Ocean State Theatre hosting New England premier of 'The Meeting'

Posted 1/22/15

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), currently celebrating its third season in its new state-of-the-art theatre in Warwick is proud to present the New England premiere of Jeff Stetson’s fascinating …

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Ocean State Theatre hosting New England premier of 'The Meeting'

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Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), currently celebrating its third season in its new state-of-the-art theatre in Warwick is proud to present the New England premiere of Jeff Stetson’s fascinating and dramatically compelling play, “The Meeting,” from Jan. 28 through Feb. 15.

This eloquent play depicts the imagined meeting of two of the most significant men of modern times – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Differing in their philosophies, but alike in their desire for equality, the two men debate their conflicting approaches to the same grave social problems. Both understand they may have to give their life for their beliefs, but neither is aware of how soon their assassins’ bullets would await them. In time to celebrate Black History Month, this thought provoking play takes an intimate look at two larger than life figures.

“The conversation that takes place within the confines of this play is more relevant than ever,” said Amiee Turner, Ocean State Theatre Company’s producing artistic director. “The hope for peace and civil justice are still at the forefront of peoples’ consciousness, just as it was over 50 years ago. The goals are still the same. It’s the approach which creates the issues – non-violence, of which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an advocate or doing ‘anything necessary,’ as was the belief of Malcolm X.”

Directed by Turner, who returns to the helm after directing this season’s productions of “My Fair Lady” and “Dial M for Murder,” the cast includes Damron Russel Armstrong, who returns to Ocean State Theatre after being seen as Tom Collins in “RENT” and Henry Brown in “Race” during OSTC’s inaugural season. Armstrong will portray the role of Malcolm X. Marcus Denard Johnson, whose New York appearances include roles in “Henry V,” “The Tempest,” “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” “The Exonerated,” “This One Time in Last Chance,” “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Hamlet,” will play Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rounding out the cast, in the role of Rashad, is New York actor Tony Mitchell.

“The Meeting” will be presented at Ocean State Theatre from Jan. 28 through Feb. 15. Previews are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

All other performances will be held Wednesday (except Feb. 4), Thursday (except Feb. 12), Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Thursdays (except Feb. 12), Saturdays at 2 p.m. (except Jan. 31) and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Several student matinees, supported in part by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, have been scheduled throughout the run. Interested educators should call 401-921-1777, ext. 112 for availability. “Conducting Conversations Live!,” a free post-show discussion hosted by WCRI’s Mike Maino, will follow the 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, Feb. 1.

The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. Tickets are $30 for preview performances and $34-$49 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling 401-921-1777, ext. 112. “Rush” tickets at a cost of $25 are available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance.

Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m., and from noon until curtain time on performance days. Tickets are also available online 24 hours a day at www.OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling 921-6800.

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