The sights and sounds of the holiday season are upon us, and nowhere is that more evident than in the abundance of choice we have in holiday-themed theater in Rhode Island. And, as in years past, the challenge remains: How do you produce yet another “fresh new approach” to A Christmas Carol (which produces the […]
With the holiday season in full swing, area dance companies are doing their best to help spread some Christmas cheer, from dancing mice to dancing dolls to dancing snowflakes and, yes, even dancing reindeer! While many whose holiday festivities include a trip to the ballet are familiar with most of the aforementioned dancing oddities, the […]
New York City. It’s a mere three hours away, you can get there by train, or a drive down the Tappan Zee. Even with all of that it’s tough to get to New York City! We’re so close, yet so far. And I have wanted to make it to the great White Way to see The Book of […]
In December, Providence’s own TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, Providence’s premiere school for the integration of the arts and academics, along with the URI Providence Campus Arts & Culture Program, will bring Prospect High: Brooklyn to Rhode Island audiences. TAPA will be the one and only school in Rhode Island and New England […]
Reginald Rose’s granddaddy of all courtroom dramas, Twelve Angry Jurors, is quite an interesting acting and staging challenge for even the most mature of groups to tackle. Originally airing on television in 1954, and adapted by Sherman Sergel, the script is more commonly known as Twelve Angry Men. My memories of the play and […]
Sometimes the truth isn’t what it appears to be. The themes of police brutality, racial injustice and journalistic integrity run through The Rant, which is a compelling and effective drama featuring powerful performances and tight direction by Tyler Dobrowsky. The play opens in darkness. There are gunshots. The lights come up and we see Denise […]
2nd Story Theater and director Ed Shea have crafted many provocative, funny, and clever plays over the years. Unfortunately, their latest, Neighborhood Watch, is a major disappointment. Martin (Joe Henderson) and his uptight sister Hilda (Becky Minard) convene a meeting of concerned neighbors after a teenage boy invades their swanky property in the Bluebird Hill development. […]
Festival Ballet Providence’s popular “Up Close On Hope” returns for yet another season. Set in the company’s intimate Black Box Theatre, audience members are treated to a unique viewing experience sitting just a few scant feet from the performers. The current offering takes this experience one step further by incorporating live music courtesy of Community […]
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, area dance companies are putting the finishing touches on their annual holiday productions. Looking to get an early start, the State Ballet of Rhode Island kicks things off on November 20 with their annual presentation of Coppelia. Set to Leo Delibes’ festive score, this charming and witty ballet tells […]
When I first heard that the creators of “South Park,” Matt Stone and Trey Parker, were writing a musical, I have to admit I laughed. And not for the reason you would think — I was sure the show would be funny, but to think that the two who coined such memorable songs as “Blame […]