Quality Masonry Company works to remove sections of the marquee blade. Photo by Marion Palace Theatre.
During a recent press conference held at the historic Marion Palace Theatre the Palace Cultural Arts Association (PCAA) released updated information regarding the theatre’s $1.8 million restoration project.
Scott Hoffman, Palace board member and chair of the Palace Cultural Arts Association fundraising committee reported the fundraising committee has collected approximately $1.4 million of the funds. These monies will allow the theatre to tackle Phase 1 of the project which will repair the front façade of the building, fixing the water damage that prompted the project.
The PCAA continues to seek financial support for Phase 2 of this project which includes the repair and relighting of the upright Palace sign and the replacement of the canopy marquee. “They’re going to go back up bigger and bolder than they were before because they’re going to be energy-efficient, fresh paint, and we’re all incredibly excited about that,” says Hoffman.
At press time, the additional monies needed to successfully complete this project total $421,000. In order to meet this challenge, the PCAA has launched a “Re-Light the Palace Marquee” fundraising campaign inviting organizations and individuals in the community to contribute to the cause.
Hoffman was quick to recognize the contributions from the State of Ohio and commended Representative Dorothy Pelanda for her assistance in securing $731,000 in grant monies.
“We could not have done that without her,” Hoffman said.
He thanked John Keggan, emeritus director and honorary chair of the fundraising committee, for his efforts, as well as other members of the committee — Mike Stuckey, Clare Cooke and Andy Harper and the Palace staff for their roles in securing $600,000 in contributions from individuals and organizations.
Bev Ford, the Palace’s executive director, said the target for having the remaining $421,000 raised is June 30, and the goal for having the restoration project completed is Dec. 31. Quality Masonry is the general contractor for the restoration.
“It’s very expensive, but to put the Palace back the way it was is the ultimate goal,” Ford said.
During the conference, Palace Board President Andy Harper announced the 2015-16 season at the Palace, which will include six local shows and six touring artists.
The local productions will be the summer musical “Mary Poppins,” the junior musical “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.,” the stage play “Our Town,” Christmas at the Palace, the children’s stage play “Charlotte’s Web” and a dinner theater, “Contempt of Court,” in the May Pavilion.
Touring artists will be country singer Travis Tritt, 70s rock band Kansas, Song and Dance duo Two on Tap, comedy ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger, Ryan Ratliff in his final solo concert titled “The Piano Man” and a comedian to be announced.
In addition to live entertainment, movies will return to the Palace this summer. Harper thanked the local contributors who provided donations totaling $150,000 to purchase digital projection equipment.
People can become a friend of the Palace by contributing to the PCAA membership drive, which includes member benefits featuring early access to tickets for the entire season. Ticket sales to Palace members begin Monday, June 1 and are stratified by donation level. Ticket sales to the general public begin Monday, July 1 at 9am. To become a PCAA member contact the Palace Theatre Box Office during box office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 am to 5 pm by phone 740-383-2101 or visit www.marionpalace.org.
The Palace Cultural Arts Association of Marion, Ohio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by IRS code. To help restore the Palace, please send designated contributions to Marion Palace Theatre Re-Light the Marquee Campaign, 276 W Center St, Marion, OH 43302.
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