IN THE ARTS

The Monmouth Conservatory of Music (MCM) will present a Faculty Concert at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Trinity Church auditorium, 50 White St., Red Bank. Performers will be faculty members Lucian Rinando, flute; Gerd Nowaczyk, piano; Roy Gussman, clarinet; and Gloria Vasconcellos, harp. Free admission; no reservations required. MCM is a nonprofit community music school. For information, call 732-741- 8880 or visit www.monmouthconservatory. org.

Two River Theater Company in Red Bank ushers in the holiday season with three-time Tony Award-nominated musical "A Year With Frog and Toad." Bringing to life the whimsical stories created by Arnold Lobel, this musical romp celebrates life's simple wonders through the marvelous misadventures of Frog, and his best friend, Toad. Most enjoyed by those 5 years and older. Audience interaction with the cast following every performance.

The musical runs through Jan. 11. Tickets are $42 for matinees, $48 for evening performances, and $24 for all performances for patrons 21 years and under. For more information, call 732-345-1400, visit www.trtc.org or visit the box office at 21 Bridge Ave. in Red Bank.

The New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway in Long Branch, will present the New Jersey premiere of the musical comedy "Cupid and Psyche" through Jan. 18. Regular performances run Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets: $41.50; previews, $36.50; opening night with reception, $51.50. For tickets and additional information, call 732-229-3166, email info@njrep.org or visit www.njrep. org. A dozen of New Jersey's finest saloon singers, all selected by audition, will take the Count Basie Theatre stage Dec. 12 for "The Sinatra Birthday Bash." Backed by the 17- piece Red Bank Jazz Orchestra, the cast will sing the great songs of the American Songbook, the tunes associated with Sinatra during his long career. The tribute will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $39.50 - $19.50 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 732-842-9000 and online at countbasietheatre.org. The theatre is located at 99 Monmouth St. in Red Bank.

The Monmouth Civic Chorus will sing Handel's "Messiah" at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank. This beloved oratorio will be performed in its entirety with soloists and chamber orchestra, under the baton of Dr. Mark Shapiro. Ticket prices: $40/$25/$15 regular, $35/$22 seniors, $30/$20 groups, $10/$5 students.

Call 732-933-9333 or visit www.monmouthcivicchorus. org.

ReVision Theatre in Asbury Park is presenting the N.J. premiere of "Scrooge in Rouge," an English music hall Christmas carol with three actors playing 23 roles in a fast-paced, quick-change musical version of the Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol." The holiday family comedy runs through Dec. 28 at the VFW hall, 701 Lake Ave. in Asbury Park. Performance times are: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 7 pm. No show on Christmas Day. Saturday, Dec. 27, at 3 & 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 28, at 3 p.m. Tickets $35-$25, children under 12, $17.50 & $12.50. Call the box office at 732-455-3059 or visit www.ReVisionTheatre. org for tickets and information.

Open auditions are being held for adults and children, ages 9 to 14, for "The Secret Garden" at Brookdale Community College's Performing Arts Center, at the Lincroft main campus. Appointments are required and may be scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5-8 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 18, 5-6 p.m. Prepare 16 bars of music and bring sheet music in your key. An accompanist will be provided. Readings will be directly from the script. Callbacks will be Thursday, Dec. 18, 6-9 p.m. Rehearsals begin in January for performance in February and March. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the box office at 732-224-2411.

Monmouth University Alumni Foundation will present the Running Rabbit Family Theatre production of "The Sword in the Stone" at 2 p.m. on Dec. 14 and at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 15 at the Pollak Theatre on the West Long Branch campus. A young boy befriends a magician named Merlyn and together they explore life's lessons through extraordinary adventures, in order for the boy to reach the ultimate goal. By pulling the sword from the stone, the boy will fulfill the sword's prophecy and make himself the King of England. This tale of hope, challenge and friendship is an inspirational story, perfect for the holiday season. Tickets: $12 adults, $10 children. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 732-263-6889 or visit www.monmouth.edu/arts.

The Monmouth County Arts Council in Red Bank received a grant of $7,500 from the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey to support the Monmouth County Teen Arts Festival. The festival provides young artists with a venue to exhibit their work and have it critiqued by professional artists. This grant is a part of the foundation's third-quarter round of grants for 2008. Since January 2008, the foundation has awarded more than $2.9 million in grants.

It's time for the Count Basie Theatre's annual fundraiser. The "Take a Chance for Tickets to the Theatre" raffle is an opportunity for one person to win two tickets to see every show at The Basie in 2009. Just 1,000 tickets are being sold through Dec. 31 when the winner will be announced on New Year's Eve at 9 p.m. The raffle winner will receive two tickets within the first 10 rows of the theater for all shows running from Jan. 1 though Dec. 31. The winning tickets are transferable and can be shared with anyone. Raffle tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.countbasietheatre.org, by calling the box office at 732-842-9000, by contacting Rachel O. Warnick at 732-224- 8778, ext. 118 or kmcgrath@countbasietheatre. org.

Compiled by Gloria Stravelli Designed by Eileen Russell Gerber