HISTORIC MURAL FEATURED ON Players THEATRE

In October 2022, a grand mural was completed on the exterior north-facing wall of the Players Theatre on State St. In partnership with Rust2Green Utica and in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Utica Monday Nite, the colorful 30-foot x 50-foot mural depicts historical marquees from the “golden age” of movie houses in downtown Utica. The mural was conceived and spearheaded by Players board member Lynne Mishalanie and executed by artist Maria Vallese of Retro-Sorrento.

A public event “unveiling” the mural took place on October 26 and was attended by Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and New York Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, who both delivered brief words, as well as other area business owners and dignitaries. Several dozen members of the general public and friends and neighbors of Players of Utica were also in attendance and were treated to cider and donuts in the theatre lobby. Players board members also provided tours of the theatre, showing the set for the then-current production, Kodachrome, backstage, the dressing room, and the workroom and mainstage area.

We are told that the huge artwork is the largest mural, by square footage, in Utica and perhaps in Oneida County.