Broadway in PVD has been quieter than usual for the last eight months — the historic Columbus Theatre has been undergoing renovations including new seating, touched up artwork and mold remediation. Right before the renovations, the theatre changed hands; for 60 years, Jon Berberian and his family were stewards of the historic space and kept it going through depressions, recessions, changing trends and a dramatically changing cityscape. Now, it is part of a family of venues run by Cory Brailsford and David Fiorillo, Including Black Duck Tavern and the Comedy Connection in East Providence. “We are ready to welcome audiences back to a space that honors its century-old legacy while stepping boldly into the future,” says Brailsford.
Since last October, Brailsford and Fiorillo have poured their energy into transforming the nearly 100-year-old venue. The results: new lobby bars on both floors, a comprehensive interior refresh, a state-of-the-art roof, modernized electrical and plumbing systems, gleaming restrooms, advanced air conditioning, a cutting-edge sound booth, a painstakingly restored ceiling, and plush new seating throughout the main theater’s first floor. As an added nostalgic touch, the original balcony seats, lovingly restored to their 1920s glory will also be available.
“It’s been an incredible journey to bring the Uptown Theater back to life,” shares David Fiorillo. “We’ve blended the best of the old and new, creating a space where every guest can feel the magic of live entertainment in a setting that’s both timeless and modern.”
Final touches currently underway include new carpeting, lighting, exterior work, and the completion of the smaller upstairs theater, promising an intimate secondary space for additional events and programming.
With the end of renovations in sight, a slate of relaunch events has been announced. The opening concert doesn’t have a firm date yet, but it will be a “Soundcheck LIVE” concert featuring bands Northeast Traffic, Jetty, and Z Boys.
They have, however, committed to a date for events as early as mid-August. And clearly, the comedy-powerhouse DNA from the Comedy Connection will be in evidence in some of the selected shows! Here’s the line-up as announced so far.
- Kevin Nealon – August 14 (Tickets on sale today at uptownpvd.com)
- Ace Frehley – September 5 (Tickets on sale soon)
- moe. – September 6 (Tickets on sale June 27th at 10 am)
- Anthony Rodia – October 12 (Tickets on sale June 27th at 10 am)
- Dan Soder – October 24 (Tickets on sale soon)
Deer Tick, a Columbus Theatre tradition of the first order, has also announced a Special New Year’s Eve Show.
The new Uptown will also pay homage to the theater’s 100 year legacy by launching a “Golden Pass Giveaway” raffle, and a Century Club that will provide members with bonus show tickets, discounts and more fun side perks.
“This lineup is a great reflection of the entertainment diversity we plan to offer,” notes Brailsford. “Our vision is to provide Rhode Island with a premier destination for music lovers, film and comedy fans alike.”
