[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING TWO RIVER THEATER COMPANY IN RED BANK

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Two River Theater 
Company on the opening of a new, state of the art, performance center 
in Red Bank, New Jersey. The Two River Theater Company is in Monmouth 
County, New Jersey's leading professional theater.
  Since the company first opened its curtains in 1994, the Two River 
Theater Company has used many venues for their productions. Starting at 
Monmouth College and traveling around Monmouth County, the Two River 
Theater Company has been innovative and resourceful in creating 
productions in borrowed spaces. With the opening of their new home, the 
Two River Theater Company will provide an excellent addition to the 
artistic and cultural makeup of Red Bank, Monmouth County and all of 
central New Jersey.
  As a supporter of the arts, I cannot stress enough the importance of 
culture in our lives. The arts play a crucial role in our society, 
enhancing our creativity; promoting critical aspects of education; and 
providing Americans with the opportunity to view works of beauty and 
expression. I commend the Two River Theater Company for bridging 
together local groups and communities through their educational and 
cultural programming and providing individuals with access to many 
different forms of art.
  The Two River Theater Company decision to locate their new theater on 
Red Bank's west side, easily accessible by car and train, is an example 
of the desire to contribute to the local community. The new space is 
comprised of a main theater, named for the cofounders of the Two River 
Theater Company, that will provide an intimate atmosphere for both the 
actors and audiences. A small box theater will provide a different type 
of venue for performances as well rehearsal space for productions on 
the main stage. The complex also holds costume and craft shops, 
lighting and sound shops and dressing rooms.
  For more than ten years, the individuals involved with the Two River 
Theater Company have shared their love for the theater, arts and music 
with local schools. From educational programming to reduced admission 
for school groups to running a yearlong program for 25 exceptional high 
school juniors to teach them about all aspects of theater, the Two 
River Theater Company is committed to educating our youth and helping 
students gain a greater appreciation for the arts.
  Kicking off their inaugural season, the Two River Theater Company 
held a gala fund-raiser and then hosted three free programs for the 
local communities including a Celebration for Educators on April 26, a 
Neighborhood Open House & Concert on April 28, and a Family Day on 
April 30. The theater season kicked off on May 7th with the Pulitzer 
Prize-winning comedy ``You Can't Take It With You'' by George S. 
Kaufman, which will run in the Robert ``Bob'' and Joan Rechnitz Theater 
and ``Suicide in B flat'' by Sam Shepard, a one act play that includes 
music, that will be performed in the Marion Huber Theater for a limited 
number of days in June.
  I congratulate the Two River Theater Company for their hard work and 
dedication to achieving their dream of their own theater. Not only will 
the new venue provide an excellent place for audiences to enjoy the 
arts, but it has and will continue to bring cultural and new life to 
downtown and west side Red Bank. I applaud the achievements of the Two 
River Theater Company and may they break a leg during their inaugural 
theater season.




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