COUNT BASIE THEATRE
EXPANSION PROJECT
With its 100th anniversary just a decade away, the Count
Basie Theatre broke ground in fall 2017 on a historic $23
million expansion, a project that will see the facility nearly
double in size and become one of the region’s largest
centers for the performing arts. With more than 200 live
performances each year, the Basie’s main stage is at
maximum capacity. The Basie has become a powerful
regional brand that raises the bar for live performances and
arts education in central New Jersey. A $2 million gift from
the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation will fund the creation
of the Jay and Linda Grunin Arts and Education Building,
which will house studios, classrooms and administrative
offices for the Basie’s growing arts education programs, as
well as a second performance venue. The Grunin building
will also become an ideal location for educational meetings
and conferences. The Rock n’ Rohl Rooftop Lounge, named
after campaign donors Mark and Denise Rohl, will provide
a stylish, modern gathering space for concertgoers, private
parties and other events. The Basie expansion earned the
endorsement of E-Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt
and his wife, Maureen, who sit on the Board of Trustees
and joined the project as honorary campaign co-chairs.
The expansion will add modern, barrier-free amenities and
improvements throughout the Basie campus. On the eastern
end of the facility, customers will enjoy an expanded lobby,
areas for concessions and a spacious, outdoor performing
arts plaza. New air conditioning and heating systems will
also be installed, along with an elevator and expanded
restroom facilities. Meanwhile, artists performing at the Basie
will enjoy a modernized backstage area and state-of-the art
production technologies, allowing the 90-year old theater to
present bigger productions than ever before.
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