The Inaugural Season at The Perelman Performing Arts Center in NYC | Mike Bloomberg

Anytime there's a new venue in the city, a new area of town to create artistic community, it's special, it's different. It was my first time writing work for the stage. This trial by fire was a blessing, it was a beautiful gift. I felt very honored to be part of the first season here at the Perelman Performing Arts Center. In the brief span of a year, this institution has become a destination. The Perelman Performing Arts Center is unique for its three flexible theater spaces that can change their configuration, their size, and even combine with one another. This feat of engineering allows artists to tailor the shape of the space to the needs of their show. I personally went through 9-11 and seeing this very site rebuilt speaks volumes of the commitment to support our creative artists. Everything has been so intentional and beautifully curated and representative of the diversity of this city. A lot of theaters, you're not able to build a runway. We actually have a runway here. Then you have the cabaret seats, so you were able to interact with the audiences. It was just great. What we were able to achieve with our production of The Jellicle Ball was a comprehensive display of humanity. No one left feeling excluded. What's extraordinary about the first year of the Perelman is that it proves that art, community, and popularity can all coexist. It's really a multifaceted venue. There's a restaurant, there's a gathering space, there's a lobby for performers, and of course there are three theaters. But it's also a venue that other businesses can use to host events. It's great to have a space to congregate. I love the versatility that the PAC offers in terms of its programming. We have historically had our conferences and our anniversary parties more towards Midtown, and this is the first time we've really truly been downtown, and it was a real success. Thanks to so many extraordinary artists, generous supporters, members of the community, and partners from the public and private sectors who helped make it all possible. I hope that Perelman will continue to provide for the needs for people to come together, to create, to share. This place is so relevant. I think that the possibilities are endless, and that's exciting. I wish the Perelman really well to continue that unique mix of joy and art and investigation to our city. So PAC, happy first birthday, and looking forward to a great next season. Shout out to the Perelman Performing Arts Center. Thank you for building this institution. I found an ally in the PAC. We can't wait to see how the next act unfolds.