Alhambra Theatre 50th anniversary party kicks-off

It’s going to be a BIG celebration coming to the Alhambra Theatre & Dining this month and there are a few tickets still available so you can be there to party with the best-of-the-best.  The Alhambra Theatre & Dining stands proudly as one of just a handful or remaining dinner theaters dotting North America.  After half a century, the Alhambra is as vibrant as ever with new owners, led by Managing Partner, Craig Smith, are excited to announce its culminating event, the “50th Birthday Bash”, set for Monday, December 11 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Alhambra Theatre.

In the summer of 1967, a press photo was taken of a single table on an empty lot on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida, an unlikely spot 50 years ago for a theater that would become an icon in the Jacksonville cultural landscape and within the national theater scene.  Set for two, that single table was covered by an elegant lace cloth, and adorned with matching napkins, silverware, stylish china plates and coffee cups and tall crystal glasses. In the middle of the small table stood an equally elegant candelabra holding five candles. What better way for the young gentlemen sitting there, Ted Johnson and George Ballis, to demonstrate their vision of the future.  Just a few months later, in December of 1967, the Alhambra opened its doors to the public as a place where guests came for a “night on the town,” adorned in gowns, tuxedoes and their best shoes.

Expected to be on-hand will be the Current and Former Owners; Jacksonville’s Mayor Lenny Curry; members of Jacksonville’s City Council including: Al Ferraro, Scott Wilson, Reggie Gaffney, Danny Becton and Jim Love; State Representative Tracie Davis; US Senator Bill Nelson; Matthew Davis of Senator Marco Rubio’s office, Alhambra’s Legacy Servers, long-standing season subscribers and some special guests who have milestones that began in 1967 (such as first dates or engagements), and other VIP’s.

Opened in 1967 as The Alhambra Dinner Theater, this establishment is the longest-running dinner theater in the country.  The Alhambra has hosted legends such as: Tony Curtis, Claude Aiken, Sid Cesar and Cesar Romero, and, recently the likes of Loretta Swit, Barry Williams, Morgan Fairchild, Dawn Wells, Jamie Farr, Sally Struthers, Joyce DeWitt, Michael Learned, Barbara Eden, Lisa Whelchel and Mike Farrell.  The Alhambra was the place of Betty Grable’s final acting role, and is featured in her biography.  The Alhambra is also home to former Miss America, Orange Park (FL) native Leanza Cornett, who started at the Alhambra when she was only 15 years old.


Managing Partner, Craig Smith

In November 2009 the Alhambra was purchased by Theatre Partners, LLC; headed by Jacksonville’s AlhaManmbra entrepreneur, Craig Smith, as a way to give back to Jacksonville and preserve what he believes is one of its cultural jewels.   Craig is quoted as saying, “For fifty years The Alhambra has been a place of Broadway quality shows and fine meals, but the Alhambra really is more of a place where people make memories.  This theater is where we go to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries; it is where people came for the prom; it is the place of first dates and marriage proposals.  Recently, the Alhambra has even been a place where people get married.”

Today, the Alhambra boasts a run-rate of 80-90% capacity, including several completely sold out shows in recent years (including Alhambra After Dark shows) with the help from its Season Partners subscriber base of nearly 5,000.  The theater also employs more than 70 full-time staff, and donates tens of thousands of dollars and tickets annually to area charities.

“Our job isn’t just to sell seats to a great show, it’s to be part of this community and supportive of things that are meaningful to our guests,” said Smith.  “We can only take credit for putting a good product together.  I give all the credit to the Jacksonville community for rallying around this old girl and putting her back on the map.  It’s a journey that isn’t finished, but we’re off to a good start…that’s more than 50 years in the making.”  He added, “To me, when I walk through this theater, I can almost hear the voices of the memories.  Some say The Alhambra is haunted and those are the voices of the ghosts, but I say she just shares a lot of stories - and a lot of joy!”

“50th Anniversary Party”
DATE: December 11, 2017
EVENING ITINERARY:
5:30 Reception in the Garden, celebrating original fountain
6:15 Seating for dinner, a culinary journey created by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy
7:00 Master of Ceremonies, Las Vegas’ Andy DiMino as Dean Martin introduces JAX’s original Elvis impersonator.
8:30 Formal presentations including Mayoral Proclamation by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry; presentation to the founding and current owners as well as a celebration of 50 years of Memories.
***Note: Proclamation could be held at 7:00 pending schedule.
8:45 Presentation of the birthday cake, a replica of the Alhambra building
9:00 Dancing to the big band sounds of The Chris Thomas Band

DRESS: “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie” or Semi-Formal

TICKETS: $129 and includes pre-event reception, dinner, dancing, take home gifts.
    **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