Montclair Stage Sets Spring Arts Calendar

Montclair State University announced its Spring 2027 performance lineup on Monday, Nov. 9. The four-event season will present a mix of comedy, classical fusion, puppetry, and musical theater at the Alexander Kasser Theater and MSU’s Memorial Auditorium.

The season opens with 300 Paintings, a one-man show by Australian comedian and visual artist Sam Kissajukian. The performance covers a six-month manic episode during the pandemic in which Kissajukian created 300 large-scale artworks. The show blends storytelling with visual art as the artist reflects on his mental state. Tickets are on sale for Thursday, Feb. 4, and Friday, Feb. 5, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m.

Pianist Chloe Flower returns to the venue on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m. Flower, an official Steinway artist, performs a style she calls popsical, a fusion of pop and classical music. Her collaboration credits include Cardi B, Lil Baby, Céline Dion, Johnny Mathis, 2 Chainz, Nas, and Babyface.

Manual Cinema will perform The 4th Witch on Thursday, Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. The Chicago-based company presents a tale inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth using shadow puppetry, silhouetted actors, and live music. The production contains no dialogue or narration. It follows a young orphan taken in by a witch who seeks vengeance against the warlord Macbeth. The show is recommended for ages 12 and older. Audiences can interact with performers and puppets after the show.

The season concludes with RENT in Concert on Saturday, April 10, at 3 p.m. at MSU’s Memorial Auditorium. This symphonic reimagining of Jonathan Larson’s rock musical is directed by Sara Brians and conducted by Heidi Joosten. The cast includes Broadway veterans who will perform the musical’s score, including Seasons of Love, La Vie Bohème, and Take Me or Leave Me.

A previous RENT in Concert event at PEAK Performances sold out but was canceled due to inclement weather. This production offers a second chance to see the show live.

Daniel Gurskis, dean of the MSU College of the Arts, said the productions demonstrate the imagination and artistry that define the series. He noted that PEAK Performances aims to present world-class live performances that are accessible and relevant. The series connects students, faculty, and staff with residents of Northern New Jersey through the arts.