Plays-in-the-Park has been cited for the excellence of its theatrical productions, making it the pre-eminent Community Theater in Middlesex County. The theater has produced three or four full-scale musicals each summer for 10 performances each, complete with large Union orchestras for 45 years. The lighting, scenic and costume designs of each show are generally based on the Broadway originals or National Touring Companies. We have also finished past seasons with a well-known comedy or drama, a dance concert such as our well-received DANCE-IN-THE-PARK which finished out the 2002 season, or a musical revue such as "JERRY'S GIRLS" or "FOREVER PLAID". 2003 yet again brought something new: SONG AND DANCE IN THE PARK --- a mixture of vocals and choreography, celebrating the Big Apple: NYC.

As in 2006, we will not present a 4th show in 2007, HOWEVER, we have a good reason; renovations will begin on our new and improved front-of-house lighting and sound design, which includes the elimination of the lighting towers and the roof extension that will protect the orchestra against the elements.

Plays-in-the-Park is not only a Summer Theater. During the Fall the backstage area is transformed into an intimate 150 seat "black box" performance space where a Children's Musical has been presented for what will be our 14th season. All ten performances (2 each Sunday or Saturday for 2 or 3 weekends) have been completely sold out and have even featured contests sponsored by the Home News and Tribune.

December brings the traditional Winter Show at the State Theater in New Brunswick, now in its thirteenth season. These productions give the Plays-in-the-Park staff and designers an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Union crews in a professional venue, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Last season's 9th edition of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" was the most successful thus far - so successful in fact that it will be brought back for a 13th return engagement during the 2007 holidays!

While Summer plans go into full swing right after the first of the New Year, still another entertainment is planned during the month of January. For the past seven years, the Unlimited Potential Theater Company, a component of Very Special Arts, has been in residence at Plays-in-the-Park, and this year is no exception. Combining actors with and without disabilities, this program affords an opportunity for teenagers and adults with physical disabilities to participate in all aspects of live theater in a very professional environment. The Plays-in-the-Park permanent and part-time staff actively join this troupe for their production, providing the lighting and costume designs, as well as support with props and sets. During the actual performances, "PIP" personnel provide technical assistance running the lighting and sound boards. This January, VSA Arts NJ will present a production of OUR TOWN in March.

Plays-in-the-Park is also well respected for its outstanding service to the Community. Each summer for the past 18 years the theater runs Kids-in-the-Park, a creative drama workshop opened to children grades 2 through 5, ages 8 to 11. It is housed in the mini-amphitheater in Warren Park, Woodbridge. Youngsters attend two different workshops, making the total attending each summer 250. At the end of each session a performance is given for an audience of parents and friends.

At Roosevelt Park, high school students participating at the Summer Arts Institute in New Brunswick regularly attend Park performances. The theater has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Cerebral Palsy Institute. The accessibility of the outdoor theater setting offered barrier-free entry for the Center's wheelchair patients long before Federal Legislation made such access mandatory. Senior Citizens and Veterans' Homes have also been regular patrons, bringing the joys of live theater to members of the Middlesex County population that are often unable to attend other cultural events.

In fact, Plays-in-the-Park has been the introduction to theater for countless families; Children grow up inspired by the productions and with an appreciation for the Arts. Some eventually wind up on the stage, others take their families and children. The minimal $5.00 admission charge instituted a several years ago to offset costs makes theater-going a very affordable event. Kids are always admitted free, and there are discounts for seniors.

For these efforts, the theater received the Class One Award for 1991 of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council Dorothy Mullen Award and was the recipient of the National Association of Counties 1991 Achievement Award. We continue to grow and experiment with new formats, constantly trying to improve the product and the experience itself. Recent seasons have brought major changes and improvements to our sound system, lighting equipment and seating policies.

If the crowds on summer nights are any judge, then Plays-in-the-Park is quite successful indeed.