20 Years Ago

“Jesus Christ Superstar” makes another return engagement to the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Conductor Larry Rachleff led the Rhode Island Philharmonic in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, accompanied by the Providence Singers.

The West Bay Chorale and Orchestra presented Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” at Winman Jr. High School.

Lynn Singleton celebrated his 20th year as the head of the successful Providence Performing Arts Center. If my math is correct, that ow makes 40 years, shooting for 50!

The Beacon’s Joe Kernen did a feature on Warwick’s magician and “balloonitic”, Lon Cerel

 who had completed over 25 tears entertaining young and old alike. Cerel is still at it, and was last seen doing his mental magic at West Warwick’s Arctic Theatre,

The Avon was showing “Bend It Like Beckham”.

Eddie Murphy starred in “Daddy Day Care”.

40 Years Ago

Richard Jenkins gave a stunning performance as Jack Abbott in “Letters From Prison” at Trinity Rep.

The Providence Civic Center booked Triumph, the Glen Miller Band, and Roger Whittaker.

The Warwick Players did “Godspell” at St. Mary’s Church Hall.

A new Showcase Cinema opened at Division St. and Route 2, with the latest Dolby Sound. The first movies included Dan Aykroyd’s “Doctor Detroit” , Richard Gere’s “Breathless” and the science fiction “XTRO”.

Paul Mancini directed the combined choirs of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Meshanticut Park Community Baptist Church, St. Ann’s RC Church, St. David’s on the Hill, Temple Sinai, Woodridge Congregational and Oaklawn Baptist at Cranston’s Immaculate  Conception Church.