🎭 A One-Night-Only Theatrical Event You Won’t Want to Miss
Freehold’s local theater scene continues to shine this season, thanks to the Center Players and their bold programming choices. On Monday, June 2, 2025, the community theater company will host the New Jersey premiere reading of “Walking Charlie”, a new romantic dramedy from acclaimed playwright Gary Morgenstein. The performance will take place at the elegant American Hotel (18-20 East Main Street) in the heart of downtown Freehold, starting at 7:00pm.
This special presentation is part of the Center Players’ ongoing monthly staged reading series, which has become a favorite among local theatergoers for its intimate, first-look access to new works. With a suggested donation of just $5, it’s an affordable evening of culture that supports the arts while showcasing the power of live storytelling.
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🎬 Meet “Walking Charlie”: Romance, Regret, and Second Chances
Written by Gary Morgenstein, a playwright known for tackling complex themes with warmth and wit, “Walking Charlie” is a thoughtful dive into the messiness of love, aging, and redemption. The play follows the story of Charlie, a man navigating the emotional wreckage of past decisions while facing a present full of possibility and unfinished business. Romance blooms unexpectedly, laughs emerge from pain, and audiences are left questioning what it really means to move forward.
The genre-defying script blends humor, heartache, and hope, offering a perfectly balanced night of theater that feels as real as life itself. Whether you’re a longtime theater aficionado or just dipping your toes into the local arts scene, “Walking Charlie” promises to resonate.
🏛️ The American Hotel: Where Historic Charm Meets Artistic Vision
The venue for this premiere reading—the historic American Hotel—is more than just a performance space. It’s a cornerstone of Freehold, known for its old-world charm, modern amenities, and vibrant role in the community’s cultural life. Hosting the reading in such a setting enhances the experience, creating a cozy, immersive atmosphere that allows the story to unfold organically.
🎟️ The Center Players: A Local Theatre Legacy
Based in downtown Freehold, the Center Players have been producing high-quality, thought-provoking theater for over two decades. Their commitment to fostering creativity and supporting playwrights—both emerging and established—makes them a pillar of the arts in Monmouth County. The monthly reading series is just one of the ways they cultivate artistic conversation and keep the New Jersey theater community fresh and forward-thinking.
Morgenstein’s work joins a growing roster of cutting-edge plays that have debuted in Freehold through the Center Players’ unique programming model. And with their emphasis on inclusivity and local participation, these events often blur the line between audience and performer, offering a uniquely collaborative vibe.
🌟 Why You Should Go
- 🎭 Be among the first in New Jersey to experience Gary Morgenstein’s latest play.
- 🏨 Enjoy the setting of Freehold’s beautiful American Hotel, perfect for a pre-show dinner or post-show conversation.
- 💬 Engage with local artists, actors, and fellow theater lovers.
- 💸 Support the arts with just a $5 suggested donation.
- 🎤 Take part in the post-reading Q&A and gain insight into the creative process.
📍 Event Details Recap:
🗓️ Date: Monday, June 2, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: The American Hotel, 18-20 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ
🎟️ Suggested Donation: $5
Don’t miss your chance to be part of New Jersey’s vibrant, ever-evolving theater scene. Whether you come for the drama, the dialogue, or just a memorable Monday night out, “Walking Charlie” is one step you’ll want to take.
✨ Keep an eye on more local theatrical gems by exploring our full Theatre section here.