Curtains rise on 'Christmas at the Palace' this weekend

Mark your calendars; "Christmas at the Palace," Marion’s unique Christmas variety show is making its 41st debut this weekend at The Palace Theater.

The show will include dozens of acts, with characters including Mr. and Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer and more.

“I was born and raised here… I love this town, and I love this theater,” said Clare Cooke, writer and director of the show.

Her involvement in the show goes back 41 years, when she started as a choreographer at The Palace. She took over as director in 1990. Throughout the years, she’s seen numerous changes to the program, as well as to the community behind it.

In the earlier days, for example, Cooke says the show costumes were made by hand, something that has since been replaced by renting. She also notes the talent has changed in recent years.

“People have more resources to succeed than they did back then,” she said, adding Marion has some exceptionally talented people. “They make me look real good.”

That it does; Cooke says it draws large crowds and community support every year.

“It’s one of the very few traditions left in Marion,” she said, “The community is always changing, but there will always be Christmas at the Palace.”

The production of the show hasn’t always been a smooth ride, though.

“It’s been a learning experience.” said Cooke.

During the pandemic, the theater’s capacity had to be reduced to 300 audience members. Despite this, Cooke says the tradition carried on easily, and nobody got sick.

Long-standing performers dedicated to the show

Cooke is joined in long-standing dedication to the program by several of her performers. Bruce Cudd, who plays Santa Claus, has been participating in "Christmas at the Palace" for 16 years. He says his favorite part is working with the little ones on stage.

“I can’t tell you how many kids I’ve seen grow up on the stage,” he said. “It’s family, and we add to our family every year.”

Ten-year participant Dustin Rawlins also looks forward to the future.

“[The most challenging part] is fitting into this costume every year, it keeps getting tighter,” he said. “This show gets better and better every year.”

A Columbus native, Rawlins has been involved with The Palace for over a decade, noting, “I love seeing how much it grows from year to year.”

Morgan Schwartz, marketing manager and member of The Palace who is in her third year in "Christmas at the Palace," she has been a member of The Palace community since she was age 6.

“We’re all happy to be here,” she said about whether she faces any challenges in the production, “We have a sense of appreciation for the show [and the] tradition.”

"Christmas at the Palace" will play Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 pm. On Sunday doors open at 1 p.m. for a 2 p.m. show. Tickets and information can be found at marionpalace.org.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion's Christmas at the Palace show is Friday-Sunday