ACT III THE CURTAIN GOES UP
Cichon oversees the sound and lighting for each show. Beyond ensuring the audience can hear and see what is happening on stage, sound and lighting also help set and support the emotional tone in any scene. With the help of a small crew of seasonal employees, Cichon ensures these critical needs are met. He is responsible for all technical elements, including the 300 to 400 light fixtures used each summer, the 60-kilowatt sound system, the cast’s wireless microphones, any video or projection needs, and all computer work. “There’s something like two million points of failure in the system — that’s every single cable, everything that could potentially go wrong. It’s a huge undertaking and I love it. Being outdoors and the challenges that presents, I love it,” says Cichon. While the design elements are being put in place, Head of Props Gabrielle Komleski does her own research to get a sense of what will be needed for each show. Along with her team of seasonal employees, Komleski “dresses” the set, adding details that enhance the story being told on stage. Every show involves a mixture of building or creating props, sourcing items from things already in stock backstage, and buying or borrowing critical items that cannot be made. Finding the right props on budget and within the tight timeframe is not always easy, but Komleski relishes the challenge. “One of my favorite aspects of my job is the creativity,” she says. “Trying to figure out how to make something can be challenging and frustrating, but it’s so rewarding when it comes together.” In keeping with the tight timeline, auditions for all three shows take place at once, during 10 days in April. Rehearsals for show one start by the beginning of May, for show two by the end of May, and for show three in early June. The core staff is joined by their seasonal employees as the pace — and workload — increases. In addition to producing all five annual shows, Davis typically directs the first show of the summer season. Logistically, it’s the only one she can do since her work as producer of the second and third shows is in full swing by the time the first show ends. Davis serves as the linchpin of the Plays-in-the-Park operation, a dynamic personality who keeps everyone motivated and everything moving.
During each show’s run, the staff spends the early part of the day fixing any scenery or props from the previous night’s performance. The rest of the day is spent preparing for the next shows. Davis, Griffin, and Cichon are backstage for every performance, along with a crew of seasonal employees — including Griffin’s carpentry team, which is on hand to fix any problems with the set. “Sometimes a part of the set will need to be fixed right away — especially if it’s a safety issue —so we’ll do that between scenes or acts if we can,” says Griffin. The entire staff’s efforts, and their phenomenal results, do not go entirely unnoticed. Plays-in-the-Park has a reputation for attracting top talent; many actors have gone on to perform on Broadway or in touring productions, and the musicians are all professional, union musicians. Performers come back year after year, in large part because the theater and its productions are so well run. The audience returns each year as well. Plays-in-the-Park’s affordable (tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for children under 12), high-quality productions bring in County residents and theater fans from across the region, with approximately 30,000 attendees or more each summer. “Because of the incredible support we receive from the Board of County Commissioners, we are able to produce excellent shows that attract crowds of all ages — we often have multiple generations of families attending shows together,” says Davis. “This is an affordable night o ut for families, and for so many children it’s their first experience seeing live theater and such talented actors and musicians. It often inspires them to pick up an instrument or explore a hobby or career in the arts. It’s a beautiful thing.” For information about Plays-in-the-Park, please visit MiddlesexCountyNJ.gov/PIP .
Rock of Ages 2023
School House Rock Live! Jr 2023
“A lot of people don’t realize what it takes to put on a play. There’s so much work that goes on behind the scenes, beyond what the audience sees on stage.” DAVE GRIFFIN Technical Director and General Supervisor of Trades
Beauty and the Beast 2024
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, 2024
“Plays-in-the-Park’s productions are always top-notch! The Board is proud to support such a talented team as they bring live theater to our community.” COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHARLES E. TOMARO Chair of the County’s Infrastructure Committee
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2025 SEASON
JUNE 18 - 28
JULY 9 - 19
JULY 30 - AUG 9
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10 Your Middlesex | 2025 Issue 1
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