One of Columbus’ most recognizable theatres is about to hit a pretty major milestone. The Palace Theatre will celebrate its 100th birthday this fall, and CAPA is marking the occasion with a series of special events, performances and a few chances to see the historic theatre in a different light.
The Palace first opened its doors on November 8, 1926, as a 2,695-seat vaudeville house. Designed with the Palace of Versailles in mind, the downtown theatre has spent the past century hosting everything from concerts and comedy to Broadway shows and opera.
Now, CAPA is celebrating 100 years of the Palace with a fall lineup that includes a free birthday party, a Halloween event, a Ray Charles tribute concert and several major performances.
The biggest public celebration will take place Saturday, September 26, with Palace 100: The Birthday Celebration from 1-5 p.m.
The free event will give visitors a chance to explore parts of the Palace they might not normally get to see. Guests can step onto the stage for a photo, take theatre tours, check out activities and catch pop-up performances from Columbus artists throughout the afternoon.
There will also be opportunities to learn more about the people and performances that have shaped the Palace over the last 100 years. Complete a featured activity during the event for a chance to win one of several $100 CAPA gift certificates, and there will be a birthday treat waiting for visitors, too.
The theatre will also get into the Halloween spirit with CAPA Haunts the Palace on Wednesday, October 21, from 4-7 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event will turn the historic theatre into a slightly spooky Halloween destination, with costumes encouraged. Families can explore the Palace, trick-or-treat, take photos at selfie stations and check out a Day of the Dead display.
For the centennial’s big musical celebration, CAPA is bringing some serious talent to the Palace.
Palace 100: The Genius of Ray Charles takes place Saturday, November 14 at 7 p.m. The concert will be hosted by Paul Shaffer, the longtime musical director of Late Night with David Letterman, and will feature artists including Patti Austin, Aloe Blacc, Blessing Offor and Lisa Fischer.
Ray Charles himself performed at the Palace multiple times, most recently in 1992. Shaffer also performed with Charles during his career, making the tribute a particularly fitting addition to the Palace’s centennial season.
The concert is being produced by Grammy-winning drummer and producer Gregg Field, who also performed with Charles. Columbus native Billy Valentine, who grew up in the city as one of 13 children, will also return home for the performance.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, September 4.
The Palace’s history with opera is also getting a nod during the centennial.
CAPA and Opera Columbus will present Pirates! The Penzance Musical by Gilbert & Sullivan on November 6 and 8. The production marks the professional regional debut of this reimagined version of the classic operetta.
This time around, the story moves to New Orleans, with jazz, blues, Caribbean rhythms and French Quarter flair woven into the production. Columbus native Nina West will star as Ruth, alongside performers from across the city’s arts community.
The Palace and Opera Columbus have history, too. Opera Columbus began a five-year residency at the theatre in 1984, a partnership that also led to significant improvements to the historic venue.
The Palace’s centennial year will close out with a familiar holiday visitor.
Broadway in Columbus will bring Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical to the Palace from December 8-13. The stage adaptation features songs including “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” with Max the Dog narrating the story of the Grinch’s attempt to steal Christmas from the Whos.
So, whether your Palace memories stretch back decades or you’ve never actually been inside the theatre, CAPA’s centennial lineup offers plenty of reasons to stop by this fall.
For the full Palace 100 schedule and ticket information, visit CAPA’s website.
