Theatre By The Sea Opens HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, 8/15

The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which recently enjoyed a tremendously successful revival on Broadway, opens at Theatre By The Sea on August 15.

From the authors of Guys and Dolls comes one of the most delightfully irreverent musicals of all time. This satire of big business and all it holds sacred, follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive. Tackling familiar, but potent dangers such as aggressively compliant "company men," the boss' whiny nephew, the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love, this joyous musical, sponsored by Meridian Printing, is full of lush tunes and rousing dance numbers.

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 TBTS favorite Lennie Watts, who appeared last season as Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone. Mr. Watts will direct the legendary musical. He will be joined by musical director, Justin P. Cowan and choreographer Chris Saunders, who choreographed previous OSTC productions of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Full Monty. Erik Keiser, who played Ren McCormack in the 10th Anniversary National Tour of Footloose, makes his TBTS debut as J. Pierrepont Finch, with New York’s Melissa Robinette and Tony Triano in the roles of Rosemary and J.B. Biggley. Former acting intern, Derek Johnson, who appeared last season in Man of La Mancha, Hairspray and The Drowsy Chaperone, returns to the Ocean State to portray the role of Bud Frump. Local performers include Massachusetts based actors A’Lisa D. Miles, who will portray the role of Miss Jones, Steve Gagliastro in the roles of Twimble, Ovington and Wally Womper and Matt Rickard as Tackaberry. Radio personality Mike Maino, who is the host of Conducting Conversations on WCRI 93.9, The Classical Station, joins the production as the Voice of the Book.

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.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will be presented at Theatre By The Sea from August 15 – September 2, with preview performances on Wednesday, August 15 at 8:00 pm and Thursday, August 16 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm and opening night on Friday, August 17 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 19 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.