By Tribune-Review

Published: Sunday, February 24, 2013, 9:00 p.m.
Updated: Sunday, February 24, 2013

New York has its Apollo. Pittsburgh has its Benedum, Heinz and Carnegie.

Greensburg has its Palace.

The history of that venerable venue, now managed by the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, was celebrated on Saturday night during the Hollywood Party — A Salute to the Palace.

Gentlemen in their dress blacks and ladies in all manner of glittering, glamorous gowns passed under the marquee to pay tribute to the facility that opened in 1926 as the Manos Theatre. A change in ownership led to its rechristening as the Palace Theatre in 1977.

The evening's entertainment, courtesy of Stage Right! Performing Arts School and Professional Theatre Company, took attendees on a whirlwind tour through musical eras from vaudeville to big band to rock 'n' roll and disco.

Special guest was Rick Sebak of Pittsburgh, creator of well-known and well-loved Western Pennsylvania documentaries such as “Kennywood Memories.” He commented that when the Palace's 100th anniversary comes up in not too many years, it might be an occasion for another of those documentaries.

The evening was a chance for Sebak to catch up with Marty McGuire, the trust's special-events coordinator, who was Sebak's junior high chum back in Bethel Park.

Co-chairwomen were Peg Colosimo and Dawna Saunders. In charge of the decorating detail were Jane Church and Magdelyn Vale.

Seen at the Palace: Trust President Mike Langer with Paula, Vonnie Goldsborough and Greg Long, Jim McGuire, Glenn and Jill Briercheck, Barry and Jo Ellen Numerick, Rebecca Sexton, Anthony and Renata Marino, John Noble, Eric and Michele Bononi, Jan Taylor Condo and Pat Condo, Bud and Ellen Smail, Dr. Tom and Kim Ward, and Mary Lou Hacker.

Also, Chuck and Nancy Anderson, Tyler and Tracy Courtney, Lisa Hayes, Barbara Ferrier, Woody and Bonnie Weissinger, George Shaner and Michael Philopena, Marcie Colosimo, Neal Myers and Karen Struble Myers, Mark and Faye Rosatti, Thom and Sharon Nies and John and Malinda Sherid.

— Shirley McMarlin

1. Pens’ Shero talks with Letang’s agent
2. NHL insider: Penguins’ Shero seems ready to move Letang
3. Steelers rookie safety Thomas learning from Polamalu, Clark
4. Penguins notebook: Pens talking with Dupuis’ reps
5. Bethel Park offensive lineman Grimm picks Pitt
6. Judges consider tossing $60M Penn State fund lawsuit
7. Pitt adds defensive recruit from Philadelphia
8. Market Square Farmer’s Market expanding
9. Pirates notebook: Beanballs escalate tension against Reds
10. Judge: Murrysville man deserves jail time for collecting child porn, threatening postal inspector
11. Worker hurt on East Ohio Street bridge

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.