4/3/19
By Tom Parrish
The flowers and plants of Mushnik’s “Skid Row” Florists remind us that spring is finally here. For months, we have been dreaming of “Somewhere That’s Green,” and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the beginning of spring than with this fun musical. From the incredible musical duo that also created Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors was the third-longest running musical and the highest-grossing production in Off-Broadway history when it closed its initial run in 1987.
Just as we experience one of this season’s highlights and approach the fantastical conclusion, Jose Rivera’s Marisol, the seeds have been planted for the exciting 2019-20 Season. It will certainly be a season to remember, sure to surprise, delight, and entertain. Featuring a balanced mix of comedy, drama, and music, the new season has something for everyone. Each play illuminates the two sides of the same coin and the price of progress. Sometimes theater provides answers, but more often, it poses questions, reflections that help us navigate the gray areas of our lives and society.
The season begins with a major event — already the talk of the town — the world premiere of George Brant’s The Prince of Providence, based on the book by Mike Stanton about late, former Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci. The box office has been buzzing since we announced this, and the only way to guarantee your ticket to see it is to subscribe, as seating is very limited. We follow that with a wonderful dramatic comedy by Tanya Saracho, Fade, and the final work by an American theater icon, August Wilson’s Radio Golf. Company member Brian McEleney’s adaptation of Charles Dicken’s classic A Tale of Two Cities is the educational and literal centerpiece of the season. We are thrilled to then produce Sweat by Lynn Nottage, a recent Broadway hit that had its off-Broadway premiere at Oskar Eustis’ Public Theater. The season ends with a musical masterpiece by America’s greatest living Broadway composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim, the heart-pounding thriller Sweeney Todd, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Subscription packages are now available for this extraordinary season, and we hope to “Suddenly, Seymour” of you. If you are new to Trinity Rep, I encourage you to explore the wide array of shows. They offer a fantastic sampling of the breadth of great theater you can find at Trinity Rep, and yet share so many similar qualities that experiencing them together in one season results in a cohesive conversation and dynamic journey. You can see them all for as little as $120 for six plays. That’s less than the price of a single Broadway ticket. In addition to guaranteeing yourself some memorable evenings out and saving up to 33% off (the equivalent of two plays free), as a full season subscriber, you get the best prices; the best seats; money-saving restaurant and parking discounts to make it a truly special outing; exchange privileges; advanced, discounted access to A Christmas Carol; and a host of other great benefits to make your theatergoing easy, flexible, and affordable. Performances will sell out, so subscribe today!
I also invite you to celebrate the arts at the annual Pell Awards Gala to benefit Trinity Rep’s artistic and educational programs on June 3.
It’s an exciting time to be a part of Trinity Rep, and we thank you for joining us today.
Enjoy the show, and remember “Don’t Feed the Plants!”
Tom Parrish
Executive Director