Senate Resolution No. 1498

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 95th Anniversary of The Stanley
Theatre in Utica, New York

WHEREAS, Theatrical institutions, and the many social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of their neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those artistic landmarks which have brought outstanding
entertainment and cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State
of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of The Stanley Theatre in Utica, New
York, to be celebrated at a 1920s-themed anniversary party on October 5,
2023; and

WHEREAS, The anniversary party for The Stanley Theatre will feature
music by The Fabulous Mojos, hors d'oeuvre food stations, basket raffles
provided by local businesses, and other festivities to celebrate this
auspicious occasion; and

WHEREAS, For nearly a century, The Stanley Theatre has brought the
Utica community together with live concerts, Broadway shows, musicals,
ballets, movies, graduation ceremonies and recitals; today, The Stanley
Theatre operates as a not-for-profit organization run by the Central New
York Community Arts Council; and

WHEREAS, Opening to the public on September 10, 1928, The Stanley
Theatre was designed by Thomas Lamb, a renowned theatre architect, for
the Mastbaum chain of theatres; the 2,963-seat theatre was named after
one of the Mastbaum brothers, Stanley; and

WHEREAS, Originally built as a movie theatre, the "Mexican baroque"
inspired theatre blends unique styles with a terra cotta and tiled
mosaic exterior, and Hapsburg Lions, the faces of indigenous peoples,
and a beautiful collection of cherubs gracing the "gold-leaf" interior;
the seats and most of the interior have been refurnished recently to its
original condition; and

WHEREAS, The Stanley Theatre was purchased by the Central New York
Community Arts Council, Inc. in 1974 and since then, over $5.5 million
has been spent on its magnificent restoration; all mechanical,
electrical, and safety systems are continuously upgraded to accommodate
the many touring shows; and

WHEREAS, There are four major local presenters that use the Stanley:
the Broadway Theatre League; the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute
Great Artists Series; the Utica Symphony Orchestra; and the Mohawk
Valley Ballet; and

WHEREAS, Remaining a staple for the arts in the community, recent
events at The Stanley Theatre include Indigo Girls, Jesus Christ
Superstar, Saturday Night Fever, Itzhak Perlman, Canadian Brass, Judy
Collins, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Spirit of the Dance, B.B. King,
Trey Anastasio, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jerry
Seinfeld; and

WHEREAS, Serving many purposes, the elegant Stanley Theatre lobbies
hold receptions and meetings throughout the year and the Theatre has
also become a local tradition for wedding parties to have their
photographs taken on the grand staircases in the lobby, said to be
inspired by the Titanic; and

WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills
local pride, draws people together, and is essential to a community's
vitality; over the past 95 years, The Stanley Theatre has greatly
contributed to the richness of New York's cultural palette; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when artistic
societies of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of The Stanley Theatre in Utica, New
York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Stanley Theatre, Utica, New York.