Central New Jersey has a brand new home for the arts, and there’s already a lineup of performances waiting to take the stage.
Axelrod Performing Arts Center and Bell Works collaborated on the opening of Bell Theater at the iconic complex in Holmdel, which will open in May. Since 2021, Axelrod has held outdoor concerts at Bell Works and already has two major programs in the building: the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy and the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater.
A new rock musical, East Carson Street, will run from May 3-12, starring Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages) and Teal Wicks (Wicked) with music by Pittsburgh rocker Joe Grushecky. Grushecky is a frequent collaborator of Bruce Springsteen, who co-wrote two of the show’s songs.
A grand opening celebration begins Thursday, May 16, with Let’s Go to Rio! starring Brazilian singer Alexia Bomtempo and featuring jazz pianist Dr. Art Topilow and vocalist/saxophonist Danny Bacher.
On Friday, May 17, Broadway star LaChanze (The Color Purple, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Once on This Island) performs her new show of Broadway, pop, and standards along with her trio.
On Saturday, May 18, Michael Cavanaugh, the star of Broadway’s Billy Joel musical Movin’ Out, will perform the songs of Billy Joel and Elton John along with his quartet.
On Sunday, May 19, the Weeklings debut their BeatlesBash, complete with The Horn and Strings Orchestra.
Future events include Million Dollar Quartet, directed by original Broadway cast member Hunter Foster in July; monthly standup comedy nights; a Broadway series featuring SiriusXM Host Seth Rudetsky and special guests; concert performances by Andrea McArdle, Lorna Luft, John Lloyd Young, and Christine Andreas; as well as jazz and rock groups, and family entertainment.
Bell Theater is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, on the ground level. Call the box office at 732-531-9106, ext. 14.
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