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

Plays-in-the-Park will return this summer to the stage at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre at Roosevelt Park in Edison with three musicals – "Beauty and the Beast," "In the Heights" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

"Beauty and the Beast," which will run from June 19-29, tells the story of Belle who stumbles upon a castle, and comes face to face with the Beast – who is actually a prince placed under a magic spell. The spell will break only if the Beast can learn to love another and be loved in return, perhaps by Belle. The Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical featured beloved songs, such as “Be Our Guest,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Human Again."

"In the Heights" will run July 10-20 and features residents of the Washington Heights neighborhood in New York City who are facing major changes, such as rising rent and the closures of neighborhood businesses. The character 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, while another family is looking for a way to pay for college for their daughter, who is trying to secure an apartment. The musical, which features the music and lyrics of Lin-Manuel Miranda, combines Latin rhythms and dance with hip-hop to tell the story of a community where dreams are meant to be pursued.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" will run July 31 to Aug. 10 and features Peudolus, a clever slave, who 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 the show, which made it Broadway debut in 1962.

More: Worth seeing? Check out our reviews of current Broadway and off-Broadway shows

All shows start at 8 p.m.

"The cultural vibrancy of Middlesex County reaches new heights with the exceptional summer productions of Plays-in-the Park," said Ronald G. Rios, director of the Board of County Commissioners. “With three phenomenal shows lined up this year, we invite all county residents to immerse themselves in a season of captivating live performances."

“Plays-in-the-Park has captivated audiences for many years. This is one of mine and Middlesex County residents’ favorite theatrical and artistic performances,” saidCounty 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.”

Tickets are priced at $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens aged 60 and over. Children aged 12 and under enter for free. The box office opens at 5:30 p.m. and patrons are admitted to the seating area immediately after purchasing tickets to set up their own lawn chairs with a back no higher than 40 inches.

In the event of inclement weather, ticket stubs can be retained for admission to another performance during the season.

Email: srussell@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Plays-in-the-Park 2024 in Edison NJ features three musicals