Palace Theatre Reinstates Tours

The Palace Theater resumes its popular monthly tour program after a brief winter break on Saturday, March 25 from 11a.m. to 12:30p.m. The tour program gives the public an opportunity to journey through 95 years of the theater's rich history and get a peek behind the scenes. Admission is $5.00 per person and can be purchased online at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St. in Waterbury. Groups larger than ten people are advised to book their reservations in advance by calling the Box Office 203.346.2000. Private tours can also be scheduled for groups of 10 or more. Call group coordinator Deidre Patterson at 203.346.2011 for more information.

During the tour, attendees are led on an educational exploration through nine decades of stunning architecture and backstage magic related to the Palace's rich history. In addition to exploring the theater, Poli Club and grand lobby spaces, patrons also have the opportunity to visit the hidden areas - the green room, wig room and star dressing rooms, plus have a chance to walk across the stage and view the venue's hidden backstage murals featuring artwork painted and signed by past performers and Broadway touring companies. Guests are also invited to browse a rarely seen collection of the theater's pre-restoration photos, in addition to viewing elements from the Palace's Tenth Anniversary History Exhibit, which include a visual timeline of historic milestones dating back to 1922, as well as original theater seats from the 1920s.

Each tour is approximately 90 minutes and is led by a team of engaging volunteers well-versed in the theater's rich history, architectural design and entertaining anecdotal information. It is important to note that the walking tour covers five floors of history and architecture, including grand staircases from the 1920's. While elevator access is available, guests with walking disabilities or health concerns are asked to inform the Box Office ahead of time, so that the tour guides can make the proper accommodations.

The Palace's primary purpose is to revitalize the Greater Waterbury community through the presentation of the performing arts and educational initiatives in collaboration with area cultural and educational institutions. Its mission is to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences. For more information, visit: www.palacetheaterct.org.

The Palace Theater gratefully acknowledges support by the CT DECD Office of Tourism; Webster Bank; Ion Bank; Shaker Automotive Group; Comcast; St. Mary's Hospital; Bank of America; Secor Cassidy and McPartland; Waterbury Hospital; Thomaston Savings Bank; Crystal Rock; Powerstation Events; CBS Radio; Worx; and the City of Waterbury.