Montclair Stage Hosts Four Spring Shows
A season of diverse performance arts begins in February, featuring a solo art piece, a symphonic musical, and a shadow puppet production of Macbeth.
By Carolina Wood ·
Montclair State University announced a four-program spring season for 2027 that mixes visual art, piano, shadow theater, and a rock musical. The lineup targets a broad audience with specific stylistic choices for each production. The university aims to provide accessible live performance options for the Northern New Jersey region.
The season opens on Thursday, Feb. 4, and Friday, Feb. 5. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. at the Alexander Kasser Theater. Australian artist Sam Kissajukian performs "300 Paintings" during these dates. The show documents a six-month manic episode during the pandemic. Kissajukian created 300 large-scale artworks during that period. The performance blends comedy and storytelling with visual elements.
Pianist Chloe Flower appears on Sunday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m. She performs her "popsical" style, a fusion of pop and classical music. Flower is an official Steinway artist. Her past collaborators include Cardi B, Nas, and Céline Dion. This is the only concert in the series scheduled for a weekend matinee.
Chicago-based company Manual Cinema presents "The 4th Witch" on Thursday, Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb. 20. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The production reimagines Shakespeare's "Macbeth" using shadow puppetry and live music. The show contains no dialogue or narration. It follows an orphan seeking vengeance against Macbeth. The company invites the audience onstage after the show to interact with performers and puppets. The production is recommended for ages 12 and up.
The season concludes on Saturday, April 10, at 3 p.m. with "RENT in Concert." This event moves to the Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University. Director Sara Brians and conductor Heidi Joosten lead the symphonic reimagining of Jonathan Larson's musical. The cast includes Broadway veterans. The performance features songs such as "Seasons of Love" and "La Vie Bohème." This is a second attempt to host this specific concert series. A previous attempt sold out but was canceled due to inclement weather.
Daniel Gurskis, dean of the MSU College of the Arts, stated that the productions connect students and residents through the arts. He noted that the series demonstrates ambition and artistry. All events except the final musical take place at the Alexander Kasser Theater at 1 Normal Ave. in Montclair. Tickets for the full 2027 spring schedule are available through the university's box office.
