April 27: Masquerade Ball at Palace Theatre’s Spotlight Room

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Jax Youngdahl is all in as Event Coordinator at the Palace Theatre. Her first big event, a masquerade ball, is set for April 27. Photo/Carol Robidoux

MANCHESTER, NH — The Palace Theater will be hosting a Carnivale Masquerade Ball April 27 at 8 p.m. in the newly-renovated Spotlight Room located right next door to the theater on Hanover Street. 

The event is the brainchild of Southern NH University graduate and event coordinator Jacqueline “Jax” Youngdahl and is one in a series of planned events underway meant to further cement the 104-year-old historic theatre as a centerpiece of the community.

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Click above for tickets.

Traditionally, a masquerade ball includes a hint of mystery, and Youngdahl is hoping everyone will bring a mask and wear it until the big reveal — everyone will unmask themselves at 10:30 p.m.

The Palace hired Youngdahl last year to manage the Spotlight Room after her internship with the theatre ended.

“I love the theatre,” Youngdahl  says “It’s an amazing atmosphere, I scooped up my dream job!”

The Spotlight Room opened in July of 2018 after renovations. The space is a rentable venue that includes uplighting, bartending, high-boys and tables in standard black dressing, with an option of overlays, and chairs, all for  for $725 on weekends and $400 on weekdays (weekdays do not include a bartender.)

So named by Youngdahl, the Spotlight Room is a perfect space for graduation and birthday parties, rehearsals, receptions and pre-receptions, or  for businesses to entertain clients with a catered dinner and direct access to Palace entertainment through a private entrance. Stadium-style seating is set up for upcoming acts such as the Eric Mintel Jazz Quartet, which will be returning to the Spotlight Room on May 10. Due to its intimate atmosphere, The Spotlight Room will showcase select acts, including comedians and folk singers, Youngdahl said..  

As for he Masquerade ball — a Palace first — expect a night of excitement and activities, with  plenty of photo ops, hors d’oeuvres, games, a dance and costume competition, and an Angel Card Reader.

Youngdahl says about half the tickets for the ball are sold so far — and it promises to be a successful first soiree — which has Youngdahl and her assistant, Sophia Smith, thinking about what’s next — perhaps a ‘70s disco party, says Youngdahl.  

Tickets are $39 and can be purchased online, or from the Palace box office.

About this Author

Constance Cherise

Constance Cherise is a freelance writer and contributor for Turner Classic MoviesSee her work here.