Providence Place Mall Gets a New Movie Theater Operator
GoLocalProv Business Team
Providence Place Mall Gets a New Movie Theater Operator
The court-appointed receiver of Providence Place on Thursday filed a petition in Rhode Island Superior Court seeking approval to enter into a new lease agreement with Apple Cinemas to operate the movie theater at Providence Place.
“This represents an important step forward for Providence Place and its future,” said W. Mark Russo, Permanent Receiver for the property. “We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with Apple Cinemas—an experienced and growing regional operator—and we’re confident this will bring new energy and an enhanced movie-going experience to the mall.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSivakumar Shanmugasundaram is the Co-Founder of Apple Cinemas, the Seekonk-based company. It also operates a theater in Warwick.
As GoLocal reported last month, Showcase, a subsidiary of National Amusements Inc., has been the vendor for the malls' movie theaters for more than two decades, and announced it was leaving.
It has notified the receiver of Providence Place that it will not renew its lease, which is set to expire at the end of January 2026.
“We are confident that the cinema space will continue to provide a first-class entertainment and movie option for our patrons. As details develop, we will follow up,” said Russo, the receiver for Providence, in an email to GoLocal in September.
Russo did not respond to questions about the potential loss of revenue for the mall.
New Deal
The new proposed lease with Apple Cinemas is subject to court approval, ensuring the continuation of movie screenings and entertainment offerings at Providence Place. Pending that approval, Apple Cinemas anticipates beginning operations at the theater on November 1, 2025.
“This is part of our broader effort to position Providence Place for long-term success by taking advantage of opportunities that add appeal and value for visitors, other tenants, and the community,” Russo added.
“Visitors can expect an upgraded movie-going experience as Apple Cinemas prepares to bring its signature format to the new Providence location. Representatives of Apple Cinemas have expressed enthusiasm about bringing their theater experience to Providence Place, with additional details to be shared following court approval,” claims the press release issued by the receiver.