The Music Never Stopped … Deadheads and fellow travelers, get ready to party … Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra is coming to town. The band will play their 3224th show (yes, they keep track) and their first show ever at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, March 12 at 7:30. They surpassed […]
Providence Performing Arts Center
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
As Real as it Gets – Jason Isbell provides a clinic in great songwriting in solo concert at PPAC
If you weren’t at the Providence Performing Arts Center last night, you missed one of the best shows of the year. Yup, already! On what felt like the coldest night of winter, the Alabama-born singer warmed hearts with a solo performance in a show that rivals anything I’ve seen in recent years. Isbell excels in […]
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Meet cast members of HAMILTON, playing PPAC through December 22
The blockbuster musical Hamilton has returned to the Providence Performing Arts Center, and by all accounts, the show is as strong as ever. The Broadway spectacle, now on its third run in Providence, plays through Sunday, December 22. Very few tickets remain – Click here for details. For those unfamiliar with the groundbreaking musical, here’s […]
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Concert Photos: Mannheim Steamroller brings holiday spirit to PPAC
A holiday tradition returned to Providence on Friday, December 6, when Mannheim Steamroller stopped by the Providence Performing Arts Center. The award-winning 15-piece ensemble presented their Christmas show, featuring popular hits along with dazzling effects, before a near-sell-out crowd. Percussionist/composer Chip Davis founded the American neoclassical collaborative in 1974. They’re known for blending classical music […]
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What’s Up Interview: Newport native Nora Eschenheimer, starring in Trinity’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
NOTE: The 2024 production of Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol at the Providence Performing Arts Center runs through December 4, and again from December 26-29. The show is on hiatus from December 5-25 when the theater hosts HAMILTON. Click here for details. A Rhode Island tradition for theater lovers is back – Trinity Rep’s production […]
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Theater Review: ‘A Beautiful Noise’ indeed – Neil Diamond musical is a hit at PPAC
The hype is real. The Broadway hit A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical, which kicks off its national tour this week at the Providence Performing Arts Center, is an entertaining night of song and storytelling packed with the legendary singer’s hits along with a peek into the life of the character who shaped them. […]
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Meet the cast of ‘A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical,’ playing PPAC September 21-28
The National Tour of A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical kicks off this weekend at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The show runs Saturday, September 21, through Saturday, September 28, with limited tickets still available. Click here for details. A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the story of an artist’s rise from struggling songwriter to international […]
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What’s Up Interview: Tommy Gardner, aka Tommy Buoy of Yachtley Crew, playing PPAC July 27
Yacht Rock enthusiasts, prepare “sail away” with Yachtley Crew, a band guaranteed to “make your dreams come true.” The band cruises on into the Providence Performing Arts Center where they’d “really like to see you tonight,” (well, July 27), and even better, you don’t have to be a “Rich Girl” or boy to attend. Appearing […]
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Theater Review: ‘TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’ soars at PPAC
When a legendary Hollywood actor headlines a play, there’s always a risk they could steal its thunder. No doubt, many theatergoers buy tickets to see one of their favorite actors on stage. In the case of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, running at the Providence Performing Arts Center through Sunday, February 11, the appearance of Richard […]
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Concert Photos: Bush rocks Providence Performing Arts Center in high-energy show
A capacity crowd was on its feet all night long as rock stalwarts Bush brought a high-energy show to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 21. Thirty years after they broke out of the London rock scene, the band brought hits from throughout their career, including “Everything Zen,” “Glycerine,” and “Comedown.” Next up […]
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Concert Photos: The Beach Boys bring ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ to PPAC
An enthusiastic crowd greeted “America’s Band,” when the Beach Boys brought some “Good Vibrations” to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Thursday, November 16. The iconic band rocked two solid sets of classic hits, including “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” “God Only Knows,” and “California Girls.” The Beach Boys at PPAC (Photo: Rick Farrell)The Beach […]
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Ticket Giveaway: Win tickets to see Bush at PPAC on Tuesday, November 21
Grammy-nominated rock band Bush bring their Nowhere To Go But Everywhere Tour to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 21 and thanks to PPAC, we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to the show. To enter, email Ken Abrams at mrabrams11@gmail.com by 9AM on Thursday, November 16. Please put “Bush Tickets” […]
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What’s Up Interview and Ticket Giveaway: We speak to Mike Love of the Beach Boys
Only one music group gets the designation of “America’s Band.” That band, of course, is The Beach Boys. Under the leadership of founding member Mike Love, the band tours regularly, averaging about 150 shows a year. They’ll be appearing at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Thursday, November 16, and we’ve got two free pairs […]
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Ticket Giveaway: Tower of Power to play PPAC with RI Philharmonic October 28
Need a dose of soul power? We’ve got the cure! Legendary Oakland, CA band Tower of Power will join the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra for a special concert at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 28. Thanks to our friends at PPAC, What’sUpNewp has two pairs of tickets to give away to the […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Van Morrison as good as ever at the Providence Performing Arts Center
Van Morrison thrilled fans in the first of two shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Friday, September 22. The legendary artist, known for hits like “Have I Told You Lately,” “Brown-Eyed Girl,” and “Moondance,” was particularly strong Friday night, driving his band through a high-energy set of rock, country, and skiffle classics along […]
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Bob Dylan returning to Providence Performing Arts Center November 10
Award-winning singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is returning to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 10 for an 8PM concert. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, September 15 at 10AM here. Considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan is known for such classics as “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Blowin’ in the […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Counting Crows and Dashboard Confessional rock PPAC
Longtime fans were on their feet for a high-energy show at the Providence Performing Arts Center on a warm Tuesday night in mid-July when 90s rockers Counting Crows and openers Dashboard Confessional took the PVD stage. Both bands rocked the house with their hits and more and shared the stage for a pair of encores, […]
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What’s Up Interview: Rus Anderson, star of ‘The Rocket Man Show’ at PPAC Friday, June 16
The Providence Performing Arts Center’s “Cool Summer Nights” concert series continues Friday, June 16, with the Elton John tribute band “The Rocket Man Show.” I spoke with Rus Anderson, star of the show last week, as he was preparing for an East Coast swing ahead of a tour of the UK. “I’m very grateful that […]
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Concert review and photos: John Mellencamp firing on all cylinders at PPAC
Rock icon John Mellencamp made an impressive return to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 11, playing his heart out to a sold-out house. The Indiana-born Rock and Roll Hall of Famer last played in the capital city in 2015. Mellencamp is a master storyteller, whether he’s singing “a little diddy about ‘Jack […]
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ILL – Abilities ‘No Excuses, No Limits’ show headed to PPAC Saturday, May 13
Luca Patuelli is known as Lazylegz. He’s had a muscular condition called arthrogryposis since birth. “It can affect any part of the body,” said Patuelli in our recent interview. “This [hit] my legs,” so he gets around with the help of braces and crutches. So, when I tell you that Patuelli manages and performs in […]
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Van Morrison’s concert at PPAC postponed until September 22 and 24
Van Morrison fans, you’ll have to wait a little longer to see Van the Man. The singer’s two-night stand, originally scheduled for May 11-12 at the Providence Performing Arts Center today has been postponed. The following statement was issued by PPAC this afternoon: Providence, RI – With regret, the Van Morrison performances on Thursday, May 11 […]
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Theater Review: Beetlejuice as good as it gets at PPAC
Who’s the most loveable demon around? You’ve got to say his name three times. It must be spoken, unbroken. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice! “Beetlejuice,” the last Broadway show of PPAC’s 2022/2023 season, is as good as the best shows PPAC presented this year – and that includes “Tina” and “Six.” “Beetlejuice” is arguably better, as it’s […]
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PPAC announces student winners of ARTS scholarships
Providence, RI – The members of the Community Outreach Committee of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) are pleased to announce the recipients of the ARTS Scholarships 2023 program, made possible by the generosity of Textron Charitable Trust and PPAC’s Annual Fund Donors with support from the Ocean State Charities Trust. The 2023 class of recipients is PPAC’s largest […]
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Theater Review: SIX, amazing and stunning at PPAC
Whatever you do, don’t go into “Six,” the Broadway musical at the Providence Performing Arts Center through next Sunday, April 23, expecting a boring historical look at the six wives of Henry VIII. “Six” is an amazing and stunning work, unlike any Broadway show that preceded it. Presented in concert form, complete with fantastic music […]
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‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (April 14-16)
Things continue to spring back to life around Rhode Island this weekend with some great theater, a foodie film event, ballet, and a cannabis festival all on the agenda. Check out “Six Picks Events” below to learn more. All Weekend: The Foodie Film Festival returns to the Jane Pickens Film and Events Center in Newport […]
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Theater Review: HADESTOWN at PPAC ranks among the best
How do you adapt an ancient Greek tragedy into an uplifting modern musical? In the case of HADESTOWN, look to indie-folk musician and playwright Anais Mitchell who blends contemporary issues into a timeless story, with great music, brilliant choreography, and a compelling plot. The award-winning musical HADESTOWN is in town at the Providence Performing Arts […]
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What’s Up Interview: Chibueze Ihuoma, starring in HADESTOWN at PPAC March 21-26
The eight-time Tony Award-winning musical HADESTOWN opens at the Providence Performing Arts Center next Tuesday, March 21. The musical, the brainchild of acclaimed musician Anais Mitchell, was the most honored show of the 2019 Broadway season winning four Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a […]
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‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (Feb. 3-5)
According to forecasters, it’s gonna be a chilly weekend, but don’t fret, “the sun will come out tomorrow,” especially at the Providence Performing Arts Center where the classic musical Annie is playing all weekend. That and more, in this week’s “Six Picks Events.” All Weekend: It’s a hard knock life indeed. The uplifting story of […]
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What’s Up Interview: Meet Chris Swan, playing Daddy Warbucks in PPAC’s ‘Annie’
You could call Chris Swan a road warrior. Since 2014, he’s been traveling the road in one Broadway production or another. “The first was ‘A Christmas Story,’ where I played The Old Man,” said Swan recently. “That was the big one that got me into touring.” Next week, Swan comes to the Providence Performing Arts […]
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Theater Review: ‘Jagged Little Pill’ resonates at PPAC
“Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you.” Another in a series of popular jukebox musicals is playing at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) through Sunday, January 22. Jagged Little Pill is a compelling story inspired by the groundbreaking 1995 Alanis Morissette album of the same name. The Tony and Grammy-award-winning production […]
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What’s Up Interview: Legendary rapper Kurtis Blow, appearing at PPAC Dec. 7 in ‘Hip Hop Nutcracker’
Going to see Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” during the holiday season is a time-honored tradition for many families. Over the past few years, a troupe of singers, dancers, and musicians have put a twist on the tradition in the award-winning production “Hip Hop Nutcracker.” Originally staged ten years ago, the show has grown in popularity and […]
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What’s Up Interview: Marie Osmond, performing with RI Philharmonic at the Providence Performing Arts Center Dec. 22
With almost six decades in the entertainment industry behind her, you might expect Marie Osmond to be slowing down a bit. Definitely not the case. In an interview earlier this week, I found the multi-talented entertainer a juggernaut, going strong at age 63, moving forward, and loving life. I caught up with Osmond as she […]
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Theater Review: Les Misérables begins a thrilling run at PPAC
Question: Why is Les Misérables considered by many to be the greatest musical of all time? Answer: It’s a compelling character-driven story, with powerful acting, timeless music, and impressive set design. Those elements, which drove the musical to prominence in the 1980s, were on display at the show’s opening night performance at the Providence Performing […]
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Les Misérables returning to PPAC November 15-20
It’s a show that continues to inspire audiences over 35 years since debuting in London. The Tony Award-winning musical Les Misérables returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center for several performances next week. Tickets for the Providence Performing Arts Center engagement November 15 – 20, 2022 are on sale now here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s5ImbMCxtE More about the […]
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Ray LaMontagne’s concert at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 1 has been POSTPONED
Providence, RI – Due to an illness in the touring party, Ray LaMontagne is postponing his concert at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 as part of the fall MONOVISION tour. All tickets purchased for these original dates will be honored at the new rescheduled date, which will be announced very soon. […]
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The Avett Brothers coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center May 23, 2023
Providence, RI – THE AVETT BROTHERS will perform at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, RI on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 7:30P. It has been five years since they played in Rhode Island. A pre-sale for The Avett Guild members starts on Tuesday, November 1 at noon. Venue pre-sale starts on Wednesday, November 2 […]
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What’s Up Interview: Lily Meola, singer-songwriter opening for Ray LaMontagne at PPAC Nov. 1
A rising star in the music world will be at the Providence Performing Arts Center next week. That’s when singer-songwriter Lily Meola, fresh off receiving a golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent, opens for Ray LaMontagne as part of his MONOVISION Tour. Although she didn’t win the million-dollar prize on the popular talent show, Meola […]
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Behind the Scenes at PPAC with TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
Larry Smiglewski is working 24/7. “We’re in tech [rehearsal], so basically an all-hours thing.” Smiglewski is the production stage manager for “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical.” The show’s national tour is launching this week from the Providence Performing Arts Center. This is the 21st show to use PPAC as its launch pad for a national […]
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Six Picks Music: The best local music this weekend (June 10-12)
“Peace and love.” It’s a folk-fueled week on “Six Picks” with local and nationally known indie-folk artists playing various spots around town. That, plus a couple of fundraisers to support local music organizations. Read the details on “Six Picks,” the best in local music this weekend! Friday: Wanna change the world? “Listen …” (see below). […]
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Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (May 20-22)
A warm and sunny weekend is forecast for the region – no excuses not to get out and safely have some fun. Here are “Six Picks” for the upcoming weekend around Rhode Island. All Weekend: Blue Man Group returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center for what promises to be a high-energy show full of […]
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Blue Man Group returning to the Providence Performing Arts Center MAY 20 – 22, 2022
Providence, RI — More than 50 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is BLUE MAN GROUP and now it’s your turn! BLUE MAN GROUP returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) for a limited engagement on their newNorth American tour, May 20 – 22, 2022. It’s everything you know and love about BLUE MAN GROUP—signature […]
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What’s Up Interview: We meet cast members of PPAC musical ‘Ain’t Too Proud’
If you haven’t heard, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is one of the season’s biggest hits. Running through Sunday at the Providence Performing Arts Center, the musical has earned enthusiastic reviews both nationally and locally. We met a couple of the stars of the show earlier this week at […]
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Providence Performing Arts Center Announces 2022/2023 Broadway Season
Providence, RI – At a press conference held in the Providence Performing Arts Center’s (PPAC) Grand Lobby this morning, PPAC Board Chairman Joseph W. Walsh, Esq. made opening remarks, welcoming the attendees to PPAC, and President and CEO J.L. “Lynn” Singleton announced the theatre’s upcoming 2022/2023 Broadway Season. The press conference was livestreamed courtesy of WPRI 12 athttps://www.wpri.com/watch/live-streaming-special-coverage/“Thank […]
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Theater Review: PPAC’s ‘An Officer and a Gentleman,’ delivers predictable fun
Perhaps you’ve heard the term “jukebox musical.” Typically, it’s a show that takes a group of well-known songs from a particular artist or genre and stitches them together with a new story. For instance, there’s MAMMA MIA!, taking a group of songs by Abba and building them into a story about a young girl about […]
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“Six Picks” Events: What to do in RI this weekend – Trolls, Burgers and Bruins
It’s another busy winter weekend out there with lots to do in and around RI. Check out a few happenings around the state in our weekly feature “Six Picks Events.” All Weekend: Don’t miss An Officer and a Gentleman at the Providence Performing Arts Center this weekend. The producers of the 1982 Richard Gere, Deborah […]
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What’s Up Interview: Choreographer Patti Wilcox of “An Officer and a Gentleman” – at PPAC Feb 18-20
Patti Wilcox was pretty cheery when we chatted recently. “I’ve just arrived in Detroit and it’s great.” When I pointed out that “Detroit” and “great” don’t often appear in the same sentence, she laughed. “It’s a good tour city, and it is the home of Motown, so…” Wilcox is part of the creative team that […]
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Saturday performances of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at PPAC cancelled due to storm
Providence, RI – Due to severe weather conditions, the Saturday, January 29 performances of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at 2P and 8P at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) have been cancelled. PPAC and the JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR company said, “The safety of our audiences, cast, and crew remains our top priority. We regret any disappointment this scheduling change has created […]
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Economic impact of PPAC’s “Hamilton” estimated at $5.5 million
Providence, RI – J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), announced today the results of an Economic Impact Statement, just completed by Advantage Marketing Information, to gauge the impact that the Theatre’s two-week return engagement of HAMILTON had on the state of Rhode Island. The results, which were tabulated from an online […]
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Providence Performing Arts Center announces ARTS Scholarships program
Providence, RI – The Community Outreach Committee of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is pleased to announce that applications for the ARTS Scholarships 2022 program will be available on Friday, January 7, 2022; applications will then be accepted until Friday, March 4, 2022 at 4P.The ARTS Scholarships 2022 program, sponsored by The Textron Charitable Trust and the PPAC Annual Fund Donors […]
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“Rent 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour” coming to PPAC January 14-16
Providence, RI – Ring in the New Year with the RENT 25TH ANNIVERSARY FAREWELL TOUR when it comes to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) for five performances only, January 14 – 16, 2022. The Providence engagement of RENT is part of the Encore Series. Cox Media is the Series Media Sponsor of the Encore Series. Tickets are available now at […]
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Musical “An Officer and a Gentleman” coming to PPAC Feb.18-20
Providence, RI – AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, a new musical based on the Oscar-winning film and original screenplay by Douglas Day Stewart, will play the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) Friday, February 18 through Sunday, February 20, 2022. The musical production is set at the U.S. Naval Station in Newport, RI. AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN celebrates […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Lindsey Stirling at the Providence Performing Arts Center
Multi-talented entertainer Lindsey Stirling dazzled her fans Tuesday, December 14 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Stirling delivered what she is best known for – a high-energy performance showcasing her top-notch violin skills, with dance, acrobatics, and spectacle. Stirling’s Christmas show was a big hit before a near sell-out crowd. The mood was festive and […]
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PPAC announces VIP Experience giveaway for Lindsey Stirling concert Dec. 14
Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and Lindsey Stirling are offering a special limited-time “Very Merry Christmas” VIP Experience giveaway for Lindsey’s concert, The Lindsey Stirling Christmas Program, on Tuesday, December 14 at 8P. The “Very Merry Christmas” VIP Experience for Lindsey Stirling includes a pair of premium seats and exclusive access to her […]
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What’s Up in Theater: We review PPAC’s “HAMILTON”
“Look around, look around, at how lucky we are to be alive right now.” Inspiring sentiments from Eliza Hamilton (Stephanie Jae Park), Alexander’s wife in “Hamilton,” the musical. In times of trouble and near defeat, hope and optimism endure. Sound familiar? The blockbuster of the last decade is back … “Hamilton” has made its triumphant […]
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Concert Recap and Photos: Joe Bonamassa rocks PPAC (November 20, 2021)
Blues-rock guitar great Joe Bonamassa and his band thrilled a packed house at the Providence Performing Arts Center in a great show Saturday, November 20th. The band powered through classic hits including show opener”Evil Mama,” “Midnight Blues,” and the encore “Sloe Gin.” Check out some fine photos of the evening from WhatsUpNewp’s Rick Farrell. Slideshow
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Concert Recap and Photos: Cheap Trick rocks PPAC
Cheap Trick strode into the Providence Performing Arts Center Saturday, November 13 for an old-fashioned rock show. The band is one of the better “legacy” acts currently touring, presenting a strong live show with adept musicianship and spot-on vocals. After a few sound problems got worked out, the band settled into a nice grove. Led […]
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Theater Review: Broadway returns to RI – “Pretty Woman” a hit at PPAC
Broadway is back in Providence, and Providence seems pretty happy about it. This week, the Providence Performing Arts Center is hosting its first Broadway tour in 19 months. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL officially opened to a very full house Tuesday night. The musical is based on the 1990 movie of the same name starring Julia […]
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Tickets for “HAMILTON” at PPAC on sale Thursday, Aug. 5 at 10AM
The award-winning Broadway musical HAMILTON is returning to the Providence Performing Arts Center beginning November 30th. Tickets are expected to sell out for the two-week engagement. HAMILTON tickets are available for purchase online at ppacri.org or in-person at the PPAC Box Office at 220 Weybosset St., Providence, RI 02903 beginning at 10 AM on August 5. […]
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PPAC announces free virtual “Wonders of the Wurlitzer” concert to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th
Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is pleased to announce today, on Flag Day, that the theatre will host a FREE virtual Wonders of the Wurlitzer concert with PPAC House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski on Independence Day (July 4, 2021). PPAC has offered the popular virtual series for FREE this past season so […]
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Jon Bonamassa announces PPAC show for November 20th
Joe Bonamassa is finally getting back on the road. For over a year, the live concert industry came to a full stop. During this time, Bonamassa put his efforts into raising money for his non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation through the Fueling Musicians Program. This relief fund is dedicated to assisting touring musicians unable to […]
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Ultimate Queen Celebration starring Marc Martel coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center Saturday, October 23
Providence, RI – The Ultimate Queen Celebration starring Marc Martel will be coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 8P. Tickets go on sale for the Ultimate Queen Celebration on Wednesday, June 2 at 10A at the PPAC Box Office window, by phone at 401.421.ARTS (2787), and online at ppacri.org. Box Office Hours are Monday […]
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Broadway is Back at PPAC! 2021/2022 Broadway Season Announced
Providence, RI – J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), is pleased to unveil PPAC’s 2021/2022 Broadway season! PPAC Board Chairman Joseph W. Walsh, Esq. and Singleton announced the completion of the theatre’s façade restoration project and the theatre’s upcoming Broadway schedule at a press conference held in PPAC’s Grand […]
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Live music slowly returning to the region
Psyched to hear Newport Folk and Jazz are returning? Missing live shows as much as we are? Wanna know what’s up on the local concert scene? Well, things are slowly getting back to normal… with an emphasis on the word “slowly.” (It’s likely to be more than a year before things are truly “normal” in […]
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PPAC and Disney to offer free streaming performance of “Newsies: The Broadway Musical” to RI schools
Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and Disney are teaming up to offer middle and high school students in grades six through 12 in the following Rhode Island school districts free access to a pre-recorded streaming performance of DISNEY’S NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL: Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Chariho, Cranston, Foster-Glocester, Johnston, Middletown, Block Island, Tiverton, […]
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Postponed: Ringo Starr announces PPAC date re-scheduled to 2022
Providence, RI – Ringo Starr announced today that his Spring 2021 North American tour, which includes a Sunday, June 13, 2021 concert at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), has been rescheduled to 2022. Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band will now perform at PPAC on Sunday, June 12, 2022. The PPAC Box Office will send current ticketholders new […]
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“Love is in the Air” Valentine’s Day at PPAC – Virtual Concert with Peter Krasinski
Providence, RI –The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is pleased to announce that their FREE virtual Mighty Wurlitzer concert series with PPAC House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski continues this Valentine’s Day with “Love is in the Air!” This concert can be viewed via PPAC’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcUTL6FiyJI Mr. Krasinski’s Valentine’s Day concert includes selections […]
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PPAC Community Outreach Committee Announces ARTS Scholarships 2021
Providence, RI – The Community Outreach Committee of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is pleased to announce that applications for the ARTS Scholarships 2021 program will be available on Thursday, January 14, 2021; applications will then be accepted until Friday, February 26, 2021 at 4PM. Guidelines in English and Spanish and applications will be […]
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PPAC Presents Brendan Kirby of The Rhode Show Narrating “A Visit From St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)”
Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is pleased to announce that WPRI 12’s The Rhode Show co-host Brendan Kirby will narrate “A Visit from St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)”. Kirby’s reading can be viewed via video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl5kdmAaF00; this video is FREE to watch and is a special gift to […]
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PPAC Presents “Holiday Magic on the Mighty Wurlitzer” with House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski
Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is giving the community a FREE holiday gift! PPAC House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski has pre-recorded a holiday concert called “Holiday Magic on the Mighty Wurlitzer” for all to enjoy; this concert can be viewed via PPAC’s YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/-xxjnbms4Ac. Mr. Krasinski’s festive concert repertoire includes […]
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PPAC Announces Virtual Programming “Arts Showcase” and “Experience PPAC”
Providence, RI – J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), is pleased to announce that PPAC will be offering virtual programming for 2021 for two of the Theatre’s Community Outreach and Engagement programs: Arts Showcase and Experience PPAC. These programs are FREE and open to all Rhode Island elementary, […]
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PPAC Announces Broadway Shows to Resume Late Fall 2021
Providence, RI – J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), announced today via a brief PPAC video that due to the national touring industry’s decision to reset national tours and schedules this winter through the late fall of 2021, PPAC will not be presenting national Broadway tours or any […]
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Providence Performing Arts Center Presents a “Phantastic” Halloween Treat – Date TBA
Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and their newly announced house organist Peter Krasinski are giving patrons a “phantastic” Halloween treat! Mr. Krasinski will be accompanying the 1925 silent film The Phantom of the Opera on PPAC’s Mighty Wurlitzer. Mr. Krasinski’s accompaniment will be live captured (recorded) and will be available to watch for FREE at ppacri.org. […]
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PPAC Announces Live Stream “An Evening of New York Songs and Stories with Suzanne Vega” October 7th
Providence, RI -Grammy Award-winning artist Suzanne Vega releases her latest album An Evening of New York Songs and Stories (Amanuensis/Cooking Vinyl) today and is celebrating the release of her album with a livestreaming concert, held at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 9P EST. Tickets are […]
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PPAC Announces Re-Scheduling of “Jesus Christ Superstar” to August, 2021
Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) announced today that JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will now be presented Tuesday, August 24 – Sunday, August 29, 2021. This production was originally scheduled for March 31 – April 5, 2020, but was then postponed to September 15 – 20, 2020; the show will now be presented in August 2021.Tickets for the August 2021 engagement of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR are […]
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PPAC Announces Updated Schedule for 2020/2021 Season
Providence, RI – Today, J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), unveiled a new performance schedule for PPAC’s upcoming 2020/2021 Broadway Season. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety and well-being of PPAC’s audiences and staff eclipse everything else – nothing is more important to us. So, in addition […]
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Beautiful Coming to PPAC – Interview With Cast Member RI Native John Michael Dias
Broadway’s award winning Beautiful – The Carole King Musical arrives at the Providence Performing Arts Center next week and WhatsUpNewp had a chance to speak with cast member and Tiverton, RI native John Michael Dias. The show tells the story of Carole King, the legendary singer-songwriter who arrived in New York City at age 16 […]
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Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (July 20-July 26)
Six Picks is our weekly column that features some of the best in local music. We’ve got you covered for the next few days with shows all around RI. Check out “picks” below. (Pictured: Elvis Costello at the 2016 Newport Folk Festival, Photo: Ken Abrams) Jillian Jensen Appears at Newport Vineyards Tonight Jillian Jensen Tonight […]
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Wheels of Soul Tour Coming to PPAC Friday – Interview with Oliver Wood
Tedeschi Trucks Band Lead the Wheels of Soul Tour in Providence Friday A rock show is coming to Providence Friday night and this is one of those concerts where the opening bands are just as stellar as the main act. The Tedeschi-Trucks Band headline the “Wheels of Soul 2017” show that also includes the Wood […]
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Jazz Great Diana Krall Coming to PPAC June 18th
Multiple Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and world-renowned singer Diana Krall, will return to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Sunday, June 18. The concert is part of her 2017/2018 World Tour in support of her new album Turn Up The Quiet, just released on Verve Records. Krall’s new album celebrates a return to jazz and […]