IN THE ARTS The Performing Arts Center at Brookdale Community College is presenting "Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story" through March 9. Relationships can be murder. This is a two-character musical drama that recounts the chilling true story of the legendary duo who committed one of the most infamous and heinous crimes of the 20th century. Performances are March 6 and 7 at 8 p.m., and March 8 and 9 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the PAC, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Tickets are $10, and $5 for Brookdale students with identification (limit of two tickets). For more information, call the box office at (732) 224-2411 or visit www.brookdalecc.edu. The Art Alliance of Monmouth County is hosting the 23rd annual Jean Townsend Award Exhibition in honor of its founder, Jean Townsend. A $100 and two $50 awards will be presented at the opening. The juried show will run through April 2 and includes work from members of the Art Alliance. The gallery is located at 33Monmouth St. in Red Bank. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.artallianceofmonmouth.org. The Performance with Passion Players at the Eatontown Playhouse will present "The Glass Menagerie" by TennesseeWilliams. The play is one of the classics of modern theater. The production runs March 8-30, with performances Saturday and Sunday at noon. Tickets are $12 and can be reserved by calling (732) 888-0339. The Eatontown Playhouse is located in the Tower Market Shopping Center, Route 35 north. The Middletown Main Library is celebratingWomen's History Month with a program featuring the popular musical group Virago. The concert will take place Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m. Virago is a high-energy guitar and percussion duet consisting of Amy Schindler and Maire Tashjian. Their music has an edgy rock sound with elements of blues and samba. The library is located at 55 New Monmouth Road. For information, call (732) 671-3700, ext 335, or e-mail programs@mtpl.org. Monmouth University's Performing Arts Series at the Pollak Theater will present 10 Foot 5 on Saturday,March 15, at 8 p.m. A campus phenomenon since its founding by brothers Rick and Andy Ausland, 10 Foot 5 is a unique company of musicians, percussionists and rhythm tap dancers who bring the innovation and spontaneity of street performing to the stage. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased at the box office, via telephone at (732) 263-6889 or online at www.monmouth.edu/arts. The Pollak Theater is located on the Monmouth University campus, 400 Cedar Ave., West Long Branch. Hang with "the Dude" at the Basie. Spend a great night hanging with your friends and Jeff "the Dude" Dowd, the infamous original "Dude" who inspired the Coen Brothers to create Jeff Bridges' character "The Dude" in "The Big Lebowski." Dowd will be coming to the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on Saturday, April 19, to introduce and show Joel and Ethan Coen's film "The Big Lebowski," answer questions and host an after party. Dowd will introduce "The Big Lebowski" with personal tales, trials and tribulations from the world of adventure, activism, politics, film, sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. He will share an inspirational vision of the future that goes beyond politicians' campaigns. Guests will enjoy a sneak preview from his upcoming book: "The Dude Abides! Classic Tales and Rebel Rants" and a Q&A. Have lots of laughs and come away inspired! Catch "The Dude" at 8 p.m. at the Basie, 99 Monmouth St. Tickets $20 movie & Dude show, $40 includes after party (tickets are limited), at www.CountBasieTheatre.org. Follow the crowd to River Road Books in Fair Haven for a night with Kate Morgenroth, author of "They Did It With Love," Thursday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. She will share her thoughts on the writing process, read a passage from her book, and lead a book-club discussion. The event promises to be a fun night with food, refreshments and stimulating conversation. Space is limited and those planning to attend are asked to call or e-mail the bookstore at (732) 747-9455. Middletown Township Public Library and Monmouth Conservatory of Music in Red Bank will continue the third season of fine classical concerts on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. The Monmouth Conservatory Trio will perform popular works of Beethoven, Brahms and others. The trio features noted pianist Vladislav Kovalsky; Garry Ianco on violin and cellist Laura Casparie. For information, call the conservatory at (732) 741-8880. The first "AWee Bit of Fun," an evening of Irish music and theater, will be held on Friday, March 14 at the New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway in Long Branch. Festivities will begin at 7 p.m., as guests sip beer, enjoy corned beef and delight in the music of legendary Irish balladeer Joe Finn.At 8 p.m., theater doors open for the world premiere of "Engaging Shaw," a comedy by John Morogiello, with excerpts from George Bernard Shaw. This lively fundraiser will take place at the NJ Rep. Tickets are $50 and must be ordered in advance by calling (732) 229-3166, ext. 101. Compiled by Gloria Stravelli Designed by Eileen Russell Gerber