Check out our new TV spot!

Check out this video: Trinity Rep's 07-08 Season

A "Fantastick" opening night!

The gala Opening Night of THE FANTASTICKS at Trinity Rep was held on Wednesday April 4th.

Amid the splendor of the fabulous Lederer Theater lobby, hundreds of donors, cast and staff celebrated a stellar opening night performance.

Click here to view the opening night photo album!

ALL PHOTOS: Mary Hanley

Visit the Review Blog!

What's your review?

Whether you are a longtime subscriber, huge musical buff that would never miss a production of this beloved show or just stopped by the theater for the first time - we want to hear from you!

Feel free to post your thoughts on THE FANTASTICKS or a review HERE>>!

Speak Your Mind!

The Review Blog is back!

Speak your mind - we're listening! We have indeed heard you and our new Review Blog, "The Public Square" is back  - just in time for the preview weekend of Thornton Wilder's Our Town. Here's your chance to share your thoughts, reactions and reviews of the latest shows at Trinity Rep.

Whether you are a longtime subscriber or just stopped by the theater for the first time - we want to hear from you! Since we are talking about personal opinions, we just ask you keep your neighbor in mind & keep it friendly!

POST YOUR REVIEW NOW>>

Questions? Email Marilyn at mbusch@trinityrep.com

Speak your mind - we're listening! We have indeed heard you and our new Review Blog, "The Public Square" is back  - just in time for the preview weekend of Thornton Wilder's Our Town. Here's your chance to share your thoughts, reactions and reviews of the latest shows at Trinity Rep.

Whether you are a longtime subscriber or just stopped by the theater for the first time - we want to hear from you! Since we are talking about personal opinions, we just ask you keep your neighbor in mind & keep it friendly!

POST YOUR REVIEW NOW>>

Questions? Email Marilyn at mbusch@trinityrep.com

Acting company workshops continue in the New Year

Last August, Trinity Rep’s acting company got together for a four-day workshop. With artistic director Curt Columbus, four playwrights, and artistic staff, the actors read several new plays-in-development, explored them in improv sessions, and discussed them. It was an intoxicating “first”; these artists have worked together for decades, but never in this way, exploring new material without the pressure of a looming production, for four focused days. We all wanted more.

In October, we spent a day with company member Stephen Thorne’s dramatization of Edgar Allen Poe’s work (begun in August), and associate director Kevin Moriarty’s adaptation of graphic novel Athena, Inc. Also, six actors worked with Laura Kepley and D. Salem Smith (Boots on the Ground). Building on the work begun in our August workshop for their new piece on “private lives and public values,” the actors created and inspired material for the play as it continues to develop.

In early January, we spent a day with three plays: D. Salem Smith’s The Devil You Know; company member Fred Sullivan, Jr.’s Twilight on Olympus, or “Did You Myth Me?”; and Curt Columbus’ new musical Paris by Night. It was a whirlwind of different styles and material – and a thoroughly enjoyable day.

In The Devil You Know, D. Salem Smith was inspired by Flannery O’Connor’s The Displaced Person, set in the 1950s. Anne Scurria read the role of a Southern widow who hires a refugee to work her farm. Barbara Meek, Janice Duclos and Fred, as the American hired help, greet newcomer Joe Wilson, Jr. with suspicion. The reading ran the gamut from clear-eyed observation of cultural ignorance (worldly knowledge administered by the TV news) and righteous excuses (“I am not responsible for the world’s misery!”) to comic opportunity – Stephen Thorne’s vocal acrobatics as the priest provoked a spit-take from the playwright herself.

The comedy “main course” came next with Fred’s Twilight on Olympus. With Greek gods and goddesses as his characters, and familiar myths as his centerpieces, Fred crafted a role for every company member: Bill Damkoehler and Cynthia Strickland as Zeus and Hera; Phyllis Kay a perfect Aphrodite, goddess of love (“- and beauty!”); Janice as Demeter, Mother Earth, with Angela Brazil as her daughter who happily falls in love with Hades (Fred), god of the underworld, and more. How delightful to see this acting company as the gods they are!

“From Mount Olympus to Montmartre,” segued Curt, introducing his musical Paris By Night. In 1960, an American expatriate (Joe) faces bigotry and intolerance, and finds happiness with a young soldier. An “ugly American” (Mauro Hantman) breaks the heart of a chanteuse (Rachael Warren) who doesn’t notice the man right under her nose (Stephen Thorne). The songs are set for cool, smoky jazz quartet. Listening, everyone in the room was caught up in the open-hearted romance of these stories, set in the City of Light.

Fred, Curt and Deb were thrilled to hear their works-in-progress aloud. The actors complimented their writer-colleagues’ work. For me, it was a privilege – again – to see the resident company collaborate in this unique way. The whole is so much greater than the sum of its parts. I’ll let you know what develops…

-Emily Atkinson

Check out the OUR TOWN TV spot!

Our Town at TRC

"The space where innovation is possible is the space between people" - Curt Columbus

On October 4-5, 2006, Trinity Rep was the site for BIF-2, the Collaborative Innovation Summit hosted by the Business Innovation Factory. BIF-2 welcomed some 300 participants to Providence for a two-day conversation about creating innovation and driving change. The summit featured storytellers from across the country who are redefining the rules of innovation and transforming how value is delivered in every arena, from health care and homeland security to education and entertainment. Trinity Rep artistic director Curt Columbus was one of featured storytellers and gave a quite memorable speech .... For those of you who missed it, you can view the video here: http://www.businessinnovationfactory.com/innovationstorystudio/bif2_columbus.php.

Congratulations to Eugene Lee!

Trinity Rep Resident Designer Eugene Lee will be inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre on January 29th, 2007! He will be honored alongside actors Patti LuPone, George Hearn and Elizabeth Wilson, playwright Brian Friel and costume designer Willa Kim, as well as late playwrights August Wilson and Wendy Wasserstein. The ceremony will take place on January 29 at Broadway's Gershwin Theatre, where the names of the eight honorees will be added to the more than 400 already in gold on the upper lobby walls. The Gershwin is a fave theater for Eugene as both Sweeney Todd and Showboat played there AND it's where Wicked is currently running.

New Review Blog now online!

Speak your mind - we're listening! We have indeed heard you and our new Review Blog, "The Public Square" is now online. Here's your chance to share your thoughts, reactions and reviews of the latest shows at Trinity Rep.

Whether you are a longtime subscriber or just stopped by the theater for the first time - we want to hear from you! Since we are talking about personal opinions, we just ask you keep your neighbor in mind & keep it friendly!

POST YOUR REVIEW NOW>>

Questions? Email Marilyn at mbusch@trinityrep.com

Amazing auction items!

OK - so the good folks on the planning committee for our season opening bash - the Stage Door Soiree - have just passed along the list of auction items to date and I am SALIVATING! The event takes place next week on Friday September 8th at the Pell Chafee Performance Center and promises to be a hoot - with celebrity auctioneers Karen Adams and Mayor David N. Cicilline! more info is here>>

As for the auction, there's something here for everyone (I'm kinda eye-ing the Wicked on Broadway and the Seattle trips) and there are some pretty dreamy packages up for auction! Check these out for starters:

Visit the set of the hit series CSI
Go behind the scenes of the hottest show on television, spending a day on the set with the cast and crew of the original CSI. Star William Petersen will welcome you to spend a day watching how the show gets made in intimate detail. Wearing headsets in special seats behind the director, you will be engaged in every aspect of filming scenes for an episode of CSI. Your trip to Los Angeles will be rounded out by a visit to the nationally acclaimed Mark Taper Forum Theater.

• round trip airfare for 2 from Providence to Los Angeles, compliments of Southwest Airlines.
• a private tour of the show’s soundstage and special directors chairs behind the camera
• lunch on the set with the cast and crew
• 2 tickets to the Taper’s production at the time.
  **Note: Due to the shooting schedule of CSI, arrangements will not be available months in advance and will be at the discretion of CBS Studios. Please check with an auction representative for details.

Family New York Theater Excursion
It’s a wicked New York getaway! Take your family, or take your friends on this 4 person package to the Big Apple. Your complete Broadway bound trip includes:

• 4 round trip Amtrak tickets from Providence to Penn Station, NY
• Deluxe Hotel Accommodations
• Tickets to the hit musical Wicked, designed by Trinity Rep’s resident designer, Eugene Lee.
• Show tickets and back-stage tour of the famous Radio City Rockettes

Pirates in New York
With your honey or your matey you’ll experience the sensation that is The Pirate Queen, the newest Broadway hit by the composers of Les Miserables. Produced by Trinity’s own executive director Edgar Dobie and stunning sets created by Trinity’s resident designer Eugene Lee. This show opens in late March 2007. Your weekend in New York includes:

• Round trip rail service for two from Providence to Penn Station, NY by Amtrak
• Hotel accommodations
• 2 tickets to The Pirate Queen
• 2 tickets to another Broadway show TBD

The Williamstown Theatre Festival
Next summer, when you’re aching for that Trinity Rep theater fix, consider this alternative. The winning bidder will get two tickets to the Williamstown Theatre Festival, winner of the 2002 Regional Theatre Tony Award. Nestled in the Berkshires, the Williamstown Theatre Festival is a summer-long celebration of theater that brings together a vast and impressive array of artists and offers audiences varied cultural experiences. While there, you’ll stay at The Porches Inn in North Adams, Massachusetts. Includes:

• Hotel accommodations at The Porches Inn in North Adams, Massachusetts
• 2 tickets to the Williamstown Theatre Festival

The Great Northwest
Dale Chihuly blows glass there, Starbucks got caffeinated there, grunge rock was born there and amazing theater gets made there. Where? Seattle, of course. While you and your companion are in Seattle, go to the Intiman Playhouse, winner of the 2006 Regional Theatre Tony Award! You’ll rest in style during your three night stay at the Mayflower Park Hotel. The historic, elegantly appointed Mayflower Park Hotel occupies one of Seattle's finest shopping and business locations. The hotel is centrally-located in the heart of Seattle and just a short stroll to the Pike Place Market, Seattle's Waterfront and the Seattle Art Museum.
Package includes:

• Hotel accommodations at the Mayflower Park Hotel
• 2 tickets to the Intiman Playhouse
• 2 tickets to another Seattle area theater

Web Site Design Service
Donated by Sara Betnel, Bizzy Bee Design & Interactive Solutions
Value: $1500
Bizzy Bee will design and implement a three (3) page web site for the recipient of this certificate. The web site will include one template design which will be used on all three pages. For the implementation Bizzy Bee will build the pages using text, images, and information provided by the recipient and ensure proper publication of the site to the Internet.

Included in the design and implementation of the site, Bizzy Bee will ensure the site has all the appropriate and necessary copyright and legal protection. Additionally, the site will be optimized for search engines to help it return as high as possible in a search results list. Certificate expires March 31, 2007

Windy City Private Theater Tour
The food, the blues, the shopping. Chicago has it all. This town boasts over 200 theater companies and there’s no one that knows them better than Artistic Director, Curt Columbus. Let him be your private guide and experience the best this amazing city has to offer. Your package includes:

• Round trip airfare for 2 from Providence to Chicago.
• Premium hotel accommodations.
• Pre show dinner and performance tickets accompanied by Curt Columbus to the best shows in town.
• Post show discussions featuring a special guest and Chicago artist.
• Architectural tour along the Chicago River (weather permitting).

A New England Patriots Experience
donated by Cheryl Bready
Watch the three-time Super Bowl champs tear up the opposition at a regular season game this year (date to be determined by the mutual convenience of the winning bidder and the Patriots organization). And do it the way your friends wish they could. The experience includes:

• four 50-yard-line seats, courtesy of the Patriots owner, Bob Kraft
• brunch for you and your guests in the Fidelity box.
• stretch limousine ride to and from the game
• Patriots memorabilia

My Dinner With Paula
donated by Resident Playright Paula Vogel
You’ve heard of tea and sympathy? Bid on dinner and dramaturgy with Resident Playwright Paula Vogel. Bid on a rare autographed copy of her Pulitzer Prize winning play, How I Learned to Drive, and after you’ve read the masterpiece, learn a thing or two about her craft. Paula is offering her mentoring services to a playwright, aspiring playwright, or just lover of the theatre. She’ll read their work, answer questions, offer pointers, marketing advice, as part of a one on one tutorial, with dinner and drinks provided.

More info on the Soiree is here>>

Four days in August: new play workshop inspires artists and staff

“It was one of the best weeks of my life.” – Curt Columbus

Last spring, artistic director Curt Columbus and producer Craig Watson discovered that they thought alike about Trinity Rep’s most defining artistic feature: our resident acting company. Fifteen actors are members of the company: Stephen Berenson, Angela Brazil, Timothy Crowe, William Damkoehler, Janice Duclos, Mauro Hantman, Phyllis Kay, Brian McEleney, Barbara Meek, Anne Scurria, Cynthia Strickland, Fred Sullivan, Jr., Stephen Thorne, Rachael Warren, and Joe Wilson, Jr. We cast our productions almost exclusively from the company and students of the Brown/Trinity Consortium. Company members build their homes and careers in our community, often teaching, directing or acting in outside projects. Ours is one of the few truly resident companies left in the country, after many were formed in the 1960s and 1970s.

Curt and Craig agreed that the company should be at the center of all we do, more fully integrated into Trinity Rep’s daily life. To explore and develop these ideas, they planned a multi-day work session for actors, playwrights, directors, and artistic staff to work together on a variety of projects, without the immediate pressure of putting on a show. Each day would include an “expedition” into new material, a reading of a full script, and discussion. During the season the company members can rarely gather in the same room, rehearsing or performing most of the time, divided between two shows in our two theaters. Four days focused on this kind of work was unprecedented.

August 8-11, in the Pell Chafee Performance Center (most days the home of the Brown/Trinity Consortium and the Textron Young Actors Studio), we met around four tables arranged in a circle, six hours a day: all but two company members (Rachael and Tim were rehearsing with director Amanda Dehnert in Kentucky for a fall production of My Fair Lady); playwrights Paula Vogel, D. Salem Smith, George Brant and Laura Schellhardt; artistic associate Laura Kepley, Tyler Dobrowksy, artistic associate for education, Danielle Kemsley, associate producer, and myself, artistic associate for communications. It was uncharted territory for me: after 8 years as communications director, I joined the artistic department this summer. Aside from moving my desk upstairs to the artistic office garret, I was tackling assignments such as editing our new magazine, The Trinity Square. I’d be trying on my new role, observing the creative process close-up, taking part in the discussion, and sharing the outcome with the rest of the Trinity Rep family. I couldn’t be happier.

-Emily Atkinson

Day One >> read entry

Day Two>> read entry

Day Three>> read entry

Day Four>> read entry

Making the Lobbies Look Maahvelous!

The stained glass dome has been beautifully reinstalled, but work on the lobbies this summer didn't stop there…

We removed all of the carpeting lobbies to reveal the marble, terra cotta and slate tile mosaic that dates back to the beginnings of the building itself - approx. 1916! In the center of the mosaic on the first floor is a medallion that proudly boasts the letters E and M, which stand for Emery's Majestic - the original name of our building! A man by the name of Alton C. Emery commissioned William Walker & Son Construction Company (they also built the Armory Castle) to create the very ornate building, originally employed as a Vaudeville Theatre. The building could hold nearly 3,000 theatre-goers! By 1928 the Majestic was one of the first theatres in the city of Providence to show "talkies" - moti on pictures with sound. We wanted to restore this medallion and have it on display for our theatre-goers, celebrating our foundations as well as welcoming a new era in Trinity Rep's life. (More on the history can be found here)

David Heal and Ricky Marques, through Westshore Carpet & Blinds, are painstakingly restoring and repairing the medallion which will be a glistening counterpoint to the jewel-like stained glass dome above. When you see it this September know that Emery's original vision is still alive and well at Trinity. -Rachel J. Tischler

What I did on my summer vacation

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the TEXTRON Young Actors Studio Summer Camp Presentations and (as always) was "wowed" by the enthusiam, energy and talent on display!

The students in the Junior camp (grades 5-7) studied three of the most important aspects of theater - storytelling, movement and voice. Over the course of four weeks they worked tirelessly on their dance, constantly rehearsing their original scripts and sang sang SANG!

The Senior Camp (9-12 grade) concentrated on playwriting, improvisation, scene study and Shakespeare. Their showcase was a spotlight on an incredibly dynamic, gifted ensemble!

Check out the Photo Albums from the shows:

Show me the Junior Camp!

Show me the Senior Camp!

A huge round of applause to the students of the Summer Camp and their faculty  - Almaz Dessie, Tyler Dobrowsky, Christine Evans, Elisa Ferreira, Mauro Hantman, Brian Platt, Fred Sullivan, Jr. and Birgitta Victorson. 

For more info on the TEXTRON Young Actors Studio classes, click here!

August Workshop - Day Four

DAY FOUR

Craig introduced the topic of Theater for Young Audiences, sorely lacking in our community. Rather than offer “book-ins,” we’d like our company to develop work for the repertory. There’s so much sophisticated literature to explore, Curt said, way beyond Mr. Popper’s Penguins. An immediate outcry of support for Mr. Popper’s Penguins ensued, but we did see his point.

Reading: The Land of Oz, George Brant

The author of over 20 plays, George ran a theater company in Chicago for ten years before pursuing his MFA at U. Texas at Austin as a James Michener Fellow. The Land of Oz was L. Frank Baum’s 2nd book, published in1904. George grew up hearing the Oz stories at bedtime, and loves them as elemental American fairy tales. A young boy, Tip, builds himself a friend, Jack Pumpkinhead. Together they escape from the sorceress Mombi and meet the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodsman, who rule kingdoms of their own since Dorothy and the Wizard left them. What fun to see the company in roles like this! After the reading, we talked about gender issues (Tip’s troublesome transformation to Princess Osma in the final scene) and the messages we send to young audiences.

Expedition: The Traveling Musicians, the Brothers Grimm, adapted by Angela Brazil

Angela led company members as the Donkey, Cat, Dog, Rooster, and Farmer, with others chiming in as “Robbers.” Afterwards, we talked about how adult and children actors can work together, and the different paths this endeavor could take, i.e. a modernization that kids write themselves, kids playing the animal roles, adults playing the robbers.

Expedition: Edgar Allen Poe, adapted by Stephen Thorne

Stephen shared his fascination with Poe’s stories, starting with his childhood favorite spooky record albums. As an adult, he discovered the literature anew, and learned of Poe’s Providence connection. Phyllis did a hair-raising reading of The Telltale Heart, followed by others in The Black Cat. Other American literature of the time evokes optimism and openness. Poe’s work is rooted in claustrophobia, perversity, original sin. Is he a precursor of noir, or The Twilight Zone? We discussed approaches to theatrical adaptation.

Expedition: the Dorr War

Curt broke from the planned schedule to introduce a two-page scene he’d written that morning at 2:00 am, following yesterday’s improvisations. Unfamiliar territory for the actors with somewhat ephemeral results, the sessions offered great revelations to him, as the playwright. This new scene was born of Cynthia’s choice for her character, wearing her funeral suit, visiting her son as he neared his own death. Willing to take risks, working outside the comfort zone, the actors created a fertile environment for new ideas – sometimes without knowing it. Very cool.

Discussion and Conclusions
Craig asked for feedback – was the week well spent? What was the impact? There was a brief pause, and then the floodgates broke. With building enthusiasm, the actors embraced the impulse to work together in this way -- inclusive of everyone, offering a variety of projects, without the pressure of a production, and above all, the chance to focus. Let’s do this again, soon, and often.

Phyllis remarked “It took a while to disabuse myself of the notion that this work had to be immediately useful, as in a production – it was useful in the moment.” Fred said “What made it great was that we were all here. Usually it’s smaller groups, the cast of one show or another. We all feel valuable, included, especially having the playwrights with us.” Janice added “It feels great to have the staff here. I feel so much more a part of the theater as a whole. I’m glad to get to know other parts of the organization such as our education programs. And they know us better.”

Stephen Berenson noted the value of gathering not in a meeting, but in a creative session. If we reconvene 4 or 5 times a year, these projects can progress. Fred said “It’s so healthy to develop things in collaboration, encouraging each other. Developing plays for this company – we’ve been talking about that goal for such a long time.” Brian urged his fellow actors to get together and talk about the craft of acting: “How thrilling it’s been to have the chance to talk about how we do what we do -- we all work in such different ways. We’re so eager to work this way regularly, to really function as a company, we’re willing to put in the time.” Annie said “This is incredibly stimulating and satisfying, using different muscles from the ones we use acting in a play. Let’s keep it going!”

Bill praised the impulse to meet regularly: “When we’re not working on a play with the artistic director, we feel as though we lose touch with the heartbeat of the place. We don’t want to lose touch.” Laura Kepley said “I’m astonished to hear you all say that it’s the first time you’ve worked together in this way, with this focus and inclusiveness. We’re one of the last resident acting companies in the country! We have to make this necessary.”

Speaking for the directors, Curt offered to set aside time within each play’s rehearsal period, for this collaborative work. We’ll plan at least three more one-day sessions this season, and a longer workshop next August. Craig added his intent to create a model for truly full time employment, supporting the “extra” collaborative work, and funding it. Such a thing is unheard of, in the contemporary American theater. We’re going to do all we can, to make it happen here.

The week was tiring, but energizing, transformative and rejuvenating for each of us in our own way. Actors, playwrights, directors and staff, we all took new knowledge, confidence, and shared esteem into the rehearsal hall and back to our desks. I’m glad we won’t have to wait a whole year to do it again.

-Emily Atkinson

August Workshop - Day Three

DAY THREE

Expedition: The Chair

Laura Schellhardt hopes to develop her newest idea with our company. The plot concerns the development of the electric chair as a “humane” form of execution. Laura distributed a handful of pages, featuring William Kemmler, the first man to be executed in this way, the ghost of his victim, his prison guard, members of the Execution Commission, and two female vaudevillians, who performed macabre “living newsreels” of executions after they were no longer carried out in public. “More! More!” cheered Joe, after the reading. “Go home and come back after dinner with two more scenes,” another actor laughed.

Work session: the Dorr War

In groups of 3 or 4, drawing from the materials Curt had given them on Tuesday, the actors improvised their characters’ response to the historical events. Some appeared to feel awkward, and a clear focus was occasionally elusive.

Craig Watson, Paula Vogel and Tyler Dobrowsky

Reading: A Civil War Christmas by Paula Vogel

Our resident Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright’s new play takes place on Christmas Eve 1864, with characters historical and fictional: soldiers, freed slaves, a mother and child, President and Mrs. Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, Walt Whitman, Clara Barton. Songs are in every scene – Christmas carols and American folk tunes (spirituals, war ditties, Stephen Foster). The plot lines come together in a kidnapping attempt on the President. Looking around the table at the actors as they read, I was reminded of their moving performances in Paula’s How I Learned to Drive and The Long Christmas Ride Home.

-Emily Atkinson

August Workshop - Day Two

DAY TWO
Lessons learned from Day 1, we arrived with snacks, cushions for the folding chairs, and sweaters.
The Pell Chafee Performance Center has no “medium” setting to the AC.

Expedition: Rhode Island Untitled, Part 2

Brian McEleney, Fred Sullivan Jr., Janice Duclos and Curt Columbus

Laura Kepley and D. Salem Smith are exploring topics to follow their Boots on the Ground. They tacked about 20 photographs to the walls: people in various stages of nudity, suggesting sexuality, violence, or death. We talked about the uncomfortable meeting of first amendment rights, censorship, art, pornography, context, the media, and “community values.” Small group improvisations ranged from comic to poetic to satirical. Annie and Fred reflected on the nature of keeping things hidden. Bill ended his monologue about a close-up of a face by shifting the photograph from horizontal (eerie? brutalized?) to upright (noble, beautiful). Powerfully simple.

Reading: Shapeshifter, by Laura Schellhardt

Laura received her MFA from Brown in 2004. Shapeshifter was produced in Brown’s New Plays Festival, and her K of D was part of the Kennedy Center’s New Voices festival, directed by Laura Kepley. Angela read the roles of three female “shifters” -- part woman, part seal, swan or dragon – mixed up with an isolated island community. After praising the lyrical and evocative storytelling, we discussed the use of myth and the fantastical, and the themes of relationships and possession, permanence and loss.

-Emily Atkinson

August Workshop - Day One

August 8-11, in the Pell Chafee Performance Center (most days the home of the Brown/Trinity Consortium and the Textron Young Actors Studio), we met around four tables arranged in a circle, six hours a day: all but two company members (Rachael and Tim were rehearsing with director Amanda Dehnert in Kentucky for a fall production of My Fair Lady); playwrights Paula Vogel, D. Salem Smith, George Brant and Laura Schellhardt; artistic associate Laura Kepley, Tyler Dobrowksy, artistic associate for education, Danielle Kemsley, associate producer, and myself, artistic associate for communications

Barbara Meek, Phyllis Kay and Stephen Berenson

DAY ONE
In his welcoming remarks, Craig told the artists about the shifting staff roles and expanded artistic department. The actors embraced the stronger connection between staff and company. Stephen Thorne remarked that the transition in leadership offered the chance to reexamine all we do. Barbara and others talked about the way “everyone in the room” worked together in Adrian Hall’s days as artistic director, though as Annie commented, decision-making was “top-down.” Curt shared his conviction that the artistic director’s voice shouldn’t drown out all the other voices in the room -- a revolutionary idea, as Bill observed.

Expedition: The Dorr War

Curt shared an idea for a play, suggested to him by Paula Vogel. In a little-known 1842 historical footnote, a Rhode Island constitutional crisis and insurrection caused President John Tyler to send in the army. At the time, only white men who owned property could vote, and laws prevented immigrants and African Americans from qualifying. Curt hoped to explore the philosophy of citizenship then and now, “not a history play.” He summarized the events and people as they’re known, distributed a page of character breakdowns (roles for all, including Rachael and Tim), and asked the actors to read excerpts from the Socratic Dialogues in preparation for a Thursday session of group improvisations. I heard a little joking about “extra homework,” yet all had clearly absorbed the scripts and contextual material they’d received the week before. The artists’ preparation and commitment showed their appreciation for this opportunity, and this sensibility increased daily: tiring work, perhaps, but exhilarating.

Reading: The Stranger, Curt’s adaptation and translation of Camus’ novel

Stephen Thorne and Mauro shared the role of a man on trial for a murder committed in the days following his mother’s death. Others read the friends, lovers, and neighbors who took turns with the narration as a chorus – intriguing. After the reading, Curt encouraged us to share our thoughts, even (or especially) if we thought it was boring. Does it work as a play, or only as a novel? It’s a challenge: Camus’ dispassionate tone and heady themes don’t lend themselves easily to our familiar dramatic structure. The narration held me at arm’s length, and I said so. Others were moved by the dramatic emotions that had emerged in this new draft. As I walked to my car, I wished I’d expressed myself better. Was I the only one who felt this way?

-Emily Atkinson

Dome Restoration & Photo Album!

Trinity Rep's beloved historical stained-glass dome was removed over the summer of 2005 for cleaning and restoration by the Lyn Hovey Studio. The dome was originally installed with the completion of the Majestic Theatre in 1917, designed by J. Gilbert Dudley. Trinity received a grant from The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission to fully restore the dome to its former beauty. Each 'sleeve' or slice of the dome takes between 2 and 3 weeks from start to finish to re-furbish. There are 16 sleeves total, which means it will take over 1500 work hours to restore the dome, not including removal and re-installation. The dome will be re-installed before next season, complete with a new lighting system to help everyone see the intricate beauty of one of the most prized pieces of Trinity's history. Check out the restoration photo album! >>

Look Over My Shoulder by Michael Guy

Spring at Trinity Rep means that over the next few weeks, our 2006-2007 season subscription brochure will be arriving in mailboxes. As the theater’s resident graphic designer, part of my challenge in this printed piece was creating artwork for each of next season’s plays. People seem to be fascinated by my sketchbooks and the process that leads up to final artwork – so I’m inviting you to look over my shoulder as I flip through the sketches and ideas that led up to the art for Cherry Orchard, which we’ll see onstage in September...read on>>

Trinity Rep nominated for 6 IRNE's!

Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) 2006 Awards were recently announced!

Trinity Rep was given six nominations in the field of set design, acting, directing, best production and new play - four of which for Topdog/Underdog!

DRAMATIC PRODUCTIONS - BEST SET DESIGN - SMALL COMPANY
>>EUGENE LEE for Topdog/Underdog, , Trinity Rep & New Rep

BEST ACTOR - SMALL COMPANY
>>JOE WILSON JR. in Topdog/Underdog, Trinity Rep & New Rep

BEST DIRECTOR - SMALL COMPANY
>>KENT GASH for Topdog/Underdog, Trinity Rep & New Rep

BEST PRODUCTION (DRAMA/COMEDY) - SMALL COMPANY
>>Topdog/Underdog, Trinity Rep & New Rep

BEST NEW PLAY - LARGE COMPANY
>> You Never Know by Charles Strouse

BEST ACTOR - LARGE COMPANY
>>BEN STEINFELD in You Never Know

The Annual awards are held at The Hotel Lenox, Boylston & Exeter Streets, Boston on March 27th. For the full list, visit TheaterMirror.

Around the Rep

Sharp-eyed Sunday New York Times readers were pleased to see Amanda Dehnert in print, talking about her revolutionary 2000 production of My Fair Lady.

Congratulations to Annie Scurria, who’s appearing in Tennessee Williams’ Five by Tenn at Speakeasy Stage in Boston. The Globe review was as glowing as the Boston Herald.

Hot on the heels (paws?) of Indoor/Outdoor, Kevin Moriarty will direct The God Committee Off-Broadway with former company member Amy van Nostrand (The New England Sonata, 2001) and Peter Jay Fernandez (Thunder Knocking on the Door). The set design is by Beowulf Borritt (Indoor/Outdoor, The Merry Wives of Windsor). Amy’s husband, former company actor Tim Daly has joined the cast of the upcoming Broadway revival of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.

Finally, with theater people all over the world, we mourn the passing of playwright Wendy Wasserstein this week. Her The Heidi Chronicles was a memorable event here in 1992, featuring Cynthia Strickland and Fred Sullivan, Jr.

"Radio is a sound salvation..."

Curt Columbus on NPR Radio's "Here and Now"

To Be or Not to Be? (Tuesday, January 24, 2006)

Here and Now's Deborah Becker recently interviewed Trinity's new Artistic Director Curt Columbus about the state of regional theater and how it has changed since September 11th.

It aired today on NPR radio.

Listen Now>>

And the winner is....Chita Rivera!

Chita Rivera comes to Providence May 22!

Just Announced today! The legendary and multi-talented dancer/actress/singer Chita Rivera will receive the Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 2006 Pell Awards. The dinner and award ceremony takes place May 22 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Now in case you don't know, here's the basics on the the Pell Awards: They were started in 1997 to honor artists whose careers exemplify the values of Senator Claiborne Pell  and the Pell Awards soon became one of the most anticipated events of the social calendar. Past honorees include Jason Robards, Arthur Miller, Beverly Sills, Stephen Sondheim, Toni Morrison, Robert Redford, Maurice Sendak, Jane Alexander, and Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. More information>>

When it Rinnes....it pours?

Playwright Rinne Groff - who's past work here at Trinity has included 03-04's The Ruby Sunrise, and in 04-05 adapting The Moliere Impromptu and work on the book for Charles Strouse's new musical You Never Know  - seems to be popping up everywhere these days. I was pleased to see that Oskar Eustis's production of her play The Ruby Sunrise was in the Top Ten List for both Entertainment Weekly and Time Out's Best of 2005 lists. Then I turn to this month's American Theater and once again, there is Ms. Groff's smiling face peering up at me from the pages of the "Awards & Prizes" column. It seems she has was recently honored with one of 10 prestigious Whiting Writer's Awards given to emerging writers of poetry, fiction, non-fiction & plays. Finally, I spied in today's NY Times Theater section a fave rave review of her newest political fable, What Then with Clubbed Thumb. The Times hails her as "one of downtown's more prolific and skillful playwrights." (That's a keeper, huh? I would print THAT on my business card - if it were me...)

POLL: Top three plays that make me want to drop everything and run to the theater to get a ticket

So in anticipation of doing Hamlet here next month I was trolling around the internet reading this-n-that about the troubled Danish darling and I came across the statement many times that Hamlet was “arguably the best-known play in the English language" and that started me thinking - "okaaay, let's have that argument!" and to take it to the next level  - I am going to pose it this way –

What are YOUR top three plays? The ones that when you hear the name you immediately think "ooh....I would love to see that!…Who’s doing it?? When??”

So yes, thanks ever so much for asking, I will start off the debate:

Top three plays that make me want to drop everything and run to the theater to get a ticket:

1. Evita (maybe it’s because I’m just a closeted “diva dictator?")

2. Mame (yes, yes yes, there is a somewhat of a musical theme here – I just love ‘em, I’ll admit it freely!)

3. Macbeth

What about you?

Gossip! Mystery celebs spotted at Trinity Rep!

Heads have been turning lately as three popular (and some would even go so far as to say very animated) local celebs have been spotted under the Trinity Rep marquee before performances of A Christmas Carol!

Who is it you may ask? Wesley Snipes? Mario van Peebles? Cybill Shepherd?

Click below to see snapshots of the mystery celebs spotted recently at Trinity!

Heart Gallery visits Trinity

I was pleased to discover that an amazing project from Adoption RI has been installed here at Trinity. It's called The Heart Gallery  and it can be found in the inner lobby of the upstairs Chace Theater. For those who need a little reminder of the strength & beauty of the human spirit, I would urge you to look no further than these young faces smiling up at you from the portraits on display.

The Heart Gallery is a series of 20 pictures of children over the age of 6 who are in state care and in need of homes. Local professional photographers donated their talents in order capture the unique spirit of each child.  The Gallery was recently in the Statehouse for the month of November and will be here at Trinity for the month of December. 

According to Adoption RI, the first Heart Gallery was created in 2001 in New Mexico by the Children, Youth and Families Department as a way to put a face on the hundreds of children who are available for adoption. The Heart Gallery has grown since that very successful first exhibit, and now takes place in over 45 states in the U.S.A.  In April of 2005, Peter Jennings of ABC News named Heart Gallery Photographers as the "Person of the Week".

The hope of Adoption RI is that the portraits in this Heart Gallery inspire people to look into the eyes of these lovable children and want to take them home. Recently there was a great Providence Journal profile on the photographers and the children involved in the project  - read here. You can also visit The Heart Gallery online here.

Check it out for yourself - it's truly not called the "heart" gallery for nothing....

Welcome to our new blog!

We know you have been waiting anxiously for this day to arrive - and here it is - welcome to the launch of our new blog! The Trinity Rep Blog gives you backstage access and all the insider scoop from Providence's own Trinity Rep.

This month we are opening not one but three plays! Two casts of our popular A Christmas Carol hit the boards this weekend and the New England Premiere of William Yellow Robe, Jr's Grandchildren of the Buffalo Soldiers rolls home to Providence on Dec 2nd after its Midwestern tour.

As for this brandy-new blog, we hope to have a rotating roster of authors posting about the daily workings of the theater. First up are four junior members of A Christmas Carol giving us a weekly dose of what it's like to be a member of the kids' cast....check them out here >>

So please feel free to comment on any posts here and happy reading!

Marilyn Dubois Busch