Basie supporters, stand up and take a bow

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts has designated the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank as a Major Presenting Organization in the state of New Jersey for Fiscal Year 2007-08.

The honor recognizes the theater's "solid history of artistic excellence, substantial programming and broad public service" the agency said in a letter to Count Basie CEO Numa Saisselin.

"This high honor also means that your organization stands among a group of organizations across our state that comprise its anchor institutions who contribute vitally to the quality of life in New Jersey. We heartily congratulate you."

The Basie, in turn, thanked its supporters.

"While we are honored to have our work recognized by a nationally respected agency," the theater management said in an e-mail, "it is important to remember that the Basie is truly a team effort, and we want to take the opportunity thank everyone who has ever played on our stage, bought a ticket to a performance, or made a tax-deductible contribution in support of the theater for helping us to achieve this distinction. This honor belongs to all of you!"