Whether it be a night out on the town with your favorite date or a group trip with your closest gal pals, to quote Shakespeare, the play’s the thing to do at the Jersey Shore this year. To help plan, Night and Day recently caught up with a couple leaders from local theaters, to provide an in-depth look at some local live performances planned for the month’s ahead.
The Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan
The historic Algonquin Arts Theatre has been a longtime fixture of downtown Manasquan, at 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, despite undergoing many physical and logistical changes throughout its lifespan.
Annual programming includes seven to eight main stage productions of plays and musicals, an orchestral music series, a wide variety of jazz and pop concerts, special event programming, student matinee presentations, film presentations and a full complement of classes and workshops in theater, music and dance.
Particularly well-known are its theatrical productions led by Executive Director Pamela Ward. From April 6 to April 21, the theater will put on 10 weekend performances of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Performances will be held on April 6, 7, 12, 13 [matinee and evening], 14, 19, 20 [matinee and evening] and 21. Evening performances will be at 8 p.m. Matinee performances will be at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
“Fiddler on the Roof” is a musical from the 1960s written by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick with an accompanying book by Joseph Stein. Based on Sholem Aleichem’s stories, the show is set in early 1900s Russia and tells the story of a Jewish milkman named Tevye as he navigates religion and family.
“It’s one of the world’s biggest musicals,” said Shayne Miller, director of marketing and communications at Algonquin. “It’s got songs that everybody loves. It’s just a great piece of theater, and we hope everybody will come and see it.”
He said the show has a cast of 32 and a nine-member creative team, as well as an additional crew of roughly nine individuals.
To purchase tickets, visit the theater’s website at algonquinarts.org. Regular tickets cost $36 for adults, $33 for seniors and $26 for students. Premium tickets cost $45 for adults, $42 for seniors and $35 for students.
ALGONQUIN ART THEATRE’S 2024-2025 SEASON
The Algonquin Arts Theatre has announced its shows scheduled to run through May 2025 and there are many exciting shows included.
Miller said, “We are thrilled to present an exceptional lineup for our 2024-2025 Broadway Series. Each production has been carefully chosen to provide our audience with a diverse range of theatrical experiences. We look forward to sharing these incredible stories.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece “Cats” will take the stage beginning on July 13 and run through July 28. “Cats” is the winner of seven Tony Awards including best musical, best book and best score. You’ll want to see the Algonquin’s spin on this show’s breathtaking choreography and dazzling costumes.
In August, “Spring Awakening” asks viewers to step into a world where the vibrancy of youth clashes with the oppressive constraints of society. This musical’s fusion of rock and folk music complements the poignant narrative of love, rebellion and self discovery. This musical is for mature audiences only and runs Aug. 10 through 18.
Get ready for a musical extravaganza that will dazzle your senses and ignite your imagination when “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” hits the Algonquin Theatre stage on Oct. 11, running through Oct. 20. The tale of Joseph and his brothers and his rollicking adventure, filled with laughter, love and unexpected twists is great for the entire family.
The holiday season can be celebrated at Algonquin Theatre when Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” has its curtain call on Dec. 7. This winter wonderland of song, dance and holiday cheer runs through Dec. 21 and is sure to put you into the holiday spirit. Miller said, it’s back “by popular demand.” He added, “Embrace the holiday spirit with Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas,’ a timeless classic that will warm hearts with its festive cheer, memorable tunes, and dazzling choreography.”
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” kicks off the new year on Jan. 18, 2025 and runs through Jan. 26. Rediscover the magic of childhood with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally and the rest of the gang.
“In February, Algonquin Arts will present a poignant and powerful production of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank,’ showcasing one of the most enduring stories of resilience, family, hope, and the human spirit,” Miller said. “The Diary of Anne Frank” runs Feb. 15 and through Feb. 22. This newly-adapted play based upon the book, “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl,” seeks to make Anne Frank’s deeply moving words leap from the pages of her diary onto the stage.
The ultimate dance session — “Footloose” the musical — takes the stage on March 28 and runs through April 6. Miller said, “‘Footloose’ brings the party to Algonquin Arts Theatre this spring in a musical based on the beloved 1984 film with its high-energy dance numbers and infectious music.”
Witness the birth of a nation in “1776” — a revolutionary musical experience. With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, this play follows John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and other iconic figures as they draft the Declaration of Independence. This three-time Tony Award winner runs May 9 through May 18.
Evening shows typically have a 7:30 p.m. curtain and matinees are held at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visit algqonuinarts.org to make your ticket purchases for the 2024-25 season.
The Spring Lake Theatre, Spring Lake
Located at 300 Madison Ave. in the Spring Lake Community House, the Spring Lake Theatre Company is known for producing Broadway-quality musicals, comedies and dramas with professionally talented casts, lavish sets and costumes, and show-stopping performances.
Led by Executive Director Patricia Barry, the company puts on six different shows per season, with the opening night ticket sales of several performances donated to a different, well-deserving area charity.
This April, the company will present “HMS Pinafore,” a comic opera written by Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert in the late 1800s. The show tells a story that takes place aboard a British ship of the same name. In the story, the captain’s daughter falls in love with an average sailor but is intended by her father to marry a higher-ranking officer.
Marketing Manager Ella Fischer said, “It’s a classic.” She added that another Gilbert and Sullivan show, “Pirates of Penzance” was very successful a couple of years ago. “We’re hoping people will enjoy ‘HMS Pinafore’ just as much.”
There will be Friday and Saturday performances on April 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, as well as one on Thursday, April 11, which will double as a fundraiser for the Woman’s Club of Spring Lake. The Saturdays have two performances each, one at 2 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. The other performances, on April 11 and Fridays, will all be at 7:30 p.m.
All proceeds from the April 11 performance will be put toward the Woman’s Club of Spring Lake’s Scholarship Fund, which each year makes academic scholarships available to young women from Spring Lake or Spring Lake Heights who will be graduating high school this year and plan to pursue higher education at a two or four-year institution in the fall.
Tickets for the Friday and Saturday performances can be purchased by visiting the theater’s website at springlaketheatre.com and navigating to the Tickets & Events tab. They cost $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and $30 for students and children.
Tickets for the April 11 performance can be reserved by contacting Kathleen Dittman at 732-449-5920 or Anne Butler at 732-449-3750. The tickets are $35 per person and include light refreshments. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
SPRING LAKE’S 2024-2025 SEASON
The Spring Lake Theatre Company has announced its shows scheduled to run through April 2025 and there are many exciting titles included. “We are very excited to announce our upcoming 2024-2025 Season,” Fischer said.
“My Fair Lady” will be on the stage beginning July 6 and running through July 21. “My Fair Lady” is the classic musical about Eliza Doolittle, a spirited Cockney flower girl, as she undergoes a remarkable transformation under the guidance of Professor Henry Higgins. With its iconic songs and charming storyline, this beloved musical captivates audiences of all ages.
On Aug. 15, a stage run for “Anastasia” will begin, telling the story of Anya, a young woman on a quest to uncover her mysterious past, as she navigates the glittering streets of Paris and the opulent world of imperial Russia. The show runs through Aug. 25. Fischer said, “’Anastasia’ is brand new and we’re one of the first theaters in the area to do that performance.”
“Jekyll & Hyde The Musical” begins its run on Oct. 11, telling the haunting tale of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a brilliant scientist grappling with his inner demons, as he unleashes his dangerous alter ego, Edward Hyde. The show runs through Oct. 26. “Jekyll & Hyde” promises a thrilling theatrical experience filled with suspense and emotion.
The 42nd annual performance of “Scrooge” will likely draw a sell-out crowd as it does nearly every year. The first show is on Dec. 5 and runs through Dec. 22 in a heartwarming musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic “A Christmas Carol.” Fischer says, “Scrooge is our best seller for sure. We sell out every year.”
“The Prom” debuts on Feb. 14 and runs through Feb. 23. This musical follows a group of Broadway stars whose careers have seen better days as they descend upon a small town in Indiana to support a high school student banned from attending prom with her girlfriend.
Running April 3 through 13, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” follows the captivating story of Joseph, his coat of many colors, and his incredible journey from slavery to redemption. This is not the first performance of “Joseph” for Spring Lake Theatre Company. Fischer adds, “Joseph is back again and it’s definitely a popular show.”
Evening shows have a 7:30 p.m. curtain and matinees are held at 2p.m. Visit springlaketheatre.com to make your ticket purchases for the 2024-25 season.
YOUNG ACTORS TAKE CENTER STAGE
Both Algonquin Arts Theatre and Spring Lake Theatre Company have youth programs.
ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE has a
Performing Arts Academy, a youth
ensemble, teen nights and an internship and apprentice program.
VISIT algonquinarts.org
SPRING LAKE THEATRE COMPANY has an academy for both theater and dance, as well as summer programs.
VISIT springlaketheatre.com
Other New Jersey youth programs include:
DRAMA KIDS OF EASTERN MONMOUTH COUNTY
Drama and acting classes and summer camps are held in the Rumson, Tinton Falls, Long Branch area.
VISIT dramakids.com/rumson-tinton-falls-long-branch-asbury-park-nj/
BCCT, BRICK TOWNSHIP
BCCT is nonprofit, community theater group dedicated to the children of Ocean and Monmouth counties. BCCT has received great reviews with a dedicated following from the local community.
VISIT bcct.org
HOWELL PAL THEATRE COMPANY
The Howell Police Athletic League Theatre Company is a nonprofit children’s theater company, dedicated to the children of Howell and the surrounding area. They offer theater classes and summer programs.
VISIT howellpaltheaterco.com
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS CHILDREN’S THEATRE
The Children’s Theatre series
promotes early engagement in the arts to more than 2,000 area youth each year. Programs offer complimentary tickets to local community service organizations through the University’s Service Learning and Community Programs Department. Flexible group rates and low-cost tickets give the public access to programming. The Children’s Theatre series is
sponsored by the Monmouth University Alumni Association.
VISIT monmouth.edu/mca/series/childrens-theatre/