Noteworthy

DPAC welcomes 500,000th patron

The Durham Performing Arts Center welcomed its 500,000 patron last Saturday during the opening performance of the Elton John musical "Billy Elliot."

Posted 2010-11-05T13:59:03+00:00 - Updated 2010-11-05T15:37:43+00:00

Thorne Daubenspeck, with the Durham Performing Arts Center and child actors Kylend Hetherington, Michael Damesk and Daniel Russell (left to right) congratulate Shana and Brian Odle, of Raleigh, for becoming the 500,000th plus one guests to visit the DPAC. (Photo courtesy of DPAC)

The Durham Performing Arts Center welcomed its 500,000 patron last Saturday during the opening performance of the Elton John musical "Billy Elliot."

The DPAC reached the half-million mark less than two years after opening as the largest performing arts center in North Carolina and South Carolina.

"It's exciting to see how warmly the entire region has embraced DPAC," General Manager Bob Klaus said in a statement. "Whether it's Broadway, concerts, comedy or family shows, the variety on our schedule truly offers something for everyone."

Brian and Shana Odle, of Raleigh, set the new record when they entered the DPAC at 1:40 p.m. Sunday. They were greeted by the three actors who play the title character of "Billy Elliot." They gave the couple a prize package, autographed programs and posed for pictures.

The Odles also won opening-night tickets to the rest of the SunTrust Broadway Series shows.

"The most important part of this celebration is that it gives us the chance to send our thanks out to all of the 500,000 guests that have helped make us one of America's great new entertainment theaters," Klaus said.