Theatre By The Sea will host the world premiere of a new Carole King and James Taylor tribute concert this summer, replacing the previously announced production of “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan” on its 2026 season.
Owner Bill Hanney announced the change Tuesday, calling it an opportunity he could not turn down.
“We were offered an amazing opportunity to host the debut of a brand-new work at our historic barn theatre and I simply could not pass it up,” Hanney said. “Although I know theatregoers were looking forward to seeing ‘On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan,’ I feel quite confident that our patrons will be just as enthusiastic about the world premiere of ‘You’ve Still Got a Friend: A Musical Tribute to the Friendship of Carole King & James Taylor!'”
Created by Tony Award-winning producers, the concert event celebrates the music and friendship of King and Taylor, featuring songs including “Fire and Rain,” “Natural Woman,” “So Far Away,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Carolina In My Mind” and “I Feel the Earth Move.” The evening is billed as a tribute to the two “soul-friends” whose songwriting has resonated across generations.
Subscriber tickets will be automatically transferred and should arrive at subscriber households within the next few weeks, the theater said. Subscribers will also receive a special offer by email.
Online sales for all 2026 season events begin Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m., with the box office window opening Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning Monday, May 11, the box office will be open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For subscription information, visit theatrebythesea.com or call the box office Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. at (401) 782-8587.
Located on Rhode Island’s South Shore, Theatre By The Sea is marking 93 years of summer theater. All shows are subject to change without notice.
The theater has had several incarnations since opening on Aug. 7, 1933. Tommy Brent saved it from demolition in 1967 and ran it until FourQuest Entertainment took over the lease in 1988. Following extensive renovations, FourQuest reopened the theater in the spring of 1989 and continued producing shows at the seaside playhouse through the fall of 2003. Hanney purchased the property in 2007 and reopened it that August with a production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Theatre By The Sea has since produced a four-musical subscription season, a late-night cabaret series, a children’s theater festival and a children’s summer theater camp.
