The CV 10 (too big for 5 this time!): Can’t-Miss Shows in the NJ Theater Season.

While some are programming their DVRs this time of year around the new fall TV season, we New Jersey theater fans are marking up our calendars with all the enticing theatrical events about to hit the Garden State. While it can be exciting to learn of all the great shows about to hit the stage, it can also be overwhelming reading through a theater company’s season. You’re in luck–we’ve compiled this list of the 10 can’t-miss theater events to keep you busy from now until sun block time.

Hot Playwright: Fresh off her Pulitzer Prize for Ruined, the Two River Theater Co. is staging Lynn Nottage’s 2003 play Intimate Apparel. Set in New York in the early 1900s, Esther, an African-American woman, creates undergarments for the poor and wealthy and gains independence in her career. Become familiar with Nottage, whose Ruined is being developed as a film for HBO.  (Two River Theater Co.;  runs through October 10)

Calvin Berger at George Street Playhouse: Get Your Glee On.

Post Show, Pre Party, Ready to Boogie Down.

Hi everyone! I’m a 25-year old arts professional, and I have complex relationship with GLEE. I want to get that out of the way up front–Ryan Murphy’s excellent new television show is at the same time a shout-out and a legacy to the perceptions of high school and growing up that John Hughes created a generation ago. And those same thoughts and feelings come rushing back in George Street Playhouse’s Calvin Berger, playing now through March 14. Barry Wyner’s new musical takes the classic Cyrano De Bergerac, spins it up, adds a character, and sets it down in a modern American high school.

Calvin Berger  is about the challenges of fitting in; I definitely can relate to that experience, as I was not one of the popular kids in high school (although, in hindsight, who was?). In keeping with the theme, I brought my best friend from high school, Sonny, to the show and the Generation Next event following.