A CHRISTMAS STORY, Mannheim Steamroller, 'SOULFUL SOUNDS' Hit the Palace for the Holidays

The Palace Theater has a calendar filled with a wide array of holiday themed shows beginning in November and running right through December.

The merriment begins with the presentation the touring production of A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL sponsored by ION Bank, November 18 and 19th. Based on the classic 1983 movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical chronicles young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle ("You'll shoot your eye out kid!"). Chock-full of delightful songs and splashy production numbers, A Christmas Story, The Musical, following its smash hit Broadway run, has proudly taken its place as a perennial holiday classic for the whole family.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER BY Chip Davis sponsored by Savings Bank of Danbury on Sunday December 4, has been America's favorite holiday tradition for the past 30 years! Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. The group's holiday CDs have become synonymous with Christmas and continue to occupy top spots on Billboard's Seasonal Charts every year. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the Signature Sound of Mannheim Steamroller!

On December 16 usher in the spirit of the holiday season with SOULFUL SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS featuring WILL DOWNING & NAJEE presented by ACT Jams Productions.

With a career that spans over 27 years and 18 albums, Will Downing is one of the most versatile and loved voices of our time. His repertoire consists of signature interpretations of R&B classics like "I Go Crazy," "Wishing On A Star" and "I Try," with original hits "A Million Ways," "Sorry I" and the show-stopping duet with Rachelle Ferrell, "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This." His distinctive baritone voice has resonated in the hearts of women world-wide and carved a unique niche in the music marketplace.

Two-time Grammy nominated saxophonist and flautist, Najee has made a career following his heart and keen musical intuition by pushing musical boundaries, all of which have made him an international pioneer in the music industry. Having collaborated with everyone in the music business from Prince and Quincy Jones to Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Herbie Hancock, Najee's technical agility, grace, compositional prowess, unbridled passion and fearless genre bending have made him one of the most sought after musicians of his generation. With two Platinum and four Gold albums under his belt, Najee is an icon whose musical vision spawned an entire new genre by fusing the music close to his heart.

Following the concert, guests are invited to take to the dance floor in the orchestra lobby for an Old School Holiday Dance Party featuring everyone's favorite R&B, funk, house and holiday classics spun by the evening's host, Al "DJ ACT" Taylor from 94.3FM WYBC.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St.

The Palace's primary purpose is to revitalize the Greater Waterbury community through the presentation of the performing arts and educational initiatives in collaboration with area cultural and educational institutions. Its mission is to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences. For more information, visit: www.palacetheaterct.org.