For his first full season as artistic director at Trinity Rep, Curt Columbus has chosen plays that are far-ranging in style and scale, but share strong themes of home, family and love.

Beginning in September, American classics from Albee and Wilder, a new comedy by Sarah Ruhl, Chekhov's masterpiece "Cherry Orchard," and the longest running musical in history create a rewarding journey for artists and audience alike. Columbus will direct "Cherry Orchard" and the 30th anniversary all-new production of Trinity Rep's "A Christmas Carol."

The subscription season will include:

"The Cherry Orchard" by Anton Chekhov
September 15 - October 29 in the Dowling Theater

Privilege, politics and family collide in the Russian master's final work, written as the country sped toward revolution. Artistic director Curt Columbus directs the resident company in his fast-paced, funny, and heart-breaking new translation. Definitely not your grandmother's Chekhov.

"A Dublin Carol" by Conor McPherson
December 1 - January 7 in the Dowling Theater

In Dublin, on Christmas Eve, a bitter man seizes the chance to make things right. The author of The Weir blends memory and myth, pain and hope in this intimate gem of a play. The promise of redemption, in storytelling that casts an irresistible spell.

"Our Town" by Thornton Wilder
January 26 - March 4 in the Chace Theater

Perhaps the best-known modern American play, this is so much more than a loving portrait of small-town America. Deceptively simple, daring in its immediacy, "Our Town" celebrates the compelling connection between actors and audience. Wilder offers a vision of community beyond time and place: the powerful transcendence of daily life - if only for a moment.

"A Delicate Balance" by Edward Albee
February 16 - March 25 in the Dowling Theater

Cocktails and after-dinner drinks; small talk and fighting words: the tribal rituals of the upper-class WASP. Cherished friends drop in and won't leave, rules are broken, infidelities and resentments are laid bare and all bets are off in this ferocious, funny family drama from the creator of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

"The Fantasticks" -- Music by Harvey Schmidt, book and lyrics by Tom Jones
March 30 - May 6 in the Chace Theater

The longest running musical in history, a beloved ritual for generations of theatergoers. A boy and girl fall in love in spite of - or thanks to - their well-intentioned parents. In 1960, this groundbreaking show defied convention with its darkness and optimism, naturalism and magic. Remarkably enduring, "The Fantasticks" has charmed and captivated audiences straight through the era of crashing chandeliers, dancing cats, and beyond.

"The Clean House" by Sarah Ruhl
April 27 - June 3 in the Dowling Theater

Clean homes, messy lives: a woman, her sister, her maid, her husband, and his lover learn to embrace the chaos they can't control. If your family falls apart, you build a new one. This inventive, illuminating comedy (a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize) is sweeping the nation's theaters. In today's complex world, laughter's what counts.

Titles and dates are subject to change.

"I was drawn to Trinity Rep, and to Rhode Island, because of the rare strength of the connection between our artists and our audience," said Columbus. "Since I arrived two months ago, I've felt so much at home. Planning my first season with this community of audience, actors, directors and designers, I'm naturally thinking about home and family and community. These plays challenge and illuminate our understanding of those precious ideals: these plays are all about the strength found in community - large and small, intimate and grand."

Season subscriptions are available now at the box office. Packages include the full season, the Pick Four and special discounts for seniors, youth and educators.

Subscribers receive tickets at a considerable discount from single-ticket prices, as well as flexible service for ticket exchanges, restaurant and parking discounts, early access to tickets for "A Christmas Carol," and invitations to special performances and programs.

Subscriptions may be purchased now by mail, phone or in person. The Trinity Rep box office is located at 201 Washington Street, Providence, RI, 02903. Call 401-351-4242 for more information.

03/07/06