Looking for fun? Check out these events and activities happening all over New Jersey this April. Please note that all schedules are subject to change; please visit the venue’s website or call for more information.
Art
Endangered!
Thru April 24
This immersive exhibit illuminates the stories of species and habitats that are extinct or endangered, touching on how human behavior has affected animals. $8-$10. The Newark Museum of Art, Newark (newarkmuseumart.org; 973-596-6550).
Jerry Pinkney: Tenacity & Resilience
Thru June 26
This exhibition features 80 illustrations from nine children’s books dating from 1979 to the present. It explores the history of the U.S. Civil Rights movement while highlighting the courage and aspirations of Black Americans. $12-$15. Montclair Art Museum, Montclair (montclairartmuseum.org; 973-746-5555).
A Cache of Kinetic Art: Timeless Movements
Thru August 28
This series explores various aspects of the human experience and how time manifests in nature. The 35 works on display were created by 26 artists from around the world. $8-$12. Morris Museum, Morristown (morrismuseum.org; 973-971-3700).
Comedy
Tracy Morgan
April 8 & 22
Actor and comedic icon Tracy Morgan, who lives in Alpine, plays in his home state as part of his No Disrespect Tour. The former SNL and 30 Rock star, who currently plays Tray Barker on the TBS comedy The Last O.G., hits Morristown’s Mayo Performing Arts Center on April 8 (8 pm, $49-$89; mayoarts.org; 973-539-8008), followed by Red Bank’s Count Basie Center for the Arts on April 22 (8 pm, $30-$75; thebasie.org; 732-842-9000).
Bobby Collins
April 8 & 9
Formerly an executive at Calvin Klein, Bobby Collins left his successful career in fashion sales to pursue stand-up comedy full-time. With no regrets, he now offers humorous insights about the human condition. Showtimes vary; $25-$36. Bananas Comedy Club, Rutherford (bananascomedyclub.com; 201-727-1090).
Andrew Dice Clay
April 14
The first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row, Andrew Dice Clay will bring his controversial comedy to the Jersey Shore. 6:30 pm-10 pm; $125-$170.13. Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club, Point Pleasant Beach (unclevinniescomedyclub.com; 732-899-3900).
David Arnold
April 21-23
Seasoned comic and sitcom writer David Arnold (“Fuller House”) makes a stop in New Jersey on his It Ain’t for the Weak Tour. Showtimes vary; $30-$180. Stress Factory Comedy Club, New Brunswick (newbrunswick.stressfactory.com; 732-545-4242).
Music
New Edition
April 1
Still in love with New Edition? You’re in luck because they will be in Newark on their 2022 tour with Charlie Wilson and Jodeci. 8 pm; prices vary. Prudential Center, Newark (prucenter.com; 973-757-6000).
Fans of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts have two chances to see them in Jersey this April. Courtesy of Count Basie Center
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
April 9 & 15
If you love rock ’n’ roll, then put another dime in the jukebox, baby. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts play at Hard Rock Atlantic City on April 9 (8 pm, prices vary; hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com; 609-449-1000) and at Red Bank’s Count Basie Center for the Arts on April 15 (8 pm, $49-$99; thebasie.org; 732-842-9000).
Melvin Seals & JGB
April 13
Melvin Seals & JGB promises a musical trip worth taking with their funky blend of rock, gospel, soul and R&B. You know Seals best from his 18-year stint as keyboardist for the Jerry Garcia Band. 7:30 pm; $48-$65. South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange (sopacnow.org; (973) 313-2787).
Dorothy
April 15
Raise a little hell when Dorothy performs in Montclair. The rock band will tour its newest album, “Gifts From the Holy Ghost.” 8 pm; $25-$151. Wellmont Theater, Montclair (wellmonttheater.com; 973-783-9500).
The Doo Wop Project
April 24
If you are nostalgic for music akin to Frankie Valli, the Drifters and the Del-Vikings, the Doo Wop Project offers the perfect fix at their performance in Newark. 3 pm; $49-$69. New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark (njpac.org; 888-696-5722).
Special Events
DJ Pauly D’s Amusement Park Takeover
April 1 & 2
Ride the rollercoasters at American Dream’s Nickelodeon Universe while Jersey Shore star Pauly D spins tunes during what’s promised to be an epic night. 8:30 pm; $69.99-$129.99. American Dream Mall, East Rutherford (americandream.com; 833-263-7326).
Stars on Ice
April 22
Skate on down to Newark to see U.S. figure skating Olympic medal winners, including gold medalist Nathan Chen, and other members of Team USA, perform their craft live. 7:30 pm; $35-$95. Prudential Center, Newark (prucenter.com; 973-757-6000).
Stage
The Bachelor Live On Stage
April 6
Like The Bachelor on the small screen? Then you’ll love this interactive live stage show. Former Bachelorette Becca Kufrin hosts the evening as Rodney Matthews, a favorite contestant from Michelle Young’s recent season, plays Bachelor and meets ladies from the audience. 7:30 pm; $39-$199. Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown (mayoarts.org; 973-539-8008).
The Hombres
Thru April 10
This new play offers a fresh and nuanced take on intimate male friendship. Set “somewhere off the NJ Transit line,” the play follows Julián, a gay Latino yoga teacher, who clashes with Héctor, a straight macho Latino construction worker, outside of the yoga studio. Showtimes vary; $30-$75. Two River Theater, Red Bank (tworivertheater.org; 732-345-1400).
New Jerseyans can see Waitress in New Brunswick in mid-April. Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Waitress
April 14-16
This Tony-winning musical tells the story of Jenna, a waitress whose pies are the stuff of legend, as she tries to leave her abusive husband. 8 pm; $40-$98. State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick (stnj.org; 732-246-7469).
The Diary of Anne Frank
April 22 & 24
To honor Holocaust Remembrance Day this April 28, revisit Anne Frank’s story. Showtimes vary; $18-$20. Kelsey Theatre, West Windsor (kelsey.mccc.edu; 609-570-3333).
Hairspray
April 29-May 1
You can’t stop the beat! The Tony-winning musical comedy follows 16-year-old Tracy Turnblat as she navigates discrimination and racial tensions in her hometown, Baltimore, while auditioning for a popular TV dance show. Showtimes vary; $40-$98. State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick (stnj.org; 732-246-7469).
Benefits & Fundraisers
Benefit for Semper Fi & America’s Fund
April 7
Give back to wounded and critically ill U.S. Armed Forces veterans and their families at a buffet dinner with beer, wine and spirits. 6:30-10:30 pm; $70-$80. The Terrace at Biagios, Paramus (semperfifund.org; 760-725-3680).
33rd Annual Tour de Franklin Charity Bike Ride
April 24
This bike-riding event through the Franklin Township area is a spring tradition in Somerset to fight local hunger. All proceeds go to the Franklin Food Bank. 7:30 am; $20-$60. Franklin High School, Franklin (franklinfoodbank.org; 908-507-9004).
13th Annual Running 4 Answers: A Race Against Alzheimer’s
April 30
This 5K race and 2-mile fitness walk or run goes through the tree-lined, rolling-hill streets of historic Essex Fells. All proceeds benefit the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. 8:30 am. 19 Harrison Avenue, Roseland (running4answers.org; 973-896-9263).
Get the best things to do in New Jersey sent right to your inbox with our Weekend Buzz newsletter.