Author Archives: Tom Chesek

TRTC’s 20th SEASON: AS YOU LIKE IT

Tony nominee Michael Cumpsty, Tony and Oscar winner Joel Grey, and Jade King Carroll make their Two River Theater directorial debuts during the just-announced 2013-2014 season. By TOM CHESEK As John Dias tells it, “We want to make sure we’re doing work that you want to see.” The nationally renowned producer and artistic director of [...]

RED BANK: CUMPSTY DONS COWARD’S ROBE

Tony nominee Michael Cumpsty, left is at the center of a “vortex of neurosis,” as Nöel Coward’s “Present Laughter” comes to Two River Theater in a production directed by “Frasier” co-creator David Lee, right.  By TOM CHESEK Just about one year ago, actor Michael Cumpsty — then a Tony nominee for his role as Judy [...]

RED BANK: KEEPING BOBFEST FRESH

Shore troubador Pat Guadagno returns to the Count Basie Theatre Thursday for the 2013 edition of the Bob Dylan birthday bash known as BOBFEST. (photo by John Posada) By TOM CHESEK Like the grandest and most history-steeped Chuck E. Cheese on the planet, the Count Basie Theatre has been the setting for some special birthday [...]

VISIONS OF LATINO CULTURES, “AQUÍ Y ALLÁ”

The acclaimed documentary feature HARVEST OF EMPIRE screens at Two River Theater Sunday night as part of a three-day Vision Latin-American Film Festival at locations around Monmouth County.  By TOM CHESEK Its performance spaces may have gone momentarily dark between mainstage productions — but this weekend, Red Bank’s Two River Theater becomes one of the [...]

CHEECH & CHONG’S NEXT MOVE: A BASIE DATE

Reunited once more for their most ambitious tour in over 25 years, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong take it to the boards of the Count Basie on May 1 for an evening of  mirth, music and munchie-inducing classic routines. By TOM CHESEK  Is this any way to observe 420 Day? If you’re the elder stoner [...]

RED BANK: A RIDE FROM OHIO TO AUSCHWITZ

Playwright Lisa Kron performs her one-woman show 2.5 MINUTE RIDE, opening this weekend at Two River Theater. (Photo by T. Charles Erickson. Click to enlarge) By TOM CHESEK In the hands of its creator, it’s a thrill ride unlike any other, a midway attraction that clatters up a rollercoaster track in Ohio’s Cedar Point amusement [...]

PHOENIX: ‘ANYTHING’ FOR A LAUGH, AND LOVE

Clockwise from center: Jennifer Grasso, Kelsey Susino, Torie-Marie Gigante, Carly Nelson and Taylor Wallace are Reno Sweeney and the Angels, as the shipboard romp ANYTHING GOES marks the maiden voyage for a new season of Phoenix Productions musicals. (Photos courtesy Phoenix Productions) By TOM CHESEK The way Gary Shaffer sees it, “this is the best [...]

RED BANK: AN ELECTRIC RIDE AT TWO RIVER

Antoinette LaVecchia, Nick Lehane, Lizbeth Mackay, Lucy DeVito and Steven Skybell in THE ELECTRIC BABY, the ensemble drama by Stefanie Zadravec now onstage at Two River Theater. (Photos by T. Charles Erickson) By TOM CHESEK To enter Two River Theater is to find a portal into another world; a passage to places that range from [...]

RED BANK ORK’S GOT PLENTY OF GERSHWIN

Grammy-nominated trumpeter Jon Faddis inaugurates a new series of “Talkin’ Jazz” events at the Count Basie tonight — then joins the Red Bank Jazz Orchestra this Sunday for a salute to George Gershwin. By TOM CHESEK April, in case you didn’t know, is National Jazz Appreciation Month, and here in the borough that birthed the [...]

RED BANK: BIG BAND HOSTS BIG TROMBONE

Conductor Joe “Mooche” Muccioli with the “freight train” that is the Red Bank Jazz Orchestra, which takes to the Count Basie Theatre boards for the first in a new series of themed concert events Sunday. By TOM CHESEK Red Bank doesn’t have riverboat casino gambling. There’s no year-round Santa Claus Village no go-kart track. You’ll [...]

RED BANK: TRTC ON TRACK WITH ‘TWO TRAINS’

The cast and set of AUGUST WILSON’S TWO TRAINS RUNNING, now onstage at Two River Theater. Below, actor Chuck Cooper. (Photos by Michal Daniel) By TOM CHESEK In an interview with redbankgreen last year, stage/screen actor and director  Ruben Santiago-Hudson told us, “Being involved with the work of August Wilson changes people. People of all [...]

FINDING MR. WRIGHT, ON A STEAMY NIGHT

Blues and reggae specialist Gary Wright comes to the historic Woman’s Club of Red Bank for the latest in a series of Reckless Steamy Nights. (Photo by Terri GO Seminoles Walliczek) By TOM CHESEK It was no less an old bluesman than John Lennon who said, “the blues is a chair, not a design for [...]

CHRISTOPHER CROSS SAILING INTO RED BANK

Grammy’d-up singer-songwriter Christopher Cross comes to Red Bank’s Two River Theater for an Intimate Evenings concert (and a benefit for Sandy Relief) on Thursday. By TOM CHESEK To a huge cross-section of humanity, his songs are integrated with the Soundtrack To Our Lives — whether the number one hit ballad “Sailing” was on the turntable [...]

TALKING TOADS AND KID LIT, AT TWO RIVER

 Tituss Burgess as Mr. Toad (center) with Tom Deckman as Mole (left) and Nick Choksi as Water Rat (right, in car) in A WIND IN THE WILLOWS CHRISTMAS at Two River Theater. (Photos by T. Charles Erickson) By TOM CHESEK He’s the impulsive, fad-conscious, spendthrift, anthropomorphized amphibian at the heart of the classic children’s book [...]

FOR SEA BRIGHT, A NOT-SO-SECRET SANTA

Jersey Shore barband legend Brian Kirk (above, at the 2001 Oysterfest in Red Bank) and his band of partystarting Jirks come to the Count Basie on December 20 for a sold-out Sea Bright Rising benefit. Below, actress-musician Jill Hennessey is also slated to appear. (Click to enlarge) By TOM CHESEK The way Brian Kirk tells [...]


    • Click teeth to read "comments on comments" file. Click GIF file to enlarge.
  • recent comments:

    • 06.18 - Book Discussion at the Library The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch hosts a discussion of Ayelet Waldman's novel RED HOOK ROAD.
    • 06.18 - Caregiver Support Group at Red Bank Library The RBPL hosts Colleen Smith of the Monmouth County Office on Aging in a free informational presentation, aimed at those who care for aged family members or other elderly citizens. Call 732.308.3770 x8780 for more info.
    • 06.18 - SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody Inspired by the guilty pleasures of the blockbuster FIFTY SHADES books, this touring musical satire offers 'comedy, musical numbers, sexy striptease performances from the devilishly handsome leading man,' plus a chance to 'pose for a photo with Mr. Dangerous himself!'
    • 06.19 - Book Discussion at the Library The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch hosts a discussion of Ayelet Waldman's novel RED HOOK ROAD. Sessions at 10am and 7:30pm.
    • 06.19 - Noble Writers at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a free weekly Wednesday morning meeting of the writing group for women, with all welcome to join and no registration required.
    • 06.19 - Jersey Inchkins Red Bank Library hosts a club made up of adults who do 'very little work.' Every third Wednesday of each month, club members build houses, rooms, scenes, and vignettes in miniature, usually on a scale of one inch to one foot.
    • 06.19 - PRESENT LAUGHTER Two River Theater Company revisits the works of Noel Coward with this witty and sophisticated 'valentine to the theater,' in which Tony nominated Broadway stage star Michael Cumpsty stars as the debonair, mature and very neurotic leading man Gary Essendine. David Lee (creator of TV's FRASIER) directs. Shows at 1pm and 7pm.
    • 06.19 - Time Out with Timber, at Red Bank Library Certified therapy dog Timber visits the Avice Noblett Children's Room at Red Bank Library, to 'sit and listen as hesitant and reluctant readers, and dog lovers too, ages 5 and over, read to him.' Call or visit the Children's Room to sign up for a 15 minute 'Time Out with Timber' reading session, on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
    • 06.19 - Sandy Hook Beach Concerts: British Invasion Tribute The summertime series of free Wednesday evening concerts on the Hook continues on the portable stage and sandy seating area at Beach Area E.
    • 06.19 - Readin' on the River at RBPL The Red Bank Public Library hosts its monthly (third Wednesday) adult book discussion group, with the featured book THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING by Carson McCullers. Register with Patrice Baldino at 732.842.0690.
    • 06.19 - Conversational Spanish Classs at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a free weekly Wednesday evening program (conducted by Maria Jose Martinez Reid) for adults and teens who want to start or improve their Spanish speaking skills. No registration required.
    • 06.19 - Reggae Night with Random Test A Wednesday night tradition in Red Bank continues, as the Shore based partystarters bring the warm and the cool to Jamian's Food & Drink.
    • 06.19 - Guns for Hire Trio Appearing every Wednesday night in June, at Walt Street Pub.
    • 06.19 - Paul Heaney Trio Appearing Wednesday nights in June, downstairs at The Downtown.
    • 06.20 - Neighbors Helping Neighbors at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a free weekly Thursday morning meeting of the support group for people who are re—entering the job market, struggling small business owners and anyone looking for part—time or volunteer work.
    • 06.20 - Final Exam Study Session for Teens Middletown Main Library hosts a study session in the air conditioned community room, with tutors and snacks available and no registration required.
    • 06.20 - Yoga Kids at RBPL The Avice Noblett Children's Room at Red Bank Public Library hosts free yoga sesions for kids ages 5 and up, conducted by Alice Balzarini. Registration required; bring your own mat.
    • 06.20 - Chris Roselle Appearing at Basil T's for several Thursday night sets.
    • 06.20 - PRESENT LAUGHTER Two River Theater Company revisits the works of Noel Coward with this witty and sophisticated 'valentine to the theater,' in which Tony nominated Broadway stage star Michael Cumpsty stars as the debonair, mature and very neurotic leading man Gary Essendine. David Lee (creator of TV's FRASIER) directs.
    • 06.20 - Rock N Roll Karaoke The band from NYC's Arlene's Grocery hosts this popular weekly feature at The Downtown, in which civilian hopefuls can front a hard—rocking combo on any of a couple hundred classic rock favorites.
    • 06.21 - Yoga for Adults Amy Novak leads a free Friday afternoon session at Red Bank Library. No registration required; bring your own mat.
    • 06.21 - Harry & Joel Those cats from Cats, Diamonds and other legendary Jersey Shore bands return to Basil T's for several Friday night sets.
    • 06.21 - PRESENT LAUGHTER Two River Theater Company revisits the works of Noel Coward with this witty and sophisticated 'valentine to the theater,' in which Tony nominated Broadway stage star Michael Cumpsty stars as the debonair, mature and very neurotic leading man Gary Essendine. David Lee (creator of TV's FRASIER) directs.
    • 06.21 - Tracy Morgan The Emmy nominated star of 30 ROCK (and SNL and Kevin Smith flicks etc.) returns to Red Bank for another standup stopover on the Basie boards.
    • 06.21 - Matt Noffsinger at Walt Street Pub Appearing at station stop Red Bank for some Friday night sets.
    • 06.21 - Jukebox Criminals Appearing upstairs at The Downtown.
    • 06.22 - AAUW Used Booksale Thousands of best sellers, children's books, paperbacks, DVDs and more at bargain basement prices — as the American Association of University Women used book sale continues every Saturday (except holidays) in the spacious basement of the Old First Church in Middletown.
    • 06.22 - The Great Outdoor Family Festival The Great Lawn at the Lincroft campus of Brookdale Community College is the setting for a celebration of the great outdoors, presented by the neighboring Monmouth Museum (with local private and nonprofit partners) as a way of encouraging everyone to take a 'staycation' and support the economy of our Jersey Shore. Featured are games and activities, live music, camping demos, nature crafts, artwork, story—telling, entertainment, antique cars, bumper cars, miniature golf, boardwalk treats, souvenirs and guided tours through the museum's featured exhibition, America Hits the Road. Rain date is Sunday, June 23.
    • 06.22 - One on One Help with Your Resume at RBPL Red Bank Public Library offers hourlong sessions by appointment with librarian volunteers, who assist job seekers with creating or updating a resume to compete effectively in today's job market. Please call or visit the Reference Desk to sign up for this free program.
    • 06.22 - Collage Klatch at RBPL Red Bank Public Library's local history librarian Elizabeth McDermott hosts a free monthly session open to anyone interested in the art of collage. No registration necessary; pick up a materials list at the library.
    • 06.22 - Falun Dafa Cultivation Class Middletown Main Library hosts an introduction to the Chinese self cultivation practice (aka Falun Gong) that improves mental and physical wellness through a series of easy to learn exercises, meditation and development of one's Heart/Mind Nature (Xinxing).
    • 06.22 - PRESENT LAUGHTER Two River Theater Company revisits the works of Noel Coward with this witty and sophisticated 'valentine to the theater,' in which Tony nominated Broadway stage star Michael Cumpsty stars as the debonair, mature and very neurotic leading man Gary Essendine. David Lee (creator of TV's FRASIER) directs. Shows at 3pm and 8pm.
    • 06.22 - Red Bank StreetLife The summertime Saturday night series of free local music showcases returns to the sidewalks and storefronts of the borough’s business district for a 13th season, with performers and locations TBA.
    • 06.22 - Steve and Johnny Appearing at Basil T's for several Saturday night sets.
    • 06.22 - An Evening with Terence Blanchard at CBA As a fundraiser for the Performing Arts programs at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, the CBA Jazz Series presents the five time Grammy winning trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader in the intimate setting of the school's Henderson Theatre. He'll be joined in the Terence Blanchard Group by special guests Ravi Coltrane, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Robert Hurst III and Fabian Almazan for a set that draws from his new release MAGNETIC and a catalog that includes acclaimed jazz albums, film scores and a voice role in THE PRINCESS & THE FROG. Seating is limited to 350 tickets; an additional 25 dollars allows access to a cocktail reception prior to the show. Click for phone link to reserve.
    View All Events