20 Years Ago

“Shrek 2" was a fun-filled sequel. “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” brought more wizardry to the big screen. “GARFIELD: The Movie” was fair. An updated version of Ira Levin’s “The Stepford Wives” starred Nicole Kidman, Bette Midler and Matthew Broderick.

The Edgewood Garden Club presented “Voyage of the Red Blossom," a flower show and plant sale at the William Hall library.

Mixed Magic Theatre presented a winning performance of “Waiting For Bessie Smith” at Providence’s Mathewson St. Church. Kim Trusty gave a great performance of the jazz singer.

The Big Apple Circus was at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, starring the charismatic Grandma, aka Barry Lubin.

The Newport Yachting Center hosted the Snapple Sunset Music Festival, featuring America, Howie Day and ben Folds.

40 Years Ago

“Space Raiders” and “Caged Women," two of the worst movies ever, were playing at the old Garden City Cinema.

“Ghostbusters” was the hit of the summer. Ralph Machio starred as “The Karate Kid."

“Dames at Sea” was at Newport Playhouse. “The Mikado” was at Cabot St. Playhouse. Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” was at Brown Summer Theatre.

Warwick Musical Theatre opened its 30^th season with Anne Murray.

The R.I. Shakespeare Theater presented “A Comedy of Errors” directed by Bob Colonna.

Warwick’s Shelly Trager and Jean McMullen starred in “Something’s Afoot” at Barker Playhouse.

Tommy Brent opened Theatre by the Sea with “A Day in Hollywood / A Night in Ukraine” starring M.P. McGraw as Groucho Marx, followed by “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Raincoat” starring Cranston native, Gary Flynn.

The old Golden Lantern in Warwick had baked stuffed shrimp for $6.95 and junior roast beef for $7.95.

The Royal Palace, formerly The Sandpiper, on West Shore Rd., had twin lobsters for $9.95.