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Articles by Frank O’donnell
Pascoag's Bonin takes the stage with the Norton Singers to perform 'The Elton John Songbook'
FOXBORO, Mass. – A year-and-a-half ago, Greg Bonin performed in “Chess” with the Norton Singers. “That’s my favorite show,” said the Pascoag resident. “I would audition for it anywhere.” So, when that show’s director reached out to ask Bonin to audition for their latest show, “This is Your Song: The Elton John Songbook,” Bonin, a “huge fan” of Elton John, figured, “I’m going to get my feet wet again.” There will be three shows, on Friday and Saturday, Oct.
Columbus returns to direct 'The Getaway Driver' at Trinity Rep
PROVIDENCE – Curt Columbus retired as Trinity Rep’s artistic director at the end of the theater’s last season, but he’s already returned. “Only directing,” he said with a chuckle, “which is fun.” Columbus is directing “The Getaway Driver,” Trinity’s first offering for its 2026/2027 season. “It’s a true crime drama,” said Columbus.
Father and son share the stage in Academy Players' 'Rock of Ages'
NORTH PROVIDENCE – Kevin and Gabriel Austin are a father/ son acting team. Gabriel started acting in 7th grade at Ricci Middle School. Kevin started a year ago, in shows with his son. The North Providence residents took some time after a recent rehearsal to chat. “At first, I got involved because I wanted to be better than my older sister,” Gabriel said recently.
Rundgren takes the stage at Twin River
Todd Rundgren has been making music for “close to 60 years,” and he’s still going strong. His “Damned If I Do” tour comes to Bally’s Twin River Casino on Saturday, July 18, one of close to 70 dates between this June and November. “We try to keep a fairly regular schedule,” said Rundgren in a recent interview. “Two days on, one day off. It keeps my voice from getting too exhausted.
Enjoy an unscripted evening with your favorite Hallmark stars at the Stadium Theatre
Jonathan Bennett chuckles at the mention of people recognizing him as Lindsay Lohan’s boyfriend from “Mean Girls.” Twenty-four years later, he says, “and people still see me as the ‘Mean Girls’ guy. It’s better than ‘who?’” Bennett is perhaps better known these days as one of the stars of the Hallmark Channel. On Thursday, July 23, Bennett will appear with four other Hallmark personalities in “Hallmark Stars Live” at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket.
The Stylistics bring 50 years of soul to Bally's Twin River Friday
Airrion Love and his friends had just graduated high school when they formed The Stylistics out of two other groups, the Monarchs and the Percussions. “Once we graduated,” said Love in a recent interview, “some went to college, and some went into the service.” Once merged, there were five singers and three band members, and they needed a new name. “We were sitting around the table in my living room,” said Love.
Trinity Rep's Columbus to be honored with Pell Award
PROVIDENCE – At the 27th Pell Awards Gala on Tuesday, June 9, one of the honorees will be Curt Columbus, Trinity Repertory Company’s outgoing artistic director. Columbus will receive the Pell Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Arts. “It’s an incredible honor,” said Columbus in a recent phone interview. “I had the great honor of meeting Senator Pell.
Idle Hands Theatre presents 'Much Ado About Northing' at Kismet Improv
A year ago, Naomi Tyler was involved in a Shakespearean play along with David Raposo. “We saw eye-to-eye on a lot of things,” said Tyler in a recent interview. “Over brunch, over drinks, we decided something needed to be done” to give local artists a chance to perform. Out of those meetings, Idle Hands Theater Collective was born. “The theater scene seemed very divided,” said Tyler. “Rhode Island does Rhode Island. Boston does Boston. I’m a Rhode Island native; David is a Boston guy.
NPHS teacher Bozigian receives Susan B. Wilson Civic Education Merit Award
NORTH PROVIDENCE – Crystal Bozigian, the history department chairperson at North Providence High School, was presented with the Susan B. Wilson Civic Education Merit Award by the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island last Tuesday. A memo from the Department of Education invited submissions for the award, said Bozigian. North Providence Supt. Joseph Goho “sent it to me three times, saying that nominations were still open,” she said. The award is self-nominated.
Get down with KC and the Sunshine Band at Bally's
Harry Wayne Casey has been performing as a musician for more than 50 years, and he has no plans to stop “anytime soon. I’m in it for the long run.” Casey is the founder and lead singer of KC & the Sunshine Band, the disco/funk group with hits like “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s the Way I Like It,” and “Boogie Shoes.” We chatted recently in advance of the band’s appearance at Bally’s Lincoln Casino on Saturday, May 9.
Rustic Drive-In celebrates its 75th season
NORTH SMITHFIELD – Holli Parker, general manager of North Smithfield’s Rustic Drive-In, is excited about the theater’s 75th anniversary. “We have three screens, but we’ll only be opening with two,” said Parker recently.
Four local comedians join forces for one night of laughter
NORTH PROVIDENCE – On Friday, April 24, four local comedians with over 150 years combined experience will come together at the Knights of Columbus on Douglas Avenue in North Providence for “Legends of Laughter.” Charlie Hall is organizing the event. Ed Regine, Rick Beretta, and yours truly are the other three. Do we really consider ourselves “legends?” No. When we were looking for a name for the show, we settled on the alliteration.
Community Players president Margadonna takes on the role of Donkey in 'Shrek: The Musical'
PAWTUCKET – Chris Margadonna is excited about playing Donkey in the Community Players’ production of “Shrek: The Musical.” “Donkey hasn’t been a dream role of mine, but when posed with the opportunity, I thought maybe I should go out for this,” Margadonna said recently.
Woonsocket native Emily Luther is back with new music – on her own terms
Emily Luther is in a good place. “It’s been great,” said the Woonsocket native in our recent phone interview. “Things are really good; I’m really busy.” The singer-songwriter, now 33, saw some “success” in her late teens/early 20s. “I was very young when I signed” with a record label. She was 19, and the record label was owned by Ellen DeGeneres. Back up just a little.
Fator brings his feel-good show to Bally's Twin River Friday
LINCOLN – I spoke with Terry Fator at 9:30 in the morning. “It’s just 6:30 where you are,” I said, knowing he was in Las Vegas. “I’m an early riser anyway,” Fator said with a laugh. “I do my best work from 5 til noon.” Fator, the singing ventriloquist impressionist, appears at Bally’s Twin River Casino on Friday, April 17. “It’s going to be exciting,” said Fator.
'High School Musical 2' opens today at Woonsocket High School
WOONSOCKET – For the theater students and faculty at Woonsocket High School, their spring shows are a “nice community event for our city,” says Jennifer Maiello, the school’s Theater and Dance teacher.
One Night With Queen plays at the Stadium this weekend
WOONSOCKET – Gary Mullen didn’t set out to be a musician. The Scottish native was selling Compaq computers when his wife and his mother submitted him for a show called “Stars in Their Eyes.” In our recent phone interview, Mullen said, “They thought, if he doesn’t get picked, he won’t know about it.” But he did get picked and ended up winning the show in 2000. Mullen appeared on the show as Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen. “I was married, I had a son, I had a regular job.
Stand-up comedian Van Halem takes the Kismet stage Saturday
PAWTUCKET – Jonathan Van Halem launched his stand-up comedy career at the tender age of 18. “Growing up, I watched Jim Gaffigan and Dane Cook,” said Van Halem recently, “and I thought there was nothing cooler than being able to make a room full of people laugh.” On Saturday, April 4, Van Halem will take the stage at Kismet Improv in Pawtucket.
'He made magic feel real'
George Martin, a North Smithfield resident known for his portrayal of Santa Claus, died recently. Known as Santa George, he touched so many lives in what can only be described as a “magical way.” “He made magic feel real,” said Sara Carter, the self-described “Commissioner of Fun” at Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses. She coordinated Martin’s appearances at the various Cardi’s locations. “Not just at Christmas, but every time you were around him.
Mount Theater Dept. presents 'Frozen' at Bryant University this weekend
WOONSOCKET – For 10 seniors in Mount Saint Charles Academy’s Theater Department, this spring’s production of Disney’s “Frozen” marks a full-circle moment. “Right before COVID hit, members of this year’s senior class were 6th graders,” said Allii Fontaine, Mount’s theater director. “Many of them were supposed to be in ‘Frozen Junior,’ but COVID cancelled that.” Emma Foxon of Cumberland and Mia Rocco of Portsmouth have been cast as Elsa and Anna, the show’s main characters.
Murder mystery dinner at JM Walsh will help fund future productions
PAWTUCKET – Miles Labelle and his classmates at Pawtucket’s Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Arts were coming up with ways to fundraise for the theater department, Labelle said recently, “and we brought up the idea of a murder mystery.” Labelle, a junior at the school, has participated in a couple of murder mysteries in the past as part of the wait staff. “I’ve gotten to see those shows coming together,” he said.
Student costumer McPhee takes on 'Little Shop of Horrors'
NORTH PROVIDENCE – Adriana McPhee, a junior at North Providence High School and a member of the drama department, always had “a really bold fashion sense,” she said recently.
Davidson lives out childhood dream as Elphaba in PPAC's 'Wicked'
For Jessie Davidson, playing Elphaba in “Wicked” has long been a dream role. “I first saw ‘Wicked’ at the Bushnell in Hartford when I was 10,” said Davidson in our recent phone interview. “My mom pulled me out of school.” For the uninitiated, the stage musical tells the story of the two witches immortalized by “The Wizard of Oz,” but tilts that story upside down.
'Six Degrees of Separation' plays at RISE, which envisions permanent Woonsocket home
WOONSOCKET – Chris O’Neill, artistic director of Woonsocket’s Rhode Island Stage Ensemble, encourages directors “to pitch their passion projects” for the group’s winter production. “We reserve the February slot for plays that are more obscure, more challenging,” says O’Neill. Philip Markella, a director from Plymouth, Mass., “pitched several plays, but ultimately, ‘Six Degrees of Separation’ was his top choice,” says O’Neill.
Harold & Maude plays at Pawtucket's Community Players
PAWTUCKET – The 104th season for the Community Players is titled “From Stage to Screen,” featuring television shows or movies that have been adapted for the stage. The season’s first show was “Carrie: The Musical,” presented in November. In April, the Players will present “Shrek: The Musical.” Opening on Feb. 13 is “Harold & Maude,” based on the 1971 black comedy starring Ruth Gordon. “It was one of my favorite movies from my days at Blockbuster Video,” said Brad Kirton, who directs the show.
Academy Players running a brisk schedule of shows
PROVIDENCE – Academy Players of Rhode Island has kicked off an ambitious schedule of shows, including last week’s “1984,” an adaptation of George Orwell’s oddly prescient novel from 1949. Here are three more shows coming up: “Beetlejuice Junior” running Feb. 12-22 Ashley Lopes, director of the show, said she was skeptical when the show first came to Broadway. “I was nervous (the iconic movie) wouldn’t translate to the stage,” she says, adding that she’s glad she was wrong.
Hancock presents 'Postcards from Heaven'
Maureen Hancock is a spirit medium. She says she hears messages from folks who have died and presents those “Postcards from Heaven” to loved ones. She’ll be bringing her live show to the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket this Saturday, Feb. 14. Hancock says a serious car crash in 1992 “was a smack in the face. It sort of re-lit my spiritual pilot.” The accident was a near-death experience, where she broke most of the bones in her face.
'Little Shop of Horrors' plays at North Providence High School
NORTH PROVIDENCE – When Melissa Thomas was choosing a winter show for the North Providence High School Drama Department, she said she had collaboration in mind. “We thought about a show that would lend itself to collaboration between the Unified Arts Department, the new Visual and Performing Arts Pathway, and NPHS Drama,” she said. The show? “Little Shop of Horrors,” the story of a nerdy boy whose odd botanical discovery leads to love and, well, horrors.
Mystery takes center stage at PPAC with 'Clue'
PROVIDENCE – Professor Plum. In the library. With the candlestick. That was my go-to solution back when I played Hasbro’s board game, Clue. Back in 1985, the board game was turned into a movie, starring Madeline Kahh, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry, and others. Here we are, 40 years later, and “Clue” has been turned into a play. It will open at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Friday, Jan. 16.
West brings his clowning skills to PPAC's 'Water for Elephants'
PROVIDENCE – Tyler West was in 7th grade when he decided he wanted to be a clown. And now he’s playing a clown in “Water for Elephants,” running at the Providence Performing Arts Center through Dec. 7. “Cirque de Soleil came to Tucson,” said West in our recent interview. “There was a solo act in it. He did a mix of pantomime and sounds. He was able to captivate 2,000 people and make them laugh.” When he got home, West started to research Cirque de Soleil. “What is this company?
Taylor performs as 'real queen' in 'Six!'
Kelly Denice Taylor’s path to “Six!,” the Broadway musical, was anything but typical. “I don’t come from a musical theater background,” said Taylor. “I come from a pop background.” Running through Oct. 26 at the Providence Performing Arts Center, “Six!” focuses on the six wives of England’s notorious king, Henry VIII. As the show’s opening song recounts: “Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded.
Existential need for reducing US-China nuclear tensions
The United States and China are locked in a nuclear standoff, arming themselves without dialogue. In Washington, concerns over China’s rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal include serious consideration that Chinese and Russian nuclear forces could combine during a crisis to numerically overmatch those of the U.S. This two near-peer framework drives calls to expand the number of deployed U.S. nuclear weapons and to invest in new capabilities.
'Harry Potter & the Cursed Child,' featuring Matt Harrington, plays at PPAC
Matt Harrington plays a well-known character in “Harry Potter & The Cursed Child,” running through Oct. 4 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. “Ron (Weasley) is such an icon, and so many people associate him with Rupert Grint’s brilliant portrayal,” said the actor. For someone who’s not a Potter fan, Ron is Harry’s best friend and classmate at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Eddie Edwards brings his solo show to Savini's Pomodoro
WOONSOCKET – Eddie Edwards is coming back to Woonsocket. One half of the famed Edwards Twins, Eddie will be performing without his brother Anthony. “My brother and I always have our shows together,” Edwards said in a recent phone interview, “but we do a lot of shows on our own too.” Edwards plans two shows at Savini’s Pomodoro. “This is the wonderful thing about it,” he said.
North Providence native DaSilva returns to R.I. in TBTS's 'Waitress'
SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Matt DaSilva never really intended to be an actor. Sure, the North Providence native did a few shows with the high school’s drama department, and a few shows “extra-curricularly” while earning a history degree at Harvard, but actor was not his early ambition. Lisa Pasinelli Leahey, co-director of North Providence High School’s drama program, remembers DaSilva fondly. “Matt was a shining light of joy during his years with us.
Berube returns to PPAC as Lorraine McFly in 'Back to the Future'
PROVIDENCE – Zan Berube is excited to be on her way to New England and returning to the Providence Performing Arts Center. Berube is part of the first national touring company of “Back to the Future – The Musical” opening at PPAC on June 10. The Methuen, Mass., native was last here performing as Anne Boleyn in “Six!” It was her first time performing on tour close to her hometown – she missed the Boston performances – so “everyone” came down to see her.
'Some Like it Hot' takes the stage at PPAC
PROVIDENCE – Matt Loehr and Tavis Kordell were in Memphis when we chatted on Zoom. They are starring in the touring version of “Some Like It Hot,” the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical headed for the Providence Performing Arts Center. “Our associate creative team was in town this week,” said Loehr. “They visit every two or three months. The show is a living, breathing thing, and we’re encouraged to find new things” in the show. So, did the creative team have any suggestions?
PPAC's upcoming season includes 'Harry Potter' and 'Wicked'
PROVIDENCE – The Providence Performing Arts Center has announced the shows for its upcoming 2025-2026 season. There are two groups of shows: the Taco and the White Family Foundation Broadway Series and the Encore Series.
'Dead Man’s Cell Phone' takes the stage at AS220
PROVIDENCE – You’re sitting in a café. The cell phone belonging to the guy next to you rings and rings and rings. Finally, you answer it, connecting with the people in the guy’s life. Oh, by the way, he’s dead. No spoiler alerts here, and no surprises. “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” is the latest production of Through the Glass Theatre Ensemble, and the title sets things up nicely. It can be seen at AS220 in downtown Providence, March 27 through April 6.
Wicks takes on the role of Shakespeare's wife in the fun new musical '& Juliet'
PROVIDENCE – You learn something new every day. I was leaving a message on Teal Wicks’ cell phone, and she answered. Remember the old days with answering machines, when you could just pick up the phone in the middle of someone leaving a message? Must be a new feature on the new iPhones. Perhaps rotary cell phones are next. I was calling Wicks to talk about her role in the first national tour of “& Juliet,” coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center. She plays Anne Hathaway.
Burrillville author publishes ‘Fortunate Son’
BURRILLVILLE – “Fortunate Son” is a coming-of-age story penned by Burrillville author Dennis Kafalas. It focuses on Moe Richards, a teenage high school dropout who has an aversion to authority. He butts heads with just about everyone he meets, except for a handful of friends. At times, he even has problems with them. Moe lands a job at a local garage, but he has ulterior motives. He’s infatuated with Trudy, whose grandfather and uncle own the garage.
Fradiani and Westenberg bring Neil Diamond's story to life at PPAC
PROVIDENCE – It’s not everyday one gets to speak with two Neil Diamonds. But that’s exactly what happened on a recent Zoom call. Nick Fradiani and Robert Westenberg are portraying the superstar in “A Beautiful Noise,” the Broadway musical launching its national tour from the Providence Performing Arts Center on Sept. 21.
'Company' takes the stage at PPAC through April 28
PROVIDENCE – Britney Coleman was in Providence last April, playing Barbara Maitland, a newly minted ghost in “Beetlejuice.” But she really didn’t get to spend much time exploring the city, because she was busy “prepping for Sondheim.” She’s referring to Stephen Sondheim’s “Company,” the show she’s starring in this week at the Providence Performing Arts Center, running through Sunday, April 28. “Company” debuted in 1970, and was nominated for 14 Tony Awards, winning six.
'Frozen' takes the stage at PPAC through March 17
PROVIDENCE – When I chatted with Jeremy Davis, he and the cast and crew of “Frozen” were in Ottawa, Canada. “It’s not as cold as I’d been warned it would be,” he said with a laugh. “But I have a good warm coat.” One wouldn’t expect the guy playing a snowman to worry about the cold. “You forget. My character is a snowman who loves summer.” “Frozen” pulled into the Providence Performing Arts Center on March 7.
Motown visits Providence in PPAC's 'Ain’t Too Proud'
You couldn’t call Michael Andreaus’ path to performing in musical theater typical in any way. “I watched ‘Dreamgirls’ in a movie theater,” said Andreaus in our recent phone interview. “I saw Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx up on the screen singing. And I realized, this was a musical. I had never considered musical theater.” The 43-year-old is on tour with “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations,” playing at the Providence Performing Arts Center, Jan. 23-28.
Highly acclaimed 'Book of Mormon' hits PPAC through Nov. 5
PROVIDENCE – Sam McLellan was in high school when he first saw “The Book of Mormon” in Chicago in 2013. “It was before it went on tour,” said McLellan in a recent phone interview. Now, McLellan is on tour himself as the lead performer, Elder Price, in “The Book of Mormon,” which runs through Nov. 5 at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Rajesh Basrur’s Subcontinental Drift: Domestic Politics and India’s Foreign Policy
India’s Foreign Policy and the Ethic of Responsibility Ian Hall Gambling on India’s Foreign Policy: The Importance of Implementation Kate Sullivan de Estrada Explaining Policy Drift—An Analytical Template Drawn from the World’s Most Populous Democracy Jivanta Schottli Essence of Indecision: Understanding Indian Security Policy Choices Frank O’Donnell Policy Drift as an Inevitability and an Occasional Success Sameer Lalwani Author’s Response: Indian Domestic Politics and Foreign...
Eden looks forward to meeting fans at R.I. Comic Con
PROVIDENCE – Barbara Eden, perhaps best known for her starring role in “I Dream of Jeannie,” the late 60s TV show, is coming to Rhode Island. Specifically, to Rhode Island Comic Con on Nov. 4 and 5. “I’ll be meeting fans,” said Eden in a recent phone interview. “They’ll have a Q-and-A session, which I love, and I’ll sign autographs.” Eden says she only does two such events each year, so how did she end up doing this show at the Rhode Island Convention Center?
Subconventional Stability on the Korean Peninsula: Lessons From South Asia
North Korea’s advancing nuclear threats continue to command significant attention from South Korean and US policymakers and analysts. North Korea has conducted over 100 missile tests since the start of 2022.
McClure: Playing Mrs. Doubtfire is the best kind of terrifying
PROVIDENCE – Rob McClure, the actor playing the title role in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” which runs through Sunday at the Providence Performing Arts Center, is a rarity these days. He’s doing a national tour playing the character he originated on Broadway. “It’s thrilling to do,” he said in our recent phone interview. “It’s funny it’s so uncommon these days.” Back in what he calls his “formative years,” it wasn’t all that unusual.
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