KINGSTON, RI – September 23, 2009 – The University of Rhode Island Department of Theatre will screen the documentary, THE TENT: Life in the Round Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in Room 271 of the Chafee Social Science Center, 10 Chafee Road, Kingston. The 90-minute documentary chronicles the legacy of the Warwick Musical Theatre from inception in 1955 to its final curtain call in 1999. Suggested donations for the evening are $10 for the general public and $5 for students. All proceeds will benefit the Bonoff Theatre Fund, which will provide scholarships for theatre students.

THE TENT: Life in the Round was directed, written and co-produced by Washington, D.C. filmmaker Brian Jones. Jones used archival footage from the Rhode Island Historical Society, local TV stations, and photos from the Larry Bonoff Collection in combination with celebrity interviews featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, Englebert Humperdink, Carrot Top, Howie Mandel, Vince Gill, and Wynonna Judd. The documentary is narrated by WJAR-10 Patrice Wood and edited by Emmy-winning filmmaker Jim Karpeichik.

Viewers will enjoy footage of Howie Mandel when he realizes he is sharing the stage with a large moth. Hear local comedian Charlie Hall recall a phone call during his birthday party one evening from a panic-stricken Larry Bonoff who begged him (with the promise that he would buy them all dinner afterward) to be the last-minute replacement for Jerry Seinfeld’s opening act who didn’t show. Discover why Patti LaBelle left in a huff after her performance.

Rhode Islanders share their memories of the “tent.” For example, Gov. and Mrs. Donald Carcieri fondly recall their first date at the “tent.”

For additional information or directions, call 401.874.5921 or 401.874-5922.