Marion Palace Theatre

An Exciting Chapter in the Theatre’s History – July 2018

An Exciting Chapter in the Theatre’s History – July 2018

August 30, 1928. Picture it. Residents had watched with great anticipation, as the Eberson atmospheric transformed from blue print to reality right before their eyes. In less than one year’s time, the Palace Theatre had risen from the dust to capture the attention of the Marion community. And capture their attention, she did. Nearly 3000 people gathered on opening day to “see for themselves” this spectacle that promised to transport them to another place and time without leaving Marion. They were not disappointed!

For 90 years this Eberson Palace Theatre has been enchanting audience and actor alike. Stepping off the streets of Middle America into a Spanish courtyard under a midnight sky has thrilled hundreds of thousands of theatre-goers through the years. And now, nine decades since they first threw open these doors, we stand on the threshold of yet another season; ready to write the newest chapter in the Theatre’s history. And an exciting chapter it is!

Brand new musical releases, classic plays, top touring talent, and numerous special events are all waiting for you! But before all of those opportunities unfold, I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the obvious.

An organization doesn’t succeed for 90 years on its own. Please indulge me for a moment as I pause to recognize how we arrived here; how we, unlike so many others, avoided the wrecking ball.

In 90 year’s time, I think it’s safe to say there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of people who have committed time, money, and talent to the success of the Palace. Through the years, in addition to ticket buyers, membership donors, sponsorship partners, grant givers, and generous foundation contributors, there have been a number of theatre managers, staff members, board members, and volunteers who have believed in the value the Palace adds to our community. Add to these the dozens and dozens of thespians who share their talent on the Palace stage. These people, along with the 1976 Palace Guard, have championed the Palace and rallied community support when things got tough. Today, we stand on their collective shoulders. We build on their efforts and the foundation they laid.

Additionally, I want to note that I am privileged to work with some of the finest people in Marion. This staff and board, along with the community theatre family, are talented, caring individuals who dedicate themselves to excellence so that we might provide you with exceptional experiences at the Palace. I want them to know their efforts do not go unnoticed. They are champions to our cause, and we are incredibly fortunate to have people of their caliber on Team Palace.

I recently had the opportunity to speak to a group of Marion County sixth graders. Like others they had visited that day, I was asked to talk about my career. It was another reminder just how incredibly fortunate I am to work here. I told them the most important thing they could possibly learn in their Career Day Tour was that I have the best job in the world, and they should all want my job when they grow up. Truth.
As we open the curtain on this 90th season, I find myself grateful for those who laid the foundation upon which this season stands and thankful for those who are working to make the Palace vibrant today. I look forward to celebrating this season with you. You’ll find me in the lobby. See you soon!

Bev