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Morris County has more live theater than most people realize. On any given weekend you can catch a Broadway tour in Morristown, professional Shakespeare in Madison, or a neighbor’s first lead role in a converted barn in Montville. Here are the eight stages our team thinks every local should know, from the big professional houses to the community theaters that keep the curtain up year round.
1. Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
The county’s biggest stage sits at 100 South Street in downtown Morristown. The Mayo Performing Arts Center opened in 1937 as a movie palace and now books touring Broadway shows, comedians, rock and pop acts, dance and family shows. Check the MPAC events calendar for the current lineup, and plan on dinner in town before the show.
2. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison
One of the few professional classical theaters in the region, the Shakespeare Theatre performs at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, on the Drew University campus. The season mixes Shakespeare with comedies, dramas and classics from other playwrights, and summer brings productions to its Outdoor Stage. Parking, seating and directions are on the theater’s plan your visit page. Make a night of it with our guide to things to do in Madison.
3. The Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, Morristown
Tucked inside the Morris Museum at 6 Normandy Heights Road, the Bickford is an intimate room where nearly every seat feels close to the stage. It hosts concerts, jazz, chamber music and live performances throughout its season. See the museum’s live arts page for what is coming up, and pair a show with a visit to one of the best museums in Morris County.
4. The Barn Theatre, Montville
Yes, it is an actual barn. The Barn Theatre at 32 Skyline Drive is a longtime volunteer community theater that stages musicals, comedies and dramas each season, and its rustic setting is half the fun. Directions and parking are on the Barn Theatre’s directions page.
5. The Black River Playhouse, Chester
Home of the Chester Theatre Group, the Black River Playhouse at 54 Grove Street is a small, cozy community stage just off Chester’s Main Street. Seating is limited, so buy early, then head over to Main Street for dinner or dessert.
6. The Growing Stage, Netcong
The Growing Stage calls itself the Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, and it performs in the historic Palace Theatre at 7 Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong. Its professional productions are made for young audiences, which makes it one of the best first theater experiences in the county for kids. The current season, the company’s 40th, is on its main stage page.
7. Dover Little Theatre, Dover
A community theater at 69 Elliott Street, Dover Little Theatre puts on everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon to thrillers, with ticket prices well below what you would pay for a professional house. It is an easy add to a night out on Blackwell Street; see our guide to things to do in Dover.
8. Brundage Park Playhouse, Randolph
Set inside Brundage Park on Carrell Road, the Brundage Park Playhouse is Randolph’s community theater, which stages musicals and plays in a township park setting. It is a great pick if you want to see local talent at a small town price.
Tips for Seeing a Show in Morris County
- Buy early for community theaters. Small houses like the Black River Playhouse and the Barn Theatre have limited seats, and popular musicals sell out.
- Check parking before you go. Downtown Morristown and Madison fill up on show nights, so leave extra time.
- Start the kids young. The Growing Stage is built for children, and community theaters across the county often cast local kids.
- Make it a night out. Most theaters on this list are a short drive from a downtown with good dinner options.
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