Holiday Tales: A Season of Miracles

The Actors Studio of New Jersey is thrilled to announce the presentation of Pushcart Players’ HOLIDAY TALES – A SEASON OF MIRACLES at the historic Dunellen Theatre this December. Bringing together the magic of the holiday season, the joy of live performance, and the power of storytelling, this heartwarming musical promises a festive theatrical experience for children and families throughout Central New Jersey.

This special presentation marks an exciting milestone for The Actors Studio of New Jersey, as it will be the company's first Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) production presented as part of its programming at the historic Dunellen Theatre. As the organization continues to expand its theatrical offerings and strengthen its commitment to arts education and accessibility, introducing professional productions specifically designed for younger audiences represents an important new chapter in its mission.

"One of the most important parts of building a theatre company is making sure that the next generation has a place in it," said Michael Restaino, Founder and Producing Artistic Director of The Actors Studio of New Jersey. "We are incredibly excited to welcome Pushcart Players to the Dunellen Theatre. Bringing professional theatre to children and families is something we believe strongly in, and there's no better way to introduce young audiences to the magic of live performance than with a joyful holiday production like A Season of Miracles. We want children to experience the excitement of walking into a theatre, seeing a story come to life right in front of them, and creating memories that will hopefully inspire a lifelong love of the arts."

ABOUT THE SHOW

HOLIDAY TALES – A SEASON OF MIRACLES is a sparkling, multicultural collection of holiday stories that celebrates the spirit of Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa through music, imagination, humor, and unforgettable storytelling.

Created by Pushcart Players co-founder Ruth Fost, with music and orchestrations by Tony Award winner Larry Hochman, this enchanting musical brings four beloved and original tales to life. Audiences will journey through O. Henry's timeless classic, The Gift of the Magi; The Kwanzaa Kite, an original story set in Nigeria; The Chanukah Miracle, a fanciful tale inspired by the Wise Folk of Chelm; and E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker.

Through these magical stories, children discover that the greatest miracles aren't necessarily found beneath a Christmas tree or wrapped in a beautiful package. Instead, they are found in the everyday acts of love, kindness, generosity, creativity, and compassion that bring people together.

Filled with holiday cheer, captivating music, and imaginative theatrical storytelling, A Season of Miracles is designed especially for young audiences, making it an ideal family outing for children, parents, grandparents, and anyone looking to celebrate the holiday season together.

TWO NEW JERSEY THEATRE ORGANIZATIONS COME TOGETHER

Founded in 2024, The Actors Studio of New Jersey is a nonprofit professional theatre company dedicated to creating a vibrant center of artistic innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Led by Founder and Producing Artistic Director Michael Restaino, the organization brings together emerging artists and seasoned professionals to deliver dynamic theatrical experiences throughout New Jersey. Its programming encompasses professional Main Stage productions, educational outreach, arts training, and initiatives designed to make the performing arts accessible to audiences of all ages. Through its residency at the historic Dunellen Theatre, the company continues to expand the region's theatrical landscape while introducing new generations to the transformative power of live performance.

Pushcart Players is New Jersey's award-winning professional touring theatre company specializing in productions for young audiences and families. Founded in 1974, the organization has spent more than five decades bringing high-quality musical theatre, educational programming, and meaningful storytelling to schools, theatres, and communities throughout the country. Emmy-nominated and recognized for its artistic excellence and educational impact, Pushcart Players creates productions that entertain, inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and introduce children to important themes through the performing arts. Its commitment to inclusion, diversity, accessibility, and education has made it a beloved institution in children's theatre.

The partnership between these two New Jersey theatre organizations brings together a shared commitment to artistic excellence, community enrichment, and the belief that theatre should be an experience available to everyone — especially the youngest members of our communities.

MAKE IT A HOLIDAY FAMILY TRADITION!

The Actors Studio of New Jersey invites families from Dunellen and the surrounding communities to make HOLIDAY TALES – A SEASON OF MIRACLES part of their holiday traditions. Whether it's a child's very first theatre experience or a special family outing during the holiday season, this production offers the perfect opportunity to share laughter, music, imagination, and a little holiday magic.

Bring the kids, invite the grandparents, and experience the joy of live theatre together!

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

HOLIDAY TALES – A SEASON OF MIRACLES
Presented by The Actors Studio of New Jersey
Featuring Pushcart Players

Venue: Historic Dunellen Theatre
458 North Avenue, Dunellen, NJ 08812

Performance Dates:
December 4, 2026 – 11:00 AM
December 12, 2026 – 11:00 AM

Doors Open: 10:30 AM

Tickets: On sale now!

For tickets and additional information, visit www.actorsstudionj.org.

Make this holiday season a little more magical with The Actors Studio of New Jersey and Pushcart Players!