‘East Carson Street’ musical makes a moving story out of Joe Grushecky’s songs

I have seen many concerts by Joe Grushecky, with and without his band The Houserockers, over the past few decades. And I’ve never once had the thought, “Gee, these songs would work really well in a stage musical.”

But Jonathan Rosenberg did. And “East Carson Street” — featuring Grushecky’s songs, Rosenberg’s book and direction by Daniel Kutner — proves that this was a stroke of genius. Grushecky’s gritty songwriting, combined with a truly affecting story that Rosenberg has created to link them all, and passionate singing by 12 actors — nearly everyone gets at least one moment to shine — makes for a moving and memorable theatrical experience in the musical’s current premiere at the sparkling new Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel READ MORE