Providence Theater, a
Place for Performing Arts
The Providence Theater, also known as the
Providence Performing Arts Center, started
operating in October 6, 1928 as Loew’s Movie
Palace. The building was designed by a firm
led by two brothers from Chicago which is
now recognized as one of the best theater
architectural firms of that time, George and
C.W. Rapp.
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The luxurious theater cost a
total of two
and a half million dollars. No
luxury was spared, the plasterwork of the
interiors
was covered in intricate patterns,
the
columns were made of solid imported
marble, and the light fixtures included
large crystal chandeliers.
The first shows to grace the theater’s stage
were a piano concert by Joe Stoves on an
expensive Morgan organ and a movie titled
“Excess Baggage”. Needless to say, most of
the fourteen thousand people who made up the
opening day audience were more interested in
seeing the theater’s lavish interiors than
in watching the shows.
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| Since its opening in 1928, the theater has
undergone many additions, renovations and
overhauls. In 1995, the stagehouse was
expanded to accommodate more elaborate shows
and performances.
In 1996, the sound system was
updated to enhance the viewing experience of the
theater-goers. In the early 1970s, the building was almost
demolished. Thankfully, through the efforts of locals and
historians, the Providence Theater was included in the
National Register of Historic Places and in 1998, the
building’s Grand Lobby and Arcade were carefully restored to
their original 1928 magnificence.
The stage proscenium, the walls and soffit of the
balcony, and the front edge of the theater loge followed
suit in 1999. This made up Phase 1 of the Auditorium
Restoration project. Phase 2, which saw its conclusion in
the year 2000, involved the restoration of the remaining
walls and ceilings of the theater. During October of the
same year, the Providence Performing Arts Center was
re-carpeted and the Providence vertical and full color LED
marquee was installed. In 2002, an automated HVAC system was
also installed. This greatly improved the patrons’ level of
comfort, as did the new elevator. To benefit the well-being
of the users of the theater, the basement was cleared of
standing ground water and asbestos. In 2003, the fire
prevention and detection systems of the building were made
more efficient by the addition of sprinklers and smoke, heat
detectors. The networks of electrical wiring were all
replaced. Also during 2003, the custom-made chandelier that
hangs today in the dome of the theater’s main hall was put
in. In 2005, the theater’s seats were replaced, and so was
the old Morgan organ. In its place stands a five-manual
Mighty Wurlitzer.
Now, equipped with world-class facilities, the Providence
Performing Arts Center serves as a venue for the best
Broadway shows, plays, concerts, acts and all other types of
performances.
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