"Apple", a powerful play dealing with love, betrayal and forgiveness, will have its New Jersey premiere Oct. 23 at The New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway in Long Branch, where it will run through Nov. 23. Vern Thiessen's drama about an extramarital affair that develops more than the usual problems will have regular performances Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: Adults $36.50; Opening Night with reception, $51.50; Discounts for seniors 65+, full-time students (17- 25), and groups of 10 or more. For tickets and additional information, call 732-229-3166, e-mail info@njrep.org or visit www.njrep.org. The Monmouth County Arts Council will host the New Jersey premiere of

"Synecdoche, New York" at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Clearview Cinema, Red Bank. A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the newly redesigned Jamian's Food & Drink, (formerly Echo) at 79 Monmouth St., Red Bank.

Tickets for the film and reception are $45 for MCAC members and $50 for nonmembers; tickets for film only are $10. Proceeds will benefit the community arts programs of the arts council. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact 732-212-1890 or mef@monmoutharts. org.

The film, rated R, stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and was written and directed by Charlie Kaufman.

The Monmouth Conservatory of Music in Red Bank invites parents and children ages 4 to 6 to experience a free "Intro to Music" demonstration class, Friday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. For those wanting to continue, registration will be available for the 10-class program.

The conservatory is at 50 White St., Red Bank, in the back building of Trinity Church. Space in the free demo class is limited, so please call ahead to reserve a place, 732-741-8880 or e-mail mcmredbank@ verizon.net. For information, visit www.monmouthconservatory.org.

The Middletown Main Library will celebrate its fourth anniversary with a unique concert of classical music performed by the Arcadian Chorale led by Marina Alexander at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. Come to the library for an afternoon of fine music and fun wi th the chorale in a spirited performance. This free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Middletown Township Public Library. The library is located at 55 New Monmouth Rd. For more information, visit mtpl.org, e-mail programs@mtpl.org or call 732-671-3700 ext. 320.

What does Asbury Park mean to you? Local artists are invited to submit up to three designs by Nov. 3 for banners to be hung throughout the city in the "Imagine Asbury Park" contest, sponsored by the Arts Coalition of Asbury Park (ArtsCAP), the Asbury Park Historical Society, the Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program and the City of Asbury Park.

A panel of five judges will select the 14 best designs; winners will be announced by Dec. 1. Technical requirements for contest submissions can be found at http://www.artscap.org/bannerprogram.

Monmouth Players will kickoff its 56th season with "Steel Magnolias." Southern belles, big hair, wisecracks, Pepto-Bismol pink bridesmaid dresses and serious illness all come together under the hair dryer in Robert Harling's acclaimed play. Performances through Oct. 25 in the Navesink Library Theater at the Navesink Library. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students. For reservations, call 732-291-9200.

Monmouth University's Performing Arts Series will present "100 Years of Broadway" at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, in Pollak Theatre. This musical review of Broadway's most celebrated shows features a cast of five Broadway stars accompanied by an all-star New York band. Tickets: $40/$32. Call 732-263-6889 for reservations.

The Monmouth Museum will host "Flavors of the Season — Tea in the Autumnal Home" at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27. Learn about the history and culture surrounding this ancient beverage while sampling teas and savoring a delicious autumn lunch. Kathleen Lunman will discuss the history of tea drinking, customs, traditions, accessories and accoutrements. Members $25, non-members $30. Call 732-747-2266 for reservations.