Welcome to The Newark Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Michael Blaustein stand-up show

• Women@NJPAC annual spotlight gala

• Deep-dive into The Sopranos’ Newark filming locations

• And much more…

Sponsorship

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Quote of the Week

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”

— Anaïs Nin

News & Updates

• Moody’s upgrades Newark’s issuer rating from Baa2 to Baa1. (link)

• Rutgers-Newark chancellor is inducted into PhD Project Hall of Fame. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Comedy

Music & Concerts

Newark In Film

Movie of the Week: The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Filming Locations:  Multiple scenes filmed throughout Newark, particularly in Branch Brook Park and Newark Penn Station.

In The Sopranos (1999-2007), several key scenes were filmed throughout Newark, including the city's Branch Brook Park and Newark Penn Station. Branch Brook Park, known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, provided a serene contrast to the show's darker mob themes. The park’s peaceful surroundings were used in pivotal moments that added emotional weight to the storylines, balancing the tension of Tony Soprano’s criminal life.

Additionally, Newark Penn Station served as a bustling urban backdrop in multiple episodes, capturing the daily life and gritty feel of Newark that aligns with the show's portrayal of the New Jersey underworld. These real-life Newark locations helped anchor the series, making the depiction of Tony Soprano's world feel more authentic and grounded.

Famous People In Newark History

Philip Roth (1933–2018)

Early Life and Roots in Newark (1933–1954)

Philip Milton Roth was born on March 19, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in the Weequahic neighborhood, a middle-class, predominantly Jewish community. Roth's early experiences in Newark deeply influenced his later writing, especially the themes of identity, Jewish culture, and the American dream. He attended Weequahic High School, where he was a bright student, and these formative years provided the backdrop for much of his literary work. After high school, Roth attended Bucknell University and later received a Master’s degree in English from the University of Chicago. His Newark upbringing profoundly shaped his literary voice, setting the stage for the narratives he would explore in his novels.

Literary Breakthrough and Fame (1955–1970)

Roth’s literary career began with the publication of Goodbye, Columbus in 1959, a novella and short story collection that won the National Book Award. This early success established Roth as a talented new voice in American literature. However, it was his 1969 novel, Portnoy’s Complaint, that catapulted him to widespread fame. The book, a candid and controversial exploration of Jewish identity and sexual repression, shocked readers and sparked debates. Its humor, audacity, and irreverence challenged social norms and became a cultural touchstone. Despite the controversy, Portnoy’s Complaint cemented Roth's place as one of America's leading novelists.

Legacy and Impact (2000–2018)

Roth continued to write prolifically in the latter part of his career, producing works like The Human Stain (2000) and Everyman (2006). His later works focused on themes of aging, mortality, and identity, earning him continued critical acclaim. In 2012, Roth announced his retirement from writing, having won numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize, multiple National Book Awards, and the National Humanities Medal. His influence on contemporary American literature remains profound, and Newark continues to celebrate him as one of its most distinguished cultural figures.

Key Achievements:

• Pulitzer Prize for American Pastoral (1998), a novel set against the backdrop of the Newark riots.

• Established himself as one of America’s leading novelists with Portnoy’s Complaint (1969), a work that redefined discussions about Jewish-American identity.

• Deep connection to Newark, which frequently appeared as a setting in his novels, reflecting the social and cultural shifts of the 20th century.

Philip Roth’s literary career, shaped by his Newark upbringing, redefined American literature through his exploration of identity, culture, and the complexities of the human experience. His works, especially Portnoy’s Complaint and American Pastoral, solidified his place as a major literary figure. Roth’s Newark roots remained central to his identity and work, making him one of the city’s most celebrated and influential figures.

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I would love to hear from you.

-Yannick Lyons

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