The Palace celebrates its 80 anniversary on August 30th at 8pm and 31st at 3pm with several acts sure to entertain. In honor of the original 1928 opening night, general admission tickets are only 50 cents and popcorn is 25 cents.

“We thought it would be fun to rewind to 1928, treating our patrons to the same types of entertainment and the same admission costs as the theatre’s first customers,” says Elaine Merchant, Palace Executive Director.

To open the event Palace guests will enjoy a silent film with organ accompaniment. The Palace’s mighty Wurlitzer organ will be brought to life by world-renowned organist Dennis James. Since 1971, Dennis James has performed and accompanied silent films around the world. James has been called “a national treasure” and “the finest silent film accompanist playing the Wurlitzer theatre organ in the world today.” He will present a concert in addition to accompanying the classic silent film, “Sherlock Jr.” starring Buster Keaton, which was selected as one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Films of all time.

“We’re very pleased to have Dennis James at the Wurlitzer keyboard once again,” Merchant says. “Dennis is amazing at making the Wurlitzer give voice to these silent films. He will also present a short concert of the songs of that opening night era.”

The second half of the celebration will consist of several Vaudeville acts including barbershop, comedy, and more to continue the nostalgic mood. Audiences will enjoy acts reminiscent of Eddie Foy, W.C. Fields, George Burns and Gracie Allen.

Merchant says this is a ‘thank you’ to the citizens of Marion. “They are, in large part, the reason this theatre is still standing.”

That in itself is quite a feat. Out of around 200 atmospheric theatres built by Romanian-born architect John Eberson, only 18 are still standing.

Built in 1928, the Palace Theatre is an atmospheric theatre giving patrons the illusion of sitting outdoors under a starlit night sky. On the Palace’s opening night in 1928, lines went two blocks in either direction. Patrons were awe-struck by the theatre’s beautiful Spanish courtyard motif and some actually believed they were looking up at the night sky. Eberson believed in the motto “Prepare Practical Plans for Pretty Playhouses--Please Patrons--Pay Profits.” Unfortunately, a declining number of theatre-goers and the growing popularity of television damaged the theatre’s ability to pay those profits.

By the 1970’s, the owner was looking to sell. With the two companies interested in buying, it seemed few options were available for the grand Palace Theatre; clear it out to become a warehouse or demolish it to make way for progress. However, the people of Marion believed in a brighter future for the Palace. Led by seven men known as the Palace Guard, Marion’s citizens and industries raised the $500,000 necessary to purchase the Palace. The Palace Cultural Arts Association, a non-profit, became the new owners. Since that time Marion hasn’t forgotten the importance of the theatre and it has continued as a center for the arts in north central Ohio.

“While we’re celebrating the 80th anniversary of this wonderful building,” Merchant says, “we’re also celebrating the thousands of individuals who have given the Palace life. Through contributions to the annual fund, patronage, and volunteer efforts every year, the Palace’s heart is truly the people of central Ohio.”

Tickets for this special event are available at the box office at 270 W. Center St. in downtown Marion or by calling 383-2101 to charge by phone. Normal box office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday, 9:00am-noon Saturday, and closed Sunday.