LET RI ENTERTAIN YOU: 10 OF RHODE ISLAND’S GREAT THEATRES

If you’re trying to shake up your night, look no further than Rhode Island’s performing arts scene. With a variety of venues sprinkled across the state, RI offers quality live theatre, music and dance to the community at great prices. From a Tony-winning repertory theatre to various local stages, the collection of talent on RI’s theatre scene is “lit” (that’s what the kids are saying, right?”).

Here are 10 great theatres in RI:

TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY

Providence, RI

Considered “Rhode Island’s State Theatre,” Trinity Rep has been one of the most respected regional theater companies in the country since being founded in the 1960s. Over the past fifty years, the theater has produced a number of celebrated world premieres, mounted national and international tours, trained hundreds of new actors and directors through its MFA programs and received a Tony Award! For more visit: https://www.trinityrep.com/Online/default.asp

 

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Providence, RI

Established in 1928, the Providence Performing Arts Center presents a full roster of touring Broadway theatricals and contemporary engagements. Having been named one of the “top theatre venues in the world,” PPAC has been the theatre of choice in launching thirteen National Tours, including Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I in November of 2016. Some upcoming summer highlights are Broadway hits Chicago the Musical and Matilda the Musical, plus visits from talent like Kathy Griffin and Diana Krall! For more visit: https://www.ppacri.org/

 

THE SANDRA FEINSTEIN-GAMM THEATRE

Pawtucket, RI

This Award-winning non-profit theatre is a member of New England Area Theatre (NEAT), a bargaining unit of the Actors Equity Association. The Boston Globe wrote: “VERSATILITY, VISION, and willingness to challenge audiences, The Gamm has emerged as ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC THEATER COMPANIES in New England. ” For more visit: http://www.gammtheatre.org/

 

THEATRE BY THE SEA

Wakefield, RI

Founded officially in 1933, this historic theater and playhouse is listed on the “U.S. National Register of Historic Places.” Known for providing entertainment in an intimate setting (that, you bet, is by the sea), this playhouse is regarded for their summer productions. For more visit: http://www.theatrebythesea.com/

 

NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE AND CABARET

Newport, RI

For a more unique and cozy experience, check out this 165 seat theater. It’s attached to a full service restaurant, including a bar. The theatre is a family-operated business that strives to treat you like a member of their family for a fun night out! For more visit: http://newportplayhouse.com/index.html

BLACKSTONE RIVER THEATRE

Cumberland, RI

 

This 501 (c)(3) nonprofit cultural arts center showcases music, dance and folk arts traditions of the Blackstone River Valley. With an emphasis on the ethnic groups that settled in the Blackstone Valley, BRT presents weekly world and roots music concerts, arts classes for adults and children, and special events on a year-round basis. Hailed “the best place to see a show in Rhode Island,” by the Providence Journal, BRT has seen hundreds of thousands of audiences. For more visit: http://www.riverfolk.org/

 

 

THE GRANITE THEATRE

Westerly, RI

Sitting at the edge of Granite Street in downtown Westerly, this theatre is a restored Greek Revival Church. Staging performances year round, the theatre hosts Broadway plays, children’s plays, lecture program, cabaret acts and other events! For more visit: http://www.granitetheatre.com/

 

CONTEMPORARY THEATRE

South Kingstown, RI

 

Producing year-round entertainment, this professional theatre house features mainly local talent. Opening in 2015, the CTC strives to provide opportunities for the community to create and experience live performance in ways that everyone can be proud of and enjoy. For more visit: http://contemporarytheatercompany.com/

 

STADIUM THEATRE

Woonsocket, RI

Built in 1926, Stadium is one of the few remaining examples of the majestic Vaudeville Theatre era in operation today. Since being restored in 2001, the theatre has developed into a community center where famed talent like Liza Minnelli, Cher and George Winston grace the same stage as community artists. Their mission remains to offer the widest variety of high caliber, live entertainment to guests at family-affordable prices. For more visit: http://www.stadiumtheatre.com

 

MIXED MAGIC THEATRE

Pawtucket, RI

For the past 17 years, this 501(c )(3) arts organization has aimed to bring diverse stories and images to the stage through prose and song, tackling both well-known and original theatrical productions. For more visit: https://mmtri.com/

 

Looking for a theatre experience closer to home? Head over to Visit RI’s performing arts guide!