Palace Theatre (St. Paul)

Palace Theatre (St. Paul) is a historic theater located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The theater was originally designed by Chicago architects George L. Rapp and George Rapp, and was constructed by the Orpheum Circuit. It was built during a time of significant cultural and economic growth in St. Paul, with the support of notable figures such as James J. Hill and William Lightfoot Schultz. The theater's construction was also influenced by the Vaudeville era, with performers like Charlie Chaplin and W.C. Fields regularly touring the country.

● History

The Palace Theatre (St. Paul) was opened in 1916, with a performance by Eddie Cantor and the Ziegfeld Follies. During its early years, the theater hosted a variety of acts, including Vaudeville performances by Harry Houdini and The Marx Brothers. The theater also showed silent films, featuring stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. In the 1920s and 1930s, the theater was part of the Orpheum Circuit, which included other notable theaters like the Orpheum Theatre (Minneapolis) and the State Theatre (Minneapolis). The theater's history is also closely tied to the development of jazz and blues music, with performers like Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith regularly performing at the venue.

● Architecture

The Palace Theatre (St. Paul) was designed in the Renaissance Revival style, with a mix of Baroque and Art Deco elements. The theater's exterior features a limestone and brick facade, with a large marquee and ornate detailing. The interior of the theater features a grand lobby with a crystal chandelier, as well as a large auditorium with a proscenium arch and ornate plasterwork. The theater's design was influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, and is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance Revival architecture in the United States. The theater's architecture is also notable for its use of skyscraper design elements, which were influenced by the Chicago School of architecture.

● Restoration

After being closed for over 30 years, the Palace Theatre (St. Paul) underwent a major restoration project, led by the City of St. Paul and the St. Paul Port Authority. The project involved the restoration of the theater's original plasterwork, woodwork, and lighting fixtures, as well as the installation of new seating and sound systems. The restoration was supported by a number of notable organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Minnesota Historical Society. The project also received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Minnesota State Arts Board. The restoration was completed in 2017, and the theater was reopened with a performance by Trevor Noah and the Minnesota Orchestra.

● Notable Performances

The Palace Theatre (St. Paul) has hosted a wide range of notable performances over the years, including concerts by Bob Dylan and Prince, as well as Broadway productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago (musical). The theater has also hosted performances by comedy legends like Richard Pryor and George Carlin, as well as jazz and blues musicians like Miles Davis and John Lee Hooker. In recent years, the theater has hosted performances by indie rock bands like The National and Bon Iver, as well as hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper. The theater has also been used as a venue for film festivals, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival.

● Current Use

Today, the Palace Theatre (St. Paul) is a thriving arts venue, hosting a wide range of performances and events throughout the year. The theater is managed by First Avenue, a Minneapolis-based concert promoter, and is part of the First Avenue network of venues, which includes the First Avenue Nightclub and the 7th St Entry. The theater has also been used as a venue for community events, including fundraisers and benefit concerts, and has hosted performances by local music schools and theater companies, such as the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Guthrie Theater. The theater's current use is also closely tied to the development of the St. Paul arts scene, with the support of organizations like the St. Paul Arts Council and the Minnesota Arts Council.