PEAK Performances brings the magic to Montclair

The extraordinary becomes possible onstage as PEAK Performances at Montclair State University (MSU), NJ brings audiences a Spring 2027 season of artistic excellence, imaginative storytelling and boundary-crossing music and theater.

From an acclaimed solo performance that explores the creative mind to genre-defying piano music, a haunting reinvention of Shakespeare and a symphonic celebration of a Broadway classic, PEAK Performances said on Monday, Nov. 9, that the Spring 2027 lineup showcases the remarkable range and power of live performance. 

It said the season kicks off with “300 Paintings,” Australian comedian and visual artist Sam Kissajukian’s acclaimed one-man show about a six-month manic episode during the COVID-19 pandemic in which he created 300 large-scale artworks. 

PEAK Performances said the show blends comedy, storytelling and visual art as “Kissajukian reflects on his mental state and extraordinary burst of creativity.” Performances are Thursday, Feb. 4, and Friday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m. 

Pianist and composer Chloe Flower brings her distinctive musical style to PEAK Performances on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m. 

An official Steinway artist, Flower calls her fusion of pop and classical music “popsical.” 

PEAK Performances said she has performed, produced and/or composed with artists including Cardi B, Lil Baby, Céline Dion, Johnny Mathis, 2 Chainz, Nas and Babyface.

Manual Cinema brings “an enchanted new tale inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth” to PEAK Performances with The 4th Witch on Thursday, Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. 

“Using shadow puppetry, silhouetted actors and live music — without dialogue or narration — the Chicago-based performance company tells the story of a young orphan taken under a witch’s wing who seeks vengeance against the warlord who killed her parents: Macbeth,” PEAK Performances said. 

It said the production explores grief, war, generational conflict and cycles of violence through the lives of those left in their wake. 

“As with all Manual Cinema shows, the audience is invited onstage post-show to speak with the performers, handle the puppets and take photos,” said PEAK Performances, stating that the show is recommended for ages 12 and up. 

PEAK Performances said the season concludes with “RENT in Concert” on Saturday, April 10, at 3 p.m. 

A symphonic reimagining of Jonathan Larson’s beloved rock musical, the production is directed by Sara Brians and conducted by Heidi Joosten, PEAK Performances said. 

Featuring the musical’s score, including favorites such as “Seasons of Love,” “La Vie Bohème” and “Take Me or Leave Me,” performed by a cast of singers including Broadway veterans, PEAK Performances said “RENT” gives “new life to the timeless Tony Award-winning production. 

“This is another opportunity to catch RENT in Concert, which sold out last year at PEAK Performances but had to be canceled due to inclement weather,” it said. 

MSU College of the Arts Dean Daniel Gurskis said: “There is a special kind of magic in seeing gifted artists transform a stage into a world of possibilities.

“Whether through music, visual art, puppetry or theater, these productions demonstrate the imagination, ambition and artistry that make PEAK Performances such an important part of the cultural life of our region,” he said. 

Gurskis said PEAK Performances “develops, produces and presents world-class live performances that are accessible, engaging and relevant, connecting students, faculty and staff with residents of Northern New Jersey and beyond through the arts.” 

All performances take place at the Alexander Kasser Theater, located at 1 Normal Ave. in Montclair, with the exception of “RENT in Concert,” which will be held at MSU’s Memorial Auditorium.