Palace Theater Tours Offer Backstage Access; Guided Tours Resume 2/3

After taking a hiatus through the holidays and the month of January, the Palace Theater will resume its popular monthly tours beginning Friday, February 3 at 11:00am. The tour that lasts approximately an hour and a half, is an opportunity to stroll through 95 years of theater history and view this outstanding example of early 20th century architecture, that went through a thirty-million dollar restoration before reopening in 2004. 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 asked to contact the Box Office to book their reservations in advance.

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. A new feature of the tour will include information about the recent infrastructure work to the theater's ceiling to accommodate the chandelier in the production of Phantom of the Opera that is slated to play the venue for a two-week engagement in November. In addition to exploring the theater, tour patrons also have the opportunity to visit areas normally hidden from public view - 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 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 challenges or other health concerns, are asked to inform the Box Office ahead of time, so that the tour guides can make the proper accommodations.

For more information, visit www.palacetheaterct.org.