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VIDEO: Launching Pad for Theater Pros Turns 60

By Maddie Orton, JerseyArts.com

originally published: 06/17/2022


On sunny summer afternoons, the walkway at Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park overflows with theater lovers. Thousands of audience members pour into the outdoor community theater to see quality productions — and maybe even Broadway-bound performers — for the price of a few dollars and a lawn chair.

Now celebrating its 60th season, the outdoor community theater has become a tradition for generations of family and friends.

We spoke with Artistic Director Margaret Davis, actor Andre Williams, Director Frank Andrews, and Choreographer Aimee Mitacchione about this treasure in Edison.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(NUTLEY, NJ) -- The Narrator is ready to start the show, but how is that supposed to happen when nobody else in the cast has read the script and the costumes haven't even arrived yet? Children, families, and the young at heart will find out when Nutley Little Theatre presents The Worst Fairy Tale Ever by Todd Wallinger July 25-26, 2026.

The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret

(UNION, NJ) -- Kaleidoscope Kabaret (that's Kabaret with a K), The Theater Project's annual festival of live music and short comedic plays, will liven up the stage of DMK Black Box Theatre in Union Township's new Arts Center from July 24-26, 2026.

Aspire Performing Arts presents Disney's "Descendants: The Musical"

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company, an award-winning performing arts company based in Wayne, will present Disney's Descendants: The Musical from July 24-26, 2026 at the Barn Theatre in Montville. The production features two casts of young performers and is directed by Joey Nasta with musical direction by Shannen Lynn and choreography by Charlize Dominguez.
Mile Square Theatre presents "Urinetown: The Musical"

Mile Square Theatre presents "Urinetown: The Musical"

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre (MST) is proud to present its first-ever Pre-Professional Theatre Program production, Urinetown: The Musical, book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann. The entire production is led by a team of professionals - the assistants and cast are all young artists ages 18 to 25, based in Hudson County and from across North and Central New Jersey. The production runs from Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Country Gate Players presents "The Addams Family Musical" (Youth Production)

(BELVIDERE, NJ) -- Country Gate Players presents The Addams Family Musical (Youth Production) from July 24-26, 2026. This is the spectacular culminating production of their 2026 Summer Youth Performance Workshop.
Award-Winning "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche" Returns for One-Day Fundraising Preview Before Edinburgh Fringe Debut

Award-Winning "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche" Returns for One-Day Fundraising Preview Before Edinburgh Fringe Debut

(GARWOOD, NJ) -- Before taking their award-winning production to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland this August, Cheese Platter Productions will present one final hometown performance, and one final opportunity for audiences to help send the company overseas.
Woodbridge Community Players present "9 to 5, The Musical"

Woodbridge Community Players present "9 to 5, The Musical"

(WOODBRIDGE, NJ) -- The Woodbridge Community Players present 9 to 5, The Musical from July 23-26, 2026 at The Theater at Woodbridge Middle School. Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world.
The 1964 Civil Rights Act Takes Center Stage with "All The Way" at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey on July 27th

The 1964 Civil Rights Act Takes Center Stage with "All The Way" at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey on July 27th

(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its acclaimed Revolutionary Voices play reading series with Robert Schenkkan's Tony Award-winning drama All the Way on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 7:30pm at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. This special one-night-only event brings together an exceptional cast to dramatize one of the most pivotal periods in American history.

Mystic Vision Players presents "Seussical, the Musical"

(LINDEN, NJ) -- Mystic Vision Players presents Seussical, the Musical across two weekends from July 24 through August 1, 2026 in the Susan L. Hudak Auditorium inside Linden High School. The musical features a Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty; Music by Stephen Flaherty; and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. It was Co-Conceived by Eric Idle and Based on the Works of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss).
The Road Company presents "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition"

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.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Stage Summer Solos: "Maker of Worlds" by Wendy Schmidt

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ


Mala Aria

Thursday, July 23, 2026 @ 1:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Shrek: The Musical

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


Mala Aria

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Annie, Jr.

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ



 

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