cbellamy@heraldsun.com; 419-6744
DURHAM -- A series of unexpected milestones and firsts marked the inaugural year of the Durham Performing Arts Center.
Since B.B. King and Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos played the first notes in the new center, DPAC, long considered a crucial element in the long-term revitalization of downtown Durham, has surpassed the expectations of the most partisan of Bull City boosters.
City officials had expected to earn $100,000 from the theater in the first year. In November, the city reported that it had earned $401,706 for the period ended June 30. Durham owns the facility but has a contract with Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management, which operates the theater.
Season ticket sales for the theater's Broadway series also exceeded expectations. Before DPAC opened, it had 6,000 season ticket holders. For the 2009-2010 season, DPAC recently reached 10,000 season ticket subscribers. Earlier this month, DPAC officially celebrated its 250,000th patron to walk through the doors.
Numerous shows sold out this season, including Bill Cosby, Robin Williams and Harry Connick Jr. (who will return in February to DPAC). Among the Broadway shows that will come to DPAC in 2010 are "Spring Awakening" and Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." (DPAC officials expect to announce the 2010-2011 Broadway series in March.) The American Dance Festival had its first season in the new theater.
Beyond numbers, DPAC's success is about something intangible. In a time of great economic uncertainty, people in 2009 still needed the solace that live performance that give, and were willing to pay the price of admission at DPAC.
