CATCH A RISING STAR Brings Popular Comedians to Ocean State Theatre

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit professional theatre company, currently celebrating its third season in Warwick, along with the legendary comedy club, Catch A Rising Star, are proud to announce the appearances of comedians Ben Bailey, Vic DiBitetto, and Bob Nelson at Ocean State Theatre this spring.

"We're so glad Catch a Rising Star has found a home here at Ocean State Theatre," said Amiee Turner, Producing Artistic Director of Ocean State Theatre Company. "Not only have their comedy shows been attracting large crowds, but the recent appearance of John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band was an overwhelming success. We are so thrilled to be able to bring new people with varying interests to this great space."

Acclaimed stand-up comedian, Ben Bailey is the most desired cabbie in New York. He is the host of the highly successful shows "Cash Cab" and "Cash Cab: After Dark" on the Discovery Channel. He was singled out by publications such as Entertainment Weekly, who put Ben on their must list in 2006, People Magazine who said "All Hail Cash Cab," and the New York Post. As a stand-up he has also been profiled in publications such as the New York Times, Maxim, the Associated Press and other reputable publications. In fact, "Cash Cab" has gained such a following that he has received three Daytime Emmy awards for "Outstanding Game Show Host."

In response to the February 2013 nor-easter, Vic DiBitetto created a YouTube video entitled, "Bread and Milk," which has over 13 million views. An incredibly powerful performer, DiBitetto churns energy, honesty and humanity into nonstop laughter. His pace is frenetic. His material is vivid and true. He's been called a cross between Rodney Dangerfield and Ralph Kramden. The bottom line is, DiBitetto leaves his audiences breathless with laughter. Referred to by most other comics as a "killer," which means you just can't follow Vic onstage. And that has been uttered by many very famous stand-ups over the years. Look for Vic in Kevin James' new movie Mall Cop: Blart 2 coming out in April 2015.

Throughout his career Bob Nelson has been hailed as one of the most gifted funny people on the planet. A contemporary of Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno, Mr. Nelson's extraordinary talents have been refined by a career that has included multiple appearances on "The Merv Griffin Show," "The Tonight Show" and "David Letterman." Bob has performed at hundreds of comedy clubs, colleges and other exciting venues including the Las Vegas strip, Radio City Music Hall and on Broadway. He was also honored to perform at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. for president Ronald Reagan.

Ben Bailey will be at Ocean State Theatre on Sunday, April 12, with Vic DeBitetto appearing on Sunday, May 3, and Bob Nelson appearing on Sunday, May 31. All comedy shows begin at 7:30 pm. The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Premium seats are $44 and standard seats are $29. A limited number of VIP tickets, which include a post show meet and greet with Bob Nelson, are also available. Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Friday from 12 noon - 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 12 noon - 4:00 pm. Tickets are also available online 24 hours a day at OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 921-6800.

Catch A Rising Star is a nationally known trademark and forum, recognized for over thirty-five years for launching the careers of some of America's most popular and beloved television and film stars, top comedians, comic actors, musicians, directors, producers and writers. A leader in the industry, Catch A Rising Star's commitment to tomorrow's comedy stars has remained the same over its history, and continues today in Reno, NV, Providence, RI Princeton, NJ, and Monticello, NY.

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC) is a professional not-for-profit regional theatre whose mission is to preserve and pass on the tradition of live, professional theatre - including the American musical - and to pursue avenues of enrichment and education for the benefit of the state of Rhode Island and the surrounding region through the theatre arts. OSTC, which re-opened and ran the historic Theatre By The Sea in Matunuck, RI from 2007-2012 and began producing shows in Warwick, RI in 2012, is an IRS designated not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.