Man of La Mancha Opens at Theatre By The Sea June 22

The summer season continues at Theatre By The Sea with the popular Tony® Award-winning musical, Man of La Mancha, opening on June 22.

Sponsored by Citizens Bank, this musical masterpiece, which brought us the enormously popular hit "The Impossible Dream," is a musical within a play in which Miguel de Cervantes has been imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition. Seeking to save his uncompleted novel from confiscation, he dramatically pleads his case by reenacting the story of Don Quixote of La Mancha: the passionate and poignant tale of a noble knight who lives in a world of madness and cannot see that chivalry has died. To fulfill his mission, he must convince his loving niece, her doctor fiancé, the local priest, and the lovely Dulcinea, that his holy quest is a mission of salvation to find compassion - not for himself, but for everyone.

Ocean State Theatre Company, the not-for-profit producing entity at the historic Theatre By The Sea, welcomes Broadway veteran Bruce Winant, who will be portraying the demanding role of Don Quixote. Mr. Winant, who will be making his Theatre By The Sea debut, was most recently seen in the hit Broadway production of La Cage aux Folles. Joining him in the role of Aldonza, is New York performer, Christine Rowan. OSTC's Producing Artistic Director Amiee Turner, who directed the season opener, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, returns to the director's chair. Aaron McAllister, who music directed OSTC's productions of Peter Pan, Evita and George M!, will music direct and Leslie Unger, who is on the faculty at the prestigious Hartt School, makes her debut at TBTS as choreographer. Local performers include Diana Blanda of Westerly, Jean-Pierre Ferragamo of North Kingstown, and Narragansett native, Amanda Kouri, who is a participant in OSTC's Intern Program.

Audiences are invited to enhance their theatre experience by dining in the casual, contemporary, and creative atmosphere of Bistro by the Sea, just a short stroll down the arbor walk adjacent to the theatre. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (401) 789-3030 after 3:00 pm. Before or after the meal theatergoers can enjoy the lush seaside gardens maintained by Dana Designs, which contain over 300 varieties of perennials, grasses, shrubs and climbing plants, offering a magical environment for flower lovers of all ages.

Man of La Mancha will be presented at Theatre By The Sea from June 22 - July 16, with preview performances on Wednesday, June 22 at 8:00 pm and Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm and opening night on Friday, June 24 at 8:00 pm.. All other performances are scheduled for Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8:00 pm, Thursdays at 2:00 pm, Saturdays at 4:30 and 8:30 pm and Sundays at 5:00 pm, with special performance times on Sunday, June 26 at 3:00 and 8:00 pm and a special matinee performance scheduled for Wednesday, July 13 at 2:00 pm. The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI. Tickets are $35 for preview performances and $39-$54 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling (401) 782-3800 x18. 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 Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, online anytime at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587). The box office will also be open one hour prior to every performance.

Presenting the best of Broadway all summer long!

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