Providence Performing Arts Center Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Loew's State Theatre
U.S. National Register of Historic Places

(2012)
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Location	Providence, Rhode Island
Built	1928
Architect	Rapp & Rapp
NRHP reference No.	77000027
Added to NRHP	August 19, 1977

Providence Performing Arts Center
Other information
Seating capacity	3,100

The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is a famous theater in Providence, Rhode Island. You can find it at 220 Weybosset Street in the downtown area. It was built a long time ago, in 1928.

This theater is a special place where many different shows happen. It hosts big Broadway musicals, live concerts, plays, and even movies. The PPAC has 3,100 seats, so lots of people can enjoy the performances. It used to be called the Loew's State Theatre and the Palace Concert Theater.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This means it is an important historical place that should be protected.

History of the Providence Performing Arts Center
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History of the Providence Performing Arts Center

The Palace Theatre in 1974. It shows ads for Steely Dan and Mott the Hoople.

The theater first opened in 1928 as The Loew's State. It was designed by famous architects named George and C. W. Rapp. They were known for creating beautiful "movie palaces" across the United States. These were grand theaters where people watched films.

The very first movie shown here was Excess Baggage. It starred an actor named William Haines. On opening day, over 14,000 people came to see the new theater. They were amazed by its fancy chandeliers, marble columns, and detailed designs on the walls.

The theater also hosted some important movie premieres. One of these was Bwana Devil, which was the first movie ever shown in 3-D!

Name Changes and Live Shows

Between 1950 and 1972, the theater changed its focus. It was called Loew's Theatre and started showing live concerts instead of just movies.

From 1972 to 1975, the building became the Palace Concert Theater. During this time, it was mostly used for rock concerts. Many famous bands played here. In just two years (1973-1974), groups like the Bee Gees, The Kinks, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, and Queen performed. Even Aerosmith played on its stage! The band King Crimson recorded a song called "Providence" during a concert here in 1974.

Saving the Theater

In 1975, the theater was fixed up. But in 1977, it was almost torn down! The owner wanted to demolish the building. However, the mayor of Providence, Buddy Cianci, stepped in to help. He promised over $1 million from the city to keep the theater open.

The state of Rhode Island also joined the effort to save it. Local businesses and foundations helped too. Thanks to everyone's hard work, the theater was saved. It reopened in October 1978. It was then called the Ocean State Theatre until 1982.

Modern Renovations and Future

Starting in 1999, the theater went through a big makeover. It was largely restored to look like it did when it first opened in 1928. The building was also made bigger. This allowed it to host large touring Broadway shows and orchestra performances.

In 1996, the PPAC became a key part of the city's Arts and Entertainment District. This area was created to encourage artists to come to downtown Providence. Today, the Providence Performing Arts Center continues to be a popular spot for entertainment.