Category Archives: Theater

WEEKENDER: CHANCES ARE, CATS WILL FLY

At the Basie Saturday afternoon: dogs and cats rescued from shelters and given a new, ahem, leash on life as circus performers. Matt O’Ree, below, brings his guitar chops to Jamian’s tonight.  (Click to enlarge) Friday, May 3: RED BANK: The high-energy Marty and the Martians make their debut in a series of Friday night [...]

ON THE GREEN: A FULLY-BOOKED WEEKEND

A weekend of belly-busters and bargains awaits visitors to Red Bank’s International Flavour Festival on Sunday, above, and the Townwide Yard Sale on Saturday, below. (Photo by Alexis Orlacchio. Click to enlarge) By ALEXIS ORLACCHIO Friday, April 26: LINCROFT: Score some points at the “Hoops for Hope” basketball tournament to support the Community YMCA’s Strong Kids [...]

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 [...]

LET’S GIVE THIS WEEKEND A BIG HAND…

The Two River Theater has a full weekend in store, with a play opening Saturday and a Kids’ Day Sunday. Below, Geri Grey’s photo, ‘Many Hands,’ from the Sprung! show at Gallery U. (Click to enlarge) By ALEXIS ORLACCHIO Friday, April 5: LINCROFT: Visit Brookdale Community College for the opening reception of Cotillion, the AFA [...]

A SHAKING, BOUNCING, OOH-LA-LA WEEKEND

Grace and the Nocturnals bring a bit of ooh-la-la to the Basie tonight. Bar Bounce bops into Red Bank for Hurricane Sandy relief Saturday. (Click to enlarge) Friday, February 22 RED BANK: Two River Theater continues its presentation of August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running,” with performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. [...]

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 [...]

WEEKEND: BIG BAND, ‘TWO TRAINS’ & ART

Thomas Lauderdale, who appears with his band, Pink Martini, at the Count Basie tonight, discusses his music. Below, Owiso Odera and Roslyn Ruff in ‘Two Trains Running,’ at the Two River Theater. (Photo by Michal Daniel. Click to enlarge) Friday, February 15 RED BANK: Two River Theater continues its presentation of August Wilson’s “Two Trains [...]

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 [...]

WEEKEND: BOOK SHOPPING, RUNNING, ART…

The Friends of the Red Bank Public Library three-day book sale kicks off Friday night with a reception, hits its stride Saturday, and concludes with a fill-a-bag coda on Monday. (Click to enlarge) Friday, February 1 SHREWSBURY: Shrewsbury’s branch of the Monmouth County Library will host Dr. Janice Thomas from Brookdale Community College at 11 [...]

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 [...]

WEEKENDER: HOME SHOW, RECOVERY, SATIRE

The Daily Show political correspondent John Oliver brings his mordant wit to the Basie, and former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand is at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional to to discuss his book, below. (Click to enlarge) Friday, January 11 LINCROFT: The Robert J. Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College hosts the 23rd annual expo of home [...]

SCHOOL ARTS TO GET INSTRUCTOR BOOST

Count Basie CEO Adam Philipson and director of education Yvonne Lamb Scudiery meet the press on Tuesday. (Photo by Wil Fulton. Click to enlarge) By WIL FULTON Red Bank’s youngest students can expect an extra-dose of performance-art based teaching in their upcoming curriculum, thanks in part to the hometown Count Basie Theatre and the John F. [...]

LEGO OF 2012 THIS WEEKEND

Little Silver residents will once again take on the challenge of rendering their town in Legos Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Pardee; click to enlarge) For the final weekend of the year, some amusements and diversions… Friday, December 28 RED BANK: Two River Theater hosts a performance of “A Wind in the Willows Christmas” at [...]


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    • 05.25 - 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.
    • 05.25 - Spring Book Sale at Eastern Branch The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury hosts the annual sale, running during normal library hours for one more day only.
    • 05.25 - 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.
    • 05.25 - American Sign Language for Tweens The Middletown Main Library hosts a series of ASL instruction workshops for ages 8 to 12 (with tween instructors Sarah and Phoebe), each Sunday afternoon in May. Registration is required (click for phone and email links).
    • 05.25 - Steve and Johnny Appearing at Basil T's for several Saturday night sets.
    • 05.25 - Chris Roselle Appearing at Basil T's for several Friday night sets.
    • 05.25 - Summer Comedy Benefit at the Basie, starring Artie Lange and Rich Vos The nonprofit Rebuild Seaside organization presents the first in a series of shows at the Count Basie, dedicated to post Sandy rebuilding efforts in and around the Ocean County resort of Seaside Heights. Rich Vos (TV's Last Comic Standing) emcees a show that toplines the Red Bank return of king of most media (and Toms River resident) Artie Lange, plus Bonnie McFarlane, Chris DeStefano and Dave Saitzyk.
    • 05.25 - The Haven Appearing for some Saturday night sets, at Walt Street Pub.
    • 05.25 - Mike Plunkett Appearing at Molly Maguire's Black Point Inn in Rumson.
    • 05.26 - Sunday Morning Dialog at UUCMC As part of its May series of guest speaker events, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County in Lincroft hosts a group of homeschooling moms, in a discussion entitled 'Homeschooling in NJ, Not As Crazy As You Think.' Preceded at 8:45am with serving of bagels and coffee in the community room.
    • 05.26 - Red Bank Farmers Market Fresh, locally grown produce from some of New Jerseys finest farmers, plus equally homegrown crafts, at this Sunday morning staple running May through the end of November in the Galleria parking lot.
    • 05.26 - The Ribeye Brothers It's a Memorial Weekend tradition: classics like 'D.W.I.' and 'Drinkin' and Stinkin;' selections from the new release CALL OF THE SCRAPHEAP, and other prime cuts of red meat from the leaner (but no less meaner) poobahs of punk/ swamp/ garage frenzy — served up with gusto (and with The Neverly Brothers opening) outside The Dub.
    • 05.26 - Open Mic with Rob Dye and Mike Ghegan The Sunday night event is THE place to find musicians congregating, hanging out, trying new ideas, cutting up on some classics and generally enjoying one of the MUST events for Jersey Shore music fans.
    • 05.27 - Shrewsbury Borough Memorial Day Observation All are invited to the annual ceremony at Patriot Isle (corner of Route 35 and Sycamore Avenue), with the event followed by refreshments at Shrewsbury Hose Company #1 on Route 35, also the site for the ceremony in case of rain. Click for phone link to more info.
    • 05.27 - River Rats Community Picnic in Fair Haven The 'River Rats' of the Fair Haven Sailing Club invite local residents to join them for a community cookout following the Memorial Day Parade, beginning 11:30 am at the club’s site (foot of Batten Road, next to the Fair Haven launching ramp). Hot dogs, cold drinks and dessert provided free of charge, with applications available for families interested in sailing lessons for their children this summer. Click for link to more info on the River Rats sail training programs for adults and children, or how to join and store your kayak.
    • 05.27 - Pat Guadagno at Jamian's A Monday night Red Bank tradition continues, as the Shore's celebrated 'saloon singer' resumes his weekly solo sets to Jamian's Food & Drink.
    • 05.28 - Story Time with Kate Benedict The Little Silver Librarian hosts weekly story sessions for Toddler (ages 2 to 3; 9:30am), Baby (ages 10 to 24 months; 10:30am), Preschool (ages 3 to 5 years; 1:30pm) and School Age (grades K and up; 3:39pm) audiences.
    • 05.28 - PC Roundtable at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts the monthly Brookdale Computer Users Group workshop for intermediate and advanced users, with an opportunity to 'discuss problems you are having with your computer with the experts.'
    • 05.28 - Baseball stories and craft at Oceanic Library All ages are invited to a Family Program session at the Oceanic Free Library, with a special afternoon celebrating the season of America's grand pastime.
    • 05.29 - 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.
    • 05.29 - Max and Ruby Story Marathon The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch invites grades K and up to listen to lovable bunny stories y Rosemary Wells. Space is limited; registration required.
    • 05.29 - 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.
    • 05.29 - Your Health Benefits Checkup In observance of Older Americans Month, the Red Bank Public Library hosts a free program presented by the National Council on Aging and Alcoeur Gardens. Register by phone or at the Reference Desk.
    • 05.29 - National Book Award Author Nathaniel Philbrick in Fair Haven River Road Books hosts the National Book Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist, in a reading and signing of his new book BUNKER HILL at the nearby Nauvoo Grill Club on Fair Haven Road. Reservations required; call 732.747.9455.
    • 05.29 - Bill Burr A frequent flyer on talk shows, TV series (BREAKING BAD), movies and podcasts takes it to the Basie boards for a debut headline set.
    • 05.29 - 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.
    • 05.29 - Guns for Hire Trio Appearing every Wednesday night in May, at Walt Street Pub.
    • 05.30 - 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.
    • 05.30 - Book Club at Oceanic Library Helen Simonson's debut novel MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND is the topic for dicussion, as Cynthia Dannen invites readers to the monthly session at the Oceanic Free Library in Rumson. Registration recommended; light refreshments served.
    • 05.30 - Teen Jazz Coffee House at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a Thursday evening session featuring students from Middletown High School North, under the guidance of Mike Coppolla.
    • 05.30 - 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.
    • 05.30 - 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.
    • 05.31 - Yoga for Adults Amy Novak leads a free Friday afternoon session at Red Bank Library. No registration required; bring your own mat.
    • 05.31 - Friday Knitters at Oceanic Library Crocheters are welcome too, as the Oceanic Free Library in Rumson invites needlecraft enthusiasts of all levels to bring your projects to show and share.
    • 05.31 - Riverfest Food and Music Festival Returning to Marine Park for 2013, the three day smorgasbord of savory tastes, savvy sounds, sensational activities and sunsets opens (beginning at 5pm) with food from some 20 local favorite restaurants and vendors; a Rock the River Waterfront Stage (hosted by Musicians on a Mission), plus Navesink River cruises, an Artisan's Alley, kiddie rides, and more. Live music tonight by Red Bank School of Rock, Eryn Shewell, Secret Sound and Motor City Revue; click for link to more details.
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