Georgetown residents can enjoy the flavors of Wildfire and the talents of The Palace Theater while benefiting the theater's programs for handicapped children.

Staff at the theater have a one-month rental of the former location of Curious Glass, 820 S. Austin Ave., to hold a series of dinner theater benefits. Wildfire has partnered with the Palace to provide and serve food during the performances. The first dinner theater will feature performances of "Holiday Magic in Manhattan," performed by theater veterans and stars of the theater's previous shows.

"We have a lot of the people who have worked in the other shows," Artistic Director Mary Ellen Butler said. "We have a really power-packed cast."

Performances are scheduled to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 14–16, 20–23 and 26–30. Tickets are $45.

A second benefit is planned for New Year's Eve only, and it will feature the singing talents of the theater's musical stars and a cabaret show by Michelle Cheney. A dinner will be served at 7 p.m. followed by live music, performances, a toast at midnight and a breakfast afterward. Tickets will cost approximately $70–$75.

While the Palace has considered dinner theaters before, it has not been a viable option until this year. Butler said the theater has been able to buy the chairs for the dinner, and royalties for the play are being donated.

"It became cost-effective to do it this year," Butler said. "We're set to go."

Profits from the shows will benefit the theater's programs for handicapped children, including Acting with Autism. It will also allow the theater to hire instructors needed for similar programs.

"There is a need for programs for exceptional needs children," Butler said. "That requires modifications to our building. That also requires hiring instructors with specific skill sets. This benefit is all toward making enough money to be able to make the building more handicapped-accessible and to also be able to afford the money to hire specialty instructors."