LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 85th Anniversary of The Stanley
Theatre

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay trib-
ute 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 85th Anniversary of The Stanley Theatre, to be cele-
brated at its "Roll Out the Red Carpet" 85th Anniversary Party on Satur-
day, November 2, 2013, and held at the historic theater in Utica, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The Stanley Theatre, now also known as The Stanley Center for
the Arts (SCA), is a regional arts service organization dedicated to
building a better way of living through the arts in Oneida, Herkimer and
Madison counties; and
WHEREAS, The historic Stanley Theatre opened on September 10, 1928,
with a showing of the silent film "Ramona," starring Dolores del Rio;
constructed in just 13 months, it was designed by famous architect
Thomas Lamb, considered one of the foremost designers of theaters and
cinemas in the 20th century, and is one of only three remaining Lamb
theaters; and
WHEREAS, The Stanley Theatre was initially created as a movie house,
and was purchased three days before its opening by Warner Brothers,
which was eager to showcase its films on as many screens as possible;
however, the theater quickly began to feature live events as well; and
WHEREAS, Notable early performers included legendary singers Marian
Anderson, Ezio Pinza, Lily Pons, Jeanette MacDonald, and Gene Autry; and
WHEREAS, The Stanley Theatre was the sole theater to survive Utica's
urban renewal efforts in the 1960s and 1970s; after a period of neglect,
this majestic edifice was acquired by the Central New York Community
Council, a local non-profit that not only saved the theater, but trans-
formed it; and
WHEREAS, Steered by this committed organization, The Stanley Theatre
has seen all of its mechanical, electrical, and safety systems upgraded;
in addition, in 2006, it underwent a dramatic expansion project, which
involved the construction of a much larger stage to accommodate large
Broadway-style touring, a new two-story addition, modern dressing rooms,
a digital marquee, and restoring of the interior decor; and
WHEREAS, This magnificent renovation also included the installation of
the world's largest LED free-hanging chandelier, created and donated by
a local manufacturer to match the grandeur of The Stanley Theatre's
historic interior; and
WHEREAS, Today, the glorious Stanley Theatre is host to shows
presented by the Broadway Theatre League of Utica, Munson Williams Proc-
tor Great Artists Series, the Utica Symphony Orchestra, Mohawk Valley
Ballet and Players of Utica, and others; legendary performers, including
James Taylor, Peter Gabriel, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, The Moody Blues
and Jerry Seinfeld have also graced this celebrated theater's stage; and
WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the imagina-
tion; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations which
further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and appreci-
ation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New York;
and

WHEREAS, As The Stanley 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 85th Anniversary of The Stanley Theatre; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Stanley Theatre.