'Annie' and the Alhambra are a perfect Summer mix

It’s been said time and time again that children and animals will steal and upstage a show; well, the musical “Annie” at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining is no exception.  Filled with familiar music and dance numbers from the original production, Tod Booth* has created fun loving entertainment with the assistance of set designer Ian Black and the choreography from Shain Stoff* and Brian Beach*.  The show times have been adapted for the many younger and mature audience attendees who come to see Annie, and the show is so entertaining that everyone is thoroughly captivated.

Annie is a delightful Summer family show for the entire family.  Young Jena Simmons was in the character of (Annie), on Gala Night.  The ingénue actress belted out each and every song with zeal and gusto.  You would be able to hear her clearly without the assistance of microphones.

Lisa Valdini with Sandy

She just appeared as (M’Lynn) in “Steel Magnolias”, the last show at the Alhambra, and gave a stellar performance; yet Lisa Valdini*, the mean cantankerous (Miss Hannigan) in Annie, sang, danced and had the crowd in stitches all night long.  Take a look at the photo and see her and the well-behaved dog (Sandy).  You’ll love the way Lisa twists her posterior to the tune of “Easy Street”.

Another little actress who will steal your heart is seven-year-old novice artist Lucy Feagins (Molly - Orphan).  This little lady will be headed for great things if she chooses to go further in her acting career.  She blossoms during the Orphan songs “Maybe,” “Hard Knock Life” and “Fully Dressed”.

You may remember him in “9 to 5 the Musical” and “The Addams Family”, nonetheless, Mark Poppleton portrays a wonderful (Daddy Warbucks) in “Annie”; and Jennifer Medure is a compliment to him starring as (Grace Farrell).  Her daughter Grace Medure is one of the Orphans (Tessie) who grace the stage for the first time with her mom.

Chef DeJuan Roy was on target with his scrumptious meal.  The Strawberry Bisque is cool and refreshing and the Summer Fruit Salad is very tasty with Roy’s house made Honey Yogurt Vinaigrette.  This writer chose the Chicken Veronique which was breaded and pan fried to perfection.  The sides complimented the second course with a delectable sauce.

You are invited to revisit memories of Annie from 1988 and 2009 with  your purchase of the Alhambra’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book that you can obtain online or when you visit the theater.

“Annie”
DATES: June 28 — Aug. 13, 2017

SPECIAL SHOW TIMES: Please note the summer family show, “Annie”, begins twenty minutes earlier than normal show times.  Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:30 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins shortly afterwards.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 12 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday June 30, 2017) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $35 – $62.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.
  **Price does NOT include gratuity or orders from the bar**

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