December 2019 Showtimes by Providence Performing Arts Center

DECEMBER SHOWTIMES 2019

2019/2020 Encore Series Media Sponsor:

The Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation

Family Night Media Sponsors:

Family Night Sponsor:

2019/2020 Season Media Sponsor:

2019/2020 Broadway Series Sponsor:

The Providence Performing Arts Center would like to thank the following sponsors:

PPAC Square Loew's Theatre Building 220 Weybosset Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903-3783

Philip Huffman as The Grinch in the 2016 Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical

nst a black ground

st a white round

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The First North American Tour Cast of COME FROM AWAY, Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2018

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 904 Providence, RI

For use against a white or light background

PPAC’s / The VETS’ Annual Holiday Sale is Saturday, December 7! See inside for details!

For use against a black or dark background

A publication of the Providence Performing Arts Center // December 2019

SHOWTIMES

DECEMBER 3 – 8 PART OF THE

BROADWAY SERIES

DECEMBER 17 – 22

PART OF THE ENCORE SERIES

SERIES MEDIA SPONSOR:

CALENDAR In partnership with WPRI 12, Cardi’s Furniture, and Toys for Tots, PPAC will collect new, unwrapped toys for children living in Rhode Island during performances of COME FROM AWAY December 3 - 8, and during our Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 7.

BOX OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS

DECEMBER

Sun, 12/22: 10A – 6P // Mon, 12/23: 10A – 5P Tues, 12/24 (Christmas Eve): 10A to noon Wed, 12/25 (Christmas): CLOSED // Wed, 1/1 (New Year’s Day): CLOSED

2 CyberMonday at ppacri.org and thevetri.com 3 – 8 Come from Away PART OF THE

BROADWAY SERIES

7 PPAC’s / The VETS’ Annual Holiday Sale

Phone and window sales: 9A to 8P; Online: 12:01A – 11:59P

13 – 15 Festival Ballet Providence Presents “The Nutcracker” 15 At The VETS: Billy Gilman – Home for the Holidays at 7P

18 At The VETS: WGBH Presents “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn

with Brian O’Donovan”

17 – 22 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical ENCORE SERIES MEDIA SPONSOR:

18 BankNewport Family Night at

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at 7P

FAMILY NIGHT SPONSOR:

FAMILY NIGHT MEDIA SPONSORS:

21 Sensory-friendly performance of

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at 11A

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

19 At The VETS: Chris Tomlin Christmas:

Christmas Songs of Worship at 7:30P

28 At The VETS: The Hip Hop Nutcracker at 8P

ppacri.org

(401) 421-ARTS (2787)

220 Weybosset Street, Providence

THEATRE INFORMATION HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:

Online: ppacri.org • Tickets are available anytime online. By Phone: (401) 421-ARTS (2787) At the Box Office: 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI 02903 Regular Box Office Hours are: Monday through Friday, 10A to 5P; Saturday, 10A to 2P and two hours prior to all curtain time(s) on performance days. Please call to check on-site hours for The VETS Box Office. Visit ppacri.org or thevetsri.com for additional information and to order tickets. PPAC is your only OFFICIAL ticketing source for tickets to a PPAC show. The only secure way to buy tickets to a PPAC production is via the Box Office window, online, and by phone. Purchasing from unauthorized sources may put you at risk for receiving counterfeit tickets.

GIFT CARDS: Gift cards are available in any denomination when purchasing by phone at (401) 421-ARTS (2787) or at the Box Office window. Only specific denominations are offered online at ppacri.org (i.e. $25, $50, $75, etc.).

FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

Administration (401) 421-2997 • Regular Hours: M - F, 9A - 6P • info@ppacri.org Sharon Corcoran, Direct Response • For subscription and advertising sales (401) 574-3136 • Direct Response Hours: M - F, 9A - 5P • scorcoran@ppacri.org Paul Hiatt, Group Sales • Available for groups of 10+ (401) 574-3162 • Group Sales Hours: M - F, 9A - 5P • phiatt@ppacri.org

DIRECTIONS TO PPAC:

PPAC SECURITY POLICY:

From points north: take 95S to the Atwells Ave exit 21. Go straight through 4 traffic lights and turn left at the 5th traffic light onto Broad St, which becomes Weybosset St. From points south (take 95N to Point St exit 20) and from points east (take 195W to Point St exit 1A): proceed straight at the traffic light at end of exit onto E Franklin St. At Broad St, turn right at the light (Broad St becomes Weybosset St). PPAC will be on the right side of Weybosset. From Worcester/Western Massachusetts: Take 90E to exit 10A (Worcester/Providence, Route 146/20), which will lead to Route 146S (Providence). Take Route 146S and merge onto 95S in Providence. Then, follow directions for “from points north.”

• Walk-through metal detectors are now used at all performances. Please plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to curtain time.

• Firearms, weapons, laptops, briefcases, and suitcases are not allowed in the Theatre. • All bags are subject to search; bags that pass inspection must fit under a theatre seat.

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted. • There is no secure storage area and confiscated items cannot be returned. • Providence Police details are on site at all PPAC events. • PPAC Management reserves the right to change the security policy or implement any security measures required for any performance without prior notice.

Accessibility Services are available through the House Manager’s desk in the Grand Lobby and through the Box Office. Services include assistive listening devices and wheelchair accessible seating. We are pleased to offer ASL Interpretation, Open Caption and Visual Description at our performances. PPAC enables access for Gala Pro Service when it is offered by touring shows. Please call the Box Office at (401) 421-ARTS (2787) for more information.

SHOWTIMES IS A PUBLICATION OF THE PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER // Editor: P.J. Prokop Content Manager: Caitlyn DiPompo // Design: Lindsay Letourneau, Tandem Designworks // Printer: The Allied Group

/ProvPacRI

@provpacri

/ppacri

BOX OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS

DECEMBER

Sun, 12/22: 10A – 6P // Mon, 12/23: 10A – 5P Tues, 12/24 (Christmas Eve): 10A to noon Wed, 12/25 (Christmas): CLOSED // Wed, 1/1 (New Year’s Day): CLOSED

2 CyberMonday at ppacri.org and thevetri.com 3 – 8 Come from Away PART OF THE

BROADWAY SERIES

7 PPAC’s / The VETS’ Annual Holiday Sale

Phone and window sales: 9A to 8P; Online: 12:01A – 11:59P

13 – 15 Festival Ballet Providence Presents “The Nutcracker” 15 At The VETS: Billy Gilman – Home for the Holidays at 7P

18 At The VETS: WGBH Presents “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn

with Brian O’Donovan”

17 – 22 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical ENCORE SERIES MEDIA SPONSOR:

18 BankNewport Family Night at

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at 7P

FAMILY NIGHT SPONSOR:

FAMILY NIGHT MEDIA SPONSORS:

21 Sensory-friendly performance of

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at 11A

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

19 At The VETS: Chris Tomlin Christmas:

Christmas Songs of Worship at 7:30P

28 At The VETS: The Hip Hop Nutcracker at 8P

ppacri.org

(401) 421-ARTS (2787)

220 Weybosset Street, Providence

THEATRE INFORMATION HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:

FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

DIRECTIONS TO PPAC:

PPAC SECURITY POLICY:

• Walk-through metal detectors are now used at all performances. Please plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to curtain time.

• Firearms, weapons, laptops, briefcases, and suitcases are not allowed in the Theatre. • All bags are subject to search; bags that pass inspection must fit under a theatre seat.

/ProvPacRI

@provpacri

/ppacri

ALL TICKETING SERVICE FEES AT PPACRI.ORG AND THEVETSRI.COM WILL BE WAIVED ON CYBER MONDAY, DECEMBER 2! Use the code CYBERPPAC for PPAC shows and CYBERVETS for The VETS’ shows. Please note that all event tickets include a $3 per ticket restoration charge for PPAC shows and a $4 per ticket facility fee for shows at the VETS; these fees are not waived.

PARTICIPATING PPAC SHOWS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The Holiday Sale for PPAC and The VETS is Saturday, December 7! *Save 25% on selected seating and performances for many upcoming shows at PPAC’s / The VETS’ Annual Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 7. The Holiday Sale discount is available in person at the PPAC Box Office and by phone at (401) 421-ARTS (2787) from 9A to 8P on Saturday, December 7 ONLY.

TACO/WHITE FAMILY FOUNDATION BROADWAY SERIES1 Come From Away December 3 – 8

All performances are included.

Fiddler on the Roof All performances are included.

Hello, Dolly!

March 20 – 22

All performances are included.

March 31 – April 5

All performances are included.

The SpongeBob Musical May 12 – 17

Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra Saturday, February 8 at 2P and 8P

FirstWorks Presents: Diavolo – Architecture in Motion Friday, April 24 at 7:30P

PARTICIPATING SHOWS AT THE VETS Billy Gilman – Home from the Holidays

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!

A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donovan

Nick, Jr. Live! Move to the Music

The Wailin’ Jennys

Sun, December 15 at 7P

Sun, January 19 at 7P

Wed, December 18 at 7:30P

The Hip Hop Nutcracker Sat, December 28 at 8P

Paula Poundstone

February 1 – 2

John Cleese – Live on Stage

Sun, February 16 at 3P

FirstWorks Presents: Angelique Kidjo

Sat, January 18 at 8P

Sat, February 22 at 8P

FEATURING THE

BROADWAY SERIES

DIRECTORS

Blue Man Group4

December 13 – 15

March 3 – 8

Tues through Fri evening performances are included.

BOARD of

All performances are included.

Festival Ballet Providence Presents “The Nutcracker”

*Holiday Sale seating is available for selected locations on a show-by-show basis. VIP and Golden Circle seating are excluded from the Holiday Sale offer. Discounted seating is subject to availability and no other offers may be combined with the Holiday Sale discount. There are no refunds or adjustments on prior purchases.

Still stumped on what to give this Holiday Season? May we suggest giving the gift of a subscription to our 2020/2021 Season to the theatre fan or fans in your life – details forthcoming!

A Bronx Tale3

February 21 – 23

SPECIALS

February 11 – 16

Jesus Christ Superstar

Not sure which show to choose? Give the gift of a PPAC Show to your loved ones with a gift card! Gift cards are available in any denomination when purchasing by phone at (401) 421-ARTS (2787) or at the Box Office window. Specific denominations are available at ppacri.org. Please note that gift cards are NOT discounted for the Holiday Sale.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical December 17 – 22

Sat and Sun matinees, and Sun evening performances are included.

Discounted prices are in effect online at ppacri.org and thevetsri.com from 12:01A to 11:59P on Saturday, December 7. Please enter the code GARLAND to apply the discount for PPAC shows and the code PARTRIDGE to apply the discount for The VETS' shows.

Tickets to a Show at PPAC or The VETS Make Wonderful Holiday Gifts!

ENCORE SERIES2

February 29 – March 1 Fri, April 10 at 8P

Black Violin – The Impossible Tour Wed, April 15 at 7:30P

Festival Ballet Providence: The Sleeping Beauty May 8 - 10 3

SEASON MEDIA SPONSOR:

ENCORE SERIES MEDIA SPONSOR:

SPONSORED BY:

The First North American Tour Company of COME FROM AWAY, Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2018

December 17 – 22 Tickets: $80 - $30

December 3 – 8 Tickets: $98 - $43

COME FROM AWAY is the remarkable true story about the 7,000 people whose flights were diverted to Newfoundland in the aftermath of 9/11. COME FROM AWAY has been acclaimed by critics, audiences, and social media influencers. Tom Brokaw said, “This story touched the world and celebrates the best that we can all be.” The Washington Post called it, “Exuberant!” and Newsweek said, “It does what all the best musicals do: takes you to a place you never want to leave.” Co-composers and writers David Hein and Irene Sankoff traveled to Gander, Newfoundland on the 10th anniversary of the planes landing there. Many of the travelers who had landed in Gander also returned. For one month, Hein and Sankoff interviewed the travelers as well as the residents of Gander in order to shape a musical. Every character in COME FROM AWAY is based on a real-life person who experienced this event. The cast, made up of only twelve actors, has the task of telling more than 16,000 stories of those who were “come from aways” and those who lived in Gander. Therefore, each actor plays many different parts and is a part of many different stories. Christopher Ashley, the Tony Award Winning director of COME FROM AWAY, said in The Staging of COME FROM AWAY, “We’ve been fortunate to have the same cast really for several years [on Broadway], which has allowed them to add layers of complexity and more and more specifics...change a hat [and] they’re a completely different person.” The national tour cast stars Marika Aubrey, Kevin Carolan, Harter Clingman, Nick Duckart, Chamblee Ferguson, Adam Halpin, Christine Toy Johnson, Julie Johnson, James Earl Jones II, Julia Knitel, Andrew Samonsky, Sharone Sayegh, Danielle K. Thomas, Jenny Ashman, Jane Bunting, Amelia Cormack, Aaron Michael Ray, Kilty Reidy, and Brandon Springman. PART OF THE

BROADWAY SERIES

DR SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL is adapted from the hit 1966 animated film. The show showcases clever humor and whimsical storytelling, making it “100 times better than any bedtime story” (The New York Times)! DR SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL features an original score, including the classic favorites, You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch and Welcome, Christmas. As The Associated Press writes, “You might find your heart growing a few sizes, too!” PART OF THE ENCORE SERIES // MEDIA SPONSOR:

Designated Family Show

BankNewport Family Night at DR SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL is on Wednesday, December 18 at 7P! Patrons who purchase a regularly priced ticket to the Wednesday, December 18 performance of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL will receive a complimentary ticket of equal value for a child/ teenager up to age 18. Family Night tickets are available at the Box Office at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence or by phone at (401) 421-2787 only. Family Night tickets are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis in selected locations. Golden Circle seating is excluded, and standard service fees apply. FAMILY NIGHT SPONSOR:

FAMILY NIGHT MEDIA SPONSORS:

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any performance of COME FROM AWAY!

All ticket prices include a $3 per ticket restoration charge and are subject to change without notice. Please visit ppacri.org f

The First North American Tour Company of COME FROM AWAY, Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2018

December 17 – 22 Tickets: $80 - $30

December 3 – 8 Tickets: $98 - $43

BROADWAY SERIES

Designated Family Show

FAMILY NIGHT MEDIA SPONSORS:

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any performance of COME FROM AWAY!

All ticket prices include a $3 per ticket restoration charge and are subject to change without notice. Please visit ppacri.org f

In Partnership with

A sensory-friendly show closely resembles a more traditional performance, but slight modifications have been made, including: • Lowered house lights and sound levels. • Standing and movement spaces are available in the theatre. • The Lobby will have a designated quiet area with skilled staff from The Autism Project. • Guests can bring small coping tools (i.e. weighted blankets, fidgets) into the theatre to enjoy the show! A limited number of fidgets and headphones will be provided. • Character cards will also be provided. For more information and to access a social narrative about Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL, please visit ppacri.org/sensoryfriendly

for current prices.

Philip Huffman as The Grinch and the 2016 Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical; Philip Huffman as The Grinch and the 2016 Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical; Philip Huffman as The Grinch and the 2016 Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical.

Sensory-Friendly Performance on Saturday, December 21 at 11A

RETURNING TO PPAC JANUARY 2020 January 18 – 19

// Tickets: $200 - $85

After sold-out shows last season, SHEN YUN is back with a brand-new production. Watch ancient legends, heavenly realms, and modern tales of courage spring to life through classical Chinese dance. See ethnic dances, dazzling costumes, and powerful flips fill the stage with color and energy. And let the orchestra’s exquisite melodies, the singers’ soaring voices, and the dynamic animated backdrops uplift your spirit and transport you to another world. It’s five thousand years of civilization—reborn. Experience SHEN YUN.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT

BILLY GILMAN – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Sunday, December 15 at 7P Tickets: $75 - $30

Rhode Island native BILLY GILMAN will indeed be “home for the holidays” for his concert at The VETS this month. The Grammy nominated performer will sing his favorite holiday classics, as well as non-holiday favorites that have made him a worldwide name!

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

Saturday, December 28 at 8P Tickets: $62.50 - $42.50

A unique and joyful holiday mash-up for the whole family, THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. Don’t miss this remixed and reimagined version of a holiday classic!

All ticket prices include a $4 per ticket facility fee and are subject to change without notice. Please visit thevetsri.com for current prices. Enhance your experience at The VETS with VIP Encore Lounge access – call the Box Office at (401) 421-ARTS (2787) or purchase online.

In Partnership with

for current prices.

Sensory-Friendly Performance on Saturday, December 21 at 11A

RETURNING TO PPAC JANUARY 2020 January 18 – 19

// Tickets: $200 - $85

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT

BILLY GILMAN – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Sunday, December 15 at 7P Tickets: $75 - $30

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

Saturday, December 28 at 8P Tickets: $62.50 - $42.50

THEATRE NEWS PPAC RECOGNIZED AS PARTNER OF THE YEAR BY THE PWCVB PPAC was honored with the Partner of the Year Award by the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) at its annual meeting on November 5. PPAC was applauded for its positive impact on RI tourism by presenting high-quality touring Broadway theatricals, music concerts, and more! PPAC President and CEO J.L. “Lynn” Singleton accepted the L to R: General Manager Alan Chille, Marketing Director P.J. Prokop, Board Chariman Joseph W. award on behalf of the theatre. Photo: Nick Millard / PWCVB

Walsh, Esq., President/CEO J.L. "Lynn" Singleton, and Marketing Projects Specialist Caitlyn DiPompo.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR TWO WEEK ENGAGEMENT OF DISNEY’S ALADDIN! BankNewport Family Night at Disney’s ALADDIN Pre-Show Event We had a magical time at our pre-show event for BankNewport Family Night at Disney’s ALADDIN on Wednesday, November 6. Meredith Scott, Wardrobe Supervisor for ALADDIN, showcased some of the show’s gorgeously hand-crafted costumes for our pre-show guests. Kaena Kekoa (Jasmine) and Angelina Mullins (Ensemble) shared some fun facts about the costumes.

ALADDIN Tour Wardrobe Supervisor Meredith Scott showing off some of the beautiful costumes from ALADDIN.

The pre-show event was cohosted by ABC 6 Meteorologist Chelsea Priest and Coast 93.3 On-Air Host Stephanie Dansereau. John Sullivan, BankNewport Executive Vice President – Director of Digital and L to R: ABC 6 Meteorologist Chelsea Priest, Coast 93.3 On-Air Host Stephanie Dansereau, BankNewport Technology Strategy, spoke briefy EVP - Director of Digital Strategy and Technology on behalf of BankNewport. Strategy John Sullivan, Angelina Mullins, Kaena Kekoa, and Wardrobe Supervisor Meredith Scott.

Photos: Corey Martineau

From Books to Broadway at Disney’s ALADDIN

FIVE PROVIDENCE SCHOOLS SELECTED FOR DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM Five Providence public elementary schools have been selected to participate in the 2019 - 2020 Disney Musicals in Schools Program. The program is an initiative developed by Disney Theatrical Group to create sustainable theatre programs in public elementary schools. The five schools are Alan Shawn Feinstein Elementary School, Robert L. Bailey Elementary, Harry Kizirian Elementary School, Carl G. Lauro Elementary School, and Webster Ave. School. The selected schools will begin a 17-week musical theatre residency in January 2020. Each school will receive performance rights, education support materials, and guidance from two PPAC teaching artists. The program features a professional development focus, through which participating school teachers partner with PPAC teaching artists to learn how to produce, direct, choreograph, and music direct, culminating in their first 30-minute Disney KIDS musical at their school. As a capstone to the experience, PPAC will host a Student Share Celebration in which each school performs one number from their show on the PPAC stage for students, teachers, family, and community members.

Students from Classical High School (Providence) and the James B. Congdon Elementary School (Fall River, MA) attended a matinee performance of Disney’s ALADDIN and participated in a post-show Q & A with cast members, as part of our From Books to Broadway program. The students’ tickets were underwritten by The Robert F. Stoico/FIRSTFED Foundation. Photos: Paul Hiatt

A Family Night Out at Disney's ALADDIN! MSgt Von Schimpf and his family enjoyed a performance of Disney's ALADDIN as part of our Seats for Service Members program. This program provides members of the RI National Guard and their families to attend shows in our Taco/White Family Foundation Broadway Series and Encore Series. We thank MSgt Von Schimpf and his family for their service to our country! Photo courtesy of the Von Schimpf Family

Walsh, Esq., President/CEO J.L. "Lynn" Singleton, and Marketing Projects Specialist Caitlyn DiPompo.

ALADDIN Tour Wardrobe Supervisor Meredith Scott showing off some of the beautiful costumes from ALADDIN.

Photos: Corey Martineau

From Books to Broadway at Disney’s ALADDIN

DECEMBER SHOWTIMES 2019

2019/2020 Encore Series Media Sponsor:

The Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation

Family Night Media Sponsors:

Family Night Sponsor:

2019/2020 Season Media Sponsor:

2019/2020 Broadway Series Sponsor:

The Providence Performing Arts Center would like to thank the following sponsors:

PPAC Square Loew's Theatre Building 220 Weybosset Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903-3783

Philip Huffman as The Grinch in the 2016 Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical

nst a black ground

st a white round

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The First North American Tour Cast of COME FROM AWAY, Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2018

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 904 Providence, RI

For use against a white or light background

PPAC’s / The VETS’ Annual Holiday Sale is Saturday, December 7! See inside for details!

For use against a black or dark background

A publication of the Providence Performing Arts Center // December 2019

SHOWTIMES

DECEMBER 3 – 8 PART OF THE

BROADWAY SERIES

DECEMBER 17 – 22

PART OF THE ENCORE SERIES

SERIES MEDIA SPONSOR: