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
The Road Company presents "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition"
(WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition from July 30 through August 1, 2026. This is a 60-minute, kid-friendly stage adaptation of the classic 1939 film. It follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as a tornado sweeps them to Oz. Joined by new friends, Dorothy must outsmart the Wicked Witch to ask the Wizard for a way home.
CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness
(CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness from July 30 to August 1, 2026. This a slightly unhinged night of original works by emerging and established playwrights.
Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents "New Voices of 2026: On Vacation"
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents New Voices of 2026: On Vacation at Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University. This is a world-premiere, full-scale concert that takes audiences on a musical journey around the world. Three performances take place over July 31 and August 1, 2026.
Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents "Annie"
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents its Summer Theater Program's production of Annie from July 31 through August 2, 2026. The production celebrates the program's 15th anniversary and highlights bergenPAC's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing outstanding arts education within the community.
North Star Theater Company presents "The SpongeBob Musical"
(HAMBURG, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company brings the colorful world of Bikini Bottom to the stage with Nickelodeon's The SpongeBob Musical, running July 30 through August 2, 2026 at Wallkill Valley Regional High School.
Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's "Matilda Jr."
(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's Matilda Jr. from July 31 to August 2, 2026. The summer program includes students aged 7-15.
Playwright Tom Cavanaugh Launches The Book Writers Group with Staged Reading Showcase on August 2nd
(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- The Brook Writers Group, a newly formed theater collective dedicated to developing original theatrical works in Central New Jersey, will present its inaugural Staged Reading Showcase on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the historic Brook Arts Center (10 Hamilton Street) in Bound Brook. The event begins at 5:00pm.
Magnolia Productions presents "Are The Bennet Girls Ok? "
(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions presents Are The Bennet Girls Ok? across two weekends from July 31 to August 8, 2026 at The Theater at The Navesink Library. This is an adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by Emily Breeze.
Gas Lamp Teens present "Fame: The Musical"
(GLEN RIDGE, NJ) -- Gas Lamp Teens present Fame: The Musical on August 7-8, 2026 at the Ridgewood Avenue School. Fame has inspired generations to fight for fame and light up the sky like a flame!
Trilogy Repertory presents "You Can't Take It With You" in Basking Ridge
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents You Can't Take It With You by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman across two weekends from July 31 to August 8, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show! Showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
