Count Basie Theatre
Count Basie Theatre
4.5
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM - 6:30 PM
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See what travelers are saying
- Stay40980915 contributionsThe great Darlene LoveWe saw Darlene Love. It was our second time at Count Basie. A great theater. She put on a fabulous show. In her early 80's and she can still sing. We would diffidently see Darlene again.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 13, 2024
- worktotravel14Trenton, New Jersey4,007 contributionsGorgeous theatre with great logisticsWe were lucky to see Pat Metheny in this theater. This is a great theater with free parking down the street and multiple entrances. The venue is not-too-big, so every seat is great. We were lucky to get second row seats and sit next to the artist's spouse. We would not have chosen the first row because it is too hard to see the full set. Still the acoustics were beautiful and it was absolutely cool to see the artist so up close. There are many great restaurants in Red Bank. Make sure to get a reservation in advance and/or walk in to one of the smaller and less known places.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 8, 2024
- Cheri DYardville, New Jersey502 contributionsNice theater to see a concertWe have been many, many times to this Theatre over the years. It is an old theatre, but has been renovated. For this visit, we happened to se Loreena McKennitt. For this performance, we were lucky to have orchestra seats fairly close to the stage. However, we mostly have sat in the balcony. The seats are very tight here with little leg room, but not so for orchestra seats. The good thing is that there really isn't a bad seat in the house to view the performance. The acoustics are very good here and staff are exceptionally friendly. They do have a bar, if you wish to partake. Parking is on street, which can be tight. You can, and we always do find it to be so and end up walking blocks down around the corner. There are near by lots, but they fill up quickly. We actually have never even bothered to try and park here. Bathroom lines can be long, especially for the ladies since there is a small bathroom on the orchestra level and one upstairs.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
450 reviews
Excellent
299
Very good
114
Average
18
Poor
7
Terrible
12
john g
1 contribution
Sep 2021
I purchased tickets at Count Basie for the Christopher Cross show 2 years ago. It took me about 3 minutes to pay for them, cash. When I decided to return them the last week of August 2021, I drove to the theater and was told I would receive a refund in 2 weeks by mail. I asked for a receipt to acknowledge that I had returned them. I was told it would arrive by mail. 2 weeks later I called to check and spoke to Donna Peger who informed me that the return had not yet been processed. The tixx were sitting on the desk. I was assured by Donna that the problem would be resolved. 2 weeks after that I went again directly to the box office which was closed but ran into an employee who suggested that I get in touch with Yolande Ruggiero, Box Office Mgr. I left her a detailed message on her ext 113 and asked for a call back. I never got one. This is now a month after returning the tixx. I then wrote a letter to Adam Phillipson, President & Chief Executive and cc'ed Yolande Ruggiero. Again, I never got a reply. I returned to the theater on the day of the chow, Sept 28th. Box office was again closed even though it was stated that it would be open, after noon, on the day of a show. Once again I called and this time spoke to Carly Brach. I asked to speak to Yolande Ruggiero but did not get on the phone. I was then told that the tixx had been approved on Sept 23, a month after I returned them. Remember it took be 3 minutes to pay for them at the time of purchase. I was also told that Yolande stated to Carly that she had spoken to me several times. The fact is I never knew who Yolande Ruggiero, the woman who did not return my call or reply to my letter, was. Nor did I ever speak to her. I finally did get my refund a few days later.
I think your customer service is appalling. The theater is a fine venue and you put on great shows for the public but, unfortunately, you could care less about the public. I will definitely return to the Count Basie in the future but will never pay cash for tickets again.
I think your customer service is appalling. The theater is a fine venue and you put on great shows for the public but, unfortunately, you could care less about the public. I will definitely return to the Count Basie in the future but will never pay cash for tickets again.
Written October 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim W
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Couples
The seats are so small and cramped that I spent the entire time more focused on the stress and discomfort of my positioning than the performance.
I’m 6’3”, I’m sure it’s not as bad for everyone but I have marks on my shins from how hard they were pressing into the top of the hard wood seat in front of me an hour later.
The place is beautiful but if you’re 6’0 or taller consider only buying seats that don’t have another row of seats in front of them.
I’m 6’3”, I’m sure it’s not as bad for everyone but I have marks on my shins from how hard they were pressing into the top of the hard wood seat in front of me an hour later.
The place is beautiful but if you’re 6’0 or taller consider only buying seats that don’t have another row of seats in front of them.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shore guy
Point Pleasant, NJ9 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Saw the absolute worst production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Basie. Music was good but that is it. The actors were mostly mis-cast and spent two hours strutting across the stage like they were auditioning. Tons of overacting and showing off who could hit the highest and longest notes (and not always succeeding). Maybe they would have been OK in a production of Chicago but there was zero passion displayed by any of the actors that make this show necessary to succeed, We've seen probably a dozen productions of this show from college performance to summer stock to off-Broadway. This was DEFINITELY the worst. Considering there was no extended applause at the end (courteous applause, at best); a run for the exits during the applause and a lot of muttering by other attendees, I think this feeling about the performance was widespread.
If Basie can't screen their shows better, not sure if it's worth paying the ticket prices to go back.
If Basie can't screen their shows better, not sure if it's worth paying the ticket prices to go back.
Written March 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheri D
Yardville, NJ502 contributions
Apr 2023
We saw Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul on our most recent visit, but have been here many, many times before. We are always there for concerts, but they have all kinds of events including those that children will enjoy. Nice, old theater with history. Very friendly staff. Sitting in the balcony, has a nice view, as does any seat in the house, however, it is very tight seating with little leg room up in the balcony. They don't have their own parking so parking down and around the block is usually the case, although I understand their is a parking lot somewhere in the vicinity. I would advise to come early for concerts, especially for those popular ones expected to sell out. Nice restaurants in the are for pre-concert dining.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fletch1946
Fair Haven, NJ969 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We are regulars at the Count Basie. Last week we were for the New Jersey Symphony. It was always a beautiful place to see a performance with very good acoustics. The renovation over the last few years has made it a much more comfortable place to see a performance (a dramatic increase in restrooms, without touching the historic theater.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Felix H
1 contribution
Feb 2023
Pros:
Super nice staff. Good view, even from several rows back in the balcony.
Cons:
Horrific sound system. Watched a movie there and it was difficult to understand a lot of the dialogue because it was so muffled. The speaker in my section (balcony, stage right) had a constant crackle. Oof.
The most uncomfortable seating I've ever experienced in a theater. The seats are old, which wouldn't be too bad – but there is very little leg room and the arm rests are short so they don't really serve as arm rests. I'm a normal sized person and felt shoe-horned into my seat. I'm 5'6" and my knees were jammed up against the hard seat back in front of me the entire show. Heinous. Seats did not slightly recline, so you're sitting stiff the entire time.
Imagine coach on a domestic flight. Now imagine it being a lot tighter. That's what this theater seating is like.
Super nice staff. Good view, even from several rows back in the balcony.
Cons:
Horrific sound system. Watched a movie there and it was difficult to understand a lot of the dialogue because it was so muffled. The speaker in my section (balcony, stage right) had a constant crackle. Oof.
The most uncomfortable seating I've ever experienced in a theater. The seats are old, which wouldn't be too bad – but there is very little leg room and the arm rests are short so they don't really serve as arm rests. I'm a normal sized person and felt shoe-horned into my seat. I'm 5'6" and my knees were jammed up against the hard seat back in front of me the entire show. Heinous. Seats did not slightly recline, so you're sitting stiff the entire time.
Imagine coach on a domestic flight. Now imagine it being a lot tighter. That's what this theater seating is like.
Written February 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara A
Jackson, NJ9 contributions
Apr 2022
Beautiful theater, but if you are taller than 4' do not sit in the balcony. I've never been so uncomfortable in my life. I had to shift side to side because you can't fit your legs the seats are so close to the row in front of you. Everyone around us was saying the same thing. Ruined the entire show for me. What a waste.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mmilochik
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The theater is nice but the balcony seats are like medieval torture devices. I understand this is an old theater but the seats need to be updated. It is impossible to move in the balcony rows. The seat in front of you is literally up against your legs.
Written April 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anderda
Red Bank, NJ4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I have been here about six times - always for a musical show. It’s so nice compared to the craziness of going to NYC for a concert. Park A few blocks away for free, plenty of nice restaurants. Pick an artist and enjoy!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JETNJ
Caldwell, NJ150 contributions
Oct 2021
Dear Theatre management. Please do one or all of the following things to the
front row seating in the Loge.
1) Replace the cushions, they are too thin or the foam is worn out or too soft.
2) Lower the railing 3 inches.
3) Raise the seating frames 3 inches
I'm 5'9" and while sitting on my coat and sitting absolutely upright I could still
only see half of Elvis Costello and his guitar. ( see photo) I guess I'll bring
stadium cushions next time if I get front row loge seats again. I've never had this
problem in the Loge or Balcony of any other theatre.
front row seating in the Loge.
1) Replace the cushions, they are too thin or the foam is worn out or too soft.
2) Lower the railing 3 inches.
3) Raise the seating frames 3 inches
I'm 5'9" and while sitting on my coat and sitting absolutely upright I could still
only see half of Elvis Costello and his guitar. ( see photo) I guess I'll bring
stadium cushions next time if I get front row loge seats again. I've never had this
problem in the Loge or Balcony of any other theatre.
Written October 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For orchestra sides what are the seat numbers or how many seats in the orchestra side rows?
Written May 22, 2018
We are visiting Count Basie Theatre on New Years Eve - travelling from Stockholm, Sweden to see and listen to South Side Johnny. Can you recommend a restaurant for a nice NYE dinner not to far away from the theatre?
Written August 13, 2017
Depending on your preferred cuisine, you have several good options. Danny's Steakhouse on Bridge Avenue is typically quite good and is not far at all from the theater; the restaurant is known for many of its Italian offerings. Via 45 on Broad Street is another excellent restaurant, but I am not certain what it will offer for NYE. Buona Sera, another Italian restaurant, is less than a block from the theater, at the southwestern corner of Maple Avenue and Monmouth Street. It generally has NYE specials. I recommend that you make reservations at any restaurant you select.
Written August 16, 2017
I want to buy first row, end of the row tickets for my mom, but the pictures on line show the sound system boxes right in that area, seemingly on both sides. Would theses be in the way of a petite 5 foot tall lady?
Written February 16, 2017
I don't think you will have trouble seeing, but sitting that close to the stage puts you close to the speakers. Those can be rather loud at times.
Written April 2, 2017
cmbresnan
Woodstock, Georgia
Hello. I'm looking to come up from Atlanta with a friend from Nashville to go to The Soul Kitchen in mid October 2016. There is a specific event that we are trying to go to where we can meet Jon Bon Jovi and family. I hear that the Count Basie Theatre is very near by. Has anyone gone over to the Jovi Soul Kitchen and had a meal or made a donation for someone to have a meal?
Written April 3, 2016
Soul Kitchen will not only fill your stomach but your heart too. Only a 0.3 mile/5-10 minute walk away from the Count Basie, JBJ Soul kitchen is a unique, very welcoming, and delicious dining option in Red Bank. I've gone twice withe my wife. Wonderful experiences both times. Check out their website for detailed info on the dining experience. Menu is limited but the food is prepared wonderfully and the staff is delightful. On street parking, no alcohol, smaller size dining area. Simple but dignified dining ambiance. For everything it provides to everyone on both sides of the counter JBJ Soul Kitchen will not disappoint.
Written April 4, 2016
I am driving to theatre...where is the best place to park? I dont mind walking if there is an ideal area but not necessarily extremely close to theatre. Thank you
Written November 11, 2015
Save yourself the hassle of driving around looking for parking on the street or in one of the muni lots. Best place to park is the Train Station. Always a parking space, it's free and it's a 2 block, 5 minute well lit walk. And you will have a lot of company after the show as others park there as well. We park there all the time.
Written November 12, 2015
what row does the loge hang over
Written September 25, 2015
The balcony covers the back 10ish rows of the ground floor seats. There's really not a bad seat in the house but there seems to be a bit of a lean to the balcony seats in the back section. I don't have any height issues but it felt very uncomfortable to me. The over hang does not interfere with any ground floor seats.
Written September 26, 2015
Lynnn201
Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey
Does anyone have reviews and or pictures of front row loge seating?
Written March 6, 2015
If you go onto the website. You can view the seating charts.
I have sat in the front rows of the loge seating and its a good view from any area.. Theres only 3 rows and then a space and upper seating.. Not bad at all.
Written March 7, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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