The Providence, RI, stage announced Nov. 20 the appointment of Gennaro, who will work with artistic director Curt Columbus overseeing all business operations of the theatre company.
Gennaro begins work at Trinity Rep in February 2007, succeeding Edgar Dobie, who left the company in September. Dobie is executive producer on the Broadway-bound musical The Pirate Queen.
"We are thrilled about Michael bringing his decades of talent and experience at running and managing theaters to Providence," stated Trinity Rep Board of Trustees president Jack McConnell in the announcement. "Trinity is exceptionally fortunate to have him partner with Curt Columbus in continuing to move Trinity forward."
Before his time as President and CEO of Paper Mill Playhouse (since 2003), Gennaro held the post of executive director at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre for seven years — where Columbus was an associate artistic director.
"I am particularly delighted that Michael will be joining Trinity Rep as our executive director, as we already have an excellent working relationship in place from our years together at Steppenwolf," Columbus said. "I have long been an admirer of his ability to bring regional theatre companies to both a national and international spotlight." Born to father Peter Gennaro (an acclaimed Broadway dancer and choreographer) and mother Jean Kinsella (also a dancer) in New York City, Gennaro was raised in Manhattan and Paramus, NJ. He graduated from Notre Dame University and Fordham University Law School. He was briefly an actor before becoming an entertainment attorney. He also served as general manager of George Street Playhouse, managing director of Ford's Theatre, and executive director of Pennsylvania Ballet before his heading to Steppenwolf.
Trinity Rep is currently in its 43rd season which continues — following the 30th anniversary all-new production of Trinity Rep's A Christmas Carol (Nov. 17-Dec. 31) — with Conor McPherson's A Dublin Carol starring "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation" actor William Petersen. Also slated is Our Town (Jan. 26-March 4, 2007), A Delicate Balance (Feb. 16-March 25, 2007), The Fantasticks (March 30-April 29, 2007) and The Clean House (April 27-June 3, 2007).
Trinity Rep is located at 201 Washington Street in Providence, RI. For more information, call (401) 351-4242 or visit www.trinityrep.com.
