Theatre Review

Ocean State Theatre’s ‘Rounding Third’ a solid hit

Don Fowler
Posted 6/12/15

Ocean State Theatre Company covers the bases with a comedy about two Little League coaches who would put the Odd Couple to shame.

Fred Sullivan Jr. plays Don (“It’s Don, not Donald”), a …

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Theatre Review

Ocean State Theatre’s ‘Rounding Third’ a solid hit

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Ocean State Theatre Company covers the bases with a comedy about two Little League coaches who would put the Odd Couple to shame.

Fred Sullivan Jr. plays Don (“It’s Don, not Donald”), a working class, opinionated, win-at-all-costs coach who takes on a new assistant, played by Joel Kipper (“Call me Michael, not Mike”), who believes that having fun is more important than winning.

The two opposites don’t hit it off (can’t avoid all those baseball clichés) as Don preaches his philosophy to Michael.

Don’s son is the star pitcher, crushing his father’s ego when he decides that he would rather be a star in “Brigadoon.” Michael’s son has trouble connecting his glove with the ball.

The relationship between the two opposites is often hilarious, but there is also a poignant side to the story when their personal struggles are slowly revealed. The two share their opposite philosophies with the imaginary kids, constantly in conflict with each other.

Sullivan is hysterical, and hysterically funny, as he bullies the kids and his assistant. Along the way Kipper’s Michael develops a backbone and, as expected, the two come to a better understanding of each other.

“Rounding Third” is a nice little play. It will have you laughing throughout, while still bring home some important messages about judging other people, accepting differences, and yes, learning that winning isn’t everything.

As you listen to the two men, you will probably think of a coach you know that personifies at least one of them.

Amiee Turner does a good job keeping the play moving, although I’m not sure how much direction these two veterans need.

Kipper is a veteran actor and OSTC’s managing producer. He knows his way around the bases and knows how to play second banana to the dynamic Sullivan, who can turn a simple line into a home run with his body language and assertiveness.

Scenic designer Amanda Hall has created a mini-dugout, mini-bar, a half-SUV and a few thunder clouds to enhance the story.

Turn off the Red Sox on TV and get over to Ocean State Theatre for a fun evening of theatre. “Rounding Third” plays through June 21. Tickets are $34-$49. Call 921-6800 for reservations.

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  • AL_ALBA

    My parents, good friends, and I attended the production. We have enjoyed all the past productions at Ocean State. For this production, we were looking for a family oriented production and found the language offensive. Also, for an entire production to revolve around only two characters talking about little league baseball we found the performance lacking in substance. We left at the intermission. I would strongly recommend if you have children you do not take them to this production as there is profanity in using God's name in vane and other language that would be offensive to families with children, Christian families, or elderly parents. I strongly recommended to the management if they are producing a play that sounds as it would be for children or a family oriented production the management should warn patrons of the offensive language and note that it is not suitable for children or those offended by foul language. When I asked the establishment if we could be given a partial credit for another production, we were told: With regard to your opinion as to the enjoy-ability of the show, Ocean State Theatre Company has a very clear policy with regards to refunds and exchanges. No refunds are given once tickets are purchased and exchanges are available (for a fee) up to 24 hours prior to the performance (for the same production). I can trust you can appreciate with theatre being a form of art, we can not in good conscience provide any refund or credit based on the personal taste or opinion of a given patron or party. I would not say this play is a home run but rather a strike out.

    Saturday, June 13, 2015 Report this