Plays-In-The-Park Returns To Edison For 60th Season

EDISON, NJ – The popular Plays-in-the-Park will be returning to Edison for its 60th season this summer. And to celebrate that, three “lavish” Broadway musicals will be staged this year.

“Something Rotten,” “The SpongeBob Musical” and “A Chorus Line” will be staged the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre, Roosevelt Park, Edison.

“Plays in the Park is one of our most celebrated programs, and we’re thrilled to be able to present our favorite Broadway musicals once again, after COVID-19 conditions required us to produce smaller shows last year,” said Director of the Board of County Commissioners Ronald G. Rios.

“Our parks and open spaces have been a lifeline for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. And with Plays-in-the-Park returning to the stage again at Roosevelt Park in Edison this summer, there is much to celebrate this season,” said County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, chair of Infrastructure Management Committee.

“Since opening in 1963, Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park has been cited for the excellence of its theatrical productions thanks to its consistent standard of quality and its appeal to all audiences.”

Here’s the schedule:

Something Rotten! (June 22-July 2) – This show tells the story of the Bottom brothers as they attempt to write the world’s very first musical. Nominated for 9 Tony Awards, SOMETHING ROTTEN! is an ode to musicals.

The SpongeBob Musical (July 13-23) – SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number one kids’ animated series on TV’s Nickelodeon, and now you can enjoy those characters on stage in this Tony award-winning Broadway musical.

A Chorus Line (August 3-13) – Exploring the lives and ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies, the show features one powerhouse number after another. Memorable musical numbers include “What I Did for Love, “One,” “I Can Do That,” “At the Ballet,” and more.

Box Office opens at 5:30 p.m. and patrons are admitted to the seating area immediately after purchasing tickets. All shows begin at 8 p.m. The box office closes at 8:30 pm each show night. Don't forget to bring is your lawn chair.

Ticket price is $7 per adult; $5 per senior citizen 60 and over, children 12 and under can enter for free.

In the case of inclement weather, ticket stubs can be saved as they will allow you to see another performance this season. For more information, click here.

Apart from staging musicals, Plays-in-the-Park is partnering with Replenish, to collect food for County residents in need throughout the season. Those who would like to help can bring a non-perishable food item when attending performances.

Plays-in-the-Park is also holding auditions for its three shows on April 1-3. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing approximately 16 bars of music. An accompanist will be provided. Actors should also bring their own sheet music in the proper key, marked with any cuts. Auditions will be held at Plays-in-the-Park Theater in Roosevelt Park at 1 Pine Drive, Edison, NJ 08837.
Audition dates are:

• Friday, April 1: 7-10 pm
• Saturday, April 2: 12-3pm
• Sunday, April 3: 12-3 pm

Video submissions are welcome and are due by March 15. A vocal and dance clip should be sent to: Margaret.davis@co.middlesex.nj.us.

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