GYPSY Opens Tonight at Ocean State Theatre

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), which recently completed its third season in its state-of-the-art theatre in Warwick, is proud to continue its summer season with the Tony Award-winning classic American musical, Gypsy.

Based loosely on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, this show focuses on her mother, Rose, and the dreams and efforts of Rose to raise two daughters to perform onstage and become "stars," while casting an affectionate eye on the hardships of the show business life. Thought by some to be the perfect musical, popular songs include "Let Me Entertain You," "Some People," "You'll Never Get Away from Me," "If Momma Was Married," "All I Need Is the Girl," "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "You Gotta Get A Gimmick" and "Together Wherever We Go."

Ocean State Theatre Company is thrilled to welcome back director/choreographer Russell Garrett, who was at the helm for OSTC productions of Guys and Dolls, Legally, Blonde: The Musical, 9 to 5: The Musical, Hairspray and The Full Monty. He will be joined by Justin P. Cowan, who music directed OSTC productions of Guys and Dolls, Legally, Blonde: The Musical and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Ocean State Theatre Company's Producing Artistic Director, Amiee Turner, who made her Ocean State Theatre debut as Carol Wyman in last season's production of Laughter on the 23rd Floor and audience favorite Christopher Swan, who received rave reviews for his portrayal as the King in OSTC's Inaugural Season production of The King and I, will be starring opposite one another as Rose and Herbie. The role of Louise will be played by New York performer Kristin Wetherington, with Rhode Island College alumni, Juliette Sallaway, portraying the role of her sister, June, and Boston-based actor, Dan Reardon in the role of Tulsa. Jennifer Mischley of Wrentham, Mass., Taryn Mallard-Reid of Providence and Tamra Stephenson of New York will be making their OSTC debuts as strippers Electra, Tessie Tura and Mazeppa. Also making their OSTC debuts are Victoria Cardi of North Kingstown and Abigail Paige of Coventry, who will portray Baby June and Baby Louise. Other local performers include Joe DeLeo of East Greenwich, Tommy Labanaris of Coventry, Laurel McMahon of Warwick, Gia Antonelli, Jason Loete, Wesley Memery and Bobby Miller III of Cranston, Monica Moran-LoBuono of Boston, Alison Russo of Pawtucket, Helena Tafuri and Peter Williams of North Kingstown, and Todd of South Kingstown who will be making his professional theatre debut in the role of Chowsie.

Gypsy will be presented at Ocean State Theatre from tonight, July 8 - August 2. Previews are scheduled for Wednesday, July 8 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, July 9 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm. All other performances will be held Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Saturdays (except July 11 & 25) and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Conducting Conversations Live!, a free post-show discussion, will follow the 2pm performance on Sunday, July 12. The post show Piano Bar Series will be held following Friday and Saturday evening performances in the theatre's lobby on July 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and August 1.

The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Tickets are $39 for preview performances and $39-$54 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling (401) 921-1777 x112. $30 "Rush" tickets are available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance. Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Friday from 12 noon - 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 12 noon - 4:00 pm, and from 12 noon until curtain time on performance days. Tickets are also available online 24 hours a day at www.OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 921-6800.

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