Red Bank Theater Watch: Free Movies, Music and Jim Gaffigan

There is a lot on the schedule this week at , including free films, workshops for songwriters, and a Christmas concert.

Start the week off on Tuesday, Dec. 13, with a free showing of the classic Tom Hank movie Big. What better way is there to spend the evening after dealing with the chaos that surrounds the holidays, and best of all, it’s free!

Big, directed by Penny Marshall, was released in 1988, and it is arguably one of Tom Hank’s most memorable roles. The story focuses on a 12-year-old boy who wishes he were an adult and suddenly wakes up with his wish fulfilled. The plot unfolds from there, following his journey as a kid in a grown up world.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14 and Thursday, Dec. 15, Count Basie presents the Songwriter’s Workshop with Gordon Brown. 

Brown is a NJ native who has written full records for his bands, Highway Nine, Samhill and Mr. Reality. Brown has also worked with major Nashville songwriters and new artists Alex Brumel, Rick Barry, Jerzy Jung, Natalie Stovall and Corey Wagar. Wagar is a new country artist, and Brown co-wrote her debut single Hurricane. The song is currently creeping its way up the country charts, and is in heavy roatation on the Jersey Shore's very own Thunder 106.

In his workshops, Brown urges students to center on the process of expressing feelings, one of the most crucial elements in any good song. Brown helps build  confidence and gives students the “courage to say what you need to say.”

Brown has spent the past year on the road performing and touring with Natalie Stovall, Jessie James and Corey Wagar. His workshop is presented by the Count Basie Theater Performing arts academy.

On Friday, Dec. 16, Nancy Scharff’s Christmas—The Gift of Love concert makes its way to the Basie stage. It is a festive and fun event that the whole family can enjoy.

A singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter, and conductor, the Asbury Park Press says that Nancy Scharff has, “An exceptionally sweet and powerful voice.” She has performed in Israel, South Africa, England, Australia, Europe, and domestically at Carnegie Recital Hall and Lincoln Center.

Accompanying Nancy is an Ecumenical Choir, (singers from many churches), Children's Choir, Gospel Choir, Bell Choir, 16-piece orchestra, and other special guests, Nancy and her band perform traditional and contemporary Christmas favorites, like “O Holy Night,” “Joy to the World”, and much more.

This year the show also incorporates a new, special treat-- The Three Tenors—singers Tony Buonarro, Thomas Bethman and James Gafgen. Audience participation is also a big part of the show, so make sure your vocal cords are rested!

Those attending are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for immediate assistance to the needy. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Love, INC., a faith based initiative that works to help the poor by meeting immediate needs such as food and clothing, and longer-term life skills, such as training and housing.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, comedian Jim Gaffigan takes to the stage. Comedian, actor and writer, Gaffigan is best known for having a clever, quiet style.  

Gaffigan, one of the five most successful touring comedians in the country, has made numerous appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and The Conan O’Brien show.  He wrote and did the voice for the animated series Pale Force on Conan’s show, which lead to a nomination for a Broadband Emmy and a Webby Award.

Gaffigan has also appeared on Flight of the Concords, Bored to Death and Law and Order. He has also appeared in movies such as Going the Distance, Away We Go and It’s Kind of a Funny Story. He will also appear in the upcoming film Salvation Boulevard, and has recently starred in his first Broadway production, That Championship Season.

 Schedule:

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011: Free Movie, Big, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011: Songwriter’s Workshop with Gordon Brown, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011: Songwriter’s Workshop with Gordon Brown, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16, 2011: Nancy Scharff’s Christmas – The Gift of Love, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 2011: Jim Gaffigan, 7 p.m.