Charlene Johnson

Essex County

New York City Metropolitan Area

South Orange

New Jersey

Maplewood

Eric Kiefer

West Orange

Millburn-Short Hills

Newark

Livingston

Union County

Springfield

Bloomfield

Montclair

Summit

Cranford

Christ Church in Short Hills

Christ Church in Short Hills will present a solo concert recital by internationally acclaimed organist, Chelsea Chen, on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 4:00 pm. The special concert will feature a selection of traditional organ compositions along with contemporary music. She will perform on the historic, renowned organ at Christ Church in Short Hills, a 63-rank Aeolian-Skinner opus 1347 designed by organ builder Joseph Whiteford in 1960. The instrument, the largest of its kind in the state of New Jersey, was restored in 2015 with a new antiphonal organ and Trompette en Chamadeis.&nbsp;
The Chelsea Chen Organ Concert is presented free of charge. A reception will follow the performance in Parish Hall of Christ Church in Short Hills, located at 66 Highland Avenue, Short Hills, NJ.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ms. Chen’s dynamic recitals have electrified audiences at premier concert and church venues throughout the United States and Asia. The Los Angeles Times has praised Ms. Chen’s “rare musicality” and “lovely lyrical grandeur,” with a compositional style that is “charming and irresistible.” Recent soloist concert appearances include performances with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Symphony, with upcoming concerts in Taiwan and northern Europe.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ms. Chen attended The Juilliard School, receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees under the direction of celebrated organists, Paul Jacobs and John Weaver. She later moved to Taiwan as a Fulbright Scholar, where she studied folk songs and composed organ solo and chamber music. She returned to the U.S. to study in the Artist Diploma program at Yale University. Ms. Chen currently resides as Artist-in-Residence at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City.&nbsp;

Christ Church in Short Hills
Christ Church in Short Hills, established in 1882, is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Christ Church in Short Hills is located at 66 Highland Avenue, Short Hills. For more information, please visit:<a href="https://www.christchurchshorthills.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.christchurchshorthills.org</a>.

Local Event: Acclaimed Organist Chelsea Chen to Perform Solo Recital Concert

Acclaimed Organist Chelsea Chen to Perform Solo...

Christ Church in Short Hills will present a solo concert recital by internationally acclaimed organist, Chelsea Chen, on...

Acclaimed Organist Chelsea Chen to Perform Solo Recital Concert

South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)

Students from South Orange, Maplewood and surrounding communities perform in “The Wizard of Oz” — at SOPAC, May 8th - May 10th
We’re off to see the wizard! Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the classic MGM film. The timeless story in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz continues to thrill audiences worldwide. With a cast of 70 singing some of the most beloved songs of all time, including “Over the Rainbow,” “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead!,” and “If I Were King of the Forest,” this production is a spectacle the whole family will enjoy!
The 70 Musical Theatre students of Class Act Performing Arts Studio, ages 7–14, are from South Orange, Maplewood, and surrounding communities. These talented pre-professionals will sing, dance, and act their way across the SOPAC stage in an exciting, family-friendly showcase of Broadway brilliance.
Appropriate for all ages!
Show Dates &amp; Times Friday May 8, 2026 at 5:00pm Saturday May 9, 2026 at 11:00am &amp; 5:00pm Sunday May 10, 2026 at 1:00pm
Location South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) 1 SOPAC Way South Orange, NJ 07079
Tickets Tickets are on sale now at:<a href="https://www.sopacnow.org/events/capas-wizard-of-oz-2026/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.sopacnow.org/events/capas-wizard-of-oz-2026/ </a>

Cast: Lucinda Allison, Nevaeh Allsopp, Harper Ansvananda, Sydney Barbee, Wynne Basner, Benson Binder, Emma Blackburn, Claire Bossard, Lila Brehm, Vivienne Brehm, Josephine Charles, Elaina Cools, Miriam Cooper, Fiona Corcoran, Henry Cruz, Roman Froelich, Bergen Garfinkel, Leah Gay, Gemma Gittleman, Gloria Gittleman, Ella Goldberg, Billie Goldberg, Preston Greenberg, Madison Grochmal, Isa Hilton, Emma Jacobi, Stella Jankura, Harper Jimenez, Elizabeth Johnson, Greta Kaluza, Frances Kaluza, Mira Katz, Dahlia Klein, Everett Knobel, Shane Krakow, Annabelle Kruse, Georgia Larson, Will Ledbetter, Ian Lester, Ariella Levine, Juliet Loga, Penelope Marotta, Kate Milligan, Isabel Odea, Raelyn Olvaney, Charlotte Park, Penelope Phillips, Catherine Pih, Lilah Purow, Rose Reed, Eloise Rhee, Madeleine Rhee, Mavis Rife, Audrey Robbins, Paul Robertson, Lucie Ruppe, Norah Russell, Jessica Schutz, Ari Scott, Louise Scully, Emma Soroka, Adeline Sosnowski, Daphne Sosnowski, Mya Spear, Penelope Stuart, Elliott Tanner, Mia Tanner, Lola Venezio, Millie Vujovic-White, Ronald Whitaker
Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard / Orchestrations by Larry Wilcox Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Local Event: Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents "The Wizard of Oz" - May 8th - May 10th

Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents "The...

Students from South Orange, Maplewood and surrounding communities perform in “The Wizard of Oz” — at SOPAC, May 8th - May...

Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents "The Wizard of Oz" - May 8th - May 10th

Students from South Orange, Maplewood and surrounding communities perform in “Jesus Christ Superstar” — at SOPAC, May 8th - May 10thThe groundbreaking Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar blends rock, gospel, folk, funk, and modern language to tell the story of the final week of Jesus’ life, leading to his betrayal by Judas and crucifixion by the Romans. A global phenomenon since its debut, the show reimagines these extraordinary events through Judas Iscariot’s perspective, exploring the complex relationships among Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and the Roman Empire. Originally released as a concept album, its iconic 1970s rock score features classics like “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and “Gethsemane.” By fusing ancient history with modern sensibilities, Jesus Christ Superstar examines enduring themes of fame, revolution, radicalism, and humility.
While there is no inappropriate language or adult concepts present, it is still Jesus Christ Superstar. As such, there are some delicate scenes. We welcome children of all ages, but it may be best to discuss the historical events prior.
The 25 Musical Theatre students of Class Act Performing Arts Studio, ages 14–18, are from South Orange, Maplewood, and surrounding communities. These talented pre-professionals will rock the SOPAC stage in this emotional, gut-wrenching, high octane production, featuring a Live Band!
Appropriate for all ages!
Show Dates &amp; Times Friday, May 8, 2026 - 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 2:00 PM &amp; 8:00 PM
Sunday May 10, 2026 – 4:00 PM
Location South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) 1 SOPAC Way South Orange, NJ 07079
Tickets are on sale now at:
<a href="https://www.sopacnow.org/events/capas-jesus-christ-superstar-2026/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.sopacnow.org/events/capas-jesus-christ-superstar-2026/</a>
Cast: Mallory Adams, Sasha Ames, Luzita Avila, Madeline Bae, Jax Catron, Jada Clark, Colbie Cooper, William Davenport, Maggie Gates, Dylan Graham, Chloe Guillaume, Ellie Herley, Destiny Keith, Joey Kushner, Lola Larson, Amelie Makos, Charlie Marotta, Jemma May, Rilee Nyborg, Audrey Parness, Charlotte Ramburg, Parker Ryan, Arthur Strouse, Parker Tooley, Maddie Weisbach

Local Event: Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents "Jesus Christ Superstar" - May 8th - May 10th

Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents...

Students from South Orange, Maplewood and surrounding communities perform in “Jesus Christ Superstar” — at SOPAC, May 8th - May...

Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents "Jesus Christ Superstar" - May 8th - May 10th

Montclair State University

Step into a world of creativity, movement and shared ideas at Express 
Yourself!, a vibrant day of arts, culture and creative exploration 
taking place on Saturday, May 9, in partnership with the Montclair 
Literary Festival. Open to all, 
this celebration invites everyone to explore creative expression in many
 forms.&nbsp;Join us for hands-on workshops and interactive experiences on Saturday, May 9, 2026. All events are open to all and free, but registration is required. Sign up for a single workshop or for the whole day!
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUdVJcuM2Vr3jdYHKp4cYvXNVwXx7b-gV6u-BLDOqN19NW8w/viewform" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Register to Attend</a>
Acting Out: Improv Group Style 
9 -10:15 a.m.,&nbsp; Life Hall room 1200 
Crowd Source Acting is about using improvisation to act in the moment. 
Participants will be guided in an improvisational game that allows them 
to experience dropping into a roll and having the inspiration of those 
around them to achieve a common goal. That goal could be silly, serious,
 or absurd. Join us for a round or two of a game called Family 
Portraits, guided by Theatre department practitioners.
A Moving Experience For All 
10:30-11:45 a.m., Life Hall 1210 
This session will be a dance class for beginners, emphasizing freedom of movement and some basic dance moves. 
Got Art? Take This Workshop 
12:00-1:15 p.m., Calcia Hall 245 
Participants will explore a visual arts technique such as collage, clay 
sculpting, or mixed media and create a unique work. Guided by an artist 
educator, attendees will learn simple methods and experiment with 
materials during the session. 
Snap Snap: Taking Just the Right Picture 
1:30-2:45 p.m., Feliciano School of Business Lawn 
This digital photography workshop will start with a presentation on the 
powerful choices available for capturing and documenting the world with 
your camera. Each participant will be given directions for taking a 
photograph from a specific location on campus. Jenelle Covino, Adjunct 
Professor of Art and Design, will guide participants to utilize basic 
photo retouching principles to bring each digital photograph to life. 
You can bring your digital camera or use your cell phone to photograph 
for this workshop. This workshop is suitable for all ages and all 
experience levels of photography. 
Drumming Up a Crowd, the West African Way 
3:00-4:15 p.m.; Feliciano School of Business Lawn 
The Montclair State University West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble 
will perform and engage everyone to participate in traditional West 
African recreational music. We play a strong weave of polyrhythms on 
traditional drums, bells and rattles, and those in attendance will drum 
with us, sing with us in call and response in a West African language, 
and dance traditional movements with us, directed by calls from the lead
 drum. 
Let’s Get Physical: Writing Poetry about Memory and the Body 
4:30-5:45 p.m. Feliciano School of Business Room 140 
In this generative poetry workshop, we will begin by bringing our 
memories to life on the page. We will then expand to writing about 
embodied experiences. Participants will leave this workshop having 
written two new poems and having received feedback on one of the poems. 
They will also leave with a few additional tools in their writers’ 
toolbox.

Local Event: Express Yourself! A Day of Creativity, Community and Discovery

Express Yourself! A Day of Creativity,...

Step into a world of creativity, movement and shared ideas at Express 
Yourself!, a vibrant day of arts, culture and creative...

Express Yourself! A Day of Creativity, Community and Discovery

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Charlene Johnson, Neighbor

Posting Activity

Acclaimed Organist Chelsea Chen to Perform Solo Recital Concert

Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents "The Wizard of Oz" - May 8th - May 10th

Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents "Jesus Christ Superstar" - May 8th - May 10th

Express Yourself! A Day of Creativity, Community and Discovery