Count Basie Theatre | Red Bank

The Count Basie Center for the Arts, historically known as the Count Basie Theatre, is one of the most revered performing arts venues in New Jersey. Located in the heart of Red Bank, this landmark combines rich history with world-class entertainment, making it both a cultural monument and a vital part of the regional arts ecosystem.

1. Historical Evolution

Originally opened on November 11, 1926, the building was first known as the Carlton Theatre, designed by Philadelphia architect William E. Lehman. It was part of the Keith-Albee-Orpheum circuit, a major vaudeville and film house network. The theatre was adorned with neoclassical architectural elements, including plaster reliefs, alabaster chandeliers, intricate moldings, and a grand proscenium arch. It served Red Bank and surrounding towns as a luxury destination for early 20th-century entertainment.

In the post–World War II years, as television became more prevalent and downtown cinema began to decline, the Carlton Theatre followed suit, gradually falling into disrepair and eventually closing its doors in 1970.

Three years later, in 1973, the Monmouth County Arts Council acquired the building to preserve and rejuvenate it. After years of community fundraising and volunteer labor, it reopened as the Monmouth Arts Center, a community-driven space for the performing arts.

Then, in November 1984, it was renamed the Count Basie Theatre to honor William “Count” Basie, the legendary jazz pianist and bandleader who was born and raised in Red Bank. This renaming aligned the venue with a local icon who left a global musical legacy, and the theater began attracting higher-profile performances.

The next pivotal moment occurred in 2018, when the organization expanded its mission and physical space, adopting the name Count Basie Center for the Arts. The original theatre became known as the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre following a corporate sponsorship, while the overall center began encompassing multiple performance and educational spaces.

2. Architectural Character & Renovations

The theatre is a beautiful example of Adam-style architecture, with lavish interiors reflecting the opulence of early 20th-century design. Some of its most striking features include:

A vaulted dome ceiling with painted classical motifs

Ornate plaster ceiling medallions and scrollwork

Warm wood tones, gold leaf accents, and restored alabaster lighting fixtures

Original mosaic tile floors in the lobby areas

In the early 2000s and again in 2008, the theater underwent extensive restoration. A capital campaign raised over $20 million, funding major improvements such as:

Enhanced acoustics and seating

Upgraded lighting and sound systems

Installation of a new marquee modeled on the original

Renovation of dressing rooms, restrooms, and lobbies

Construction of new spaces, including a second performance hall known as The Vogel

The seating capacity was finalized at 1,568 seats, distributed across orchestra, loge, and balcony levels. Wheelchair-accessible platforms were also added to improve inclusivity.

In 2010, the center received a New Jersey Cultural Trust grant to refurbish the building’s historic exterior, reinforcing its structural integrity while respecting its original character.

In 2009, the original Carlton Theatre building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, a recognition of its cultural and architectural significance.

3. Performance Legacy

The Count Basie Center has hosted a long list of renowned performers across all genres. Highlights include:

Count Basie himself, who returned to perform in his hometown theater on multiple occasions, including his final local concert in 1983.

Bruce Springsteen, a frequent surprise guest, who has appeared both for benefit concerts and to support local acts.

Tony Bennett, Ringo Starr, Al Green, Jon Bon Jovi, James Brown, and Diana Krall, among others.

From Broadway tours and comedy acts to jazz ensembles, classical symphonies, and rock concerts, the venue’s programming reflects both diversity and prestige. The acoustics have earned praise from world-class musicians, with Art Garfunkel famously describing the space as "a Steinway for a singer."

Beyond celebrity acts, the center is also a home for local and regional performers, community theater, student showcases, and school orchestras.

4. The Count Basie Center Today

As of today, the Count Basie Center has grown into a multi-building arts campus. In addition to the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, it includes:

The Vogel: A modern, black-box-style concert venue with a flexible seating plan (up to 800 standing), ideal for indie music, dance parties, and contemporary performance.

The Grunin Arts Education Building: Houses classrooms, practice rooms, and studios for youth and adult instruction in music, theater, and dance.

The Academy of the Arts: Offers year-round programming in acting, vocal training, instrumental instruction, and stage design. Students often progress to prestigious performing arts colleges.

The Basie Awards: An annual celebration recognizing excellence in high school theater across Monmouth County. This red-carpet event has grown into a major spring tradition for young performers.

The Center also provides scholarships, workshops, summer camps, and outreach initiatives designed to expand access to the arts for underserved populations.

5. Visitor Experience

Attending a performance at the Count Basie Center is not only about entertainment-it's about atmosphere. Patrons enjoy:

Historic ambiance that enhances the theatrical experience

State-of-the-art sound and lighting systems that rival Broadway theaters

Comfortable seating with excellent sightlines and surprising legroom

Concessions, including bars, snacks, and local catering partnerships

Convenient access to downtown Red Bank, with restaurants, bars, and parking garages within walking distance

While parking is sometimes limited during high-attendance events, the venue provides ample guidance to public lots, and several dining partners offer discounts for ticket holders.

Conclusion

The Count Basie Center for the Arts stands as a living tribute to Red Bank’s deep musical roots and enduring commitment to the performing arts. With nearly 100 years of history, a beautifully preserved and enhanced physical space, and a thriving educational mission, it serves as both a monument to the past and a beacon for the future. Whether hosting a jazz legend, nurturing a young artist, or connecting the community through shared cultural experiences, the Center remains one of the most important arts institutions in the region.