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Upcoming Movie Weekends at the Marion Palace Theatre Pay Tribute to Musical Theatre

todayJuly 8, 2020 74

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The Palace Cultural Arts Association (PCAA) announces Musical Theatre Movie Weekends will take place at the Marion Palace Theatre located at 276 W. Center Street in Marion, Ohio.

As a nod to the loss of this year’s Palace summer musical tradition, the venue will show three fan favorite musical theatre movies on July 10-12 and July 17-19 at the historic atmospheric theatre.

Earlier this spring, the theatre made the difficult decision to cancel the July summer musical due to COVID-19. “This is more than the loss of a show. It is the loss of a tradition, and it is heartbreaking,” said Bev Ford, executive director of Marion Palace Theatre. “When we learned that we were permitted to resume showing films at our theatre, I knew we wanted to offer our musical loving patrons and performers a movie alternative on the dates that would have been the Palace’s musical weekends. We reached out to our friends on social media, asking for input and titles of favorite musical films, and secured the following movies: “Mamma Mia!,” “Mamma Mia Here We Go Again,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

Movie Schedule (July 10-12 and July 17-19, 2020).

.MAMMA MIA! (2008) – Comedy, Musical, Romance | Rated: PG-13 | Run Time: 108 minutes
Synopsis: The story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular 1970s group ABBA. Donna (Meryl Streep), an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, is preparing for her daughter’s wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), Donna’s spirited daughter, has a plan of her own. She secretly invites to the wedding three men (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård) from her mother’s past in hopes of meeting her real father and having him escort her down the aisle on her big day.
Show Times: 2pm – Fri, July 10 & Sun, July 12; 7:30pm – Sat, July 11

.MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (2018) – Comedy, Musical, Romance | Rated: PG-13 | Run Time: 114min
Synopsis: Five years after the events of Mamma Mia!, Sophie learns about her mother’s past while pregnant herself.
Show Times: 2pm – Sat, July 11; 7:30pm – Fri, July 11 & Sun, July 13

.THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) – Adventure, Family, Fantasy | Rated: PG | Run Time: 102 minutes
Synopsis: In this classic musical fantasy, Judy Garland stars as Dorothy Gale, a young Kansas farm girl who dreams of a land “somewhere over the rainbow.” Dorothy’s dream comes true when she, her dog, Toto, and her family’s house are transported by a tornado to a bright and magical world unlike anything she has seen before.
Show Times: 2pm – Sat, July 18 & Sun, July 19; 7:30pm – Fri, July 17, Sat, July 18, & Sun, July 19

Since the end of June, the Palace has been able to return to limited activity offering guests some familiar and fun events. “Along with opening our doors as a movie house, we have also begun offering small group theatre camps,” adds Ford. While it has been a slow start, it is a start, and I’m grateful for that. The process may look a little different, but it doesn’t take away from the excitement of bringing back the theatre-going experience.”

The historic downtown theatre is taking precautions to ensure the safety of patrons. Enhanced protocols in accordance with current local health and safety guidelines can be found in detail below and on the Palace Theatre website www.marionpalace.org

Concessions are available and are reasonably priced. Items available for purchase include Pepsi products, popcorn, and boxed theatre candy for $2 each. Alcoholic beverages will be available during the evening showings of Mamma Mia! on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11. Admission prices are $4 for all ages and $2 for current 2020-2021 PCAA members presenting a valid membership card. Expired 2019-2020 Membership passes will be honored through August 2, 2020.

For Breakout Boxes – Palace Theatre Safety Policies and Guidelines

Policies and guidelines will continue to evolve with time and will be assessed and updated on an ongoing basis. For the most up-to-date information, please visit http://marionpalace.org

For Everyone’s Safety

.Palace staff and volunteers will conduct daily wellness checks and implement the use of face masks, as well as the use of gloves as appropriate.

.Guests are asked to wear face masks in all public areas (purchasing tickets, concessions, and lobby) and stay home if sick. Masks may be removed once seated.

.Low-contact options for ticket and concession purchases will be available through the website (fees apply).

.There will be an increased frequency of cleaning, especially high-touch surfaces.

.Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the theatre.

.In-theatre signs and markings will encourage proper social distancing.

Hours & Price

.The Box Office will remain closed until further notice.

.Movie tickets and concessions may be purchased in advance through the website. All movie tickets purchased online will cost $4. Each transaction will incur a $2.50 processing fee. In an effort to reduce processing fees for patrons, combination packages will be offered. Advance ticket buyers will be sent an email with order details. Patrons will be required to show the email with proof of purchase on a smart phone or a printed copy.

.Those who wish to avoid online processing fees may purchase tickets at the main theatre door with cash or credit card. Doors will open 45 minutes before show time.

.PCAA members who wish to redeem movie and concession passes must do so in person.

.Movie show times will be limited, opening late afternoon and closing early evening. The Palace website will provide details on movie titles, synopsis, and scheduled showings.

Concessions/Food/Beverages

.Low-contact food ordering will be highly encouraged through http://marionpalace.org

.Concession stands will be open, serving the traditional menu – popcorn, soda, & candy. Each item will be $2. Patrons are encouraged to present cashiers with exact dollar amount to avoid the need to make change.

.Alcoholic beverages will be offered only during the 7:30pm Friday and Saturday showings of Mamma Mia!

.Plastic barriers are installed in the concession room.

Auditorium Arrangements

.A checkerboard seating pattern and a couple of empty seats between groups allows for proper social distancing in accordance with the CDC. Guests will be assisted by volunteers to ensure proper social distancing.

.Although capacity will be limited, groups can be seated together upon arrival at the theatre and in accordance with state regulations, provided accommodations are available.

.Extra time between shows will allow the time for thorough cleanings.

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