Prepare to be transported through time and imagination at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. From fairy tales and classic comedies to intense dramas, the theatre embarks on a dynamic journey with a diverse lineup of plays in 2025. Get ready to explore the imaginative set designs of 'Hansel and Gretel,' the poignant love story of 'Romeo & Juliet,' the comedic twists of 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' and much more. Each performance invites audiences to dive into artistic worlds crafted with passion and creativity.

Experience a Year of Timeless Tales at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

Dive into a world of classic literature reimagined through riveting theater performances at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. From Oscar Wilde's sharp social critiques to Shakespeare's poignant tales of love and loss, the theatre's 2025 season promises laughter, reflection, and creative interpretations of timeless stories. Each event offers a unique theatrical experience, whether it is the comical escapades of 'The Importance of Being Earnest' or the dynamic retelling of 'Romeo & Juliet'. Join us as we explore these productions and their artistic contributions.

A Theatrical Journey: Exploring Classics and Creatives at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is set to delight audiences with a diverse array of performances in 2025. From Oscar Wilde's witty comedy 'The Importance of Being Earnest' to Hans Christian Andersen's enchanting fairytales, there's something for everyone. Experience the frenetic humor of 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]' or revisit the classic tragedy of 'Romeo & Juliet.' With plays that span from ancient myths to gothic horror, this year's lineup promises a captivating journey through time and imagination.

A Theatrical Extravaganza at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

This season, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey offers a captivating lineup of plays and performances that promise to engage audiences of all ages. From the fast-paced hilarity of 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]' to the poignant tragedy of 'Romeo & Juliet', and the mythic journey of 'Perseus and Medusa', there's something for everyone. As the year progresses, the theatre explores gothic horror with 'Mary Shelley's Frankenstein', festive fun with 'Merry, Merry Mischief', and nostalgic warmth with 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play'.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Presents a Season of Timeless Tales

Step in from the cold as our stage is transformed into a 1940s radio studio for this cherished American classic complete with musical jingles and sound effects created live on stage. Inspired by Frank Capra’s beloved holiday film, this heartfelt adaptation follows the life of the idealistic George Bailey. When all suddenly seems lost, an unlikely guardian angel intervenes and offers George an unexpected gift. A nostalgic blend of holiday cheer and theatrical magic, It’s a Wonderful Life celebrates the true meaning of the season and the best attributes of humankind. It will warm your heart and make you fall in love with the inhabitants of Bedford Falls all over again.

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It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

In a bright and jolly "scripts-in-hand" presentation, audiences will enjoy a medley of wintry children's tales brought to life. The hour-long performance will also be sprinkled with seasonal songs and poems perfect for theatre lovers of all ages! One performance only.

Merry, Merry Mischief

Who is the real monster — creature or creator? Lightning flashes, thunder rumbles, and ghost stories crackle in the air as the mother of science fiction weaves her infamous tale of horror, love, vengeance, and unholy experimentation. This visceral and captivating retelling of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic leaps to life in David Catlin’s eerie and spine-tingling adaptation, perfect for the spooky Halloween season.

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Take a trip back in time to the dawn of civilization, to an ancient world of gods, goddesses, prophecies and heroes. In this masterful production, you will accompany Perseus through personal trials and glorious quests. A lavish show featuring beautiful, hand-crafted marionettes, scrolling sets, exotic music and much, much more. The ancient world has never been so accessible!

Perseus and Medusa

Set in a time of deadly civil division, Shakespeare’s masterful tragedy continues to hold up a heartbreaking mirror to our world. In a society ravaged by hate and violence, two young people unexpectedly find love. Their youthful passion shines a light of hope against the pernicious and poisonous enmity of their families. One of the most beautiful pieces of theatre ever written, it is a tale of opposites – love and hate; exuberant joy and deep sorrow; youth and age; brutal ugliness and poetic beauty; despair and hope. It is intimate and epic. It is about violence. It is about peace. It is a tale of caution that we must heed – now and always.

Romeo & Juliet

Fasten your seat belts for a high-energy, slapstick roller-coaster ride through Shakespeare’s entire canon! Three madcap actors scamper their hapless way through all the comedies, tragedies, histories, and romances in one hysterical, fast-paced, and irreverent evening that will leave you rolling in the aisles with laughter. Bring the family because KIDS GO FREE to this outrageous summer romp.

“If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll LOVE this show.” – The Today Show

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]

Join us for a lively "scripts-in-hand" presentation of an array of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved fairytales. From The Ugly Duckling to The Emperor's New Clothes, there's a story for everyone! One performance only.

UNEXPECTED: Stories of Hans Christian Andersen

Double dual identities, a domineering matriarch, and a mysterious handbag spark hilarious confusion in Oscar Wilde’s delightful comedy of manners. Follow the antics of two wildly eligible bachelors attempting to escape the constraints of Victorian society in their pursuit of love, marriage, and happiness – though not necessarily in that order. Wilde’s witty comic masterpiece is peppered with an array of deliciously eccentric characters and seasoned with his notoriously biting social commentary. Come see why critics have called it “the funniest play ever written”!

The Importance of Being Earnest

Two households collie in Shakespeare's gripping masterpiece as a pair of "star-crossed lovers" navigate family, tradition, and first love.

Short Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet

Shakespeare’s uproarious comedy is the ideal first Shakespeare for elementary students and a riotous theatrical “roller coaster ride” for teens and adults! Grades 3 and up.

Short Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Hansel and Gretel is based on the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm and features melodies from the Humperdinck opera. The colorful set is in the shape of a giant story book; as the pages turn, each new and exciting scene is revealed. All the staging, scenery, and marionettes are handcrafted by the Tanglewood Marionettes.

The story itself is set in the mid-nineteenth century. As the tale unfolds, Hansel and Gretel must call upon their inner reserves and learn new methods to overcome the challenges they encounter while lost in the wood. 

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

3 - 28 Dec, 2025

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

3 - 28 Dec, 2025

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Dec 3, 2025

Merry, Merry Mischief

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Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey