Here's a great New Year's resolution: support the arts in Rhode Island!

The winter season is filled with wonderful plays, concerts, dance and art events, with something for everyone. The arts need your support now more than ever. With the pitiful state of the economy, ticket sales and financial support for the arts are down. Help to pick up the slack by attending the theatre and other arts and entertainment events this winter.

2nd Story Theatre

While Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" is not exactly an uplifting play, it is one of the greatest American plays ever written. Audiences will relate to Willie Loman and his family in many ways. Miller's classic drama will be at 2nd Story Theatre in Warren from Jan. 16 to Feb. 15, followed by another classic, William Inge's "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs," playing from March 6 to April 5.

For reservations, call 247-4200, or go online at 2ndstorytheatre.com. Tickets are only $25.

Providence Performing Arts Center

PPAC kicks off the New Year with a family-friendly new musical, "Happy Days," based on the hit TV series. It hits the stage for the first time in Rhode Island from Jan. 23 to 25.

Chaim Topol, the original Tevye in the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit musical, "Fiddler on the Roof," recreates his role in "FiddlerÖ" at PPAC from Feb. 10 to 15.

"Stomp," the energetic dance show, returns from Feb. 20 to 22, and the month closes with "The Wizard of Oz" from Feb. 27 to March 1. PPAC will be a real family theatre this winter, with another Broadway blockbuster, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" on stage March 19 to 22.

As the snow melts, pick up your tickets for "A Chorus Line," the longest running American Broadway musical ever, playing Providence March 31 to April 5. Call 421-ARTS for all reservations.

Gamm Theatre

If you haven't caught a production at Gamm Theatre yet, you are really missing the boat. Clifford Odets' "Awake and Sing" will be presented Jan. 15 to Feb. 15. Here is another play that, although written in 1935, is very relevant today.

Faith and religion take center stage in Nick Gordon and A.C. Grayling's powerful family drama, "Grace," which is at Gamm from March 12 to April 12. Located in the Pawtucket Armory, Gamm is just five minutes from downtown Providence. Call them at 723-4266 or check them out online at gammtheatre.org.

Trinity Rep

Lorraine Hansberry's powerful "A Raisin in the Sun," directed by Brian McEleney, will be at Trinity from Jan. 30 to March 8. It is the first Broadway play written, directed and acted by African-Americans and, according to Artistic Director Curt Columbus, "in 2009, its voice is fresh, its ideas are inspiring, and its family and their dreams cannot be denied."

David Hare's "The Secret Rapture" raises the question that with all the corruption that surrounds us, how can we be true to ourselves? The play premiered in 1988, and according to Columbus, "is more relevant and revealing today." Contact Trinity at 351-4242 for more information.

Brown Theatre

Don't overlook the outstanding work being down by the Brown University Theatre Department. Brown presents the musical "Cabaret" in the Stuart Theatre from Feb. 26 to March 8, followed by "The Other Shore" by Gao Xingain, March 2 to 12 at the Leeds Theatre, next door.

Rhode Island College

RIC has labeled their performing arts program for 2009 "Timeless Entertainment," and that it is.

Pianist Joseph Kalichstein will perform at Sapinsley Hall as part of the Adam Foundation Piano Recital Series on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2:30 p.m. Reserved seating is $25.

Popular pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns with his Keyboard Conversations on Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Sapinsley Hall.

The Potpourri Series continues on Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Roberts Hall, with "Off the Beaten Path: A Jazz and Tap Odyssey," created by award-winning choreographer Drika Overton and composer Paul Arslanian.

The National Acrobats of China, a group that never ceases to amaze me, will be at Roberts Hall on March 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Perennial favorites, the Muir String Quartet, play their final concert in the President's Music Series on March 30 at 8 p.m. with special guest, pianist Menahem Pressler.

For reservations or more information, call 456-8144.