Giving this review one star was generous! After 12 consecutive years of attending the Christmas Carol, my family and friends (9-12 of us) throughout the years, will no longer be attending this play. To say the least, this years performance was horrible. The set was poorly designed, Scrooge's bedroom was unable to be seen from where most of us were seated. In an effort to push the current "woke" narrative, this amazing classic was interpreted and pieced together so poorly that the beloved story was lost in the muck of it. The producers should be ashamed of themselves. LEAVE THE CLASSICS ALONE! read more

I saw CLYBOURNE PARK over the weekend. What an incredible show -- recent Pulitzer Prize for the playwright. Most of the 7 actors were from the company with 2 from the Brown U/Trinity Re Conservatory Masters program. Superb acting that got better as the show got more intense. Interesting set design, as always. The set is always why I like to arrive a smudge early to take it all in before a show starts. The downstairs theatre is small (only about 250 seats) and upstairs is bigger (seats about 500) but seats all typically have good views of the stage. Happy to go back again and again. read more

Trinity shows feature the resident company of actors though the season. It's so cool to see the same talented people in new roles. (And I like listening to them on RI's NPR station WRNI's Trinity Radio Theater). The acting, the costumes, the sets - woo! love the experience. No, I wouldn't call Trinity terribly "edgy", but each season there is definitely a diversity in the program. I go to 2 or 3 shows a year, when something sounds interesting or I want to see Trinity's spin on a classic ... but mostly because I've scored free tix to something - usually A Christmas Carol, which they do annually but it's a different production/flavor every year. Both the main stage and the downstairs, more contemporary theater are beautiful and there's really not a bad seat in the house. It's well-organized with the box office separate from the lobby with decent hours. There's a full bar whenever there's a show and the drinks are reasonably priced. Ticket prices become accessible to everyone with pay-what-you-can nights, $12 bench seats and discounts on day-of leftovers. We are so lucky to have Trinity in Providence! read more

We were lucky enough to catch the 2019 Christmas Carol today before it ends its run for the season--and let me tell you, it was pure magic. It's become a tradition (as for many) to head to Trinity each year during the holidays to catch the show, and this year was by far our favorite. The cast was wonderful, the dance numbers were a delight, and the added twists this year were very welcomed & appreciated--and what a beautiful message of inclusion & love. Hats off to you! read more

For the past few years I've cherry picked the shows I most wanted to see. This year I was so impressed with the lineup I committed to purchasing a subscription, a combination of loving that they're honoring a more diverse and younger slate of playwrights in addition to paying homage to the classics. Take 'Appropriate,' for example - it's written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, one of the hottest young playwrights in the US taking on issues of race in a big way. I simply can't wait to see this dark comedy dealing with a family's dark past with the KKK. Trinity has also really upped their game to make theater more accessible. You can purchase a mid-week season subscription for just over $100! It's the best deal in town! The resident actors know their craft and their community. Part of loving Trinity is the opportunity to interact with some of the resident actors in other community forums and programming. If you're one of those Rhode Islanders who has come to know Trinity as old and stuffy, or who only comes 1x/year for Christmas Carol, I challenge you to give it another go. This season is not one to be missed! The theater itself is splendid with its wrap around stair cases, balcony, and dome. Also, they bring in pastries for Ellie's - yup! read more

Very impressed with the production of A Christmas Carol! It's going to be a tradition now every holiday. The theater is small enough that you can see every single detail from afar/top seats/back seats. Money well spent! read more

Trinity Rep - After watching A Christmas Carol! - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I usually see an average of four shows at Trinity per season, and I can honestly say I've never seen a bad one. I will admit that I saw one so-so show, but it's been 95% excellent. The acting sets and production are always flawless, and even if I go into a show a little skeptical or unfamiliar with the story beforehand, I usually come away with a completely changed opinion. Case in point, I went to see Oliver last year because a friend wanted to go. I don't care for Dickens and I wasn't too keen on seeing a bunch of children overact, but I was blown away. It was fantastic--the songs were excellent, the acting flawless, and I think I even caught myself holding my breath at some points because I was so wrapped up in the story. Most recently, I saw The Glass Menagerie, which was stunning in its strangeness. Even though I've read the play several times, and seen a movie version of it, I was still surprised. Barefoot in the Park, from last season, had me crying with laughter. It was sweet and smart and funny plus the sets were also absolutely amazing. Other favorites include The Grapes of Wrath (saw that one twice) and Ivanov, which was unexpectedly delightful. Rhode Islanders are so lucky to have access to high quality theatre like this. I also appreciate that they recently rolled out their Under 35 program, which gets people under 35 a $25 ticket to each show + a cocktail. I love live theatre, but unfortunately majored in English, so I don't have a lot of disposable income. It's nice that Trinity recognizes the desire and need for younger people to keep going to live theatre. My parents didn't do a lot of things right, but I truly appreciate that they instilled that love in me at a young age. Both of the theatres are without a bad seat, and it's always fun to see how dramatically they can change the space from show to show. I never know what to expect when I go to Trinity, except that I will have an excellent night. I highly recommend you make a night of it and treat yourself to some live theatre. read more

My wife and I travel all over the nation, and Trinity Rep is surely one of the top performing arts centers. Being in the great city of Providence, in its fantastic arts and entertainment district, and in one of the top culinary centers in the USA makes it all the better. All of the Providence Metro Area and New England are very fortunate. Great city - great theater! read more

Saw an adaptation of "Crime and Punishment," which was excellent. The small size of the theater made it really intense (even for C&P). This was back in January. If they put it on again, I'd go again just for that. The only thing I didn't like was the number of old people who were loud and smelled like smoke. But I guess Trinity Rep can't do anything about them. (Maybe it was also because we went on a weeknight in the dead of winter.) Anyway, I've only seen one play at TR so far, but that was top-notch, so I'm keeping my eye out for others to go to. read more

Saw a Christmas Carol today like I do every year with the family. Great show, I love that they keep the cast small and always keep it in Victorian times, I hate when people try to modernize shows. But this theater is a lovely place to see any play. There's not one bad seat in the house. I also love that the stages always encompass all 3 levels and have trap doors for things to go up and down the stage. This is a great theater and a staple of the community. read more

I've seen several plays at Trinity Rep over the years and each time it's been an enjoyable experience, not only because of the great actors but I love the ambiance of this place. Ticket prices for plays are worth every penny spent and the prices are very reasonable for a great night out. The building itself, inside and out, is beautiful; it's warm and inviting. While the theatre area itself it's enormous, that's why I like it so much because you don't feel like you're being packed in like sausages. I wish the chairs were a bit more comfortable, but I get it; this place is a non-profit organization. Trinity Rep is well respected amongst theatre goers from all over the country. This is a "must see/must do" for anyone visiting Providence. read more

Bravo! Went to see 'Merchant of Venice', and it was worth the trip. As good art does it, approaches the topic of religion and revenge while letting the audience decide what is fair. You'll love the bit parts, and the humor is well conveyed. RI should be so lucky to have this theater right downtown. read more

Sadly disappointed with this years show. I would consult with trinity about specifics prior to taking your family, especially children this year. read more

I've lived in Providence for a few years but had never been to Trinity Rep. It was the last week of a show (Yellowman) and they were offering up complimentary tickets so I figured, why not? The building is beautiful, exactly what a playhouse should look like. Customer service was excellent, from the time I called up to get my tickets to getting quickly ushered in when I showed up a minute before showtime (totally my bad). There are two theaters; the one I went to was the Dowling, which is intimate. Even though my seats were in the last row, against the back wall, it was still only 7 rows back! I think it'd be hard to find a "bad" seat in there. I hope I can make it to more shows. read more

Nice little spot to watch a play. Not a bad seat in the house. Good acoustics. Only complaint is that the seating is a little tight...very little room to move through the aisle if people are in their seats; you have to make everyone stand up & lean back for you to pass. They serve alcohol, soda, & water pre-show & at intermission. I didn't notice any food. There are a lot of stairs. They do have an elevator though. I always pay attention to things like that because not too long ago, I was unable to climb stairs. read more

Just experienced the grapes of wrath as if it was for the very first time. It was amazing!!! read more

Trinity Rep - Just experienced the grapes of wrath like never before. It was amazing!!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Just saw the Christmas Carol tonight, and it was wonderful! The actors were strong, the singing was on point, and the message was clear. I don't understand any of the negative reviews on here, as the cast is made up of good actors playing beloved characters who are relatable no matter their race, gender, or orientation. Beautiful production, and truly enjoyable. read more

Their production of A Christmas Carol was one of the most innovative I have every seen! Well preformed by a cast solid from star to bit players. The performance included live music, several scenes with kids and a variety of stage effects. The staging was excellent making very good use of the features of the stage. A very enjoyable evening! read more

One of the very best performances of a Christmas Carol I've seen anywhere in many many years. The cast was very good. The actor playing Scrooge was enormously talented and it was a delight to watch his transformation from stodgy curmudgeon to a changed man. The music and dancing were wonderful and energetic. read more

This is my favorite Theater by far. Every production is unique and of the highest artistic integrity. I've been coming to see plays here since I was a child. It opened up my world to theater, arts and culture. This beautiful theater graces downtown Providence and offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy and fall in love with great theater. read more

This is the first time in the last eight years being extremely disappointed with the minimal stage and drastic change to the storyline. This is a classic for a reason and to deviate to this extreme is a shame and makes no sense at times. Let your audience know next time so we can decide to attend or not - this was no better than a High School play - too late to warn anyone to not waste your time - so bad - will skip next year read more

Whether you have or have not seen Trinity Rep's "A Christmas Carol" you should plan to see it this year. Each year it is done with a different twist and was truly amazing. There isn't a bad seat in the house and the show was better than some I have seen in Boston. I haven't been to other shows but I hope to in the future as it was a definite highlight of my new adventures in Rhode Island. read more

I got the pleasure of attending a wonderfully quirky showing of MacBeth here courtesy of my College (UMass Dartmouth). I loved it, and would love to come here again. I loved how it was an odd mix of modern touches with the Shakespearian plot and language. It was really interesting and different. I'd love to go again read more

Having recently returned to trinity this year after a decade-long hiatus, I can honestly say it's one of the best things about Rhode Island. Turns out, they've even instituted a new plan where anyone under the age of 35 can enroll in the free program which allows them to purchase $25 tickets to each regular season play. How can you beat that? Book far enough ahead and you can get 2 front row tickets for $50 total! read more

Such a gem. Trinity puts on such quality productions time and time again,whether it's their yearly Christmas Carol (always different year to year) to His Girl Friday to the best version of West Side Story I've ever seen. The theaters are the perfect size and allows you to see the stage from wherever you are sitting. The set design and acting are always top notch. There is a full bar with reasonably priced drinks as well as coffee/tea. Ticket prices are usually reasonable as well. read more

Saw Shooting Star this past weekend. Brilliantly acted, staged and directed. Don't miss this - an extraordinary production. Bravo Trinity and Fred Sullivan! read more

Just got back from A Christmas Carol .. The Red Team in the Chace Theater at Trinity Rep. So much better than last year!! Much funnier and lighter. The Ghosts of Christmas present played by, Jude Sandy and Joe Wilson Jr were delightful! Mauro Hantman as Ebenezer Scrooge was refreshing! FUN! read more

Saw La Fuente Ovejuna tonight.....left the theater energized....this is what Trinity Rep does best....out of left field...in your face...immersing the audience and transmuting and enfolding them into the action.....exhilarating and highly recommended....Fred Pearson read more

This review is based almost entirely on their yearly production of A Christmas Carol. I have seen it 21 years in a row (every year since I was 5), and I can't imagine the holiday season without it. Each year it is uniquely different yet perfectly familiar and I always leave the theater nostalgically happy and ready to donate to the RI Community Food Bank, which they always support at this production. I have seen a handful of other shows as well in both the upstairs and downstairs theater and I've enjoyed them all. A wonderful company and always a good time! read more

If there's anything you go to at Trinity each year, it should be The Christmas Carol. It's simply wonderful and puts you right in the holiday season spirit! I try to go each year and am never disappointed. I even suggest getting the bench seats in the back...$18 and in a theater that size, any seat is a great seat. You also have room to mingle with your group and a cocktail before the show even starts. Bring cash for the bar. This building is so quaint, but stunning and has great charm to it! read more

I've been going to see Trinity Rep's Christmas Carol each year for over 15 years now. This version sits in my bottom three. Although the actors were wonderful, I was not loving the artistic director's interpretation. I am more of a traditionalist when it comes to the story. The constant floating of the family on the wings was distracting and the ghosts were bland... not the actors... but the images. Some characters were changed, not sure why, but it took away from the story. I felt like I was at A Christmas Carol the musical as opposed to a play. It just didn't work and distracted from the flow of the story. read more

I have season tickets, a great and inexpensive way to have a great time in downtown Providence. A good mix of known and original plays. There are no bad seats in either theatre. read more

There is no better theater to see A Christmas Carol in anywhere! I've been going for 29 years, since I was 5 years old, and it just isn't Christmas until I've been to Trinity Rep. Every year the set is dazzling, the cast is amazing, the songs are rich and the costumes are beautiful. I started to take my nieces 9 years ago, when they were 5 and 7. They still look forward to it every year, even though they're cool teenagers and we're uncool 30-somethings, because the play is just that awesome. The theater isn't quite in the round, but close. Actors come down the aisles and perform right there next to you and it's such a nice small theater that there is truly not a bad seat in the house. We actually prefer to be farther back as you see more of the set as a whole and get a different visual effect versus being right in the front looking around when the actors do move around the theater. If you're thinking of bringing kids, please consider that A Christmas Carol has a few very scary moments for small children. Jacob Marley's ghost coming back, the Ghost of Christmas Past... all could definitely produce some screams and nightmares. I'm waiting to take my own daughters until they're probably 6 at the earliest. The price of a ticket gets a little higher each year, but it's a family tradition and well worth it for the amazing production you truly become a part of. I won't stop going until I'm dead as a coffin-nail. read more

This years production of A Christmas Carol was pretty stellar! Small theaters add an intimate touch to the production

We have been Trinity Rep subscribers since moving to Rhode Island in 2004. We always enjoy the productions, set design, acting, music and ambiance. Although we try to approach all art with an open mind, we were prepared not to enjoy the current production, Melancholy. What a surprise and delight! The acting was superb and Rachel Warren was outstanding. Yes, it was quirky, but at the same time captivating, innovative and fun! The music and harmonies added another dimension. So, thank you Trinity for having the courage to do something new, different and thought provoking. Isn't that what art is supposed to do? S and M Rhode Island read more

Love it. Went for the Christmas Carol this year and it was awesome. Love how intimate the theatre is and I appreciate that an usher walks you to your seat. Cashews are a nice treat while enjoying your show. The actors are top notch and props the stage management; not one missed cue. Absolutely amazing theatre. I also saw the vibrator play last year in their other space across the street. It was also fantastic. So happy to have to this caliber of theatre to enjoy in RI! Highly reccomend seeing any Trinity Rep performance! read more

I have been going to trinity rep my whole life. However I don't know who is choosing the plays lately, but they have bored me to tears. Now I know that you can't please all the people all of the time, but it seems like they have lost their edge. Circumstances have prevented me from seeing the play that is showing now, which is too bad, because I think I would have liked it. Or rather, it sounds like the type of play that I would like. If I was able to see it, this review might be different. But as it stands now I would recommend at least two other theatres in the area before I would Trinity. read more

Been three times. Had to leave part way through last visit because I had my child with me. Very biased venue, much like the mainstream press and ivy league schools. Attended "The Mountaintop" and found it to be vulgar, sacrilegious and uninspiring. The theatre is small and poorly appointed. Very over rated. read more

First time at this theatre, saw The Hunchback of Seville tonight. The cast was amazing. Can't wait to return for another play.

We saw the Christmas Carol last night .We have seen this play 15 times over the past 25 years and were very dissapointed with what we saw last night . Many key parts were left out including the charade game with the nephew and his friends and the reaction to the death of Scrooge at the Cratchet household . The 25 minute intermission broke the mood but I am sure it allowed for many drink sales . The live musicians were very good but the direction lacked the holiday music of past performances . We were season ticket patrons for many years but will look elsewhere for theatre performances in the future . read more