Hidden Gem – Bell Theater

Aug 13, 2025 by The Jewish Voice And Opinion Staff

By The Jewish Voice And Opinion Staff

Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, the phonograph, and the movie camera (one of his more than 1,000 patents), and he created the first industrial research and development lab. Inspired by Edison, the idea of an R&D lab was attractive, as was the availability of inexpensive land in New Jersey. From the 1960s to 2007, AT&T’s research and development headquarters, Bell Labs, flourished in the suburbs of Holmdel, with as many as 6,000 engineers and researchers at its peak. Bell Labs was known for its contributions to various fields, including the invention of the laser, the cell phone, the concept of the Big Bang theory, and the development of the Unix operating system.

After Bell Labs closed in 2007, the building, located at 101 Crawfords Corner Rd. Holmdel, NJ, was revitalized. It became a large multi-purpose space with offices, retail, a library, dining, and provides a great indoor walking destination. There is even a Glatt Kosher and Pas Yisroel restaurant, Miznom, where we went for our pre-theater dinner.

In 2024, Bell Works added Bell Theater as a way to revitalize the building’s legacy of innovation.

Discovering Bell Works Theater and More

The Bell Theater is located on the lower level of Bell Works. It is a modern state-of-the-art theater that accommodates an audience of about 285. Creating an intimate setting with comfortable seating. We attended a performance of Steel Magnolias and were impressed by the high caliber of the performance, which included a cast of acclaimed Broadway actresses, up close and personal.

The superb six-woman cast included Charlotte D’Amboise, a two-time Tony-nominated actress and dancer, and recipient of the Fred and Adele Astaire award for Outstanding Female Dancer in a Broadway Show. Kathy Fitzgerald, a veteran Broadway actress who was in played Madame Morrible in Wicked, and Mrs. Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Nancy Opel, who appeared on Broadway in ‘Into the Woods’.  Amy Spanger, whose extensive Broadway credits include Kiss Me Kate, The Wedding Singer (for which she got a Drama Desk nomination), Rock of Ages, and Elf. Joining this powerful cast were Eve O’Brien and Sarah Suzuki, a Japanese/Jewish performer.

We felt that the acting was amazing, all around. The acting of Kathy Fitzgerald, in particular, brought unexpected levity to each situation with her facial expressions and zinging one-liners.

The cast delivered a wonderful performance of the classic Steel Magnolias, a production that explores life in Chinquapin, Louisiana, in 1985, set in a small hair salon. They deal with the ups and downs of life, from marriage to death. Over the course of 18 months, these women discover their greatest strength, their ability to rely on each other.

The show is poignant, heartbreaking at times. A true American drama classic.

As with most local theaters, the shows are limited runs. We look forward to attending future performances at Bell Theater.

Their next production will be A Night with Janis Joplin, and will run from October 3 – 19.

New Jersey Go-To Location

Bell Theater was an unexpected find. We saw a wonderful production of Steel Magnolias, with accomplished performers, in a local venue, with ample parking available and kosher food.

The Bell Works building provides a great destination for shopping, dining, walking, and theater.