The Count Basie Theatre opened on November 11, 1926 as the Carlton Theatre, a movie palace and vaudeville house. In 1970, after having weathered many different economic and social changes, the theatre went dark. In 1973, as the result of a significant anonymous donation, the Monmouth County Arts Council was able to acquire the building and preserve the now historic theatre for cultural uses. The theatre was renamed in 1984 in honor of jazz pianist, composer and bandleader William "Count" Basie (1904-1984). On June 30, 1999 the Count Basie Theatre divested from the Monmouth Count Arts Council. The Count Basie Theatre is now owned and operated by the Count Basie Theatre, Inc., a nonprofit corporation formed solely to operate the theatre for the benefit of the community.

The 1575-seat Count Basie Theatre serves the Jersey Shore by presenting world-class music, opera, comedy, dance, theatre, Broadway musicals, films and family entertainment.
Over 125,000 people a year attend shows at the Count Basie.

In addition to the shows presented by the Count Basie, other performing arts companies call the Basie home including The Monmouth Symphony Orchestra (who returned in 2002 after a 9 year absence), The Monmouth Civic Chorus and Phoenix Productions.

The Count Basie Theatre also operates their “Cool School,” a performing arts program staffed by seasoned professionals. It offers classes and workshops for children, teens and adults, which culminate with a performance on the Count Basie Theatre’s stage.