Passage Theatre Honors Trenton Patron with Namesake Stage

The Mill Hill Playhouse stage will be renamed 'The Larry Hilton Stage' in recognition of his decades-long support.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:08pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, angular black shapes representing the architectural elements of a theater stage and marquee, set against a high-contrast background of deep red and bright white, capturing the celebratory spirit of honoring a community arts patron.A permanent memorial to a beloved patron's lifelong dedication to the performing arts in Trenton.Trenton Today

Passage Theatre Company announced that the Mill Hill Playhouse stage in Trenton, New Jersey will be permanently named 'The Larry Hilton Stage' in honor of Lawrence M. Hilton, a longtime donor, patron, producer, and friend of the theater company. A mural painted by local artist Dean Innocenzi will be installed at the stage entrance to commemorate Hilton's legacy.

Why it matters

Hilton was a pillar of the Trenton arts community, supporting Passage Theatre for nearly 40 years and championing the arts, music, theater, and education in his hometown. This naming honor solidifies his lasting impact on the local cultural landscape.

The details

The free naming ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at the Mill Hill Playhouse. Friends and supporters can contribute to the Larry Hilton Memorial fund to support Passage Theatre in his honor. Passage's Executive Artistic Director Brishen Miller said, 'Larry built our audience and championed Passage Theatre like few others. This honor was planned before his unfortunate passing and we were so glad to celebrate him last year at our 40th Anniversary gala.'

  • Passage Theatre Company announced the naming on March 29, 2026.
  • The naming ceremony will take place on April 8, 2026.

The players

Passage Theatre Company

A theater company based in Trenton, New Jersey that is renaming its stage to honor a longtime patron and supporter.

Lawrence M. Hilton

A donor, patron, producer, and friend of Passage Theatre Company for nearly 40 years who championed the arts in Trenton before his passing.

Dean Innocenzi

A renowned Trenton artist who painted a mural that will be permanently affixed to the Passage Theatre stage entrance.

Mel Leipzig

A longtime friend and collaborator of Lawrence M. Hilton who donated the canvas for the mural to the artist.

Brishen Miller

The Executive Artistic Director of Passage Theatre Company.

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What they’re saying

“'Larry built our audience and championed Passage Theatre like few others. This honor was planned before his unfortunate passing and we were so glad to celebrate him last year at our 40th Anniversary gala.'”

— Brishen Miller, Executive Artistic Director, Passage Theatre Company

What’s next

The free naming ceremony for 'The Larry Hilton Stage' will take place on Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at the Mill Hill Playhouse in Trenton, New Jersey.

The takeaway

This naming honor solidifies Lawrence M. Hilton's lasting legacy as a pillar of the Trenton arts community, recognizing his decades-long support and championing of Passage Theatre Company and the broader cultural landscape of his hometown.