The PPAC is a staple in Providence theater and never disappoints. The establishment has been here…read morefor a long time, but they keep it maintained. I went to see The Lion King and it was fabulous! The theater is small enough to capture the details without binoculars or an additional screen. The music was captivating. The colors were vivid. The storyline was familiar, and the characters were great. I would absolutely go back to PPAC to watch this play, and looking forward to other plays coming later this year and next year.

I haven't spent very much time in Providence - but hope to go back because there are some pretty…read moresweet places in town. I was excited to see that the Lion King was playing at the Providence Performing Arts Center! The theater is very easy to get to and there is a ton of parking nearby. Admissions was swift and not crowded - they definitely are organized and know how to keep the traffic moving. They sell various snacks and some are even locally made like the popcorn I bought. The venue itself is beautiful, especially the theater. The seats are as you would expect - velvety and small. The sound and lights were great. I really enjoyed the show. I will say that at times, I felt distracted - it seemed like the audience was louder than I expected - especially with the snack bags. Oh well, what can you do At intermission the women's bathroom was a little bit of a you know what. But this seems to be a common problem with older theaters. Regardless, I had a great time and would def come back to see another show!

Thursday nights are for theater & this production was truly unforgettable! Primary Trust tells a…read morepowerful story about how even the smallest acts of kindness can profoundly change a lonely person's life & it does so with such heart. This was one of the best performances I've seen in a long time - deeply moving, beautifully acted & emotionally resonant from start to finish. Taavon Gamble was absolutely spectacular - his performance was nuanced, captivating & left a lasting impression. The entire cast & production team brought incredible energy & authenticity to the stage, making the story feel both intimate & universal. If you see one show this year, make it Primary Trust at Trinity Repertory Company. It is the kind of theater experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls. Highly recommend.

I went to Trinity Rep over the weekend with 3 of my friends to watch Primary Trust. This was an…read moreexcellent show. Story line, actors really made us feel like we were there in each scene. The space is nice, laid back vibe. From entering to being helped to our seats to exiting the theatre everyone was so nice. We definitely enjoyed the show. The parking is a bit pricey and the drinks are also pricey for a small glass with more ice than drink. The selection is also limited. They have a few snacks and a small area outside the theatre room where you can sit while you wait for the show to start.. I love coming to this theatre for shows. I just wish they would work on the pricing to drink ratio

Great costumes, brutal storyline…read more We would threaten our children with a big nazo performance if they didn't behave. To them, it was the serious punishment.

Passed by this place while on my way to the Biltmore and was like "what the hell is this place!?"…read moreSo when I was done at the Biltmore (a baby shower, not a trick, get your mind out of the gutter), I went back to take a closer look. The window display is really cool and incredibly interesting as you can see by the pictures. Of course I yelped them when I got home and then did some research....they're going to be performing in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver! Excited to see them perform!

Our friend who lives in Providence discovered the Wilbury Theatre Group completely by accident, as…read moreshe was looking for activities for us to do during our visit. We managed to catch the opening night showing of Once while we were in town and really enjoyed ourselves. I believe it's first-come-first-served seating, so I do recommend coming early if you want a specific seat. We were a little bit late and arrived about 15 minutes before the show and somehow managed to get the last 3 seats together. The show was great - it felt like very intimate, which was a completely different experience to my first time seeing Once, which was on Broadway in a huge theater.

An award-winning, not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Wilbury Theatre Group engages…read morethe community in thought-provoking conversation through new works, reimagined classics and adventurous playmaking. The theater's leadership group is idealistic, ambitious, and stubborn in their mission to create theatre that entertains, enlightens, and inspires. I volunteer as an usher and I have enjoyed many of the thought provoking productions that make you think...many out of the box. The director of the group, Josh Short has the vision to bring to Providence, many plays and productions that provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, with performances that tackle a wide range of contemporary themes and incubate new ideas through clear storytelling and artistic innovation. They have many levels of tickets, with some of them being offered as "pay what you can", to allow all people to enjoy good theater. Their new setup at the Waterfire Arts Center on Valley street, provides a solid venue with great facilities and parking for all patrons, including a bar and a nice roomy lobby.

While in town this weekend, our friends took us to see A Christmas Carmella at the Academy Players…read more It's a small venue but has comfortable seating, a concession stand, easy access to bathrooms, and a great view of the stage from wherever you choose to sit. Parking was easy though I did feel like the area could use more signage directing you where to go once parked. There are a few doors and it was a bit unclear which we should use. The play itself was hysterical. Being from out of town, there were a few references we didn't "get" but it was engaging, had plenty of moments of laughter, and kept us on our toes. My favorite characters were the grandmother and the guy who walked through as Tiny Tim playing the ukelele. Such great acting! Thanks for the fun night out.

I'm new to the Academy Players family, and I don't know why it has taken me so long to join! I…read morerecently auditioned for an upcoming concert production of the musical Ragtime, and got cast in my dream role of Evelyn Nesbit, the "girl on the red velvet swing" (WHEE). Even though we only just started rehearsals, I feel so at home with everyone at this wonderful theatre company. Rita, the artistic director, is absolutely brilliant and such a pleasure to work with! It's amazing to see someone who puts such genuine thought, care, and joy into all the productions and into making each member of the cast, crew, and creative team feel like their contributions to the overall project are appreciated and needed. They pack their season with lots of great shows for literally every niche and age group, and the tickets are reasonably priced. It's also a hop, skip, and jump away from Providence, so if you ever want to get out of the city to see some amazing theatre, you should check out Academy Players!

I think this was one of the most enjoyable evening events I have attended in a long time. My wife…read moreand I loved it so much that after spending a few hours here we grabbed some dinner and headed back to our hotel but then ended up coming back out for at least another hour or so. This is a totally free event where they light bonfires in the waterway and have live music, art installations and light shows. There were a lot of people but there was plenty of space so we didn't feel crowded. It starts around sunset and goes for hours. There are boats that travel along the waterway and tent to the fires, adding wood and making sure everything is safe and stays burning. They also offer gondola rides but you should book those in advance. It was very peaceful and romantic. It's completely outdoors so we brought our dog and many of the restaurants have outdoor seating where you can eat and enjoy the sights. There is also a street fair area adjacent to the waterway that offers food, art, jewelry,etc. We saw a glass blowing demonstration and music acts. That section was quite busy and we did feel a little crowded there. I had never really experienced anything like this before and I enjoyed it. I wish we had something like this where I am and if you're in the area and you see this event, you should definitely stop and check it out.

We knew we were going to be in the area around the time of WaterFire so we made sure to find a…read moreplace to stay and spend the night here. We had never been to anything like this or even really heard that much about it so we were interested to see what it was. WaterFire started about 30 years ago as an art installation that was meant to bring more people to the area and it definitely works. They light the braziers along the rivers, pipe beautiful music through the air and have volunteers on boats going from spot to spot, tending the flames and refilling the wood. There are tons of people there. Just walking and enjoying being outside and being together. The vibe is so relaxed and so peaceful but yet busy and exciting at the same time. It's kind of hard to describe unless you see it for yourself. We headed out around dusk when there was still light in the sky and it was a little chilly but I soon forgot about that. Words can't really express how you're just sort of drawn into the piece and beauty of this whole thing. I feel like this review can't even do it justice. We walked around for over an hour but our dog did start to get cold even though we had her in her jacket, so we headed back to where we were staying for a little while. Once it was dark and we were all warmed up, we headed out again because it was just so enjoyable to be there that we really wanted to come back. The second time we wandered through the street fair area and looked at some of the tables and street vendors. I got a really cool ring that was made out of a an old ornate spoon. There were also food vendors but everything was pretty busy so we ended up getting food on the way back to our hotel. There were families and groups of friends and couples, all just soaking in the magic and ambiance and ultimately we drifted back towards the water again because that is where the real magic is. We sat for a long time watching people float by in gondolas and watching the volunteers slowly push the boats through the canals, adding wood to the flames causing them to rise up. Everyone was friendly and in a good mood and strangers were chatting with each other. There was a real sense of community and peace. This was honestly one of the most romantic evenings I've had with my husband in a long time as well. We nuzzled noses and shared a few kisses to the music and the flame. If you are anywhere near Providence during WaterFire, don't even think about it just go. It's totally free! You don't need tickets or even to plan really. You can just enjoy the fire light and the music and being together in a beautiful place. It's absolutely unforgettable.

This is such a lovely theater! Here's a shotgun review:…read more - Efficient security - Nice ushers - Pricey drinks* - Extremely American vibes** - Good sound engineering - Proper event flow management *To be expected. Two Sun Cruisers & one water bottle was over $30. Maybe inflation - specifically venue inflation - has brainwashed me, because I think that's not even that bad anymore. **Nothing like renaissance inspired architecture & mural style paired with extremely American iconography. An ethereal goddess-like figure in flowing robes with a mf bald eagle perched on her arm.

This is a great theater, especially for comedy shows. I like that it is a little smaller than PPAC,…read moreit is more manageable and no bad seats in the house. It is a beautiful theater. There is a good amount of parking in the area, but definitely need to plan ahead to walk up the hill if you don't use their parking lot. Their parking lot is expensive in my opinion, so I always try to find street parking or use the mall garage. They get really great shows here too. My only complaint is that the shows NEVER start on time.

East Side Music Together with Jen Romanat are an absolute treat each week! The classes are offered…read morefor children ages 0-5 years old, are $175 per session, and the sessions last for 9 weeks - each week is a 45 minute lesson. Parents, grandparents, nannies and babysitters join the children during the class, which is incredibly fun filled and well paced. Jen often offers one class a week for babies 9 look months and younger, which is a great way for new parents to meet one another. We have gone to several sessions of East Side Music Together, and I couldn't rave more about the class if I tried! Jen is an engaging and kind teacher. Her classes are done at a fun pace, she sings with the children, let's them play age appropriate instruments, and also incorporates movement in some of the activities. Included in the fee is a music book and two cds with all of the songs that are covered in the class. This way to you and your child can have a new repertoire of songs to listen to at home or in the car. One of the greatest parts about music together is that the sessions cycle through 9 different lessons. That means if you do the winter session and decide to do the eary spring session - that the spring session will be all new music! The music is age appropriate, and great for new parents who want to know some new songs to sing to their little ones rather than just your average "twinkle twinkle little star." My son's face lit up each time we went to a class, and I can't wait to start taking him with his baby sister later this year.

Recently, I took part of the Providence Ghost Tour. It was great…read more Courtney, our tour guide and owner was full of information, stories and tidbits regarding the history of Providence and some of its famous ghosts who actively still make themselves visible in the area. The tour starts and ends at Prospect Terrace Park, right by the Roger Williams statue. It is about 90 minutes long and it does take you around several sites around College Hill where you will hear stories about lovers, soldiers, poets and many other who have died and have stayed behind as ghosts. Check it out next time you have a few free hours during the evening. Tours run daily.

Did the ghost tour from Prospect Park on Tuesday night with my newly graduated kid. Was a fabulous…read moreexperience and Courtney is so knowledgeable, funny, personable, organized and prepared! You can tell how much she cares about Providence and the world of life and death :) It was a terrific experience and I felt very important following my guide in her gorgeous period dress, too. Thank you!

I just needed to write a review exclusively about the Zumba class, hosted by Richard…read more I've been going on and off for a little over a year, and I got to say, I love his energy, the steps, the music.. He turns the lights off, so it makes everyone more comfortable to move around. (You are still able to see him and follow) It's affordable, $7 per class, and the timing is so convenient! 7pm Mondays and Wednesdays & 8:30 Saturday morning The only thing I'll say, is the parking isn't the greatest, but that's it.

I do not usually write reviews or send reviews..but I just had to do it this time…read more.. My son & daughter in law decided to send my granddaughter to this "dance school" for one of the weeks they offered this year for Dance Camp. This was at my suggestion as I have heard other people say they went to this school and it was right in Johnston... I did not expect it to be one of the worst experiences of her young life. She is 7 years old..and actually a very good sweet little girl...she is just like any other 7 year old little girl...She loved it the first day and was begging her mom to allow her to go another week...the second & third day she came out crying...I am not going to get into the whole sad story but I myself picked her up the third day and was called in by the owner...who chastised my granddaughter whom was crying in my side..for plain & simple "stuff" that any 7 year old would do...nothing out of the ordinary...and while my granddaughter cried...she continued to explain all of the "things" she did to make her angry that day...example..not listening when she told her not to run so she had to repeat herself..dumping popcorn back in the popcorn maker that belonged to another child that did not want it all...(of course it should have been thrown in the garbage - but again the child is 7) along with a few other things...I was asked if she had behavior problems...she is going in 2nd grade and has been in school since preschool and has actually gotten awards for being such a sweet kid...among other things...The owner did reimburse my son but its not just the money that bothered us..it was the feeling that we sent her out to be verbally abused. I would think twice before sending your child here...I do not know the rest of the teachers - I am sure they are awesome..but the owner does not know how to deal with children..and I am so sad that I helped set my granddaughter up for this emotional time..lesson learned....