THE SOUND OF MUSIC Opens at Theatre By The Sea Tonight, 6/20

The summer season continues at Theatre By The Sea (TBTS) with The Sound of Music, opening tonight, June 20.

Sponsored by Citizens Bank, this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical follows the adventures of a high-spirited young novice who is ill-fitted for the life of the convent. Sent to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval officer, Maria wins their hearts (and his) with her exuberant love of life. The family's attempt to escape from the Nazis is one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented onstage. This beloved family classic features a glorious score including “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “The Sound of Music.” The Sound of Music is suitable for all audiences.

Ocean State Theatre Company, currently celebrating its Fifth Anniversary Season as the not-for-profit producing entity at the historic Theatre By The Sea, welcomes Broadway actress Brianne Moore, who will be portraying the role of Maria in her Theatre By The Sea debut. Joining her in the role of Captain von Trapp is New York performer Dan Debenport. Patrice Tiedemann of New Bedford will play Mother Abbess, with local (North Kingstown) TBTS favorite Jean-Pierre Ferragamo in the role of Max. Other local performers include Colin Whitney (Rolf) of East Greenwich, Samantha Dallas (Liesl) of West Greenwich, Louise Tetreault (Sister Berthe) of Cumberland, Jennifer Armstrong (Sister Sophia) of Narragansett and Kaitlyn Rosen (Sister Rafaela) of East Greenwich. The von Trapp children are being played by two casts of talented local performers including Aaron O’Brien Mackisey (Friedrich), Abigail McMahon (Brigitta), Lily McMahon (Marta) and Eve Senerchia (Gretl) of Warwick; Peter Bucci (Friedrich) and Grace Romanello (Louisa) of Wakefield; Sarah Dube (Brigitta) and Meghan Lydon (Louisa) of Cumberland; Jacqueline DePetro (Marta) of East Greenwich; Connor J. Buonaccorsi (Kurt) of Cranston; Sophie Blackman (Gretl)of Pawtucket; and Cole Mathewson (Kurt) of Belchertown, MA. The Sound of Music is being directed and choreographed by Producing Artistic Director, Amiee Turner, who directed last season’s productions of Spelling Bee, Man of La Mancha and The 39 Steps and music directed by Frederick Willard, who returns to TBTS having music directed last season’s production of Hairspray.

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. Beginning June 23, following selected performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, theatergoers can enjoy fun, food and drinks at the popular Late Night Cabaret with Sabrina Blaze. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and the cabaret 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.

The Sound of Music will be presented at Theatre By The Sea from June 20 – July 14. Previews are scheduled for Wednesday, June 20 at 8:00 pm and Thursday, June 21 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm. Opening weekend performances will be held on Friday at 8:00 pm and Saturday at 4:30 and 8:30 pm, with special family-friendly show times of 3:00 and 7:30 pm on Sunday. Half-price tickets are available for children for either performance on Sunday, June 24. (Call the box office for details.) All other performances will be held 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. and 8:00 pm. A special matinee performance has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 11 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. $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 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.

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