By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN
Published November 27, 2003
[Times photo: Janel Schroeder-Norton]
“Rockettes” and Santa Claus are part of the Show Palace Dinner Theatre’s ambitious holiday production, A New York Christmas.
The Show Palace Dinner Theatre is taking its annual holiday show in a new direction this year withA New York Christmas, a blend of traditional songs of the season and big-city experiences.
The show opens Friday and continues through Dec. 25.
"This is a simple but sweet, touching and heartwarming story," said John Leggio, who conceived and directed the show. "It shows a family's dream to share Christmas at all the beautiful sites of New York City."
In it, Mother (Katie Kerwin, Annie in Annie Get Your Gun), Father (Robert St. Germain), Grandma (Vicki Dailey), Grandpa (Joe Camper) and the kids tour the city.
"We start out with toys at FAO Schwarz, go to Macy's, watch the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and go see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall," Leggio said. "There's lots of dancing; it's the largest Christmas show we have ever had."
Show Palace veteran Matt McGee plays the bad-tempered Grinch and the jolly old fellow himself, Santa Claus.
The 37-member cast also has 10 singer/dancers, seven Rockette-style high-kick dancers and 10 young dancers.
Shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Dec. 20. Dinner and show, $38.50; show only, $27.45; ages 12 and younger, $20.95 and $15.95, all plus tax and tip. Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. Call (727) 863-7949 in west Pasco; toll free elsewhere 1-888-655-7469.
