Marion, OH- November 24, 2015- Returning to the Marion Palace Theatre stage is the beloved community production of “Christmas at the Palace.” This year’s holiday show subtitled ‘Home Town Blessings,’ will celebrate the community’s past and present and features the artwork of local artist, Joe Howard. The spirited cast of more than 300 friends, neighbors and family members will appear on the Palace stage for three performances. Show dates are scheduled for Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m. The Palace Theatre staff encourages ticket buyers to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the door.

“Christmas at the Palace” Home Town Blessings will be the 9th holiday production written and directed by Clare Cooke. The show will feature many new, as well as veteran acts to perform on the stage this year including vocalists Victoria Meadows singing, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Dustin Rawlins-“My Grown Up Christmas List,” Tanner Wink-“Proud of Your Boy,” Carter Rawlins-“There Is a Santa Claus,” and Shannel Bracy-Malcom singing, “Mary’s Song.” Duets include “Christmas Is a Time to Love” by Halli and Elliana Schenk, “Christmas Day” by Sara Grote and John W. Garnes, Jr. and “Mary, Did You Know?” by Brian and Madisen Schenk. The barbershop harmony chorus, The Marionaires, will take the stage with their lively renditions of “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone,” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”

Returning to the production are the amusing North Pole characters, Santa Claus (Bruce Cudd), Mrs. Claus (Sharon Gale), the ornery elf Sassy (Julia Vanderhoff),

Crowd pleasing dance numbers will be performed by several hometown favorites including Douce Sr. and Douce Jr. dance lines, Diverse Dance Moves, Edye Cook Dance Company, the Prominent Men’s Tap Line and Ladies’ Tap Cats Line. Matt Meade and Sydney Randall will perform a tap routine, “Hot Chocolate,” with musical accompaniment by the Palace Theatre Big Band.

The Palace Theatre Big Band, under the direction of George Schram, includes members Bill Swihart, Rick Baird, Steve Cumbie, Neil Miller, Ed Wise, Mark Stoneburner, Bob Walczak, Thom Richards, Greg Lauer, David Johnston, David Steele, Nick Koehler and James Besch. Band vocalists are Margie Bowman, Steve deWeber, John Garnes, Sara Grote, Charles Groth, Leah Menzie, Dustin Rawlins and Amanda Zucker.

A new addition to the show will be Sassy Seven Ladies a capella group performing “That’s Christmas to Me.” Members are Leah Menzie, Nicole Hummel, Rachel Osborne, Cara Osborne, Emily Service, Kristy Service and Shannon Linville. The Lisiecki Brothers (Thomas and sons Mateusz, Alexander and Sebastian) will entertain audiences with “Feliz Navidad.” Many more new surprises are planned but are kept under wraps until show-time.

Tickets to “Christmas at the Palace” are available for purchase by contacting the Palace Box Office located at 276 West Center Street, Marion, OH. Tickets may be ordered in person or by phone (740) 383-2101 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The box office is closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets may also be purchased one hour before the event or 24/7 at www.marionpalace.org. Reserved seating tickets are $17-$22 adults, $12 children ages 12 and younger.

Sponsored by OhioHealth. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Media Sponsor WMRN-AM.

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