Artclectic New England

I am one of the sixteen people who has never seen Little Shop of Horrors.  How can that be?  Well, it took me some time but I did get to see a very fine production of it this past week at Trinity Rep. If you are on of the other fifteen people who have also never seen the show, here is a quick rundown: A strange and unusual plant seems like just the thing to save a beleaguered Skid Row flower shop and its hapless employees, Seymour and Audrey. But when that plant turns out to feed only on blood and is inclined toward world-domination, well… things get a little messy. The off-off-Broadway show of the early eighties was based on the low budget film from 1960.  Later, in 1986, Frank Oz directed a film that started Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, and Bill Murray (!). It has a typical Hollywood ending from what I gather. Trinity Rep, set designer, Sara Brown, offered up a colorful stage set up that offered ample opportunity for actors to move around and really use the spa...

I am so excited to launch my new podcast, Artclectic New England !  Thanks to What Cheer Writer's Club, Anita Crackinstuff, and The Callouts for being part of this program.  Here is the script to give you and idea of what is included in the show! Hello and welcome to the first episode of Artclectic New England…I’m your host, Dennise Kowalczyk.  This is a new podcast created to celebrate…spotlight…and elevate the variety of delicious arts, culture, lifestyle, and beauty found here in New England. It is a work in progress but expect to hear a lot about my new hometown, Providence, in every episode because, well, it is that amazing. On today’s program, a reflection piece that includes a song by local band, The Huntress and Holder of Hands , but first, an interview with the staff of What Cheer Writer’s Club – it is a non-profit located in downtown Providence, RI – and full disclosure:  I am a new member and producing Artclectic New England in the new podcast st...

One of my pleasures of living in Providence, Rhode Island is the discovery of new-to-me loveliness.  Tonight was one such experience. My new friend, Christine (*) recommended I check out this cool place called riffraff , a combination bookstore and bar, located  in Olneyville which is only a few blocks away from my home: "Riffraff draws its inspiration from the best independent bookstores and neighborhood bars, establishments that are welcoming and comfortable and integral to the community. It's the kind of place where readers looking for a selection of thoughtfully curated books might sit down at the bar and ask their neighbor what they’re reading, and where those meeting a friend for a good inexpensive drink might also pick up a book at the same time." I love this place!  I think I learned about an event featuring two authors through What Cheer Writer's Club and decided to check it out.  Tonight, Caren Beilin - author of Spain - and Aaron Shulman - auth...