Former Theatre By The Sea Producer Tommy Brent passes away at 88

Ocean State Theatre Company, the not-for-profit producing entity at Theatre By The Sea, along with Bill Hanney, the current owner of the historic property, note with sorrow the recent passing of Tommy Brent, who produced shows for over two decades at the seaside playhouse.

Mr. Brent was first introduced to Theatre By The Sea in the late 1940s, when he was involved with a documentary about theaters in New England. He returned in 1958 for a one year stint as a press agent for the theater. Ten years later, after learning that the theater was destined for demolition, Mr. Brent took over the management of the theater and produced over 100 musicals and plays from 1967 through 1988.

Mr. Brent credited himself with saving the theater twice - once from demolition in 1966 and the second time in 2007 by bringing Amiee Turner, Joel Kipper, and Bill Hanney together to reopen the theatre. After FourQuest Entertainment, Theatre By The Sea's owners and producers from 1989-2003, decided to discontinue producing theatre, Mr. Brent was very concerned that the theater might not ever reopen - fearing it would be demolished in favor of building single family homes on the nearly six acres the theater occupies.

"I first met Tommy in 2006 when I was initially made aware of Theatre By The Sea's closing. Since the reopening, I am proud to say Tommy never missed a show," said Ms. Turner, president of Ocean State Theatre Company and Producing Artistic Director of Theatre By The Sea. "He was certainly a passionate advocate for Theatre By The Sea and also helped launch many theatre careers during his tenure here."

"Without my dear friend Tommy Brent, I would not have had the opportunity to purchase such a magical place," said Mr. Hanney. "I have fond memories of the productions I attended when Tommy was producing shows. He was instrumental in building the theater's reputation during his 22 years at the theater and he will be missed. I remain committed to continuing its legacy."

Mr. Brent had planned to attend the opening night party for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and was intending to join several Theatre By The Sea alumni for the opening nights for both Man of La Mancha and Hairspray. Although missing in body, Tommy Brent's spirit will always be present at Theatre By The Sea.

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