Radio theater cast takes to a live stage reading for third fundraiser

PROVIDENCE, RI: Trinity Rep is pleased to announce plans to invite audiences to a special live taping of its Trinity Rep Radio Theater, titled Trinity Rep Radio Theater: Live in Providence, created in partnership with WRNI, a service of Rhode Island Public Radio. Hosted by WRNI’s Morning Edition Host Bob Seay, the show will be taped as part of a live fundraiser in Trinity Rep’s Dowling Theater on Monday, May 24 at 7:30 PM. Tickets to Trinity Rep Radio Theater: Live in Providence are $30 and can be purchased online at www.trinityrep.com, by phone at 401-351-4242, or at the Trinity Rep box office at 201 Washington St. All proceeds will benefit Trinity Rep Radio Theater.

This special live episode features the talents of resident company actors Angela Brazil, Janice Duclos, and Joe Wilson Jr. alongside Curt Columbus and WRNI’s Bob Seay. The story at the heart of the presentation is “Gryphon” by Charles Baxter. In Baxter’s incredible tale, a fourth grade class in Five Oaks, Michigan is in for a big surprise. Their substitute teacher is about to blow their minds. The Egyptians discovered Saturn? Six times eleven is sometimes sixty-eight? Gryphons are real – part lion, part bird? True or false: Nothing will ever be the same.

“I am so thrilled to be bringing Trinity Rep Radio Theater to live audiences for a third time,” stated Artistic Director Curt Columbus.  “After our exciting first live taping of Thornton Wilder’s Theophilus North in Newport, followed by a heartwarming holiday presentation in the intimate Dowling Theater in November, we knew our fans would enjoy hearing a story that's new to them. "Gryphon" paints a vivid and familiar portrait of children learning some of the secrets of grownups. Having members of our resident company read and discuss this fantastic tale with our audience is an experience we will surely treasure.”

After taping in the Dowling Theater, the show is slated to air on WRNI 1290AM Providence and 102.7FM Narragansett on Friday, June 4 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 5 at 1:00 PM; and Sunday, June 6 at 11:00 AM. Free podcast subscriptions are also available online at www.wrni.org.

WRNI General Manager Joe O’Connor said the special live taping “resurrects radio as a dynamic medium of theatrical performance – placing the listening audience squarely in the intimacy of the moment created by master authors and playwrights.  Artistic Director Curt Columbus and his terrific troupe of actors bring the best of Rhode Island theater to the state’s only NPR station.”

Trinity Rep Radio Theater is co-produced by Trinity Rep Acting Company member Janice Duclos and Emily Atkinson, Artistic Associate for Communication.