Broadway singers kick off TBTS event series July 9

Stars perform their faves, answer audience questions

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – In celebration of 85 Years of Theatre By The Sea (TBTS), owner and producer Bill Hanney is proud to announce a New Monday Concerts and Events Series, which begins with “A Broadway Celebration” on July 9.

“When Tom Senter, Theatre By The Sea’s General Manager, suggested we consider adding a Monday night series to our programming this season, I said, ‘Let’s give it a try,’” said Hanney. “Honestly, we weren’t sure if people would come out on a Monday night, but the reaction has been very positive and we are nearly sold out for our first event!”

The series begins with an exciting new concert event created exclusively for Theatre By The Sea. Produced and hosted by New York casting director and native Rhode Islander, Stephen DeAngelis, five of Broadway’s finest vocalists will recreate some of their most memorable and favorite musical moments as they celebrate the spectrum from classic to contemporary Broadway. The concert will allow the performers to display their great talents and versatility, share backstage behind-the-scenes anecdotes and conduct an enlightening and entertaining question-and-answer session with the audience.

Scheduled performers include Arielle Jacobs (“Aladdin”; “In the Heights”; “Wicked)”, Julia Murney (“Wicked”; “Lennon”), Jon Peterson (“Cabaret”), Nic Rouleau (“The Book of Mormon”), and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”; “The Color Purple”; “Ragtime”; “The Who’s Tommy”; “Miss Saigon”). The musical director/accompanist will be Jon Balcourt (“Dear Evan Hanson”; “The Book of Mormon”).

“A Broadway Celebration” will be performed for one show only on Monday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m.

The series continues on August 6, with “Master Illusionist: Lyn Dillies,” who is the most highly acclaimed female illusionist in magic history. Her captivating stage show is one for the ages – all ages, in fact. Infusing all the spectacle and flash of Vegas into an enchanting, family-friendly event, Lyn’s spellbinding illusions put standing-room-only audiences on the edge of their seats and in the palm of her hand. From the grandeur of New York’s Lincoln Center to Hollywood’s Magic Castle, rave reviews accompany her powerful brand of mystery and illusion. Dillies dazzles, amazes and astounds with some of the most masterful, mind-blowing illusions in magic today. Children ages 18 and under save 50 percent when accompanied by a paying adult.

On Aug. 27, Theatre By The Sea welcomes Harvey Robbins’ “Royalty of Doo-Wopp.”

Scheduled performers include Tony Funches, former long-time lead singer of Herb Reed’s The Platters (“The Great Pretender,” “My Prayer,” “Harbor Lights,” “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “Only You”); Rock ‘n Roll and Doo-Wopp Hall of Fame inductee Billy Davis (co-composer and lead guitarist on “The ‘original’ Twist,” “Higher and Higher,” with Jackie Wilson, original guitar tutor for Jimi Hendrix); The Original Super Girls Group featuring the first lady of the Doo-Wopp Hall of Fame, Louise Murray (lead singer of The Hearts and The Jaynetts (“Lonely Nights,” “Sally Go Round The Roses”), and original members of The Cookies (“Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad About My Baby,” “Chains”) and The Exciters (“Tell Him,” “Do-Wah-Diddy”).

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 via Open Table or by calling (401) 789-3030. Before or after the meal, theatergoers can enjoy the lush seaside gardens, which contain over 300 varieties of perennials, grasses, shrubs and climbing plants, offering a magical environment for flower lovers of all ages.

Performances for the Monday Night Concerts and Events Series will take place on July 9, Aug. 6 and Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield. Tickets are $30 to $50 (additional fees may apply). Discount rates are available for groups of 10 or more by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587). Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., and performance days until curtain, online 24-hours-a-day at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (866) 811-4111 or (401) 782-TKTS (8587).