‘Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?’ - well, do they?

Photos: Alhambra FB page

You may not have attended twelve years of Catholic School like my husband and I did, nonetheless, if you are a Baby Boomer or older (children today don’t know of such a thing as discipline in some schools), you might remember some of the funny and not-so-funny antics seen in the Alhambra’s stage presentation of “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?”

Even if you don’t know of what went on in a parochial school, you will soon find out the structured relationships that children has with the peers and the respect that was commanded by their teachers.  As a fellow student, I could identify and laugh with the actors (situations might not have been funny then, but looking back today - they are hilarious).  We could name those people who went to school with us and did some of the same things.

The storyline might go over the heads of little ones, but they will not be bored.  Set design and props are interesting, especially how the desks grow with the children through adolescence.  Uniforms change with the times and so have the gym apparel.  There is wonderful singing and dancing that is accompanied by a live pianist.  Sister Mary Upright (Anthony Felton) gives continued musical score to different tracks throughout the show.


You will go through Elementary School in the first act, and evolve with the students and staff (nuns and priests) in the High School years for the second act.

Review about the Menu: This writer thoroughly enjoyed her meal and a tiny sample of her hubby’s.  First Course: Acorn Squash Bisque; OR Spinach Salad with red onion, cherry tomato, warm bacon dressing.  The soup reminded me of another favorite by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy - ‘pumpkin soup’, a little sweet, warm and very flavorful.  He tops it off with sunflower seeds and a dollop of sour cream.  Excellent choice even if fall has not shown its face yet in Florida.  The salad has a delectable vinaigrette dressing that may make you want to sop-it-up with a tasty house-made dinner roll.
Second Course: Fried Pork Chops with yellow rice pilaf, black eyed peas. Husband did not want to share, but told me that everything was vary tasty.  My Cracker Meal-Crusted Mahi with pineapple relish, coconut jasmine rice, asparagus, was thick, yet very flaky and moist. The relish was a great topping; asparagus was small and tender and the rice went well with the meal.  You may want to request more of the pineapple relish to go along with the big portion of fish.
Third Course: Peach Cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream.  I don’t usually eat a lot of sweets, yet this dessert was gone before the show started.  As always, the coffee or hot tea are wonderful compliments.

“Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?”
DATES: September 12 — October 7, 2018

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