Stars return to Stamford’s Palace Theatre — through art

STAMFORD – A local artist is on a mission to add a little sparkle to The Palace Theatre’s Atlantic Street windows.

The theater has been dark during the COVID-19 pandemic but some “stars” have now returned.

Marla Beth Enowitz, artist and founder of Marla Beth Designs, has made use of the theater’s windows as a canvas with her largescale mural entitled “Stars for the Stars.”

“Stars for the Stars” features hundreds of abstract stars in different colors and sizes – some painted on the outside of the glass to give dimension – underneath a curtain of dreamy clouds.

“Countless stars have passed through The Palace doors in its long history – from young students exploring a newfound passion to Broadway veterans and entertainment icons,” Enowitz said in a statement. “Live theater transports us … audience members and performers alike. I wished to convey that feeling with a rainbow starry sky. To me, this fairytale-like dreamscape evokes hope and the dreams that come true in the world of live theater.”

When the pandemic hit, Enowitz turned her love of painting from hobby to business. The Rye Brook, N.Y. woman’s large-scale custom pieces appear in both private homes and businesses in the tri-state, including The First Bank of Greenwich, The Spa at The J House and a 600-squarefoot mural at The Westchester in White Plains, N.Y.

“As a live entertainment venue, the effects of COVID-19 have hit us particularly hard,” Michael Moran, president and CEO of The Palace, said in a statement. “We are a 93-year-old hub for gathering and, while we look forward to the day when we can once again welcome guests through our doors, we are grateful to Marla for making the entrance of our empty theater alive with color. It’s a wonderful reminder that we are still here – very much an integral part of the community.”

During the 2019-2020 year, The Palace provided arts education to more than 7,500 youth – nurturing their interests in dance, playwriting, directing and performing. Arts in Education programs are held year round and have continued

virtually during the pandemic.

“Art, in all its forms, is an essential part of life,” Enowitz said. “While we see

hope on the horizon, it’s important to continue coming together and supporting one another in whatever ways we can.”

Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Marla Beth Enowitz’ painting “Stars for the Stars” is displayed in the windows of the Palace Theatre in Stamford on March 24. Enowitz painted the Palace windows into a starry dreamscape to bring life and color to the theater, which has been quiet for about a year since COVID-19 hit.