Ocean State Theatre's FOREVER PLAID Opens Tonight, 6/1

The Ocean State Theatre Company's new season opens tonight, June 1 (with preview performances on May 30 and 31) with Forever Plaid, one of the most popular and successful musicals in recent memory.

This deliciously goofy revue centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert. Miraculously they are revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was.

The "Plaids" sing great nostalgic pop hits of the ‘50s in the closest of harmony, squabble boyishly over the smallest intonations, and execute charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision. Songs include "Heart and Soul," "Three Coins in a Fountain," "16 Tons," and many others.

Ocean State Theatre Company, currently celebrating its Fifth Anniversary Season as the not-for-profit producing entity at the historic Theatre By The Sea, is thrilled to welcome back Scott Guthrie, who portrayed the lead role of Jerry Lukowski in the company’s critically acclaimed production of The Full Monty (2010). Mr. Guthrie is making his directorial debut with Forever Plaid. He will be joined by John C. Brown (My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, 2009), who returns as music director. URI graduate, Mike Backes, who appeared on the Theatre By The Sea stage in Jekyll & Hyde (2002), will portray the role of Frankie. He will be joined by Adolpho Blaire as Sparky, Max Pallman as Smudge and Jeffrey Scott Stevens as Jinx, all of whom are making their Theatre By The Sea debuts.

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. Reservations are strongly recommended 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.

Tickets are available from www.theatrebythesea.com, in person at the Box Office or via telephone at (401) 782-TKTS (8587) Monday through Saturday from 10am-4pm until October 1, 2011.