From Ella Fitzgerald to Jay Leno:
A Century of Legends in the Strand Theatre Spotlight
The house lights dim. A hush falls over the crowd. And you can practically feel the anticipation in the air. Throughout the past 100 years, audiences have gathered inside York’s historic Strand Theatre to witness magic—live music that brings everyone to their feet, comedians that spark collective laughter, and entertainment experiences that get talked about for years to come.
The Strand Theatre is home to countless events each year, including incredible opportunities to see some of the biggest names in the business right here in Central Pennsylvania. From Ella Fitzgerald’s timeless voice to Jay Leno’s quick wit, the Strand Theatre’s spotlight has illuminated a century of legends and has even more in store this upcoming season.
THE ICONS WHO SET THE STAGE
When Ella Fitzgerald stepped out onto the Strand Theatre stage in April 1980, backed by the York Symphony Orchestra, she set the stage for the future of the arts in downtown York. Her iconic voice marked the rebirth of two treasured community theatres, which were lovingly restored by the people of York after years of closure. That evening, the applause didn’t just honor a performance—it celebrated resilience, unity, and the start of a dazzling new era for the newly-established Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center.
Decades later, Tony Bennett graced the very same stage in May 2017, serenading a sold-out crowd holding up white roses to usher in the next important chapter for the organization as it was renamed the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. The unforgettable event was a heartfelt tribute to Louis Appell, Jr. and three generations of the Appell family, whose dedication and generosity were essential to the Strand Theatre’s legacy.
VOICES THAT SHAPED GENERATIONS
Over the past century, the Strand Theatre has welcomed a who’s who of musical artistry— performers whose names resonate across genres and generations. Bernadette Peters brought Broadway brilliance right here to York. John Legend filled the theatre with soulful storytelling on his piano. And Chris Cornell’s voice echoed through the ornate walls, less than two years before his unfortunate passing. And in more recent years, Judy Collins, Lyle Lovett, Gladys Knight and so many others each left their mark on the Strand Theatre’s story.
For York audiences, these weren’t just live concerts—they were a chance to come together as friends, family, neighbors and community members to make once-in-a-lifetime shared memories.
COMEDY, CONNECTION & COMMUNITY
For every music note that has echoes through the Strand Theatre, there has been just as much laughter. Comedy has long been part of the theatre’s soul as an important art form that connects us all.
Over the years, the Strand Theatre has hosted some of the most sought-after comedians, from Kevin James’ sharp wit and physical comedy to Jon Stewart’s social satire and Colin Jost’s dry humor. Whether it’s a night of stand-up or a one-man show, the Strand Theatre continues to prove that laughter has the power of bringing everyone together.
A STAR-STUDDED CENTENNIAL SEASON
A hundred years after its initial opening, the Strand Theatre’s stage is still alive with the same energy and excitement that filled it in 1925. The Appell Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating its centennial season by continuing its legacy of welcoming some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Leading the lineup is York’s very own Del McCoury, the bluegrass legend whose career has taken him from local stages to the Grand Ole Opry and beyond. Sharing the spotlight are musical icons Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, whose return promises a night of virtuosity that rivals any performance in New York or Philadelphia.
On the comedy front, audiences can look forward to the Strand Theatre favorite, Jay Leno, bringing his unmistakable humor back to our stage, as well as two sold-out shows with Josh Johnson, one of today’s fastest-rising comedic voices. Together, they represent the perfect blend of legacy and fresh talent that defines this milestone season.
And just last month, the centennial celebrations hit a high note as Broadway superstars Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara shared the Strand Theatre stage in a sold-out performance backed by the York Symphony Orchestra. This wonderful evening was a tribute to a century of Strand Theatre memories and an homage to the 1980 reopening gala with Ella Fitzgerald.
A LEGACY ILLUMINATED
As the Strand Theatre now enters its second century, its spotlight continues to shine brighter than ever thanks to the steadfast support of its community. Today, The Appell Center for the Performing Arts hosts 200 events on its multiple stages each year, along with another 200+ education and community program offerings. With the hottest stars of the past, present and future taking its stage each year, the Strand Theatre brings the magic of live performance close to home, right here in Downtown York.
