The 2012 Old Fashioned Christmas Show at the Canton Palace Theatre will be held at 2pm and 7:30pm on Saturday, November 10.   Tickets are on sale now at www.cantonpalacetheatre.org.  

Now entering it’s fifth year — The Old Fashioned Christmas Show at the Canton Palace Theatre is a musical extravaganza unlike any other!   

We’ll bring back memories of Christmas past — and create new ones!  We feature music both old and new!   You’ll take a journey through some of your favorite songs and sights of the past, and come all the way around to epic holiday songs and scenes from the present! See and hear traditional choirs, inspirational soloists, dancers, actors and actresses —literally a cast of hundreds!

After an opening performance from the Canton Palace Theatre’s historic pipe organ, the curtains go up and the audience is truly mesmerized by the sights and sounds of Christmas that can only be experienced on a stage as grand as the Canton Palace Theatre!

2012 will mark our fifth annual Christmas Extravaganza Event!

If you’re looking for a Christmas Show in Cleveland or Northeast Ohio, there is only one place to go….Canton Ohio to see this Old Fashioned Canton Christmas! Partner the show with dinner and shopping downtown, a trip to Christkindl Arts and Craft show, a trip to the McKinley Museum or the Pro-Football Hall of Fame.  Need help coordinating or ideas? Just reach out, we are here to help!

Right now, motor coach operators and other groups are able to purchase pre-sale tickets through our partner receptive operators at Country Coach Adventures and Ohio Travel Treasures, or by reaching out to us directly.

If you are a tour operator or senior trip planner, please contact

            Events such as these bring visitors to Canton for more than just the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in the summer months. This year, the motor coach group tourism industry has discovered what downtown Canton has to offer for holiday tours.  “The organizers of ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’ had a vision to make the event a destination for the holiday season.

Many passionate persons shared resources and contacts, plus spent time and energy making this happen in 2011,” stated Laurie Fife Harbert, OFCC public relations consultant. “We are excited that the motor coach companies were as happy to hear about the event as we were to present it to them.”

            Country Coach Adventures and Ohio Travel Treasures have scheduled nearly 20 buses to participate in events on November 10 in downtown Canton.  “Now that the Carousel Dinner Theatre has closed, we are thrilled to have ‘Old Fashioned Canton Christmas’ to promote to our customers. This is a new and exciting theater event to draw groups to Ohio,” stated Carol Glessner of Country Coach Adventures.  “We also love the fact that the proceeds from the show go to good causes,” Glessner said, referring to the percentage of ticket sales benefiting local Stark County non-profits organizations each year.  Tickets are $20 and will be available for sale at the Canton Palace Theatre this summer! 

Group Tour Operators, However, are able to reserve their tickets early by contacting the organization’s receptive operators at Country Coach Adventures and Ohio Travel Treasures.

Tour busses will bring visitors from throughout Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and North Carolina to Canton. In addition to the holiday events, tourism dollars will be spread throughout the restaurant and hospitality business in the area.  Fife Harbert and Glessner both hope to see more Canton area attractions become involved. “This is a great start to a lot of future tour groups coming to Canton,” Glessner stated.   

            Festive and colorful, the Christkindl Market spans November 9-11.   Area residents have long known this event to be THE place to do one’s holiday gift shopping.    Customers from a bit farther away this year will have the opportunity to partake in Canton’s long-standing holiday gift-buying tradition, as 10 tour buses will be arriving at the Christkindl Markt on November 10.   “Held in the Cultural Center for the Arts, this important Canton Museum of Art fundraiser features glassware, jewelry, pottery, paintings, metal sculpture, photography, floral arrangements and holiday items,” stated CMA Marketing and Development Manager Mary Byrne. Tickets are $6 in advance or $7 at the door and may be purchased by calling 330-453-7666.                                                                                                   

            To further encourage Canton as a holiday destination, a by invitation only ‘meet and greet’ will be held between the matinee and evening shows of ‘Old Fashion Christmas.’ Sponsored by ArtsinStark and the Stark County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, this gathering will bring together Canton’s movers and shakers involved in promoting the city and executives from the motor coach companies.  Networking and idea sharing will take place to promote Canton for the holidays and for future tour group events.

            ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’ organizers hope to get more local organizations and attractions involved in future years. Canton area establishments holding holiday events in 2012 and beyond may contact them through the website at www.cantonchristmas.com. Plans are also in the works by OFCC organizers for a USO-themed show in Canton in July.

Canton, OH- Broadway actor Tom Robbins is returning to his hometown of Canton to perform there for the first time in many years in “An Old Fashioned Christmas.”  Among his many Broadway roles, Robbins created the role of Pumbaa, the flatulent warthog, in “The Lion King.”   Robbins will be singing “Hakuna Matata” on the Canton Palace Theatre stage on Nov 12 at the 2 and 8 p.m. performances of “An Old Fashioned Christmas.”  Tickets are $25 and available at the Canton Palace Theatre box office by calling 330-454-8172 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at www.cantonpalacetheatre.org.

Canton native Tom Robbins returns home from Broadway to perform in ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’ Nov. 12.

                After leaving Lehman High School, Tom Robbins attended the Juilliard School of Drama. Since graduating in 1977, he has worked steadily as an actor. He has performed in the original casts of six Broadway shows including “The Lion King,” in which he created the role of Pumbaa, which he played for almost thirteen years.

 Robbins’ other Broadway credits include:  “Is He Dead?,” “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway,” “Threepenny Opera,” “Sunset Boulevard” and “Once Upon A Mattress.” He also played Thenardier in the First National Tour of “Les Miserables.”

                Robbins appeared off-Broadway in the New York premieres of “On the Verge,” “Isn’t It Romantic” and “The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket.” He played Bardolph in the Public Theatre’s production of “Henry V” in Central Park.

Recently he appeared in “My Name is Asher Lev” at the Cleveland Playhouse and played Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and in Atlanta. He will be traveling to the Denver Theatre Center in December to play the lead in the world premiere of a new play called “The Whale.”  Robbins lives in New York with his wife Leslie and his daughter Mary Rose, a junior at Clark University.

About Old Fashioned Christmas

                Since its inception four years ago, “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas” has grown to truly be a community event that has raised almost $60,000 for area non-profit organizations. Taking place at the historic Canton Palace Theatre, this kick-off to the holiday season features individual singers, show choirs, dancers, celebrity impersonators, and more. This year, tour buses from around the country are flocking to see this spectacular show, under the direction of Deborah Fezelle, with music director Kathleen Bell.  Proceeds will benefit Stark County area nonprofit organizations Hammer & Nails, Inc, Big Brothers Big Sisters and MajesticVoice Inc.

The Light 95.9 FM has arranged for tickets to be available at Berean Christian Bookstore in Canton, Dayspring Christian Bookstore in New Philadelphia, and Gospel Bookstore in Berlin, OH.

All tickets are $20 dollars now through October 28, 2011.   On November 1, 2011 tickets are no longer available through the bookstores and must be purchased from the Canton Palace Theatre box office.  However, the ticket price will be $25 at that time. 

So, get your tickets early!  The earlier you buy, the better your seat!

Any tickets sold through the Christian book stores will benefit Hammer & Nails Inc.  Ticket sales are a fundraiser for that organization.

Tickets may also be purchased online at cantonchristmas.com  or through representatives of Hammer & Nails, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Stark County, MajesticVoice and Rainbow Repertory Company.

Show Director Deborah Fezelle stated, “I am extremely happy with the final cast of OFCC. Some decisions weren’t easy, but our Producer, Gary Rivers; Musical Director, Kathy Bell & I are thrilled with the caliber of talent that will be on the Palace stage this year.”

Here is the cast, followed by more general information:

The Family:
Ross Rhodes
Marilyn Wells
Courtney Vignos
Joseph M. Haladey III
McKayla Morris
Kevin Wells
Lisa B. Knight
Madison Hayes
Bella Gill
McKenzie Mack

The Grumps Upstairs:
Rufus Malone Jr.
Mike Conley

The Kids Group
J.T. Cole
Aaron Bolek
Elijah Johnson
Kylie Gambone
Natalie James
Trinity Smith

The show will also feature our resident chorus MajesticVoice, Voices of Canton, Inc., along with a chorale from Malone University & the Amherst Elementary Choir Cubs.

The show e will also feature  “Inspirational” singer Lisa Troyer, from Sugarcreek, Ohio, presented this year courtesy, Malone University.

Back, by popular demand is the  musical comedy sketch,  “I Am A Fine Musician” with a trio of surprise “singers.”

In September we will know if Broadway star and home town phenom Tom Alan Robbins (created the role of Pumba, the warthog in THE LION KING on Broadway) will be one of our featured artists.  Other additions may also be announced as we get closer to production.

Of course we’ll see Santa and hope to have “The March of the Toy Soldiers” again.   

The performance date is November 12th, 2 & 8 PM.   Technical rehearsals will be at the Palace Theatre Wed-Fri, Nov 9th-11th.  

Rehearsals will begin in mid-late September (especially for the kids) on Saturdays at Fieldcrest of North Canton.  Performers will be assigned specific times on those Saturdays.  

For current bio information, visit our Official Cast Page:  Click here

Old Fashioned Canton Christmas, now in its fourth year, is proud that its tradition of giving back to the Canton Community continues in 2011 with the announcement that proceeds from the event will be distributed to several area non-profit organizations.

This year, a percentage of proceeds from ticket sales will be given to Hammer and Nails Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Stark County, MajesticVoice and Rainbow Repertory Company.
Hammer & Nails, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian outreach nonprofit organization based in Canton, Ohio, that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged area homeowners through home and property improvement.  Dollars raised through ticket sales to the “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas” will go into their general operating fund to help them achieve their ambitious goals of serving those in need in Stark County.

For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.   As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country.

MajesticVoice Chorus is committed group of 45 singers who aspire to bring a message of joy and uplifting celebration through an outreach to nursing homes, civic organizations, hospitals, local schools through their choral music.   This chorus forms the core of the Old Fashioned Canton Christmas ensemble.

The Rainbow Repertory Company is a traveling troupe of professional dramatists and playwrights creating theatre for education and entertainment.  They serve area schools, social services agencies and community organizations by writing and producing client-specific plays and programs.

Old Fashioned Canton Christmas Chairman, Gary Rivers says that each organization has been tasked with pre-sale of tickets to the annual show.  Participating non-profits will receive up to 50% of the price for each ticket sold.  The remaining dollars will go back into the general Canton Christmas Fund for production and marketing expenses.

Auditions for featured vocalists in the 2011 production of an Old Fashioned Canton Christmas were held during the August First Friday celebration in downtown Canton.  

13 individuals and two groups took part in the Youth auditions, which were held in the Mott & Motter Parking lot across from the Canton Palace Theatre of Market Ave.   14 individuals performed during the Adult Auditions, which were held on the 4th & Market St. stage from 5:30pm until 7pm.    Photo Album…

The youth auditions were held in conjunction with Canton Idol.  Brad Crozier emceed the event, which began at 4pm and ended at 5:30pm.

The adult portion of the auditions were emceed by Gary Rivers, who told the contestants, “the judges will be making their final decisions over the next two weeks to determine which contestants will be in this year’s “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas” show.”   Kathy Bell, musical director for  the show, host Ross Rhodes,  and director Deborah Fezelle were the judges. 

PHOTO ALBUM

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Between Now and October 28, 2011 tickets are available either online at cantonchristmas.com, at several area Christian Bookstores, or from representatives of Hammer & Nails Inc., Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Stark County, MajesticVoice and Rainbow Repertory.   Ticket sales are a fundraiser for the organizations, as up to half of the ticket price will go direct to help each organization serve our area! 

Tickets are now only $20, but on November 1, tickets are only available through the Palace Theatre Box office and the price, with surcharge, becomes $25.00. 

The following Christian Bookstores have discounted tickets available:

Berean Christian Bookstore in Canton
Gospel Bookstore in Berlin, Ohio
Dayspring Christian Bookstore, in New Philadelphia

VISIT AN ONLINE STORE:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Stark County,
MajesticVoice
Hammer & Nails Inc.
Rainbow Repertory Company

Old Fashioned Canton Christmas has always been a fundraiser for non-profit organizations and this year is no different.  For each ticket sold, a percentage of the ticket price will be distributed to the participating organizations.  Literally, the more they sell, the bigger the percentage – up to 50% of the ticket price!

In addition to purchasing your tickets from an agency representative, you will also be able to visit our online store to purchase your tickets, right here on this web site.  Look for the link on July 16.

Online purchasers can designate to which organization they would like their ticket donation to be given.

Online, we have added another partner organization:  Rainbow Repertory Company.  This organization, headed for Lois DeGiacomo, has worked with Old Fashioned Canton Christmas since the beginning, to help find some of the area’s best talent.

Tickets are $20.00 each.

VISIT A STORE:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Stark County,
MajesticVoice
Hammer & Nails Inc.
Rainbow Repertory Company

Information About Our Partners

Hammer & Nails, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian outreach nonprofit organization based in Canton, Ohio, that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged area homeowners through home and property improvement.  Dollars raised through ticket sales to the “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas” will go into their general operating fund to help them achieve their ambitious goals of serving those in need in Stark County.

For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.   As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country.

Dollars raised through ticket sales to the “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas” will go into their general operating fund to help them achieve their ambitious goals of serving those in need in Stark County.

MajesticVoice Inc. is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide wholesome, family entertainment and educational opportunities for its members and the community at-large, in the art of choral singing.  We are committed to bringing a powerful message of joy and uplifting celebration through an outreach to nursing homes, civic organizations, hospitals, local schools, and other similar venues through high caliber choral music presented in a professional manner.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Stark County will join Hammer & Nails Inc. and MajesticVoice in selling pre-sale tickets to the annual fundraising event.   This year, when individuals purchase tickets to the show, up to 50% of the ticket price will be given to the organization that sells it.

Gary Rivers, Producer of the “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas”, said, “We’re very pleased to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters”.  Rivers stated that, “after expenses, every dollar raised will go back to our partner organizations to help their ministries and programs.

For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.   As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country.

Dollars raised through ticket sales to the “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas” will go into their general operating fund to help them achieve their ambitious goals of serving those in need in Stark County.

Tickets will be available for purchase in early July, 2011.

Visit their web site:  Click Here

Hammer & Nails, Inc. will join Big Brothers/Big Sisters and MajesticVoice in selling pre-sale tickets to the annual fundraising event.   This year, when individuals purchase tickets to the show, up to 50% of the ticket price will be given to the organization that sells it.

Gary Rivers, Producer of the “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas”, said, “We’re very pleased to partner with Hammer & Nails, Inc. as their mission coincides perfectly with the Christian outreach and mission that is the cornerstone of our show.    Rivers stated that, “after expenses, every dollar raised will go back to our partner organizations to help their ministries and programs.

Hammer & Nails, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian outreach nonprofit organization based in Canton, Ohio, that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged area homeowners through home and property improvement.  Dollars raised through ticket sales to the “Old Fashioned Canton Christmas” will go into their general operating fund to help them achieve their ambitious goals of serving those in need in Stark County.

Tickets will be available for purchase in early July, 2011.