After Cranston’s Park Cinema closed its doors back in 2002, there has been discussion, debate and speculation on what the facility would become. Those questions will be answered later this month when the historic cinema reopens as the Rhode Island Center for Performing Arts (RICPA).

“We wanted to build on the Park Cinema history and fond memories to expand our ‘brand’ and image to become a regional one,” said Jack Nicholson, media consultant for the project.

His hope is that the new facility will attract the attention of national performers as well as up and coming talent and locally produced events.

With 1,200 seats to fill, Nicholson is working on establishing the theater’s calendar for late 2009 and 2010. Next year, he is aiming to present five or six theatrical attractions.

“With possible shows being ‘My Fair Lady,’ ‘Always Patsy Cline,’ A Judy Garland Tribute, the mystery ‘Gaslight’ and ‘It's A Wonderful Life,’ among others,” said Nicholson, already dreaming up the facility’s future.

Annually, film screenings and major sports events are on the table as well.

As the cinema nears its completion, construction delays have been an issue, and led to pushing back the initially scheduled Las Vegas-produced “Rat Pack” and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, which was slated to take the stage on Oct. 30 and 31, and on Nov. 6.

“With the postponement of those two shows and using caution until completion of the theater, the first activity will be a private reception on Friday, Oct. 23 and a Public Open House on Saturday, Oct. 24,” said Nicholson. “Once we get to that point we hope to have more shows lined up.”

Project coordinators feel confident that the current timeline is realistic, and plan to have the public ushered in, in time for the holiday season. On Nov. 18, Cranston film producers will premiere their movie, “Lumberjacking,” and by Dec. 19, local artists will get their chance at the cinema in the Artists’ Exchange Christmas Show.

News of the final stages of completion comes soon after other ribbon cuttings within the Park Avenue complex. The Park Café held its opening night on Aug. 2, and is next door to the 848 Lounge, which has a capacity of 180 people and doubles as a meeting place and banquet hall.

With development cropping up continuously, the complex will offer valet parking in addition to the 400-space parking lot across the street behind City Hall.

Piyush Patel, the primary developer and owner, has worked alongside Providence attorney Paul Plourde to complete the $10 million project. No taxpayer or public money was used to complete the project, although Nicholson and his team have attempted to maintain a sense of history in the complex. “Remember the Park” T-shirts are available for sale.

"It may take a while, but we want to put the city of Cranston, the former Park Theater, our new complex and the immediate region on as big a stage as possible,” Nicholson said. “From what we are hearing, it sounds like a lot of people are excited about what's finally happening.”