Applause NOV DEC 2013

Palace
MARION
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
-PAIDMARION, OH
PERMIT NO 54
THEATRE & MAY PAVILION
276 W. Center St., Marion, OH 43302
Phone: 740/383-2101
Web: www.marionpalace.org
Email: info@marionpalace.org
P
DISCOVER
the performing
arts at the
Marion Palace
Theatre
An official newsletter of the Marion Palace Theatre
•From the Director’s
Chair
Contact the box office
and sign up to receive
an electronic copy of
the monthly Applause
and/or weekly e-mails
announcing upcoming
events and movies!
•Party in the Pavilion
OMEGA KICK
• School Matinee
SKIPPYJON JONES
• Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat AUDITIONS
BANDS!
HOMETOWN BANDS
PART Y
IN THE MAY
PAVILION
What do you get when you mix three Marion City School educators, a couple of electric
guitars, and the unbridled talent to perform a high energy rock show? You get OMEGA KICK,
of course!
From Aerosmith to ZZ-Top, OMEGA KICK features the best of live Rock-n-Roll, Rhythm &
Blues and more! The rock band boasts over 30 years of musical experience and is comprised
of retired teacher, David K. Johnston (Drums and Vocals), Harding High School Telecom
Instructor, John Mullins (Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals), and McKinley Elementary Principal,
Rick Fogle (Bass and Vocals).
Come with your date or come as a group. The Palace will reserve a table for 8 or more. Seating
will be at tables on the main floor and mezzanine levels creating the ideal place to meet
friends for a drink, chat, relax and enjoy the entertainment. A cash bar and concession items
are available for purchase. Order your tickets today 740/383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org
Brought To
You By
FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS BANK
ANYWHERE ELSE, THE BANK FOR
• Christmas at the
Palace CHRISTMAS
MEMORIES
• Film Festival
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
• Sunday with the Arts
BACH THROUGH THE AGES
Nov-Dec 2013
Christmas Memories
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Box Office Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 9a-5p
bring
back
APPLAUSE
CHRISTMAS AT THE PALACE 2013
Remembrance, like a candle, burns brightest at Christmastime. - Charles Dickens
C
hristmas—it’s the most wonderful time of
the year! The sights, sounds and smells of the
holiday season awaken our senses, allowing
us to relive our favorite Christmas memories.
Some folks may reminiscence about driving
through neighborhoods to discover the
brightest Christmas lights....singing carols with
friends and loved ones....decorating the family
Christmas tree....leaving milk and cookies for
Santa before tip toeing off to bed.... midnight
mass....and for many Marionites, the much
loved tradition of attending Christmas at the
Palace.
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.”
This holiday show will feature over 300 friends,
neighbors and family members. Audience
members can expect to see a number of fresh,
new performances by returning acts including
Diverse Moves dance students, Edye Cook
Dance Company, Martha Douce Dancers,
the Women’s Tap Line and the largest Men’s
Tap Line since 1982! 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 an instrumental
number. Adding to the holiday festivities will
be the talented a cappella group NINE. ...and
Santa, Mrs. Claus and Sassy have more than
one magical surprise up their furry red coat
sleeves.
Christmas at the Palace 2013 promises to
deliver the gift of entertainment, rekindle
cherished Christmas memories, and create a
wonderful experience for all ages. Don’t miss
the holiday fun….avoid long lines at the door
and get your tickets today!
DECEMBER 6, 7, 8
FRI & SAT 7:30PM | SUN 2:00PM
TICKETS $22, $17 adults
$12 children age 12 & younger
sponsored in part by
AN DR E WS
MIKE & KELLY
2 | The Marion Palace Theatre
FROM THE
Nov-Dec 2013 Applause Newsletter | 3
DIREC TOR’S CHAIR
The director’s chair in the corner office where Campbell and Center
Streets intersect affords me a bird’s eye view of all things Palace
related. From my perspective and from all that I hear and see
through my role at the Theatre, I am unswervingly convinced that we
have so very much for which to be grateful.
And it is from that idea that I launch this month’s article.
I am grateful for the privilege we have to impact lives through
the performing arts. Our mission as an organization is to: foster
appreciation, education and participation in the arts, while
preserving and promoting the historic Palace Theatre. Some lives are
touched through the activities that take place IN this historic facility
and others with this amazing facility itself.
During a recent meeting, I was able to sit back and listen to a
conversation between two people who were little more than
acquaintances. The topic of their conversation grabbed my attention,
as they were each reliving their first experience related to the Palace
Theatre. One was gripped by his stage experience and the other by
the beauty of this building while part of the audience at a School
Matinee performance. The thing that captured me and pulled me in
was the enthusiasm in their voices and the light in their eyes. They
were remembering those experiences as if they were yesterday, when
in reality they were nearly 30 years ago.
The Palace has a way of doing that, weaving its way into your heart
and joining you to those who have also experienced the magic of this
place, whether from the stage or as a patron.
In mid-October, we wrapped up production on a first for the Palace….
an all youth (junior) musical. Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. had a
cast of 66 youth ages 8-14 who spent eight weeks preparing to take
the stage. When that time finally arrived and the curtain opened on
their production, they received the applause they deserved. What
an outstanding show! But something else happened that we couldn’t
see.
A light came on inside them. The kind of light that I saw in those
gentlemen’s eyes during that recent conversation I relayed earlier in
this story. I saw it in their eyes, too. I’m convinced this was a life
changing event for many of them. I think we created some “lifers,”
if you will. They will, now and forever, love the Palace for the
experiences they had and the memories they made, and hopefully
one day they, too, will be reliving magical memories of their first
Palace experience.
And speaking of “lifers,” what an awesome privilege I had to hear
stories from three of the seven 1975 Palace Guard during a recent
tour of the Theatre. John Keggan, Steve Stuart, and Frank Henson
reunited to speak to the Leadership Marion class. They shared
memories of their adventures as they worked together 38 years ago
to save the Marion Palace Theatre for future generations. They were
an inspiration. I am grateful these men are still with us to share this
valuable history and to remind us of the value of this organization.
Thank you hardly seems enough for all their efforts.
Someone recently told me, “You have the best job in the world.” And
they are right. I certainly do have a wonderful job. I am grateful for
the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people who share their
talent as directors, musicians, actors, dancers, and backstage crew.
I am also grateful for the multi-generational performers who make
themselves at home on the Palace stage. From Mermaid to Christmas
at the Palace the ages will span from 5 to 80. We are writing history
and impacting lives. What a blessing.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BEV FORD
On a different note, it has been a little noisier than
usual around the office. And for good reason. While
the pedestrian scaffolding has become a familiar part
of the landscape out in front of the building, the overall
image of the Palace has drastically changed. In the
early part of October, a huge crane and a flatbed trailer
pulled up along Center Street for the removal of the vertical Palace
sign. It has been carefully stored until Quality Masonry Company,
the restoration company, can determine if it can be refurbished or
needs replaced. Additionally, while I’m writing this column, a jack
hammer is humming high above my office as the process for removing
the façade wall terra cotta and masonry is now officially underway.
Once that process is complete, we’ll know more about what we’re up
against with this project. Believe it or not, this project also makes
my gratitude list.
I’m so very thankful for a board of directors who cares about the long
term impact of this facility and its activities. Because they believe
in the value of the performing arts and the experiences offered
through this historic theatre, they have embarked on a monumental
task. We will save the Palace…again. Not because it will be an easy
undertaking, but because it is of great consequence to us today and
to the generations to follow us.
So let me wrap this up. I’m a fan of fall for many reasons; among
them are sweatshirts and sweaters, colorful leaves, crisp cool air,
Ohio State football and the Palace season hitting full stride. I’m also
a fan of fall because I love Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite holiday.
It’s the perfect time to slow down and name your blessings one by
one. So if I had the space, I’d do just that. But since I don’t, I’ll
summarize.
Here at the Palace, we are grateful for a wonderful, hard-working
staff; a board of directors who offer guidance; sponsors, grantors,
and foundations who see what we’re trying to do here and help us
get it done; members who contribute annually to keep these doors
open and the operations humming along; patrons who love what takes
place on stage and support it by purchasing tickets; and volunteers
who work tirelessly to keep it all happening. We count your
participation and support among our biggest blessings.
In short, I am grateful for you!
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
Bring the family to see these must-see classic movies
There aren’t many better things than enjoying a box of fresh Palace popcorn and seeing your
favorite classic Christmas films on the big screen. The Palace will present two classic holiday
movies during the weekend of December 13-15.
HOLIDAY
INN*
Make plans to treat yourself to a few hours of fun, inexpensive holiday
entertainment at the Marion Palace Theatre....and consider bringing a
member from the younger generation who hasn’t yet had the chance to
discover the artistry and wholesomeness of these wonderful classic films.
DEC 13 ,14, 15
FRI & SUN 2PM
SAT 7:30PM
Tickets for all ages are $4 at the door. Patrons may purchase Christmas
Classics ticket strips in advance at the box office through December 13.
Purchase a strip of 4 tickets for $12 and save $1 per ticket off day-of-show
prices. Strip tickets are good for any film in any combination. Sorry, this
offer is only available in advance and NOT available at the door. Because
of the expenses related to showing these classic films, we apologize, but
we are unable to accept PCAA Membership Movie Passes. *Movie titles
subject to change
MIRACLE ON
34TH STREET*
DEC 13 ,14, 15
FRI & SUN 7:30PM
SAT 2PM
OV
THU, N
am
14 at 10
pm
&1
Tickets to a Show:
$15-$45
Gift Certificates:
Any Amount
MARIO
P
N
alace
THEA
PAVILIO TRE
N
Palace Logowear:
$12-$43
to pm
2pm 5
m
o
fr
16
to pm
6pm 9
m
o
fr
0
2
V
SAT, NO V
O
WED, N
N 12
SUN, JA
at 3
pm
AU D IT IO N S !
JOSEPH and th
e
AMAZING TECH
NICOLOR
DREAMCOAT
Skippyjon Jones
A SCHOOL MATINEE
Happy Thanksgiving,
Bev
ON THE BIG SCREEN
Skippyjon Jones is a little kitten with
big ears and even bigger dreams!
Sometimes he pretends to be a bird,
sometimes he pretends to be a llama,
and sometimes he pretends to be a
whale…anything BUT a Siamese cat!
Based on the book by Judy Schachner,
this is an enchanting musical about
unleashing your powerful imagination
and
following
your
dreams.
Schachner’s story is brought to life
on the Palace stage by professional
actors from Theatre Works USA.
This show is open to the public and
appropriate for children in grades
PreK-3. Please pre-register by calling
740/383-2101. Tickets $3.50
Director Greg Patterson announces auditions for
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" to
be held Sat, Nov 16 from 2pm to 5pm and Wed, Nov
20 from 6pm to 9pm in the May Pavilion. All ages
will be considered for this family-friendly Palace
Production. Patterson is seeking cast members of all
ages. Adults and young adults age 12 years old and
up will fill the character roles and children ages 6 to
11 years will be cast in the children’s chorus. Those
auditioning should come dressed in casual clothing
and prepared to sing and dance. Individuals wishing
to audition for principle roles are asked to come
prepared with two songs, a ballad and an up-tempo
piece. Children ages 6 to 11 years will be asked to
sing a chorus of a song of their choice. Participants
should enter through the May Pavilion doors. Please
bring a list of any schedule conflicts for Jan-Feb
2014.
Performance dates are February 21 & 22 @ 7:30pm
and February 23 @ 2pm.
BACH
THROUGH
THE AGES
with Central
Ohio Symphony
Ensemble
An ensemble of musicians from the
Central Ohio Symphony will perform
the music of the magnificent classical
composer, Johann Sebastian Bach.
Bach is revered through the ages for
his work's musical complexities and
stylistic innovations. Bach clearly
shared his love of music with his
children. Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
became composers and musicians.
The ensemble will perform select
pieces by the Bach brothers’ works.
Gen. Admission Tickets in the May
Pavilion $15.