Theater Over the River: Basie, Two River

This week, over the Navesink river from , Red Bank’s theaters offer plenty of options for your entertainment buck.

From the continued run of an August Wilson classic, a sick and tired comedienne, and Valentine’s doo-wop, there’s something for everyone.

She’s found career success as an actress, writer, and producer, but for Wanda Sykes, it’s always been about the stand-up comedy. On Thursday, the comedienne who routinely finds humor in her own incredulousness hits the stage for a one-night show.

Sykes has been recognized as a top comic for more than a decade thanks in part to two HBO specials, writing credits for the Chris Rock Show, significant roles in major Hollywood features, and several television shows, including, most recently, the late night FOX talk show, The Wanda Sykes Show.

The following night at the Basie it’s Bee Gees time. Bobby Bandiera and The Jersey Shore Rock-N-Soul Revue are playing tribute to the brothers Bee Gee and their combined 40-plus year career.

In all, Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb sold more than 200 million records worldwide, scoring more than a few era-defining top 40 singles along the way.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a Saturday show — OK we realize Valentine’s Day falls Tuesday this year, but that’s no fun — featuring talented musicians performing all of your favorite doo-wop tunes?

At the Basie Saturday, six different acts will be playing plenty of doo-wop classics. Expect to Kenny Vance and the Planotones performing Looking for an Echo and Under the Boardwalk from Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, among many others sharing the stage.

The Monmouth Symphony Orchestra wraps up the weekend at the Basie with a matinee performance of Brahms’ Symphony No.2; Academic Festival Overture and Schumann’s Piano Concerto. Solo pianist Gerd Nowaczyk will be performing during the show as well.

August Wilson’s Jitney continues its run at the this week after opening to the public this weekend. The play, part of Wilson’s two-time Pulitzer Prize winning 10-play series called the Pittsburgh Cycle, centers on unlicensed cab drivers hustling to make a living. A “slice of life” play, Jitney tells the story of ordinary men looking to make their way.

Performances of Jitney run Wednesday through Sunday, with a total of eight shows over the five days.

Check out countbasietheatre.org and trtc.org for relevant pricing, seating and how to purchase tickets.

At Count Basie:

Wanda Sykes – Thursday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m.

Bob Bandiera & the Jersey Shore Rock-N-Soul Revue – Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.

A Valentine’s Doo Wop – Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Monmouth Symphony Orchestra – Sunday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m.

At Two River Theater:

Jitney – Wednesday through Sunday, times vary.