Tiny Theater's Big Broadway Impact

New Jersey Repertory Theater's dedication to new plays pays off with national recognition

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:59am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration in the style of Saul Bass, featuring stark black silhouettes of various theatrical elements arranged in a dynamic, geometric composition, conceptually representing the impact of a community-focused theater on the broader theater world.A small New Jersey theater's outsized influence on the American theater landscape, defying expectations and championing new works.Union Today

The story of the New Jersey Repertory Theater (NJ Rep) is a testament to the power of tenacity and a bold vision. This humble 59-seat theater in Long Branch has become an unexpected gateway to Broadway success, challenging the notion that grand productions must originate from New York City.

Why it matters

NJ Rep's unwavering commitment to developing and debuting new plays has not only set it apart from regional theaters but has also garnered respect from the Garden State arts community. Its success in nurturing works that go on to find national and international acclaim highlights the impact a small, community-focused theater can have on the broader theater landscape.

The details

Founders SuZanne and Gabe Barabas launched NJ Rep in 1997 with the audacious mission of dedicating their theater exclusively to new plays, a bold move in a landscape dominated by regional theaters staging proven classics. Over the years, they have developed and debuted over 150 new works, many of which have found success on stages across the country and even overseas.

  • NJ Rep was founded in 1997.
  • The theater has developed and debuted over 150 new plays since its inception.

The players

SuZanne Barabas

Co-founder of NJ Rep, along with her husband Gabe, with a mission to dedicate the theater exclusively to new plays.

Gabe Barabas

Co-founder of NJ Rep, along with his wife SuZanne, with a mission to dedicate the theater exclusively to new plays.

Nora DeVeau-Rosen

Managing Director of Two River Theater in Red Bank, who praises NJ Rep as a "rare and vital institution" that takes risks to champion new theatrical works.

John Wooten

Producing artistic director of Premiere Stages in Union, who notes that New Jersey is a leading state for original works, with Premiere Stages and NJ Rep sharing the same goal of supporting passionate playwrights.

Evan Bergman

Associate Artistic Director of NJ Rep, who notes that the theater's dedication to new plays is evident in the founder's curtain speech.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to make a contribution to American theater by giving birth to new works.”

— Gabe Barabas, Co-founder, NJ Rep

“NJ Rep is a rare and vital institution that takes risks to champion new theatrical works.”

— Nora DeVeau-Rosen, Managing Director, Two River Theater

“When Gabe gets out there and does his curtain speech, you immediately know what this theater is about.”

— Evan Bergman, Associate Artistic Director, NJ Rep

What’s next

NJ Rep plans to continue its mission of developing and debuting new plays, with the recent acquisition and renovation of a shuttered school in Long Branch, now known as West End Arts, which will expand the theater's reach and allow it to champion other art forms, including music, poetry, and free puppet shows for the community's children.

The takeaway

The story of NJ Rep is a reminder that success often stems from taking risks and embracing unique visions. SuZanne and Gabe Barabas' tenacity has not only contributed to the American theater repertoire but has also nurtured a thriving artistic community in Long Branch, proving that a small theater can have a significant impact on the broader theater universe.