West Bay Community Theater will present an in-concert production of the classic ‘50s musical “Grease” on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m. on the North Kingstown Town Beach.
This production of “Grease” is music-focused, with minimal staging, in addition to multimedia support (live video enhancement and show-related imagery). All music will be live with no pre-recorded and/or backing tracks. WBCT’s production has secured the rights to all of the “movie songs” (songs such as “Grease,” “You’re the One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You” that are not part of the original stage version), offering a full-on “Grease” experience!
For those who have attended West Bay’s summer productions (“Hair” and “Cabaret”), they know what a special experience a WBCT show on the beach can be. Moonlight on the water, food trucks, a festive audience and some of the best voices in local theater all in one special evening in Wickford. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and anything else to make an August night on the beach comfortable. For this show, WBCT encourages audience members to dress for the period, and if your costume is cool enough for the Pink Ladies and the Burger Palace Boys, you may even win a prize!
WBCT President Terry Shea says, “Last summer’s production of ‘Cabaret’ was a game changer for us. Not only did we draw a record audience for one of our shows (well over 300 attended and ticket sales are already trending to go higher than that), we introduced the addition of four large video screens across the expanse of the lawn. This multimedia enhancement gives everyone a chance to see performers’ faces close up as well as view imagery that will enhance the concert setting and draw everyone into the world of this show.”
Alongside this rock concert-meets-musical theater setting, audience members will be able to take advantage of two of the region’s award-winning food trucks, Gansett Poke and Mumsy’s Ice Cream Delights. Also on hand for burgers, hot dogs and more is North Kingstown Town Beach’s own Saugy Shack. There will also be themed gift basket auctions and a 50/50 raffle.
And while the “in-concert” setting means the focus is more on the music than the script, be ensured that there is enough choreography and production value to make this show a fully satisfying night at the theater.
Tickets: $20 GA / $15 Seniors, Active Students, Active Military. Tickets may be purchased directly through WBCT at https://wbctheater.org/box-office or by sending an email to: info@wbctheater.org or by calling (401) 372-7201 and leaving a message with full ticket request details. Tickets may be purchased on site the night of the show, as well.
Fans of this classic musical are in for a real treat as GREASE gets the unique WBCT treatment.
West Bay Community Theater is a North Kingstown-based 501 (c) (3) arts organization founded in 2018 by former members of Academy Players and North Kingstown Players in order to re-establish a community theater in the West Bay region of Rhode Island. In 2023, WBCT successfully presented Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret-In Concert. Their annual Halloween-themed cabaret, “Spirits,” will take place at the Arctic Playhouse Oct. 25 and 26.