THE PALACE THEATRE

The Palace Theatre is a historic stage production venue at 76-96 Hanover Street in Manchester, New Hampshire. The theater has a current seating capacity of 880 seats (reduced from the original 1,100). It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Athens Building.

The Palace Theatre produces a full season of musicals, plays, comedy, and concerts. It also operates a second venue, The Rex Theatre, nearby for smaller performances. The theater is the primary home for professional stage productions in Manchester.

Construction began in June 1914 by Greek immigrant Victor Charas with architect Leon Lempert & Son. The Palace Theatre opened on April 9, 1915 with the musical comedy Modern Eve. Up to 1930, the Palace hosted touring vaudeville companies featuring performers including Jimmy Durante, Bob Hope, Harry Houdini, The Marx Brothers, and Red Skelton. On November 2, 1974, the Palace reopened after a restoration with a new facade, lighting system, and orchestra seating.