Top Weekend Picks: It’s a Wonderful Life & More

Thursday, December 09, 2010

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team

Peak holiday season in the state, and there's a million great things to do. Here are the best of the best.

Best Family Pick

It's a Wonderful Life, Trinity Rep, Providence
Friday-Sunday
The kids may not know the film by heart (yet), but you do, and this respectful homage to Frank Capra's all-time great sentimental film, performed radio-play style by Trinity's top-shelf crew, will get you crying before Mary says "Welcome home, Mr. Bailey." Fri 7:30, Sat Sold out, Sun 2pm, 7:30pm, The Dowling Theater at Trinity Rep, 201 Washington St, Providence, 351-4242, www.trinityrep.com.

Best Home & Garden Pick

17th Annual Home for the Holidays House Tour, Bristol
Saturday
The tour includes several select historic homes, including Linden Place Mansion, that open their doors to showcase their unique holiday decors and beautiful interiors. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. 11am–5pm, Linden Place, 500 Hope St. Call 253-0390, or visit the Linden Place Web site for more information.

Best Holiday Concert Pick

Handel's Messiah, VMA, Providence
Saturday
Glorious choral work, and the seasonal tie in always feels just right. Enjoy the RI Philharmonic Orchestra combining with the Providence Singers for more than 100 voices lifting, yes, heavenward. Hallelujah. 7pm, VMA Arts & Culture Center, Ave of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, tickets $30-100, tickets via ArtTix, here.

Best Shopping Pick

Wayland Square Holiday Stroll, Providence
Friday
The word is out that there will be chocolate martinis (free!) at Kyureo... do you need to know more? Carolers, more refreshments, and great shops open for merriment and shopping in one of the state's coziest commercial districts. 5:30-8:30pm, Wayland Square, Providence.

Best Historic Pick

Christmas Open House, Elijah Angell House, Johnston
Friday
Come in from the cold, traveler, and join the Johnston Historical Society for candlelight, yuletide music, and refreshments in their restored 1824 farmhouse. The adjacent Johnston History Museum, housed in a replica

post-and-beam barn, will also be open. 7-9pm, Elijah Angell House, 101 Putnam Pike. Free. Call 231-3380, or visit the Johnston Historical Society website for more information.

Best Bargain Pick

Kristina Richards Holiday Sale, Cranston
Friday-Sunday
Fashionistas love this boutique, and this is a rare chance to steal some fabulous gifts (or treats) at up to 50% off. Grab a last-minute cocktail dress, drop earrings, or designer jeans. 1000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 270-0188.

Best Music Pick

Toxic Audio, A Holiday Concert, RI College, Providence
Sunday
Sure to brighten up (and modernize) your holidays, take a few hours this Sunday to enjoy this exciting a capella group, where every one of the five voices is an instrument in the band. Great family fun. 2:30pm, the Auditorium in Roberts Hall, RI College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave, Providence, 456-8144, $35 with discounts for Seniors; RIC Alumni, Faculty, and Staff; non-RIC Students/Child; RIC Students. Get tickets via ArtTix, here.

Best Dance Pick

Scenes From the Polar Express, Jump!, Providence
Saturday-Sunday
Jump!, the unique dance company, presents its 11th annual production of this dance drama inspired by the book by local literary luminary Chris van Allsburg. Who can resist tapping elves, snowflakes en pointe, and a salsa-dancing reindeer? Sat 2 and 6pm, Sun 3pm, Classical High School, 770 Westminster St, Providence. $10 adults, $5 youth under 16.

Best Alt-Holiday Pick

Jingle Belles and a Few Balls, Perishable Theatre, Providence
Friday-Sunday
Nobody vamps the holidays like the dangerous minds at Perishable Theatre, and this weekend's production gives that family holiday a serious R rating. Burlesque, camp, and zombies. Big Santa Gala Fri 7, 9:30pm, $50 (includes drinks, gifts in addition to show); "Elf Showings" Sat 7, 9:30pm, Sun 7pm, $20. Perishable Theatre, 95 Empire St, Providence, 331-2695.