By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that Plays-in-the-Park will return this summer to the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre in Edison located at Roosevelt Park, 1 Pine Dr, Edison, NJ, 08837, presenting three beloved musicals: Beauty and the Beast, In the Heights, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
"The cultural vibrancy of Middlesex County reaches new heights with the exceptional summer productions of Plays-in-the-Park," said Director of the Board of County Commissioners Ronald G. Rios.
"With three phenomenal shows lined up this year, we invite all County residents to immerse themselves in a season of captivating live performances. On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, we encourage everyone to experience the joy that these shows bring to audiences of all ages."
“Plays-in-the-Park has captivated audiences for many years. This is one of mine and Middlesex County residents’ favorite theatrical and artistic performances,” said County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, chair of the Infrastructure Management Committee.
“My heartfelt appreciation goes to the exceptionally talented casts, crews, and production team for putting on such wonderful performances year after year.”
Plays-in-the-Park 2024 Schedule:
Beauty and the Beast (June 19-29) – Experience the magic as this “tale as old as time” takes the stage! When Belle stumbles upon an enchanted castle, she comes face to face with the Beast – who is really a prince that has been placed under a magic spell! If the Beast can learn to love another and be loved in return, the spell will be broken. Will Belle be able to love a Beast? This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical featured bellowed, show-stopping songs, including “Be Our Guest”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Human Again”, and many more! Sure to be a family favorite!
In the Heights (July 10-20) – Meet the residents of Washington Heights – a New York City neighborhood facing major changes, including rising rent and the closures of neighborhood businesses. Usnavi, who owns a corner bodega, is trying to get back to the Dominican Republic to reconnect with his culture after the death of his parents. Another family is looking for a way to pay for college for their daughter, who is trying to secure an apartment. This revolutionary musical combines Latin rhythms and dance with hip-hop to tell the story of a place where the community is everything and dreams are meant to be chased.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (July 31-August 10) – This outrageously funny musical will have you laughing from beginning to end! Pseudolus, a clever enslaved person, is determined to win the hand of the beautiful but ditzy courtesan Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for his freedom. Stephen Sondheim combines situations from the 2000-year-old comedies of Plautus with classic vaudeville to create this irreverent and witty masterpiece, which made its Broadway debut in 1962!
Ticket Sale Protocols:
Officials said the Box Office opens at 5:30 p.m., and patrons are admitted to the seating area immediately after purchasing tickets.
All shows start at 8 p.m., and the box office closes at 8:30 p.m. each show night., officials say.
According to officials, all you need to bring is your favorite lawn chair with a back no higher than 40 inches.
Authorities say ticket prices are $8 per adult and $5 per senior citizen (60 and over); 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 more box office information, click here.
For more information on all Middlesex County has to offer this summer, visit middlesexcountynj.gov.