Published: June 18, 2009 03:10 pm      

“A Salute to America” hits the stage at Palace June 26, 27

DSquared Productions (D2) welcomes you to its upcoming show at the Palace Theatre on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27. “A Salute to America” — and those who serve — is a show that will celebrate the American dream and life in America, with special emphasis on those who serve to keep this country great. Joining Dennis Donald for this show will be Melissa Ellis Benjamin, Joennen (JoJo) Kettler, and fan favorite Patty Payne.

These talented performers will entertain you with comedy, rich harmonies, and their on-stage camaraderie. Some of the selections you will hear are “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly” and “American Soldier” as part of a tribute to those who serve. “Baby Girl” and “Independence Day” will be performed as part of a tribute to the American Dream. Even the folk protest songs of the '60s will be represented with the likes of “This Land is Your Land” and “If I Had a Hammer.”

Kettler was one of the earliest artists to perform alongside Dennis Donald with D2 at Fairfield Glade’s Mirror lake blast. Since then she has performed with gospel groups “ReignSong” and “Pardoned” all over the southeast. She is a talented singer/songwriter and musician with many performance credits. Kettler participated in last month’s D2 show at the Palace.

Melissa Benjamin has just released a new CD with a self-written song called "Crossville" that is playing on local radio stations. Benjamin landed the role of Denise Sanders in the Cumberland County Playhouse production of "Smoke on the Mountain," which she played from 1994 until 1998. She captivates audiences with her exceptional talent, soul, and energy. With an old-time, jazz/blues, folk/country sound, she not only carries a show with her incredible vocals but with her honest and "down home" personality. Benjamin was heavily influenced by a wide range of artists — Etta James, Sonya Isaacs, Ella Fitzgerald, Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, and Loretta Lynn (to name a few), which explains her versatility.

Patty Payne spent close to 30 years with Cumberland County Playhouse and may be best known for her roles in the Sanders family musicals and also for her role in “Always Patsy Cline.” A long-time crowd pleaser, Payne can also be seen portraying three roles in “Barbara’s Blue Kitchen” playing every Monday and Tuesday in June at the Fat Chef Café on Peavine Road.

Dennis Donald, co-founder of DSquared Productions, is an entertainer with over 35 years' experience. From sharing the stage as a youth at Michigan’s State Fair with the likes of Ray Charles, Crystal Gale, Charlie Pride and others, to performing on stage with several theater companies including Cumberland County Playhouse, or the many concerts he has done across the southeast, Donald’s goal is to make his audiences as happy and well entertained as possible.

So come see these endearing entertainers give tribute to our country, our way of life and to salute those who allow it to stay that way. Reserved seating tickets are still only $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under and are available at the Palace Theatre or by calling 484-6133. For delivery in or around Fairfield Glade call 456-1972.