The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank announced a $20 million expansion project, which will include stage upgrades, a glass-walled lobby area and a “Second Space” multi-use venue that will help shape the historic theater’s future as a regional center for arts and education. COURTESY OF COUNT BASIE THEATER The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank announced an ambitious $20 million expansion plan that will help shape the historic theater’s future as a regional center for arts and education.
“Our mission is to serve the region by providing a diversity of programs, [but] the Basie has reached its capacity for mainstage performances and educational offerings, and some of the facility here hasn’t been attended to since the theater opened in 1926,” said Tom Widener, chairman of the Count Basie’s board of trustees and directors, at a press conference on Oct. 26.
“We are excited to unveil a plan to transform the Basie into a regional center for arts and education.”
According to Adam Philipson, president and CEO of Count Basie Theatre, properties to both the east and west of the venue along Monmouth Street have been acquired throughout the years, and part of the plan for the future is to establish an entire city block and creative campus dedicated to the performing arts. “We decided on ‘The Future Is Now’ as our capital campaign slogan because it really invites you all to be part of a legacy,” Philipson told press conference attendees, who included local and county officials.
“In 10 years the Count Basie Theatre will celebrate its 100th birthday, and so as a community resource it is really time for us to prepare for the century to come, and what we envision is a true regional center for the performing arts. A full city block of talent, entertainment, education, passion and discovery.”
Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna said the expansion would be a huge benefit not only to the borough but also to the entire region.
“The Count Basie Theatre has helped Red Bank grow into a destination over the past 90 years, bringing in hundreds of thousands of visitors to our local businesses,” he said.
“The Basie will continue to be a catalyst for growth in Red Bank and the area as this new vision for the area will create over 100 new jobs for local residents and friends.
“Under the vision, the Basie estimates that its current economic impact of $17 million a year will rise to over $30 million upon completion. That is a positive benefit to our entire area.”
“The Future Is Now” vision includes bringing the theater into a 21st-century environment by modernizing plumbing, ventilation and air conditioning units, and installing additional restrooms and energy-efficient fixtures and systems.
According to Philipson, plans also include featuring an outdoor arts plaza as well as an expanded, glass-walled lobby that will include accommodations such as concession areas and elevators.
On the west side of the campus, plans include expanding the depth of the theater’s stage by an additional 10 feet and making enhancements to the backstage area, Philipson said.
Improvements to the theater’s backstage area will include state-of-the-art stage and lighting, a hydraulic orchestra pit, as well as contemporary dressing rooms and gathering areas for artists and performers. “These improvements will allow for even bigger productions, and bigger performers to come to the Basie,” Philipson said.
Plans call for an adjacent “Second Space” multi-use performance space to the east of the Basie that will be used as an educational facility. The space will include a smaller, cabaret-style venue that would accommodate up to 550 people.
“I think the most exciting [expansion] of all will be the new Second Stage [which will] provide a new generation of musicians, actors, comedians a place to develop, to nurture talent and to become tomorrow’s main-stage attraction,” Philipson said.
“The second venue will include three to four new classrooms to accommodate the Count Basie Theatre’s expanding Performing Arts Academy, as well as space for partner programs and area arts nonprofits.
“We will be able to present more concerts, larger Broadway shows, classes, programs, and the Basie’s economic impact on the whole area will increase.”
Philipson projected groundbreaking for the expansion would take place within the next three to four years.
The $20 million expansion will be funded solely through donors, he said.
“It is really an exciting time, and I think it is going to be a great example of what should happen in every community across the country,” said local celebrity Steven Van Zandt, honorary campaign chairman.
“The plan for this is really quite exciting … and a really remarkable accomplishment.
“A program like this I think really generates energy throughout the entire community.”