The Stanley Theatre

The Stanley Theater in Utica continues to impress as quite the architectural feat. In 1925, Thomas Lamb erected one of the most impressive entertainment spaces in all of New York. It seats nearly 3,000 people and received its name after Stanley Mastbaum for whom the wondrous building was designed. The Stanley Theater stands proud as one of several New York venues put in place by Lamb, who is responsible for 300+ theaters worldwide, including Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse and The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

Warner Brothers bought the theater from Stanley Mastbaum and his Stanley Mark-Strand Corporation in its early days to show Hollywood films until the early 1970s. In 1974, Stanley Theater Restoration Association put up the necessary funds to save the building and continue the legacy. After multimillion dollar renovations the theater hosted live concerts, Broadway shows, musicals and momentous ceremonies like graduations and weddings. In 1976, Stanley Theater found itself on the National Registry of Historic Places

Magnifique 

This wondrous space consistently impresses anyone lucky enough to partake in its’ entertainment. Lamb drew from Mexican baroque influences which can be witnessed via star splashed ceilings, gold leaf designs, terra cotta and tiled mosaic. Within the entryway lies a grand staircase nearly identical to the one from the movie, ‘Titanic.’ To top it off, the Stanley Theater plays host to one of the largest freestanding chandeliers in the world. 

With how the foreground and background blend so marvelously – what could go wrong during a Stanley Theater viewing experience? Many have claimed wrongdoing has occurred by way of paranormal activity. Some say they felt icy cold blasts, heard weeping in the women’s restroom and received jolts as if somebody attempted to remove them from their seat.

Legends Never Die

We would expect nothing less than rumors of this nature when it comes to something so incredibly breathtaking. Much like any legendary figure, storylines swirl in all different directions to keep sparking intrigue. Citizens may grow weary of the stories, but the stories certainly make them aware of the legendary theater as well.

Recently, those responsible for the upkeep of Stanley Theater have attempted to band together with other historic theaters to secure state funding. With historic architectural and incredibly lavish settings come high operating costs and historic functions. Thus, two dollars from every ticket purchase goes to the continual restoration of this magnificent venue. 

Certainly, this cultural landmark serves as a sight for sore eyes. Combine the settings with incredible performers like BB King, Aretha Franklin or Trey Anastasio Band, and you are in for quite the treat. Recently, acts like Jerry Seinfeld and Tony Bennett graced the Stanley stage. For all that is theatrical, this New York author and all of New York State remain mere mortals in the everlasting presence of Stanley Theater.

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