Prov Web

calendar . . .

Fun Family Events & Unique things to do

(ongoing) Power Play A major new exhibit celebrating the power of children’s play. Kids will experiment, explore, invent, imagine and, of course, play as they investigate air, light, magnets, motion and sound. The message? Play is powerful! Active, imaginative play happens throughout the Children’s Museum, but Play Power is about play. This vibrant new learning environment will engage kids and grown-ups in creative activities that vividly illustrate the importance of open-ended play. Open Tue-Sun & Mon school holidays, 9am-6pm & selected Fridays til 8pm. Providence Children’s Museum,100 South St, Providence.401-273-KIDS www.childrenmuseum. org. (thru Sun. 12/7) An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde Sir Robert Chiltern, a rising star of turn-ofthe-century British politics and a pillar of virtue, is the ideal husband for the charming Lady Chiltern. But when the enchanting and conniving Mrs. Cheveley threatens to reveal a dark secret from Sir Chiltern’s past, a brewing scandal threatens to destroy both his career and marriage. An Ideal Husband is a timely look at the clash of money, power and ethics through the lens of a quick-witted, suspense-filled melodrama. Gamm Theatre. 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. 401-723-4268 www.gammtheatre.org (thru Sun. 12/21) Romantic Comedy by Jack Neary Danny had convinced himself that life’s dreams can’t be anything more than dreams. Then back into his life walks his eight grade flame, Meredith O’Connor - only now it’s Sister Meredith Louise, and it becomes a holiday to remember. $15. p/p or 2/$25. Mill River Players Harborside Playhouse, 850 Hope St, Bristol. 401-396-5555 www. millriverplayers.org

ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. Tuesday, 7 pm, Wednesday, 7:30pm. $44-$71. Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 401-421-2997 www.ppacri.org

Providence

December 08

Providence Area

(thru 12/31) A Christmas Carol Adapted by Adrian Hall and Richard Cumming and directed by Liesl Tommy. Heralded as “The crowning jewel of holiday theatre here in Rhode Island” by EDGE Providence, Trinity Rep is celebrating its 32nd year of presenting this beloved New England holiday tradition. Appealing to young and old alike, this timeless tale of the power of forgiveness is a welcome reminder of the magic the holidays bring. $25-$60. Trinity Repertory Co., 201 Washington St., Providence. 401-351-4242 www.trinityrep. com

(thru Jan.) Woonsocket Now and Again An exhibit comparing and contrasting the city of Woonsocket “then and now.” Exhibit features paintings and digital photographs by Riverzedge students based on their research of the city’s history, and representing their interpretation of the city’s changes. Museum of Work & Culture, 42 South Main St., Woonsocket. 401-769-9675 www.rihs.org (Tue. 12/2 –Sun. 12/7) Grease With American Idol Taylor Hicks as “Teen Angel. “Bad boy” Danny and “the girl next door” Sandy fall in love all over again to the tune of your favorite songs: “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “We Go Together,” “Grease,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “You’re the One That I Want.” Hand Jive the night away with the show that’ll make you want to stand up and shout, “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!” $68.00 - $41.00 Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 401-421-2997 www.ppacri.org

(Saturdays & Sundays thru Sun. 12/14) Visit with Santa Meet the Jolly Old Elf himself while enjoying a hearty breakfast buffet or afternoon cookies and milk with a variety of activities for the whole family. A photo with Santa for each child and admission to the Zoo for the day are included. 10am-3am. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the ticket window or by calling 401 941-4998. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. 401 785-3510 www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org

(Thu. 12/4) T.I. and T-Pain Once dubbed “the Jay-Z of the South” by Pharrell Williams, T.I. gradually came into his own and established himself as one of rap’s greatest and most successful MCs during the early 2000s. Tallahassee-based MC and vocalist T-Pain (born Faheem Najm) came up in a rap group called Nappy Headz but went pro as a solo R&B artist. 7:00pm. $35-$75. Dunkin Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Square, Providence. 401-331-6700 www. dunkindonutscenter.com

(thru Tues. 12/30) Mamma Mia! The smash-hit musical that combines

(Fri. 12/5 thru Sun. 12/14) Foundry Artists Assn Holiday Art Show and Sale

View and purchase the work of many respected New England artists. Silent auction to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund.. Free admission (donation of a nonperishable food item is encouraged). The Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. www.foundryshow. com. (Fri. 12/5 thru Sun. 12/14) Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol When the greedy Ebenezer Scrooge learns the haunting secrets of the life he leads, he changes his selfish ways and discovers it’s not too late to love the world around him and enjoy the Christmas season. Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his deceased partner, Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come. Ebenezer considers the consequences of his past and present actions and reconsiders his outlook on life.. Fri & Sat, 7:30pm. Sun. 2 pm. $19 - $16 Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 28 Monument Square, Main St., Woonsocket. 401-762-4545 www.stadiumtheatre.com (Fri. 12/5) Frank & Frank on Fridays R-Rated Hypnotist Frank Santos amazes and amuses as he puts audience volunteers through their paces. Lots of fun for everyone. 18 and up Hosted by Frank O’Donnell. 10:15pm. $22.50: Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club - Twin River, 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln 401-723-3200 x8346 www. twinriver.com (Fri. 12/5-Wed. 12/31) The Receptionist “Can I put you into his voicemail?” Client meetings, pastry, romantic advice and personal calls… it’s business-as-usual at the Northeast Office. Or is it? This hilarious new play bristles with humor before pulling the rug right out from underneath you. Written by Adam Bock and directed by Curt Columbus. 7:30pm. $20.00-$15.00. Trinity Repertory Co., 201 Washington St., Providence. 401-351-4242 www.trinityrep.com (Sat.12/6- Sun. 12/14) A Rhode Island Treasure: Dressed for the Holidays Victorian House Museum decorated for the holidays. Music, costumes, guided tours. Volunteers dressed in period costumes will make you feel as though you have crossed a portal to the past as you view preparations for the holiday season. Sat, 12/6 from 5-8pm, Sun, 12/7 from 3-7pm & Sun 12/14 & 12/21 from 1-3pm. $15. Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum, 4157 Post Rd., Warwick, 401 884-9490 www.cloudshill. org (Sat. 12/6-Sun. 12/21) Pawtucket

Winter Wonderland See 400 decorated Christmas trees, twenty Victorian buildings, and a talking snowman, and enjoy free visits and photos with Santa, train rides, hay rides, carousel rides, food court, and entertainment. 48pm. Free admission and parking. Slater Memorial Park, Newport Avenue and Armistice Boulevard. 401 726-3185 www. pawtucketwinterwonderland.org (Sat. 12/6) Breakfast with Santa Sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. Breakfast buffet includes: scrambled eggs, hash browns, English muffins, pancakes, sausage and bacon,

cereal, assorted muffins, juice and coffee. 8-11am. $10.75 adults and children Ground Round at the Comfort Inn, 2 George Street, Pawtucket. 401-724-2200. Reserve online at www.tourblackstone.com. (Sat. 12/6) Holiday Festival and Downtown Stroll Includes horse-drawn carriage rides, a special tree lighting ceremony, holiday bell ringers and carolers, mulled cider, roasted chestnuts, and other seasonal merriment. with a tour of downtown homes adorned for the holidays from 11 am to 4 pm. on Saturday afternoon. Local merchants will be open to give tour goers an opportunity to holiday shop.with musicians in their stores to entertain the crowds. Saturday’s tour is $25 in advance, $30 day of the event. Providence Preservation Society, 21 Meeting Street, Providence. 401-831-7440 www. ppsri.org (Sat. 12/6) Broad Street Winter Festival The ethnic festival celebrating the holiday season will feature live performances, art presentations, open air market and an international food court. 1-8pm. Free. Jenks Park, Central Falls 401-724-2200 www. broadstreetexperience.com

(Sat. 12/6) PASE Winter Concert Providence Adult String Ensemble will perform works for the yuletide season: Ralph Matesky’s “A Wreath of Carols for String Orchestra,” Heinrich Franz Biber’s “Three Sonatas for String,” Jean Sibelius’”Andante Festivo.” Also the premiere of Conductor Jonne Gomes “The Tailor of Gloucester” for narrator and string orchestra, based on the Beatrix Potter Christmas story. 7:30pm Free. Alumni Hall at Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence. www. paseonline.com (Sun. 12/7) Soweto Gospel Choir Back by popular demand following their 2005 and 2006 sold-out concerts, direct from South Africa, the 25-member Soweto Gospel Choir is an awe-inspiring vocal ensemble, performing in 8 different languages in an inspirational programme of tribal, traditional and popular African gospel.Whether you missed them last time or can’t wait to hear them again, be here for their new concert featuring holiday music from around the world! 7:30 pm. $35. Rhode Island College, The Auditorium in Roberts Hall, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave, Providence. · 401-4568000 www2.ric.edu (Sun. 12/7) Christmas Tidings at Smith-Appleby House Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be reserving the day for us, so please bring your children or grandchildren to have their picture taken by you, amidst the green of branches, red berries and old-fashioned charm. The hearth fire will warm hands and eyes alike. Light refreshments will be served as our gift to you. 1-4pm. Adults $5, children free. SmithAppleby House Museum, 220 Stillwater Rd. Smithfield. 401 231-7363 www.smithapplebyhouse.org (Wed. 12/10) Ray Davies Legendary singer, songwriter, founder of The Kinks performs numbers from his newest recordings. Doors open at 7pm, show at 8pm. $50-$35. Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St, Providence. www.lupos.com (Wed. 12/10) Trans-Siberian Orchestra One of the most successful annual tours in North America and the hottest ticket of the winter, expect the unexpected from the group’s concert performances, which combine the arena-rock spectacles of Pink Floyd and the musicality of Queen. 4pm & 8pm. $51.50, $39.50. Dunkin Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Square, Providence. 401-331-6700 www.dunkindonutscenter.com (Sat. 12/13) Christmas Spectacular Features the Bay View Chorus, Orchestra,

and Children’s choir along with the Bishop Hendricken Young Men’s Chorus and Concert Band. Joined by musicians from The 88th Army, this evening will delight the young and young of heart with spectacular sights and sounds. Let the magic of Christmas come alive for you as two outstanding arts programs share the joy for the season. 7:00pm. $14. Veterans Memorial Auditorium Arts & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue Of The Arts, Providence. 401-421-ARTS www. vmari.com

awe-inspiring spectacle of this stunning production, which features Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, glittering costumes, and breath-taking dancing. Festival Ballet Providence delivers a lavish, full-scale...delveinto-the-dream production…” Celebrate the spirit of the season with the entire family.. Friday, 7:30pm, Saturday, 2 & 7pm, Sunday, 1 & 6:30pm. $18-$83. Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 401-421-2997 www.ppacri.org www.festivalballet.com

(Sun. 12/21) The Von Trapp Children with the RI Philharmonic The Von Trapp Grandchildren, Sofia, Melanie , Amanda, and Justin, the great-grandchildren of Captain von Trapp, father of the famous singing family perform a variety of folk and classical songs from various European and American traditions, as well as timeless pieces from The Sound of Music. 6:30pm. $38-$58. Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 401-421-2997 www.ppacri.org

(Sat. 12/13) Rosalita’s Puppets - Mrs. Claus and the Ice Queen Everyone is getting ready for the holidays when Santa falls ill. Was it the Ice Queen’s evil spell? Will Rudolph be tempted by the Ice Queen to leave the North Pole and work for her? Will the Ice Queen use her gold to turn good hearts cold and spoil the spirit of the Holidays? Rosalita’s Puppets brings another original show with songs, audience participation.Face or hand paintings by Ellen will be available 30 minutes before and after the show! 11am, $5 children/$7 adults, Blackstone River Theatre. 549 Broad St. Cumberland. 401 725-9272. www. riverfolk.org

(Thu. 12/18) A Christmas Celtic Sojourn Irish super group Solas, led by Seamus Egan will take the stage with singer Sean Keane Cara Dillon, one of the fastest rising stars in Irish traditional music,and her husband, pianist Sam Lakeman. Dance director, Kieran Jordan is planning what has become one of the most anticipated aspects of the show, its spectacular Irish dancing. 7:30pm. $45- $65. Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 401-4212997 www.ppacri.org

(Fri. 12/26-Tue. 12/30) Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters fro, 18 beloved stories come to life inJoin the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, and all the Disney Princesses in a skating spectacular you’ll remember forever.. Fri., 1pm & 4:30pm, Sat, 12noon, 3:30pm, & 7pm, Sun.1pm & 4:30pm. Mon.,11am & 3pm, Tue., 11am. $60, $40, $25, $15 Dunkin Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Square, Providence. 401-331-6700 www.dunkindonutscenter.com

(Sat. 12/13) Breakfast with Santa The Applebee’s in Garden City, Cranston, invites the public to enjoy breakfast with Santa Claus 8-10am. For a small donation, the magic of sitting on Santa’s lap and making your own wish will help grant many other wishes. All proceeds go to the MakeA-Wish Foundation® of Rhode Island. Applebee’s in Garden City, Cranston. For more information, call Make-A-Wish: 401781-9474. (Sun. 12/14) Festival Ballet “The Nutcracker”

(Fri. 12/19-12/21) The Nutcracker Based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice” written by E.T.A. Hoffman. The story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads. Presented by Heritage Ballet. Sat. 7:30pm. Sun 2pm. $30-$20 Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 28 Monument Square, Main St., Woonsocket. 401-7624545 www.stadiumtheatre.com (Sat. 12/20) Handel’s Messiah Andrew Clark leads the Providence Singers and the Rhode Island Philharmonic in Handel’s majestic favorite, presented for the second consecutive December at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Listeners returning from last season’s sold-out Messiah will enjoy the subtle twists that Clark has in store this year, culminating as ever in a grand “Hallelujah” to highlight the holidays. 8pm. $22-$62. Veterans Memorial Auditorium Arts & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue Of The Arts, Providence. 401-421-2787 www.vmari. com, (Sat. 12/20) Klezmer & Hassidic Music Fishel Bresler & Shelley Katsh present a .rich & lively mix of music from Eastern European Jewish tradition; music for the heart & soul. Fishel Bresler on clarinet, flute, mandolin, Shelley Katsh- keyboards & accordian. 8–10 pm. $9 Brooklyn Coffee & Tea House, 209 Douglas Ave, Providence. 401-575-2284 www.brooklyncoffeeteahouse. com

No other December event delivers the

(Sun. 12/28) Wingmasters Children 3 to 11 and their families will learn about birds of prey, particularly raptors - eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures and ospreys with raptor rehabilitator Julie Collier. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. 401-273-5437 www.childrenmuseum.org (Mon. 12/29) Toe Jam Puppet Band Popular children’s group gets the audience into the act singing and dancing to silly songs. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. 401-273-5437 www.childrenmuseum.org (Wed. 12/31) The Mighty Mighty Bosstones” Hometown Throwdown Ska Band created in Boston. Doors 8pm, Show 9pm. 4 Ticket Limit. Each ticket purchaser will be required to show photo I.D. and their ticket confirmation at the the door to prove they are the Original Purchaser of the tickets. You will need to have your guests with you at this time and you will not be able to leave tickets for guests at the door. Tickets Are Non-Transferable And Will Be Voided If Resold. $30 G.A.$40 Reserved Seating.. Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St, Providence. www.lupos.com (Wed.12/31) Tavares Seventies chart-toppers Tavares ring it in with disco beats and smooth R&B sounds. Doors open at 7:30 with a pre-dinner cocktail hour featuring live music. Dinner

8:30-10:30pm. Concert: 10:30 ‘till just after midnight. Purchase only Tavares tickets starting at $25p/p through the second floor Players Club booth or by calling Ticketmaster at 800.940.5939. For dinner and show package call 401-475-8294. Must be 18 or older to attend. Twin River, 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln 401-723-3200 x8346 www. twinriver.com (Wed. 12/31) Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood Ring in the New Year with this exciting award winning guitar ace and soulful singer. He always lets the good times roll - Come dance the night away. Reserve early! Includes buffet dinner, hats, noisemakers champagne toast. Starts 9pm $45. Chan’s Egg Rolls & Jazz, 267 Main St, Woonsocket. 401 765-1900 www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com (Wed.12/31) Downtown Fever The Top-40 hit masters bring a high-energy performance to the stage unlike any other act. Catch one of the two shows: 9-10:15pm or 11pm-12:30am with a balloon drop. The RI Lottery will be drawing the $1M Raffle winner. Free admission. Must be 18 or older to attend Twin River, 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln 401-723-3200 x8346 www. twinriver.com (Wed.12/31) Bright Night Providence An artist-run, arts-oriented New Year’s Eve celebration. Featuring hundreds of the best local singers, actors, dancers, acrobats, musicians, magicians and clowns. 401-6216123 www.brightnight.org