In the charming coastal town of Wakefield, Rhode Island, Theatre By The Sea is preparing to commemorate its impressive 90 years of captivating performances. Owner and producer Bill Hanney invites you to join in the festivities at the historic barn theatre for the highly anticipated 90th Anniversary Big Barn Bash on Monday, August 21, 2023.
Under the direction and hosting of Theatre By The Sea’s Producing Artistic Director, Kevin P. Hill, an extraordinary showcase has been curated, featuring a star-studded lineup of esteemed TBTS alumni. Prepare to be enthralled by an unforgettable evening of entertainment, as celebrated performers take the stage to pay homage to the theatre’s rich legacy.
One of the notable alumni returning for this special event is Charles Shaughnessy, recognized for his role as Shane on Days of Our Lives and Maxwell Sheffield from The Nanny. Theatre By The Sea audiences will fondly remember Shaughnessy’s remarkable portrayal of Henry Higgins in the 2015 production of My Fair Lady, where he starred alongside Kerry Conte as Eliza Doolittle. Conte, who also captivated audiences as the lead in TBTS’ production of Mary Poppins, will reunite with Shaughnessy for this extraordinary celebration.
Joining the lineup of talented performers are Tony® Award-winning Broadway veteran Michael McGrath, his daughter Katie Claire McGrath, and Broadway’s Gary Lynch. Michael McGrath, known for his notable roles in Tootsie, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and On the Twentieth Century, appeared in an impressive 19 shows at TBTS from 1977 to 1991. The celebration will also welcome Dante Sciarra, whose Broadway and national tour credits include Chicago, Hello, Dolly!, and Sunset Boulevard, along with Jennifer Barrette Maiello, known for her performances in Dames at Sea, Godspell, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Maria Day Hyde, a familiar face from Charlie Hall’s Ocean State Follies and a veteran of TBTS since 1980, will grace the stage alongside Stacey Ledoux and Al Bundonis, recognized for their memorable roles in productions like The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and Hairspray. Erica Mansfield and Merrill Peiffer, who delighted audiences in Mamma Mia!, are set to reunite with their fellow cast members, while Tarra Conner Jones and Tommy Labanaris, known for their outstanding performances in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Young Frankenstein, respectively, eagerly await their return for this momentous event.
Adding an enchanting touch to the celebration, Trade Secret, a quartet featuring Mike Maino, Bob O’Connell, Jim Berger, and Jerry Xavier, will showcase their harmonious barbershop quartet melodies. The evening will also feature the captivating talents of Audrey Belle Adams and Julian Malone, who garnered critical acclaim for their performances in Kinky Boots during the previous season.
The 90th Anniversary Big Barn Bash will be held at the historic Theatre By The Sea on Monday, August 21, 2023, starting at 7:30 pm. Immerse yourself in the magic of this beloved theatre, located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI. Tickets are available for $90 for the performance and $125 for the performance along with a special VIP after-party (additional fees may apply). Secure your seats by visiting the box office or conveniently purchasing online at www.theatrebythesea.com. For phone reservations, call (401) 782-TKTS (8587) during regular box office hours, Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and on performance days from 11:00 am until curtain (performance Sundays from 12 noon until curtain).
Theatre By The Sea, a beloved cultural gem located on Rhode Island’s picturesque South Shore, has captivated audiences for 90 years with its exceptional summer theatre experiences.
Note: Theatre By The Sea has a rich history, initially opening on August 7, 1933. Despite various transformations, the theatre has stood the test of time and gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places. Notably, Tommy Brent saved the theatre from demolition in 1967, and since then, it has continued to flourish under the stewardship of FourQuest Entertainment and later Bill Hanney, who purchased the property in 2007. Today, Theatre By The Sea proudly presents a diverse range of productions, including a four-musical subscription season, a late-night cabaret series, a children’s theatre festival, and a children’s summer theatre camp.
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