Dawn Wells stars in 'Steel Magnolias' at the Alhambra in JAX

In 1974 Dawn Wells (Mary Ann of Gilligan’s Island) last appeared at the Alhambra Theatre playing the lead in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park.  Ticket started at $7.50, the Alhambra Dinner Theater served a buffet and she was directed by George Ballis.  More than 30 years later, as part of its “50 Years of Memories” celebration, Ms. Wells will once again star at the Alhambra.  This time Tod Booth will be directing “Steel Magnolias” and Wells will be playing Ousier Boudreaux.

Wells, of course, gained notoriety in the late 1960’s classic television show, Gilligan’s Island.  She played the girl-next-door, Mary Ann Summers.  While forever etched in television folklore, Gilligan’s Island only ran for three seasons.  Meanwhile, in addition to acting, Wells is a producer, author, spokesperson, journalist, motivational speaker, teacher, and Chairwoman of the Terry Lee Wells Foundation - focusing on underprivileged women and children in Northern Nevada.  She has also served on the alumnae board of Stephens College and is co-founder of the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald Tennessee. A fourth generation of Reno, Nevada, Miss Wells represented Nevada in the Miss America Pageant of 1959.

About the show: The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done.  Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon, Ouiser; an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is about to marry a "good ole boy."  Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life.  The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strengths gives the play and its characters, a special quality of love, feisty women and sisterhood comradery.

“Steel Magnolias”
DATES: May 24 — June 25, 2017
SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner begins at 6 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 12 p.m.
DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday May 25, 2017) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.  To see the menu, Click HERE.
TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $62.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.

 **Price does NOT include gratuity or orders from the bar**

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
       (904) 641-1212