Big Names Coming to Marion's Palace Theatre

The Marion Palace Theatre Executive Director Tina Salamone announces the 2010-2011 line-up for entertainment slated for the Palace stage. Acts include John Tesh, Los Lonely Boys, and Jonny Lang.

Tickets for all shows go on sale to the public Monday, July 26 at 9:00 a.m.

“These artists represent about 60% of our 2010-11 season so far,” says Executive Director Tina Salamone. “We still have offers out on some country and rock artists as well as an amazing dance company. I know, people are thinking, ‘Dance? It’s not for me,’ but PLEASE trust that this will be a powerful experience. We also want a national comedian, some younger contemporary bands and a variety offering or two. There’s a lot going on this season and this release doesn’t even address the Palace-produced shows that we’ll be doing throughout the year. Seriously, how much fun is this going to be?!”

Former Tonight Show bandleader Doc Severinsen kicks off the Palace’s new season Sunday, September 19 at 2:00 p.m.  After dominating late night TV with Johnny Carson for 30 years, Doc now tours the country performing with El Ritmo de la Vida (the rhythm of life).  Severinsen and his new colleagues — guitarist Gil Gutiérrez, violinist Pedro Cartas, percussionist Miguel Favero and bassist Gilberto Gonzales —serve up a lively, sophisticated sound that fuses jazz, flamenco, mariachi and a number of Spanish styles. Classical guitarist Gil Gutierrez is a virtuoso who consistently delivers energetic, electric performances. Add the soaring trumpet of Doc Severinsen and the experience is indescribably brilliant.

Chicago comedian Mike Toomey’s TV & Me fills the Palace with laughter Saturday, October 9 at 8:00 p.m.  Having appeared across the country as well as on Comedy Central and HBO, Toomey uses his childhood TV viewing habits of the 60s and 70s to create his comedy routine.  From his impersonations of some classic TV icons to his just plain comedic antics, Toomey will tickle funny bones.

Jonny Lang (pictured above) brings his award-winning blues guitar sound to Marion Sunday, October 10 at 8:00 p.m.  Since his first solo album in 1997, the multi-platinum Lie to Me, Lang has toured the world along with acts including the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Sting, and B.B. King among others.  His 2006 album, Turn Around, has a gospel influence and recently won Lang his first Grammy. Most recently, Lang collaborated with Cyndi Lauper and Lee Ritenour on their respective new releases.  Also in June 2010, Jonny was one of many honored guitarists who played at Chicago-based “Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival.”

The music continues when Los Lonely Boys (pictured to the left) come to town Saturday, October 16 at 8:00 p.m.  Their number one debut single “Heaven” earned them a worldwide fan base and Grammy award.  Describing their sound as “Texican Rock and Roll,”  Los Lonely Boys mix elements of rock and roll, soul, blues, country, and Tejano (or Tex-Mex).  “Powered by passion and true brotherly love” is how these brothers describe the impact behind their music.

Kevin Spirtas entertains with his popular one-man show Night and Days Saturday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m.  Best known for his role of Dr. Craig Wesley on the popular daytime soap Days of Our Lives, Spirtas’ career has taken him through TV, film, and Broadway.  Enjoy the highlights with singing and dancing from shows such as A Chorus Line, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, and Chicago.  Don’t miss this power-packed show as this star of Broadway, silver screen, and television’s “Days of our Lives” steps out in style.

Judy Garland, one of America’s favorite performers, is paid tribute in All Heart, All Judy Sunday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m.  Classically trained contralto Daphne Alderson developed the performance not as an imitation, but rather as “a kind of love letter to a performer who was never more at peace than when giving her all to her audience.”  Bringing this insightful and moving tribute from Carnegie Hall, Alderson will deliver an unforgettable performance of memorable music.

A Christmas tradition returns as von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet performs The Nutcracker Friday, December 10 at 8:00 p.m.  Tchaikovsky’s best-known and most beloved ballet tells the story of Clara, her nutcracker, and a fantastical Christmas Eve where anything seems possible.  Bring the family and begin a new holiday tradition with a timeless classic.

Following a hugely successful performance in 2008, The Church Basement Ladies return with their new musical, Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas Sunday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m.  It is 1959 and the “Ladies” are preparing for the annual Sunday School Christmas Program.  However, there is little comfort and joy to be found when the “Ladies” must solve a myriad of problems in order for the show to go on.  Get ready for some surprises as the “Ladies” are called upon to step in and save the day.

Aquila Theatre Company presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream Friday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m.  This production has been called “timely and pleasing” by The New York Times.  Shakespeare’s classic story of love, laughs, and mistaken identity remains a powerful and entertaining modern-day work. This timeless comedy will delight the audience as Aquila Theatre Company brings their imaginative interpretation to Shakespeare’s plot.

You’ll think “The Boss” is in town when Matt Ryan and the American Dream present Bruce in the USA Friday, February 4 at 8:00 p.m.  This Bruce Springsteen tribute gives fans an evening of legendary entertainment that even Clarence Clemons called the greatest he has ever seen.  Bruce in the USA is much more than just another tribute. Matt Ryan, from the World Famous "Legends in Concert" cast, played the Springsteen character, for eight years in their "full scale" Las Vegas Show. Using his great success with "Legends," he evolved his character into the Bruce in the USA show.  Matt is now touring the country with in his amazing portrayal of "The Boss" in this pitch-perfect all-American show.

Ides of March with Jim Peterik is still going strong after 35 years of making music together.  The Ides are that rare commodity that still has all of its original members.  Their special chemistry that makes every Ides show a memorable experience. Their trademark combination of horns and harmony and Peterik’s growling vocals always brings the audience to their feet.   With its signature horn riff and famous opening line, Ides of March’s “Vehicle” has earned its place in rock history.  Don’t miss the Ides in concert Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 p.m.

His twin sons (Matthew and Gunnar) pay the legendary Ricky Nelson homage in Ricky Nelson Remembered Saturday, March 26 at 8:00 p.m.  This unique multimedia tribute show includes live music, interviews, and never-before-seen video of the Nelson family.  Many generations can enjoy and celebrate America’s original teen idol when the Nelson boys revisit his greatest hits.

Frank Ferrante presents the highly acclaimed one-man show An Evening with Groucho Friday, April 1 at 8:00 p.m.  Award-winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS-, New York- and London-acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast-paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including "Hooray For Captain Spalding," and "Lydia, the Tattooed Lady." The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style.  A show perfect for all ages!

In the Mood will transport the audience back to the Swing Era Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 p.m.  More than a concert, it is a “Big Band Theatrical Swing Revue” remembering the 1940s when all of America listened and danced to the same music.  With a live orchestra, singing, and dancing that will blow you away, this show brings back a fun and energetic spirit, while highlighting the music of Miller, Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, and more.

John Tesh brings his talents as a pianist, vocalist, and composer of pop and contemporary Christian music to the Palace Friday, April 8 at 8:00 p.m.  After many years as the popular co-host of Entertainment Tonight, Tesh made his music career the number one priority.  Besides playing keyboards (including the piano), he plays the trumpet and sings, and has sold over 7 million records.  Tesh has won six music Emmys, has four gold albums, 2 Grammy nominations and an Associated Press award for investigative journalism.  In addition to his national tours, he hosts the widely popular “John Tesh Radio Show” which is syndicated on over 400 radio stations.

Central Ohio will experience its own British invasion when American English arrives Saturday, April 16 at 8:00 p.m.  Paying attention to every detail from music and instruments to costumes and special effects, they recreate the full Beatles experience for today’s audience.  Voted ‘Best Tribute Band’ for the past 3 years in Chicago, American English brings to life the entire Beatles catalog from 1963-1970.

People can still become a friend of the Palace by contributing to the Palace Cultural Arts Association membership drive, which includes patron benefits featuring early access to tickets for the entire season.  Ticket sales to Palace members begin Monday, July 19 and are stratified by donation level.  Ticket sales to the general public begin the following Monday, July 26 at 9:00am.

Tickets for all of these shows may be purchased at the Palace box office, 276 W. Center St. in downtown Marion or by phone at 740/383-2101.  Box office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday, 9:00am-noon Saturday, and closed Sunday.

Information for all shows and tickets is also online at www.marionpalace.org.