North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

The North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (also NC Blumenthal Center and NCBPAC) is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It opened in 1992 and is named in honor of the people of the state of North Carolina and the Blumenthal Foundation established by I.D. Blumenthal who founded RSC Brands, the largest private donor to the capital campaign. The idea for the center dates back to the late 1970s. Momentum for the project grew in the 1980s resulting in a $15 million allocation from the state of North Carolina, approval of a $15 million bond by the citizens of Charlotte and an additional $32 million contributed by individuals, corporations and foundations. In 1987 the Belk Brothers donated a valuable piece of land as the site of the new theatre complex. Total construction cost for the Blumenthal Center was over $62 million.

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Architecture

The Blumenthal Center and the adjacent Founder's Hall and Bank of America corporate center were all designed by Caesar Pelli and Associates. Acoustical design was completed by acoustical consultant Kirkegaard Associates. Project management was provided by Theatrical Project Consultants (TPC). General contractor on the project was Becon Construction of Charlotte, NC.

Theaters

Although the Blumenthal Center as a company has six theaters under its management, the Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse, and Stage Door Theater are physically part of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The McGlohon Theatre and Duke Power Theatre are both contained in the Spirit Square facility. The Knight Theater is located within close proximity to the Center. The Blumenthal also presents shows at Ovens Auditorium.

Broadway Productions

The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center hosts Broadway productions through the Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series. The 2011/12 Duke Energy Broadway Lights series includes: Addams Family, West Side Story, Million Dollar Quartet, Memphis, Bring It On: The Musical, Come Fly Away, La Cage Aux Folles and Jersey Boys.

Economic Impact

Since opening its doors in 1992, 7.3 million people have attended an event, performance, activity or meeting at the Center & Spirit Square. The Center infused $52.25 million into the economy during the 2007-2008 season.

Resident Companies

NCBPAC is currently home to 6 different resident companies (between the Blumenthal Center complex and Spirit Square) whose goals include visual and performing arts as well as education.

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