Palace actors perform "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" after announcing that "Mary Poppins" is one of the six shows for the 2015-2016 season. (HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP PHOTOGRAPHER)

By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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The upcoming season of entertainment at the Historic Palace Theater will include an adaptation of a literary classic, a popular kids story, the King of Rock 'n Roll, a classic comedy now in its 70th year, and — for the 13th year running — "Scrooge the Musical."

The season starts on Oct. 1 with "Little Women: The Musical," based on the popular novel by Louisa May Alcott. "Scrooge the Musical" will run from Dec. 4-6. The Palace tradition has been ongoing since 2003. "Blithe Spirit," by Noel Coward will play from Jan. 15-17. "Mary Poppins" is set to fly from April 15-24. The 2016 Season Announcement Concert will take place May 7, 2016. And the season will wrap up from July 7-17, 2016 with "All Shook Up," described as "a very lively and funny show with the great music of Elvis."

Palace Executive Director Chris Parada said he's most looking forward to "Mary Poppins." He's not alone. The hundreds of people in the crowd cheered wildly when the musical was announced. They cheered even louder when the musical number "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" was performed.

Season ticket holder Erik Bernardi said he's so excited about the Disney adaptation, he may just have to try out for a role in it. The co-owner of Lake Effect Ice Cream also expressed excitement about the renewal of the Christmas tradition, "Scrooge the Musical." When the announcement show concluded, Bernardi and family headed to the ticket counter to buy season tickets again.

Season ticket prices start at $100 for seniors and children ($110 for adults) and include five shows, the VIP gala announcement show, and complementary concessions. Season tickets are on sale now, while individual tickets go on sale to the public Aug. 1.

Palace Theatre Board President Ellen Schratz said next year's Season Announcement Concert will have a slightly altered format — part announcement, part party.

Other Palace events announced this evening include a holiday haunted house from Oct. 23-30, the second "Tacky Sweater Run" on Nov. 28, and holiday tours of historic homes, also Nov. 28.

COMING SUNDAY:

• ENP theater reviewer +Craig Bacon will share his take on the announcement
• ENP photographer +Heather N. Grimmer will share more photos from tonight's concert

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