Film Screening, Poetry Slam & More Coming To Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — A variety of curated audience events and accessibility services for the new musical "Elephant Shoes" are planned throughout the summer, Two River Theater and Deaf West Theatre recently announced.

The musical, with a contemporary score and a blend of spoken English, ASL, and stage technology, will run in the Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater from June 6 through June 28.

The full lineup of events includes:

In The Know: A Conversation with Jeff Calhoun and Colin Analco

• Date: Wednesday, June 10
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Studio A
• Cost: Free
  
• Details: Artistic Director Justin Waldman hosts an intimate conversation with Elephant Shoes director and choreographer Jeff Calhoun. Coffee and cookies will be available starting at 5:30 p.m., with the discussion set to start at 5:45 p.m. 
• Tickets: Available here.

Inspire Our Poetry

• Date: Tuesday, June 16
• Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Victoria J. Mastrobuono Library
• Cost: Free
• Details: Join Two River Theater as it brings poetry to life! Deaf poet and actor Noah Buchholz will be joined by local poet Shrimpy Jack. This event will be hosted by spoken word poet and artist Chris Rockwell. Following their performances, all attending guests are invited to “Inspire Our Poetry” by participating in a poetry open mic. ASL interpretation will be provided.
• Tickets: Available here.

Juneteenth Celebration: Brunch Bites en Blanc

• Date: Saturday, June 20
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Two River Plaza
• Cost: Free
• Details: Celebrate Juneteenth in style at Brunch en Blanc, a vibrant community gathering presented by Two River Theater in collaboration with the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center.
  • Guests are invited to dress in white and enjoy a joyful morning filled with music, culture, and connection, accented with touches inspired by the African American flag.
  • The event will feature live DJ entertainment, line dancing, keynote speaker Di Shawn Gandy, gospel performances from local artists including members of Calvary Baptist Church, and a delicious Southern-style brunch by It Takes Two Catering.
  • Families can also enjoy a dedicated children’s activity area, local vendors, and interactive moments throughout the morning, including trivia and giveaways.
    

• Tickets: Available here.

8th Annual Pride on the Plaza

• Date: Friday, June 26
• Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Two River Plaza
• Cost: Free
• Details: Celebrate love, community, and self-expression at Two River Theater’s 8th Annual Pride on the Plaza, a joyful summer tradition that brings the community together for an evening of music, performance, food, and Pride.
  • This all-ages celebration features live entertainment from DJ Catrina Lovelace, local vendors and community organizations, festive food and drinks, and a drag show hosted by Two River’s own Lady Celestina alongside special guest performers Sasha Curvy and Inita D, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
  • Guests can enjoy outdoor cocktails, pizza and snacks from Urban Coalhouse, sweet treats from Crazees, and browse a variety of local vendors and organizations, including returning favorites like Free Mom Hugs, Project REAL, Dani’s Delightz, and Between the Covers.
  • Filled with rainbow décor, community spirit, and unforgettable performances, Pride on the Plaza has become one of Two River Theater’s most beloved annual traditions.
• Tickets: Available here.

CODA Film Screening

• Date: Tuesday, June 23
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Basie Center Cinema House
• Cost: Free
• Details: Academy Award-winning film CODA comes to Two River Theater and the Count Basie Center for the Arts for a free screening and talkback. The Apple Original film follows Ruby, the only hearing member of a Deaf family, as she navigates the tension between pursuing her passion for music and supporting her family’s fishing business. Following the screening, audience members are invited to stay for a conversation with the star of the film and "Elephant Shoes" cast member Daniel Durant, who played Leo Rossi in the film.
• Tickets: Available here.

To learn more about Two River Theater, the new musical "Elephant Shoes," or their summer events, you can visit their website.

Two River Theater is located at 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank.