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Theatre-by-the-Sea to open August 8
By Liz Boardman/Independent Staff Writer
MATUNUCK — Theatre-by-the-Sea will open on Aug. 8, with a production of the Tony-Award winning musical comedy, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
“I had been hoping to be able to produce a show this summer and as you can imagine, there is quite a lot of work to be accomplished before we can open,” said the theater’s new owner, Bill Hanney, in a statement released Tuesday. “I am very pleased to have been able to assemble many talented theater professionals including Amiee Turner, who will be my new producing artistic director and Joel Kipper, who will be my managing producer. We are fortunate that the pieces have fallen into place so quickly.”
Turner, a veteran of the Broadway stage, has been working in professional theater in south Florida. She has a background in film, television and both commercial and nonprofit theater.
Kipper holds a bachelor’s degree in musical theater performance from Southwest Missouri State. A member of the Actors’ Equity Association, Kipper is a well-traveled actor who’s performed in professional regional theaters across the country and around the world. In addition to his extensive performance experience, Kipper also has a strong background in technical theater.
Hanney has independently produced theatrical and musical events and operates movie complexes in four New England states, including the Entertainment Cinemas at South County Commons in South Kingstown.
“We are all very excited to be able to give audiences just a taste of what’s to come. Bill has made a significant commitment to this property and its legacy. Joel and I are excited at the prospect of being a part of its future with him,” Turner said.
“. . . Forum, is one of America’s greatest and best loved musical comedies and a true celebration of theater,” said Turner, of the choice for the first show. “We all feel it is the perfect way to celebrate the re-opening of this historic Rhode Island landmark.”
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is a bawdy musical farce inspired by the work of ancient Roman playwright Plautus. The music and lyrics were written by Stephen Sondheim, and the book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart.
It tells the story of a slave’s attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. It features songs like “Comedy Tonight” and “Everybody Ought to have a Maid.” It opened on Broadway in 1962 starring Zero Mostel, who later starred in the Mel Brooks movie, “The Producers,” and had a successful revival in 1996 starring Nathan Lane. Lane also played the Mostel character in Broadway’s musical version of “The Producers.” Both men won Tony Awards for their work in “. . . Forum.”
“We also are looking forward to re-opening the restaurant this season,” Hanney said. “Audiences will be invited to enhance their theater experience in the casual and inviting atmosphere of the new Bistro-by-the-Sea.”
The restaurant continues to be managed by Duane Crowe and the Blackbyrd Group.
Hanney said he was contacting former subscribers, who will be the first patrons able to purchase tickets for the show. The box office will then open to the general public.
Liz Boardman can be reached at boardman@scindependent.com.
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Molly wrote on Oct 27, 2008 7:31 PM: