FEATURED PHOTO: Joan and Robert (Bob) Rechnitz

Many of you will instantly recognize the Rechnitz name, and even those who don’t have undoubtedly been the beneficiaries of Joan and Robert (Bob) Rechnitz’s generosity.

Their philanthropy has been fulfilling a shared commitment to improve people’s lives and make the world a better place in a variety of ways. For years they have supported art and culture, generously giving to environmental causes, healthcare, social services, and Jewish and humanitarian missions. They have a particular focus on theater and arts, education, and are the founders of the Two River Theater in Red Bank, TRT, now under the leadership of Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst. Twenty-five years ago, Bob and Joan established TRT in Monmouth County, but it was not until 2005 that the state-of-the-art, two-theater complex found its permanent home in Red Bank.  TRT is home to world premieres, classics, musicals, and productions for families. In fact, two productions commissioned by TRT are now running in New York City: the new Broadway hit, Be More Chill and the off-Broadway play, Hurricane Diane.  In keeping with its focus on community spirit, TRT also produces more than forty free events a year, geared to the diverse surrounding community. After 25 years, it just keeps getting better and this summer TRT will begin a new phase with the planned opening of its Center for New Work, Education and Design.

Joan and Bob will be honored at the TRT 25th Anniversary Gala next month, with avid supporters Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi chairing the event. CM had the pleasure of finding out just what the world of theater and TRT means to them.

Joan and Robert Rechnitz in front of their theater
What was your early involvement in the theater world, before establishing TRT?

JOAN: Theater was a whole new world for me when I met Bob. I acted in a Greek play when I was in college, with no lines—which was perfect for me. My interest was art and design. I have never been involved in the theater, but before we established TRT, when we were doing summer theater, I would support the work by designing and painting posters, and working as a scenic painter and assistant costume designer.

In general, when did your love for theater begin?

BOB: I had always been interested in the theater, loved the theater, from the time I was a child, and I wanted to be part of it. I saw The Wizard of Oz for the first time when I was nine, and I fell in love with it, and with the films that Judy Garland made with Mickey Rooney. I had that spirit of “let’s put on a show.”

Is there a particular play or musical that helped spark your interest in theater?

JOAN: My early theater inspiration was going to see plays in New York with my family, especially classic musicals—I particularly remember My Fair Lady and The King and I and Kiss Me, Kate.

BOB: I went with my mother to see the National Tour of The Glass Menagerie in Pueblo, Colorado, where I grew up, and the set amazed me. As the actor spoke, the wall began to dissolve. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The theatricality of it all knocked me out. I would have been about fifteen and I just adored it.

Joan and Robert Rechnitz in front of gray background
CREDIT: Danny Sanchez
How long was the process from the idea for the theater to its fruition in Red Bank, and what were some of the challenges along the way?

JOAN: We produced four plays before Two River at the Milford Theatre in Pennsylvania, which was a summer theater, which I guess was something like ‘Mickey and Judy.’ We did it all—soup to nuts, casting, designing, building sets, sewing. It was crazy—but it was so fun!

BOB: I’m very proud that, in only our first season, Two River was heralded by The New York Times as having “arrived” as an institution of “taste, class, and resilience.” Over our first decade, we enjoyed growing audiences, were supported by loyal donors, and were recognized with numerous accolades. Our biggest challenge was not having our own permanent performance space. The overwhelming success of our first few seasons, the widespread support of our community, and the unparalleled critical acclaim we received convinced us that truly to serve the needs of our audience the time had come to build a permanent home of our own. We found the ideal site in Red Bank, which was a growing place filled with a lot of energy.

Bob, you have acted, directed, and written for theater. Which gave you the most satisfaction and why?

BOB: Because I started out as an actor, I used to say that playwriting was a great challenge, and directing is always pleasurable, but the only thing that really matters is acting. As a professor, I understood the act of performing in front of a classroom. But today I would say that writing brought me the most pleasure, because it was difficult.

What is one of your favorite projects or productions at TRT and why?

BOB: I loved our first season—especially our first show, The Cocktail Hour by A.R. Gurney, and Shaw’s Misalliance.

JOAN: It’s so hard to say—I love so much of what we’ve done. I could look at the whole list of plays, I’m sure, and remember many favorites. But these days, of course, I’m reminded of how much I love Be More Chill.

If anything were possible, which actor(s) would you choose for a collaboration?

BOB: I took a class with Marilyn Monroe when I was studying to be an actor. I would have worked with her!

What can we expect at the upcoming addition to TRT, the Center for New Work, Education and Design?

JOAN AND BOB: We will open our Center for New Work, Education and Design in 2019. The Center will allow us to grow the impact and reach of our education programs, new-play development activities, and many free community events we offer through our ‘Inside Two River’ program. The building will include two rehearsal spaces; scenery, props and costume shops; centrally located offices; and multiple storage areas. This exceptional new space will further the reputation of Two River, and Red Bank, as a home for world-class theater and theater artists.

There is certainly much to celebrate at TRT. The residents of this state and beyond are fortunate to continue to enjoy the fruits of Joan and Bob Rechnitz’s vision, drive, and generosity.

The Center for New Work, Education and Design

The Center for New Work, Education and Design will have three floors and will be connected to Two River’s permanent home. It was designed by Red Bank architects Kaplan, Gaunt + DeSantis. It will include rehearsal studio spacing, offices and writing spaces for artists, expanded scene shop spaces, a woodshop for the props department, a costume shop, centrally located offices, and multiple storage areas.

The  Founders and Board of Trustees have established a 25th Anniversary Fund to support critical priorities for the theater’s growth, including the development and construction of the new Center. The financial goal for the 25th Anniversary Fund is $18,000,000 and gifts totaling $16,500,000 have been raised to date, with the remaining $1,500,000 of the goal to be raised through philanthropic and community support. Gifts to the Fund will be accepted throughout 2019, and pledges can be gifted over a longer period of time.

Joan and Robert Rechnitz Cover Story

See this story in print!

Colts Neck – Holmdel – Lincroft Edition – view here.
Rumson – Fair Haven – Little Silver – Red Bank – Locust – Sea Bright Edition – view here.

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