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Arts & Entertainment

Red Bank Theater Talk: Legends, Rock and Roll and Free Classics

Check out what's going on at the Count Basie this week.

Get ready to rock out this week when Count Basie Theater presents “Rock the Basie: Adult Band Camp Showcase” today.

If you are in the mood for something a little lighter, head to the Basie on Thursday to hear the smooth styling’s of Dick Fox’s Golden Boys featuring Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell.

If cynicism has gotten the best of you this week, and you are wondering why nothing in this life is free, Count Basie Theater is the place for you. This week, they are showing four classic films in the ultimate classic setting—all for free. Stop by Wednesday, Friday or Sunday to catch up on classics such as It Happened One Night, Fantasia, The Black Stallion, and Chicago.

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“Rock the Basie” lets adult musicians live the dream. Beginning in a 10 week course for adult musicians from any age group, each musician gets to work in a “master class” setting with Marc Muller—guitarist, producer, arranger and writer—from the Berklee College of Music. Muller has worked with legends such as Elton John, Shania Twain, Carly Simon and many others. 

The musicians in the program are paired off in groups to form a band.  Each week they attend a class unlike any class you’ve probably attended—there is work on music, performance and a focus on the ever important stage presence. The music styles vary and usually feature classic rock, blues, country and even some jazz.

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The program culminates with Tuesday’s performance, which gives everyone the chance to play onstage to a live, screaming audience.

If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, visit Count Basie on Thursday night and let yourself slip back in time as you listen to the familiar voices of Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell. The three stars were reunited by producer Dick Fox and now perform as The Golden Boys. 

The show highlights the greatest hits of each performer, such as “Turn Me Loose,” “Wild One,”  “Bobby Sox to Stockings,” “Tiger,” and more. The show has become a hit with those looking to reconnect to days gone by but also to a whole new generation of fans.

Be sure to stop by the Count Basie on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday to indulge in one of life’s little pleasures—free classic movies on a big screen.

On Wednesday Count Basie will be showing It Happened One Night. A Frank Capra film made in 1934, It Happened One Night features screen legends Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. It was the first movie to win all five major Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

A romantic comedy of sorts, this is the movie that put Clark Gable on the map as one of Hollywood’s most sought after male stars of the 1930’s. The story revolves around a recently married “spoiled young heiress,” who, after being kept from her new husband by her father, runs away to try and reunite with her love. Along the way, she meets Gable, a reporter, and romance and comedy ensue.

On Friday, Count Basie will show the classic 1940 film Fantasia. The Disney film has eight different stories set to classical music performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. The movie is a delight to the ears and eyes and is a hit with multiple generations.

On Sunday, two movies are on tap. Catch the 2pm matinee of the 1979 story of a boy and his horse in the heartwarming film The Black Stallion. The movie centers on Alec Ramsey, who becomes shipwrecked on a deserted island with a mysterious Arabian stallion. The film follows their friendship on the island and after they are rescued.

At 7pm, take in the glittering sights and sounds of Chicago, the 2002 musical featuring Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta Jones. The film focuses on two beautiful, tough women who end up in prison after exerting a little too much passion for their lovers.  The film is based on the Broadway musical and won an Academy Award for Best Picture.

  • Tuesday, March 29, 2011:  Rock the Basie at 8pm
  • Wednesday, March 30, 2011: *Free Film* It Happened One Night  at 7pm
  • Thursday, March 31, 2011:  The Golden Boys with Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell 8pm
  • Friday, April 1, 2011: *Free Film* Fantasia at 7pm
  • Sunday, April 3, 2011: *Free Film* The Black Stallion at 2pm
  • Sunday, April 3, 2011: *Free Film* Chicago at 7pm
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