THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Plays Theatre By the Sea; Opens 8/17

Get ready to be transported to a magical, wonderful world as the summer season continues with the five-time Tony Award-winning musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, opening at Theatre By The Sea on August 17.

This hilarious show-within-a-show begins when a die-hard musical fan decides to play his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called The Drowsy Chaperone and the show magically bursts to life right in his apartment! Audiences are instantly immersed in the uproarious wedding day with a Broadway bride, a celebrity groom - and of course a "drowsy" chaperone. Complete with thrills and surprises that take both the cast and the audience soaring into the rafters, this Tony Award-winner is a toe-tapping trip back to the golden age of musicals.

Ocean State Theatre Company, the not-for-profit producing entity at the historic Theatre By The Sea, is thrilled to welcome back TBTS audience favorite Lennie Watts, who last appeared as Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls (2000). Mr. Watts, who was a regular performer at Theatre By The Sea for many years and had created a following as the host of the Late Night Cabaret, returns in the lead role of Man in Chair. He will be joined by New York actress, Happy McPartlin, who will portray the role of The Drowsy Chaperone. Broadway performer and veteran director and choreographer, Michael O'Steen, will make his directorial and choreographic debut at TBTS and Aaron McAllister, who music directed OSTC productions of Man of La Mancha, Peter Pan, Evita and George M!, returns as music director. Local performers include Phyllis Lynn of Warwick as Mrs. Tottendale and Cranston native, Ron Sarro, as Feldzieg.

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.

The Drowsy Chaperone will be presented at Theatre By The Sea from August 17 - September 4, with preview performances on Wednesday, August 17 at 8:00 pm and Thursday, August 18 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm and opening night on Friday, August 19 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, August 21 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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