The old Rocky Point Amusement Park in Warwick, RI has officially been closed since 1995. However, it holds so much meaning and memories for the people of Rhode Island, they simply cannot let it go. There has been a great deal of debate, legal wrangling, and voices raised regarding the issue of the use of the land that once housed the bustling, very popular, amusement park. The Rocky Point Foundation (getthepoint.org) is a non-profit formed to help save the land for use by the public for recreation, as most residents believe it should be.

     Out to Rocky Point, an original play by Lenny Schwartz is the latest homage to the wonderful memories and good times had by all who visited Rocky Point and rode the Flume, the Music Express, or the Tilt-A-Whirl. Or perhaps you are lucky enough to remember sitting at the long tables at the Shore Dining Hall eating clam cakes and chowder with your family.

     For this production, Daydream Theatre Company is using many original items from Rocky Point Park. There are signs on loan from Trinity Rep, a Skyliner chair from filmmaker David Bettencourt ("You Must Be This Tall"), and a House of Horrors ride car from the Warwick Recreation Department’s Thayer Arena.

     The play, Out to Rocky Point, is a coming of age story based on playwright Schwartz’s own memories and experience at the beloved Rocky Point Amusement Park on the last day the park was open in 1995. Two best friends Jason (James Foley) and Dave (Sean Carufel) are determined to have the best time they ever have at the old park on the last day in 1995. Despite an ominous warning by the Park Attendant (Geoffrey Monti), Jason and Dave continue on and encounter their usual young friends and enemies – most notably Swift, the bully (Matthew d’Oliveira), as well as some unexpected surprises.

     Most of the young people are on the verge of graduating and going off to college, although that does not keep them from indulging their immaturity at least one more time. Amy (Stephanie Carey) and Leia (Sara Bartel), fast friends, cruise the park insulting everyone. Joanne (Briana Butterworth) is a young teen trying to keep up with the others, two girls (Kat Harvey and Kathleen Seagriff) keep breaking hearts, and the emotional Zoe (Kaitlyn Vollucci) is broken-hearted that her present is dismal and her future is likely to be worse.

     The clueless blond Abigail (Kerri Montgomery) is confident things will work out no matter what, but the thoughtful Kelsey (Tara Gray) worries about finding her true love. Kara Cancelliere is the no-nonsense Security Guard and Lauren Ustaszeuski plays the beautiful but mysterious woman roaming the park.

     Produced by Jim Belanger, Out to Rocky Point is the tenth play the Daydream Theatre Company has staged in the Bell Street Chapel, which suits their productions perfectly. Proceeds from the play go to assist the ministries of the Unitarian Church, which owns the Bell Street Chapel.

     So don’t miss out on one last good time at the Rocky Point Amusement Park. The first weekend sold out. Tickets still available for April 22, 23, 24 and April 29, 30 and May 1. All shows at 8pm. Tickets $10, $5 for students and seniors. Purchase tickets online at www.smarttix.com. For directions check the Daydream Theatre Company website at www.daydreamtheatre.com or call (401) 644-2293.