Monday, November 26, 2018

‘ELF’ is a very special show at the Alhambra

Photos courtesy of: Jamie Iames Reaper & Ms. "V"
Photo courtesy of: Jamie Iames Reaper
If you didn’t get your tickets to see “ELF” the musical, at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining (note that this is one of a few shows that has never been performed at this establishment and it’s “Sold Out”), then you need to check back daily to see if you can be in the audience this holiday season.

Even if you’ve never
seen the movie, you will be thoroughly entertained by this presentation of “ELF”.  Not since “Shrek” played at the Alhambra, have little people marched across the stage.  The Elves are so well played from the knees of some very talented actors and actresses.  Camala Pitts & Dorinda Quiles are to be commended on the elves and the other actor’s attire.

Set designer Ian Black has done it once again with the stage sets and props (Buddy’s interaction with the revolving door and the Erector Set wind mill), while choreographers James Kinney* & Alex Nordin created some stupendous footwork for the cast.  A job-well-done to the Children in the cast: Tatum Matthews, Lucy Feagins, Abigail Douglas and Reagan Sinclair Thomas (who still must go to school daily, and then perform in the show nightly and twice on the weekends).

Most of the cast has appeared on the Alhambra stage in past performances.  An enthusiastic expression of approval goes out to everyone on the “ELF” stage: Buddy (Dustin Maxwell*), Jovie (Jessie Booth*), Walter Hobbs (Mark Poppleton), Emily Hobbs (Jennifer Madure*), Michael Hobbs (Trey Murphy), Deb (Lisa Valdini*), Manager (Jereme Raickett*) and Santa (Shaun Rice*).  Let us not forget the “little people”, dancers and those who make this show the success that it is: Jake Delaney*, Galloway Stevens, Rico Lastrapes, Patrick Marshall, Jamie King, Kalea Leverette, Erin Leigh Knowles and Nicole Spencer*.

This show left me, and most of the audience, with a perpetual smile on our faces for the duration of the evening.  And I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the scrumptious meals that Executive Chef DeJuan Roy has prepared.  Everything is good from the appetizer, through the entree, and ending with dessert (sorry that you missed the extra desserts at the end of Gala Evening).
* Denotes members of the Actors Equity Association *

  ELF
 The Musical
DATES
: November 21 — December 24, 2018

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 p.m. (Gala Night at 5:30 p.m.), and dinner is served until 7:30 p.m. 
Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch served until 12:50 p.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday November 23, 2018) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $52 – $59.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, a Broadway-style performance and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.  NB: Check online daily to see if there has been any cancellations for the “ELF” Show!
    **Price does NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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