By Karen Nowosad
originally published: 04/06/2024
A 2008 view of a section of East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA – File is licensed in Creative Commons
The World Premiere of a new musical, East Carson Street, will open the new Bell Theater in Holmdel, NJ. The play has music by Joe Grushecky with a book by Jonathan Rosenberg.
Long regarded as one of rock & roll’s most talented singer-songwriters, Joe Grushecky grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. With his band Iron City Houserockers, he produced several albums which received rave reviews. In 1995, Joe began his collaboration with Bruce Springsteen. In 2009, he recorded the album “East Carson Street” with the current incarnation of the Houserockers. It includes a duet with Bruce Springsteen on “Another Thin Line” which the two co-wrote.
East Carson Street is About Three Generations of a Pittsburgh Family
Daniel Kutner directs this show which follows the story of three generations of a Pittsburgh family over a period of four decades. It goes back to the 1980s when the city experienced the demise of the steel and coal industries. As the economy fell apart, residents had to find new ways to support themselves. Families were torn apart as they sought work opportunities elsewhere. Those who remained had to deal with the rising levels of crime and substance abuse.
The musical eventually moves to the 2020s and shows a new Pittsburgh; one which focuses on innovation, medicine, and technology. The city also reclaims its spot as one of America’s great cities.
East Carson Street stars Broadway’s Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages, Jekyll and Hyde) and Teal Wicks (Wicked, Jekyll and Hyde).
Notes about the show say this: “Set to Grushecky’s iconic music of the era, East Carson Street is a true testament to the greatness of the American people.”
Bell Theater
East Carson Street is the first entertainment offering at the new Bell Theater. It is located in the Bell Works complex, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ. Bell Theater connects with Axelrod Performing Arts Center based in Deal, NJ.
Posted on the website of Bell Theater is their mission statement: “to provide exceptional cultural programming to the community in a state-of-the-art facility. We believe in the transformative power of the arts and are committed to making it accessible to all.”
Wheelchair access and assistive listening devices are available. A range of amenities including a cafe and bar will also be available.
Tickets and More Information
Performances for East Carson Street begin on May 3, 2024. The show runs for nine performances with the following schedule: May 3 (8PM), May 4 (2PM & 8PM) May 5 (3PM), May 9 (7PM), May 10 (7PM) May 11 (2PM & 8PM) May 12 (3PM).
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit the Axelrod Performing Arts Center website and select Bell Theater from the menu. Or, go directly to the Bell Theater website and click on Events.
About the author:
Let's Go to the Theater helps people learn more about about live theater and develop appreciation for this art form. Karen M. Nowosad is the founder of the site. The enjoyment Karen gets from going to the theater is something she wants to share with others.
EVENT PREVIEWS
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Spotlight on NJ: Play Reading Event
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present a three-day Spotlight play reading event featuring works by New Jersey playwrights at the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center from July 6-8, 2026 with performances at 7:00pm each night.
Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's "London Suite"
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's London Suite with three performances from July 11-12, 2026. Witty, charming, and unmistakably Neil Simon, London Suite invites audiences into a series of hilarious and heartfelt encounters set in the same London hotel room.
The Light Opera of New Jersey presents "H.M.S. Pinafore" at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Light Opera of New Jersey presents H.M.S. Pinafore from July 11-12, 2026 at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center. This is a comic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan that satirize the British class system.
Misfits Theatre Co. presents "She Loves Me"
(MATAWAN, NJ) -- Misfits Theatre Co., a community theater organization dedicated to producing bold, entertaining, and accessible theater for audiences of all ages, presents its inaugural book musical production, She Loves Me at Matawan Regional High School from July 10-12, 2026.
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents "Sense and Sensibility" outside duCret Center of Art
(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center invites audiences to experience Jane Austen's beloved classic Sense and Sensibility in a charming outdoor production this summer at duCret Center of Art in Plainfield. Performances take place July 10-12, 2026.
Howell PAL Theater Company presents "Grease"
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Howell PAL Theater Company presents the classic musical Grease weekends from July 10-12, 2026 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Grease is a love song to the 1950s and a cornerstone of the American musical comedy form.
Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough
(CHATHAM, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions is thrilled to announce encore performances of their production of Heidi Schreck's "What the Constitution Means to Me." Following a sold-out run of the show in downtown Morristown earlier this year, the original cast and production team have partnered with Chatham Borough to present an encore weekend July 11-12, 2026 at the Stanely Center.
Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"
(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.
The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at Van Vleck House and Gardens
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing outside at Van Vleck House and Gardens across two weekends from July 10-18, 2026. This is no ordinary stage production, it’s an immersive theatrical experience.
Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents "1776"
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents 1776 from July 8-18, 2026. The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits.
FEATURED EVENTS
