When you step into the foyer of The Stanley Theatre in Utica, it feels like you’ve taken a step back in time. From the second you enter, you’ll notice the grand entry staircase that resembles the main staircase on the Titanic. Originally built to be a movie palace, The Stanley Theatre opened on September 10, 1928, with 2,963 seats. It was designed by the famous architect Thomas Lamb, who is considered one of the foremost designers of theaters and cinemas in the 20th century.
The design motif of the Stanley is considered “Mexican Baroque” because of its unique blend of styles. From the foyer to the lavish, jaw-dropping theater itself, visitors will notice the variety of styles. There are terra cotta and tiled mosaic exteriors which show the Mexican influence, while Habsburg lions, Indian faces, and angels and cherubs grace the lavish gold leaf Baroque theatre interior. Moorish influence is also evident in the star-splashed ceiling and twisted columns flanking the stage.
Today, the Stanley is a staple in Utica and the region. They host shows and events throughout the year that not only attract locals but visitors from across the state. One upcoming event to mark your calendar for is Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats on November 22, 2022
Television personality, author, Food Network, and Netflix star Alton Brown announced Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats – The Holiday Variant tour is visiting Utica during the upcoming holiday season! Brown originated the live culinary variety show with his “Edible Inevitable,” “Eat Your Science,” and “Beyond The Eats” tours that have performed in 200+ cities with more than 550,000 fans in attendance. His latest production will arrive at The Stanley Theatre on Tuesday, November 22 at 7:30 PM! The show mixes together science, music, food, and festive fun into two hours of pure entertainment. Tickets start at $43.50 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or by calling The Stanley Theatre Box Office at (315) 724-4000.
Brown says attendees can expect “more cooking, more comedy, more music, and more potentially dangerous science stuff with a sprinkle of seasonal spices. Plus, you’ll see things I’ve never been allowed to do on TV.” Critics and fans have raved about the interactive components of Brown’s shows. He warns, “Prepare for an evening unlike any other and if I call for volunteers… think twice.”
Alton Brown has been on the Food Network for over 20 years and is best known as the creator, writer and host of Good Eats, Good Eats: Reloaded and Good Eats: The Return. He also hosted Cutthroat Kitchen and served as the culinary commentator on Iron Chef America. He is the host of Top 10 new Netflix Iron Chef reboot Iron Chef: Quest For An Iron Legend.
There are two James Beard awards with Brown’s name on them in a drawer in his office, and somewhere in the world there is a coveted Peabody awarded for Good Eats that was stolen out of his car back in 2013. Brown just released the long-anticipated fourth and final volume in the bestselling Good Eats series of cookbooks and became an instant New York Times bestseller with 150 new and improved recipes accompanied by mouthwatering original photography; The Final Years is the most sumptuous and satisfying of the Good Eats books yet.
Those with an appetite for more Alton Brown can find additional show and ticketing information at www.altonbrownlive.com. Follow @altonbrown and #AltonBrownLive on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for posts from Alton and more information regarding the tour.