Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park is back live on stage this summer, with performances of “America the Beautiful”, “Rock Roll & Soul”, and “Showtune” performed outdoors before in-person audiences. The County’s popular Music-in-the-Park series, which features musical performances by local bands on Wednesdays and Sundays, also returns to the Raritan Bay Waterfront Park stage at the South Amboy/Sayreville Beach Front on Wednesdays and the Plays-in-the-Park stage in Roosevelt Park in Edison on Sundays.
“We are thrilled that COVID-19 crowd restrictions for large outdoor gatherings have lifted, allowing us to resume Plays-in-the-Park and Music-in-the-Park for our residents to enjoy after postponing last year’s summer series. The excitement of live performances is finally back and what better way to spend time this summer with family and friends than in our pristine County parks and outdoor spaces,” said Director of the Board of County Commissioners Ronald G. Rios.
“From a wide variety of genre-defining music from established and emerging artists to Broadway-caliber shows, join us this season for a variety of live entertainment that will appeal to the whole family.” said County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, chair of Infrastructure Management Committee. “And as we continue to help those in need that have been impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage everyone attending these events to bring a non-perishable food item as a donation for the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS).”
While Middlesex County’s Plays-In-The-Park had to postpone their 2020 season shows once again to 2022 due to COVID-19, the series returns this summer with three musical revues scheduled in the months of July and August. All summer performances are free and will be held at the Plays-in-the-Park stage, Stephen J. Capestro Theater, located in Roosevelt Park in Edison, New Jersey. The first two shows will also be streamed live via Facebook.
This summer’s Music-in-the-Park concert series brings back the delight of live music to our community with a variety of musical styles including oldies, classic rock, jazz, and Motown set against the backdrop of two of the County’s parks.
Plays-in-the-Park 2021 schedule:
Stephen J. Capestro Theater (Roosevelt Park in Edison)
July:
July 2 at 8:00pm – America the Beautiful
Join us virtually for a heart-warming and patriotic celebration of the US of A from sea to shining sea! Stars and Stripes Forever, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Anchors Aweigh, New York, New York, a Bugle Boy and of course, God Bless The USA and America The Beautiful are just some of the tunes that will ring out! We hope you can join us virtually on the Plays-in-the-Park Facebook page as we salute our men and women in uniform.We dedicate this performance to all members of the Armed Forces – near and far – especially those who have supported Plays-in-the-Park so generously through the years. America the Beautiful Cast: Jo Ellen Burton, Allison Giles, Beth Koperwhats, Matt Maiolo, Faisal Sheikh, Dylan Weidenfeld, and Gillian Zahn.
July 23 at 8:00pm – Rock Roll & Soul
“Just let me hear some of that Rock & Roll music…” Sound familiar? Chuck Berry had it right! Who does not love an evening of some great Rock & Roll and a little SOUL!!! There will be a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on with some Jerry Lee Lewis, a Boy From NYC, a little of Etta James’ At Last and don’t forget Natural Woman, RESPECT, Devil With a Blue Dress On, Shake Rattle Roll, and Runaway to name a few. The list goes on and on. We hope you can join us virtually on the Plays-in-the-Park Facebook page as we Rock and Roll with Soul! Rock, Roll, & Soul Cast: Dana Bernardi, Patrick Comey, Alexandra Dadon, Ali Gleason, Matt Maiolo, Lindsay Maron, Faisal Sheikh, and Michael Trujillo.
August:
August 13, 14, 15 at 8:00pm – Showtune
SHOWTUNE: Celebrating the Words and Music of Jerry Herman” A lyrical musical revue celebration of the composer's legendary music and indomitable spirit! Showtune Cast: Matt Burns, CJ Carter, Lisa Curran, Kari Lochstoer, Zach Love, Dan Owens, and Gillian Zahn.
The Box Office opens at 5:30 pm and patrons are admitted to the seating area immediately after receiving a free ticket. All you need to bring is your favorite lawn chair. In the case of inclement weather, save your ticket stub as it will allow you to see another performance this season. All shows are free and open to the public. For more information, click here.
Music-in-the-Park Summer 2021 Series:
Raritan Bay Waterfront Park stage (South Amboy/Sayrevile Beach Front - O’Leary Boulevard, South Amboy)
Wednesday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
July:
July 7 at 6:30pm – Danny V’s 52nd Street Band, A tribute to Billy Joel
July 14 at 6:30pm – Scarborough Fair, A tribute to Simon & Garfunkel
July 21 at 6:30pm – Underwater Airlines, A Classic Rockin’ Band
July 28 at 6:30pm – Sounds of the Street, Golden Oldies at its Best!
August:
August 4 at 6:30pm – Parkway Soul, A Variety of Motown Classics
August 11 at 6:30pm – Zydeco-A-Go-Go, New Orleans style Rhythm & Blues, 40’s Jazz & Swing
August 18 at 6:30pm – Green River, A tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival
August 25 at 6:30pm – The Perry Brothers, Irish Favorites and more
Plays-in-the-Park stage (1 Pine Drive, Edison)
Sunday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
July:
July 11 at 6:00pm – Kraus Memorial Band, Music from the Theater at the Theater and More!
July 18 at 6:00pm – Into the Woods Woodwind Trio, Bach to the Future (Classical, Broadway, Pop & Jazz)
August:
August 1 at 6:00pm – Mark Heter Band, New to You Old Favorites
August 8 at 6:00pm – Greg Giannascoli & Friends, From American to Argentina
August 22 at 6:00pm – Silk City Jazz Quartet, Smokin’ Hot Jazz
August 29 at 6:00pm – Sandy Sasso’s Swingin Big Band, Hits and Standards from the Big Band Era
In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be cancelled and rescheduled based on band availability. Concerts will not be held indoors as done in past years. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, click here.
Both series, in partnership with MCFOODS, will also be collecting nutritious food for residents in need throughout the season. If you would like to help, please bring a non-perishable food item when attending performances.
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 18 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 832,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities and employing nearly 40,000 people. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.
