Centenary Stage Company’s Closer Than Ever enters final weekend with Richard Maltby Jr. talkback
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary Stage Company’s production of Closer Than Ever will conclude its run this weekend with a special post-show talkback featuring Tony Award-winning lyricist Richard Maltby Jr.
The discussion, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, will be moderated by theater journalist and critic Peter Filichia and will give audiences an opportunity to hear Maltby discuss the creation and legacy of the musical revue, his longtime collaboration with composer David Shire and the stories behind its songs.
Directed by Sara Louise Lazarus, Closer Than Ever is the finale of Centenary Stage Company’s SUMMERFEST 2026 season and runs through Sunday, Aug. 9, in the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University.
The production stars Broadway veteran John Leone, an original cast member of Jersey Boys whose Broadway credits also include Les Misérables, alongside Julie Galorenzo, Cassandra Krajcik and Centenary Stage Company newcomer Alex Perone.
Featuring music by David Shire and lyrics by Maltby, Closer Than Ever explores themes of love, family, friendship, ambition and life’s unexpected moments through a collection of contemporary musical theater songs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Richard Maltby, Jr. to Centenary Stage Company for this very special evening,” said Christopher Young, general manager of Centenary Stage Company. “Having the opportunity for our audiences to hear from one of the creators of Closer Than Ever makes this closing week an unforgettable celebration of the artistry and storytelling that define this remarkable musical.”
The final performances are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m.
Performances are held at the Kutz Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown.
Tickets range from $30 to $35 for adults, with discounts available for students, children and groups. Thursday evening performances also feature the company’s Buy One, Get One Rush Ticket Special, available in person at the box office beginning at 5 p.m. on the day of the performance.
Additional information and tickets are available at centenarystageco.org or by calling the Centenary Stage Company box office at 908-979-0900.
