Theatre By The Sea is perhaps the last place on Earth you’d expect to find a world-class theater. After all, this small, historic venue sits in a secluded location in South Kingstown, away from the bustle of Wakefield, and has nothing but farmland surrounding it.
Things aren’t always as they seem, though, as this establishment has been hosting performances since the early 1930s, surviving hurricanes, ownership changes, and renovations along the way. Today, the theater offers the rare opportunity to watch Broadway-quality shows in an intimate setting, attracting visitors from all over the East Coast every summer.
The 2023 season is shaping up to be one of the best yet, as some big-name shows will be coming to South County. Here’s a look at what’s in store in 2023, so you can begin planning your vacation.
My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
The 2023 season gets underway on May 24 with My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra. This show will run through June 11, with performances taking place Tuesday through Sunday every week.
Frank Sinatra was an iconic performer with a career expanding over five decades. This show will feature 50 of his greatest hits performed by four singers, taking you through his life and career in a fun and engaging way.
This performance will take you back to the days of old Las Vegas and the supper clubs that were a significant part of New York nightlife in the 1940s and 50s. If you’re in South county in late May or early June, you won’t want to miss this arrangement.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Carole King is another iconic name in American music history, as she’s known as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. She’s also a renowned artist in her own right, with her 1971 album Tapestry reaching certified 14× Platinum status, winning four Grammy Awards, and being ranked number 25 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums in history.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical follows the true story of King’s life and includes performances of some of her best-known songs. The musical ran for six years and 2,418 performances on Broadway and is now traveling the country. This show will come to South Kingstown between June 14 and July 8, 2023, and is something you’ll want to check out if you book a vacation rental in the area around those dates.
The Bodyguard
In 1992, there was no bigger movie star on the planet than Kevin Costner, and Whitney Houston was perhaps the world’s top recording artist, so it was massive news when they teamed up for a movie. The Bodyguard is the story of superstar Rachel Marron, portrayed by Houston, and Frank Farmer (Costner), the man whose job was to protect her at all costs.
A breathtaking interpretation of The Bodyguard is coming to Theatre By The Sea from July 12 until August 5, and you’ll want to ensure you’re there if you’re in South County at that time. This musical features performances from some of Houston’s best-known songs, including “I Will Always Love You”, “Saving All My Love”, and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”. If you’ve seen the original movie, checking out the live version should be on your list of things to do this summer.
Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys is among the most popular musicals ever, wowing audiences worldwide for decades. After running on Broadway from 2005 to 2017, it has taken international tours to London, Singapore, Japan, Dubai, and China and will be coming to South Kingstown in the summer of 2023.
This musical follows the career of The Four Seasons, who were behind massive hits like “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Sherry”, “Walk Like a Man”, and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, and features performances of those songs. The show runs from August 9 – September 10 at Theatre By The Sea and offers the rare opportunity to check out one of Broadway’s most successful shows in a small venue in South County.
Making the Most of Your Vacation
Spending part of your summer in South County puts you close to some of the East Coast’s most scenic beaches and a vibrant dining scene. You can also check out some world-class theater in an intimate setting at Theatre By The Sea.
Tickets go on sale for all shows in spring 2023, so reserve your seats and vacation rental early to avoid missing out.