April 6, 2007
Contact: Sue Baker, City of Warwick, 738-2000
Marilyn Busch, Trinity Rep, 521-1100, ext. 228
Norm Deragon, SBA, 528-4561, ext. 4567
Avedisian, SBA, Trinity Rep announce “Fantastick” development for Rocky Point memorabilia
PROVIDENCE – Mark S. Hayward, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian and Trinity Rep Artistic Director Curt Columbus announced today an agreement that makes memorabilia from the former Rocky Point Amusement Park a permanent part of Trinity Rep’s collection.
The pieces – including a sign from the Shore Dinner Hall – are taking center stage at the theater’s production of The Fantasticks, which opened to a sold out house on Wednesday evening. The setting of the musical, in an abandoned amusement park, is, according to director Amanda Dehnert, “someplace that suggests long-ago innocence and adventure, where illusion and the impossible become real.”
Tony Award-winning set designer Eugene Lee, who took part in the announcement, used Rocky Point as his main inspiration while designing the show – featuring many familiar signs onstage and throughout the Chace Theater.
Avedisian helped to facilitate the arrangement between the SBA and Trinity Rep after being approached by John Harpootian, vice chairman of the theater’s Board of Directors, about obtaining some of the signs.
“For over a century, Rocky Point was a favorite summertime destination,” Avedisian said. “Rhode Islanders have many fond memories of the park and – based on the inquiries my office receives – are anxious that some of its history be preserved. I am very pleased that the City could work cooperatively with the SBA to ensure that Trinity Rep – another Rhode Island institution – will be guardian of this memorabilia.”
“I am pleased that part of what was Rhode Island’s favorite family fun park for so many years will be preserved,” said Hayward. “The SBA is now moving forward to ensure that the valuable Rocky Point property will soon be put to good use.”
"This partnership serves as wonderful example of how Trinity Rep, as RI's largest arts organization, in cooperation with our local government officials, was able to create unique and unparalleled local art for local audiences,” Columbus said. “This production of The Fantasticks now holds claim to a distinctly Rhode Island soul and personality - something that a production imported from a Broadway stage would never have. We truly appreciate the broad thinking and creative effort on behalf of all the representatives, who helped us preserve and breathe new life into these artifacts from this treasured landmark."
“I think it's safe to say that the design could not have been accomplished without the REAL artifacts from Rocky Point Park,” Lee said. “There's just no way to duplicate the pleasure and nostalgia associated with these wonderful objects."
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The Fantasticks tells the story of a young boy and girl who fall madly in love at the hands of their meddling fathers, but soon grow restless and stray from one another. Will their separation provide a deeper appreciation for the love they once shared or create a permanent gulf between them? The Fantasticks is the quintessential celebration of romance and features such classic tunes as “Try To Remember,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain", "Much More,” and “I Can See It.” The Fantasticks originally opened at New York’s Sullivan Street Playhouse on May 3, 1960 and played 17,162 performances before closing January 13, 2002, making it the world’s longest running musical.
Tickets are available by calling 401-351-4242 or online at www.trinityrep.com. The Fantasticks is sponsored by Marc and Claire Perlman. Trinity Rep’s 43rd season is sponsored by NBC 10, with supporting sponsors Cox Media, Rhode Island Monthly, RIPTA, and RISCA. Regular ticket prices for Trinity Rep’s 42nd Season are $20-60. Due to popular demand, The Fantasticks has been extended through May 6th.
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The SBA is the court-appointed receiver for receiver for Moneta Capital, the former owner of the 123-acre property, located in the Warwick Neck neighborhood. Last week, Avedisian and Hayward announced that the SBA had awarded a contract to Fuss & O’Neill, of Providence, for asbestos abatement and demolition of between 40 and 50 buildings on the midway. The SBA is accepting redevelopment proposals for the property through April 17.
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