Just the beginning
But you don’t have to go into the cities to enjoy music, theater, art, fine dining, and more. “We have a lot of great things right around here,” says Osborne. Here are some of the wonderful local events and attractions you can enjoy this winter:
Musical Performances
The State Theatre
15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
732-246-SHOW
“Seabrook has a large number of subscribers to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra,” says Chet, and this is one place they go to hear it. This winter the State Theatre will also host Filarmonia Arturo Tosconi; Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida; The Bulgarian State Opera’s Aida; Garrison Keillor; and Turandot by the New Jersey Opera Theater.
Count Basie Theatre
99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
732-842-9000
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra also performs here. Other performances this winter include the 2007 Elvis Birthday Bash; the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra’s Gypsy Rhapsody; David Bromberg & His Big Band; and Les Folies Russes from Moscow.
Algonquin Arts Theater
173 Main St, Manasquan
732-528-9211
“A wonderful small theater,” says Chet. “There are no bad seats in the house.” Upcoming performances include a matinee “tour” of Vienna with Father Alphonse Stephenson conducting the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea.
Brookdale Community College Performing Arts Center
765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft
732-224-2411
Enjoy Art Deco Traditional Jazz on Feb 10 & 11 at 8 p.m.
Theatrical Stage Performances
New Jersey Repertory Company—Lumia Theatre
179 Broadway, Long Branch
732-229-3166
In January, this acclaimed professional company performs October 1962, the story of a town turned upside down when a convicted child killer returns home. In February, the dark comedy Odessey turns a day in an office into an epic quest.
Two River Theater Company
21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank
732-345-1400
On stage from Jan 17 to Feb 4 is The Pavilion, a tale about love, loss, and hope. From March 7 to 17 it’s True West, exploringAmerican myths and true family values.
Dinner & Luncheon Theater
First Avenue Playhouse
123 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands
732-291-7552
“We have a wonderful time when we go here,” says Chet. “They have two restaurants on their discount list that goes along with the ticket. We start with a delicious meal and then see a great play. Everything is first-rate.” This January features a zany revival of the Marx Brothers’ Animal Crackers.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse
88 Rt. 173 West Hampton (or, along I-78)
1-800-447-7313
“A fabulous dinner and very good, varied shows,” says Chet. See the Tony Awardwinning musical comedy classic I Do, I Do in January and February. In March, the comical mystery Catch Me If You Can begins.
Strand Theatre
400 Clifton Ave, Lakehurst
732-367-7789
Call for winter schedule.
Museums and Art
The Newark Museum
49 Washington St, Newark, NJ
973-596-6550
New Jersey’s largest museum, it features over 80 galleries of art and natural science exhibits, as well as a small zoo and planetarium.
Princeton University Art Museum
McCormick Hall,
Washington Rd and Nassau St, Princeton
609-258-3788
One of the state’s richest cultural resources providing access to original works of art.
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
89 Ridge St, Newark
973-484-4600
A nationally-recognized historic landmark, this magnificent French Gothic church can be toured and also features an acclaimed concert series.
The Monmouth Museum and Cultural Center
765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft
732-747-2266
One of the top five museums in New Jersey, located at Brookdale Community College.