There's something for everyone.
The Seton Hall University Choir and MidAtlantic Opera perform a concert version of Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca" on Nov. 16 at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. The 7 p.m. concert follows a pre-concert lecture in the SOPAC Loft at 5:30 p.m. Located at 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. Admission is $25; $15 for senior citizens; $8 for Seton Hall faculty and staff, and non-SHU students with ID; free for Seton Hall students with university ID. Call (973) 313-2787 or visit sopacnow.org.
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Celebrate FELA! The Concert: Afrobeat Party on Nov. 16 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The 7:30 p.m. event in Prudential Hall features a 10-piece Afrobeat band and cast members of the original Broadway show. Tickets are $29 to $79. Call (800) 745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
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Christmas comes early to Cape May, with its Holiday Preview Weekend on Nov. 18 to 20. Tours, activities, trolley rides and food events are set to get visitors in the holiday spirit. Attend the free Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 19, at 7 p.m., at the Emlen Physick Estate on Washington Street. Carolers with sing and Santa will flip the switch to light up the tree. Children also can meet with Santa. Visit capemaymac.org.
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It may be cold outside, but the Greater Newark Conservancy is already thinking about the next growing season. At a Nov. 19 program on Hydroponic Systems, find out how to grow plants in water only. The session will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at the conservancy, 32 Prince St., Newark. Cost is $5. Pre-registration is required. Visit citybloom.org.
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Can a string quartet play jazz? The Turtle Island Quartet will explore John Coltrane's musical legacy on Nov. 20 at Kean University's Enlow Recital Hall in Hillside. The performance is at 3 p.m. Tickets are $40 to $55. The hall is located at 215 North Ave. Call (908) 737-7469 or visit keanstage.com.
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Rock into the holidays on Nov. 21 with the Brian Setzer Orchestra's 13th annual "Christmas Rocks" Tour at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Setzer and his big band go on stage at 7:30 p.m. at the theater, 99 Monmouth St. Tickets are $38 to $118. Call (732) 842-9000 or visit countbasietheatre.org.
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The holidays officially begin! American Repertory Ballet brings "The Nutcracker" to the stage, beginning Nov. 23, at the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton. There will be five performances over three days: Nov. 23, at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 25, at 2 and 5:30 p.m.; and Nov. 26, at 3 and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $65. Call (609) 258-2787 or visit mccarter.org.
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Explore the artists of the Delaware River Valley during the 22nd annual Covered Bridge Artisans holiday studio tour from Nov. 25 to 27. This free, self-guided tour of studios and artists' spaces will be held on Nov. 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and on Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See works and exhibitions at Long Lane Farm Studio and Ginny Napurano Cultural Arts Center, both in Sergeantsville; Sunflower Glass Studio, David Cann and Constance Bassett, and Ty Hodanish Studio, all in Stockton; and Annelies van Dommelen and Swan Street Studio, both in Lambertville. Visit coveredbridgeartisans.com.
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Before winter's cold sets in, take a seat around the Fall Harvest Campfire on Nov. 25 at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. Families can roast marshmallows and enjoy popcorn and cider in sessions from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 to 4 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Advance registration is required. Call (973) 228-8776 or visit essexcountyparks.org.
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Get your groove on at the Festival of Soul on Nov. 25 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. An extravaganza of '70s soul bands, including Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylists and Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, will perform hits such as "You Make Me Feel Brand New" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now" at 8 p.m. in Prudential Hall. Tickets are $49.50 to $79.50. Call (800) 745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
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Vanessa Williams takes the stage Nov. 25 at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The 8 p.m. show will be presented on the center's Mainstage, 1601 Irving St. Tickets are $55 to $95. Call (732) 499-8225 or visit ucpac.org.
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We'll always love "The Bodyguard," making its U.S. premiere Nov. 25 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. The musical, based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, stars Grammy nominee Deborah Cox. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays. Ticket prices vary, with single tickets starting at $33. Call (973) 376-4343 or visit papermill.org.
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In the spirit of the holiday season, the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor will celebrate Wetland Wonderland on Nov. 26. Visitors can learn about hibernation, dormancy and migration involving winter wildlife in the region. Visit wetlandsinstitute.org.