'George M!' to play at Theatre By The Sea
By: Randy Rice Jun. 09, 2008
As a tribute to Rhode Island's own and the celebration of America and the Fourth of July, George M! follows the great song-and-dance man, George M. Cohan, over a 60-year period from his childhood on the vaudeville circuit to New York where he began his 25-year reign over the Broadway stage. This giant of the American musical theatre gave us such songs as "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Over There," "You're A Grand Old Flag" and "Give My Regards to Broadway."
Producing Artistic Director Amiee Turner, who directed last season's production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, will direct and is joined by choreographer Michael Susko and music director Aaron McAllister. Managing Producer Joel Kipper will portray the role of George M. Cohan, with Broadway veterans Bob Freschi, (seen on the TBTS stage as Herbie in Gypsy and Van Buren in Damn Yankees), and Jane Labanz in the roles of Jerry and Nellie Cohan. Local performers include Leah and Rachel Benz of Narragansett, RI, Jonathan Cooper of East Greenwich, RI, Kimberly Kalunian of Warwick, RI, Kevin Patrick Martin of Cumberland, RI, Sarah Pothier of Rumford, RI and Kristen Quartarone of Wrentham, MA as Josie.George M! will be presented from June 18 - July 12, with preview performances on June 18 and 19 and opening night scheduled for June 20. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8:00 pm, Thursdays at 2:00 pm, Saturdays at 4:30 & 8:30 pm, and Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm, with special performance times on Sunday, June 22 at 3:00 & 8:00 pm and a special Wednesday matinee on July 9 at 2:00 pm.
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