EDISON, NJ—Middlesex County’s “Plays in the Park” is closing out its summer 2016 season with a two-week run of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “South Pacific.”

The musical performances run from July 27 through August 6, with the exception of Sunday, July 31. All performances begin at 8:30 pm  at the Stephen J. Capestro Theater, located in Roosevelt Park, just south of the Menlo Park Mall.

South Pacific premiered on Broadway in 1949 and tells a story of U.S. troops stationed on a South Pacific island during WWII, and the Romance that ensues between an American military nurse and a French Plantation owner. The musical has been acclaimed for its exploration of racial prejudice.

“South Pacific is a show whose sweeping score will really resonate with audiences, particularly our veterans and servicemen. I hope many of our honored veterans will attend,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Charles E. Tomaro, chair of the Infrastructure Management Committee.

The County Freeholders sponsor the series and offer a special deal for veterans, including free tickets and special reserved seats at certain performances.

On August 1, the show will be free for veterans of WWII and the Korean War, while August 2 will be free for veterans of the Vietnam War, and August 3’s show will offer free admission for veterans of all other wars and conflicts.

Veterans and service members must call the Parks Office at (732)745-3936 prior to the show that they wish to attend for reservations. Proper ID is required when picking up tickets.

Plays-in-the-Park’s production will feature the original 26-piece orchestrations from the timeless score, featuring “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and many more classics.

A sign language interpreted performance will be offered on August 3, with a rain date of August 4.

An audio description performance will take place on July 29, with a rain date of July 30 and a performance with open captioning will occur on August 1, with a rain date of August 2. 

Everyone is welcome and are invited to bring their families and friends to enjoy the shows.

The costs of tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for seniors (60+). Children 12 and under are admitted for free.

Audience members must provide their own seating, and “chair backs” must not exceed a height of 40 inches.  Snack and refreshments will be sold during each performance, but attendees can also bring their own food and beverages.

Tickets for each show may only be purchased during the nights of each showing. The Box Office opens promptly at 5:30 pm and closes at 9 pm on the evenings of performances.

Patrons requiring assistance due to a disability are encouraged to contact Jackie Neill, Recreation
Supervisor, at (732) 745-3936 prior to attending a performance so that any special needs may be met.

In the case of a performance cancellation due to inclement weather, patrons may save their tickets to attend any other PIP performance at no additional charge. Tickets are valid up to one year after the canceled performance.

Gisselle is a reporter at New Brunswick Today and a proud Rutgers University Alumni. She has a passion for writing, investigating and bringing attention grabbing news to the local community.