Musical, ‘Ain’t Misbehain’ will be jazzing into the Alhambra

In the 1920's and 1930's, Harlem was the epicenter of the music world.  It was a time when Manhattan nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom were the playgrounds of high society and Lenox Avenue dives were filled with piano players banging out the new beat known as “swing.”  Among the great composers to come out the era was Thomas "Fats" Waller, writer of more than 400 songs and inductee into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Ain't Misbehavin’, opening at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining on May 8, is a tribute to the black musicians of the 1920s and 1930s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance, an era of growing creativity, cultural awareness, and ethnic pride, and takes its title from the 1929 Waller song "Ain't Misbehavin'".

Ain't Misbehavin’ opened in the Manhattan Theatre Club's East 73rd Street cabaret on February 8, 1978.  The cast included Irene Cara, Nell Carter, André DeShields, Armelia McQueen, and Ken Page and was staged by Arthur Faria.  The New York Times reviewer wrote: “The show moves with the zing and sparkle of a Waller recording - filled with bright melodies and asides.”  The musical opened on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre in 1978, and transferred to the Plymouth Theatre and then to the Belasco Theatre where it closed I 1982, after 1604 performances and fourteen previews. The show won the 1978 Tony® Award for Best Muscial.

Said Alhambra Managing Partner, Craig Smith, “Believe it or not, Ain't Misbehavin' is the first musical I ever saw.  It's one of the shows that made me a jazz lover and a musical theater lover.”  He continued, “What Fats Waller and his contemporaries did almost 100 years ago forever changed the musical landscape. We wouldn't have jazz today if it weren't for that era and the brilliance of folks like Fats Waller.  I can't wait to hear these sounds every night.”

The menu also plays a starring role in the show, with Executive Chef DeJuan Roy creating a menu based on some its themes.  The menu features: First Course (choice of one): Atlas Mountain Soup with lamb & lentils; OR Spinach Salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, mandarin oranges, Georgia Peanut Vinaigrette (GF).  Second Course (choice of one): Pork Ribeye Steak with brandy peppercorn demi-glace, Boursin cheese-whipped potatoes, roasted asparagus *GF*; OR Housemade Chicken & Dumplings; OR Fried Flounder with baked cheddar cheese grits, butter bean ragout; OR BBQ Jackfruit with Brussels sprout slaw, toasted baguette; Third Course (choice of one): Applesauce Cake with fresh whipped cream OR Sweet Potato Cheesecake.

‟Ain’t Misbehain’”

DATES: May 8 — June 9, 2019

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 8 p.m.  Doors open 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 2 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday May 10, 2019) attire may be “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”, and/or all other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $66.  Ticket prices include: a plated three-course meal that changes for each show, and is served directly to your table; a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking.  Tickets may be purchases on line, or by calling (904) 641-1212.
    **Prices do NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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