Silver, Destito Announce $750,000 for Utica's Renowned Stanley Theatre

State Funds To Pay For Significant Renovations To Allow Major Broadway Productions

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver holds news conference at the City of Utica’s famed Stanley Theatre to announce $750,000 in state funding for renovations to the theatre’s stage.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito today announced that the Stanley Theatre in the City of Utica will receive $750,000 in state funds to pay for renovations to the theatre's stage and enhance its ability to host major Broadway productions.

At an afternoon news conference in the theatre's lobby, Silver and Destito were joined by members of Utica's arts community in announcing the funding through the state Community Capital Assistance Program (CCAP).

"The prestige of the historic Stanley Theatre and its exciting 78-year legacy of top-flight entertainers and theatrical productions make it one of the state's finest cultural treasures. This investment will ensure this magnificent showplace will continue to be a landmark for future generations of theatre patrons and concert goers to enjoy," said Silver.

"The expansion of the Stanley Theatre advanced by this $750,000 grant is another important step in the revitalization of downtown Utica," said Destito (D/WF-Rome). "A better Stanley Theatre will attract more people to the city and be a boon for the local economy. As always, I'm committed to furthering economic development in Utica and the entire Mohawk Valley."

"This grant truly demonstrates Assemblywoman Destito's exemplary leadership and willingness to help the whole community," said Ron Thiele, executive director of the Central New York Community Arts Council. "RoAnn has always shown a strong commitment to education, and she is a true believer in the Stanley's important role in the educational process."

Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito joined Silver’s news conference at the historic Stanley Theatre to describe the significant cultural, social and economic value the beautifully ornate building has to the residents of the state’s Mohawk Valley Region.

"The timing of this announcement couldn't be better," said Gary Kavney, who co-chairs the fund-raising campaign for the Stanley expansion project and also serves as treasurer and board member for the theater. "With this announcement and previous donations, we should be able to get construction underway."

"The Stanley Theatre is an important arts and cultural facility to the Mohawk Valley Region and is regarded as the area's premiere entertainment venue. These state funds will not only be a big boost to the revitalization of downtown Utica, but also will have a positive economic development impact on Oneida County as well," added Destito.

In addition to the $750,000 announced today to expand the theater's stage to accommodate current state-of-the art, Broadway theatrical productions, in 2004, Destito secured $100,000 from the state's Multi Model Transportation fund and $100,000 from CCAP to help improve the theatre's facilities.

As far back as 1998, Destito convinced the state to invest a $100,000 grant from the Community Enhancement Facilities Program to support the theatre's early renovation efforts. Modernizing and enhancing the Stanley Theatre has been an ongoing project for the last 20 years.

Destito and Silver take tour of the Stanley Theatre’s majestic hall as the cast from a professional tour rehearse for that evening’s performance of the famous Broadway musical, "Oklahoma."

"I commend Assemblywoman Destito for her steadfast partnership with the Stanley Theatre and her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to work with the people in her community to see through the complete renovation of this jewel of a performing arts center. RoAnn wisely recognizes the connection the theatre has with the Mohawk Valley Region's residents and the significant impact it will have not only on the area's cultural and entertainment scene, but also on its economy," Silver added.

The Stanley Theatre, on Genesee Street, was built in 1928 and through the years it established itself as Central New York's first-class entertainment site. The 2,945 seat facility has recently hosted such nationally and internationally renowned theatrical and concert performances as the National Tour of Blues Clues Live; Itzhak Perlman; Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds; The Spirit of the Dance; B.B. King; Jerry Seinfeld; The Canadian Brass; the world's legendary flutist, Sir James Galway; and such Broadway shows and musicals as "The Full Monty," "Cats" and "Stomp."