The Smoky Mountain Palace Theater in Sevierville is celebrating its sixth year as host of the amazing, award winning Chinese acrobat show, Cirque de Chine. The past six years has seen an array of talent that challenges any production in the southeastern USA.

The Smoky Mountain Palace has considered it an honor in presenting this outstanding display of acrobats to the local population as well as tourist from across the USA. The audience has responded by the ever increasing number of repeat customers returning year after year. 

However, without the excellent performers providing the entertainment, the quality of this production would not have amplified each season. The Palace organization has maintained its connection to the acrobatic foundations in China and especially Shanghai to provide the amazing acrobats. The Smoky Mountain Palace still maintains its strong cultural and financial ties with the city of Shanghai.

Shanghai also has deeper connections to the community. The Nederlander Organization of Shanghai has made multi-million dollar investments in Sevier County, owning two theaters in Sevierville in addition to nine Broadway theaters the company owns and operates in New York City.

In honor of the mutual connection between Shanghai and Sevierville; the Palace will host the Shanghai Cultural Festival from October 8 to October 11, 2012. Highlighting the event will be the opening ceremonies beginning at 6:00 p.m. Monday, October 8. Dignitaries from Shanghai will be presented as well as area officials and representatives.

Several performers from Shanghai, including a Beijing Opera star, will be incorporated into the regular Cirque de Chine performance during the festival. Hou Kia, the top ranked Chinese Diabolo artist, also known as the Chinese yoyo, will perform and one of the most celebrated artists from the Shanghai area will have several of his paintings on display in the theater lobby. Viewing will be allowed during regular theater box office hours.

The Smoky Mountain Palace Theater is located at 179 Collier Drive in Sevierville. For additional information, call 865-429-1601 or 800-826-2933.