Warwick Musical Theatre was a musical theater located on Route 2 in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Buster Bonoff opened the theatre in 1955 on the site of an open field. Initially the theatre hosted touring Broadway shows but by the 1970s "big name" entertainers became its standard offering.
In 1967, the original tent was replaced with a 3,300 Theatre in the round that used a building from the 1964 New York World's Fair.
Video Warwick Musical Theatre
Demise
Facing increased competition from larger venues and the two casinos in Connecticut, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, Warwick Musical Theatre hosted a farewell season in 1999, ending its 54th season with a concert by Vince Gill.
The founders of the theatre, Buster and Barbara Bonoff did not live long after the theatre closed. Buster died in 2000 and Barbara in 2003.
The Warwick Musical Theatre was torn down in June 2002 and a Lowe's now occupies the site.
Since its demise, the theatre has been honored by a pair of Rhode Island artists. Frank Galasso included it in two of his lithographs, Remember When... and Icons of Rhode Island Past and present. Duke Marcoccio made a commemorative ornament as a part of his series of 'My Little Town' Rhode Island landmarks.
In 2009, The Tent Life in the Round was shown in local theaters and is now available on DVD from Revolving Stage Productions.
Maps Warwick Musical Theatre
Performances
Donna Summer
America
Three Dog Night
Bill Cosby
Jack Benny
Huey Lewis and the News
John Denver
Bob Hope
Perry Como
Tony Bennett
Chuck Berry Andy Williams
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Bobby Vinton
Roy Orbison
The Everly Brothers
Willie Nelson
Don Rickles
Herb Alpert
Engelbert Humperdinck
Jerry Seinfeld
Judy Tenuta
Liberace
Little Richard
Paula Poundstone
Ray Charles
Sergio Franchi
George Carlin
Steve and Eydie
Sumo wrestling(1991)
The Beach Boys
Tom Jones
WWF (1983-1999)
Billy Ray Cyrus
Sandler and Young (1973)
Gallagher (Watermelon Smasher)
Harry Chapin
Johnny Mathis
Trisha Yearwood
Kim Richie
Mary Chapin Carpenter
References
External links
- Bonoff Foundation for the Warwick Musical Theater
- Frank Galasso Official Web Site
- Duke Marcoccio Official Web Site
Source of article : Wikipedia
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