Bernards Township's 'Plays In The Park' Returns With 'Shrek the Musical'

BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Grab a lawn chair and a flashlight: free outdoor theater is back in Basking Ridge this summer.

Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory are teaming up for the 2026 season of Plays in the Park, kicking off with "Shrek the Musical" on July 16, 17 and 18, with additional performances July 23, 24 and 25.

The production features music by Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, based on the DreamWorks animated film and the book by William Steig. Christine Petruzzell is producing, with Beth Amiano Gleason directing, John Birckhead as musical director and Kristin Sarboukh choreographing.

The series continues with "You Can't Take It With You," running July 31 and August 1, 6, 7 and 8. Peter Curley is producing that show, with Linda Viel directing.

All performances take place at 8 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater on Valley Road in Basking Ridge, adjacent to the VA Hospital. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.

The series is supported in part by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

More information is available at trilogyrepertory.com or bernards.org, or by calling 908-204-3003.

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