What's up next on Shore's stages? Broadway-studded 'Bridges' and Neil Simon shows

Whether you're in the mood for a classic retold, something never-before-seen or a new spin on an award-winning play or musical, the Jersey Shore has something cooking on its stages.

Here's a peek at some of the professional and community theater happening around Monmouth and Ocean counties, and a glimpse into what's coming up a little further into the future.

Keep in mind the recent surge in COVID-19 cases has been impacting productions, so always double-check with the venue or organization for the latest information.

Axelrod Performing Arts Center

"The Bridges of Madison County": This one doesn't hit for a while yet, but it promises to be well worth the wait. Jason Robert Brown and Marsha Norman's beloved musical will feature Broadway stars Kate Baldwin ("Hello, Dolly!" "Big Fish") and Aaron Lazar ("The Last Ship," "Mamma Mia!"), and will be directed by original Broadway cast member Hunter Foster ("Little Shop of Horrors," "Hands on a Hardbody").

When: March 11 to 27

Where: 100 Grant Ave., Deal

Tickets/more information: axelrodartscenter.com

New Jersey Repertory Company

"The Promotion": A world premiere by Joe Giovannetti that tells the story of co-workers and friends Trish and Josh, who are pushed to their limits when they're both up for the same promotion. "Just how far are they willing to go to get ahead? A comedy about surviving in this dog-eat-dog world of business," NJ Rep says.

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When: Jan. 27 to Feb. 20

Up next: Staged readings of "Missing Person" by Susan Campanaro (Jan. 31) and "Robert Will Show You the Door (Tales of Being Fired)" by Susan Jeremy (Feb. 7). Also "The Forest," a world premiere by Lia Romeo, March 17 to April 10. A lost marriage, a lost mind and a mysterious forest punctuate this play about "weird love and what to do when there aren't any right answers," NJ Rep describes.

Where: 179 Broadway, Long Branch

Tickets/info: njrep.org

Two River Theater

Two River made the decision to cancel its production of Chekhov's "Three Sisters," which had been scheduled for Jan. 15 to Feb. 6. The theater hopes to include the new translation by Two River's playwright-in-residence, Pulitzer Prize finalist Madeleine George, in its 2022/23 season.

Up next: The world premiere of "The Hombres" by Tony Meneses (Two River's "The Women of Padilla," "Guadalupe in the Guest Room"), March 12 to April 10.

Where: 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank

Tickets/info: tworivertheater.org

Algonquin Arts Theatre

"Biloxi Blues": The classic Neil Simon play follows Eugene Jerome as he heads to boot camp and learns about "Life and Love with a capital 'L' along with some harsher lessons," Algonquin describes. The Tony Award-winning play is part of Simon's Eugene Trilogy, alongside "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and "Broadway Bound."

When: Jan. 22 to 30

Up next: "Amadeus," where "court composer Antonio Salieri is seized by obsessive jealousy of a rowdy, young prodigy as he begins a war with Mozart, with music and with God," Algonquin describes. Feb. 26 to March 6.

Where: 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan

Tickets/info: algonquinarts.org

Phoenix Productions

"The Wedding Singer": Originally scheduled for July 2020, this musical based off the popular Adam Sandler movie promises 1980s big hair, shoulder pads and a lot of heart.

When: Feb. 11 to 13

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Up next: "The Wizard of Oz." Originally scheduled for May 2020, the family favorite will take you on a trip down the yellow brick road with classics like "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" (you sang that in your head, didn't you?). April 29 to May 1.

Where: Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank

Tickets/info: phoenixredbank.com

Pivot Theatre Company

"Into The Woods Jr.": The classic Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical that turns fairy tales on their heads is presented by the new Pivot Theatre Company, which formed in 2021 mid-COVID, in collaboration with Holmdel Theatre Company.

When: Jan. 22 to 30

Where: Duncan Smith Theater, Holmdel Theatre Company, 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel

Tickets/info: pivottheatreco.com

Spring Lake Theatre Company

"Rumors": Another Neil Simon classic hits the region with this production of his farce about four couples gathering for an eventful 10th anniversary dinner party.

When: Feb. 4 to 12

Up next: "The Pirates of Penzance," a comic opera by Gilbert & Sullivan. April 1 to 10.

Where: 300 Madison Ave., Spring Lake

Tickets/info: springlaketheatre.com

VIP Theatricals

"Accidentally On Purpose": David J.V. Meenan’s new comedy asks "What happens when you put seven real-life, true-crime Victorian female serial killers in a room together somewhere in limbo between heaven and hell as they wait to discover their eternal fate?"

When: Feb. 4 to 6

Where: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St., Middletown

Tickets/more information: viptheatre.booktix.com, viptheatricals.org or call 732-530-1753

Don't see your show? Email ikeller@gannettnj.com to submit information on upcoming professional or community theater productions in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Ilana Keller is an award-winning journalist and lifelong New Jersey resident who loves Broadway and really bad puns. She highlights arts advocacy and education, theater fundraisers and more through her column, "Sightlines." Reach out on Twitter: @ilanakeller; ikeller@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore theater: Bridges of Madison County, Neil Simon plays