The historic music and theatrical venue first opened its doors in 1926. Back then the landmark building in Red Bank, New Jersey was known as the Carlton Theater. In 1984, the theater, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, changed its name to honor jazz legend William 'Count' Basie, one of the town's native sons. The Count Basie Theater is one of the premiere venues in the Garden State to enjoy a concert or a play.
Parking and public transportation at the Count Basie Theater
The Count Basie Theater is conveniently located just a short walk from the Red Bank Train Station. Red Bank is a much-used stop on New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line. The popular line originates in Penn Station in New York and ends in Bayville. It also stops in several towns along the way such as Newark Penn Station, Newark Airport, and Woodbridge. Train riders simply need to disembark from the train at the Red Bank Station and walk two blocks east along Monmouth Street to the Count Basie Theater.
The Count Basie Theater does not have its own parking facility connected to the venue. Since Downtown Red Bank attracts a great deal of visitors, especially in the evening, parking on a performance day came be challenging, but not impossible. Try and arrive at least an hour or more before show time if you are traveling by car. Municipal parking is available within walking distance of the theater or Monmouth and Broad Streets as well as on White and Maple Streets. Parking is also available at the Red Bank Train Station and is free after 11 a.m. Red Bank also offers seven metered lots in Downtown Red Bank in addition to metered street parking.
Getting tickets at the Count Basie Theater
The Count Basie Theater does not sell tickets for their events through third party vendors. Tickets are sold directly through the Count Basie Theater at their box office, by telephone, of from the events page on the Count Basie Theater website. The box office is located on 99 Monmouth Street and is open Monday through Friday from 12 pm until 6 pm and on Saturdays from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. Generally, the box office is closed on Sundays unless there is a performance. Then, the box office is open three hours prior to the show's start time and thirty minutes after the show has started.
Tickets purchased in person at the Count Basie Theater Box Office are subject to a $2 non-refundable restoration fee per ticket. Patrons can phone the Box Office during the above office hours to order tickets at 732-842-9000. Phone orders are also subject to the $2 non-refundable restoration fee along with a $5 service fee. Both are applied to each ticket. Tickets purchased online at the Count Basie website will be charged a $2 non-refundable restoration fee in addition to a $7.50 service fee. All fees are applied per ticket not by order.
Types of concerts at the Count Basie Theater
The Count Basie Theater offers a wide range of entertainment including concerts, plays, and movies throughout the year. New Jersey greats Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi have appeared in charity events at the theater along with popular headliners such as Norah Jones, Kevin James, Melissa Etheridge, Rob Thomas, and the Plain White T's. Area schools routinely take advantage of theater productions like Mary Poppins during the academic year. The venue also hosts classic movie showings especially in the summer months.
Other places to visit near the Count Basie Theater
Red Bank is an extremely popular year-round destination in New Jersey. Located along the picturesque Navesink River, the town sports a plethora of trendy shops and restaurants that attracts large numbers of visitors especially in the summertime. Make sure to stop by YesterCades if you love old style video games and Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash if you are a comic book collector. The store is owned by writer/director and Jersey native, Kevin Smith. The nearby Red Bank Armory is one of the nicest ice rinks in the state and a great spot for an evening skate. Make sure to leave time for a walk down by the river. It's the perfect way to end the day.
Where to stay near the Count Basie Theater
If you are planning an overnight stay when coming in for a concert, Downtown Red Bank has a couple of great options. The historic Molly Pitcher Inn is located within walking distance of the Count Basie Theater. The inn sits right on the banks of the Navesink River. The Oyster Point Hotel is also within close proximity to the theater.
Insider tip for visitors to the Count Basie Theater
Red Bank really is a walking town. Once you arrive, you can easily spend the day exploring the New Jersey charmer on foot. Traveling to the town by train really is the best option if you are coming to the Count Basie Theater for a concert or show. Parking in Red Bank is a challenge when there isn't a performance at the theater. Add a concert into the mix and you will have a real headache finding a place to park your car. If you can arrive by train, do it and avoid the parking hassle. If you have to drive, plan on coming extremely early and kill the extra time before the show starts by having dinner at one of the town's fabulous restaurants. They have terrific ones that fit everyone's budget.
Author's bio: Dawn Miller is a freelance writer and mystery author. She lives in New Jersey.
Two River Theater is a theatre company that was founded in 1994 by Dr. Robert M. and Joan Rechnitz. It offers an 8 show season of classics as well as contemporary plays and musicals. Two River Theater also offers community and educational theater arts programs.
Phoenix Productions is an award-winning community theater company. The nonprofit organization works to create full-scale revivals of Broadway musicals at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank. The Broadway-sized theater has a professional stage with full-scale sets, costumes, lights and orchestra. Past productions include The Producers, Oklahoma!, Miss Saigon, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, High School Musical and Beauty and the Beast, among many others. Auditions are always open, and no roles are cast until auditions are complete; auditions usually take place eight to 10 weeks prior to a production's scheduled run. The company also offers Camp Phoenix, a summer camp program for kids who love to perform. Check the website for a schedule of shows and events and for more details on the theater company.
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