Given the slogan “Everyone’s Place” during a bond campaign in 1973, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center was designed by Minoru Yamasaki, architect of the former World Trade Center towers, and built with a combination of public and private funds. The Center opened its doors in March 1977 with much fanfare and a concert in Chapman Music Hall featuring the Tulsa Philharmonic and jazz great Ella Fitzgerald.
Fifteen local arts organizations perform regularly at the PAC. The Center houses an art trove of 76 pieces, including works by artists such as Alexandre Hogue, Wolf Kahn, Ernest Trova and Barbara Hepworth.
In years when the PAC hosts large touring shows, attendance is more than a quarter of a million people. With over $5 million in annual gross ticket sales for PAC events, the PAC contributes an estimated $15 million each year in economic impact. In 2011, 524 events took place at the PAC. Sales tax generated for the City of Tulsa is greater than $400,000 annually.
The 35th Anniversary activities will honor two members of the original PAC Trust: John H. Williams and Robert J. Fortune, and celebrate the Center’s association with its resident arts groups. Many have performed at the PAC since 1977. Among the regular clients of the PAC are Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Symphony, Tulsa Town Hall, Celebrity Attractions, Choregus Productions, Chamber Music Tulsa, Theatre Tulsa, American Theatre Co., Theatre Pops, Tulsa Children’s Museum, Theatre North, American Indian Theatre Co., The Playhouse Tulsa and Encore Theatre.
National show promoters frequently choose the PAC as a tour stop. Celebrities like Lyle Lovett, Anthony Bourdain, Michael Buble, Kelly Clarkson and The Cake Boss have appeared at the PAC in recent years.
The rollicking Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers, slated for March 17th at 8 p.m., will put everyone in a celebration mode. The event is part of Choregus Productions’ regular season. Ticket prices are $15, $23 and $30. The VIP ticket, which includes an onstage party after the show, is $75. Call 918-596-7111 for tickets or go to
tulsapac.com.
A photo and costume exhibit highlighting the PAC’s user groups will be displayed in the PAC’s Gallery throughout March. On the PAC’s actual anniversary date, March 19th, the public is invited behind the scenes. Participants will be taken on an expansive tour, including backstage areas. These free tours will depart on the hour, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from the PAC’s 3rd Street Lobby and last approximately 45 minutes.
Tulsa Performing Arts Center110 E. 2nd Street
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-7122 (administrative office)
918-596-7111 (ticket office)
tulsapac.com
