John J. Wooten

Review: FLAWLESS Plays Around with AI, at Penguin Rep Theatre thru Oct. 19
by Bruce Apar - Oct 5, 2025

As Tess and Frank, Ellen Adair and Michael Frederic skillfully bring to the stage the requisite range of emotions engaged when lovers go a-quarreling, then make up, then rinse, repeat. We all know how that goes and they keep it going with the right rhythm of dramatic impact. Director Joe Brancato is masterly at keeping his productions light on their feet, rooted in a canny instinct for audience appeal. in an exquisitely rendered performance by Alexander Rios as AI Percy, he leaves an indelible impression through carefully articulated physicality that captures the essence of a bot without caricaturing it. His soft, soothing vocal inflection recalls iconic computer HAL in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Penguin Rep Presents World Premiere of FLAWLESS
by Emmy Rice - Sep 14, 2025

Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of Joe Brancato, founding Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director, presents the world premiere of Flawless, a new play by John J. Wooten, Friday, September 26 through Sunday, October 19 in Stony Point, New York.

Cast and Creative Team Set for WALDEN at Premiere Stages
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 20, 2025

Premiere Stages will present the New Jersey Premiere of Walden by Amy Berryman in Kean University’s Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. See who is starring and learn more!

Review: THE MALLARD at Premiere Stages-A Socially Relevant Comedy
by Marina Kennedy - Jul 21, 2025

Premiere Stages, the professional theatre on the campus of Kean University in Union, opens their 20th Anniversary Season with the premiere of The Mallard, winner of the 2024 Premiere Play Festival.

THE MALLARD Begins Performances At Premiere Stages This Week 
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2025

Premiere Stages' production of Vincent Delaney's play The Mallard begins performances this week in Kean University's Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. Learn more!

NJ Entertainment this Summer-Some Top Picks
by Marina Kennedy - Jun 30, 2025

New Jersey entertainment rocks in the summer.  Here are just a few choices of what is going on in the Garden State!  Check them out and find a few of your own.  There's are a lot of shows to look forward to.

Cast and Creative Team Announced for Premiere Stages' THE MALLARD
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 27, 2025

Premiere Stages at Kean University will present the premiere production of The Mallard by Vincent Delaney, winner of the 2024 Premiere Play Festival, July 17-August 3 in Kean University's Bauer Boucher Theatre Center.

BWW Q&A: Joe Brancato on Reviving MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET and Penguin Rep's 2025 Season
by Joshua Wright - Jun 10, 2025

Joe Brancato discusses the return of Miracle on South Division Street, Penguin Rep Theatre’s 2025 season in Stony Point, and their growing presence in New York City with a new residency at 59E59 Theatres.

Premiere Stages Celebrates 20 Years of New Plays with 2025 Season
by Stephi Wild - May 9, 2025

Premiere Stages at Kean University has announced its 20th anniversary season, celebrating 20 years of new plays and New Jersey premieres. Learn more about the season here!

Penguin Rep Announces 2025 Season Lineup
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2025

Penguin Rep Theatre has announced its 2025 season, featuring four mainstage productions, including three world premieres. The company will also transfer its acclaimed production of Gene & Gilda to Off-Broadway this summer.

Premiere Stages at Kean University Reveals 2025 Bauer Boucher Playwriting Award Winners
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025

Premiere Stages has named Kean University student Tyler Sautner (Class of ’25) and alumna Megan Tobias (Class of ‘19) as the winners of the 2025 Bauer Boucher Playwriting Awards. Learn more about the awards here!

Submissions For The Premiere Stages 2025/2026 Liberty Live Commission Open In November
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2024

Premiere Stages, the professional theatre in residence at Kean University, will be accepting submissions for the 2025/2026 Liberty Live Commission, a biennial commissioning program for New Jersey playwrights in partnership with Kean's Liberty Hall Museum beginning Friday, November 1.

DIVERSION Begins Performances at Premiere Stages This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 5, 2024

Premiere Stages’ production of Scott Organ’s play Diversion begins performances this week in Kean University’s Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Premiere Stages at Kean University Seeking Submissions to Annual Play Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 30, 2024

Premiere Stages, the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, is accepting submissions for the 20th annual Premiere Play Festival beginning Sunday, September 1. Learn how to apply!

Premiere Stages' Season Continues In September With DIVERSION
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 21, 2024

Premiere Stages will present DIVERSION from September 5-22, exploring compelling themes and dynamic performances at Kean University.

New Historical Play STILL Announced At Premiere Stages
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 23, 2024

A new historical play, STILL, written by Kean University alumnus, will debut at Premiere Stages.

Review: STILL at Premiere Stages-A Compelling and Affecting Historical Play
by Marina Kennedy - Jul 17, 2024

Premiere Stages is now presenting playwright Benjamin V. Marshall’s 'Still.'  This World Premiere play is inspired by historical events that are both captivating and affecting.

Cast Set for Benjamin V. Marshall's STILL at Premiere Stages
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2024

Premiere Stages has revealed the cast for the upcoming production of STILL, running in July. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Premiere Stages At Kean University Announces Semi-Finalists For 2024 Play Festival
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2024

Premiere Stages at Kean University reveals the semi-finalists for the 2024 Play Festival. Discover the up-and-coming playwrights in the spotlight this year.

New Plays Take Center Stage In The Premiere Stages 2024 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 18, 2024

Discover the new plays set to take the spotlight in the Premiere Stages 2024 Season. This year, expect innovative storytelling and unique performances from a diverse range of playwrights.