Patricia E. Doherty News

It's been 80 years since Bessie Smith, the celebrated Empress of the Blues, died a lonely death, after an auto accident on a desolate Mississippi road. Contrary to legend, Smith did not bleed to death after being refused admission to a white Southern hospital. That story was related to Down Beat magazine by Columbia Records impresario John Hammond, who later apologized, saying that it was all based on hearsay. But her injuries were severe enough so that when she was taken to the nearest hospital (which happened to be one that accepted blacks), that she was beyond saving, and died at the young age of 43.

NJ Rep is currently presenting the World Premiere of The Jag written by Gino Dilorio and directed by Brendan Burke. This must-see production will be on the Long Branch stage through February 12th.

See 'Mad Love' at NJ Rep through November 20th. This very entertaining modern comedy is written by Marisa Smith and directed by Evan Bergman.

Monday, September 19, 2016 - New Jersey Repertory Company, located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch, is proud to announce the new comedy MAD LOVE by Marisa Smith, the Author of 'Saving Kitty'. Sloane Hudson, a wealthy, beautiful recent Ivy League graduate and product of the campus hook-up culture and frat basement pong tournaments, doesn't believe in love or marriage. She does, however, believe in babies and wants one soon so her tummy can bounce back and she can still wear a bikini. The problem is she needs a sperm donor who passes muster. Enter Brandon, who has all the right stats, but the wrong attitude. Brandon, meantime, has enough on his plate living with his brother Doug, who just fell in love with Katerina, the hooker from the Ukraine. Cabbage soup, a rare baseball card and a lizard named Pogo all play a part in this romantic comedy for cynical times.

IAGO, a true theatrical masterpiece, is now onstage at New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) through September 25th. With a brilliant and insightful script by the late James McLure and the splendid direction of the theatre's Artistic Director, SuzAnne Barabas, it is a must-see show.

New Jersey Repertory Company, located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch, is proud to announce the New Jersey premiere of IAGO by James McLure.

The compelling and entertaining Civil War comedic-drama 'Butler' is now onstage at 59E59 Theatre through August 28th. This superb play is written by Richard Stand, directed by Joseph Discher and presented by New Jersey Repertory Company.

New Jersey Repertory Company, located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch, is proud to announce the New Jersey premiere of IAGO by James McLure.

See 'STRUCK' at New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch through July 31st. This intriguing show is written by Sandy Rustin, directed by Don Stephenson and features a stellar cast.

New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) continues its successful season with VILLAINOUS COMPANY through June 5th. Written by Victor L. Cahn and directed by SuzAnne Barabas, this is an intriguing new show on the Long Branch stage.

New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway in Long Branch, is proud to announce the cast of the World Premiere, STRUCK by Sandy Rustin.

New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway in Long Branch, presents the World Premiere of VILLAINOUS COMPANY by Victor L. Cahn.

New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway in Long Branch, has announced the cast of the World Premiere of VILLAINOUS COMPANY by Victor L. Cahn.

New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway in Long Branch, presents the new play, VILLAINOUS COMPANY by Victor L. Cahn.

New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway in Long Branch, has announced the cast of the World Premiere of VILLAINOUS COMPANY by Victor L. Cahn.

The Public Theater presents the new musical Southern Comfort, the true story of a group of transgender friends living life on their own terms in the back hills of rural Georgia,  directed by Thomas Caruso and based on the film by Kate Davis. Southern Comfort features book and lyrics by Dan Collins, music by Julianne Wick Davis, choreography by Ryan Kasprzak, and was conceived for the stage by Robert DuSold and Thomas Caruso. The new musical will run through Sunday, March 27 in The Public's Anspacher Theater. Check out photos from opening night below!

The Public Theater presents the new musical SOUTHERN COMFORT that tells the true story of a group of transgender friends living life on their own terms in the back hills of rural Georgia. SOUTHERN COMFORT begins previews tonight, February 23 and will run through Sunday, March 27 in The Public's Anspacher Theater, with an official press opening on Monday, March 7. 

A friendly reminder! The Public Theater will begin previews for the new musical Southern Comfort, the true story of a group of transgender friends living life on their own terms in the back hills of rural Georgia, on Tuesday, February 23. As an ongoing advocate for the theater as an essential cultural force, The Public has also announced a variety of Talk Backs, Audience Conversations, and Speaker Series discussions focusing on the larger themes of Southern Comfort.