20 Years Ago

Trinity Rep presented “Richard II,” starring Brian McEleney, followed by “Henry IV” starring Stephen Thorne and Timothy Crowe, part of the theatre’s “Henriad” celebration.

Like every November, Trinity presented “A Christmas Carol.” This year there were two complete casts, Stephen Berenson and Cynthia Strickland were the two Scrooges chosen for the key roles.

Greg Piccolo and Heavy Juice were at Warwick’s Catfish Grill.

At the movies, “Friday Night Lights” starring Billy Bob Thornton as a football coach, was a big hit. Jamie Foxx starred as “Ray” in the moving bio pic of Ray Charles.

“Oklahoma” was at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Chekhov’s “The Seagull” was at Providence College.

Festival Ballet had five performances of “The Nutcracker” at PPAC.

Richard Donelly was brilliant in the role of Dr. Stockman in Arthur Miller’s “Enemy of the People”, directed by Tony Estrella at Gamm theatre. Outstanding performances were also given by Jim O’Brien, Ralph Stokes, and Sam Babbit.

40 Years Ago

Arnold Schwarzenegger starred as “The Terminator” in one of the year’s blockbusting movies.

Former Trinity actress JoBeth Williams starred in “American Dreamer.”

Tony Bennett was the guest performer at PPAC’s 6^th anniversary.

Irish tenor Frank Patterson was at PPAC.

Mousie’s Deli, at Hoxie Four Corners, still going strong 40 years later, offered 50 cents off every sandwich. Casa Ravioli on Warwick Avenue had chicken soup for $5.50 a gallon and red clam chowder for $8 a gallon. Kipling’s on Post Road had ziti and broccoli for $3.95. Mama Cheol’s Quaker Lane, West Warwick featured the Great Italian Buffet for $6.95.

Kenny Rogers was at the Providence Civic Center.

“The Pajama Game” was at Coventry Players.