Senate Resolution No. 1498 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 95th 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 95th Anniversary of The Stanley Theatre in Utica, New York, to be celebrated at a 1920s-themed anniversary party on October 5, 2023; and WHEREAS, The anniversary party for The Stanley Theatre will feature music by The Fabulous Mojos, hors d'oeuvre food stations, basket raffles provided by local businesses, and other festivities to celebrate this auspicious occasion; and WHEREAS, For nearly a century, The Stanley Theatre has brought the Utica community together with live concerts, Broadway shows, musicals, ballets, movies, graduation ceremonies and recitals; today, The Stanley Theatre operates as a not-for-profit organization run by the Central New York Community Arts Council; and WHEREAS, Opening to the public on September 10, 1928, The Stanley Theatre was designed by Thomas Lamb, a renowned theatre architect, for the Mastbaum chain of theatres; the 2,963-seat theatre was named after one of the Mastbaum brothers, Stanley; and WHEREAS, Originally built as a movie theatre, the "Mexican baroque" inspired theatre blends unique styles with a terra cotta and tiled mosaic exterior, and Hapsburg Lions, the faces of indigenous peoples, and a beautiful collection of cherubs gracing the "gold-leaf" interior; the seats and most of the interior have been refurnished recently to its original condition; and WHEREAS, The Stanley Theatre was purchased by the Central New York Community Arts Council, Inc. in 1974 and since then, over $5.5 million has been spent on its magnificent restoration; all mechanical, electrical, and safety systems are continuously upgraded to accommodate the many touring shows; and WHEREAS, There are four major local presenters that use the Stanley: the Broadway Theatre League; the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute Great Artists Series; the Utica Symphony Orchestra; and the Mohawk Valley Ballet; and WHEREAS, Remaining a staple for the arts in the community, recent events at The Stanley Theatre include Indigo Girls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever, Itzhak Perlman, Canadian Brass, Judy Collins, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Spirit of the Dance, B.B. King, Trey Anastasio, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jerry Seinfeld; and WHEREAS, Serving many purposes, the elegant Stanley Theatre lobbies hold receptions and meetings throughout the year and the Theatre has also become a local tradition for wedding parties to have their photographs taken on the grand staircases in the lobby, said to be inspired by the Titanic; 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 95 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 95th 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.