Tickets for the Marion Palace Theatre’s upcoming season will be available for the general public to purchase beginning Monday, June 29, 2015. The 2015-16 season at the Marion Palace Theatre and May Pavilion will include 6 local Palace Productions, 5 touring artists on the main stage, 4 School Matinee shows, 4 Fridays in the May Pavilion, and 2 Sunday with the Arts events featuring the mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
The 2015-2016 Marion Palace Theatre season is funded by the Ohio Arts Council.
2015-16 Palace Productions sponsored in part by the Marion Community Foundation’s Mary H. Hollaway Fund.
“MARY POPPINS” Directed by Clare Cooke – July 11, 12 & July 17, 18, 19 – Fri & Sat 7:30pm | Sun 2pm
This enchanting musical for all ages has an irresistible story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises, “Anything can happen if you let it.” This Palace Production is directed by Clare Cooke and features a cast of local talent. Reserved Seating $40 patrons, $22 & $18 adults, $12 children age 12 & younger. Media sponsors WMRN-AM and WYNT-FM.
“DISNEY’S ALADDIN, JR.” Directed by Kristi Wink – October 9, 10, 11 – Fri & Sat 7:30pm | Sun 2pm
Meet all of your favorite characters from the hit animated film including the resourceful young hero Aladdin, the beautiful Jasmine, and of course, the wise-cracking Genie. Audience spirits soar with excitement over magic, mayhem, flying carpet rides and songs including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.” Directed by Kristi Wink and featuring a cast of local youth ages 8-14 years. Reserved Seating $18 adult, $12 child under 13. Sponsored by Jim & Barb Greetham. Media sponsor WYNT-FM.
“OUR TOWN” Directed by Danielle Knight – October 23, 24, 25 – Fri & Sat 7:30pm | Sun 2pm
Thorton Wilder’s beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning classic depicts life, love and death in the quaint American town of Grover’s Corners. Centered around one young couple – George and Emily – the play traces their lives as they fall in love, marry, start a family and eventually die. The story opens our eyes to all we take for granted and brings into question life’s purpose and meaning. Danielle Knight makes her Palace directorial debut with OUR TOWN. Knight earned her Theatre Performance degree at Belhaven University in Jackson, MS and currently instructs Drama and Culinary Arts at Gilead Christian School. Sponsored by Verne Hart Insurance and Grange Insurance. General Admission $15.
“CHRISTMAS AT THE PALACE” Directed by Clare Cooke – December 4, 5, 6 – Fri & Sat 7:30pm | Sun 2pm
Returning to the historic Marion Palace Theatre stage is the annual production of Christmas at the Palace. Written and directed by Clare Cooke, this playful, joyous and heartfelt celebration of the season features hundreds of friends, neighbors and family members to delight audience members with song and dance acts, which range from traditional holiday favorites to comical and contemporary numbers. Reserved Seating $22, $17 adult | $12 child under 13. Media sponsor WMRN-AM.
“CHARLOTTE’S WEB” Directed by Emily Yaksic – February 19, 20, 21 – Fri & Sat 7:30pm | Sun 2pm
CHARLOTTE’S WEB, a beloved children’s classic, spins the tale of a clever spider and her friend Wilbur, who happens to be a pig. This play brings to life the friendships of Charlotte — the wise spider, her animal friends, and the young girl Fern. Using teamwork, the animals come together to save Wilbur and make him “some pig” indeed. Emily Yaksic, Theatre Education Graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, makes her Palace directorial debut in this beautiful and meaningful play about friendship. Audience members of all ages will be enchanted by this performance which features an all star cast of local children. Reserved Seating $18 adult, $12 child under 13.
“CONTEMPT OF COURT” Dinner Theatre directed by Clare Cooke – Fri, April 15 & Sat, April 16
It’s a typical night at Judge Judy’s People’s Night Court where audience members become plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses and jury in some of the most outlandishly funny law suits ever to double cross the bench. This hilarious comedy send up of all those TV court shows proves that some people really have a CONTEMPT OF COURT. Dinner 6pm, Show 7:30pm. Doors open 15 minutes before meal. Menu includes: Choice of 2 entrees, potato, vegetable, salad, bread, dessert and drink. Reserved Seating $35 includes dinner & show.
2015-16 Touring Artists
TWO ON TAP – Sun, October 4 at 3pm
If you like Fred and Ginger or Micky and Judy, then you will love the NEW show TWO ON TAP! Broadway veterans Melissa Giattino and Ron DeStefano will dazzle the diehard dance fan and make plenty of new ones with exciting additions like a jazz-inspired rendition of “Lullaby of Broadway” and a ballroom-infused performance of the classic “Cheek to Cheek.” This incredible song and dance duo will engage your senses with their new “Singin’ in the Rain” medley, stir your patriotism with “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and grab your heart with their gorgeous duet vocals on “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Reserved Seating $25, $20, $15 adult | $12 child under 13.
TRAVIS TRITT – Fri, November 6 at 8pm
Born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, country music legend TRAVIS TRITT began his music career as a high school student. Now 3 decades later, Tritt’s music has touched millions. A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1992, Tritt has 7 Certified Platinum Albums and has won 2 Grammy Awards for his collaboration work with other country artists. His line-up of well-known hits include “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive,” “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” “Can I Trust You with My Heart,” “Foolish Pride,” and “Best of Intentions.” www.travistritt.com. Reserved Seating $55, $48, $42, $34. Sponsored by The Vincent Group/Merrill Lynch.
LYNN TREFZGER – Sat, January 23 at 7pm
For over 30 years, comedy ventriloquist LYNN TREFZGER has given life to a trunk full of comical characters. Audiences of all ages are treated to Lynn’s vocal illusion talents, when they meet a drunken and lovable camel, a grumpy old man and a feisty little girl. Lynn may even bring audience members on stage to join the fun. Her off-the-wall audience interplay is riotously funny, no two shows are alike! Her performances are tailored for both family and adult audiences. www.lynnt.com. Reserved Seating $18 adult | $12 child under 13.
THE PIANO MAN FEATURING RYAN RATLIFF – Sat, February 13 at 7:30pm
THE PIANO MAN will electrify his audience with the great rock and roll singers who conquered the keys including: Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Billy Joel, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder, and others. This tribute features Ryan at the grand piano with a live local band and backup singers and dancers from NYC. Favorites such as Piano Man, Uptown Girl, Only The Good Die Young, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Crocodile Rock, I Just Called To Say I Love You, For Once In My Life, Georgia On My Mind, Great Balls Of Fire, Tutti Frutti, You’ve Got A Friend, and many more, will have the entire crowd rockin’ and rollin’. One night only, so make this a Valentine’s event and join Ryan in his final solo show as we all sing and sway along to the great artists who’ve made the piano rock! www.ryjproductions.com Reserved Seating $26, $22, $18.
KANSAS – Sat, May 14 at 8pm
KANSAS became popular in the 1970s with hit singles such as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” The band boasts 8 gold albums, 3 sextuple-platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, The Best of Kansas), 1 platinum live album (Two for the Show) and a million-selling single, “Dust in the Wind.” Kansas appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the 1970s and 1980s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. Along with touring, KANSAS continues to remain a fixture of Classic Rock radio. They have reached a whole new audience through their unmistakable presence on the popular video games Rock Band and Guitar Hero, as well as through their songs’ inclusion in various television shows (‘Supernatural’ and ‘South Park’) and films (‘Old School’ and ‘Anchorman’). Reserved Seating $55, $48, $42, $34. Supporting sponsors First Citizens National Bank.
2015-16 Fridays in the May Pavilion Series Tickets to each event $15.
Fri, September 25 @ 7:30pm – UNITED WORSHIP
Fri, January 15 @ 7:30pm – John W. Garnes, II & Friends AM/FM
Fri, February 26 @ 7:30pm – GRAIL
Fri, May 20@ 7:30pm – 1 FOR THE ROAD
2015-16 Sunday with the Arts
Sun, Sep 27 @ 3pm – PEDALS, PIPES & PIZZA. $15
Sun, Dec 13 @ 3pm – IT’S A WONDERFUL WURLITZER HOLIDAY SING-A-LONG. Free event.
2015-16 School Matinee Series
These professionally produced children’s productions are for grades PreK-8 and are designed specifically to enhance curriculum and meet Ohio Academic Content Standards. Performances are scheduled for 10am & 1pm. Sponsored by General Mills and Honda of America and funded by Ohio Arts Council. Admission $3.50.
Mon, October 5 – “Dog Loves Books” grades PreK-2
Fri, October 30 – “ArcAttack” grades 4-8
Mon, December 14 – “Miss Nelson is Missing” grades K-5
Mon, February 8 – “Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School” grades K-5
Those wishing to purchase tickets for the shows listed above may do so by contacting the Marion Palace Theatre by phone at 740/383-2101 or visiting the box office at 270 W. Center St. in downtown Marion. Box office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and closed Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Tickets may also be purchased online at www.marionpalace.org.
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