Bill Hanney, the Massachusetts man who owns several movie complexes, is expected to complete the purchase of Matunuck’s historic Theatre-by-the-Sea today, thus ensuring the return of one of Rhode Island’s most beloved attractions. The deal with FourQuest Entertainment, operators of the landmark theatre for the past two decades, also includes a rehearsal hall and costume shop in Wakefield.

News of the sale was contained in a release which had no word on whether Hanney would mount a production this summer. He did say, though, that FourQuest has passed along its subscription records and that he would be contacting everyone in the data base, informing them how to sign up for the 2008 season. Details are expected to be made public shortly.

“I feel a strong commitment to the past Theatre-by-the-Sea subscribers and patrons,” said Hanney, who, having seen numerous productions at the theater, has a special fondness for the venue. Hanney signed an agreement to purchase the theater in April.

No sale price was disclosed, but the 73-year-old property, which includes the 500-seat theater and restaurant, had been on the market for an asking price of $1.795 million. Hanney first expressed interest in buying the theater shortly after it closed in 2003, when Renny Serre and his partner, Laura Harris, announced they were getting out of the theater business to publish children’s books.

“He’s been on the radar since then,” Serre said in April.

Hanney, who has independently produced theatrical and musical events, operates 10 movie complexes in four New England states, including an eight-screen theater in South Kingstown.