ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing
Providence Area Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take
December 08 (ongoing) Power Play
A major new exhibit celebrating the power
A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It
All,” with an enchanting tale of love, laugh-
ter and friendship. Tuesday, 7 pm, Wednes-
Providence
of children’s play. Kids will experiment, ex- day, 7:30pm. $44-$71. Providence Perform-
plore, invent, imagine and, of course, play as ing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset St.,
Fun Family Events they investigate air, light, magnets, motion Providence. 401-421-2997 www.ppacri.org
and sound. The message? Play is powerful!
& Unique things to do Active, imaginative play happens through- (thru 12/31) A Christmas Carol
out the Children’s Museum, but Play Power Adapted by Adrian Hall and Richard
is about play. This vibrant new learning Cumming and directed by Liesl Tommy.
environment will engage kids and grown-ups Heralded as “The crowning jewel of holiday
in creative activities that vividly illustrate theatre here in Rhode Island” by EDGE
the importance of open-ended play. Open Providence, Trinity Rep is celebrating its
Tue-Sun & Mon school holidays, 9am-6pm 32nd year of presenting this beloved New
& selected Fridays til 8pm. Providence England holiday tradition. Appealing to
calendar . . .
Children’s Museum,100 South St, Provi- young and old alike, this timeless tale of the
dence.401-273-KIDS www.childrenmuseum. power of forgiveness is a welcome reminder
org. of the magic the holidays bring. $25-$60.
Trinity Repertory Co., 201 Washington St.,
(thru Sun. 12/7) An Ideal Husband Providence. 401-351-4242 www.trinityrep.
by Oscar Wilde com
Sir Robert Chiltern, a rising star of turn-of-
the-century British politics and a pillar of (thru Jan.) Woonsocket Now and
virtue, is the ideal husband for the charming Again
Lady Chiltern. But when the enchanting An exhibit comparing and contrasting the
and conniving Mrs. Cheveley threatens to city of Woonsocket “then and now.” Exhibit
reveal a dark secret from Sir Chiltern’s past, features paintings and digital photographs by
a brewing scandal threatens to destroy both Riverzedge students based on their research
his career and marriage. An Ideal Husband of the city’s history, and representing their
is a timely look at the clash of money, power interpretation of the city’s changes. Museum
and ethics through the lens of a quick-witted, of Work & Culture, 42 South Main St.,
suspense-filled melodrama. Gamm Theatre. Woonsocket. 401-769-9675 www.rihs.org
172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. 401-723-4268
www.gammtheatre.org (Tue. 12/2 –Sun. 12/7) Grease
With American Idol Taylor Hicks as “Teen
(thru Sun. 12/21) Romantic Comedy Angel. “Bad boy” Danny and “the girl next
by Jack Neary door” Sandy fall in love all over again to
Danny had convinced himself that life’s the tune of your favorite songs: “Summer
dreams can’t be anything more than dreams. Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “We Go
Then back into his life walks his eight grade Together,” “Grease,” “Hopelessly Devoted
flame, Meredith O’Connor - only now it’s to You,” and “You’re the One That I Want.”
Sister Meredith Louise, and it becomes a Hand Jive the night away with the show
holiday to remember. $15. p/p or 2/$25. that’ll make you want to stand up and shout,
Mill River Players Harborside Playhouse, “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!”
850 Hope St, Bristol. 401-396-5555 www. $68.00 - $41.00 Providence Performing Arts
millriverplayers.org Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset St., Provi-
dence. 401-421-2997 www.ppacri.org
(Saturdays & Sundays thru Sun. 12/14)
Visit with Santa (Thu. 12/4) T.I. and T-Pain
Meet the Jolly Old Elf himself while enjoy- Once dubbed “the Jay-Z of the South” by
ing a hearty breakfast buffet or afternoon Pharrell Williams, T.I. gradually came into
cookies and milk with a variety of activities his own and established himself as one of
for the whole family. A photo with Santa rap’s greatest and most successful MCs dur-
for each child and admission to the Zoo for ing the early 2000s. Tallahassee-based MC
the day are included. 10am-3am. Tickets and vocalist T-Pain (born Faheem Najm)
must be purchased in advance at the ticket came up in a rap group called Nappy Headz
window or by calling 401 941-4998. Roger but went pro as a solo R&B artist. 7:00pm.
Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, $35-$75. Dunkin Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle
Providence. 401 785-3510 www.rogerwil- Square, Providence. 401-331-6700 www.
liamsparkzoo.org dunkindonutscenter.com
(thru Tues. 12/30) Mamma Mia! (Fri. 12/5 thru Sun. 12/14) Foundry
The smash-hit musical that combines Artists Assn Holiday Art Show and Sale
View and purchase the work of many Winter Wonderland
respected New England artists. Silent auc- See 400 decorated (Sat. 12/6) PASE Winter Concert
tion to benefit the Rhode Island Community Christmas trees, Providence Adult String Ensemble will per-
Food Bank and the Rhode Island Good twenty Victorian form works for the yuletide season: Ralph
Neighbor Energy Fund.. Free admission buildings, and a Matesky’s “A Wreath of Carols for String
(donation of a nonperishable food item is talking snowman, Orchestra,” Heinrich Franz Biber’s “Three
encouraged). The Pawtucket Armory, 172 and enjoy free Sonatas for String,” Jean Sibelius’”Andante
Exchange St., Pawtucket. www.foundryshow. visits and photos Festivo.” Also the premiere of Conductor
com. with Santa, train Jonne Gomes “The Tailor of Gloucester”
rides, hay rides, for narrator and string orchestra, based on
(Fri. 12/5 thru Sun. 12/14) Charles carousel rides, the Beatrix Potter Christmas story. 7:30pm
Dicken’s A Christmas Carol food court, and Free. Alumni Hall at Moses Brown School,
When the greedy Ebenezer Scrooge learns entertainment. 4- 250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence. www.
the haunting secrets of the life he leads, he 8pm. Free admis- paseonline.com
changes his selfish ways and discovers it’s sion and parking.
not too late to love the world around him Slater Memorial Park, Newport Avenue and (Sun. 12/7) Soweto Gospel Choir
and enjoy the Christmas season. Scrooge is Armistice Boulevard. 401 726-3185 www. Back by popular demand following their
visited by the ghost of his deceased partner, pawtucketwinterwonderland.org 2005 and 2006 sold-out concerts, direct from
Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases South Africa, the 25-member Soweto Gospel
Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come. Ebenezer (Sat. 12/6) Breakfast with Santa Choir is an awe-inspiring vocal ensemble,
considers the consequences of his past and Sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Tour- performing in 8 different languages in an
present actions and reconsiders his outlook ism Council. Breakfast buffet includes: inspirational programme of tribal, traditional
on life.. Fri & Sat, 7:30pm. Sun. 2 pm. $19 scrambled eggs, hash browns, English and popular African gospel.Whether you
- $16 Stadium Theatre Performing Arts muffins, pancakes, sausage and bacon, missed them last time or can’t wait to hear
Centre, 28 Monument Square, Main St., them again, be here for their new concert
Woonsocket. 401-762-4545 www.stadi- featuring holiday music from around the
umtheatre.com world! 7:30 pm. $35. Rhode Island Col-
lege, The Auditorium in Roberts Hall, 600
(Fri. 12/5) Frank & Frank on Fridays Mount Pleasant Ave, Providence. · 401-456-
R-Rated Hypnotist Frank Santos amazes 8000 www2.ric.edu
and amuses as he puts audience volunteers
through their paces. Lots of fun for every- (Sun. 12/7) Christmas Tidings at
one. 18 and up Hosted by Frank O’Donnell. Smith-Appleby House
10:15pm. $22.50: Catch a Rising Star Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be reserving the
Comedy Club - Twin River, 100 Twin River day for us, so please bring your children or
Rd, Lincoln 401-723-3200 x8346 www. cereal, assorted muffins, juice and coffee. grandchildren to have their picture taken
twinriver.com 8-11am. $10.75 adults and children Ground by you, amidst the green of branches, red
Round at the Comfort Inn, 2 George Street, berries and old-fashioned charm. The hearth
(Fri. 12/5-Wed. 12/31) The Receptionist Pawtucket. 401-724-2200. Reserve online at fire will warm hands and eyes alike. Light
“Can I put you into his voicemail?” Cli- www.tourblackstone.com. refreshments will be served as our gift to
ent meetings, pastry, romantic advice and you. 1-4pm. Adults $5, children free. Smith-
personal calls… it’s business-as-usual at (Sat. 12/6) Holiday Festival and Appleby House Museum, 220 Stillwater Rd.
the Northeast Office. Or is it? This hilarious Downtown Stroll Smithfield. 401 231-7363 www.smithapple-
new play bristles with humor before pull- Includes horse-drawn carriage rides, a byhouse.org
ing the rug right out from underneath you. special tree lighting ceremony, holiday bell
Written by Adam Bock and directed by Curt ringers and carolers, mulled cider, roasted (Wed. 12/10) Ray Davies
Columbus. 7:30pm. $20.00-$15.00. Trinity chestnuts, and other seasonal merriment. Legendary singer, songwriter, founder of
Repertory Co., 201 Washington St., Provi- with a tour of downtown homes adorned for The Kinks performs numbers from his new-
dence. 401-351-4242 www.trinityrep.com the holidays from 11 am to 4 pm. on Satur- est recordings. Doors open at 7pm, show at
day afternoon. Local merchants will be open 8pm. $50-$35. Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, 79
(Sat.12/6- Sun. 12/14) A Rhode Island to give tour goers an opportunity to holiday Washington St, Providence. www.lupos.com
Treasure: Dressed for the Holidays shop.with musicians in their stores to en-
Victorian House Museum decorated for the tertain the crowds. Saturday’s tour is $25 in (Wed. 12/10) Trans-Siberian Orchestra
holidays. Music, costumes, guided tours. advance, $30 day of the event. Providence One of the most successful annual tours
Volunteers dressed in period costumes will Preservation Society, 21 Meeting Street, in North America and the hottest ticket of
make you feel as though you have crossed Providence. 401-831-7440 www. ppsri.org the winter, expect the unexpected from the
a portal to the past as you view prepara- group’s concert performances, which com-
tions for the holiday season. Sat, 12/6 from (Sat. 12/6) Broad Street Winter bine the arena-rock spectacles of Pink Floyd
5-8pm, Sun, 12/7 from 3-7pm & Sun 12/14 Festival and the musicality of Queen. 4pm & 8pm.
& 12/21 from 1-3pm. $15. Clouds Hill The ethnic festival celebrating the holiday $51.50, $39.50. Dunkin Donuts Center, 1
Victorian House Museum, 4157 Post Rd., season will feature live performances, art LaSalle Square, Providence. 401-331-6700
Warwick, 401 884-9490 www.cloudshill. presentations, open air market and an in- www.dunkindonutscenter.com
org ternational food court. 1-8pm. Free. Jenks
Park, Central Falls 401-724-2200 www. (Sat. 12/13) Christmas Spectacular
(Sat. 12/6-Sun. 12/21) Pawtucket broadstreetexperience.com Features the Bay View Chorus, Orchestra,
and Children’s choir along with the Bishop awe-inspiring spectacle of this stunning (Sun. 12/21) The Von Trapp Children
Hendricken Young Men’s Chorus and production, which features Tchaikovsky’s with the RI Philharmonic
Concert Band. Joined by musicians from magnificent score, glittering costumes, and The Von Trapp Grandchildren, Sofia, Mela-
The 88th Army, this evening will delight the breath-taking dancing. Festival Ballet Provi- nie , Amanda, and Justin, the great-grand-
young and young of heart with spectacular dence delivers a lavish, full-scale...delve- children of Captain von Trapp, father of the
sights and sounds. Let the magic of Christ- into-the-dream production…” Celebrate the famous singing family perform a variety
mas come alive for you as two outstanding spirit of the season with the entire family.. of folk and classical songs from various
arts programs share the joy for the season. Friday, 7:30pm, Saturday, 2 & 7pm, Sunday, European and American traditions, as well
7:00pm. $14. Veterans Memorial Auditori- 1 & 6:30pm. $18-$83. Providence Perform- as timeless pieces from The Sound of Music.
um Arts & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue Of The ing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset St., 6:30pm. $38-$58. Providence Performing
Arts, Providence. 401-421-ARTS www. Providence. 401-421-2997 www.ppacri.org Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset St.,
vmari.com www.festivalballet.com Providence. 401-421-2997 www.ppacri.org
(Sat. 12/13) Rosalita’s Puppets - Mrs. (Thu. 12/18) A Christmas Celtic (Fri. 12/26-Tue. 12/30) Disney On Ice
Claus and the Ice Queen Sojourn celebrates 100 Years of Magic!
Everyone is getting ready for the holidays Irish super group Solas, led by Seamus Egan Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unfor-
when Santa falls ill. Was it the Ice Queen’s will take the stage with singer Sean Keane gettable characters fro, 18 beloved stories
evil spell? Will Rudolph be tempted by the Cara Dillon, one of the fastest rising stars in come to life inJoin the one and only Mickey
Ice Queen to leave the North Pole and work Irish traditional music,and her husband, pia- Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse,
for her? Will the Ice Queen use her gold to nist Sam Lakeman. Dance director, Kieran Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinoc-
turn good hearts cold and spoil the spirit Jordan is planning what has become one of chio, and all the Disney Princesses in a skat-
of the Holidays? Rosalita’s Puppets brings the most anticipated aspects of the show, its ing spectacular you’ll remember forever..
another original show with songs, audience spectacular Irish dancing. 7:30pm. $45- $65. Fri., 1pm & 4:30pm, Sat, 12noon, 3:30pm,
participation.Face or hand paintings by Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), & 7pm, Sun.1pm & 4:30pm. Mon.,11am &
Ellen will be available 30 minutes before 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 401-421- 3pm, Tue., 11am. $60, $40, $25, $15
and after the show! 11am, $5 children/$7 2997 www.ppacri.org Dunkin Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Square,
adults, Blackstone River Theatre. 549 Broad Providence. 401-331-6700 www.dunkindo-
St. Cumberland. 401 725-9272. www. (Fri. 12/19-12/21) The Nutcracker nutscenter.com
riverfolk.org Based on the story “The Nutcracker and the
King of Mice” written by E.T.A. Hoffman. (Sun. 12/28) Wingmasters
(Sat. 12/13) Breakfast with Santa The story of a young German girl who Children 3 to 11 and their families will learn
The Applebee’s in Garden City, Cranston, dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce about birds of prey, particularly raptors
invites the public to enjoy breakfast with battle against a Mouse King with seven - eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures and
Santa Claus 8-10am. For a small dona- heads. Presented by Heritage Ballet. Sat. ospreys with raptor rehabilitator Julie Col-
tion, the magic of sitting on Santa’s lap and 7:30pm. Sun 2pm. $30-$20 Stadium Theatre lier. Providence Children’s Museum, 100
making your own wish will help grant many Performing Arts Centre, 28 Monument South Street, Providence. 401-273-5437
other wishes. All proceeds go to the Make- Square, Main St., Woonsocket. 401-762- www.childrenmuseum.org
A-Wish Foundation® of Rhode Island. 4545 www.stadiumtheatre.com
Applebee’s in Garden City, Cranston. For (Mon. 12/29) Toe Jam Puppet Band
more information, call Make-A-Wish: 401- (Sat. 12/20) Handel’s Messiah Popular children’s group gets the audience
781-9474. Andrew Clark leads the Providence Sing- into the act singing and dancing to silly
ers and the Rhode Island Philharmonic in songs. Providence Children’s Museum, 100
(Sun. 12/14) Festival Ballet “The Handel’s majestic favorite, presented for the South Street, Providence. 401-273-5437
Nutcracker” second consecutive December at Veterans www.childrenmuseum.org
Memorial Auditorium. Listeners returning
from last season’s sold-out Messiah will (Wed. 12/31) The Mighty Mighty
enjoy the subtle twists that Clark has in store Bosstones” Hometown Throwdown
this year, culminating as ever in a grand Ska Band created in Boston. Doors 8pm,
“Hallelujah” to highlight the holidays. 8pm. Show 9pm. 4 Ticket Limit. Each ticket pur-
$22-$62. Veterans Memorial Auditorium chaser will be required to show photo I.D.
Arts & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue Of The and their ticket confirmation at the the door
Arts, Providence. 401-421-2787 www.vmari. to prove they are the Original Purchaser
com, of the tickets. You will need to have your
guests with you at this time and you will not
(Sat. 12/20) Klezmer & Hassidic Music be able to leave tickets for guests at the door.
Fishel Bresler & Shelley Katsh present a Tickets Are Non-Transferable And Will Be
.rich & lively mix of music from Eastern Voided If Resold. $30 G.A.$40 Reserved
European Jewish tradition; music for the Seating.. Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Wash-
heart & soul. Fishel Bresler on clarinet, ington St, Providence. www.lupos.com
flute, mandolin, Shelley Katsh- keyboards &
accordian. 8–10 pm. $9 Brooklyn Coffee (Wed.12/31) Tavares
& Tea House, 209 Douglas Ave, Providence. Seventies chart-toppers Tavares ring it in
401-575-2284 www.brooklyncoffeeteahouse. with disco beats and smooth R&B sounds.
com Doors open at 7:30 with a pre-dinner
No other December event delivers the 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 Ticketmas-
ter 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 excit-
ing 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, Woon-
socket. 401 765-1900 www.chanseggroll-
sandjazz.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. 401-621-
6123 www.brightnight.org
