Arts & Entertainment

A Night Out: Fun For Union County Grown-ups

From live music to the hottest movies, find a babysitter, get out on the town and have a great weekend.

The heat's finally broken and you're willing to leave the air-conditioned comfort of your own homes, so here's a collection of live events and movies that are sure to lure you into something fun this weekend. Also, we're giving you a head's up on the happenings at these great joints to let you know that you shouldn't wait too long to buy tickets.

George Street Playhouse, New Brunswick

THIS WEEKEND: When alleged adults meet to "discuss" a problem their children had, it can get heated. In God of Carnage, it can get downright nasty — and hilarious. The acclaimed play runs through Sunday.

Find out what's happening in Clark-Garwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

BOOK IT NOW: The 2011-12 season schedule is set. Go to gsponline.org for more information.

NJPAC, Newark

Find out what's happening in Clark-Garwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

THIS WEEKEND: Saturday, the One Man Star Wars Trilogy is exactly as billed: a fast and funny one-man Cliff's Notes version of the first three Star Wars films.

BOOK IT NOW: Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs from June 22-26. Check out njpac.org for details about these and other shows.

PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel

THIS WEEKEND: Tonight, Deep Purple brings a blast from the past for some folks whose past may have been a bit hazy.

BOOK IT NOW: In the continuing trend of Baby Boomer favorites hitting the stage after a protracted absence, Yes and Styx will share a bill of arty '70s hitmakers on Tuesday, July 5, filling the air with sound while the crowd reminisces about days gone by. A week later, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow will treat the crowd with their summer party tunes. Check out centerholmdel.com for information.

South Orange Performing Arts Center

THIS WEEKEND: At 7:30 tonight, Lydia Johnson Dance, the resident dance company at SOPAC, will perform a special preview performance of new and recent dances. This free performance is presented in conjunction with Celebrate South Orange.

BOOK IT NOW: On August 6, SOPAC is hosting a red-carpet extravaganza, hosted by Natural Life Entertainment, a black-tie masquerade affair that will feature great sounds and laughter from some of the hottest and funniest comedians. A buffet & cocktails will be served. Some proceeds will be donated to The Autism Society. Go to sopacnow.org for more details about all shows.

The Comedy Cove at Scotty's, Springfield

THIS WEEKEND: New Talent Night gives up-and-coming comedians a chance to try out their new material before live audiences. Scotty's is devoting the weekend to these new comic faces.

NEXT WEEKEND: Chipps Cooney and Robin Fox, also featuring John Clark. Go to scottyssteakhouse.com for details about all shows.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison

THIS WEEKEND: The Misanthrope is playing through June 26 at the Theatre, on the campus of Drew University. The classic Moliere that skewers the affectations of polite society is directed by Shakespeare Theater Artistic Director Bonnie Monte.

BOOK IT NOW: On the Theatre's Outdoor Stage, A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed June 22-July 31. Click on shakespearenj.org for details.

Shanghai Jazz, Madison

THIS WEEKEND: At 6:30 and 8:30 tonight, The Ralph Douglas Quartet; Tomorrow, teenage piano player Emmet Cohen, who played at the Grammy Awards, leads his quartet, which features Alex Wintz on guitar.

NEXT WEEK: Jazz guitar legend, and recent NJ Hall of Fame inductee Bucky Pizzarelli, performs Wednesday night.

BOOK IT NOW: On Sunday, June 26, Shanghai Jazz Benefit Fundraiser for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates For Children) of Morris and Sussex County. Money raised from dinners will be donated to CASA to aid Children in Need.

The Chihiro Yamanak Group, led by the acclaimed Japanese Pianist, who has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Ms. Yamanaka also was featured in our Save the Children Benefit to Aid the Littlest Victims of the Japanese Tragedy. No cover. Reservations required.

For all shows, check for times and other details on shanghaijazz.com.

Stress Factory Comedy Club, New Brunswick

THIS WEEKEND: Vinnie Brand, a regular on Comedy Central and the Opie and Anthony Show, will be taping his act for a DVD and CD this weekend live at the club. Check out stressfactory.com for more details.

Wellmont Theatre, Montclair

THIS WEEKEND: Rockers Drive-By Truckers have broken out of their gritty grind-it-out sound by recording Go-Go Boots, their country-and-soul CD. Even the hardcore fans of the band will be surprised to see them get funky with this eclectic Go-Go mix, but the show will likely include some of their old favorites too. Alejandro Escovedo, a staple on the Jersey Club scene, opens.

NEXT WEEK: Jersey native son John Popper will lead Blues Traveler on Saturday, June 18.

BOOK IT NOW: Fans of comedian Denis Leary's curmudgeonly ways will get big laughs from his "Thinning the Herd" show, which will also include some of comic pals. This show is scheduled for July 12. Check out wellmonttheatre.com for more shows.

ON THE BIG SCREEN:

CRANFORD: The Hangover Part II (R); Midnight in Paris (PG-13); Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13); Bridesmaids (R); Incendies (R) http://www.fandango.com/cranfordtheatre_aabty/theaterpage

MOUNTAINSIDE: Super 8 (PG-13); X-Men: First Class (PG-13); The Hangover Part II (R); Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG); Kung Fu Panda 2 3D (PG); Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13) ; Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3D (PG-13); Bridesmaids (R); Thor 3D (PG-13); Fast Five (PG-13) http://www.fandango.com/amcloewsmountainside10_aaaug/theaterpage

SUMMIT: X-Men: First Class (PG-13); The Hangover Part II (R); Kung Fu Panda 2 3D (PG); Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3D (PG-13); Bridesmaids (R) http://www.fandango.com/clearviewbeaconhill5_aahjq/theaterpage

WESTFIELD: X-Men: First Class new! (PG-13); The Hangover Part II (R); Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG); Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides; Bridesmaids (R); Thor (PG-13) http://www.fandango.com/rialtotheatreofwestfield_aabmg/theaterpage


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