More than 20 years after it closed, the historic Royal Poinciana Playhouse in Palm Beach reopened in January under a new name — Glazer Hall — and has drawn enthusiastic crowds to its first performances, signaling a new chapter for the landmarked venue.
The sold-out debut capped a lengthy and at times contentious redevelopment process, which began when Massachusetts-based developer WS Development sought a long-term operator for the building.
Longtime Palm Beach residents Avie and Jill Glazer stepped forward to restore the playhouse, investing millions to transform it into a modern, nonprofit performing arts center while honoring its architectural legacy.
“We moved here in 2002, and the playhouse closed before we ever had a chance to experience it,” Jill Glazer told the Daily News in January. “To finally see it coming back to life after all these years is incredibly meaningful.”
Designed by noted architect John Volk and originally opened in 1958, the Royal Poinciana Playhouse hosted Broadway shows, ballets, concerts and other cultural events.
The Glazers worked to preserve its historic elements, including the exterior façade, shutters, fly tower, and the signature Volk steps, while modernizing the interior with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems and a fully configurable 400-seat theater.
“Everybody who has come in says it still has the spirit of the original playhouse, just modernized,” Jill Glazer said. “What we call the John Volk steps at the entry were rebuilt exactly the way they were. We think we have been true to the original.”
The venue’s Jan. 22 debut featured a sold-out performance by the Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai Circus. The show set the tone for a season of diverse offerings that included musical acts, comedy, dance, lectures, family-friendly events, and arts education initiatives.
Audiences have responded positively to the variety, Executive Director Allison Stockel said, noting that patrons attending one performance often return for others across genres.
“Guests who have come to see Renée Fleming have also shown for the Beach Boys and bought tickets for Herbie Hancock,” she said. “So all of it has resonated in some way.”
By mid-May, Glazer Hall will have hosted more than 80 shows, films and events in its inaugural season, according to venue officials. Jill Glazer said the debut run represented the culmination of years of effort to reopen the playhouse, which went dark in 2004.
“Even though the season was short, it meant everything to us,” she said. “We wanted to open our doors and share as much as we could — to give this community a true sense of what Glazer Hall can be. After 25 years, Avie and I knew it was time. This community has waited long enough. Opening Glazer Hall has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of our lives.”
Looking ahead, the Glazers said they hope the venue becomes a long-term cultural center for Palm Beach.
“We’re excited to continue expanding our programming with more diversity and a true year-round presence,” Jill Glazer said. “We love serving the town of Palm Beach, and we’re committed to welcoming those who don’t call it home, including visitors to the area and people from across the region. It’s going to be incredibly exciting to watch Glazer Hall grow and evolve in the years ahead.”
Events at Glazer Hall, 70 Royal Poinciana Way, are planned through August. Ticket and event information is available at GlazerHall.org.
Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Glazer Hall’s inaugural season draws strong crowds in Palm Beach
Reporting by Jodie Wagner, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
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