In the Arts

Josh Blue will appear at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank Saturday, July 7, at 8 p.m. Blue is an outstanding stand-up comedian and U.S. Paralympic soccer player, all set against the backdrop of living with cerebral palsy. Tickets: $50-$25; order at (732) 842- 9000, www.countbasietheatre.org; or the box office at 99 Monmouth St.

Joyful Noise Cafe, 1400 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park, will present Dorian Parreott Friday, July 6, 8-11 p.m. as part of its second jazz series. Admission is $10. For information, call (732) 774-5006.

Soar Productions will hold auditions for "Mr. 80%" Saturday, 3-6 p.m., and Sunday, 5-7 p.m., at the Union Beach Firehouse, 1110 Union Ave. Needed are three men and three women ages late 20s to 35. Performances will be Aug. 17- Sept. 1. Call Mary or Moe for more information at (732) 471-8268 or visit www.soarproductions.org.

Two River Theater Summer Ensembles for students in grades two-12 will be offered July 9 to Aug. 10, beginning at 9 a.m. The programs explore the major elements of theater: acting, improv, design, movement and more. They offer a fun and challenging way to tap into students' creativity. Classes will be held at Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. For information, call (732) 345-1400 or visit www.trtc.org.

Red Bank-based Phoenix Productions will present the timeless musical "Fiddler on the Roof," July 13-22 at the Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank. "Fiddler" is the tale of Tevye, a poor dairyman who struggles to balance the traditions of his family, faith and society in an ever-changing world. Performances are Friday and Saturday, July 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 15 and 22, at 3 p.m. Tickets: $29-$22 through the Count Basie Theatre box office by phone at (732) 842-9000 or in person at 99 Monmouth St. in Red Bank.

First Avenue Playhouse will hold auditions for its September musical "Pippin" Monday, July 9, and Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. at the theater located at 123 First Ave. in Atlantic Highlands. There will be roles for three to four men and/or women and an 8-year-old boy. An ensemble will also be chosen to round out the cast. The audition is open to ages 12 to adults of all ages. All parts are open. Those auditioning should prepare 16 bars of an upbeat show tune or pop song. Also prepare to do cold readings from the script. For more information, call (732) 291-7552 or visit www.firstavenueplayhouse.com.

David Benoit, with the Jerry Topinka Quartet, will ap-pear at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank Friday, at 8 p.m. Jazz pianist and composer Benoit is a five-time Grammy nominee for his contributions to contemporary jazz. Tickets: $50-20. Call (732) 842-9000, log on to www.countbasietheatre.org, or visit the box office at 99 Monmouth St.

The British a cappella group Con Brio will perform at All Saints Memorial Church (The Stone Church) in Navesink Thursday, July 12, at 7:30 p.m. Con Brio was founded in England in 2003 by Julian Collings, and its highly acclaimed, close harmony sound has won praise on both sides of the Atlantic. The first half of the program will feature works from the group's sacred repertoire; the second half will include modern, popular music in various arrangements. There will be a reception in the parish hall following the concert. Tickets are $20 and are available through the office, (732) 291-0214.

For information, visit www.allsaintsnavesink.org.

Brookdale Community College will present William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" on the Lincroft main campus Great Lawn July 12-14, 19-21 at 7 p.m. and July 15 and 22 at 5 p.m. Audiences are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy the open-air theater event held behind Larrison Hall. Admission is free. In the event of inclement weather, performances will take place in the Main Theater of the Performing Arts Center. Now a tradition at the college, the annual Shakespeare summer production enters its sixth season under the direction of John Bukovec. For information, call (732) 224-2411.