20 Years Ago

Roberto Benigni’s live version of “Pinocchio” was a bomb. The story of con artists Frank Abagnale starred Leonardo DiCaprio with Tom Hanks playing the FBI agent on his tail was popular in 2003.

Local folk artist Vance Gilbert, hot off an appearance at the Newport Folk Festival, played the Stone Soup Coffee House in Pawtucket.

“Miss Saigon” returned to PPAC without the helicopter. The older shows drew the biggest crowds to the old theatre.

Channel 10’s Karen Reed was hosting the Rhode Island Philharmonic’s Rush Hour Friday night concerts at the Vets.

40 Years Ago

Peter Marshall was in town to promote his new TV Show, “Fantasy”.

The RI Boat Show was at the Civic Center. Tickets were $4.

The Pewter Pot restaurant in Midland Mall was a popular spot.

“Chicago”, “Sophie’s Choice”, and “Gandhi” were three powerhouse movies that all opened at the beginning of the year.

Academy Players did “Seven Keys to Baldpate” at East Greenwich’s Swift Gym.

Jazz trumpeter extraordinaire Maynard Ferguson was at Warwick Vets. Tickets were $10.50 and $12.50.

The Al Conte trio was at Warwick’s Great House every Saturday night.

Dorothy Hamill headlined the Ice Capades at the Civic Center.

“The Dresser”, with Richard Kneeland  as at Trinity.

Warwick’s Pioneer Pizza had meatball subs for $1.89.Manny’s Fireside Inn had a soup and sandwich lunch for $1.95.