For Bergen County theater lovers looking for a memorable night out without the stress, traffic, and expense of Manhattan, Penguin Rep Theatre continues to offer one of the region’s most unique live theater experiences just across the state line in Stony Point, New York.
Mybergen.com 2026 Don’t Miss Destination
For Bergen County residents who love live theater but don’t love the cost, traffic, and hassle of heading into Manhattan, Penguin Rep Theatre is one of those rare nearby discoveries that feels like a genuine find. The intimate Stony Point venue combines Broadway-level talent, acclaimed new productions, world premieres, and an easy drive from Bergen County, making it a Mybergen.com 2026 Don’t Miss destination for a spring, summer, or fall night out.
Now entering its 48th season, the award-winning nonprofit theater company has announced a 2026 lineup featuring four productions, including two world premieres, an original new musical, acclaimed playwrights, and stories centered around friendship, identity, immigration, family, and social change.
Located only about 15-25 minutes from much of Bergen County via the Palisades Interstate Parkway, Penguin Rep stages productions inside a beautifully restored 1880 hay barn that has become a destination for theatergoers throughout the Hudson Valley and North Jersey.
The New York Times famously called Penguin Rep “the gutsiest little theatre,” while Emmy Award-winning actress Edie Falco described it as “a perfect trip out of the city.”
A Different Kind of Theater Experience
While Broadway remains a major draw for many North Jersey residents, a typical Manhattan theater night often comes with expensive tickets, service fees, bridge tolls, and parking costs before dinner is even considered.
Penguin Rep offers a more intimate alternative with professional productions presented in a 108-seat venue where no audience member sits more than 30 feet from the stage. The theater is air-conditioned, ADA accessible, and offers free parking steps from the entrance.
Executive Director Andrew M. Horn describes the 2026 season as “a celebration of family, friendship, and the pursuit of freedom.”
Penguin Rep Theatre 2026 Mainstage Season
My Lord, What a Night
May 15 – June 7
By Deborah Brevoort
The season opens with My Lord, What a Night, inspired by the real-life friendship between legendary singer Marian Anderson and Albert Einstein.
After Anderson is denied a hotel room in Princeton in 1937 because of her race, Einstein invites her into his home. What begins as an act of kindness evolves into a friendship rooted in music, civil rights, and shared humanity.
Directed by Penguin Rep Founding Artistic Director Joe Brancato, the production features four actors portraying historical figures with different perspectives on justice and social change.
The Heart Sellers
July 9 – July 26
By Lloyd Suh
Directed by Maria Mileaf
Set in 1973 during the era of Soul Train, Watergate, and Disney World, The Heart Sellers follows two recent immigrants who unexpectedly meet before Thanksgiving while their medical-resident husbands work overnight shifts.
As they attempt to cook a frozen turkey and navigate unfamiliar lives in America, the women develop an unexpected friendship. Broadway World described the production as a “laugh-aloud love letter to friendship.”
Take Me America
August 14 – September 6
World Premiere Musical
Music & Additional Lyrics by Neil Berg
Book & Lyrics by Bill Nabel
Penguin Rep’s summer production is the world premiere of Take Me America, a new musical blending heart, humor, and timely themes surrounding immigration and identity.
Set in 2015, the story follows immigration official Gary Campbell on his first day on the job as he listens to the hopes, struggles, and personal stories of people seeking new lives in the United States — and ultimately must decide their fate.
In Plain Sight
September 25 – October 18
World Premiere Play by Michael McKeever
Directed by Joe Brancato
The season closes with another world premiere, In Plain Sight, by playwright Michael McKeever, whose previous works Daniel’s Husband and Mr. Parker appeared at Penguin Rep.
The story centers on Elliot and Alan, a couple preparing to marry after 11 years together, as long-buried secrets and painful choices from the past begin to resurface. Penguin Rep describes the production as a story where “the past, present, and future collide.”
From Stony Point to Off-Broadway
Penguin Rep also announced that two previous productions will transfer Off-Broadway this year.
Tom Dudzick’s Miracle on South Division is running at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture through May 10, while Cary Gitter’s The Steel Man will run November 3 through December 13 at 59E59 Theaters, where Penguin Rep serves as a Resident Co-Op Company.
Subscriber Benefits & Special Experiences
Season subscribers receive early access to the best seats before individual tickets go on sale, along with several added experiences included at no additional charge.
According to Penguin Rep, subscription packages may include post-show discussions with artists, coffee and cake with cast members, and — new this season — dessert before select performances. Some area restaurants are also offering dining discounts for subscribers.
Single tickets are priced at $56 for plays and $60 for the musical, with discounts available for groups of 10 or more and theatergoers age 30 and under.
Getting There
Penguin Rep Theatre is located at 7 Crickettown Road in Stony Point, New York, just a short drive from Bergen County via the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The theater offers free on-site parking and an intimate setting that has made it a favorite destination for theater lovers throughout the region.
For tickets, season subscriptions, schedules, and additional information about the 2026 season, visit the official Penguin Rep Theatre website.
Looking for Places to Dine Near Penguin Rep Theatre?
If you are planning dinner before or after a show, there are a variety of dining options located throughout the Stony Point and Rockland County area near Penguin Rep Theatre. To browse local restaurants and places to dine, visit the Discover Rockland dining directory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penguin Rep Theatre
Where is Penguin Rep Theatre located?
Penguin Rep Theatre is located at 7 Crickettown Road in Stony Point, New York, just across the New Jersey border and about 15-25 minutes from much of Bergen County via the Palisades Interstate Parkway.
What shows are part of Penguin Rep Theatre’s 2026 season?
The 2026 season includes four productions:
- My Lord, What a Night — May 15 through June 7
- The Heart Sellers — July 9 through July 26
- Take Me America — August 14 through September 6
- In Plain Sight — September 25 through October 18
The season includes two world premieres and one world premiere musical.
How much are tickets to Penguin Rep Theatre?
Tickets are priced at $56 for plays and $60 for the musical production. Discounts are available for groups and theatergoers age 30 and under.
Does Penguin Rep Theatre offer free parking?
Yes. Penguin Rep Theatre offers free on-site parking for guests.
How large is Penguin Rep Theatre?
Penguin Rep Theatre is an intimate 108-seat venue inside a restored hay barn dating back to the 1880s. No seat is more than 30 feet from the stage.
Is Penguin Rep Theatre air conditioned and accessible?
Yes. The theater is air conditioned and ADA accessible.
Are season subscriptions available?
Yes. Season subscriptions are available and include early access to preferred seating before individual tickets go on sale. Some subscription packages also include post-show discussions, coffee and cake with cast members, and additional special events.
How do I buy tickets for Penguin Rep Theatre?
Tickets and subscriptions can be purchased through the official Penguin Rep Theatre website or by calling 845-786-2873.
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