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

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

An Extra's Guide to Hamlet: Sharing the Experience

Today we are halfway through the run of Hamlet. I have observed and experienced some interesting things in the past week. Last weekend we performed a show for about 46 people. It was the Sunday matinee after the snow storm, and we had some die-hard theater fans in our audience. They trudged through the snow, as all of us in the cast and crew of Hamlet did, to experience this performance together. We knew how important it was to them to see the show, and therefore how vital it was for us to give it our all for this performance. After the show the cast and crew stayed and ate pizza. Then some of us took naps, and some of us went to make sure our cars weren’t buried in the snow! At 6:30 we prepared for another show-this time for about 92 eager audience members. All in all, it was a great day to experience.

An Extra's Guide to Hamlet: Week One

So I have to say that I'm really tired. It is amazing how much energy the show takes out of you, and I can't imagine how Stephen Thorne is getting up and performing so amazingly every day! I don't even have any lines and I'm exhausted! The show is going really well and I'm having a great time. The reviews are out and most of them are very positive. Of course never will the whole world agree on whether a production is good or bad or if the production concept fits the author's intent or not. It's important to remember that everyone has their own opinion and that is completely fine (even if you don't agree with it). No matter what the reviews say I know that this is a wonderful production and I am so thankful to be a part of it! It is wonderful to be performing Project Discovery Matinees for local high school students! When I was a student in high school I came to Trinity to see A School for Scandal, Romeo and Juliet, and A Christmas Carol. It is great to be giving back to the community and giving students a positive theatrical and Shakespearean experience. I particularly like the fact that our new Artistic Director holds a talkback after each performance.

An Extra's Guide to Hamlet: Excitement in the air

Last night was Opening Night for Hamlet. In our rehearsal yesterday before the show, the director gave us a sort of "pep talk", and let us know how well everything was going and how proud of the show he was. He thanked the extras and mentioned that we are a very important part of the show, as the audience takes their cues from us as to how to react to the situations that are occurring on stage. The actors have also thanked us for joining them. To me, this is all a great privilege, and I am so grateful for the opportunity!

An Extra's Guide to Hamlet: Opening Night

Opening night was absolutely amazing! It is always fun performing, but to be able to put on the play for all of the staff and consortium students was a truly wonderful feeling. It felt like I could give back to all of the hard working people here at Trinity Rep. and say, "This is what you're working so hard for, for shows like this!" I may have a small part but it doesn't feel like it when I'm on stage. Not having any lines is hard because you have to be an active listener and reactor even though you can't say anything, and although the lead actors and director give you a whole world to 'be' in, your characters inner-world and thoughts are completely up to you. It is amazing how each performance is different, nerve-racking, exciting, and new! We never know when an audience will laugh or cry and its intriguing to try to figure out why they react the way they do. What did the actor do to make this reaction come about? I am thrilled to be working with such an amazing cast and crew and I thank them for being so very kind and wonderful. I may only be an extra (or ensemble member) but they treat each of us like we are a true part of Trinity Repertory Company...theater truly is a collaborative experience.

- Stephanie Chlebus, ensemble in Hamlet

An Extra's Guide to Hamlet or "What the heck is a 10/12?? "

Being an extra in Hamlet has already been a completely educational and rewarding experience for me.  We (as extras) were added into the rehearsal process just a week and a half ago, and now we have already been through 2 10/12 tech rehearsals. 

What the heck is a 10/12 you ask?  Don’t worry…I didn’t know either !

An Extra's Guide to Hamlet: TECH WEEK

There have been some very long days this past weekend due to tech week.  I'm tired from the hard work but also extremely excited to get the production underway and to perform in front of an audience!  It's truly amazing to watch everyone working, whether it's the actors discovering something new about their scene, the director communicating his vision, or the amazing stage management that keep the production running smoothly (what a never ending job!)  I love watching and listening to rehearsal as much as possible as each day it seems to evolve and change.  It's truly fascinating watching someone grapple with the meaning and words and to go out on a limb and try something new - it makes those moments when things fall into place even more amazing!  I'm loving every minute of it, and I'm so thankful my first show is with Trinity Rep and the fabulous cast and crew of Hamlet!

-Stephanie Chlebus, ensemble in Hamlet

It’s not the ultimate Hamlet; it’s our Hamlet

When Amanda first asked me if I’d like to direct Hamlet, my immediate response was a thrilled and unqualified “Yes! Are you kidding? Who wouldn’t?” Soon, of course, I was consumed with doubt and anxiety, overwhelmed by the knowledge that I’d been entrusted with what many consider to be the greatest play ever written.

the look, the feel, the fabric of....our Hamlet

I'm sure many of you are wondering - as I was - what the upcoming production of Hamlet was going to "feel like" ....what will be the setting? is there a certain look and feel to the production?

Well, dear reader, many of our questions have been answered in a recent memo from director Brian McEleney - I found this to be an intriguing (and compelling) glimpse into his vision for the style and design of the production.

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?

"That's the end of it"

Another season of A Christmas Carol has past and well, to quote a line I’ve heard many times in A Christmas Carol, “That’s the end of it.” Although this year that line was changed to, ”That’s the end of him,” and I guess that is more fitting because this is the end of five awesome seasons at Trinity Repertory Company for me.  Thank you Trinity Rep – everyone throughout the years – I can’t describe this incredible visit of the spirits I have had the chance to walk with and tell such a great story.  I would like to come back someday and play the part of Mr. Cratchit......

Thomas Pfanstiehl, Ivy Green Company

I am so glad I had this experience

This is the last week for our performances, then this awesome experience is over. I am REALLY sad. I am going to miss Trinity alot. We had a kids cast Christmas party this week and that was a blast. It was great to hang out with all the kids from both the Ivy & Holly casts. We received an autographed "Christmas Carol" poster. I am so glad I had this experience and wish it would never end. THANK YOU everyone!

Brandon Sticca, Holly Green Company

I will remember it forever

I can't believe that the Christmas Carol is almost over. I'm glad I got this opportunity because I learned a lot of things. I met new friends and learned to be quiet when I am supposed to! I learned to pay attention and be a better listener but the most important thing is that I had fun, a lot of fun! I learned that it is hard work to put on a show but it is worth it because I love being in the show instead of in the audience! I am grateful to all the people that helped like the Child Coordinators, the Stage Managers and all the actors. It is hard to describe how much of an experience this has been and I will remember it forever. I'll miss everyone that I have met and performing with the Holly Reds! I think the Holly Red cast has been extremely nice and great to work with. Thanks especially to Amanda and Bea for picking me to be in the show because this has been wonderful!

Rebekah Philip, Holly Red Company

I'm so proud of myself

I love Trinity's A Christmas Carol! It is so fun! I just wish that I am younger and could do this once more. Although I had a play on my birthday and a photo op, the cast made me feel happy that I was there. They gave me cards and sang happy birthday to me. I've made the front cover of the paper this past week and I'm so proud of myself.

Leah Corredora, Ivy Red Company

I like when we get to throw snow

I am so happy to be a part of this wondrous play. When you're up there it feels like you are the person you are playing. I feel so happy that in the sad scenes, it is hard not to smile! I like when we get to throw snow. I will be sad when it ends because I have to say goodbye to my friends. I can't believe how NICE the adults are. I love Trinity Rep.

Rebekah Philip, Holly Red Company

"It happens to the best of us!"

This past week of being in A Christmas Carol at Trinity Rep., was probably the most exciting week. Some things made me happy, and some made me nervous. Receiving my first paycheck made me very happy. However, forgetting my line during a performance made me extremely nervous. Thanks to Bill, (Scrooge), no one in the audience noticed my mistake. Bill told me later, "It happens to the best of us!". Thanks for listening. Have a good week.

Brandon Sticca, Holly Green Company

Next week is the kids cast party

This week the Ivy Green kids picked names out of a hat for their Secret Santas. This is really cool because now when we come in for a show we check our costume bins to see if our Secret Santa has left us anything. Today I found a chocolate bar – it was delicious! Next week is the kids cast party, that’s when we find out who our Secret Santa is and see the kids from all the casts ( Holly-RED/GREEN and Ivy - RED/GREEN.)
My grandparents and my aunt and uncle came to the show on Sunday. They brought my little cousin. She really liked the part when I fell backwards on top of the turkey after dragging it up on the stage - I am supposed to be so tired - but when Scrooge tells me he is going to pay for a cab, I pop right up. She thought that was so funny.
On Wednesday, my best friend, who use to live in my neighborhood is coming to the show with his new school, I can’t believe it worked out that I am in the show that he is coming to.

Thomas Pfanstiehl, Ivy Green Company

I wish this play would never end

This past week was a blast! I now am not worried about messing up and I'm having so much fun with the other children in my cast. They are so kind and we always are singing christmas songs together, whether if the songs are in the play or not. We all keep in touch with each other when we don't have plays, usually over the internet. I wish this play would never end because I'm going to miss it so much!

Leah Corredora, Ivy Red Company

Crank out the acting power!

Wow! This week was really rushed for me. Well first of all, I had to fill in for a fellow cast member on the holly reds. I was suprised at how the two different casts were so difforent from each other. However, it was quite fun to do the show with members from the Holly Reds for a change. As you may know, some performances take place during the day, and like many parents or guardians, my mom didn't want me to miss a whole lot of school. So since I filled in for Chris (A member of the Holly Reds) Chris filled in for me on Tuesday. Tomorrow, I'll be back on the stage with the Holly Greens and crank out the acting power! The best part of this week was PAY DAY. Not only do we get to have fun on stage, but we get paid too!!

Brandon Sticca, Holly Green Company

I am really going to miss this when it is over

The songs in A Christmas Carol are so good that I drive my family crazy because I'm always singing them!! Certain parts of the show are so funny and make me laugh when I think of them. One of the parts is when the Ghost of Christmas Present says 'It is time to journey further' and sings a silly song. I also love when Mrs. Partlett screams and runs away when Scrooge is nice to her. Another part is when Scrooge says 'I'm about to raise your salary' and Bob Cratchit is so shocked. My favorite part is the Requiem because there are all kinds of different songs. I think Trinity Rep is extraordinary.

P.S. I am really going to miss this when it is over.

Rebekah Philip, Holly Red Company

It was fun to see my friends in the red cast

Went to Ivy Red Press Night and sat in the audience with some of the Ivy Green kids….it was fun to see my friends in the red cast but it was different to sit there and watch someone else play my part……I wanted to be out there!

Didn’t have shows on Tuesday or Thursday this past week - It makes me sad not having shows, I miss going to the theatre.

Monday night, tonight, is picture night - I can’t wait, it is a time when our families get to stay after the show and take pictures of us in our costumes with the adult cast members. I have an awesome collection of pictures from the past four years in costume with some awesome adult company members and kids from other cities and schools. I still keep in touch with many of them on the Internet and we talk about the theatre and what we are doing.

Thomas Pfanstiehl, Ivy Green Company

I was amazed at how great of a crowd they were

This past week, my cast stopped rehearsals and moved on with just doing the shows. Some of the shows during the week have had very small audiences, but I was amazed at how great of a crowd they were. I learned that even if the crowd is small, that doesn't mean you shouldn't perform as well as the other shows. Everyone pays the same amount to see the show and deserves to see a great one!

Brandon Sticca, Holly Green Company

I just feel so happy when we are singing it

My experience here at Trinity is uneplainable! It is the best! I like everything about Trinity Rep - the actors, the magic in the show and even the fake snow! It feels incredible to perform in front of people. When we are performing it feels like we are actually back 100 years in time. I really like the ghost of Christmas past because she goes back in time and teaches Scrooge a lesson about what he had and what he gave up. One of my favorite parts in the show is when we sing the 'food' song because I just feel so happy when we are singing it. When we are doing the Fezziwig dance there are a lot of hard steps but it is so much fun. I've made a lot of friends in my cast and some of the other casts too. I think it is a joy to share this experience with them. I think Trinity Rep is wonderful!

Rebekah Philip, Holly Red Company

I love the parts I am playing this year!

I love doing shows! Rehearsals have turned into shows (I have done three so far) – costume changes are quick – Kate, our kid coordinator, lays the clothes on the stairs for us, helps us change and takes us back to our spot – I have nine in all, most of them are as quick as changing a hat or adding a scarf - I wear a pretty cool black cap starting with the Requiem (where I get to peddle the organ,) then a hat and scarf for Caroling - a short gray jacket for Young Scrooge, a blanket for Poor People, and a red stocking hat (that makes me look like a turkey) for Turkey Kid. I love the parts I am playing this year! It is so much fun playing for the audience and being with my friends and cast members.

Thomas Pfanstiehl, Ivy Green Company

I love to mingle with my new friends from Trinity

The first show was exciting as well as confusing. There were a lot of things going on at once. All the children in the cast, including me, didn’t know what costumes to wear, until Kate and Steph helped us. The second show I felt much better because I felt confident that the Ivy Red casts can deliver great shows. The “Press Opening Night” was excellent. I love to mingle with my new friends from Trinity. We talked about the play and school while eating sandwiches and cookies. I had a ball. The food was great and my new friends are funny. I can’t wait until the next show!

Leah Corredora, Ivy Red Company

I love to be on stage

This last week, my cast and I have been rehearsing for the upcoming performances. Some things that I enjoy about this is the challenge to remember what to do and where to go. My cast's first performance is only around 3 days away. Luckily, I am not nervous because I love to be on stage and performing for a big crowd. I can’t wait!

Leah Corredora, Ivy Red Kid's cast

Wow! My fifth year in A Christmas Carol

Wow! My fifth year in “A Christmas Carol,” I can’t wait to get started!

It’s been awesome………I have been able to be Tiny Tim, Peter Cratchit, Turkey Kid, Young Scrooge, Marley, Bill, and lots of ensemble parts…this year is going to be cool…the kids get to do a lot…things they didn’t do other years…like being in the Requiem.

Thomas Pfanstiehl, Ivy Green Company

I was sad when there wasn't rehearsal

Each time we perform is better than the last one so we want to perform more and more!! I think this is the best experience I will ever have! When I sing and perform in front of the audience I feel important and excited. When we were having rehearsals I was sad when there wasn't rehearsal on some days. I love Trinity Repertory Company!

Rebekah Philip, Holly Red Company

Being a part of a real professional theater is cool!

Hi, I'm Brandon and the past 2 months have been the greatest few months for me in 2005. The rehearsals are super fun and being a part of a real professional theater is really cool! When you go to your first rehearsal, you get to meet all of your cast members and maybe even make some new friends. Amanda, the director of the show, is really great and she always gives positive direction. As far as the shows go, I am really excited to go out on stage in front of all those people who are happy to see you perform. Being able to work with all of the friends you've made during rehearsals is the best! If you are interested in auditioning for this play, I say try it! Being in this show is really fun and if you try out but don't make it, that's O.K. because at least you know that you tried!

Brandon Sticca, Holly Green Company