The curtain is rising on yet another year of groundbreaking productions as we enter the 2025 season of the NJT. This year, the theater continues its tradition of excellence, pushing boundaries and delivering thought-provoking performances that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. From classic musicals to contemporary dramas, the 2025 season promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and introspection. With a carefully curated selection of plays that explore themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience, the NJT once again proves why it’s a cornerstone of St. Louis’ cultural landscape. Prepare to be moved, entertained, and inspired as we dive into the exciting productions that await us in the coming year.
March 20 – April 6: Cabaret
Teleport back into the world of 1930s Berlin with Cabaret, a cutting-edge musical that serves as both a thrilling spectacle and a poignant warning. As the Kit Kat Klub’s alluring performances captivate audiences, the looming shadow of the Third Reich creeps ever closer during these turbulent times.
These two unique dichotomies create a stark contrast between the carefree revelry and the encroaching darkness. This production promises to be an intimate and powerful experience, drawing viewers into the heart of a society on the brink of catastrophic change.
Cabaret offers a unique lens that allows viewers to examine the Jewish experience during a pivotal moment in history. As antisemitism reaches alarming levels in modern times, this musical serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of complacency and the importance of standing up against hatred.
Audiences of all faiths will find resonance in its themes of love, identity, and the courage to face difficult truths. Its uncanny ability to evoke emotions makes Cabaret a must-see production that entertains while it educates and inspires.
May 29 – June 15: The Heidi Chronicles
Journey through three decades of American womanhood with Wendy Wasserstein’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Heidi Chronicles. This witty and poignant exploration follows art historian Heidi Holland as she navigates the changing landscape of women’s rights.
Heidi balances this experience by juggling her own personal ambitions while navigating the societal expectations characteristic of the 1960s to the 1980s. Wasserstein’s sharp dialogue and complex characters promise to deliver a performance that is both humorous and deeply moving.
While not explicitly focused on Jewish themes, The Heidi Chronicles reflects the experiences of many Jewish women who came of age during this transformative period. The play’s exploration of identity, ambition, and the search for fulfillment resonates strongly with Jewish values of education, social justice, and personal growth.
Regardless of their gender, audience members will find themselves reflected in Heidi’s journey as she grapples with universal questions of purpose and relationships, all while under the scrutiny of society.
July 24 – August 10: Two Jews Walk into a War…
Prepare yourself for a laugh riot during this uproarious and heartwarming comedy. Two Jews Walk into a War… by Seth Rozin is an unconventional play inspired by true events. It follows the last two Jewish men in Kabul, Afghanistan, as they attempt to keep their faith and traditions alive in the most challenging of circumstances.
With elements of classic vaudeville and modern humor, this production promises to have audiences laughing out loud. In the same breath, everyone will be contemplating deeper themes of survival, friendship, and cultural preservation.
At its core, Two Jews Walk into a War.. is a celebration of Jewish resilience and the enduring power of faith and community. Through the unlikely pairing of its protagonists, the play explores the diversity within Judaism while exploring the common bonds that unite people in the face of adversity.
Even non-Jewish audiences will get lost in the universal themes of friendship, cultural identity, and the human capacity for hope in even the most dire situations. It’s a story that speaks to many and transforms their way of thinking.
September 11 – September 28: The Wanderers
Anna Ziegler’s The Wanderers offers a nuanced and surprising exploration of love, marriage, and personal identity through the lens of two very different Jewish couples. This compelling play contrasts the lives of an Orthodox Jewish couple with those of a secular pair. It notoriously explores the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity while examining the pursuit of personal fulfillment within the framework of marriage.
Audiences can expect a deeply moving and often humorous examination of the challenges faced by couples. Throughout the play, they hysterically strive to balance their personal aspirations with their commitments to family and faith.
The Wanderers provides a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of Jewish experiences in the modern world. By presenting both Orthodox and secular perspectives, the play invites viewers to consider the various ways in which Jewish individuals navigate their identities and relationships.
For non-Jewish audiences, the play offers valuable insights into the richness of Jewish culture while also touching on themes we can all understand, including love, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness. This production promises to spark meaningful conversations about the nature of commitment and the ongoing quest for self-discovery in our complex world.
November 20 – December 7: Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
Close out the 2025 season with a thrilling dose of mystery and laughter in Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. This fast-paced adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic novel The Hound of the Baskervilles transforms the iconic detective story into a hilarious romp filled with clever wordplay and theatrical ingenuity.
What makes this play so unique is that just five actors portray over 40 characters. This production promises to be a tour-de-force of comedic timing and inventive stagecraft that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
While not explicitly Jewish in content, “Baskerville” showcases the wit and creativity of Jewish playwright Ken Ludwig, known for his mastery of farce and comedy. The play’s emphasis on intelligence, problem-solving, and the triumph of reason over superstition aligns well with Jewish cultural values that prioritize education and critical thinking.
Audiences of all backgrounds will delight in the play’s blend of classic mystery elements and modern comedic sensibilities. Attending this play is the perfect end-of-year treat that celebrates the joy of storytelling and the power of human ingenuity.
Take In the 2025 NJT Season
Support local theatre, as it helps artists grow, lifts up the local economy, and provides your family with an entertaining day or night out. As the NJT’s 2025 season unfolds, it presents a unique opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in a diverse array of thought-provoking and entertaining productions.
Each play offers a distinct perspective on the human experience. They all weave together themes of identity, tradition, and resilience that resonate deeply with Jewish culture and beyond.
By securing Season Tickets, you are guaranteed access to these captivating performances!
Don’t miss this chance to experience the full spectrum of the NJT’s offerings, from the historical depth of Cabaret to the comedic brilliance of Baskerville. With Season Tickets, you’ll enjoy the convenience of guaranteed seating, exclusive perks, and the satisfaction of supporting a theatre that consistently pushes the boundaries of artistic excellence.
Whether you’re a longtime theatre enthusiast or just discovering the magic of live performance, this season promises to be an unforgettable journey.