Arts & Entertainment

Phoenix Celebrates 25 Years of Inspired Theater

Local theater troupe, Phoenix Productions, celebrated its 25th anniversary with gala and review at the Count Basie Theatre.

It was 25 years ago that first came together, a local theater organization dedicated to bringing high-quality theater to the Red Bank area and creating opportunities for talented area musicians, actors, singers, and volunteers alike to express their gifts on stage.

Performances then, 25 years ago, were held during the summer at Christian Brothers Academy. It didn't take long for Phoenix to outgrow the space, requiring a move to the stage just a few years later in 1990.

Over the years, Phoenix has produced more than 100 shows and 1,000 individual performances. Over that span, Phoenix officials estimate they've entertained approximately half a million people.

Find out what's happening in Red Bank-Shrewsburyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

On Saturday - Feb. 25, appropriately enough - Count Basie played host to , a combination gala and musical review where more than 40 players from Phoenix past and present performed various songs from musicals previously produced by the organization known as 'Broadway in the 'burbs."

Check out the gallery above and feel free to tell us your favorite Phoenix memory in the comment section below.

Find out what's happening in Red Bank-Shrewsburyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.