CCRI Players dive deep into life's everyday struggles in Water by the Spoonful
CCRI Players dive deep into life's everyday struggles in Water by the Spoonful
March 2, 2022
The Community College of Rhode Island Players launch the spring portion of their 2021–22
Theater Season this week with a production of Water by the Spoonful, a thought-provoking play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegria Hudes
that delves into the lives of characters struggling with everyday issues while balancing
their online and real-world personas.
Water by the Spoonful premiers Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 pm at CCRI’s Bobby Hackett Theater in Warwick
and continues through the weekend with matinee and evening performances on Saturday
at 2 and 7:30 pm and a 2 pm finale Sunday. Tickets are available at the box office
or online at ShowTix4U.com. You can also catch a sneak peek in our online photo gallery.
Directed by Adjunct Theatre Professor Kevin Olson, Water by the Spoonful is the second part of Hudes’ Elliot Trilogy, which focuses on the character of Elliot Ortiz (played by Eddy Tavares of Pawtucket,
RI), a 24-year-old Iraq War veteran suffering from bouts of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) stemming from his violent past while trying to preserve contemptuous
relationships with various family members.
Water by the Spoonful takes place in two different worlds that astoundingly cross paths: Elliot’s post-war
real world, and an online world of recovering addicts chatting anonymously in an online
forum moderated by a fellow recovering addict who goes by the screen name Haikumom.
The characters in this chat room range from a 56-year-old IRS employee to a 20-something
Japanese woman adopted by American parents who returns home to discover her true identity.
The play touches upon a number of themes and everyday struggles – self-reflection,
addiction, isolation, honesty, and, ultimately, forgiveness – which become paramount
in Elliot escaping his past and rebuilding his relationship with his biological mother.
Having used Hudes’ work as a teaching tool in previous classes, Olson decided Water by the Spoonful would blend seamlessly into the Players’ spring schedule as an opportunity to showcase
works by BIPOC playwrights and allow CCRI’s BIPOC theatre students to assume lead
roles in the production. Olson describes Water by the Spoonful, which won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as a “probing exploration of addiction
and isolation with a warmth for humanity … and with a belief in the power of a resilient
human spirit.”
The production is also timely in that many have dealt with isolation throughout the
pandemic both personally and professionally from stay-at-home directives and quarantine
mandates, an issue featured prominently in Water by the Spoonful as the main characters deal with isolation in various forms, whether through communicating
anonymously with others online or struggling with the idea of being isolated from
their families due to past habits and mistakes. Olson also notes the “isolating world
of being an addict” that is a reoccurring theme throughout Water by the Spoonful.
“The play offers our artists the opportunity to explore the lives of these interesting
characters in deep and meaningful ways, telling their stories with passion and empathy,”
Olson said. “Water by the Spoonful is very theatrical and it’s a complex play to produce. The appeal to me was the challenge
of doing something that had different levels of complexity.
“The cast is excited to be a part of this production. A lot of the issues in the play
are centered around addiction, isolation, and PTSD, and they are certainly aware of
those issues as part of contemporary life. The subject matter really appeals to students.”
Remaining cast members include: Mireya Cellina Hoffens of Providence, RI, as Yazmin;
Lia Pinto of Rumford, RI, as Odessa/Haikumom; Allison Wong of Barrington, RI, as Orangutan;
Nate Campbell of North Kingstown, RI, as Chutes&Ladders; Ryk McIntrye of Providence
as John/ Fountainhead; and Sam Gonzalez of Providence as the ghost of Elliot’s first
kill in combat, which also plays a Japanese policeman and the role of Professor Aman.
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Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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Warwick, RI -- Samantha Lescarbeau knew she would experience one life-changing event at CCRI commencement. But she never expected what would happen after she walked across the stage at Amica Mutual Pavillion on May 15.
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Warwick, RI -- The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Student Film Festival following a weekend of cinematic talent and storytelling. The festival kicked off with a red-carpet gala on Friday, May 10, and continued on Saturday, May 11, with a full day of student film screenings. The event drew students, faculty, and local film lovers to celebrate the achievements of CCRI’s talented filmmakers.
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May 22, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will launch the next phase of work-based learning to increase internships for students to work directly in workplace environments, gaining valuable skills and experience necessary for college and career success.
CCRI and Delta Dental of Rhode Island Partner to Strengthen Dental Workforce for Rhode Island's Future
May 20, 2025
A partnership between the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Delta Dental of Rhode Island (DDRI) is building a pipeline of highly trained, workforce-ready dental hygienists to respond to a nationwide demand for dental hygienists and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable oral healthcare system in Rhode Island.
CCRI Celebrates its 60th Commencement with Powerful Speeches, Generational Milestones, and a Proud Legacy of Alumni
May 16, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
CCRI Softball Advances to NJCAA Division III World Series for Second Consecutive Year
May 14, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) softball team is headed back to the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series for the second consecutive season following another remarkable run in 2025. With a 19-7 overall record, CCRI is currently ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA Division III national poll and will represent the Northeast District and Region XXI at the World Series, held May 21–24 at Carrier Park in Dewitt, NY.
Record-Breaking CCRI Alum and World-Renowned Artist Brendan Murphy Receives Athletic Alumni Award
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Brendan Murphy, former Smithfield, RI, resident and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Community College of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program, was honored recently as the college’s Athletic Alumni Award recipient at the state’s 2024–25 Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony hosted by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
CCRI Student Athletes Honored at this Year's State Scholar-Athlete Awards
May 07, 2025
Ten student-athletes from the Community College of Rhode Island were honored last week for their athletic and academic achievements as part of the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards held in House Chamber of the Rhode Island State House. The Legislative Awards are designed to provide public recognition for student-athletes from CCRI, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island for significant achievements in their academic and athletic pursuits. The honorees have also demonstrated exemplary citizenship and community service.
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May 06, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Rhode Island College (RIC) are proud to announce the launch of a new, fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. This innovative partnership offers CCRI nursing graduates a seamless, affordable, and flexible pathway to earn their BSN while delivering the academic rigor and clinical relevance that Rhode Island’s healthcare system demands.
CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office
April 29, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a 211 satellite office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
CCRI Launches Free Ophthalmic Technician Training Program
April 23, 2025
Warwick, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce the launch of a new Ophthalmic Technician training program through its Division of Workforce Partnerships. This 120-hour program, beginning in May 2025, is free of charge and designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in a fast-growing healthcare field.
CCRI Foundation Elects Four New Members to its Board of Trustees
April 23, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees. We are honored to welcome these four distinguished leaders to the CCRI Foundation,” said Rosemary Costigan, Ph.D, RN, Interim President of CCRI. “Their diverse backgrounds, deep ties to the community, and shared dedication will support us in advancing the college’s mission of access, equity and opportunity.
CCRI and Rhode Island Energy partner to launch free utilities career exploration program
April 17, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
Four CCRI Faculty Honored with NISOD Awards of Excellence
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
CCRI Achieves Gold Status as Military Friendly® School
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Military Friendly® School for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold status for the first time during the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious recognition underscores CCRI's unwavering commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
