Show Palace Presents 'Feel-Good' Holiday Story

HUDSON - A cheeky hairdresser trying to get into heaven by saving Christmas for a family in need is the latest story on stage at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre.

"A Show Palace Christmas" offers traditional music, high-energy dances and a family friendly script by Matthew McGee.

The tale revolves around Bobbi Melody, played by Show Palace veteran Susan Haldeman, who lacks enough good deeds to pass through the pearly gates. She's sent back to Earth and given a second chance at securing a spot up above.

"It's a feel-good holiday spirit type of story that everyone can relate to," theater company manager Todd M. Eskin said.

The musical score includes "Cool Yule," "Joy to the World" and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

McGee also is a familiar figure at the theater, with "The Odd Couple," "Greater Tuna" and "Run for Your Life" among his credits.

"A Show Palace Christmas" opened Nov. 22 and runs through Dec. 25, with a special performance that day.

Regular shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, and 1:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Doors open a couple of hours beforehand for dinner and cocktails.

Tickets are $44 for the meal and the musical; $32.95 for just the show; those prices don't include tax.

WONDER WOMAN VS. THE VILLAGE PEOPLE: Audiences still stuck in the 1970s and '80s can revel in Show Palace's "Legends in Concert" series that starts next week. Here's who's appearing:

• Tony Orlando, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Monday, billed as "an old-fashioned good time" with hits like "Tie a Yellow Ribbon," "Mornin' Beautiful" and "He Don't Love You," as well as holiday tunes. Web site: www.tonyorlando.com.

•The Village People, 8 p.m. Jan. 28, featuring the disco singers on "YMCA," "Macho Man," "In the Navy" and other staples of their 30th anniversary tour. Web site: www.officialvillagepeople.com.

•Lynda Carter, 8 p.m. Feb. 4, TV's Wonder Woman and "star of stage and screen" singing Broadway and pop hits. Appearing with her is comedian and impressionist John Byner. Web site: www.scottstander.com.

•Steve Tyrell, 8 p.m. March 17, spotlighting the singer, Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, music supervisor, "Songs of Sinatra" recording artist and the man who "reinvented and re-popularized classic pop standards for a modern audience," according to www.stevetyrell.com.

The Show Palace is at 16128 U.S. 19 in Hudson. Call (727) 863-7949 or (888) 655-7469 to reserve tickets. For more information, go online to www.showpalace.net.