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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
In It Happened at the Palace, Stewart F. Lane invites readers into the storied past of one of Broadway’s most treasured landmarks. Lane traces the Palace Theater from its vaudeville beginnings to its transformation into a Broadway institution that has hosted generations of legendary performers. The book follows the theater’s shifting fortunes as popular taste changed, neighborhoods evolved, and the economics of live performance grew more complex. Lane also recounts the ambitious, highly technical renovation that lifted the historic building above street level during the redevelopment of Times Square, preserving its architectural grandeur while preparing it for a new era. He shares behind-the-scenes accounts of producers, performers, stagehands, and visionaries who shaped the Palace’s identity. The narrative places the theater within the larger story of New York City’s cultural growth, showing how the Palace reflected and influenced the city around it.
Stewart F. Lane writes with the authority of a seasoned Broadway producer and the enthusiasm of a lifelong theater devotee. His prose balances historical detail with engaging storytelling, moving seamlessly between archival research, personal recollections, and industry insight. The pacing mirrors the rhythm of a long-running show, alternating between sweeping historical moments and intimate portraits of artists who graced the Palace stage. Lane explains complex financial and logistical challenges in clear, engaging language, making the theater’s revival as compelling as any opening night. Over 150 extraordinary photographs do more than illustrate the text; they tell a visual story, capturing marquee lights, backstage camaraderie, and the building’s intricate craftsmanship. It Happened at the Palace offers a richly detailed chronicle and a heartfelt portrait of a stage that continues to define the magic of live performance. It’s a perfect coffee table book.
