Middlesex County's Plays-in-the Park returns this summer with three Broadway musicals

What do an ‘80s rock star, Fats Waller and a fairy godmother have in common?

Plays-in-the-Park this summer!

Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the Park, a tradition for more than six decades, will offer performances of "Rock of Ages," "Ain’t Misbehavin'" and "Cinderella" at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre in Roosevelt Park in Edison.

Artistic Director Margaret Davis said the casts and crews have been hard at work in rehearsals, bringing to life the three shows "that are guaranteed to captivate and enthrall."

"Whether you are a seasoned theater-goer or a first-time attendee, I guarantee that this season of Plays-in-the-Park will leave you spellbound," she said.

From June 14-24, "Rock of Ages" will take audiences on a journey to late 1980s Hollywood when big bands, big guitars and even bigger hair ruled the day. Aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew battles the big developers who want to turn everyone’s favorite Sunset Strip venue into a strip mall. As he joins forces with Sherri and the gang to save the fabled club, songs from the era shine. The Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands including Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more.

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Head to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s as "Ain’t Misbehavin'" takes the stage from July 5-15. A sassy, sultry musical celebrating the legendary jazz great Fats Waller, the 1978 Tony Award-winning Best Musical is one of the most popular revues of all time. The show evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of Waller with a versatile cast who struts, strums and sings the songs he made famous in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley, over to Hollywood and concert stages across US, Canada and Europe.

A lost slipper will be a major concern from July 26-Aug. 5, as "Cinderella" takes us to the ball to reminds everyone that that dreams really do come true. In this contemporary Broadway adaptation, Rogers and Hammerstein’s score soars with favorite songs including, "In My Own Little Corner," "Ten Minutes Ago," "Impossible/It’s Possible" and more. The hilarious and romantic libretto is a retelling of the classic tale of the little girl of the cinders who transforms into the most enchanting princess in the land and captures the heart of the handsome prince, while her evil stepmother wreaks havoc every step of the way.

In partnership with REPLENISH, Plays-in-the-Park will be collecting nutritious food for residents in need throughout the season. Audiences are asked to bring a non-perishable food item when attending performances.

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. The box office closes at 8:30 p.m. each show night. There are no Sunday shows this season. Audience members should bring is a lawn chair. Plays-in-the-Park is located at 1 Pine Drive in Roosevelt Park in Edison.

Tickets are $8 per adult and $5 per senior citizen 60 and over. Children 12 and under enter for free. In the case of inclement weather, save the ticket stub as it allows the holder to see another performance during the season.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Plays-in-the-Park 2023 in Edison NJ features three Broadway musicals