---

When Kristin Quarterone of Wrentham was just a toddler, her mother, who also grew up in theater and dance, indoctrinated her into the life.

"When I was 2 she put me into dance. When I was 12 years old, my aunt saw an ad in the newspaper for 'Annie' auditions and she thought I might like it," said Quarterone. "I went to the auditions, got into the show as one of the orphans, loved it, and have continued doing theater ever since."

Quarterone, now 22, has been seen in a variety of roles in this area, including Mayzie LaBird in "Seussical" with Bay Colony Productions in Foxboro, Roxie Hart in "Chicago" with Steps Off Broadway, and Philia in "Forum" with Actor's Collaborative. She just graduated from Rhode Island College, where the theater program, she said, "was incredible.

They took chances with me and helped me grow more than I ever expected. The professors in the theater department were extremely knowledgeable and they were always willing to help me out with any problems. I would certainly not be where I am today if I hadn't gone there. I owe so much to them."

Some of her favorite roles have been Charity in "Sweet Charity," Peter Pan in "Peter Pan," Lola in "Damn Yankees," and Lucille in "No, No, Nanette." Quarterone now gets to play the role of Josie, George M. Cohan's sister, in Theatre by the Sea's production of "George M!," which opens Friday, June 20.

"My friend from RIC, Kevin Martin, told me about the auditions for Theatre by the Sea and we went together. They were just reopening the theater after having been closed for four years, and their summer season sounded great," said Quarterone. "Happily, both Kevin and I got jobs with Theatre by the Sea and so we get to work together!"

Quarterone added that getting to play Josie, a lead role, in her first every professional "gig," has been, in a word, "Unbelievable."

"By the end of the first day of rehearsal, we already had many scenes blocked, tap routines choreographed, and many songs learned. I was so impressed," she said. "I am working with people who have performed many times on Broadway, and we all get along in rehearsals and in the housing. It has just been an incredible experience all around."

A celebration of America and the Fourth of July, this fast-paced show follows the great song-and-dance man Cohan, a Rhode Island native, over a 60-year period - from his childhood on the vaudeville circuit to his 25-year reign over the Broadway stage in New York.

This giant of the American musical theater gave us such songs as "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Over There," "You're A Grand Old Flag" and "Give My Regards to Broadway." Tap dancing, flag waving and the American Dream make this about as patriotic a musical as you will ever find.

"Everyone should come see George M!," added Quarterone. "It is a historical musical all about the life of George M. Cohan, the Yankee Doodle kid. There are many fun tap routines, great songs that many people know, the costumes and sets are beautiful. It's the perfect musical to go see as a family.

"It is also pretty remarkable that we are going to be performing on stage in Rhode Island, the state where George M. Cohan was born, on July 4th, the day he was born," she said. "I am extremely proud to be a part of it."

"George M!" will be presented from June 18 to July 12 at Theatre by the Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, R.I. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. Go to www.theatrebythesea.com or call 401-782-TKTS (8587).