Ladies Tap Line in Christmas at the Palace 2012, Pictured Left to Right is Amanda Zucker, Kim Bradshaw, Sherril Applefeller, Linda Blue, Judy Little, Colleen Mauk, Linda Fargo and Diana Dailey.
Photo by James Miller/Marion Star submitted by Marion Palace Theatre
Returning to the Marion Palace Theatre stage is the 2013 community production of Christmas at the Palace. This holiday show will feature the largest cast to date with over 400 friends, neighbors and family members for three performances. Show dates are scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2013 and Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
The Palace Theatre staff encourages ticket buyers to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the door.
The idea to present a community production was first envisioned by Ula Watts in 1982. The wildly successful local production played before sold out crowds in the 1980s. When Ula retired, her choreographer of 20 years, Clare Cooke, took the reins to direct seven productions in 1990, 1992, 1994, 2009, 2011, 2012 and again this year.
The Christmas at the Palace 2013 artistic team, comprised of Writer/Director Clare Cooke, Assistant Director/Choreographer Kristi Wink, Vocal Director John Holsinger, Orchestra Conductor George Schram and Producer Andy Harper, is proud to present this season’s production which will follow the storyline of “Christmas Memories.”
Audience members will see several new faces as well as many familiar friends on the Palace stage this season. The cast will recreate old Christmas Memories with classic numbers such as “March of the Wooden Soldiers” made famous by the NYC Rockettes, a heartwarming military tribute and a traditional Nativity Scene.
The Palace Orchestra Pit under the leadership of conductor George Schram and the Marion Concert Band directed by Bill Swihart will “delight the crowds” with instrumental numbers. Adding to the holiday festivities will be the a cappella singing group NINE, a dancing chorus of Santa’s Helpers, innovative choreographed numbers featuring local dance students from Diverse Moves, Edye Cook Dance Company and Martha Douce Dancers. Also bringing sounds of the season in vocal numbers are Hailie Crowder, Sara Grote, John Garnes, Jr., Hanah Reiff and more.
Returning to the production are the witty North Pole characters, Santa Claus (Bruce Cudd), Mrs. Claus (Sharon Gale), the ornery elf Sassy (Julia Vanderhoff), the Women’s Tap Line and largest Men’s Tap Line since 1982!
Veteran Men’s Tap Line member, Joe Blue, shares his reasons for dedicating his time and talent to the holiday production.
“I have been performing in Christmas at the Palace on and off since 1982. This is a close-knit cast and we all come back year after year. The reason we come back to perform is to support the beautiful Palace Theatre that we are so lucky to have in our Marion community.”
Reverend Dan Kiger, the newest Men’s Tap Line member adds to Joe’s sentiment.
“I have watched Christmas at the Palace over the years and wanted to participate but never could clear enough time for all the rehearsals. When I retired earlier this year, I knew that Christmas at the Palace was one of the new adventures I wanted to embrace. Until rehearsal last week, I never in my 66 years of living had a pair of tap shoes on. Dancers work hard! It is fun. It is arduous, too. No wonder Clare Cook’s productions are always so good.”
Tickets prices are $22 and $17 for adults and $12 for children age 12 and younger. You can order tickets by phone at 740-383-2101 or online at www.marionpalace.org. Sponsored by Mike & Kelly Andrews and OhioHealth and supported by Ohio Arts Council.
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