Canton Palace Theatre's Centennial Celebration Weekend

The Canton Palace Theatre will celebrate its 100th Anniversary with an unforgettable weekend of entertainment, history, and community celebration November 20–22, 2026.

Since opening its doors on November 22, 1926, the Canton Palace Theatre has welcomed generations of audiences to films, concerts, theatrical productions, community performances, and special events. The Centennial Celebration Weekend honors that remarkable legacy while looking ahead to the theatre's next century.

Friday, November 20th, 7:00 PM: In The Heartland – The Music of Michael Stanley Band

The celebration begins with an evening dedicated to one of Ohio's most beloved musical legacies with performances by local favorites Kerosene, Jay and Ken from New Wave Nation, and Saxy Rob, before headliner In The Heartland – The Music of Michael Stanley Band takes the stage. Featuring former Michael Stanley Band guitarist Danny Powers, the acclaimed tribute recreates the unforgettable sound that filled venues across Ohio for decades.

Saturday, November 21st, 7:30 PM: An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth headlines the second evening of the celebration. Known worldwide for her performances in Wicked, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Pushing Daisies, film, television, and concert stages around the globe, Chenoweth brings her extraordinary vocal talent and signature charm to the Palace for a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary performance.

Sunday, November 22nd, 4:00 PM: Back to Opening Night – Reliving November 22, 1926

Exactly 100 years after the Palace first welcomed audiences, guests will experience a remarkable recreation of opening night as it unfolded in 1926. The afternoon will feature authentic vaudeville entertainment inspired by original opening night Palace programs, including:

- George Burns and Gracie Allen in "Lambchops"

- Carl Rosini, Master Magician

- Florence Brady in "A Cycle of Songs"

- Ruiz and Bonita in "Their Dances Supreme"

Audiences will also enjoy a rare screening of College Days, the second motion picture ever shown at the Palace in 1926 and believed to be making its first public screening in more than 90 years.

Completing the experience will be live accompaniment by Jay Spencer on the Palace's historic Kilgen Wonder Organ, joined by the 16-piece Palace Concert Orchestra under the direction of Joseph N. Rubin, recreating the grandeur of the original opening celebration.

The Centennial Celebration Weekend is both a tribute to the theatre's remarkable past and an invitation for the community to help launch its next 100 years.