Theatre By The Sea's 85th Celebration Begins With AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' On Today

In celebration of 85 Years of Theatre By The Sea, owner and producer Bill Hanney is proud to announce the opening of the 2018 Summer Season. The season begins with the toe tappin' Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, Ain't Misbehavin' which will be presented from May 30 - June 17, 2018.

"I couldn't think of a better way to open the 85th celebration of Theatre By The Sea, then with the musical that opened the 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, which was my first full season of producing musicals at this historic landmark after purchasing the property in 2007," said Theatre By The Sea owner and producer Bill Hanney. "This exuberant musical revue is still considered to be one of Broadway's best. It's the perfect way to kick off the season!"

The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s comes to life in Ain't Misbehavin', the three-time Tony Award-winning musical revue. Join five sensational performers on a journey through the timeless music of Thomas "Fats" Waller. You'll be jumpin' and jivin' with memorable songs such as "Honeysuckle Rose," "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Black and Blue," "This Joint is Jumpin'," and "I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling." Ain't Misbehavin' is one of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time - sometimes sassy, sometimes sultry ... this show has moments of devastating beauty that are simply unforgettable.

Directed and choreographed by Gerry McIntyre, who choreographed the hit off-Broadway show, Spamilton, with musical direction by Christopher Davis, the cast includes Jeffrey Eugene Johnson, who appeared in last season's productions of both The Producers and Disney's Beauty and the Beast, for which he won rave reviews for his portrayal of Cogsworth. Mr. Johnson will be playing the role of André. The role of Kevin will be portrayed by DeMone, whose Broadway, national, and international credits include Ragtime, Miss Saigon, Rent, and Jesus Christ Superstar, among others. Tarra Connor jones, whose most notable works include Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Evilene in The Wiz and Effie in Dreamgirls, will appear as Nell and Helen Marla White and NaTonia Monet, will be making their Theatre By The Sea debuts in the roles of Armelia and Charlaine respectively.

The creative team includes resident scenic designer Kyle Dixon and resident lighting designer Jose Santiago, along with Lou Bird (Costume Design), Alex Neumann (Sound Design), Emily Christoffersen (Wig and Hair Design), James O. Hansen (Production Stage Manager), and Sara Sheets (Assistant Stage Manager). Ain't Misbehavin' is being produced for Theatre By The Sea by Bill Hanney (Owner/Producer), Kevin P. Hill (Producing Artistic Director), and Thom Warren (Associate Producer).

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 via Open Table or by calling (401) 789-3030 after 3:00 pm. Before or after the meal theatergoers can enjoy the lush seaside gardens, which contain over 300 varieties of perennials, grasses, shrubs and climbing plants, which offer a magical environment for flower lovers of all ages.

Ain't Misbehavin' will be presented from May 30-June 17, with preview performances on May 30 and 31 and opening night scheduled for June 1. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Thursdays at 2:00 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 and Sundays at 5:00 pm, with special performance times on Sunday, June 3 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm. The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield. Tickets for preview performances, Wednesday, May 30 and Thursday, May 31 are $49 and $52 - $75 for all other performances (additional fees may apply). Discount rates are available for groups of 10 or more by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587). Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm and performance days from 11:00 am until curtain, online 24-hours-a-day at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (866) 811-4111 or (401) 782-TKTS (8587).

Located on Rhode Island's South Shore, Theatre By The Sea celebrates 85 years of summer theatre at its best!

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