Encore: The Must-See Performances and Shows in Rhode Island This Season

Pull up your calendar: You won't want to miss these visual and performing arts shows.

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November

November 4
The Modigliani Quartet
The Paris-based Quatuor Modigliani, founded in 2003, is respected around the world for its impassioned playing and sophisticated approach to classic repertoire. 7:30 p.m.
McVinney Auditorium, Providence, ricmc.org

Q&A: Jennifer Webb, Education Director and Theatrical Producer at Stadium Theatre
Tell us about your role at Stadium Theatre. I started at the Stadium as a choreographer and director in 2018 and won a Motif award for my work on their production of
A Chorus Line. Since then, I have directed and choreographed multiple productions. I officially joined the Stadium full time as the Education Director in January of 2020 and recently gained the title of Theatrical Producer. I oversee and manage all of our main stage theatrical and Marquee Room productions. It is my responsibility to ensure the running of each production is smooth and at the highest caliber from start to finish.
What makes the Stadium’s theatrical productions unique? The Stadium is the only place I’ve seen where those performing on stage can come from such a diverse walk of life. We have performers who have retired from professional touring but still wish to act, performers who work their day jobs but pursue performance as a hobby, as well as young budding actors who are building their skills here at the Stadium in hopes of moving forward to pursue a full time performance career. All performers experience a professional environment where they have multiple spaces to rehearse, new state-of-the-art dressing rooms and a grand stage to perform on. Each production is offered high caliber technical sound and lighting resources, set builders, costume designers, production crew and musicians. While our actors and crew are able to participate in this professional experience, our guests witness outstanding productions at an affordable price. Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket, stadiumtheatre.com

November 4 thru January 2.
A Christmas Carol
Reimagined anew every year, this glorious telling of the classic story evokes the magic and hope of the season and its contemporary relevance. Guided by Jacob Marley and ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, and ultimately inspired by his community, Ebenezer Scrooge embarks on a heartwarming journey toward redemption.
7:30 p.m. Chace Theater at Trinity Rep, Providence, trinityrep.com/carol

November 4
“Trinity: Jules Gimbrone”
Visual and sound artist Jules Gimbrone’s sculptural and sonic installation furthers their experimental research on the phenomenology of resonance. Their work incorporates materially transparent or fragile surfaces—such as mirrors and water—that are activated by sound and light. 5–8 p.m.
Cohen Gallery, at the Granoff Center, Providence, arts.brown.edu

November 5 thru December 3
“Constellations and Cartographies: Black” by Edwige Charlot and Kyle B. Co.
Through their work, the artists follow relative points, lines and catalyzing events that inform their intersecting identities, experiences and environments. They approach the concept and application of assemblage from the perspective of Black diaspora. 3 p.m.
URI Fine Arts Center Main Gallery, Kingston, web.uri.edu/art/galleries

November 7
American Band Concert
Directed by Brian Cardany, this concert will feature one of the oldest community bands in the country, the American Band of Providence, presenting new and classic works from the wind band literature.
3 p.m.
URI Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, Kingston, web.uri.edu/music/events

September 9–November 28
“Arrows of Desire: Harry Gould Harvey IV and Faith Wilding”
Friends, collaborators, and intergenerational activists whose practices both enrich and reflect one another in this exhibition, Harry Gould Harvey IV and Faith Wilding have emerged from the pandemic in a state of mutual reverence. Hinged by their shared devotion to William Blake (1757-1827), a gravitational force that has been overt throughout both careers, Wilding and Harvey embrace the apocalyptic language and imagery of the Romantic writer and artist, whose illustrated poem Milton (1804-1811) titles the show. Installed in the Bell are solo and collaborative works, including a series of ten archival images of Wilding’s radical feminist performances from the 1970s and 1980s, enlarged and enframed by Harvey in intricately carved wood. Open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (8 p.m. on Thursdays). David Winton Bell Gallery / Brown Arts Institute, Providence, arts.brown.edu

November 8 thru December 9
“Environmental Justice and Indigenous Rights”
A traveling exhibit featuring local artists. This exhibition is presented with the John Nichols Brown Center for Social Justice and the Tomaquag Museum. The Gallery Night Reception will be on November 18 from 5-9 p.m.
URI Feinstein Providence campus first and second floor lobby gallery, Providence, uri.edu/ceps/prov/arts

November 10 thru December 10
“John O’Connor: A Self Avoiding Walk”
Gallery open Monday through Friday, 12–8 p.m.
Bannister Gallery at Rhode Island College, Providence, ric.edu/bannister

November 11
John Waite
John Waite’s catalogue of hits features some of the most loved songs of the ’80s and ’90s—the #1 worldwide hit ‘Missing You,’ The Baby’s ‘Isn’t It Time’ and Bad English’s ‘When I See You Smile’ rank amongst some of his biggest international hits and are still heard on the radio today. 8 p.m.
Greenwich Odeum, East Greenwich, greenwichodeum.com

November 12 thru January 30
“Shahzia Sikander: Extraordinary Realities”
Pakistani American artist and RISD alumni Shahzia Sikander is internationally celebrated for bringing painting traditions from South and Central Asia into dialogue with contemporary art practice. This exhibition tracks the first fifteen years of this artistic journey, from her groundbreaking deconstruction of illustrated manuscript painting in Pakistan to her global outlook during her first years in New York. RISD Museum, Providence, risdmuseum.org

November 13
The Hanneke Cassel Band
Effervescent and engaging, Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel is a performer, teacher and composer whose career spans over two decades. Her style fuses influences from Scotland and Cape Breton Island with Americana grooves and musical innovations, creating a cutting-edge acoustic sound that retains the integrity and spirit of the Scottish tradition. 8 p.m.
Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland, riverfolk.org

November 19–21
Annie
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in NYC. Determined to find her parents, Annie sets out on adventures making new friends along the way. This classic family musical is filled with songs such as “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.” See website for times.
Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre and Conservatory, Woonsocket, stadiumtheatre.com

November 19
David Bromberg Quintet
Multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter David Bromberg, after nearly a half century as a recording artist, isn’t standing still. He is still pushing boundaries, still an iconoclast, still unapologetically unique, as he continues to explore his life’s journey via a path that might be considered “asymmetrical.” 8 p.m.
Greenwich Odeum, East Greenwich, greenwichodeum.com

November 19
Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas
The musical partnership between Alasdair Fraser, long regarded as Scotland’s premier fiddle ambassador, and the sizzlingly talented young cellist Natalie Haas may not seem an obvious one. Fraser has a concert and recording career spanning thirty-three years, with a long list of awards. Haas is in the vanguard of young cellists who are redefining the role of the cello in traditional music. 8 p.m.
Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland, riverfolk.org

November 21
An Evening of Quebecois Music with Le Vent du Nord
Le Vent du Nord is a leading force in Quebec’s progressive francophone folk movement and an iconic name in Quebec’s traditional music revival. Fiddler André Brunet (La Bottine Souriante) has joined this world renowned ensemble along with Simon Beaudry (vocals, bouzouki,) Nicolas Boulerice (hurdy-gurdy), Olivier Demers (fiddle, guitar, foot-tapping), and Réjean Brunet (basses, accordion). 7 p.m.
Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland, riverfolk.org

November 26 thru December 24
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
(Adapted by Joe Landry, directed by Damon Kiely.) Back by popular demand! George, Clarence, and the entire town of Bedford Falls come to life in this staged 1940s radio broadcast of Frank Capra’s holiday movie classic adapted by Joe Landry and directed by Damon Kiely. With live sound effects, this captivating, life-affirming story is a holiday treat for the entire family! See website times.
The Gamm Theatre, Warwick, gammtheatre.org

November 27
Coppélia
The State Ballet of Rhode Island presents Herci Marsden’s Coppélia, a witty and enchanting love story with dancing dolls and a dash of magic. See website for times.
McVinney Auditorium, Providence, stateballet.com

November 28
Straight No Chaser: Back in the High Life
Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and
with a sense of humor. 3 p.m.
The Vets, Providence, thevetsri.com