BY MIKE MORAN
After 87 years as the longest-running arts presenter in the area, The Palace ”” in downtown Stamford ”” continues to offer the best in entertainment: performances by legends such as Jerry Seinfeld, Diana Ross, Steve Martin and Jeff Dunham make it easy for local residents to see world-class artists right here in Stamford. What”™s more, by offering reduced rent, The Palace makes it possible for distinguished local arts organizations like The Stamford Symphony, Connecticut Ballet, Stamford Young Artist Philharmonic, Ballet School of Stamford and Lumina String Quartet to perform on our beautiful stage.
Last year, The Palace more than doubled the number of shows versus the previous year. This year, thanks to a second performance space, UpStage at The Palace ”” with its café tables and stocked bar ”” the number of shows is expected to increase 120 percent, bringing stand-up comedy, jazz, kids”™ shows and indie rock music. This activity adds to both the area”™s quality of life and economic vitality.
The Palace goes beyond entertainment, with arts education playing a huge part: The Triple-Threat Performer Intensive provides training in dance, music and drama. The Young Choreographers Festival gives dancers the rare opportunity to create original pieces and see them performed on a professional stage. The Young Playwrights Festival helps students cultivate individual self-expression while improving literacy skills through script writing.
Last November, BT McNicholl came on aboard as our new producing artistic director. BT has been on the creative team of a dozen Broadway shows, including “Spamalot,” “Cabaret” and “Billy Elliot.”
In addition, there are two exciting major capital projects underway: a new roof over the auditorium and new seating on the orchestra level, which will be removable to allow for exciting alternative programming in summer 2015 ”” festival artists and rock bands for young people who want to stand and dance. There”™s a lot to be excited about at The Palace ”” for us, but especially for our patrons!
Mike Moran is executive director of The Palace Theatre, a member of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
