By Aliza Gans, Arts and Culture Editor
The New York City Theater District is often thought of as the quintessential place to see a show. Unbeknownst to many, New Jersey offers a wide array of theater opportunities that are just a hop, skip and a jump away from the bustling streets of Manhattan. Although they are a little more out of the way, these shows still offer Broadway-level talent, sets and costumes. They offer a selection of shows that won’t be playing on Broadway as well as great pricing. I’d like to shine a spotlight on two of my favorite New Jersey theaters, both of which are accessible via a train from Penn Station.
The first theater is Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. (Based on its name, I bet you’ll never guess what it used to be before it was a theater…) Paper Mill Playhouse is what’s known as a regional theater — which means it is “a professional or semi-professional theater company that produces its own seasons.” This means these theaters usually have a mix of classic shows and new works. Sometimes the original shows that premiere at these regional theaters will go on to play on Broadway and beyond. Both Newsies and The Great Gatsby had their start at Paper Mill Playhouse before moving to Broadway. Regional theater productions boast an array of talent, ranging from new upcoming performers to well-known Broadway stars like Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada, both of whom starred in The Great Gatsby’s Paper Mill Playhouse premiere.
One of my favorite things about Paper Mill Playhouse is their dedication to making theater accessible financially, offering a range of discounts. The student discount offers $20 seats in certain areas of the theater when a student ID is presented at the box office. The 30 under 30 discount offers $30 tickets in certain sections to those between the ages of 18 and 30. Thanks to this commitment to affordability, I have personally enjoyed many shows at Paper Mill Playhouse, including The Little Mermaid, Hercules and Rent. Their upcoming shows this season are Come From Away, 1776 and West Side Story.
If the prices and pizzazz aren’t enough, the location of the theater is picturesque, tempting one to snap a few photos outside before the curtain rises. Millburn is a small town in Essex County, a breath of fresh air compared to the overwhelming lights and sounds of the city. Next to the theater is a small babbling brook, which adds to the scenic atmosphere.
Another theater that many overlook is the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey. They feature a variety of events, from touring Broadway shows to concerts, symphonies and more. The touring shows are usually on at State Theatre for a single weekend, and this can be a great opportunity to see something that you might’ve missed when it was on Broadway. In addition to their Broadway shows, the State Theatre also hosts various talents, from local theater troupes to Broadway stars’ solo shows. My personal favorite show put on at the State Theatre is the local theater troupe Plays-in-the-Park’s annual holiday performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This particular show is quite accessible for a wide range of audiences, as tickets are sold for $10 for any seat in the theater — it’s just first come, first serve.
The singing and dancing of Broadway doesn’t stop in New Jersey though; many Broadway shows continue to have a life beyond the tri-state area and go on to tour throughout the U.S., traveling to theaters in cities across the country. These shows offer the talent and polished theater of Broadway with minor adjustments made to set pieces in order to make them easier to transport from theater to theater. Touring shows will stay at a theater anywhere from only a weekend to multiple months. Some shows go on tour after their run on Broadway ends, like Suffs and Kimberly Akimbo, while others, like Hamilton, The Lion King, and &Juliet are currently playing both on Broadway and on tour.
If you’re looking for a theater a little closer to home, look no further than your community theater. While they won’t be written about in The New York Times, local community theaters offer a chance to support local actors and let you see a show in your neighborhood for a reasonable price. In my town, there is a theater called Little Firehouse Theater where I have been lucky enough to see The Play That Goes Wrong and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Going to a community theater can be a great experience. Look for one in your area and see if they have any shows that interest you.
Once you are willing to look past New York City, you’ll find all sorts of places to see theater, whether in New Jersey or beyond.
Photo Credit: Aliza Gans