RED BANK: A COMPELLING A CAPPELLA
The 2015 touring stage show from the NBC TV series THE SING-OFF takes it back to Basie’s place for a Friday night showcase of vocal artistry, performed live “without a net.”
Even as it’s come to capitalize upon a wave of popular interest in stage shows based on hit TV programs, the Count Basie Theatre has demonstrated just how diverse such shows can be. For every live appearance by a psychic, ghost hunter, dog whisperer, cake boss or skinnygirl with a handheld mic and a video clip screening, there’s a talent-competition entertainment that really delivers old-school bang for the buck — prime among them The Sing-Off, the touring roadshow of which returns to Red Bank this Friday night, February 20.
Scheduled for 8 pm, it’s a truly hi-def highlight that stars an ensemble of returning favorites from the top-rated NBC-TV a capella contest — Season Four finalists Voiceplay, who co-starred in a Count Basie engagement almost a year to the day from this Friday’s booking. They’ll be joined by Season Two fan-faves Streetcorner Symphony — as well as a third group of recent finalists TBA — for an “ultimate a cappella experience” that promises “versions of this year’s chart topping hits as well as favorite arrangements from the TV show” and other surprises.
Musical director and “Godfather of Contemporary A Cappella” Deke Sharon has also promised the participation of a local vocal group, an ongoing tradition for all stops along the Sing-Off tour itinerary. for Tonight, the Basie adds another hi-def highlight to the mix, as they host the first-ever touring edition of the hit NBC talent contest .Tickets ($29.50 – $75) can be reserved right here — and there’s also an available $125 VIP option, allowing ticketholders access to a pre-show meet and greet, premium seating, a “private a cappella performance,” photo ops and Q&A with “select” cast members, plus “crowd-free merchandise shopping,” exclusive souvenirs and more.