Ocean State Theatre Co Announces Lennie Watts As Part Of Fundraising Event

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit producing entity at the historic Theatre By The Sea, is thrilled to announce a partial cast list for their second annual fundraising event Beyond the Sea, sponsored by First Trade Union Bank, Marasco & Nesselbush and Liberty Rentals, to be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011.

Theatre By The Sea alumni will return to the historic stage to celebrate the greatest music from the 70s! The evening will be hosted by Theatre By The Sea audience favorite Lennie Watts, who recently appeared as Man in Chair in this season's critically acclaimed production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Tim Robertson, who music directed The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2011), Little Shop of Horrors (2010), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (2007) and Chicago (2003) at TBTS, returns as Music Director for this event.

Barring any scheduling conflicts, the following performers have confirmed their participation: Rhode Island's own Dante Sciarra, who appeared in a multitude of productions for over a decade at TBTS and whose Broadway and National Tour credits include Chicago, Hello, Dolly! and Sunset Boulevard; Erin McCracken, who won glowing reviews for her portrayal of Tracy Turnblad in this season's production of Hairspray; Evan Price, who played the Barber this summer in Man of La Mancha, and appeared last season as both Ambrose Kemper in Hello, Dolly! and Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors; and Jean-Pierre Feragammo, who was also seen in Man of La Mancha and previously appeared in The Full Monty (2010), Evita (2008), The Producers (2008) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (2007).

The Road Show Quartet, featuring Jim Berger, Bob O'Connell, Mike Gabriella and WCRI's Mike Maino, who performed as the Rhode Island Ramblers with FourQuest Entertainment's production of The Music Man, return by popular demand following their sensational performance in last year's event.

There will also be special stage appearances made by Producing Artistic Director, Amiee Turner, as well as Managing Producer, Joel Kipper, who will be performing a clogging routine to The Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive."

"The focus this year is on fun and entertainment with songs that everyone from 30-70 should be familiar with," said Amiee Turner, President of Ocean State Theatre Company. "The fun will continue at the after-party, where Southern New England's popular band, Brass Attack, will entertain the attendees with the funky sounds of the ‘70s. We're thrilled they were able to squeeze our event into their busy schedule!"

Brass Attack, a live, nine-piece dance band, featuring four horns, a rhythm section, and a lead vocalist, has performed with many prominent national acts including The Tonight Show Band, Tavares, Ray Charles, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Dizzy Gillespie, and Aretha Franklin, to name just a few. The band has also shared the stage with Earth Wind and Fire, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and NRBQ. Known for their keen sense of entertainment and professionalism, as well as keeping audiences dancing all night long, Brass Attack is truly an exciting and welcome addition to this year's event.

Beyond the Sea will take place at Theatre By The Sea on Saturday, October 1, 2011. The evening will begin with a champagne reception and silent auction at 6:30 pm, followed by the stage performance at 8:00 pm. Following the stage performance, those with VIP tickets will enjoy an after-party in Theatre By The Sea's "back yard." The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI. Tickets are $80 (which includes the champagne reception and performance) and $140 (which includes the champagne reception, performance and VIP after-party). Tickets are still available and may be purchased 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). For sponsorship information, please contact Randy Rosenthal at randybythesea@gmail.com or (401) 782-3800 x17.

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