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JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ

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A tangled web

Paula Hunter's 'Away From Home'
In an ongoing series of monologues that began with Paula Hunter's Home Alone more than five years ago, this comic commentator on life as she (and we) know it is currently presenting Away From Home.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | April 30, 2013

Spring in their steps

Festival Ballet's 'Up Close On Hope'
Festival Ballet Providence's Up Close On Hope can be counted on to present new works and to spotlight new company members.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | April 02, 2013

Review: Leo’s Ristorante

An Italian tradition in Bristol
Over the decades, Leo's Pizza became a Bristol staple, after Panteleone Mancieri (aka "Leo") opened it in 1948.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | March 20, 2013

URI Theatre’s Metamorphoses

Changing of the gods
Mary Zimmerman's wonderfully inventive 2002 play, Metamorphoses , based on 10 of Ovid's tales of the Greek myths, is being given a spirited and hip production at the URI Theatre (through March 3).

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | February 27, 2013

Hester Kaplan’s The Tell is captivating

Local color
In her first novel in 10 years, The Tell (Harper Perennial), Providence writer and educator Hester Kaplan tackles the familiar territory of marriage and relationships.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | January 23, 2013

World-class troupes and local treasures

Cool moves
Rhode Island has been graced with many fine home-grown dance companies over the years.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | December 26, 2012

Review: Jigger’s Hill & Harbour Diner

Delightful fare in a classic setting
It's been a long time since we've been to Jigger's, and in the meantime, it sat empty for almost a year, with new owners Steve and Karie Head cleaning and renovating this jewel of an official Worcester Dining Car.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | December 12, 2012

Festival Ballet’s ‘Up Close, On Hope’

New moves
Festival Ballet Providence's intimate in-studio performances, Up Close on Hope, have always offered full and varied programs of short works by local and guest choreographers, many of them new to Rhode Island audiences (and/or their work is new).

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | October 24, 2012

Review: Pizzeria Mezzo

Sublime pies, and ‘BBQ’ too
Since it opened in May, Pizzeria Mezzo (half pizza/half "BBQ") has become the go-to spot in Wakefield for a casual supper for summer visitors, South County locals, URI students, and everyone in between.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | September 12, 2012

Dracula's new digs

Plus, Fusionworks turns 25, and a world of exotic moves
Take a quick glance at the fall calendar for performance events and you'll see there's a whole lotta dancin' goin' on!

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | September 12, 2012

Review: Jacky’s Waterplace

Bursting with culinary character
The first time I visited Jacky's Waterplace, it was just before the grand opening, and who should be there to give us the grand tour but Jacky Ko himself.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | August 28, 2012

Review: Hourglass Brasserie

Pamper your palate
Providence Restaurant Weeks (which continue through July 21; view the list at goprovidence.com/RW) is a sweet deal for several reasons.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | July 11, 2012

Review: Small Axe Café

Enchanting dining in Charlestown
Anyone who has lived in southern Rhode Island since the '70s, as we have, has almost surely discovered the then-hippie/now retro-hippie enclave of the Fantastic Umbrella Factory.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | June 12, 2012

Fusionworks presents the Next Generation

Youth movement
Hopping on the theme of local resources, Fusionworks Dance Company has spotlighted homegrown dancers and Rhode Island-based choreographers in recent spring concerts.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | April 24, 2012

Everett whips up a stunning Brain Storm

Sensory overload
Just when you think that the members of Everett's company couldn't possibly come up with anything more jaw-dropping than previous productions, they reach into a vast realm of thoughts, perceptions, delusions, and clarifications on yet another oft-debated topic.

By: JOHNETTE RODRIGUEZ | April 18, 2012