Red Bank’s famed Two River Theater brings drama, comedy and needed business to the New Jersey coast

by jennifer vikse

Meandering through the streets of Red Bank, among the boutiques and blocks of restaurants, one may hear the clanging of swords.

That’s right, swords.

Upon further investigation, the sounds are emanating from the Two River Theater, where visitors are encouraged to pop in and check out rehearsals for their current show, Camelot, which runs through December 14. But this isn’t just any warmup; it’s the fight scene for all the actors playing the Knights of the Round Table.

“The public is welcome to come in and watch the jousting scenes,” said Courtney Perez, Director of Marketing for the theater, located on Bridge Avenue. “We want them to be able to access the artists and ask questions.”

The play, directed by David Lee, is just one of the offerings for the 2014-15 season. In all, the theater, which opened in this location in 2005, will present no less than 200 performances.

Founded in 1994 by Joan and Dr. Robert M. Rechnitz, Two River Theater is known in the national community for its new play commissioning program, launched in 2010 to procure work that aims to sustain the vitality of American live drama.

“We’re one of the leading professional theaters in the state,” Perez noted, citing the leadership—Artistic Director

John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst—as the creative passion behind the theater’s success. With their extensive resumes and contacts in the industry, they have been able to attract big names to the small town.

“It’s the place to be,” Perez said, noting that the community has welcomed the theater with open arms. “We have some talent that has been on Broadway, and we’re a great alternative to New York. You don’t have to travel as far and the entertainment is here, promoting the local economy.”

A state-of-the-art facility which actually houses two venues (a 349-seat theater and a 100-seat space), the theater offers drama, comedy, musicals, children’s programming, and an array of educational events.

“We have a number of things going on to meet the needs of all age groups,” Perez said, adding that theater also hosts summer camps for kids in grades 1 through 12, noting that while many children are interested in acting, camps are designed to introduce them to all facets of the theatrical experience, from costumes to music to set design. (“There are definitely kids who want to be actors, but there is so much more to it,” Perez added.) Finally, Two River’s Metro Scholars program focuses on juniors in high school who do internships in various departments, see the shows, and have access to the artists to learn from them firsthand.

In addition to education and entertainment, the theater’s mission includes developing new plays via its writers’ retreats and artist residency programs.

“We want to bring people together and get them talking about ideas, great theater,” said Perez. “There are new plays in the pipeline. It’s always been our mission, but under John [Dias], it’s really starting to take off.”

Annually, 50,000 people take in shows, many of which take advantage of the benefits of subscribing to the organization. Subscribers purchase a package of tickets, and with it, access to the library for exclusive receptions before showtime. The theater also welcomes subscribers to “talk backs” with the cast as well as opening night parties and opportunities to mingle with the director.

“It’s a special experience,” Perez added. “We really try to get audiences to meet our talent.”

The theater enjoys a good relationship with the nearby Count Basie Theater, which focuses on concerts, and the Molly Pitcher Inn, with whom they maintain a “Play-Dine-Stay” package: for $299, a couple can get tickets to a show, dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants, and a room for the night, making Red Bank a destination rather than just a quick stop.

“Our goal here is to have something going on every night,” Perez explained.

Coming up for young families is The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites, which will run December 19 through the twenty-second. January brings the British comedy Absurd Person Singular, (the 10th through February 1), about three couples and the misadventures that ensue over a threeyear period as they meet to celebrate the holidays.

Show tickets start at $37 (some $20 tickets may be available); with packages, specials, and discounts on hand for those under 30, along with veterans and active U.S. military personnel.

Two River Theater
21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank / 732.345.1400 / / tworivertheater.org