LOMBARDI to Open 11/6 at Ocean State Theatre

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), which recently launched its first full season in its new state-of-the-Art Theatre in Warwick is proud to present Academy Award-winner Eric Simonson's new American play, Lombardi. The New England premiere presentation, with additional support provided by Healthrax Fitness & Wellness, will enjoy a limited run at Ocean State Theatre from November 6-24.

This original work brings the audience into the life and times of one of America's most inspirational and mercurial personalities, Hall of Fame football coach, Vince Lombardi. Though football's Super Bowl trophy is named for him, few know the real story of Lombardi the man - his inspirations, his passions and his ability to drive people to achieve what they never thought possible. Based on the best-selling biography When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss, Lombardi is a powerful family drama that tells an inspiring story of one of the greatest football coaches of all time, whose fame and influence spread far beyond the gridiron.

Directed by Producing Artistic Director Amiee Turner, the cast includes Robert Ierardi, who, in addition to his stage appearances, including Michael Novak in OSTC's God of Carnage (2012), played the Burnisher in the film First Wives Club and the recurring role of the Police Dispatcher on "Guiding Light." Mr. Ierardi will be portraying the role of the legendary Vince Lombardi. In the role of Vince Lombardi's wife, Maria, OSTC welcomes back New York actress Jennifer Byrne, who was seen as Annabella Schmidt, Pamela and Margaret in their production of The 39 Steps (2011). Managing Producer Joel Kipper, who has appeared in OSTC productions of George M! (George M. Cohan) and The Full Monty (Malcolm), returns to the stage as the reporter, Michael. Hall of Famer, Dave Robinson, will be played by New York actor Barthelemy Atsin, whose most recent credits include "Boardwalk Empire," "The Onion" on Comedy Central and "Sesame Street," with Todd Berkich, who was seen in OSTC's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2012) and Thomas Schario, who will be making his OSTC debut, in the roles of Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor.

Lombardi will be presented at Ocean State Theatre from November 6 - 24. Previews are scheduled for Wednesday, November 6 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, November 7 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm. All other performances will be held Wednesday (except November 13) through Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Thursdays (except November 21), Saturdays at 2:00 pm (except November 23) and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Conducting Conversations Live!, a free post-show discussion hosted by WCRI's Mike Maino, will follow the 2pm performance on Sunday, November 10. The new post show Piano Bar Series, will continue with "Fifth Down" and will be held following Friday and Saturday evening performances (beginning at approximately 9:30 pm) in the theatre's lobby on November 15, 16, 22 and 23.

The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Tickets are $30 for preview performances and $34-$49 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling (401) 921-1777 x112. $25 "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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