Nickel and Dimed draws from its novel namesake — subtitled "On (Not) Getting by in America" — in which the dubious author set out to discover what life is like living on minimum wage. In her experiments, she took to working as a waitress in Florida, a cleaning woman in Maine, a sales clerk in Minnesota, only to find how physically, emotionally and economically hard it is to work for what is considered a living wage.

Holden's play, which was commissioned and premiered at Seattle's Intiman Theatre and transferred to Los Angeles' Mark Taper Forum, will make its New England premiere at Trinity Rep's Chace Theater. Holden served as principal playwright for the Tony Award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe from 1970 to 2000.

Kevin Moriarty directs a cast that includes Cynthia Strickland, Angela Brazil, Phyllis Kay, Barbara Meek, Mauro Hantman and Maya Parra.

The production features live music by Eric Fontana. The design team includes Beowulf Boritt (sets), Jeff Croiter (lights), William Lane (costumes) and Peter Sasha Hurowitz (sound).

Trinity Rep's current season continues with Marie Jones' Stones in His Pockets, Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan's musical Annie and Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel's new play The Long Christmas Ride Home. For tickets to Nickel and Dimed at Trinity Rep, 201 Washington Street, in Providence, Ri, call (401) 351-4242 or visit www.trinityrep.com.