Honor Stanley Theatre Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 221 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 90th 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 90th Anniversary of The Stanley Theatre in Utica, New York; and WHEREAS, Originally built to be a movie palace, The Stanley Theatre opened on September 10, 1928, with the silent movie "Ramona" starring Dolores del Rio; and WHEREAS, Constructed in just 13 months with 2,963 seats, The Stanley Theatre was designed and dubbed of Mexican-Baroque style by famous architect Thomas Lamb, who is considered one of the foremost designers of theatres and cinemas in the 20th century; and WHEREAS, The Stanley Theatre survived the urban renewal effort in the 1960s and 1970s when all other theatres in Utica's Theatre District were being razed; the theatre remained operational, but by 1974 it became apparent the building suffered from neglect; and WHEREAS, When the threat of destruction became very real, The Central New York Community Arts Council, a local nonprofit organization, acquired the property and saved The Stanley Theatre; and WHEREAS, Since its purchase, the Council has upgraded all mechanical, electrical and safety systems, and continues to make technical improvements to accommodate the many touring shows which perform at this renowned institution; and WHEREAS, In 2007, The Stanley Theatre closed its doors and underwent a $20 million expansion project, including the construction of a much larger stage to accommodate large Broadway-style touring productions, as well as a new two-story addition with a state-of-the-art loading dock, modern dressing rooms, and a digital marquee; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, one of the more spectacular changes from the renovation was the addition of a new chandelier; created and donated by Meyda Lighting, a local manufacturer, this breathtaking light fixture is the world's largest LED free-hanging chandelier; 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 90 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 90th 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.