Senate Resolution No. 611

BY: Senator ORTT

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Historic Palace Theatre in the City of Lockport, New
York, on May 1, 2021

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose
commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and
entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and
cultural enrichment of their communities and 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 100th Anniversary of the Historic Palace Theatre in the
City of Lockport, New York, on Saturday, May 1, 2021; and

WHEREAS, The Palace Theatre is owned and operated by Historic Palace
Theatre Inc., a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to
maintaining the historic and architectural integrity of this Western New
York landmark while providing a venue for the performing arts and a
center for arts education; and

WHEREAS, Built not for the aristocracy, but for all the people,
construction of the Palace Theatre began 100 years ago, in 1921; and

WHEREAS, The Palace Theatre opened its doors for the first time on
July 18, 1925, under Lock City Theatre Company President A. Edmund Lee,
successfully extending Broadway into Lockport, New York, and to the
people of Niagara; and

WHEREAS, With a goal to bring this magnificent building back to its
1920s glory, renovations on the Historic Palace Theatre entitled, "Act
II: A Grand Restoration," began in 2018, with the outer lobby, box
office and will-call area, as well as the restoration of all interior
paint and plaster to prepare for further decorative painting; and

WHEREAS, Phase two of the theatre's makeover focused on the inner
lobby, concession stand, bar and merchandise area, and in restoring the
impressive murals and intricate designs within the auditorium; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, backstage rigging upgrades were made to
enhance production quality and bring new shows to the stage; new seats
were added to beautify the theater and improve audience comfort, the
orchestra pit was expanded, and upgrades were made to theatrical and
interior lighting, as well as to both the sound and HVAC systems; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous direction of Executive Director
Christopher Parada, this extraordinary cultural institution serves as
the premier entertainment center in Western New York, the hub of
Lockport, and a true beacon for the arts which are so vital to the
community and the lives of its residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills
local pride, draws people together, and is essential to a community's
vitality; since its inception, the Palace Theatre has greatly
contributed to the richness of New York's cultural palette and remains
steadfastly dedicated to ensuring this gem remains in all its glory for
decades to come; and

WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the
imagination; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations
which further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and
appreciation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, As the Historic Palace Theatre in the City of Lockport
looks back with great pride to its beginnings, viewing, with just
satisfaction, its successful evolution, it renews both its dedication to
supporting artistic excellence, and its commitment to the community it
has been built within beginning in 1921 and has served since 1925,
expressing its appreciation to all those who have helped to sustain and
enhance it over the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Historic Palace Theatre in the
City of Lockport, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Christopher Parada, Executive Director, Palace Theatre,
Lockport, New York.