LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Welcome to the Providence Performing Arts Center’s 2011/2012 Broadway season. We have an incredible schedule of shows for you this season including ROCK OF AGES, LES MISÉRABLES, and MARY POPPINS. We invite you to celebrate with us after the performance of MARY POPPINS at our Annual Gala on Saturday, February 18, 2012, so save the date! With the generous support of our loyal patrons, donors, underwriters, and sponsors, PPAC has made tremendous advances in completing major facility projects that increase the comfort and enhance the Theatre experience of our patrons. Some of these projects include the renovation of the Box Office, Lobby Lounge improvements, recessed concession stands which creates more floor space for patrons, and the installation of new LED screens in the Lobby and Arcade. All of these projects, and others like them, are possible thanks to your valuable support. Our Community Outreach Initiative continues to provide free or low-cost programs to individuals who would otherwise be unable to experience the magic of live theatre. We gratefully acknowledge the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the City of Providence for supporting these programs. We thank Textron for over 11 years of support of our ARTS Scholarship Program, which awards 25 scholarships to underprivileged students statewide. To date, over 375 scholarships have been awarded to Rhode Island students, making it possible for them to attend summer arts programs.
Stoico/FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation, each year 10 scholarships are offered to children who would otherwise be unable to afford Camp tuition. The Robert F. Stoico/FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation also sponsors From Books to Broadway – an educational partnership between PPAC and Rhode Island schools, which is designed to expose students to the magic of Broadway performances with a chance to “meet and greet” cast members. PPAC’s Arts Showcase, made possible in part by Bank of America’s ongoing sponsorship, brings Rhode Island middle school students, teachers, and artists together and personifies the true spirit of a community arts program. Each year, approximately 10,000 middle school students attend live performances of dance, music, or theatre at PPAC during regular school hours, creating a lasting educational experience that goes beyond the walls of a classroom. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I whole-heartedly thank you for your patronage and support of our presentations and programs. Your attendance and support is vital to PPAC. Please visit our website at www.ppacri.org if you are interested in more information about supporting the Theatre. I look forward to seeing you for another exciting year at PPAC!
Joseph W. Walsh, Esq. Chairman, Board of Trustees
Our free spring and fall Wurlitzer Concert Series is still as popular as ever, with a record turnout last season. This concert series is enjoyed by a wide range of attendees and is only possible thanks to the support of our Annual Fund donors. Camp Broadway® is a week-long theatre arts education and audience development program which connects professional artists with young people ages 10-17 who are interested in the performing arts. In partnership with the Robert F.
We invite you to become a
PPAC donor,
Joseph Walsh & J.L. “Lynn” Singleton photos by Shane Photography Cover photo credits (from top left): Scene from CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE; Scene from LES MISÉRABLES, Photo by Deen van Meer; SHREK THE MUSICAL, Photo by: Jason Bell; Scene from MARY POPPINS, Photo courtesy of ©Disney/CML; Scene from BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, Photo by Greg Mooney; Scene from THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Photo by Jeremy Daniel; Scene from DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL, Photo by PAPARAZZIBYAPPOINTMENT.COM; Scene from COME FLY AWAY, Original Broadway Cast © Joan Marcus; Scene from BURN THE FLOOR.