Palace Theatre

John Eberson's Palace Theatre in Albany was built in 1931 and has approximately 2700 seats. The style is palatial. In 2002-3, Conrad Schmitt Studios investigated and restored the historic decorative finishes, conserved the murals and supplied new fabric and draperies inspired by the originals.

This was originally an RKO Theatre. The historic murals were painted by Andrew Karoly and Jules Zartol and conserved by Conrad Schmitt Studios.

The garish Palace signage and the marquee have been removed. As a result the theatre entrance looks a lot less tacky.

http://www.palacealbany.com/

Palace unveils 2004 season
1/27/2004 11:39 AM
By: Capital News 9 web staff

The Palace Theatre has a new look and a new schedule for 2004.

In a news conference Tuesday morning, Palace officials and Mayor Jerry Jennings talked about the upcoming concert series, as well as some of the renovations done on the historic theatre.

Next month, a new marquee on the front of the building will be unveiled, replicating the original marquee that adorned the structure many years ago.

Some of the acts featured for the new season are Jewel, The Indigo Girls, David Sanborn, Joan Rivers, Tracy Morgan and more.

http://www.palacealbany.com

This theatre was built and financed by Simon H. Fabian, whose Fabian Circuit was affiliated with Stanley-Warner. But before opening, Fabian leased the theatre to RKO, which was then eager to expand its circuit beyond the old vaudeville houses inherited from Keith-Albee, Orpheum and Proctor's. Due to Depression conditions, the Palace soon dropped its movie/vaudeville policy for movies only. In 1949, when RKO started to divest some of its theatres to comply with the Federal anti-trust suit against it, the Palace was returned to the Fabian ownership, which operated it until closure in September, 1969. Shortly thereafter, the family of S.H. Fabian sold the Palace for $90,000 to the City of Albany for use as a civic auditorium. In 1979, the Palace was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Great theatre with a well designed website. The clickable cross section and seating plan views are a great feature. That place is huge. Even seats in the corner of the upper most balcony seem to have a good view. Doesn't look like they reinstalled projection equipment to have any film events which is unfortunate. If only other cities would take care of their Cinema Treasures like Albany.

Is there anything worse than receiving a "Someone just reponded to your comment!" message and finding that it was sent by "Michael," whose mentality seems to be that of a moron?

Is the Palace Theater owned by the City of Albany or is it privately owned?

Were the colors of the original fabric and painted walls more brilliant at one time?

I just picked up a beautiful color Post Card of the theatre. The Marquee has "SILENCE" listed as the movie showing, starring Clive Brook and Peg(gy) Shannon. "The Years Most Exciting Mystery". That year is 1931, the year the theatre opened. I also found a nice article at
http://www.albanyny.org/history_palace_theatre.asp

Does anybody know anything about the 2005 Movie Series that their website is advertising at the top of their webpage?

Regarding this theater's timeline as a concert venue, Hot Tuna performed here on 11/9/77.

This summer will mark the return of movies to the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Albany, NY. When final installation of the new projection and sound equipment is complete the Palace will feature the largest screen in the Region and more importantly an amazing sound and visual presentation system. From a programming perspective, the Palace will be paying homage to the independent movie houses of old. The selections will include a mix of classics, family friendly fare and contemporary films. Efforts are being made to have at least one notable “traveling film festival” make a stop in 2006. Also in the works is to honor the Theatres history as a rock and roll Palace with a series with some of the best Rock Roll movies ever produced. Additional themed sub-series will also be included in our first season. In addition to this mix The Palace will catch the best new movies when they leave the malls whenever possible.

I believe i saw Ratdog and Hot Tuna perform in 2000?

Thanks for the info Palace Albany. I've been wondering what kinds of things they are going to do at the Palace.

I plan to see this theatre in October enroute to a wedding in CT.

Well I just saw this great theatre this weekend. My girlfriend grew up on First Street and we were by her house and we she showed me this theatre and I was eager to get to this site to see if it was posted on here!

NittyRanks: It's nice to read..."I was eager to get to this site to see if it was posted on here!"...I, too, often react in that same exact way! Once you get the 'theatre' bug, you have it for life, I think!

The marquee photo at the top of this page isn't how it looks now. I found a photo gallery on the official website and reviewed how it has looked through the years to the present day. Now it looks very similar to its original design.

Any interior photos of this Eberson atmospheric?

The restoration photos provided on the theatre website doesn't seem to show the ceiling so can't be sure if it is atmospheric unless someone confirms that it. Thanks.

After reading the history of the theatre I did see the word, atmospheric!

I hope no one's disappointed, but this theatre is not atmospheric. I'm not sure how it got described as such. It is, however, a very lovely theatre, and well worth visiting.

Ziggy: Thanks and I look forward to seeing this lovely theatre despite it not being an atmospheric!

A friend of ours was in the Palace this past spring for his daughter's graduation from Albany Law School and said this about the theatre........"IT REMINDED ME OF A DOWN SIZED RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, VERY MUCH THE SAME DESIGN AND PROBABLY BUILT DURING THE SAME ERA."

Well, Radio City Music Hall is a very sophisticated streamlined sort of Art Deco, and the Palace in Albany is more of french baroque/Viennese opera house sort of style. Y'know, lots of gold leaf and cherubs and damask and stuff like that.

Ziggy: I felt that way too when my friend wrote the above quote so thought I'd see what others thought...thanks.

Conrad Schmitt: Thank and I will be visiting Albany and this theatre in October! I recently found out through a technical director that the Schmitt Studios were involved with the Palace Theatre in Canton Ohio in regards to painting their stage curtain mural!

Found out that the Palace will be showing "Casablanca" on the 29th at 8:15 PM. Tickets are $5 and seating will be general admission. More information is available at their website.

Jeff: Thanks for this information so will check their website for Casablanca dates beyond the 29th!

Night photo of the Palace Theatre.
http://www.ledtronics.com/pages/applications/img/palacet.jpg

Chuck: A very nice evening photo! I can wait to see it, in person, in 2 weeks enroute to CT for a wedding. I plan to contact someone prior to my arrival at the Palace to show us the theatre if we don't get to see a classic movie or live performance.

They sure made a nice change to the marquee compared to the CT photo. Returning it to the original design was the way to go!

Some photos and history of the Palace Theater can be seen at this website.

lostmemory: Wow, what a neat site! I'll be touring this theatre soon so will now have lots of background information prior to my visit.

I was never to the Albany Palace, but judging by those early photos it must have been a beauty.

Gustavelifting: I'll find out on Thursday a.m. while in Albany for a planned tour of the Palace!

A Wurlitzer organ Opus 1538 Style PUB 1 was installed in the Palace Theater on 1/1/31.

Oops, forgot to show my face after going to Casablanca about a week ago or so. The movie was good. The Palace put in new projection equipment and a brand new digital surround sound system. My only misgiving was that Casablanca was cropped from it's original aspect ratio of 1.37 to, I'd guess, around 1.7ish. It was also announced that some of the movies that are planned for the rest of the year are E.T. - The Extraterrestrial, Titanic and Shrek.

I recently visited this theatre in Albany and was told that their Wurlitzer organ that was installed on 1/1/31 is gone yet the lift area remains. Even though it is listed as atmospheric it isn't atmospheric in the true sense of the word. Eberson did incorporate overhead ceiling alcoves depicting the sky and clouds.

On the 30th of October, the Palace Theatre will be showing Monsters Inc. at 3:00 PM. Admission is $5 with adults in costume being charged the children's price. Tickets will only be sold the day of the movie starting at Noon.

Well, the movie they were going to show on the 30th was Monsters Inc., but it has been changed to Shrek 2.

This week (12/27 - 12/29) The Palace Theatre will be showing the following movies:

12/27/2005 @ 7:30 PM - E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
12/28/2005 @ 1:30 PM - Home Alone
12/29/2005 @ 1:30 PM - E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
12/29/2005 @ 7:30 PM - Titanic

The newest addition to The Palace Theatre Movie Series is:
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark which will be showing on Thursday January 26, 2006 @ 7:30 PM.

All of these performances are $5 for Adults & $3 for Children.

I hope that a Wurlitzer organ can be again be put into the theatre.
I think many people in the region, such as myself, would go to hear it. WIth the right creative programing, this beautifully restored theatre should be able to survive in this century.

ERD: This past summer I toured the Palace in Albany and mentioned this request to the young man who provided the tour. At the time of my visit the staff had just had a concert there the night before (Rob Thomas) and the tour guide was more concerned with the fact that I might notice a beer smell from the night before! So that's the mindset of that theatre and not having their organ back! But that could change and I hope that will be the case!

Thank for theinformation,Pasty. I feel more showmanship and creativity is needed at this theatre- like Procotrs' has in Schenectady,NY.

ERD: I totally agree! I didn't get to the Proctors Theatre, but hope to one day. The Palace is a very beautiful theatre and should have its Wurlitzer to provide that type of concert rather than just concentrating on concerts for today's generation. The night before my tour there was a huge crowd waiting to enter the Palace to see and hear this Rob Thomas! In today's world I guess many of these historical theatres have to rely on today's youth to fill the seats which is understandable, but lets appeal to everyone's musical interest!

And if you've ever compared photos of the original Palace exterior and marquee you will see that even though the current marquee is similar to the original in design the flashing marquee does leave much to be desired, imo.

Albany has the Pepsi Arena where many of the pop concerts could be help which would leave the Palace Theatre perfect for organ recitals, classic movies, plays, etc.

Photos from a November drive through Albany -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46901841@N00/100557043/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46901841@N00/100557172/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46901841@N00/100557234/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46901841@N00/100557381/in/photostream/

dyban: Great photos of the Palace on a nice sunny November day!

The Palace Theatre opened on October 24th, 1931.

The manager of the Palace theatre recently told me there is no active plan to replace the theatre organ because of lack of funds, however he is willing to work with a grass roots movement to get one.
What a shame this beautiful theatre doesn't have one. Perhaps there is some member that can help. Contact:George Kansas <gkansas@palacealbany.com>

I have forwarded information about some stored theatre organs that may be donated to the Palace to Mr. Kansas. Since there is lack of funding, some skilled people would have to be willing to give their time to install it. It really surprises me that the state capitol of New York can not find people. Proctors' theatre in Schenectady, New York certainly found ways and are now very successful. I guess it depends on the enthusiasm, intelligence, and showmanship of those in charge.

The original organ in the Palace was a 4 manual 23 rank Wurlitzer originally installed in the NYC Hippodrome Theatre. When the Hipp closed in the late '20s, the organ was moved to the new Albany Palace Theatre. While one on-line Wurlitzer opus list calls this organ a "Publix #1" organ, the Hipp/Palace organ was not of this style. The Hipp/Palace organ was a one of a kind design with a small 4-rank "floating" string division. The organ was somewhat similar to the 28 rank Wurlitzer that was in the Fabian Theatre in Patterson, NJ.

The Palace organ was removed in the early '60s (or late '50s?) and promptly broken up for parts. The console still exisits, but has been used for a large electronic organ. The rest of the organ was broken up and scattered. The 16' English Horn from the Hipp/Palace organ was, for many years, added to the former Buffalo Shea's Hippodrome (Center) Theatre organ when it was installed in a Fresno, CA pizza restaurant. I worked with this organ for several years when it "did time" in the restaurant.

Sad to say, but the opus 1460 mentioned above is a style H of 2 manuals and 10 ranks--this organ is far too small for a theatre of 2700 seats. Rather than take the intact opus 1460 and enlarging the organ, it would be better to find an intact, large instrument fitting of a theatre the size of the Palace. There are such instruments "out there" and quite likely capable of donation.

If Radio City Music is called "the showplace of the nation," than the Palace is "the showplace of the New York State capital." With so many influencial people residing in Albany,it surprises me there is a lack interest.

I do not want to toss ice water on this. This is a theatre that should have a concert quality instrument. Getting the organ donated is the easy part. Finding someone to install the organ, professionally, is an easy part.

Getting the funding together for such a project is the hard part.

Nothing comes easy. If money cold be found to restore the marquee, I am sure money can evenutally be found to put in the organ. A publicity campaign should be started to help this movement get off the ground.

I know of an instrument that is available for donation now. However, all the financial "ducks" would need be in order before such a donation could take place. No one needs another instrument sitting in storage; particularly a large one.

Tom, I appreciate your interest. I will forward this to the Palace.
In the meantime, I am contacting various sources.
At least an attempt is being made. I hope some people in the area will get involved.

Tom, Mr. Kansas,Director of Development, says he is interested in the organ and will discuss it with the leadership. He will get back to me next mid week as he has a busy schedule right now.

I visited this theatre last fall while passing through the Albany area enroute to a wedding in CT. A nice young man met us at the theatre on Friday a.m. and took us on a tour. I was surprised to learn that the Palace didn't have an organ and all efforts should be made to install an organ in this grand theatre once again.

Update on Organ Project: Since I was not contacted again by Mr. Kansas, I have dropped the organ project. There have been some good oppurtunities that have been lost. Perhaps someday the managment/ownership may show an interest in restoring an organ.

This is another recent photo of the Palace Theater.

The theatre facade in brick is very impressive when looking UP.

This is a nice recent close-up photo of the Palace Theater.

Here is a photo of the RKO Palace Theater.

Interesting to compare the Sept. 26th photo to the Nov. 19th photo...the ticket kios is gone in the second photo!

Notice that the marquee in the new photo (Sep 26) is similar to the marquee in the vintage photo. The new marquee is much nicer looking then the boxy marquee in the photo at the top of this page.

I did notice that and the newer photo is somewhat 'cleaner' in appearance without the more than one vertical marquee sign though I do love the vertical marquees that seem to have disappeared with so many historial theatres around the country except the return of the one at the Shea's theatre in Buffalo NY that reads BUFFALO! It's great to see that one up and lighted in the theatre district.

A more recent photo of the Palace Theater can be seen here.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979

Palace Theatre (added 1979 - Building - #79003235)
Also known as Albany Civic Auditorium
19 Clinton Ave., Albany
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown
Architectural Style: No Style Listed
Area of Significance: Performing Arts, Architecture
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Local Gov't
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Auditorium

Don't forget that The Palace's Movie Series is currently in full swing. Coming up on Feb. 7th is "Some Like It Hot". Check out the official website! For $5 a ticket, you can't beat it! (www.palacealbany.com)

This website has a photo of the Palace Theater with its new marquee and a photo with the older "boxy" marquee. What a difference.

Here is a recent view of the Palace at night.

This is a recent close-up view of the Palace Theater.

Upcoming Films in the Palace Theatre's "Classic Movie Series"

A CHRISTMAS STORY
Monday, Dec. 10, 2007 @ 7:00pm
1983, 98 minutes, Rated PG
A Christmas present for the child in all of us! Already a beloved holiday classic, humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir comes to life in tale of young boy’s (Peter Billingsley) desperately craving a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Wonderful fun for the whole family.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Friday, Dec. 14, 2007 @ 7:00pm
1946, 129 minutes, not rated
#11 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time
Frank Capra’s sentimental fantasy of small town businessman (James Stewart) whose guardian angel shows him what life would’ve been like without him. A perfect cast, a perfect film.

THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD
Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1938, 102 minutes, not rated
The ultimate swashbuckling adventure stars Errol Flynn at his dashing best, wooing the fair Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland), fending off the evil prince (Claude Rains) and dueling to the death with the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham (Basil Rathbone). Filmed in Technicolor, and the winner of 3 Oscars.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN
Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1961, 128 minutes, not rated
Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark play about a Chicago family’s struggle to make a better life and find meaning in their constrained existence comes to the screen with a first-rate cast, including Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, Ivan Dixon and Louis Gossett. Powerfully moving.

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Monday, Feb. 11, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1935, 92 minutes, not rated
The Marx Bros. are let loose on the high-falutin’ goings-on of the opera world, with appropriately disastrous results. Widely considered to be their masterpiece. Film comedy doesn’t get any better than this!

DOCTOR ZHIVAGO
Monday, Feb. 18, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1965, 180 minutes, not rated
#39 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time
One of the most popular movies ever made, David Lean’s adaptation of Boris Pasternak’s novel won 5 Oscars. A sweeping saga of tragic love set against the backdrop of the Russian revolution. Starring Omar Sharif, Rod Steiger, Alec Guinness, and featuring an unforgettable performance by Julie Christie.

SCHINDLER’S LIST
Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1993, 195 minutes, Rated R
#9 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time
“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” Steven’s Spielberg’s remarkable epic masterpiece tells the incredible true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), war profiteer, womanizer, and Nazi Party member who nevertheless saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. One of the most honored films in cinematic history. Presented in collaboration with Holocaust Survivors & Friends Education Center and Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of NENY.

THE PHILADELPHIA STORY
Monday, March 10, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1940, 112 minutes, not rated
#51 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time
Brilliant adaptation of hit stage play (specifically written for star Katherine Hepburn) tells the story of a spoiled debutante longing for real romance. James Stewart won an Oscar as cynical reporter whose eyes are opened to society’s wiles; Cary Grant was never more charming as Hepburn’s ex-husband trying to win her back.

WEST SIDE STORY
Monday, April 7, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1961, 151 minutes, not rated
#41 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time
Landmark musical adaptation of Broadway hit, updating the classic story of “Romeo & Juliet” to late 1950’s New York City, pitting racially divisive elements against one another in an urban setting. Winner of 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

SPARTACUS
Monday, April 21, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1960, 184 minutes, not rated
Stanley Kubrick’s epic saga of rebellious slave turned gladiator (Kirk Douglas at his charismatic best) leading crusade for freedom against the forces of the mighty Roman Empire. Amazing battle scenes, magnificent score, and wonderful performances by Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Tony Curtis and Peter Ustinov all serve to highlight remarkably powerful, provocative film.

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
Monday, May 5, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1962, 216 minutes, not rated
#5 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time
The only way to see this magnificent desert adventure epic is on a truly big theatre screen. This literate blockbuster tells the true-life saga of enigmatic adventurer T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole in the role that instantly made him a star). Winner of 7 Oscars, including Best Picture.

JAWS
Monday, May 19, 2008 @ 7:00pm
1975, 124 minutes, Rated PG
#48 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time
Hold on to your seats! Steven Spielberg’s ultimate fish story comes to the Palace just in time to keep you out of the water all summer long. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw star in tale of coastal New England tourist beach being terrorized by renegade great white shark.


Tickets are $5 for Adults & $3 for Children. Discounted Season Passes can be purchased for Only Half Price! Tickets are On Sale Now at the Palace Theatre Box Office (located at 19 Clinton Ave.) or by calling (518) 465-4663.

The webpage has changed - it is now http://www.palacealbany.com/

actually, the web page and photo are incorrect here and I have tried multiple times to have it changed but can never get a response from whoever runs this site.

Anyone know who to contact. The info they give never responds.

I'm not sure if the out of date? photo can be changed at this point, but I've sent in the theater website correction, and you should expect that will be fixed with a day or two.

Can anyone provide any organ history connected to this theatre? At the present time it does not have an organ.

The original 4/20 (non Publix) Wurlitzer was removed in the mid 1960s. It was playable when removed.

It was sold to an organ broker by the name of Doug Erdman. He sold the organ to Carsten Hennigsen who was going to install the organ in a new "Pizza Joynt" restaurant in Northern CA that never came to pass.

When Carsten passed away several years ago, the organ was sold to David Packard and is gradually being installed in the Stanford Theatre in Palo Alto to replace the 3/20 assembled (parts) Wurlitzer that was installed in 1986 or so for the theatre's reopening.

It will be a superb installation when completed. Most of the pipework and percussions are already up and playing from the present 3 manual console (from Graumann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywierd.) The 4 manual console from the Palace is the next phase so the entire organ will be playing as a complete unit. All this work was done in stages as the Stanford organ is used just about every time the theatre is open.

Tom Delay: Do you personally think that the Palace would be interested in installing another organ? If so, I know the whereabouts of an Wurlitzer organ....Opus 1616.

"The original 4/20 (non Publix) Wurlitzer was removed in the mid 1960s. It was playable when removed."

Why was this Wurlitzer organ removed when it was playable when removed?? Today it would be such an important part of the theatre and its history if it were still there. And did it come out of the stage floor as some did??

I am aware of that instrument, opus 1616. Does Dennis have it for sale?

As to the organ being removed from the Palace in the mid '60s...it takes no brains to figure out why it was sold: $$$$$.$$

It was sold right out from under the folks who put in gobs of hard work to get the organ playable again.

I will be taking a phone call from Dennis tomorrow, April 7th so please email me at wrlenzo@aol.com as I couldn't contact you with no email address on your profile page as happens more times than I care to recall with so many CT members. This Opus 1616 organ saga is like putting together pieces of a puzzle and eventually the pieces will all come together...I hope with the help of D. Unks. BTW, I went on very informative Wurlitzer site that Bob Jensen, who is in Chicago, posted on the Paramount Theatre link and was able to track Opus 1616 from the Paramount to Dennis via a couple of other destinations before it reached its final location in PA. Please title your email to me OPUS 1616.

ERD: Your post of May 26, 2006 mentions a George Kansas though their website doesn't seem to list him now. Who would be the correct person to contact about a possible organ for this theatre?

The latest issue of Theatre Historical Society's MARQUEE MAGAZINE features a photo and short bio of this theater in a travel feature spotlighting the Berkshires.

Go to www.historictheatres.org to join THS or order back issues.

The Albany Palace Theatre is another beautiful theatre, very baroque-looking inside, yet a little bit old-looking, too, which is one of the beauties of movie palaces like this. I drove out to Albany from Boston to see a screening of the film "West Side Story", and had a wonderful time. After the movie, I spent the night at the nearby Hampton Inn Suites, and then headed home the next day. after exploring the city for a little while.

This is a July 2008 photo.

re: theatre organ
Patty, perhaps this person could help you: Christopher Gould, Operations Director / Production Coordinator of the Palace theatre
(518) 465-3335 Ext 123
CGould@PalaceAlbany.com

Thanks. I have visited this theatre, but had forgotten the EBERSON connection!

Here is a 1951 photo from a new collection of Life Magazine images on Google:
http://tinyurl.com/5tmmuv

The link to the Life magazine photo was originally found by a new member named "misterboo". Your thanks should go to "misterboo" for the photo. Welcome to Cinema Treasures "misterboo".

ken mc: Great b/w photo of the original marquee. The present marquee is similar though the electronic look changes it, imo.

Thank "misterboo" for the photo. It was his link to begin with.

"misterboo": Thanks!

Thanks Patsy!

You are always welcome, my theatre friend! :-)

I think LaMotta won that fight.

Patsy...."misterboo" found the link to those photos and didn't get a chance to post them. Just making sure that he gets the credit for them.

It is only right to give credit where credit is due! Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving!

Exactly my point. Thanks for understanding that. Some people on this site just don't get it.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Who is this new arrival called "misterboo," and where is he posting? I can't find anything with that signature in the above. Is Lo Mem hallucinating yet again?

Lo Mem is better than Lo Life!

You didn't answer the question. Where are all those contributions by "misterboo" that you keep defending? I haven't seen a single one.

Keep looking. You might get lucky.

Lost: You know, I have to admit that I was wondering the same thing as Warren G. Harris! Where are all of those "misterboo" contributions as I haven't seen a single one either! :)

Patsy....As soon as I get a chance, I'll explain it to you via email.

The Palace hosted many a concert in the late 70's and into the 80's. Devo, the Tubes, Elvis Costello as well as comedy acts. The back stage area is also enlarged to accomodate larger road show engagements. Of course, Proctors in Schenectady added to it's back stage to promote larger Broadways tours.

1980 Photo

As a lifelong Albany resident I was thrilled with the renovation of the Palace. I saw a couple of movies there as a kid (including Bambi)and have enjoyed many, many concerts there through the years. Unfortunately, someone ran a car into the front doors at least a year ago and half of the front doors were boarded up. I don't understand why they have not been repaired yet. Could they plan on leaving this beautiful theater with half the entrance covered in plywood? Also, there are some areas of peeling paint in the theater. Whoever did the restoration should have to come back and repair what has not held up. It would be a shame to let the theater fall back into disrepair.

This 1951 photo comes courtesy of LIFE . . .
http://images.google.com/images?q=movie+palace&q=source%3Alife&safe=active