including three Top 10 singles, six Top 20 singles, 14 Top 40 singles, two gold albums, and sold more than 20 million records worldwide. Hits include “Where Were You When I Needed You,” “Let’s Live for Today,” “Midnight Confession,” “I’d Walk a Million Miles,” “Temptation Eyes,” “Sooner or Later,” “Heaven Knows,” and Two Divided by Love.” In 1982, they performed at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on July 4 to a crowd of over half a million fans.
The Lovin’ Spoonful had seven consecutive Top 10 hits, and only the Beatles and Rolling Stones sold more records in 1966 than the Spoonful. Hits include “Do You Believe in Magic,” “What a Day for a Daydream,” “Summer in the City,” “Did you Ever have to Make up Your Mind,” “You Didn’t have to be so Nice,” “Rain on the Roof,” “Darlin Be Home Soon,” “Six O’Clock,” and “Nashville Cats.” In 2000, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Brooklyn Bridge formed when the Crests’ lead singer, Johnny Maestro, joined the Del-Satins (Dion’s backup singers) and the Rhythm Method horn section. The Bridge still performs Maestro’s hits, including “16 Candles,” “The Angels Listened In,” and “Step by Step” in addition to their late 1960s hits, “The Worst Than Could Happen,” “Welcome Me Love,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “Blessed is the Rain.”
Itzhak Perlman In Recital
No violinist more beautifully captures and conveys the joy of music than Itzhak Perlman, the undeniable reigning virtuoso of violin. In this extraordinary recital, he is joined by his musical partner of over 25 years, Rohan De Silva, in a program celebrating the classical tradition through Perlman’s insightful and modern mastery of the violin and De Silva’s ingeniously fluid accompaniment. “Perlman’s great gift is to deliver timeless music to his audiences with uncomplicated affection, directness and humanity.”—The Washington Post
Stereophonic
“A BRILLIANT PIECE OF MUST-SEE BROADWAY.”
– Chicago Tribune
The most Tony® Award-winning show of 2024. The most Tony® Award-nominated Play of all time. Stereophonic mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. The ensuing pressures could spark their breakup — or their breakthrough. Written by David Adjmi, directed by Daniel Aukin, and featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, Stereophonic invites the audience to immerse themselves—with fly-on-the-wall intimacy—in the powderkeg process of a band on the brink of blowing up.
Stereophonic, which features original songs by Academy Award nominee and Grammy® Award winner Will Butler, formerly of Arcade Fire, dominated the “Best Theater of 2023” lists, with top rankings in The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Washington Post, Time Out New York, Town & Country, TheaterMania, Theaterly, and The Spectator. In April 2024, Stereophonic became the most Tony®-nominated play in history receiving 13 Award nominations. It then became the most Tony® Award-winning show of the 2024 season, winning 5 Tony® Awards including Best Play, Direction (Daniel Aukin), Scenic Design (David Zinn), and Sound Design (Ryan Rumery).
Photos by Kristin Gallegos and Julieta Cervantes
Dog Man: The Musical
Adapted from The DOG MAN series of books by Dav Pilkey
Book and Lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila
Music by Brad Alexander
Original Direction & Choreography by Jen Wineman
“A howling good time. This show is perfect for everyone.” —Newsday
A hilarious, heartfelt family adventure! Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Featuring an exciting book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, music by Brad Alexander, and original direction and choreography by Jen Wineman.
®DAV PILKEY
Adapted from the books DOG MAN, DOG MAN UNLEASHED, DOG MAN A TALE OF TWO KITTIES, and DOG MAN LORD OF THE FLEAS by Dav Pilkey. Copyright ©2016, 2016, 2017, and 2018 by Dav Pilkey. Published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc.
Photos of 24-25 Touring Company by Jeremy Daniel L-R: Sadie Jayne Kennedy, Glory Yepassis-Zembrou, Brandon James Butorovich, Marquise Neal, Jake Wernecke, Mundo Ballejos
Direct from Rome:The Three Italian Tenors
“Italia Musica Amore”
A Unique Tribute to Italian Song and Aria
A Salute to the Great Italian Tenors tradition
See the Three Italian Tenors in their North American Tour debut! Audiences will be captivated by Giovanni Maria Palmia, Ugo Tarquini, and Alessandro Fantoni accompanied by pianist Fabrizio Mocata. This exhilarating and unique musical event features original arrangements and universally loved Italian songs and tenor arias, presenting memorable melodies and themes performed by the incredible Three Italian Tenors.
Kinky Boots
“SWEETLY, VIVACIOUSLY, IRRESISTIBLY GOOD!” – The Washington Post The boots are back! Kinky Boots will lift your spirits to high-heeled heights! Celebrated with six Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, a Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, and London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical, this big-hearted musical hit will have you strutting out of the theater saying “Yeah!”
Kinky Boots captivates and entertains audiences around the world with the dazzling Tony®-winning score by pop legend Cyndi Lauper, hilarious and uplifting book by four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, and original direction and Tony®-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell.
Based on true events, Kinky Boots follows the journey of two people with nothing in common—or so they think. Charlie Price reluctantly inherits his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As Charlie and Lola work together to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they realized…and discover that you change the world when you change your mind.
2019 National Tour of Kinky Boots. Photo credit: Matthew Murphy.
Les Ballets Africains
Dance company Les Ballets Africains was formed in Paris in 1952 by distinguished Guinean choreographer Keita Fodeba. The company quickly established itself as a global phenomenon, touring successfully around the world. In 1958, following Guinea’s independence, Les Ballets Africains was named the national ensemble of Guinea, propelling them to even greater heights of international acclaim.
Throughout their travels, Les Ballets Africains have been hailed as cultural ambassadors, carrying with them the pride and aspirations of their people. Their performances serve a dual purpose: to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Africa and to foster greater understanding and cooperation between Africa and the rest of the world.
Whether enchanting audiences in Sydney, Paris, London, Rio, Berlin, Tokyo, Moscow, New York, Chicago, Shangai, or Los Angeles, Les Ballets Africains has consistently garnered critical acclaim and invitations to return. Their performances transcend mere entertainment, serving as a powerful medium for cultural exchange and diplomacy. Les Ballets Africains’ journey is a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and unite people across the globe. Their legacy is one of artistic excellence, cultural pride, and a steadfast commitment to bridging the gap between nations through the universal language of dance.
Drum Tao
Drum Tao is an international phenomenon that has reached over nine million spectators featuring the world’s top taiko drummers! Hailed for its high-octane, visionary productions, Drum Tao electrifies the stage with lavish sets, complex choreography, and flawless athletic movement. While honoring the ancient Japanese art form, they embark on an astonishing rhythmic adventure performing incredible feats on a variety of drums (some weighing up to 3 tons) and other instruments including the marimba, flute, and harp that require complete mind and body coordination. You won’t believe your eyes!
TUSK: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Tusk is the number one Tribute to Fleetwood Mac in the world, bar none. No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection with note for note renditions that no other Fleetwood Mac tribute on the touring scene today can come close to duplicating.
Tusk covers all the great hits of Fleetwood Mac, which has featured the talents of Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, and others over the years. Their set lists have included “The Chain, “Gypsy,” “Gold Dust Woman,” “Silver Springs,” and “Got a Hold on Me.” The five seasoned, well-respected musicians comprising Tusk have been making music together in various combinations and styles, in original outfits and in cover bands, for over 25 years. Authentic-sounding and always respectful, Tusk leaves no stone unturned in replicating the sounds of one of the world’s best-loved, top-selling bands.
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
Strauss Symphony of America
Nir Kabaretti, conductor (Vienna)
Rebecca Nelsen, soprano (Vienna)
Thomas Weinhappel, baritone (Vienna)
Featuring dancers from
Europaballet St. Pölten (Austria) and
International Champion Ballroom Dancers
Celebrating 30 years in North America, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert returns to New Brunswick for a dazzling anniversary season. This beloved annual tradition is an unmissable addition to every music-lover’s holiday wish list. At the heart of Salute to Vienna is the richly festive, romantic, and soul-stirring music of Johann Strauss, Jr. Mark the 200th anniversary of the famed composer’s birth with a selection of soaring overtures, arias, and duets that capture the essence of Vienna’s Golden Age, including “The Blue Danube” waltz. With a charming expert in Viennese music at the conductor’s podium, Strauss’ timeless music bursts to life in performances by some of Europe’s finest singers, internationally acclaimed dancers, and a full orchestra. With elegant costumes, bright floral designs, and even a joke or two from the conductor, this cherished tradition is the perfect way to waltz into the new year. Artists subject to change without notice.
American Repertory Ballet with a Live Orchestra & Choir Presents The Nutcracker
Experience the Magic of the Holidays with American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker in New Jersey
December 18, 2025 @ 8:00 PM – December 21, 2025 @ 11:30 PM
The holiday season in New Jersey comes alive with the return of the American Repertory Ballet’s (ARB) cherished annual performance of The Nutcracker, a celebration of music, dance, and festive wonder that has captivated audiences for six decades. This year, families can experience the only ARB Nutcracker shows featuring a live orchestra and choir, enhancing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with the richness and energy of live performance. With more than 100 talented dancers bringing the story to life, ARB’s production remains a signature holiday tradition for the region.
Audiences are invited to follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they embark on an unforgettable adventure. The tale unfolds with daring battles against larger-than-life mice, heroic toy soldiers, and a journey through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the enchanting Land of Sweets. Each scene is elevated by ARB’s signature choreography, blending technical precision with expressive artistry, ensuring a performance that captivates both children and adults.
ARB’s The Nutcracker has earned its place as one of the nation’s longest-running productions, maintaining continuity for 60 years while evolving to reflect both classical ballet excellence and modern theatrical flair. The addition of a live orchestra and choir in select performances offers audiences an immersive experience, where the music resonates with unparalleled vitality, complementing the dancers’ intricate movements and the vibrant holiday sets.
This production is not just a performance; it is a holiday event designed to create lasting family memories. Attendees can expect dazzling costumes, elaborate stage design, and an atmosphere that captures the joy and wonder of the season. It is an ideal outing for multigenerational families, schools, and community groups seeking a festive cultural experience in New Jersey.
Tickets to ARB’s Nutcracker performances offer a gateway into a world where imagination, music, and dance intertwine. The combination of high-caliber dancers, live orchestral music, and a story steeped in tradition makes this production a highlight of the holiday season in the region. Families looking to immerse themselves in the magic of ballet, celebrate a long-standing artistic tradition, and enjoy a memorable holiday outing will find ARB’s The Nutcracker an unmissable experience.
For those seeking additional information about show dates, tickets, and seasonal events in New Jersey’s performing arts scene, Explore New Jersey’s theatre section provides comprehensive coverage, spotlighting the state’s premier ballet, theatre, and cultural performances.
This season, let the American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker transport you and your loved ones into a world of holiday enchantment, where classic music, breathtaking dance, and festive storytelling come together to create a timeless celebration of the season.
