Providence Performing Arts Center

1928-1950 - Loew’s State Theatre

 
1950 - 1972 - Loew's State Theatre
The Loew’s State opened its doors on October 6, 1928 as a premier picture palace of Rhode Island with a seating capacity is 3232. One of the main draws of the theater was not the films it showed, but its opulent design, created by The Rapp brothers. The Rapps (George and C.W.) were architects who made their name by designing beautiful movie houses, complete with chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, marble columns and detailed moldings on the walls. The theatre earned the distinction of being named to the National Register of Historic Places for its "period of significance" being the Golden Age of the movies, from 1925 to 1949. By the late 50’s and 60’s the theater saw more live concerts as a way to keep the doors open which is now known as “The Golden Age of Rock n Roll”.

1972 - 1975 - Palace Concert Theater
By 1972 The Loew’s State was turned into the Palace Concert Theater mainly for rock concerts. The building was starting to show its age and the rock audience did not help. The theater got run down with ceiling problems that leaked, too much smoking and abuse with little or no maintenance. On November 1, 1975 Tower of Power and Dr. John played the last show at the Palace.  The theater remained closed for a period of four years and there was even talk of demolishing the building. That aside, some of the best rock concerts were held at the Palace and we thank all the promoter’s that made it possible.
 

1979 - 1982 - Ocean State Theatre
The theater opened its doors again now as the Ocean State. It ran another four years under that name and more rock concerts still came to visit the theater. During this period a new addition was added.

The Wurlitzer Company built only three five-manual organs -- all of which are still playing today. The Opus 1587, with just 21 ranks, opened in Chicago's 3,980-seat Marbro Theatre in 1927. In the early '60s, it was reinstalled in Byron Carlson's Minneapolis, Minnesota home. It remained there until 1982, when he sold it to the Ocean State Theatre in Providence, Rhode Island, where it now is played frequently.



1982 - present - Providence Performing Arts Center
The Providence Performing Arts Center has undergone massive renovations throughout its history. With some of the early work done, the name was changed to the current PPAC in 1982. Renovations throughout the 1990s and early 2000s have allowed the theater to accommodate large Broadway productions as well as orchestra performances. Technology has been brought up-to-date over the years with the addition of air conditioning and heating systems, fire safety measures, LED marquees and flat screen television monitors. Updated seating and electrical wiring have been installed, while cosmetic renovations have recreated the original 1920s-era styling of the Rapp brothers. It now features primarily Broadway show series, as well as Philharmonic concerts and other events, including Bright Night Providence, RI's artist-run New Year's Eve Celebration.  For more pictures of the beautiful renovation work click here.

We ask your help to fill in the history of the theater with other concerts, tickets, ads, photos or recording that may exist. Please send us an email to info@rirock.net

CONCERT WE PRESENTLY KNOW ABOUT
 

1960 - 1972 - Loew's Theatre

1972 - 1975 - Palace Concert Theater

1976 - 1979 - Closed No Shows

1979 - 1982 - Ocean State Theatre

1983 - present - Providence Performing Arts Center