SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

GIVE THE GIFT OF THE PERFORMING ARTS!

As the longest running arts presenter in the area’s history, The Palace Theatre has been a beacon for the best in live entertainment since 1927. 

Almost every night of the week there’s something exciting happening here. Our dedicated fans enjoy mega-watt stars like Jay Leno and Jeff Dunham and hit shows like Earth, Wind and Fire and STOMP.

The Palace brings live new music to Stamford with Showcase 61, a hit series that showcases up-and-coming music artists in our hip UpStage space. 

Playtime at the Palace, a popular Sunday afternoon series for families, returns this winter with 10 lively, interactive shows. Plus, the Connecticut Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker, coming up next weekend, is a longstanding holiday tradition at the Palace!

We are a large, multi-faceted theatre but did you know we are also a not-for-profit organization? Box office receipts only cover a fraction of what it costs to keep our doors open. 

Generous contributions from our audience and patrons make up the rest of the resources we need to bring you outstanding live entertainment.

YOUR donation is also a gift for aspiring young artists who rely on The Palace to provide them with TRANSFORMATIVE educational programs and performance opportunities that aren’t available in most public schools.

 

The Palace provides children from low-income families the chance to attend world-class entertainment on our stage through organized trips.

For five years we have awarded an Emerging Young Artist Scholarship to ensure the next generations of artists have the opportunity succeed. 


Our mission is to be the premier regional arts destination for exciting entertainment that also enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic and social life of our community.


We can’t do it without YOU! 

As you make your holiday list this year and check it twice, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to The Palace Theatre. We've made it very easy. All you need is your phone: text PALACE to 27722 to give $10 today!

Thank you for your support!

“DANCEFEST” RETURNS IN JANUARY TO THE PALACE THEATRE

Annual Festival of Professional Master Classes for Young Dancers Culminates with Public Performance on Sunday, January 18

Each year in winter, The Palace Theatre showcases some of Fairfield and Westchester Counties’ most committed and promising young dancers on its stage. DanceFest 2015, a Student Festival Performance of original choreography, will take place on Sunday, January 18th at 6 p.m. Leading up to this special night, DanceFest takes over The Palace for two weekends, from January 10 through January 18, for a series of master classes taught by world-renowned professionals. Tickets for DanceFest 2015 are now on sale now.

Now celebrating its 13th anniversary, The Palace’s annual performing arts festival is designed for intermediate and advanced dance students ages 10 through 18 who regularly train at several dance schools in the area. They participate in master classes taught by outstanding professionals in the dance world in six disciplines: ballet, tap, modern, hip hop/jazz/funk, contemporary and musical theater. School directors, teachers and parents are invited to observe the classes at no charge.

Master Class teachers this year include: Guillermo Asca, Kristin Sudeikis, Jermaine Browne, Daniel Ulbricht, Luis Salgado, and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards. (Bios are below.)

Participating schools in DanceFest 2015 include*:

Fairfield County, CT: Ballet School of Stamford; Bonafide Dance Company (Norwalk); Center Stage Dance Studio (Stamford); Darien Arts Center-Dance; Finelines Theatre Arts Studio (New Milford); Greenwich Dance Studio; Locust Performing Arts Center (Stamford); Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County (Bridgeport); Performing Arts Center of Connecticut (Trumbull); and Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance;

Westchester County, NY: City Center Dance (White Plains); Coleman School of Dance (New Rochelle); Dance Nyaad (Bedford Hills); East Pointe Dance (Rye Brook); Magical Movements School of Dance (Harrison); Monroe Dance Academy; New York Dance (Harrison); The Pulse Performing Arts Studio (Bedford Hills).

You can read about DanceFest 2014 (last year) in The Stamford Advocate here. 

*Media is welcome to attend master classes and performance.

MASTER CLASS SCHEDULE (weekend of January 10):

Saturday, Jan 10:
Modern: 9:30-11:00am (10-13yrs.); 11:15-12:45pm (Int./Adv., ages 14-18yrs.)
Musical Theatre: 1:00-2:00pm (ages 10-11yrs.); 2:15-3:45pm (Int., ages 12-15yrs.); 4:00-5:30pm (Adv., ages 14-18yrs.)
Tap: 5:45-7:15pm (ages 10-13yrs.); 7:30-9:00pm (Int./Adv., ages 14-18yrs.)

Sunday, Jan 11:
Ballet: 9:30-10:30am (ages 10-11yrs); 10:45-12:15pm (Int., ages 12-15yrs.); 12:30-2:00pm (Adv., ages 14-18yrs.)
Contemporary: 2:15-3:45pm (ages 10-13yrs.); 4:00-5:30pm (Int/Adv., ages 14-18yrs.)
Hip-Hop/Jazz/Funk: 5:45-7:15pm (ages 10-13yrs.); 7:30-9:00pm (Int/Adv., ages 14-18yrs.)

MASTER CLASS TEACHERS:

Modern: Guillermo Asca
Performer, Alvin Ailey American Dance Company, Ailey ll, Director, Ailey/Fordham Student Dancers & Ailey Student Performance Group/Ailey Certificate Program Advisor/Faculty Ailey School

Contemporary: Kristin Sudeikis
Choreographer/Artistic Director & Dancer for TV, Film and Stage/Choreographer for NBC’s hit “30 Rock”, featured dancer for Mariah Carey, guest appearances on “The View”, “Good Morning America” & “The Today Show”

Hip-Hop/Jazz/Funk: Jermaine Browne
Performer/Teacher/Model/Video Choreographer for Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and J.Lo. EuropeanFashion Shows/ Victoria Secret/MTV Music Awards

Ballet: Daniel Ulbricht
Principal dancer, NYCB, Artistic Advisor of Manhattan Youth Ballet and Associate Artistic Director of New York State Summer School for the Arts in Saratoga Springs, Founder and Director of “Daniel Ulbricht and Friends”, a touring group focusing on high art, education and outreach.

Musical Theatre: Luis Salgado
Dancer/Actor/Teacher/Director/Choreographer, Latin Assistant Choreographer “In The Heights”, B’dwy shows include The Mambo Kings, Fame on 42nd Street, Aida, Rocky and American Dance Machine

Tap: Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards
Performer, Choreographer, Instructor) is known for setting high standards in the world of Tap Dance. Tap coach to the king of pop Michael Jackson over the course of 11 years, she received a Bessie Award for her featured performance in Jason Samuels Smith & Company at the Joyce, and an Astaire Award for Best Female Performer for her featured performance in Broadway’s After Midnight.

ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer and Director – Carol Bryan

Production Director – Randy Thomas

Production Stage Manager – Lori Rosecrans Wekselblatt

Stage Manager – Dan Stahl

Lighting Designer – Scott Borowka

For more information, please contact Carol Bryan at 203-517-3431 or cbryan@scalive.org

The Palace Announces 6th Annual Emerging Young Artist Scholarship Category; Expands Applications to Westchester County

Deadline for applications has been extended to March 23, 2015.

Last month, we announced the category for our 6th annual Emerging Young Artists Scholarship Award: Playwriting. Tiered scholarships, for which the grand prize is $2,000, will be awarded to Fairfield and Westchester County high school students in grades 9 through 12 for their writing of an original 15-minute, one act play. Works written by these finalists will be professionally produced this spring in our theatre, performed by professional actors. Scholarships will be awarded at our annual gala in May.

According to Americans for the Arts, a national membership and arts advocacy organization, researchers from University of Pennsylvania have shown that a high concentration of arts in cities leads to high civic engagement, more social cohesion, higher child welfare, and lower poverty rates. “A vibrant arts community ensures that young people are not left to be raised solely in a pop culture and tabloid marketplace.”

For several years, The Palace Theatre has been investing in Stamford’s cultural relevance by nurturing its community of aspiring young performers. We uphold are mission to foster an understanding and lifelong appreciation for the arts in young people by offering them intensive education programs in theatre arts: singing, dancing, instrumental music, choreography, acting and playwrighting.

In Stamford Magazine’s most recent issue, 2 students who have participated in our programs, Ashish Ramachandran (Brunswick School) and Matt Sperrazza (Trinity Catholic High School) were profiled in “Generation Next,” a feature story about the magazine’s “Top Ten Teens to Watch.”
A third student, Aaron Bantum (Westhill High School), recently starred in Morgan Freeman’s upcoming film, Last Vegas, and continues to participate in our programs.

The category for these scholarship awards in 2014 was original music composition; in 2013 and 2012, vocals; in 2011 an 2010, instrumental music (jazz piano and violin).

These awards are just a part of the year-round arts education program we offer at 61 Atlantic Street for young adults in our community. Coming up, on Monday, December 15, our Young Playwrights Festival will present “Script to Stage,” a live, staged reading of an original 15-minute one-act play written by 12 students from two local high schools over a 10-week workshop. Last month, we hosted our 4th annual Young Choreographers Festival.

Subscribe to Us on YouTube

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Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? Stay updated with all things happening at The Palace this season and get the first look at new uploads.

Next up on our roster - Mannheim Steamroller at The Palace:

Plus, don’t forget - anything you can IMAGINE, we can create! Contact us about our NEW “IMAGINE Events” Happening on the Stage @ The Palace Theatre:


The Palace has been a beacon for the best in arts and entertainment in downtown Stamford since 1927 – music, comedy, dance, theatre. We always have something for everyone! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and add us to your circles on Google+!   

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis Thursday, December 11th

PalaceStamford.org 

Enjoy NYC-Caliber Entertainment close to home! Great for all generations, come celebrate the season with modern sound along with dazzling multi-media effects for a stunning visual and audio experience. 

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Christmas Tour and the release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album that revolutionized the Holiday Season music category. Songs will include holiday fan favorites along with selections from creator Chip Davis’ iconic Fresh Aire series and recordings by his daughter, Elyse.

Tickets are on sale NOW for $115, $85, $75, $50 (plus per-ticket fees). Visit our website for more information » 

The Palace has been a beacon for the best in arts and entertainment in downtown Stamford since 1927 – music, comedy, dance, theatre. We always have something for everyone! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and add us to your circles on Google+!    

The Palace Gears Up for a Festive and Giving Holiday Season

The sudden arctic chill aside, it’s hard to believe that another holiday season is again upon us.

Classic film fans and audiences nostalgic for Christmas traditions shouldn’t miss WVL Theater’s live "broadcast" of Frank Capra’s iconic holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life, at The Palace on Wednesday, December 3. This classic American twist on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is brought to life in front of a studio audience in the style of a live 1940’s radio broadcast. Four actors play all of the characters and, just like in the medium's golden age, produce the sound effects. We invite you to let your imagination build the scene and “see” the story anew.

The uniquely sensational sounds of Mannheim Steamroller rock the stage on Thursday, December 11, when the band makes a stop at The Palace on its 30th Anniversary Christmas Tour. In celebration of this milestone event, the show will include Christmas favorites alongside selections from creator Chip Davis’ unforgettable Fresh Aire series and newer recordings by his daughter, Elyse.

For more than 10 years, we have been the seasonal home to two of Fairfield County’s cultural treasures: the Connecticut Ballet and the Stamford Symphony.

For one night only, on Saturday, December 6, the NY Virtuoso Singers will join the Stamford Symphony at the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist to perform Handel's Messiah Parts I & II. The Palace is presenting this non-subscriber event at a special price of $50 per ticket. The Connecticut Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Brett Raphael’s celebrated production, returns to The Palace for four performances on Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21 (including two matinees).

 

Remember Those Most in Need

Of course the best part of the holidays is giving! While you’re making your list and checking it twice, please be sure to remember members of our community who are most in need. As a sponsor of 95.9 the Fox’s Food Drive and a supporter of the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Inc., The Palace will be a collection site for non-perishable food. Please be sure to drop off your donations at our 61 Atlantic Street venue before November 25.

 

New Prix Fixe Restaurant Deals De-Stress The Holidays

Stamford’s restaurants are collaborating with The Palace Theatre to provide a sophisticated night on the town that won’t break the bank. Eateries that are mostly within walking distance from our Atlantic Street location are offering 3-course prix fixe specials that end in time for an 8 o’clock curtain. The scenario is win-win for all: Downtown businesses benefit from the targeted cross-promotion and arts patrons in our region can enjoy world-class entertainment closer to home, preceded by a great meal. All before midnight!

The only caveat to this amazing offer is we recommend you make reservations now, as these restaurants are popular and fill up quickly:

Six of the city’s established restaurants are participating: Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar, Bar Rosso, Capriccio Cafe, The Fez, F.I.S.H. Restaurant & Bar and Quattro Pazzi, each of which will be providing an exclusive $30 prix fixe menu for two people from 5:30 to 7:30 pm (not including tax, tip or alcohol.)

Young Playwrights Convene at The Palace on December 15

Intensive Arts-In-Education Program Encourages Students 

to Explore Creative Expression

The 2014 class of young playwrights, with guest teaching artist, Mathilde Dratwa. Photo by Lisa Barlow.

For at least four years, The Palace Theatre has served Stamford’s community of aspiring young artists as a sponsor and host of arts-in-education programs for kids, such as the Triple Threat Performer Intensive and the Young Choreographers Festival that was recently held at our venue. On Monday, December 15 at 7pm, our Young Playwrights Festival will present “Script to Stage,” a live, staged reading of an original 15-minute one-act play written by 12 students from two local high schools. 

The title of the play is "Glass Shards," written in collaboration by 12 young women who started the process with ensemble-building activities and journal writing.  After several drafts and revisions, the young women settled on a story of friendship despite the odds, and of the struggle for human connection even in difficult moments. They wrote every word, from the title to the last period. In the process, they learned about goals, obstacles, tactics and conflict as pillars of dramatic writing.

Jasmeen Lucero (L) and Marily Caicedo (R) rehearse "Glass Shards." Photo by Lisa Barlow.

“Script to Stage” is the culmination of 10 weekly sessions held this year at The Palace led by guest guest teaching artist, Mathilde Dratwa (New Victory Theatre, Roundabout Theatre). Once signed up, 9th through 12th grade students in the ALTA (Aspiring Leadership Through Action) program at Stamford High School and Westhill High School met every Saturday to collaborate on writing a play, deciding whether their work will be in English, Spanish or both, and if it should be a comedy, drama or musical.

The vision for the Young Playwrights Festival is to create a holistic environment that empowers the lives of these young performing artists by cultivating individual self-expression and nurturing their creativity and inner talents. During their time at The Palace with our visiting artist, students learned acting techniques to help them convey their stories. Literacy skills, diction, and self-esteem were also improved by reading written materials aloud for peer review. A free online program was used to introduce basic procedures of formatting a script.

At the end of the program, during which attendance each week is mandatory, students learned through discipline to observe and explore. High school students from our neighborhoods found and developed their own unique and personal creative voice. Join us on December 15 at The Palace to help these talented kids and their families celebrate their achievements.

The Young Playwrights Festival is made possible through a generous grant from Pitney Bowes. We'd also like to thank the Stamford Board of Education: Mike Meyer, Beryl Williams, Juan Pazmino and Douglas Fetchin, for giving us their students from the ALTA program.

NYC-Style Dining and Theater, Right Here in Downtown Stamford

The Palace and Local Restaurants Partner to Provide Patrons with Pre-Theater Dinner Deals

Stamford’s restaurants are collaborating with The Palace Theatre to provide a sophisticated night on the town that won’t break the bank. Eateries that are mostly within walking distance from our Atlantic Street location are offering 3-course prix fixe specials that end in time for an 8 o’clock curtain. The scenario is win-win for all: Downtown businesses benefit from the targeted cross-promotion and arts patrons in our region can enjoy world-class entertainment closer to home, preceded by a great meal. All before midnight!

At launch, six of the city’s established restaurants are participating: Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar, Bar Rosso, Capriccio Cafe, The Fez, F.I.S.H. Restaurant & Bar and Quattro Pazzi, each of which will be providing an exclusive $30 prix fixe menu for two people from 5:30 to 7:30 pm (not including tax, tip or alcohol.)

The “tasteful” initiative is part of our continued efforts to be an accessible entertainment destination that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic and social life of the region. Live theater, music, dance, comedy performances and community events are on the marquee almost every night of the week. With a Palace ticket stub, patrons pay only $3 at the Landmark Square Garage, across the street. To complement our new restaurant promotion, we provide valet parking to further ensure a less hectic, more relaxing evening at the theatre.

As part of our community outreach, The Palace serves as a host venue for special programs and events that are open to the public. In September, Sacred Heart University’s first annual Film & Television Masters Program (FTMA) Film Festival was held here, including a showcase of films made by the program’s inaugural class. In October, we co-hosted “Moving On,” a musical event for breast cancer survivors, their families and friends, with Stamford Hospital’s renowned Bennett Cancer Center.

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias Plays Stamford December 4 in "Unity Through Laughter" World Tour

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With a unique and animated comedy style, that fluffy guy Gabriel Iglesias returns to The Palace Thursday, December 4th at 8pm! 

Gabriel has been described as a witty, electrifying and talented performer, who has the ability to consistently deliver a uniquely hilarious comedy show experience. His mixture of storytelling, parody, characters and sound effects has made him popular among fans of all ages. 

Tickets are on sale NOW ranging from $47 to $230 for a VIP Meet and Greet Package. For more information on ticket prices, view our website here »

The Palace has been a beacon for the best in arts and entertainment in downtown Stamford since 1927 – music, comedy, dance, theatre. We always have something for everyone! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and add us to your circles on Google+!   

Stamford Symphony Performances This Weekend!

 

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The Stamford Symphony presents performances of Tchaikovsky, Sibelius & Tan Dun, featuring Ilya Kaler on violin, LIVE at The Palace on November 15 and 16.

If you have kids 18 and under joining you on Sunday, they’ll get in FREE with an accompanying adult. Unfortunately free tickets are not available online, so please call 203.325.4466 to reserve your ticket.  Kids ages 7-12 are invited to a FREE interactive MusiKids program on Sundays at 2pm, where our talented music educator will present an interactive, informative preview to the concert.

When: Saturday, November 15th @ 8p and Sunday, November 16th @ 3p. For more information view our website here. 
 
The Palace has been a beacon for the best in arts and entertainment in downtown Stamford since 1927 – music, comedy, dance, theatre. We always have something for everyone! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and add us to your circles on Google+!   

From WVL Radio Theatre, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

 

PalaceStamford.org

The classic, American Christmas story brought to life, before your eyes and ears. Performed as a live 1940’s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience (you!), four actors play all of the characters and, just like in the golden age of radio, produce the sound effects. Let your imagination build the scene and “see” the story anew with this nostalgic and spirit-lifting tale.

Performances are Wednesday, December 3rd at 2pm or 8pm at UPSTAGE at The Palace. Buy tickets here.

The Palace has been a beacon for the best in arts and entertainment in downtown Stamford since 1927 – music, comedy, dance, theatre. We always have something for everyone! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and add us to your circles on Google+!     

Don’t Miss the 4th Annual Young Choreographers Festival - This weekend!

 

PalaceStamford.org

Looking to see some local dance talent? Join us Sunday, November 9th at 5pm for an evening of dance at the 4th Annual Young Choreographers Festival, “Voices & Visions.”

Through styles of Classical and Contemporary Ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop, Tap, Ethnic and Theatre Dance, aspiring, young choreographers will be able to present their original work to the general public, dance community, and family right here on the HARMAN stage.

The choreographers are between the ages of 13-18 years old and study dance at their schools and/or dance schools in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. They were involved in all aspects of the festival: choreography, auditioning dancers, choosing music, costumes, lighting and staging.

Our Young Choreographers Festival is one of our popular arts education programs, come see the different types of work from young dancers of various backgrounds and training!

For more information, please visit out website: http://bit.ly/1EoZtuC

Live Show Tonight at Showcase 61 - NOLA Night with High & Mighty Brass Band - FREE ADMISSION!

 

PalaceStamford.org

There’s a reason that music legends such as Dr. John, Rebirth Brass Band and Trombone Shorty have chosen to share the stage with the High and Mighty Brass Band (HMBB). With members from New Orleans, NYC and a host of other cities across the globe, this dynamic group has the unique ability to combine classic New Orleans Funk and R&B with more modern Afro-Beat and Hip Hop influences.

Offering both fiercely entertaining and refreshingly inspiring performances, the band is sure to connect with each and every audience member. Just one show will make it clear why HMBB! is a “party in progress!”

Join us for NOLA Night, Thursday, November 6th at 8pm, featuring the High and Mighty Brass Band - admission: FREE!

The Palace has been a beacon for the best in arts and entertainment in downtown Stamford since 1927 – music, comedy, dance, theatre. We always have something for everyone! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and add us to your circles on Google+! 

Warren Miller's 2014 Film, "No Turning Back" -- Two Screenings on Saturday, November 22

 

PalaceStamford.org

Since he began creating films in 1949, before skis had edges and mountains had condos, adventure cinema legend Warren Miller has known that, for skiers and riders, there’s no need to look back. We must continuously drive to keep our edge and chase the snow. His latest film, “No Turning Back,” pays homage to the 65 years of mountain culture and filmmaking that has taken Miller around the world. The Palace Theatre welcomes the oncoming winter season with a one-night-only, double screening event on November 22. 

Saturday, November 22nd at 6p or 9p. Tickets are $23.  
For more information, please visit our website. 

The Palace has been a beacon for the best in arts and entertainment in downtown Stamford since 1927 – music, comedy, dance, theatre. We always have something for everyone! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and add us to your circles on Google+!    

Jazz Vocal Sensations, The Four Freshmen, Take the Stage on November 21

 

PalaceStamford.org

Performing a vocal harmony like no other - The Four Freshmen have strongly influenced many groups over the years and continue to fascinate audiences worldwide. Currently in their 22nd incarnation, their longevity proves they are doing it right!

Today’s Four Freshmen ensemble is considered by many to be the greatest jazz vocal group of all time - and they will be performing live, here, at the Palace! These performers not only preserve The Freshmen sound, they enhance it with their youth, vitality and talent, giving new treatments to the Great American Songbook.

 

Performance is at 8pm. Tickets are on sale NOW for $65 or $55 (plus per ticket fees). 


The Palace has been a beacon for the best in arts and entertainment in downtown Stamford since 1927 – music, comedy, dance, theatre. We always have something for everyone! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and add us to your circles on Google+!   

The Palace Theatre & Community Partners Co-Host Special "Paint the Town Pink" Concert for Survivors, Friends and Family

This week, at The Palace Theatre, nearly 100 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends were honored at an intimate evening of live music and celebration. “Moving On” at The Palace marked the wind-up of a month-long calendar of social and educational events steered by Stamford Hospital’s renowned Bennett Cancer Center.

Dr. & Mrs. Frank Massino ~ Medical Director the Bennett Cancer Center.
Bob Cappazzo Photography. 

Several community partners collaborated on the success of the evening: City Limits Diner, David’s Soundview Catering and Café Oo La La who all donated delicious foods; Tito’s Handmade Vodka, who created an exclusive “Hot Pink” Martini and Bob Cappazzo Photography, a native from Stamford, who donated his time and services to capture the evening’s upbeat atmosphere. 

Artist, Jane Ubell-Meyer, with Pilar Garces. 
Bob Cappazzo Photography.

Liz Manfredo, Pam Curtis & Lourdes Blansfield. 
Bob Cappazzo Photography

Frank Mastrone & Allegra Themmon-Pigott.  
Bob Cappazzo Photography.

Broadway veteran Frank Mastrone performed both classic and contemporary hits with pianist and composer, Patti Preiss-Harris and classical guitarist, Annalisa Ewald, both who shared their narratives and journeys with breast cancer. Surprise guests included Patti’s Saxophonist-husband, Bill Harris. Joining Mastrone on some selections was local soprano, Allegra Themmen-Pigott.



The Palace, a non-profit theater, proudly hosted the “Moving On” event by providing their new UpStage performing arts venue to host the event along with offering complimentary tickets to cancer survivors and a reduced price for families and friends. The well-attended concert was open to the general public.

The Palace Theatre and Institute of Rock Music Partner to Provide A Local Downtown Venue for Young Musicians

Organizations Co-Host Open House for Students and Families on November 8

Teen band, Front Row

For 10 years, Crescendo Productions’ Institute of Rock Music has been providing instruction for aspiring young musicians by experienced, versatile and classically trained professionals. Its collaboration with The Palace Theatre began this year, when students culminated their training with live, professional performances as part of the Theatre’s Showcase 61 concert series. To mark an expanded partnership in which The Palace will provide a facility for the Institute’s ongoing programs, the two organizations will co-host their first Open House for potential students and their families.

The fun, music-filled event will be held at The Palace Theatre on Saturday, November 8, from 12 noon to 4:00 pm, and will include live music performances by local teen bands, Birdwalk, Front Row and Surge. Free snacks and giveaways will be on-hand for guests, and the Institute will hold a raffle for one month of free lessons.

“We are very excited to be taking our partnership with The Palace to the next level,” says Institute of Rock Music’s Director, Byl Cote. “Playing in a professional venue provides invaluable real-life experience for students as they hone their skills and learn to create, perform and record their own music.”

Rosarii Falvey, a trained pianist, music educator and founder of Crescendo Productions, opened the Institute of Rock Music in 2004. The students, on reaching a standard of proficiency demanded by the Institute, progress to play with a band where they would continue their musical studies but also perform with other like-minded students, thus developing team and listening skills as well as performing classic rock and contemporary music. In September 2014, together with the Stanwich School, Falvey developed a musical program for Pre-K and Kindergarten students in which children are introduced to rhythm and beat, musical notation, distinction and understanding of simple instruments from all over the world.

In its new Palace Theatre home, The Institute of Rock Music will be a year-round educational music facility that teaches kids how to play songs by their favorite artists and shows them how to analyze the songwriting of successful musicians and learn from the various techniques used to write, perform and record their own original compositions.

Showcase 61 first kicked off in Spring 2014 with a run of incredible performers entertaining sold-out crowds. Showcase 61, a true “listening experience” for all ages and audiences, recreates a New York club setting, featuring contemporary music artists in a relaxed atmosphere with café tables, waitress service, craft beers and local food offerings.

Diego el Cigala November 11th

 

PalaceStamford.org

Don’t miss Diego el Cigala, “The Sinatra of Flamenco,” LIVE at the Palace Tuesday, November 11th at 7:30pm.

This three-time Grammy winner has captivated audiences all over the world. His collaborations with world-renowned Latin American artists have earned him a reputation for seamlessly melding the rhythms and melodies of his Spanish Gitano heritage with styles ranging from bolero to tango, and Afro-Caribbean Jazz.

His newest recording, 2013’s Romance de la luna Tucuman, earned him a third Grammy (his second for Best Tango), providing a fresh take on the Argentinean tango tradition. 

Tickets are on sale now: $175, $73, $53, 43, $27  (plus per-ticket fees)

The Palace is your go to place for live music in Fairfield County and has been a beacon for the best in arts and entertainment in downtown Stamford since 1927 – music, comedy, dance, theatre. We always have something for everyone! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and add us to your circles on Google+! 

The Palace Theatre Supports Sacred Heart University's 1st Graduate Class of Film Students

Historic Performing Arts Center Joins Forces with Stamford Venues to Showcase City’s Only Graduate Film and Television Program

The Palace Theatre’s Sackler Gallery was sparkling last month with the creative energy of young filmmakers, when students of Sacred Heart University’s new Film & Television Masters Program (FTMA) convened with established filmmakers and scholars for a celebration of the cinematic arts. A highlight of the first-annual “FTMA Film Festival” was a showcase held at The Palace of films made by the program’s inaugural class. The four-day event, held from September 25 to September 28, kicked off the fall semester of the FTMA’s second year.
 
The Palace collaborated with Stamford’s community of presenters to provide the perfect campus for Fairfield County’s very own film festival. As co-sponsors, The Palace, The Avon Theater and the Stamford Innovation Center hosted a variety of screenings, master classes, workshops and parties. According to Justin Liberman, Visiting Professor and Festival Director, Sacred Heart University’s first annual FTMA Film Festival was “a huge success!” 160 people attended the opening night awards gala, where screenwriter and Fairfield County native Anthony Tambakis (Warrior) was honored. He is currently adapting the 1961 novel and film, The Hustler, for Broadway.

Anthony Tambakis with his mother, Marina.

Sacred Heart’s FTMA program is the first and only one in the state. Guest speakers and lecturers at the festival included: Allen Coulter (director, Boardwalk Empire, Sopranos, Sex and the City, House of Cards, Sons of Anarchy), Emily Wachtel (screenwriter, Lucky Them), Sacred Heart University Professor Sidney Gottlieb (editor, Hitchcock on Hitchcock), and Tambakis. A 30th-anniversary screening of Milos Forman’s multiple Oscar winning film, Amadeus, at the Stamford Innovation Center concluded the festival, with the film’s producer, Michael Hausman (Gangs of New York, Brokeback Mountain) and star, Tom Hulce, in attendance.

"Lucky Them" screenwriter, Emily Wachtel

A total of 20 graduate student awards were distributed for 18 films that were made regionally, including: Best Picture (Tiffani Brooke, Attitude in Motion, NY), Best Director (Antonio Esposito, The Clearing, CT), Best Screenplay (Louis Bower, Jim & Emma, NY), and Best Producer (Alicia Bozzone, SH, CT). These students are now submitting their films to festivals worldwide.

Sacred Heart University's FTMA Graduate Student Filmmakers

The FTMA Film Festival was open to the public and approximately 120 people attended each night, including Stamford Mayor, David Martin.

As part of its sponsorship of Sacred Heart University’s FTMA program, The Palace Theatre provided opportunities for students to gain hands-on production experience. Participating students, including Tiffani Brooke, Best Director award winner at this year’s festival, were paid a stipend to film “UpStage at The Palace” performances, including Showcase 61 (indie music), Laughtrax (improvisational comedy), and Playtime at The Palace (family entertainment).

The Palace Theatre is no stranger to cinema. The longest-running arts presenter in Stamford history, The Palace was originally established in 1927 (built in 1893) as a movie theater and vaudeville house, when the WWI comedy, Rookies, was shown on what is still the largest screen in the city. Today, the renovated and restored Palace Theatre boasts state-of-the-art AV capabilities, including a Harmon sound system and the ability for rear projection.

The original Palace marquee, c. 1927