The Main Stage
At the Barker Playhouse in Providence, Rhode Island.
The performing season at the Barker Playhouse is from September to May and features four main stage plays, each of which run two weekends; as well as one main stage musical which runs for three weekends. Below is our lineup for Season 117!
Talk Radio
Barry Champlain, Cleveland's controversial radio host, is on the air doing what he does best: insulting the pathetic souls who call in the middle of the night to sound off. Tomorrow, Barry's show is going into national syndication and his producer is afraid that Barry will say something that will offend the sponsors. This, of course, makes Barry even more outrageous. Funny and moving, offbeat, outrageous and totally entrancing, Talk Radio had a long run at New York's Public Theatre starring the author.
Written by Eric Bogosian
Directed by: Terry Shea
Show Dates: May 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, & 17, 2026
Dancing At Lughnasa
A memory play by Brian Friel, focusing on the Mundy sisters in Ireland during the summer of 1936. The sisters, including Michael's mother, raise him as he recalls their lives and the arrival of his father, Gerry. The play explores themes of family, love, loss, and the changing world through the sisters' perspectives.
Written by: Brian Friel
Directed by: Thomas Martin
Past Show Dates: September 26, 27, 28 & October 3, 4, 5, 2025
Carnivale Moliere
It’s 1930’s dustbowl in America and a troupe of traveling Commedia Dell’Arte performers have come to town. Their mission is to relieve the bleakness permeating many Americans lives with the whimsy and humor associated with Moliere and Commedia. All three plays are classic comedies by Moliere, master of the French farce. Each one-act includes mistaken identities and unrequited love amidst and atmosphere of jealousy and greed.
Three one act plays by Moliere
Directed by: Roger Lemelin
Past Show Dates: December 5, 6, 7 & 12, 13, 14, 2025
anthropology
Merril is a software engineer, who creates a digital simulation of her missing sister, Angie, using her digital remains. The play explores the implications of this AI creation, especially as it starts to reveal new details about Angie's disappearance. It delves into themes of family, technology, and legacy, questioning the nature of grief, and the line between artificial and human intelligence.
Written by: Lauren Gunderson
Directed by: Joan Dillenback
Past Show Dates: January 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 & February 1, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" follows six quirky students competing in a spelling bee. The musical is a hilarious and touching look at adolescence, exploring themes of competition, identity, and self-discovery. The show is known for its catchy music, funny book, and audience participation.
Written by: Rachel Sheinkin & William Finn
Directed by: Aaron Blanck
Past Show Dates: March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29, 2026
Full Event List
Click the button below to view the full event list from plays to workshops, to musicals, and more!