State Theater New Jersey – The Broadway Series

Nov 28, 2023 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Sue Weston and Susie Rosenbluth, Two Sues on the Aisle

Chicago, the second longest-running musical was performed at the State Theater New Jersey from November 18 and 19th, part of their Broadway Series. This show is a classic, filled with memorable songs, and astonishing dancing based on the 1926 play by journalist Maureen Dallas Watkins, who covered these real-life trials. Set in a Chicago women’s prison in Chicago where six housewives facing murder charges plead their innocence. Although not all are successful.

A triumph! The troupe of talented actors and actresses won our hearts with masterful performances that take your breath away. Chicago is in the vaudevillian style, with over-the-top dancing, singing, and performances.

The State Theater does it again – providing perfection in local theater.

Chicago – the musical

The Plot

Roxie Hart (Kailin Brown) and Velma Kelly (Katie Frieden) both murderesses and aspiring performers, discover that making headlines is a fast way to get acquitted and get recognized. The two are guided by Matron “Mama” Morton (Illeana “illy” Kirven) and vie for the attention of the press and a smooth-talking defense lawyer, Billy Flynn (Connor Sullivan). Chicago makes a mockery of the corrupt legal system, pokes fun at celebrity culture, and shows how easily the media is manipulated, issues still relevant today. Guilt and innocence are simply beside the point.

Chicago is a musical satire that exposes our fascination with “murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery — all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.” Brought to life using razzle dazzle, jazz hands, and old fashion show biz.

The Show

Chicago, which is currently playing on Broadway, holds the record as the longest-running musical revival, and the longest-running American musical on Broadway. It is a musical, in the tradition of Broadway, sharing a story through songs, lyrics, and Fosse-inspired choreography. The music is often considered one of the best pieces of musical theatre from the legendary songwriting duo John Kander and Bob Ebb with jazz-inspired numbers including “Cell Block Tango,” “When You’re Good to Mama,” “Mr. Cellophane,” and “Razzle Dazzle.”

Broadway Series

Although Chicago has gone to its next location, the State Theatre New Jersey Broadway Series has a strong line-up of upcoming shows designed to entertain.

1. Come From Away – January 5 – 7
2. Audra McDonald In Concert – January 21
3. Annie – February 2 – 4
4. The Cher Show – February 9 – 11
5. Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® – February 15
6. Clue – April 27 – 28
7. The Kite Runner – May 3 – 4
8. Mean Girls – May 11 – 12
9. Alan Cumming: Uncut June 22
10. An Evening with Sutton Foster – September 20

The Theater

The State Theater New Jersey was built in 1921 as a silent film and vaudeville palace and is the ideal venue for this retro musical. Just like the show, The State Theater has maintained its relevance, recently celebrating its 100th anniversary, with recent renovations including brand-new theater seats. While the walls and ceilings are filled with reliefs, period motives, splendor, and history.

Entertainment – Something for Everyone

Discover State Theater New Jersey located on Livingston Street in New Brunswick. They have become a home for Broadway-quality performances in a wide range of artistic styles, from the traditional Broadway series to dance, comedy, magic, and concerts. Each limited-run program appears for only a few days, before moving to its next venue. State Theater New Jersey is continuously adding new programs.

So, act fast and reserve your tickets.

State Theater New Jersey provides high-quality entertainment in the heart of New Jersey, exposing patrons to limitless possibilities – – providing something for everyone.