From Movie Palace to Broadway Stage: The Story of Providence's PPAC
The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) opened in 1928 as Loew’s State Theatre, one of many opulent movie palaces built by the Loews Theatres chain. Located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, the building was designed by the firm Rapp & Rapp, architects known for designing landmark theaters across the country. The opening drew over 14,000 people—more for the architecture than the film, Excess Baggage. With its marble columns, chandeliers, and detailed plasterwork, the theater was built to impress.
Over the years, the building operated under several names and purposes. From 1950 to 1972 it hosted concerts as Loew’s Theatre, and between 1972 and 1975 it was known as the Palace Concert Theater. During that period, it was a major stop for rock acts including Queen, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, and King Crimson—who recorded their song “Providence” live at the venue in 1974. The theater was nearly demolished in 1977, but a city-led effort—spearheaded by then-mayor Buddy Cianci—secured over $1 million in funding to save it.
Renamed the Ocean State Theatre in 1978, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 under its original name, Loew’s State Theatre. It continued to operate as a live performance venue and was renamed the Providence Performing Arts Center in 1982. By the late 1990s, the theater underwent a major restoration to return its interior to its original 1928 design and to expand its capabilities for larger productions.
Today, PPAC seats over 3,000 people and serves as one of New England’s premier venues for touring Broadway shows, concerts, and other large-scale performances. In 1996, it became a cornerstone of Providence’s Arts and Entertainment District, supporting downtown revitalization through tax incentives and cultural programming.
Matt Lambros RI Providence Apr 30, 2025 Arts History Theaters
Apr 30, 2025
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