MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Middlesex County’s beloved Plays-in-the-Park is set to captivate audiences once again with a sensational lineup for its 2025 summer season. Kicking off on June 18th, the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre in Roosevelt Park will host three iconic Broadway musicals: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Rent, and Grease.
Located at 1 Pine Drive, Edison, the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre offers an enchanting outdoor setting for these highly anticipated performances.
“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.”
Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, Chair of the Infrastructure Management Committee, added, “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. 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.”
2025 Plays-in-the-Park Schedule:
- Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (June 18 – 28): Discover the inspiring true story of Carole King’s journey from a young Brooklyn songwriter to a music legend. Featuring unforgettable classics like “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” and “Natural Woman,” this Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical is a celebration of a trailblazing artist.
- Rent (July 9 – July 19): This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon explores themes of love, art, and resilience in the East Village of New York City. Loosely based on Puccini’s La Boheme, Rent follows a group of young artists grappling with life, love, and the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Please note: This production contains mature themes and some strong language. Parental discretion is advised.
- Grease (July 30 – August 9): Step back in time to Rydell High’s senior class of 1959 with the “Burger Palace Boys” and “Pink Ladies.” Relive the high romance of “Summer Nights” and sing along to iconic songs like “Greased Lightnin’,” and “It’s Raining on Prom Night” in this rollicking musical tribute to the 1950s.
Please note that there are no Sunday performances for any of the shows.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for Plays-in-the-Park are available exclusively on-site at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre box office on the day of the performance. There are no advanced sales or online ticketing options.
The ticket booth opens at 5:30 pm, and patrons are admitted to the seating area immediately after purchasing tickets. All shows begin at 8 pm, and the ticket booth closes at 8:30 pm each show night. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs with a back no higher than 40 inches for comfortable seating.
Ticket prices are $8 per adult, $5 per senior citizen (60 and over), and children 12 and under enter for free. In the event of inclement weather, patrons should retain their ticket stub for admission to another performance during the season. For any questions regarding Box Office information, please call 732-548-2884.
For more information on Plays-in-the-Park, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/PIP.
