Stanley Theater

The Stanley opened September 10, 1928 and has been the premier showplace for Central New York ever since.

Thomas Lamb, a prolific theater architect, designed this 2,945 seat movie palace for the Mastbaum chain of theaters. The theater was named for Stanley, one of the Mastbaum brothers.

The design of the theater is dubbed "Mexican baroque" because of its unique blend of styles. The terra cotta and tiled mosaic exterior shows the Mexican influence, while Hapsburg Lions, Indian faces, and a multitude of angels and putti (cherubs) grace the lavish baroque "gold-leaf" interior of the theater. The Moorish influence is apparent in the star-splashed ceiling and the twisted columns on each side of the stage. There is even an art-deco look to some of the drapery treatments in the organ boxes.

The Central New York Community Arts Council, Inc. purchased the Stanley in 1974. Over $5.5 million has been spent to date on its brilliant restoration.

Since its purchase, CNYCAC has upgraded all mechanical, electrical, and safety systems and is continuing to provide technical improvements to accommodate the many touring shows and artists that appear at the Stanley.

The seats have been restored and most of the interior has been refinished to its original condition. New carpeting has been installed that replicates the original pattern.

There are four major local presenters that use the Stanley: the Broadway Theatre League, which brings in touring Broadway shows;  the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute Great Artists Series which  features the best in opera, recital artists, and dance companies; the Utica Symphony Orchestra; and the Mohawk Valley Ballet.

Recent events at the Stanley include The Indigo Girls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever, Itzhak Perlman, The Canadian Brass, Judy Collins, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, The Spirit of the Dance, B.B. King, Trey Anastasio, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jerry Seinfeld.

The elegant Stanley lobbies are the site for many receptions and meetings throughout the year. It has also become a local tradition for wedding parties to have their photographs taken on the grand staircases in the lobby. (Legend has it that one staircase was designed to resemble the grand staircase on the Titanic ocean liner).

Every ticket sold to a Stanley event includes $2 to help  pay for the continued restoration of this magnificent showplace. Major funding has also come from the Natural Heritage Trust of the State of New York, the County of Oneida, the City of Utica and many private sources.

For event tickets, a tour, or information, call the Stanley ticket office at 724-4000.

The Central New York Community Arts Council, Inc. is a major arts service organization that serves Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties. One of its many programs is the Arts in Education Institute, which brings arts experiences to schoolchildren of all ages. For more information on CNYCAC programs, call 724-1113.

Please visit www.cnyarts.com for further information.