The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), which was once known as the Ocean State Performing Arts Center, began its architectural life as a Loew's Movie Palace on October 6, 1928. It was designed by George and C.W. Rapp of Chicago, brothers who became renowned as one of the finest teams of theatre architects in America. The Loew's philosophy was to sell tickets to theatres - not movies; this was the inspiration for building this opulent theatre which cost $2.5 million upon completion. On opening day, more than 14,000 people came to see Joe Stoves on the $90,000 Morgan organ and the film "Excess Baggage". Most people came just to see the magnificence of the interior, sparkling with gilding on intricate plasterwork, columns of imported marble, and huge crystal chandeliers.

      Over the years, the theatre has survived many changes - during the 1970's it showed Kung Fu films and then was nearly demolished. (During the 1980's, I worked there as an usher!) Now the building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a successful rental house, where touring Broadway shows, large concerts, and other events take place. In 1998, the Grand Lobby and Arcade were painstakingly restored to their 1928 splendor. In place of the Morgan is a rare, five-manual Mighty Wurlitzer organ; the 28' by 51' movie screen again shines brightly with current and classic films.

Visit their website in order to find out what great events are coming up. January 7-12 is the Touring production of Miss Saigon. They often have Free Wurlitzer concerts during lunchtime (although that schedule has not been determined as of yet.)