Bell Works New Jersey Announces Completion of Bell Theater

On Apr 26, 2024

Bell Works announced the grand opening of Bell Theater at Bell Labs in Holmdel – the property’s new home for outstanding cultural and arts programming, including professional theater, dance, concerts and films. Already a hub of business and community gatherings, the metroburb will become a cultural beacon for the state featuring intimate concerts and innovative productions of new and classic musicals, plays, and dance pieces.

The world premiere of 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.

A grand opening weekend for the Bell Theater 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 at Bell Theater 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.

“The reincarnation of the historical Bell Labs into Bell Works is one of my proudest achievements,” said Ralph Zucker, Founder and CEO of Inspired by Somerset Development. “As Bell Works continues to shine as one of New Jersey’s most unique destinations, we look forward to this most exciting stage: the opening of the new Bell Theater. The arts at Bell Works will expand our outreach and community engagement. We look forward to welcoming music, art and theater lovers to our Metroburb.”

“Art, music, history, dance, and innovation push me to create and it is my sole mission to cultivate a community that has a similar curiosity and appreciation for arts and culture,” said Paola Zamudio, creative director & lead designer of Bell Works. “It is important to make the arts accessible, and what better place than Bell Works to be a hub? We are thrilled to bring Bell Theater to the metroburb. I look forward to seeing the future activations here be the driving force to inspire others, as that is what Bell Works thrives on.”

“We are delighted to be joining forces with Bell Works to open the new Bell Theater,” said Andrew DePrisco, Executive Artistic Director of Bell Theater. “Having a new state-of-the-art venue where we can present concerts, musicals, plays, dance events and so much more is incredibly exciting for central New Jersey. We look forward to welcoming Broadway artists including LaChanze, Sierra Boggess, Andrea McArdle, John Lloyd Young, Adam Pascal and many more, as well as presenting Bell Comedy Nights, jazz artists, dance companies and the best of the local rock scene.”

The development of the Bell Theater was made possible by a donation from Sheldon and Anne Vogel – who are well known for their commitment to growing artistic programming throughout New Jersey. Additionally, this realization of Bell Theater has been accomplished through financial assistance from The New Jersey State Council on the Arts in cooperation with and administered by the New Jersey Historic Trust.

Students at the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy located at Bell Works studying dance, musical theater, film acting and more, will enjoy opportunities to perform on the stage in showcases and small productions.

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