‘Mid-Life...The Crisis Musical’ is coming to JAX

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

It’s a perfect time for a Midlife Crisis! at the Alhambra.  No matter how one defines their mid-life crisis or what kind of havoc it wreaks, the Alhambra Theatre & Dining is turning it into a laugh-out-loud celebration.  With a balanced look at the 'joys' of growing older, through a cast of three men and three women, “Mid-Life...The Crisis Musical” strikes a chord with anyone regardless of age, but also touches on the sentimental wisdom that the later years afford to each of us.

“MID-LIFE! The Crisis Musical” is a series of small sketches (think Saturday Night Live!) that describe the archetypical trials and tribulations of middle age.  Everything from reading glasses to children who fail to leave the nest, to mammograms, if it happens in your 40’s and 50’s then the show touches upon it.

“It is no small coincidence the Alhambra chose MID-LIFE!,” offered Alhambra Managing Partner, Craig Smith, "I think I had my first mid-life crisis about ten years ago.  Some people go out and buy a sports car, travel the world, get a new job, start a new hobby (or dozens of other things that I won't mention).  I decided to buy a dinner theater.  Perhaps having recently turned 50, running this show is a sub-conscious reminder of my on-going journey through mid-life."

Unique to the Alhambra for MID-LIFE! will be a live musical score - Anthony J. Felton and one piano on stage at all times, will be backing up the hilarity for what is a reunion of sorts for some of the Alhambra's funniest actors.  Said director Todd Booth, "I brought in the six funniest actors I could find - who can happen to sing and keep time."  Starring in equal parts are Patti Eyler, Michael Strauss, Becky Baxter, Lisa Valdini, Mark Poppleton and Brian Simmons.  Booth continued, "I don't have to mention that all of these cast members have experience in the midlife crisis genre, so this will come from the heart as much as the funny bone."

What is Executive Chef DeJuan Roy Serving?  The menu is always a star of the show with its own popular item returning, Executive Chef DeJuan Roy's prime rib!  The menu features: First Course (choice of one) Mixed Grain Salad with iceberg lettuce, apples, farro, raisins, red onion, tomatoes, and a sweet onion vinaigrette dressing. or White Bean & Country Ham Soup. Second Course (choice of one): Chef DeJuan's Famous Slow Roasted Prime Rib natural jus with garlic roasted potatoes and asparagus, or Pan Seared Chicken with super grain pilaf, creamed kale, tomatoes and avocado chutney, or Fried Seafood Platter with shrimp, catfish, scallops, fries, slaw, hushpuppies, with a citrus tartar sauce, or the vegetarian dish of Lemon Fettuccine with pesto, artichokes, peas, tomatoes and mushrooms. The Dessert Course features a choice of Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie or German Chocolate Cake.
  ‟Mid-Life
The Crisis Musical”

DATES: February 20 — March 24, 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 February 22, 2019) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $64.  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.
     **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

Alhambra 50-year commemorative book available

Charles Day

If you’ve ever wanted to see what the Alhambra Theater & Dining was/and is all about, you now have the opportunity to see pictures, read stories and browse beyond the iconic walls of this historic dinner theatre.  Just in time for the Christmas holidays, this colorful “Alhambra Theatre and Dining, 50 Years of Memories” hardback coffee table book, will be a wonderful addition to any home.

Ted Johnson and Craig Smith

On Tuesday December 13, 2016, writer/author Charles Day was on hand, at the Alhambra, to autograph copies of his commemorative book.  It was truly amazing how people would come up and ask him if he recalled a moment in time, when that particular person made history doing something funny or was one of the original servers at the establishment.  Charles knew exactly where in the book, that the incident had been recorded, and he was able to point each story out to those random individuals.

Chef DeJuan Roy and Tod Booth

The next person who was there for the celebration was founder and visionary - Ted Johnson.  In late July of 1967, Mr. Johnson shared his insight with partner, George Ballis.  It took the two men only 152 days to bring their dream into fruition.  Johnson is such a go-getter that he decided to go skydiving to celebrate his 80th birthday over an October 2015 weekend.

Ms. "V and her book

Also present was another owner/actor and current producer/director - Tod Booth.  Tod has overseen the growth of the theater and remains devoted to the Alhambra.  Booth’s ultimate dream was to establish a new Alhambra that could seat 600 persons in the dining and banquet facility.  He has overseen many famous actors/actresses and developed many newcomers to the art of theatre.  Tod even found his bride, Lisa Valdini, who continues to grace the stage in some presentations.

It wouldn’t be a Dinner Theater without an Executive Chef and in 2011, Chef DeJuan Roy brought delectable dishes, service delivered to your table, and meals that never need any additional condiments.  He added gluten-free selections to every show, as he expounded on each show’s theme.  Gone is the cafeteria, self-serve style,  as elegance and variety has been added.

Tod, Ms. "V" and Craig

Current Managing Partner/Owner, who took over in 2009, is now the backbone of the Alhambra Theater and Dining.  He had first gone to the Alhambra as a teenager, an occasion worthy of family photographs (still made available for your memorable pleasure) that become keepsakes.  That’s how big a deal that a night at the theater use to be, and Smith wanted it to be a big deal again; and it truly is a big deal today.

Last, but not least is the many people who make things happen behind the scenes.  When you get the book, you’ll be reminded that it takes a village to make a prosperous dinner theater.  So many beautiful pictures, so many stories and so much history, you’ll be drawn into the pages of this memorable escapade from fifty years and the journey continues.

Two Alhambra dinner shows for the month of December

Photos: Jamie Iames Repper

Sorry that we were unable to let you know about the current featured production at the Alhambra Theater & Dining, but the premiere showing of “A Christmas Story” sold out early (there are still a few single seats available).  They even had to add Wednesday matinees that are already gone.  Like the original story, this program is not a musical.  Most Alhambra attendees are used to seeing either a show with a lot of dialogue, or one that features music and dancing.  “A Christmas Story” is all about the tale told by actor Ethan Paulini* (Ralph as an adult), and it is a great story.  Ethan has a large amount of dialogue that he delivers quite eloquently throughout the entire performance.

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a "Red Ryder air rifle." Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact.

At the end of the presentation, the cast seemed larger than it actually was.  Kudos go out to all the performers (the children, along with Mom and Dad, stole the show).  It takes a lot to expect a child to remember their lines, get some rest, get homework done, eat, do children stuff, go to school the next day and be ready to do it all over again for a different audience, for nine shows a week, and four weeks in December. Whew!

Bravo and Brava to: Oliver Carson (Ralphie Parker), Jazmin Gorsline* (Mother), Robert Herrle* (The Old Man), Harrison Davey (Randy), Alexia Adcock-Stanford* (Miss Shields), Johnny Warren (Schwartz), Sophia Feagins (Ester Jane Alberry), Dakota Burton (Helen Weathers), Kaden Quiles (Scut Farkus), and as always to Tod Booth*.  You and your production staff pulled off a wonderful adaptation from the original story adding ingenuity with the scenery, dogs and the turkey.  Lest we forget the gourmet meal prepared by Chef DeJuan Roy.  It was something to be Thankful for.
*denotes members of Actors’ Equity Association*

The second treat for the month will be the New Year’s Eve Gala event.  Join the Alhambra Theater and Dining for an evening of music, food, dancing and friends.  The night and morning will feature The Piano Men Tribute– a Las Vegas-style concert show featuring the music of Elton John, Billy Joel and Jerry Lee Lewis, plus dancing all night to the live music of the magnificent Crescendo Amelia Big Band along with the culinary magic of Executive Chef DeJuan Roy!  Take a look below and see what you’ll receive during your evening and early morning festivities.

New Year’s Eve Gala 2016/2017
DATE: Sat. Dec. 31 – Sun. Jan. 1, 2016 - 2017
TIME: Doors Open At: 6:30 p.m.
DRESS: “Formal Wear Requested”

TICKETS: $129 per person.  Reservations are required.
Ticket prices include:
Champagne reception & hors d’oeuvres.
Three-course table-served dinner.
Midnight champagne toast & balloon drop.
Their famous Midnight Breakfast Buffet.
Exclusive Prime Parking.
Price does not include gratuity or orders from the bar.

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

Don’t be left out in the cold.  If you missed “A Christmas Story” (SOLD OUT!), then you don’t want to miss the New Year’s Gala.  Tickets are going FAST!

Looking for something to do on New Year's Eve? Why not dinner, entertainment, food, dancing, more food, champagne, more food etc.

Alhambra serves dinners during Holy Week

Update: April 9, 2020; due to an overwhelming response, the Alhambra has "sold out" of their Easter Lunch Feast.

Below is your weekly communication from the Managing Partner of the Alhambra Theatre and Dining.  Even though the last stage play at the iconic theater was “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, the great meals created by Executive Chef, DeJuan Roy and brought out to your car by some of the most courteous servers in city of Jacksonville Florida, are some of the most delicious meals that you’ll ever taste.  Order your Passover/Holiday/Easter meals today for Tuesday April 7 through Sunday April 12, 2020 (Easter Family Feast only $95 and feeds a family of 4).

“Hi Everyone!

In case you haven't heard, the Alhambra is included among the many great local places for take-home dining - and, as always, a place you trust for the care we put into everything we do.  If you have not treated yourself to one of our made-from-scratch take-home meals, now is the time.  From the feedback we've received, we know you will not be disappointed.  For those of you have enjoyed our take-home dining and curbside delivery, thank you so much for the amazing support for our wonderful staff and our great theater.

Please take a look at the menu below, decide what you'd like for dinner, and click or call to order.  It will be ready for you here to pick up - and you don’t even need to leave your car!  Plus, every meal you have with us helps keep our staff employed and their families fed.

Easter 2020 is going to feel a lot different than prior Easters, and we want to help you make it special. Chef DeJuan is preparing an Easter Lunch like no other, and it would be our honor to prepare your celebration feast.

You'll find our menu is a perfect fit for four people - and it's us, so you know there will be leftovers! Plus, Bobby will be sharing some special cocktail recipes on our Facebook and Instagram for the special occasion.

So sit back and relax, your Easter lunch (or dinner!) is just a click away.  Happy Easter and Happy Passover (we wish we had a Kosher kitchen for preparation).  We look forward to serving you!

Craig”

Placing Your Order: The Alhambra invites you to call-in or place your order online.  Orders may be placed anytime prior to Noon on the day of pickup.  Curbside service takes place this week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm (individual meals $20 each/ Family Size meals $55 except Easter Feast).  Take a look at the photos and menu for this week's options and also for the special menu for Easter Sunday!

When you arrive to pick up your order using the drive-through drop off area in front of the theater, a service member will deliver your food straight to your car - fresh, hot and ready to go!

Easter Feast (Available Sunday, April 12; 4 servings) Kale Salad: with lemon vinaigrette, cranberries, Asiago cheese and cornbread croutons.  Deviled Eggs with pimento cheese and candied smoked bacon.  Oven-Roasted Sliced Pit Ham.  Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb garnished with spring vegetables, demi-glace and pistachio mint pesto.  Baked Tomato and Chive Cheese Grits.  Chef DeJuan’s famous Red Bliss Potatoes.  Steamed Asparagus with hollandaise and citrus segment.  Homemade Cornbread with honey butter.  Crème Brûlée French Toast 7& Easter Cupcakes.  $95.

Click HERE to order meals online.

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