PPAC To Remain Closed Until January 2021

PROVIDENCE, RI — Providence Performing Arts Center has again delayed its planned reopening date after it was closed by the coronavirus pandemic. Theater management announced the 2021 season lineup Wednesday, saying the season is expected to begin in January.

Several shows had to be canceled after Gov. Gina Raimondo strictly limited gathering sizes and order nonessential businesses and entertainment venues to close at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in Rhode Island.

Several shows from this year's season have been rescheduled to later dates. Dear Evan Hansen, originally slated for May 26 through 31, will now be performed Oct. 19 to 21, 2021. Tickets are on sale now. Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band, meanwhile, has been rescheduled to July 13, 2021. Theresa Caputo Live! has been canceled.

Jesus Christ Superstar was scheduled to arrive in Providence in March and was rescheduled to September. No official announcement has been made at this time, but the rescheduled performance is unlikely considering the new reopening timeline.

"The safety and well-being of our audiences and staff eclipse all other concerns — nothing is more important to us," PPAC CEO J.L. Singleton wrote in a message to patrons. "In addition to following state and national pandemic guidance, we are taking a very cautious and measured approach to the reopening of PPAC, which is now slated for January 2021."

The current 2021 season lineup is as follows.

Broadway series

• The Prom: Jan.23-29
• Oklahoma!: March 2-7
• Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations: March 30-April 4
• Summer: The Donna Summer Musical: April 6-11
• My Fair Lady: April 20-25
• Mean Girls: June 15-20

Encore series

• RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour: Feb. 12-14
• An Officer and a Gentleman: April 16-18

Broadway specials

• Riverdance 25th Anniversary Tour: spring 2021 (date to be announced)
• Dear Evan Hansen: Oct. 19-24
• Jersey Boys: spring 2021 (date to be announced)