Top Weekend Picks: Bright Night & More

Thursday, December 30, 2010

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team

Nothing like the two big holidays falling right on two weekends in a row. Ready for Round Two? We are. RI has great New Year's celebrations for all ages, and we've got them right here. Happy 2011, Rhode Island!

Best Family Pick

Bright Night Providence
Friday
An artist-run, arts-oriented New Year's Eve celebration, Rhode Island's biggest and best New Year's Eve Party! Featuring hundreds of the best local singers, actors, dancers, acrobats, musicians, magicians, and clowns. Call 351-2596, or visit the Bright Night Providence Web site for more information.

Best Music Pick

Bettye Lavette @ The Met, Pawtucket
Thursday
Get a jump-start on the holiday weekend with this soul singer-songwriter who recorded her first album at 16. Now, discover the R&B world’s best-kept secret.The Met Cafe at the Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St., 7:30 pm, $25 - $35. Call 729-1005 or visit www.themetri.com for more information.

Best Theater Pick

“Mama Mia!”, PPAC, Providence
Friday-Sunday
Every performance of this ABBA-wielding joyfest is a New Year's Eve in a can. Now it’s your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with a tale of love, laughter and friendship. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St. Fri 8pm, Sat 2 & 8 pm, Sun 1 & 6:30pm. Tickets $44 - $71. Call 421-2787 or visit www.ppacri.org for more information.

Best Performance Pick

The Empire Review, Providence
Sunday
Witness a raft of talented local performers the likes of which you have never seen at Providence's premiere variety show. The Empire Revue brings you sketch comedy, improv, musical interludes, burlesque, magic, and general devilment, on the first Sunday of every month. AS220, 115 Empire St., 8 pm, admission $8. Call 831-9327 or visit www.as220.org for more information.

Best Comedy Pick

Seasonal Bits, Firehouse Theater, Newport
Friday-Saturday
Nothing like some improv to send the old year packing and ring in the new one. The Bit Players kick up some rowdy holiday fever with their special New Year's weekend shows, and there's also hot tea and cocoa with your admission. What could be better? 8pm, Firehouse Theater, 4 Equality Park Place, Newport, admission $15 per person. Call 849-3474 or go here for more information.