Jay Leno has jokes that he’ll share in Orange Park Florida

If you’ve been wondering what TV host Jay Leno has been doing since he retired from “The Tonight Show”, then you’ll need to get your tickets now to his one-man-show coming in 2017, to Orange Park Florida.  These tickets will be great stocking stuffers for Christmas.

“Jay Leno marks the first announcement of many top-notch performers we have planned for this next season,” said Thrasher-Horne Center Executive Director Denton Yockey.  “We look forward to his comic style that has entertained so many on ‘The Tonight Show’ for so many years.”

In person, Jay Leno

Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” His career has included top-rated TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist.

Leno’s late night television ratings domination included more than two decades of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” winning every consecutive quarter of his hosting over the past 19 years.  After Jay resumed hosting the program, following its one-time interruption, he made it once again the consistent and uninterrupted ratings leader for late night.  You might even have enjoyed him on his “Jay Leno’s Garage” show, nonetheless, he’ll be coming to Jacksonville soon.

An indefatigable performer, Leno loves to test his humor live on audiences across the nation, performing over 100 live appearances in nightclubs, theaters and stadiums each year.   His “everyman”-style and personality have helped him earn millions of fans worldwide.

“Jay Leno”
DATE: Sat. January 14, 2017
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: range from $69 – $129 (all fees included) and may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 12+ (15% discount), or 40+ (20% discount).  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a not-for profit performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is located on the Orange Park campus.

Thrasher-Horne Center announces upcoming 2016–2017 musicals

Thrasher-Horne Center announces the second season of Broadway Orange Park with four touring

2016 - 2017 OP Musicals

musicals: “Into the Woods,” “Avenue Q, Xanadu” and “Mamma Mia!”  The season starts November 2016 and runs through June 2017.  Subscriptions are currently on sale at the Thrasher-Horne Center Box Office.  is ready to continue Thrasher-Horne Center’s Broadway development.  “This is a season for real fans of musical theater with some offerings that aren’t always seen in a typical Broadway series in Jacksonville,” said Executive Director Denton Yockey.  “Thrasher-Horne Center is trying to provide shows that will complement and build upon the theatre culture already rooted in Northeast Florida.”

Broadway Orange Park begins Saturday, November 26 at 8 p.m. with the launch of the national tour of “Into the Woods”.  This acclaimed production by Fiasco Theater was such a surprise hit in New York that its run was extended twice over the past year.  Now the company takes this reimagined production on the road rehearsing and presenting the first performance of the national tour at Thrasher-Horne Center.  Mind the wolf, heed the witch and honor the giant in the sky in this Tony Award-winning musical classic by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine about the power of wishes and what really happens after they come true.

The 2016–17 season continues Friday, December 9 at 8 p.m. with a stop at “Avenue Q,” the Tony Award-winning and irreverent, laugh-out-loud look at life after college.  Part flesh and part felt, this production is packed with heart as recent Princeton college graduate seeks to find his purpose in the big city.  “Xanadu” takes the stage Saturday, February 11 at 8 p.m.  This adventurous, rolling-skating, zany musical spoof is based on the cult classic movie of the same name.  “Xanadu” rolls and sings along to all the same legendary pop-rock songs: “Magic,” “All Over The World,” “Suddenly,” “I’m Alive,” "Evil Woman," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and “Xanadu.”  All songs composed by pop-rock legends Jeff Lynne and John Farrar.  Both “Avenue Q” and “Xanadu” are presented by Slow Burn Theatre, a regional theatre company from South Florida, that is making a name for itself with exciting and fresh theatrical productions.

The season ends on Tuesday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. with the Farewell Tour from one of the most successful musicals of all times “Mamma Mia!”  “Mamma Mia!” is the eighth longest running show in Broadway history and one of only five current musicals to have run for more than ten years on Broadway.  The show is preparing for its 90+ market farewell tour.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Subscriptions are now on sale for the four show season.  Prices range from $99 to $199 and include options such as swap or drop a show.  Tickets for individual shows will be available in the fall.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a not-for profit performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is located on the Orange Park campus.

Mike and Molly’s Billy Gardell will leave you laughing in JAX

Jacksonville Florida is THE place to be entertained.  Billy Gardell, star of the CBS hit television series Mike & Molly, will be bringing his stand-up comedy to the Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park after the Thanksgiving holidays.  Tickets are available now.

Gardell took the long road to Hollywood, stopping at every small town lounge, military base and comedy club along the way.  His comedy act took him to Los Angeles where his dedication to acting, along with touring as a stand-up comedian, allowed him to grow consistently in both arenas.  His stand-up show is a powerhouse.  His grounded, down-to-earth point of view strikes a strong chord with American audiences.  Stories about his rough childhood, wild adolescence and new family life are executed with the skill of a master craftsman.

Billy Gardell

As a standup comic, his comedy specials, "Billy Gardell: Halftime," premiered on Comedy Central and "Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs" premiered on Showtime.  In addition, he makes regular appearances on "NFL Today" on CBS Sports.  A native of Pittsburgh who currently lives in Los Angeles, Gardell loves Steeler football, stand-up comedy and his wife Patty, and son Will.

Billy Gardell starred in the CBS Hit television series, Mike & Molly as Officer Mike Biggs.  Mike & Molly garnered approximately 13 million viewers every week.  Before Mike & Molly, Gardell co-starred in the critically acclaimed television series “Lucky.”  His other television credits include “Yes, Dear” and “Judging Amy,” “My Name is Earl,” “The Practice,” “Monk” and “Gary the Rat.”

He made his major motion picture debut alongside Anthony Quinn and Sylvester Stallone in “Avenging Angelo,” and had a memorable scene with Billy Bob Thornton in the Cohen Brother’s film “Bad Santa.”  He also appeared in “You, Me & Dupree,” plays Umpire Haze in the baseball feature, “Undrafted” and appears in the upcoming Clint Eastwood directed film, “Jersey Boys.”

“Mike & Molly’s Billy Gardell”
DATE: Sat. Dec. 3, 2016   TIMES: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: start at $39 – $99 and may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 12+ (15% discount), or 40+ (20% discount).  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a not-for profit performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is located on the Orange Park campus.