Returning to the Marion Palace Theatre stage, is the community production of Christmas at the Palace. This holiday show subtitled “Through A Child’s Eyes” will feature a spirited cast of 335 friends, neighbors and family members for three performances. 2014 show dates are scheduled for Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m.
For more than thirty years, this popular production has delighted theatre-goers. The festive variety show originated in 1982 under the direction of Ula Watts. When Ula retired, her choreographer of 20 years, Clare Cooke, took the reins and to date has written and directed eight productions including December’s show, “Through A Child’s Eyes.”
This playful, joyous and heartfelt celebration of the season, features over 100 adults and 200 children in various songs, dances and scenes with 19 “Show Kids” telling their stories of Christmas through their own thoughts.
Cast members include North Pole residents – Santa (Bruce Cudd), Mrs. Claus (Sharon Gale), Sassy the Elf (Julia Vanderhoff) Dimples the Elf (Emersyn Vanderhoff), Mrs. Holiday (Jean Yake) and Show Kids – Annie Bell, Carson Bollinger, Gabby Cametti, Jaidyn Opuni, Reagan Poulton, Jia Radloff, Carter Rawlins, Hudson Russell, Ivy Russell, Owen Russell, Alexis Ruth, Sophia Ruth, Madisen Schenk, Brooklynn Short, Macie Snyder, Delaney Tabbert, Emersyn Vanderhoff, Ashley Watkins and Brady Wink.
Dance numbers will be performed by Ellie Campbell, Diverse Moves Dance Studio, Douce Dance Jr. Martiettes, Douce Dance Sr. Line, Edye Cook Dance Company, Footsteps Family Dance Center, March of the Wooden Soldiers, Matt Meade & Sydney Randall, and the Men’s, Ladies’ and combined Tap Lines.
Musicians include The Marion Concert Band directed by Bill Swihart, the Yule Pit directed by George Schram, organist John Holsinger and bagpiper Mark Melroy.
Solos and small group numbers will be performed by Kelly Andrews, Brad Bebout, Ron Boose, John W. Garnes, II, Sara Grote, Andy Harper, Jenny Hughes, Jia Radloff, Dustin Rawlins, Ivy Russell, Madisen Schenk, Macie Snyder, Delaney Tabbert, Ashley Watkins, Sadie & Tanner Wink and the a cappella group NINE among others.
The Christmas at the Palace 2014 artistic team is comprised of Writer/Director Clare Cooke, Assistant Director/Choreographer Kristi Wink, Vocal Director John Holsinger, Orchestra Conductor George Schram and Producer Andy Harper.
Reserved tickets are $17-$22 for adults and $12 for children age 12 and younger. Sponsored by Central Ohio Farmers Co-op and Morral Companies and supported by Ohio Arts Council. Theatrical back-drop sponsor is Cummins Facility Service with media sponsor help by WMRN-AM and WYNT-FM.
If You Go
WHAT: Marion Palace Theatre production of Christmas at the Palace “Through A Child’s Eyes”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.–Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6 and 2:00 p.m.-Sunday, December 7
WHERE: Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W Center St., Marion OH 43302
RUNNING TIME: approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes, one intermission
TICKETS: $22/$17 Adults, and $12 Children 12 and under. Charge by phone (740)383-2101 or online www.marionpalace.org
BOX OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and one hour before each performance. The box office is closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Show and theatre information may be found at www.marionpalace.org.
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