Under the leadership of veteran director Clare Cooke, Christmas at the Palace is a variety show featuring the talent of hundreds of area residents. The concept originated in 1982 by director Ula Watts. The show was formatted with the intent of bringing a holiday event to the theatre that included a variety of community groups such as choirs, singers, musicians, dancers, and more. The event played before sold-out audiences and was directed by Ula Watts again in 1984 and 1988. When she retired, her choreographer of 20 years, Clare Cooke, took the reigns of Christmas at the Palace in 1990, 1992 and 1994. This year’s production includes the PM Tap Line, “Tap Cats” Tap Line, Cherub Choir, 4 the Record A Cappella Singers, Pleasant “Spartans in Motion” Show Choir, Edye Cook’s Dance Company, Marion Concert Band, Soloists Nathan Haubert, Ryan Ratliff, John Garnes, II, John Skidmore and Lynette Burris, and more! After all, what holiday event would be complete without Santa Claus? Bruce Cudd will play the “jolly old elf himself” and Julia Vanderhoff joins him as his unruly elf. Fun for the whole family!

Marion General Hospital sponsors this community production.