Our box office opens at 5:30 pm and that's when gates will be opened to let folks into the lawn area to put down their chairs. A lot of factors figure into how early the line begins to form, and how long it might get: the weather report, the day of the week, and the type of show. It is hard to generalize, but a blockbuster family musical such as Wizard of Oz, on a sunny Friday with no prediction of rain, will most likely find a line forming about 2:00 pm in the afternoon, often building to about 200 patrons by the time we open the gates. This is the first rush, and these early birds take up the first several rows. Then, over the next few hours until 8:00 pm, there will be flurries of activity. But please keep in mind we comfortably seat 2000, so there are still plenty of spaces. You do not have to show up this early. It is a rare occasion indeed for us to turn anyone away, and more often than not it is because there are no more parking spaces.

On a night where there is a chance of isolated thunderstorms (which is just about every night it seems), the line will form about 4:00 p.m. and will reach 100 or so by 5:30 pm. So plan accordingly, but keep in mind that there are great seats throughout the arena so no need to rush to be here by the gate opening at 5:30 pm.

Yes, we provide the lawn - you provide the seats! We have found that standard woven-plastic lawn chairs, or the resin one-piece chairs, or canvas chairs in carrying bags are acceptable as long as the back is no higher than 40". If you do arrive with a chair higher than 40" we will have to ask you to sit in the area to the side, referred to as "the berm". When you accommodate as many as we do, there is a need to be specific as to the type of chairs allowed. If your seats are too tall, then the people behind you won't be able to see; and if you bring a blanket or a seat that is too low, you won't be able to see. Below are examples of the types of acceptable chairs:

This is the magic question. We at the theater never wish to cancel and will wait until the last possible minute, but there are a number of factors to consider. Even a light mist can ruin sound and lighting equipment, as well as the musician's instruments. Heavy downpours are dangerous to fleeing patrons and actors who could slip on the wet stage. It takes approximately 45 minutes of clear skies to dry out equipment and set up the orchestra, so if time does not allow for that delay, we will have to cancel the show. Generally, if it is raining at 8:00 p.m., we will cancel. If it is drizzling before 8:00 p.m. but stops at 8:00 p.m., we'll move forward.

Bottom line - we simply cannot predict the weather. If you are concerned about the weather, it may be better to schedule your visit when clear skies are predicted.

We do not. As an outdoor theater, we need to wait until it is dark in order for our lighting to be effective.

No, tickets are sold on the day of the performance only, beginning at 5:30 pm, at which time you may buy your ticket(s) and place your lawn seat(s) in the seating area. You can then leave - after getting your hand stamped - and have dinner. We ask that you return before curtain time of 8:00 pm

It is located just a dozen or so yards from the theater. As you approach PIP from Grandview Avenue and Pine Drive, the Park Rangers will guide you where to park your car (parking is free) and you will then see the two paths that lead to the box office. (This is where patrons arriving early queue up.)

We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards at the Box Office. View our Box Office policies.

Yes, as long as you have a ticket for every chair, and can carry all those chairs. You cannot save spaces without placing down a chair.

Only service animals are allowed into the theater.

Yes, there are picnic tables available. we ask all patrons to clean up the area after eating. We also have concession stands and Plays-in-the-Park is within walking distance from diners, pizzerias and the Menlo Park Mall. Alcohol is prohibited at the theater. There is a concession stand on premises.

Unfortunately, we cannot hold tickets.

Sometimes after a good soaking from summer rain, the parking area turns to mud and we have had cars get stuck. When possible, we will re-route you to enter at higher ground. Did you also know there is a paved parking area directly across from the theater?

On crowded nights it is important for us to maintain a flow of patrons getting safely in and out of the lawn area. By designating certain gates as entrances and others as exits, it makes this job easier. This gate set-up also helps us identify folks who have not yet purchased tickets and thus do not have rights to enter.

Absolutely. Just mention this to the Park Rangers who are directing traffic.

There are actually 4 sections for people with special needs - not only wheelchairs. Ample special needs seating is available down in front to the right and left of the center seating areas and in four smaller sections integrated throughout the center section. These sections are clearly marked by signage, green partitions, and blue paint. We no longer require reservations for our handicap seating, but patrons requiring assistance due to a disability are welcome to contact Amanda Sorrento at 732-584-2884. View more information about the Accessibility Services at Plays-in-the-Park.

Disability services include *Sign Language Interpretation, Audio Description, Open Captioning, Accessible Parking, and Barrier-free access to seating, rest rooms, box office, and parking areas. We also offer Large Print and Braille programs.

Should it rain during a performance, we may need to cancel the show for the safety of the audience, actors, technicians, and musicians. However, if you save your ticket stub, you may use it to attend any future summer performance up to a year later at no additional charge. You do not have to wait in the ticket buyer's line; There will be a special table set up where you can immediately exchange your stub for a new ticket on the night you decide to revisit us. The rain check line will open 3 minutes after the Box Office opens. There is only one chair allowed for each rain check ticket stub. Additional tickets cannot be purchased on the rain check line. The stub is only good for the summer shows. They are not valid for the children's musicals or "Joseph".

View official rainout dates.

Yes indeed! The regular admission price is $8; seniors 60 years of age and older are admitted for $5.

Our actors and backstage staff are all volunteers. We do not offer them complimentary tickets, but we do set aside 40 spaces on the lawn for cast and crew use.

This is where we monitor and control the sound. We moved it from the middle of the hill to provide more seating and to give us a better vantage point to work from. By the way, talking should be kept at a minimum at the top of the hill so that the engineers can hear properly.

Why in the world would you want to? You've missed part of the show and seating will be so limited! But yes, if you need to, be our guest.

On the house left side of the grassy knoll seating area there is a new, elevated grassy area, which is called a "berm". This area is designated for people without chairs, chairs that are too tall or too short, or folks with blankets.

Still have a question? Please call the theater at 732-548-2884, ext. 225

BOX OFFICE

https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/find-programs-and-resources/parks-and-recreation/plays-in-the-park/box-office-info

Performances are every night at 8 pm, except Sunday. There are no Sunday shows.