It was a big day for the Count Basie Theatre Wednesday as construction began on the Red Bank theater’s expansion.

Plans were also unveiled for the Jay and Linda Grunin Arts and Education building. It’s the latest addition to the $23 million project.

The theater's honorary chairs Maureen and Steven Van Zandt were also there today. They that say deciding to work with the Count Basie Theatre was an easy choice.

"It's just a special place. We're both from New Jersey so I think it's meant a lot to us over the years,” Maureen Van Zandt says. “I dance in the theater, Steven has performed in the theater, so it's just a special place, in a special town.”

The theater has already raised $15 million and is continuing its fundraising efforts as construction gets underway.

For more information about the expansion project, CLICK HERE.