Here We Go Again: RI Theater Postpones Mamma Mia!, Summer Lineup

CHARLESTOWN, RI — For the second year in a row, South County's Theatre By The Sea will remain dark for the summer season. Continued coronavirus pandemic restrictions on venue capacities and other safety measures, along with safety requirements for actors make it impossible to hold the 2021 season as planned, theater management said in an email to patrons.

The good news? Mamma Mia!, which was scheduled for an encore run in 2020, is expected to be performed at the end of the summer, running Aug. 18 to Sept. 5.

"Although we are unable to move forward with the season we had planned, we have gotten permission to reschedule the pre-season production of Mamma Mia! until the end of the summer," said Bill Hanney, the theater's owner. "We are hopeful that the majority of the population will have been vaccinated and that the regulations will have changed substantially, allowing us to return to our beloved barn."

The 2020 season was set to include Million Dollar Quartet, Funny Girl, Footloose and Kinky Boots, along with Mamma Mia! After the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the season, theater management announced plans to run the same slate of shows this summer, in 2021. After the latest developments, the theater again reached out to the shows' publishing houses to secure the rights to produce them during the 2022 season.

Anyone who already purchased tickets or subscription packages will be transferred to the 2022 season.

The theater is currently considering "numerous scenarios" to bring other forms of entertainment to the South County community this summer.

"An announcement regarding exact plans will be made once details have been solidified and we sincerely appreciate your patience," theater management said in a statement. "We hope to see you at some point this summer!"

Although the box office is closed, anyone with questions can email boxoffice.tbts@gmail.com.