Cranston’s Mike Daniels plays Maryland delegate in OSTC’s ‘1776’

By Don Fowler
Posted 2/24/16

Mike Daniels is determined to make a career in the theatre.

The Cranston resident is the former house manager at Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company, having followed Aimee Turner and Joel …

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Cranston’s Mike Daniels plays Maryland delegate in OSTC’s ‘1776’

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Mike Daniels is determined to make a career in the theatre.

The Cranston resident is the former house manager at Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company, having followed Aimee Turner and Joel Kipper from Theatre-by-the-Sea to their new venture on Jefferson Blvd.

Mike recently left the manager’s position to pursue a career as an actor, landing a role in OSTC’s upcoming musical, “1776.”

“I’ll be playing Samuel Chase, delegate from Maryland, who is on the fence when it comes to signing the Declaration of Independence,” Mike said as he was getting ready for rehearsal.

“People forget that there was a war going on, and Chase was saying ‘Why declare if you can’t win?’”

Mike had never seen the show, so he bought an old cast album record to familiarize himself with the story and music.

“The musical becomes quite relevant as we face an election year,” he said. “The stakes were high. The story follows an important piece of American history.”

Daniels is a graduate of Rhode Island College with a degree in theatre. He counts Joel Kipper as a major influence in his decision to follow his dream of an acting career. He has been involved with many children’s shows at TBTS and OSTC, and Kaleidoscope Theatre before that. He was also in OSTC’s production of “Fools,” and understudied for Frank O’Donnell as Big Ange in “Guys and Dolls.”

“I knew that I would have a chance to go on at least once, because Frank had a commitment during the run.

“I’m also learning from the experienced actors that they have brought in from New York,” he said. “Whether I am able to make a living as an actor or not, I don’t intend to leave the theatre. I always have my experience as a support person.”

The Tony Award-winning musical hasn’t been done around here for some time. I remember seeing a production years ago at the Community Players and loved it. It is more “a play with music” than a musical, a true history lesson with humor, conflict and a history lesson thrown in.

“The play takes place all in one room, with delegates sitting at desks and arising to speak. You are literally ‘on’ at all times,” Daniels said.

“1776” will be at Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre February 26-March 13. Call 921-6800 for reservations.

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  • RIocean68

    Big Ange?? First, Big Ang, and she's the reality star that died. It's Big Jule.

    Saturday, February 27, 2016 Report this