Senate Resolution No. 537

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 95th Anniversary of the Capitol
Theatre in Rome, New York on December 10, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose
commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and
entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and
cultural enrichment of their communities and the great State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, it gives this Legislative Body great pleasure
to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Capitol Theatre, celebrated
with a series of history-related events throughout the year, culminating
with the 95th Anniversary show on Sunday, December 10, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The Capitol Theatre opened its doors for the first time on
Monday evening, December 10, 1928, as a joint venture by the M.E.
Commerford Amusement Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania and Kallet
Theaters, Inc., headquartered in Oneida, New York; the theater was
designed by Leon H. Lempert, Jr., and was the first building in the city
to be purpose-built as a movie house; and

WHEREAS, With Joseph Kallet as Managing Director of the theater,
Rome's first theatre with the ability to play the new sound movies
displayed their initial showing on their opening day, which included a
newsreel, two Vitaphone shorts, and the First National feature, "Lilac
Time," starring Colleen Moore and Gary Cooper, with accompanying music;
and

WHEREAS, Visitors attending the Capitol Theatre originally would
experience a Spanish-Moroccan themed interior with brown, gold, blues,
and reds, however in 1939, the Capitol Theatre received a modernistic
design which is preserved to this day with geometric shapes of yellow,
green, orange, red, gold, and silver hues decorating the historic
building and a 1,788 seat auditorium; and

WHEREAS, Though primarily made to be a movie house by the Kallets,
in 1929 the Capitol Theatre hosted its first celebrity act with the Art
Kahn's Orchestra performing on the Capitol stage; after that, many live
performances graced the theatre, such as the California Ramblers, Paul
Whiteman's Rhythm Boys, the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, Bill Haley & the
Comets' and others; and

WHEREAS, The Capitol Theatre closed its doors on May 28, 1974, but
was later revived in 1985 by a group of dedicated individuals who opened
the Capitol Civic Center as a not-for-profit corporation to preserve the
arts in Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, Today, there are over 100 performances per year at the
historic Capitol Theatre; the amazing establishment features live
theatrical performances of SummerStage, world famous bands, dance
programs, and classic silent and talking films; and


WHEREAS, The Capitol Arts Complex, a not-for-profit organization in
Rome, New York, provides the community with artistic and cultural events
of all spectrums; they host classic films at the Capitol Theatre,
independent and foreign films at Cinema Capitol, the Rising Stars acting
program for youth, SummerStage, and Capitolfest to strengthen Rome's
Downtown Arts District; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Capitol Theatre is in direct correlation
to the efforts of its leadership staff and supporters, whose involvement
is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the theatre and the population it serves; and

WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the
imagination; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations
which further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and
appreciation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, As the Capitol Theatre looks back with great pride to its
beginnings, viewing, with just satisfaction, its successful evolution,
it renews both its dedication to supporting artistic excellence, and its
commitment to the community it has served since 1928, expressing its
appreciation to all those who have helped to sustain and enhance it over
the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Capitol Theatre in Rome, New
York on December 10, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Art Pierce, Executive Director, Capitol Theatre.