HAIRSPRAY Set For Theatre By The Sea, Opens Tonight

The summer season continues at Theatre By The Sea with the big fat Broadway sensation Hairspray, opening on July 20.

Welcome to 1960s Baltimore, where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has a big desire to dance on the popular local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network - all without dentin' her 'do! Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this big fat Broadway sensation is filled with show-stopping tunes including "You Can't Stop the Beat," "Without Love" and "Good Morning Baltimore."

Ocean State Theatre Company, the not-for-profit producing entity at the historic Theatre By The Sea, is thrilled to welcome back Russell Garrett, who directed last season's critically acclaimed production of The Full Monty. Mr. Garrett will both direct and choreograph this spectacular celebration of the 60s. He will be joined by musical director/conductor Frederick Willard, who has conducted, played or written orchestrations for Broadway, Off-Broadway, Symphony Orchestras, Big Bands and Theatres all over the world, and the costumes will be provided by local costume designer Marcia Zammarelli (Cranston, RI).

As Tracy Turnblad, New York actress Erin McCracken makes her Theatre By The Sea debut. She is joined by Providence's own Tom Gleadow, seen locally at The Gamm Theatre, New Bedford Festival Theatre, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company and Trinity Rep, who will play the role of Edna Turnblad, and veteran stage (Mame with Juliet Prowse, A Few Good Men with Lou Diamond Phillips, Hello, Dolly! with Judy Norton) and television (Dallas, Matlock, Ryan's Hope) performer Sean McGuirk, who made his Theatre By The Sea debut in 1978, will play the role of Wilbur Turnblad. Rebecca Gibel, who recently portrayed Guenevere in Trinity Rep's Camelot and international performer Yvette Monique Clark make their TBTS debuts in the roles of Velma Von Tussle and Motormouth Maybelle. Other local performers include Stacey Geer of Attleboro, MA and Alexa Shanahan of Wakefield, Rhode Island.

Audiences are invited to enhance their theatre experience by dining in the casual, contemporary and creative atmosphere of Bistro by the Sea, just a short stroll down the arbor walk adjacent to the theatre. Following selected performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, theatergoers can enjoy fun, food and drinks at the popular Late Night Cabaret with Sabrina Blaze. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and the cabaret and can be made by calling (401) 789-3030 after 3:00 pm. Before or after the meal theatergoers can enjoy the lush seaside gardens maintained by Dana Designs, which contain over 300 varieties of perennials, grasses, shrubs and climbing plants, offering a magical environment for flower lovers of all ages.

Hairspray will be presented at Theatre By The Sea from July 20 - August 13, with preview performances on Wednesday, July 20 at 8:00 pm and Thursday, July 21 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm and opening night on Friday, July 22 at 8:00 pm.. All other performances are scheduled for Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8:00 pm, Thursdays at 2:00 pm, Saturdays at 4:30 and 8:30 pm and Sundays at 5:00 pm, with special performance times on Sunday, July 24 at 3:00 and 8:00. The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI. Tickets are $35 for preview performances and $39-$54 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling (401) 782-3800 x18. Rush tickets are available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance. Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, online anytime at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587). The box office will also be open one hour prior to every performance.

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