RHODY LIFE

Missing the arts

By DON FOWLER
Posted 11/4/21

By DON FOWLER The arts world rejoiced as restrictions eased and live theatre, concerts and other events began returning to Rhode Island. The pandemic had taken its toll. Organizations regrouped. Donors came to the rescue. Gamm was first, with a

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RHODY LIFE

Missing the arts

Posted

The arts world rejoiced as restrictions eased and live theatre, concerts and other events began returning to Rhode Island.

The pandemic had taken its toll. Organizations regrouped. Donors came to the rescue.

Gamm was first, with a successful adaptation of an Ibsen play.

The Rhode Island Philharmonic proved to be one of the outstanding organizations in planning for and surviving the pandemic, only to return en force with an exciting season.

Trinity opens next week with its traditional “A Christmas Carol.”

The Providence Performing Arts Center opened its full season with a fantastic “Pretty Woman” and is selling tickets like hotcakes for “Hamilton.”

In general things are looking bright for the arts and entertainment scene in Rhode Island, and this writer was anxiously awaiting covering them.

Since covering the arts for these newspapers since 1977, I have never missed an issue.

Nor had I ever missed a season opening at PPAC.

On the day “Pretty Woman” was to grace the PPAC stage, I found myself in Miriam Hospital for a nearly week-long visit that cost me 13 pounds and an appetite loss that is still hounding me.

I missed a magnificent concert at the Philharmonic and a few other events.

I also missed my restaurant reviews. Imagine a restaurant reviewer who has no appetite!

Joyce and I averaged 3.5 movie reviews for many years. The pandemic altered that, as we looked to Netflix when cinemas closed.

The reopening of movie theatres has brought a plethora of horror movies, comic book characters and sub-standard movies to the big screen.

We settled on an Avon film, a Netflix offering, and if we could find something decent, a Showcase movie.

Until I’m feeling better, it looks like Netflix is my only option.

Right now I am fighting to get my strength back, walking unsteadily with a cane, and determined to return to the wonderful world of theatre and the arts.

The experience has given me a deep appreciation for the arts and even deeper empathy for those who struggle in hospitals, nursing homes and at home, unable to enjoy live entertainment.

I have also gained a greater understanding for those who pack their canes, walkers and wheelchairs in the car and those who help them get to the theatre to enjoy a performance.

I’m determined to be among them as soon as possible.

arts, performance

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