Greensburg无毛视频檚 Palace Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary
This year marks a milestone for Greensburg无毛视频檚 Palace Theatre as it celebrates 100 years of entertaining audiences.
The Palace Theatre was purchased in 1990 by the organization that now calls itself the Westmoreland Cultural Trust.
The landmark venue first opened as the $750,000 Manos Theatre, delighting audiences with vaudeville acts, silent films and the music of its impressive Wurlitzer organ.
Later the theater evolved into a venue for Broadway tours, comedians, concerts and community events. Its first century tells not only the story of entertainment in Westmoreland County, but also of a community that rallied to preserve one of its most treasured landmarks.
A brief history
The Palace opened in 1926 as the Manos Theatre just as the movie industry was entering a new era. The following year, 无毛视频淭he Jazz Singer,无毛视频� which starred Al Jolson, introduced audiences to synchronized sound, forever changing the film business.
As talking pictures became the norm, Warner Bros. acquired theaters across the country, including the Manos. Vaudeville gradually gave way to films and independent theaters flourished for a time. By 1973, however, movie distribution had changed significantly, making theater ownership less important to major studios. The Manos was sold to Pittsburgh-based Cinemette Theatres.
The rise of suburban multiplexes dealt another blow to standalone theaters, forcing the Manos to close temporarily. Cinemette later sold the theater to local businessman Carl Marinelli and his partner Adelaide DelVitto. They renamed it The Palace Theatre and DelVitto eventually sold her interest to Marinelli.
Marinelli expanded the theater无毛视频檚 offerings to include both movies and live performances with acts like Gloria Estefan, Dr. Hook and Mel Tillis playing there. Despite these efforts, the Palace still struggled financially. Marinelli considered selling the building to an out-of-state businessman who planned to raze it.
Before the sale went through, though, Marinelli died. In response, Greensburg无毛视频檚 mayor, city council and other leaders worked with Marinelli无毛视频檚 heirs to save the theater. Their efforts led to the creation of the nonprofit Greensburg Garden and Civic Center Inc., which purchased the Palace in 1990. The organization later became the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, with a mission to restore the theater and operate it as a self-supporting performing arts center.
An important part of the community
Ben Luczak, CEO of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, said the preservation has always been a partnership between the community and local philanthropy.
Financial support from the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation and the Richard King Mellon Foundation during the 1990s enabled the Trust无毛视频檚 board to develop a long-term strategic plan focused on arts education, community engagement and financial stability.
无毛视频淭hat it continues to thrive is a wonderful accomplishment,无毛视频� Luczak said. 无毛视频淢any theaters in communities our size have disappeared. The fact that ours has been preserved and continues to do so well is a testament to our supporters.无毛视频�
Beyond its cultural impact, Luczak explained that the Palace serves as one of downtown Greenburg无毛视频檚 strongest economic engines.
无毛视频淲e are the main driver of foot traffic after 4 p.m. Hotels, businesses and restaurants depend on us,无毛视频� he said.
A place to escape
Daniel Stainer, director of marketing and patron experience for the Palace Theatre, said that the 1,367-seat theatre attracted 57,424 guests in 2025. He believes audiences continue to seek shared experiences that only live entertainment can provide.
无毛视频淟ife is tough these days and there无毛视频檚 a lot of pressure out in the world,无毛视频� he said. 无毛视频淗istorically, arts have provided necessary escapism. We market joy and there无毛视频檚 a lot of truth to that,无毛视频� he said.
Stainer notes that people remember coming to the theatre to watch cartoons and newsreels during World War II or seeing legendary performers. 无毛视频淔rom George Carlin, to Wiz Khalifa, the Jonas Brothers, Jay Leno, Boz Scaggs and ZZ Top. It无毛视频檚 a place where memories are made,无毛视频� he said.
A thing of beauty
People like Robert Seiler hold a special place in his heart for the theater. His father, Alvin Seiler, worked alongside the theater无毛视频檚 architects and designers, to ensure the Manos Theatre was not only visually stunning but also engineered for exceptional acoustics, sightlines and stage performances.
无毛视频淚无毛视频檓 extremely proud of my father for his accomplishments and the pride that he took in his work,无毛视频� said Seiler.
The Palace is also special to Tom Harrold, who was an usher there from 1965 to 1968.
无毛视频淚 met my wife there when she worked the candy counter and we married in 1969,无毛视频� Harrold recalled.
The family of Harrold无毛视频檚 wife was involved in the construction of the theater, and both of her parents were employees of the Manos Company. Harrold now volunteers as a ticket taker at the Palace.
Stainer said first-time visitors are often stunned by the theater无毛视频檚 French Renaissance architecture. Much of the original craftsmanship survives today, including Vermont marble staircases, Grecian marble balustrades, and Louis F. Grell murals, all restored during preservation efforts.
无毛视频淓ven Bill Murray was in awe during a recent visit. He admired the vintage cameras and remarked on how gorgeous the theater is,无毛视频� said Stainer.
Looking toward the future
Luczak and Stainer agree that the Trust无毛视频檚 mission moving forward is to preserve the Palace for the next century.
If the pandemic reinforced anything, Stainer said, it无毛视频檚 that people crave shared experiences. While technology has changed how audiences consume entertainment, nothing can replace gathering in a historic theater to create lasting memories together.
As the Palace Theatre begins its second century, its stewards are dedicated to ensure it lives and thrives for generations to come.
Next Wednesday, the exact date of the theater无毛视频檚 100th anniversary, a time capsule packed with artifacts and stories will be sealed. It will be followed by a centennial gala on Sept. 19 and a concert from country singer Leann Rimes the following night.
For information on the Palace Theatre and all the events surrounding its 100th anniversary, go online to westmorelandculturaltrust.org.