The 2012 season will officially open with Forever Plaid June 1, following previews that begin May 30. The musical revue, running through June 17, centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert. According to TBTS notes, "Miraculously they are revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. The 'Plaids' sing great nostalgic pop hits of the '50s in the closest of harmony, squabble boyishly over the smallest intonations, and execute charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision."

Following Forever Plaid, the season continues with the Tony Award-winning classic, The Sound of Music, running June 20-July14. Set in Austria in 1938, the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical follows the adventures of a high-spirited young novice who is ill-fitted for the life of the convent. 

9 to 5: The Musical will make its New England premiere July 18. Based on the popular movie, 9 to 5 tells the story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. The musical, running through Aug. 11, features a score written by Dolly Parton and follows three unlikely friends and co-workers who conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do.

Concluding the summer season, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will begin performances Aug. 17, following previews that begin Aug. 15. How to Succeed… "follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called 'How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying' to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive, tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant 'company man,' the boss' whiny, nepotistic nephew, the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction, and, of course, true love."

Theatre By The Sea is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI. For more information and tickets, call (401) 782-8587 or visit www.theatrebythesea.com.