Dolly Parton to Perform at PPAC's Annual Gala

On August 5, J.L. "Lynn" Singleton, President of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), announced that the Annual PPAC Gala will be on November 1, 2008, at 7:30 p.m., with special guest Dolly Parton.  

"For the first time ever at PPAC, the star of this year's Annual Gala will be the most honored female country performer of all time, Dolly Parton," said Singleton in a press release.  "We are so fortunate to have this legendary entertainer helping us celebrate the theatre's 80th anniversary," Singleton continued.

The black-tie preferred post-performance reception will include live music and hors d'oeuvres and dessert stations from some of the finest restaurants in Rhode Island, amid the spectacular atmosphere of the beautifully restored Grand Lobby.

Parton is currently adapting 9 to 5 into a Broadway show, opening at the Marquis Theatre in April 2009. The book for 9 to 5 is by Patricia Resnick, who is the movie's co-author. Joe Mantello will direct with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler.

In the adaptation, Allison Janney will star as super efficient office manager Violet Newstead, who joins her fellow co-workers frazzled divorcee Judy Bernly, to be played by Stephanie J. Block, and sexy executive secretary Doralee Rhodes, played by Megan Hilty. The threesome turn the tables on their boss, the "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot" Franklin Hart Jr., played by Marc Kudisch.

Tickets to An Evening with Dolly Parton will go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on August 14, 2008 online at ppacri.org, at the Box Office window, and by phone at (401) 421-ARTS.  

Ticket prices for the performance range from $68-128.  Tickets can be purchased during summer Box Office hours, which are Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; after September 2, Box Office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Gala tickets (which include a ticket to the concert plus the post-performance reception) may be purchased from Donna Santos in the Box Office via email at dsantos@ppacri.org, or by calling (401) 421-ARTS.