(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park returns this summer to the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre located at Roosevelt Park, presenting three popular Broadway musicals: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Rent, and Grease.
“These three spectacular shows offer more than just a night of entertainment; they reflect the hard work and talent of our community brought to life on stage,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “As one of Middlesex County’s most treasured cultural institutions for over six decades, we’re proud to make performing arts affordable and accessible for all residents through Plays-in-the-Park. On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, I encourage everyone to come out and experience the magic of live musical theater right here in our community, with such talent in acting, singing, dancing, and music that is second to none.”
“Plays-in-the-Park is a special opportunity for our residents to experience Broadway-quality performances under the stars of the beloved Roosevelt Park. Year after year, it is exciting to watch the stunning productions surrounded by a crowd of all ages,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, Chair of the Infrastructure Management Committee. “The arts are a vital part of our County’s cultural identity, and I appreciate the talented casts, crews, and production teams who make these productions possible.”
PLAYS-IN-THE-PARK 2025 SCHEDULE:
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (June 18-28) – Before she was hit-maker Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with the album “Tapestry”, Beautiful takes you back to where it all began — and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as "You've Got a Friend", "One Fine Day", "So Far Away", "Take Good Care of My Baby", "Up on the Roof", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", "Will You Love Me Tomorrow", and "Natural Woman", this Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember — and a story you'll never forget.
Rent (July 9–19) – Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice, and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Rent has become a pop cultural phenomenon, with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Jonathan Larson's Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom, and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves, and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.
Please note this production contains mature themes and some strong language. Parental discretion is advised.
Grease (July 30 – August 9) – Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie”, recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals.
There are no Sunday performances.
TICKET SALE PROTOCOLS: Tickets are available on-site at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre box office only on the day of the performance. There are no advanced sales or online ticketing options.
The ticket booth opens at 5:30pm, and patrons are admitted to the seating area immediately after purchasing tickets. All shows start at 8:00pm, and the ticket booth closes at 8:30pm each show night. All you need to bring is your favorite lawn chair with a back no higher than 40 inches.
The ticket price is $8 per adult, $5 per senior citizen (60 and over), and children 12 and under enter for free. In the event of inclement weather, retain your ticket stub for admission to another performance this season. For questions regarding Box Office information, please call 732-548-2884. For more information on Plays-in-the-Park, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/PIP.
Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. It is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 County parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County's award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for education and workforce development. 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.
