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JANUARY 2017 JOHN CLEESE & THE HOLY GRAIL

Saturday, January 14 at 7:30P

CALENDAR

Saturday, 12/31 (New Year’s Eve): 10A to 2P / Sunday, 1/1 (New Year’s Day): The PPAC Box Office will be CLOSED and The VETS Box Office will open for

PPAC IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS 2017!

ARTS Scholarships 2017, sponsored by The Textron Charitable Trust and PPAC Annual Fund donors, will provide 30 scholarships valued up to $500 each to qualified talented young Rhode Island artists. These scholarships provide students with opportunities to attend local summer arts educational programs that will broaden their experiences in a chosen area of study. Applicants must be between the ages of 11 and 14 by June 1.

Applications for ARTS Scholarships 2017 will be available on Tuesday, January 3 at www.ppacri.org and in person at PPAC’s Administrative Office, which is located at 220 Weybosset Street on the 2nd Floor. The Administrative Office is open Monday through Friday, 9A to 6P. Completed applications must be submitted to Cynthia Goldsmith at PPAC, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI 02903 no later than 3P on Wednesday, March 1. For more information, please visit www.ppacri.org or call (401) 574-3105.

Q-SHEET

BOX OFFICE / ONLINE

phone (401) 421-ARTS (2787) email patron_feedback@ppacri.org fax (401) 351-7827 Regular Box Office Hours are M-F, 10A-5P; Sat., 10A-2P and two hours prior to all curtain times. 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.

ADMINISTRATION

phone (401) 421-2997

email info@ppacri.org fax (401) 421-5767

hours M-F, 9A-6P

DIRECT RESPONSE

phone (401) 574-3136 email direct@ppacri.org fax (401) 421-5767

hours M-F, 9A-5P

DIRECTIONS TO PPAC

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.”

RECOMMENDED ATTIRE

smart casual clothing

BE SAFE; BE SMART!

PPAC is your only official ticketing source for tickets to a PPAC/The VETS performance. For more information, please visit www.ppacri.org or www.thevetsri.com

PATRON SAFETY NOTICE: Guests entering PPAC are subject to search at the discretion of management, which may include pat down or scan by metal detector wands. NO laptops, briefcases, or suitcases are allowed in the venue. PPAC does not provide storage or holding for confiscated or prohibited items. Outside food and drink are also NOT allowed in the building. Please note that a Providence Police detail is on site at all PPAC events. PPAC management reserves the right to change this policy or implement any security measures required for any performance without advance notice.

GROUP SALES

phone (401) 574-3162 email phiatt@ppacri.org fax (401) 421-5767

hours M-F, 9A-5P

LATE ARRIVALS POLICY

Please be sure to leave yourself adequate time for travel and parking so you may be in your seats before curtain time. Touring shows mandate that we hold latecomers in the lobby until an appropriate moment in the performance before seating them (sometimes as long as 20 minutes) in order to minimize disruption to other audience members.

GIFT CARDS

are available for purchase in any denomination at the PPAC Box Office and online. Gift Card sleeves include special pre- and post-show offerings from Gracie’s Restaurant, located at 194 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903.

The Providence Performing Arts Center is a smoke-free facility. Patrons who wish to smoke may do so outside under the marquee at scheduled intermissions. The use of E-Cigarettes is also not permitted inside the theatre.

Accessibility Services are available through the House Manager’s desk in the Grand Lobby and through the Box Office. Services include assistive

PPAC ANNUAL GALA: SPEND THE NIGHT WITH BILLY CRYSTAL

Thursday, March 23 at 7:30P

Purchase Gala Tickets: dsantos@ppacri.org ▪ Non-Gala Tickets: www.ppacri.org

FIVE MONTHS OUT

FEBRUARY/MARCH

Lewis Black: The Rant, White & Blue Tour Friday, February 3 at 8P

Shen Yun Saturday, February 4 at 7:30P

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time February 7 – 12

APRIL

Celtic Woman: Voices of Angels Thursday, April 6 at 7P

Rent – 20th Anniversary Tour April 7 – 9

MAY/JUNE

Chicago May 2 – 7

Disney’s

The Lion King February 28 –March 19

Deadline for ARTS Scholarships 2017 Applications

Wednesday, March 1 no later than 3P

PPAC Gala: Spend the Night with Billy Crystal Thursday, March 23 at 7:30P

42nd Street March 24 – 26

Sesame Street Live “Make a New Friend” April 21 – 23

AC2: An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Saturday, April 29 at 8P

Matilda the Musical May 17 – 21

Riverdance – the 20th Anniversary World Tour June 2 – 4

BOARD of DIRECTORS

Joseph W. Walsh, Esq. – Chairman; Mark T. Ryan, Esq. – First Vice Chairman; Thomas A. Tanury Richard L. Bready, Gabriella DiGiacino Caprio, Darren Corrente, Esq., Jason M. DaPonte, Guillaume de Janet Hasson, Jay Howell, The Honorable James R. Langevin (Ex-Officio), Cynthia Laughlin, Barbara S. The Honorable Joseph R. Paolino, Jr., Marc Paulhus, Gary M. Penfield, Lawrence E. Purtill, Jo-Ann Ragosta, Stephen Shechtman, Esq., Robert Stoico, Donald R. Sweitzer, Susan Weiner, John Hazen White, Jr., William

February 7 – 12

Tickets: $78 - $36

Winner of 5 Tony Awards, including Best Play!

The acclaimed National Theatre production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is “one of the most fully immersive works ever to wallop Broadway” (The New York Times). Tony Award® winner Marianne Elliott (War Horse) directs this “dazzling” (Associated Press) adaptation by two-time Olivier Award winner Simon Stephens that brings Mark Haddon’s internationally best-selling novel to “extraordinary” life (TIME Magazine).

In Providence, the CURIOUS INCIDENT cast will star Juilliard graduate Adam Langdon as Christopher, Gene Gillette (War Horse) as Ed, Felicity Jones Latta (Metamorphoses) as Judy, Maria Elena Ramirez (Fish in the Dark) as Siobhan, and Amelia White (The Heiress) as Mrs. Alexander. The ensemble includes Brian Robert Burns (War Horse), Francesca Choy-Kee (Disgraced), Josephine Hall (Les Liaisons Dangereuses), John Hemphill (School of Rock), Robyn Kerr (Dark Vanilla Jungle), Kathy McCafferty (Dada Woof Papa Hot), Tim McKiernan (War Horse), J. Paul Nicholas (Blood and Gifts), Geoffrey Wade (Translations), and Tim Wright (Curious Incident/Broadway). Benjamin Wheelwright (Curious Incident/Broadway) will play Christopher at certain performances.

THIS DAZZLING PRODUCTION LEAVES THE AUDIENCE FEELING INSPIRED AND HOPEFUL.

- Jennifer Farrar, AP

Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally brilliant but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads him to an earth-shattering discovery and on a journey that will transform his life forever.

Tanury – Second Vice Chairman; Ellen Barnes – Secretary; Lowell W. Kinch – Treasurer de Ramel, Richard E. DiChiaro, The Honorable Jorge O. Elorza (Ex-Officio), Thomas P. Fay, Gary E. Furtado, Ari Gabinet, S. Lavine, E. Robert Lupone, Paul A. MacDonald, Robin L. Main, Esq., Lori Merolla, Terrence P. Moran, George H. Nee, Ragosta, The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo (Ex-Officio), The Honorable Jack Reed (Ex-Officio), Thomas J. Rossi, David Salit, William A. White, William K. Wray Director Representatives: Theresa M. Agonia, Seth Klaiman, Raymond D. Simone

Adam Langdon as Christopher Boone and the touring production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Photo: Joan Marcus.

"Make

'Em Laugh, Make 'Em Laugh!":

PPAC ANNUAL GALA: SPEND THE NIGHT WITH BILLY CRYSTAL

Thursday, March 23 at 7:30P

Gala Tickets: $300 each and can be purchased by contacting Donna Santos at dsantos@ppacri.org

Non-Gala Tickets: $200 - $45

Tony® and Emmy Award®-winning comedian, actor, producer, writer, and director BILLY CRYSTAL comes to PPAC for the first time ever this March, where he will perform hs show "Spend the Night with Billy Crystal" as part of the 2017 PPAC Gala.

JOHN CLEESE & THE HOLY GRAIL

Saturday, January 14 at 7:30P

A limited number of VIP Tickets are available for $250; this includes a photo by a professional photographer, no autographs. All photos will be posted for downloading after the show.

All other tickets are $85 - $65.

Living comedy legend, JOHN CLEESE, is heading in your general direction for a live and truly unforgettable evening of conversation and audience Q&A this January. John will tell stories of his life and career and you just may finally find out the air-speed of an unladen swallow. Before John silly walks his way on to the stage, the excitement will build as the audience watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail in its entirety on the big screen.

SHEN YUN

Saturday, February 4 at 7:30P

Tickets: $120 - $70

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with an unforgettable event. Inspired spirit of ancient culture, Shen Yun Performing Arts brings to life classical dance and music in a gloriously colorful and exhilarating show. For one only, its masterful choreography and graceful routines will light up the gorgeously costumed dancers moving in stunning synchronized patterns. of-the-art backdrops conjure up celestial palaces and blossoming landscapes, while a live orchestra combines the best of Chinese and Western composition. breathtaking beauty of SHEN YUN is not to be missed.

ticket prices include a $3 per ticket restoration charge and are subject

Photo by Steve Schofield

Laugh!": Nights of Comedy at PPAC

The PPAC Gala is a fundraiser for the Theatre and is a black-tie optional event. Gala tickets include prime seating to Mr. Crystal's performance, a post-show party at PPAC, and parking. Gala tickets are tax-deductible to the extent provided by the law.

A stand-up comic turned television star, Mr. Crystal found fame as a movie funnyman with starring roles in blockbusters such as When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers, and Analyze This. He was much loved as the acclaimed nine-time host of the Academy Awards, an achievement topped only by Bob Hope, who hosted the Oscars 19 times. Also an award-winning author, Crystal's latest memoir, Still Foolin' 'Em: Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys? was an instant New York Times' best-seller.

LEWIS BLACK: THE RANT, WHITE & BLUE TOUR

Friday, February 3 at 8P

by the rich classical Chinese one show stage, with patterns. Statelandscapes, composition. The

to change without notice. Please visit www.ppacri.org for current prices. by autographs. downloading direction audience just silly audience will screen.

Tickets: $59.50 - $29.50

Providence’s favorite angry optimist, LEWIS BLACK, returns to PPAC. Black’s live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. He is the rare comic who has the ability to make an audience laugh themselves silly while making compelling observations on the absurdity of our world.

February 28 – March 19

Tickets start at $30; please call the Box Office at (401) 421-ARTS (2787) or visit www.ppacri.org for current prices.

Tickets are available for Disney’s THE LION KING but are going fast!

Disney’s THE LION KING triumphantly returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center for a limited, three-week engagement! Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director and costume designer Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. Ms. Taymor also co-designed the breathtaking masks and puppets in THE LION KING The show also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Awardwinning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.

/TheLionKingUSA // @thelionking ▪ #TheLionKing

Mukelisiwe

Goba as “Rafiki” in THE LION KING North American Tour. ©Disney.

Photo by Matthew Murphy.

SALUTE TO VIENNA: NEW YEAR’S CONCERT

Sunday, January 1 at 2P

Tickets: $150 - $59

With the Strauss Symphony of America featuring the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Bernhard Schneider, conductor (Vienna); Patricia Nessy, soprano (Vienna); and Adam Luther, tenor (Toronto). Featuring dancers from Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine & International Champion Ballroom Dancers.

More celebratory than a glass of champagne, SALUTE TO VIENNA: NEW YEAR’S CONCERT is a delight for the eyes and the ears. Welcome 2017 with this elegant concert—celebrating a two-year tradition in Providence! This New Year’s Day, a stunning new program featuring Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from operettas will be performed by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, acclaimed European singers, and ballet and ballroom dancers. Fall for the Blue Danube Waltz all over again!

VOCALOSITY

Wednesday, January 25 at 7:30P

Tickets: $55 - $29.50

VOCALOSITY is the all-new live concert event from the creative mind of artistic producer Deke Sharon (Pitch Perfect, The Sing-Off) that takes a cappella to a whole new level! This fast-paced production, directed and choreographed by original STOMP cast member Sean Curran, features an all-star ensemble of diverse young vocalists. The dozen vocalists sing some of today’s chart-topping hits in brand-new arrangements.

BILLY GILMAN LIVE IN CONCERT

Saturday, January 28 at 8P

A limited number of VIP Meet & Greet tickets are available for $75. All other tickets are $50 - $20.

Rhode Island native BILLY GILMAN released the hit single “One Voice,” when he was eleven years old in 2000. His debut album was certified double platinum in the United States, and he was included in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the youngest singer to ever reach #1 on the Billboard Top Country Album charts. Billy has burst back on to the music scene after finishing in second place on the recent season of NBC's The Voice. Welcome Billy home and celebrate all of his success during this special concert!

All ticket prices include a $3 per ticket facility fee and are subject to change without notice. Please visit www.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.

PPAC NEWS

PPAC CELEBRATES PARTNERS IN PHILANTHROPY

BRAVO, PPAC!

A PPAC ad showcasing the thirteen National Tours that have launched on the PPAC stage since 2008 was published in the December 6, 2016 issue of Variety. To see the ad in full, visit www.ppacri.org/about/variety

Photo: Stephanie Izzo

PPAC was pleased to honor and celebrate our Partners in Philanthropy, RI Hospitality Association's President/CEO Dale J. Venturini and MetLife at Twin River Casino for AFP National Philanthropy Day in November 2016. Congratulations!

Photo: James Zompa

2016 HOLIDAY SALE HIGHLIGHTS

PPAC and The VETS ushered in the Holiday Season during our Holiday Sale event on Saturday, December 3. Coastline Show Chorus serenaded guests in line with festive songs, Santa listened to everyone’s gift wish lists, and of course, guests won prizes.

PPAC thanks our retail and restaurant partners who contributed to our Enter to Win raffles. Guests won fantastic prizes from Sidney Thomas Jewelers, Samsonite, Build-A-Bear™, Providence Biltmore, Providence Ballet, and more! Congratulations to ALL of our winners!

Photos: Leah Fellman & Julianne Panico

L to R: Laura and Paul Gavin from MetLife, Tony DeFusco (MIT Lincoln Labs) and Dale Venturini from RIHA, and Alan Chille, Norbert Mongeon, J.L. "Lynn" Singleton, and Claudia Zompa from PPAC.

Thank you to our patrons who donated to Toys for Tots, in cooperation with WPRI, this Holiday Season. PPAC, WPRI, and Toys for Tots appreciate your kindness and generosity.

FROM BOOKS TO BROADWAY

Seventh and eighth graders from Fall River’s John J Doran Community School attended A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, thanks to the From Books to Broadway educational program. From Books to Broadway is sponsored by The Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation. Learn more about From Books to Broadway at www.ppacri.org/ outreach/books-to-broadway

Top photo: Paul Hiatt

Bottom photo: Julianne Panico

L to R: John Rapson (The D'Ysquith Family), Kristen Beth Williams (Sibella Hallward), and Kevin Massey (Monty Navarro) from the National Tour of A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder spoke with media members about being a part of the production and visiting Rhode Island.