April in years past

20 Years Ago

“Beauty and the Beast” was at the Providence Performing Arts Center, followed by “Jesus Christ, Superstar."

Opera Providence performed “Tosca." “Chicago was at Academy Players.

“The Fantasticks” was at Community Players. Warwick’s Donald Blais made a dashing El Gallo. Vince Petronio and Jim Sullivan starred in “Betsy’s Summer Vacation” at 2nd Story Theatre.

Director James Cameron brought us “Ghosts of the Abyss”, an incredible journey beneath the sea to get a close look at the Titanic. It was at IMAX 3-D.

Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler starred in a silly “Anger Management."

“Men in Motion,” an All Male Review, was at the West Valley Inn in West Warwick. Tickets were $20.

40 Years Ago

Ned Grace and Ken Levy opened Bentley’s restaurant on Post Rd. in Warwick.

Kings Garden, still one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in RI, had a Pu-Pu Platter for two for $8.95 at their Rolfe St., Cranston site. Fish and chips were $2.50 at Armand’s on Elmwood Ave. on the Cranston/Warwick line.

Davol Square had a great New York deli called Ziegfeld’s where you could get borscht and Gefilte Fish.

“Evita” was at PPAC.

Cranston’s Ed Rondeau directed “The Elephant Man” at Barker Playhouse. Russell Berigan and Mark Peckham starred.

Trinity was doing “Pygmalion," with PBS’ Jean Marsh playing Eliza Doolittle and Richard Kavanaugh playing Henry Higgins.

Robert DeNiro and Jerry Lewis starred in “The King of Comedy."

I reviewed a Young John Kennedy Jr. in a prison drama titled “Short Eyes." He was a very good actor.

J. Lynne Singleton was selected as the Executive Director at PPAC. Lynne is still going strong, with a very competent staff that brings the best of Broadway to Rhode Island.