While Providence is known for its great arts and theater community, there is a strong performing arts community throughout Rhode Island that includes the far reaches of the state. Theater by the Sea is a long-running tradition for South County residents and members of the summer community in the southern part of the state. This landmark theater in South Kingstown, RI had its first production in 1933 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The theater has seen its share of hardship over the years, closing its doors periodically, seeing new ownership, and experiencing destruction during several hurricanes but always seems to overcome obstacles due to people who strongly believe in live theater. The original theater was a barn on the summer property of Mrs. Alice Jaynes Tyler. Tyler renovated the barn into a theater in order to create jobs in response to the great depression. The theater is located in the picturesque village of Matunuck, in South Kingstown. The village is situated on a point into the Atlantic and takes its name from the Native American word for "look out." The oceanfront community of Matunuck is home to several notable beaches including Moonstone Beach, South Kingstown Town Beach at Matunuck, East Matunuck State Beach.
Today, Theatre by the Sea is home to Ocean State Theatre Co., Inc., whose mission it is "to reinvigorate the Rhode Island Landmark know as Theatre By The Sea and renew the commitment of enrichment, education, and historic continuity for the community through live theatre." The Theatre Company was founded by William Hanney in 2007 in conjunction with Amiee Turner and Joel Kipper. This year, the theater is running 4 productions. Peter Pan is currently running and will play through August 8th. Tickets range in price from $39-$49.
The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday at 8:00pm Thursday at 2:00 & 8:00 pm Saturday at 4:30 & 8:30pm Sunday* at 5:00pm Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the contemporary musical comedy about 2 competing con men on the French Riviera, will run from August 12th - September 6th. Tickets are available on the Theater by the Sea website,
theatrebythesea.com.
