Hidden PVD

PPAC's Hallowed Halls

Look back on the shows – and big names – who have graced PPAC's stage

Providence Monthly Magazine ·

Backstage at PPAC the walls are a Technicolor dream of familiar logos and scribbled autographs. Since a production of Annie in 2001, touring companies have left their mark on the venerable theatre.

“Each show picks a couple of artists and they’ll design [something] to the show’s taste,” explains PPAC’s Marketing Projects Specialist Caitlyn DiPompo. The artists incorporate characters, logos and props from the shows – think creepy castle
candle holders for Young Frankenstein or a fuzzy puppet pelt for Avenue Q. Our favorite was a collage made from production stills for Wicked.

Look closely and you’ll find the names of past, present and future stars of the stage – Anthony Rapp, one of the original cast members of Rent; American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis; The Producers and Young Frankenstein director Susan Stroman. Even elder statesmen of Alternative Nation, like Beck and Eddie Vedder, have slapped a tour sticker and a signature on the ever-expanding wall of fame.

“Sometimes when the shows come back they’ll do a new one,” explains Caitlyn, though some, like Wicked, just keep adding signatures. The King and I, which opens in November and will be the 13th national touring show to launch from PPAC, will be the latest to add to the wall. As far as mementos go, it sure beats our stack of old Playbills. 220 Weybosset Street, 421-2787, PPACRI.org