(HADDON HEIGHTS, NJ) — The Village Playbox presents a new original musical by local playwright Rob Kristie - SHOWPLACE - the story of Steel Pier across three weekends from November 6-22, 2025. This is a story about the iconic and legendary venue in Atlantic City, NJ. It contains both fictional and non-fictional characters and covers the period from 1925 to 1977.
This one-of-a-kind, entertainment Showplace hosted such legends as Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Duke Ellington, Abbott and Costello, the Supremes, the Rolling Stones, The famous Diving Horse and hundreds more. It showcases 17 original songs and will have you smiling, laughing, tapping your foot, maybe shedding a tear or two and possibly invoke the urge to break out into a Mummers strut. You’ll feel like you are there.
Showplace the Story of Steel Pier is being performed under the Direction of John Blackwell, who has been involved with South Jersey Community Theater for over 35 years and has directed over 50 shows in the South Jersey area.
The cast includes Zach Taglioli (Robert Luke), Piper Byrne (Terri), Ed Silberman (Lou Palumbo), Michael Hicks (Mr. Callus), Lewie Homan (James), Gabbi Wyers (Sonora/Bette Cooper), Glenn Fennimore (Older Robert), Marie Altmann (Nurse), Stu Skylar (Al Jolson), Jessica Shockley (Mother), Lillyana Jones (Bobbi), Various Characters/Ensemble: Ben Tatam, Joseph (JR) Edel, Bill Binder, and Aislinn Papeika.
Performances take place November 6-8, 14-15, 21-22 at 8:00pm and Sunday matinees on November 9th and 16th at 3:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. Village Playbox is located on Green Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues in Haddon Heights.
The production team includes John Blackwell (Director), Steve Allen (Assistant Director), Rob Kristie (Producer), Keith Elliot (Musical Director), Piper Byrne (Choreographer), Gary Kochey (Lighting/Sound), Donna Allen/Anita Rowland (Costumes), and Paul Becker (Set Construction.
Playwright Rob Kristie was born in South Philly and moved to New Jersey in 1994. This is his third musical. His first musical was entitled THE DOLL a Magical Christmas and was nominated for a Perry Award. His second musical was GODS a Mythical Musical and it was also nominated for a Perry Award. His work has been performed at The SKETCH CLUB in Woodbury, NJ, The Grand Theatre in Williamstown, NJ; The Ritz in Oaklyn, NJ; Village Playbox in Haddon Heights, NJ; and MAC the Middletown Arts Center in Middletown, NJ. Rob has written two One-Act plays, One Melodrama Play and two Children’s books.
The Village Playbox is celebrating its 85th season and is a cultural center for the community. They have featured Plays, Musicals, One-Acts and Cabaret’s including such classics as The Chalk Garden, The Miracle worker, On Golden Pond, Noises Off, The Diary of Anne Frank, The Odd Couple, The Drowsy Chaperone, Seussical the Musical, Children of Eden, The Doll- a Magical Christmas, Jesus Christ Superstar, Man of La Mancha and many more.
