Thrasher-Horne Family Series 2017 - 2018 tickets are available

The Thrasher-Horne Center has put together a series of exciting family-friendly shows that appeal to audiences of all ages for the 2017-2018 season.  From thrilling martial artists and piano virtuosos to a cappella showstoppers and a holiday visit from everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving fat cat, the upcoming Family Series provides the perfect opportunity for parents to introduce their families to quality live entertainment at an amazing price.

Coming to the Thrasher-Horne Center on December 2, 2017 are The Martial Artists and Acrobats of China.  This troupe of performers from Tianjin, People’s Republic of China was established in 1957 as a combination of the former China Circus & Acrobats that was founded in 1948.  It is one of the best acrobatic troupes in China with over one hundred acrobatic, magical and martial arts performers.  With novelty and superior techniques, the acrobatic troupe is favored by the audiences all over the world.  Tickets for The Martial Artists and Acrobats of China range from $29.00 to $69.00.

Following closely on December 8, 2017 is A Garfield Christmas: Live on Stage.  It’s the most wonderful time of the year – especially if you’re the world’s best-loved fat cat movie star, Garfield.  Coming to you with arms wide open in anticipation of all the Christmas presents he’s expecting, Garfield will light up your holiday this year with his wit, wise cracks and wisdom.  Everyone’s favorite feline is a few gifts short of true Christmas spirit. But with the help of Jon, Odie, the Audience, and his new holiday friends, Garfield gets an “enlightening” lesson.  This lively holiday musical features timeless Christmas favorites such as “Jingle Bells", “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, “Deck the Halls", and many more.  Sing along as Garfield’s new friends all work together to bring light to Garfield’s Christmas.  Join the fun as the coffee-guzzling, nap-taking, lasagna-loving fat cat Garfield decks the halls with boughs of folly!  Tickets for A Garfield Christmas: Live on Stage range from $19.00 to $39.00. A special school time matinee performance will be held at 10:30 a.m. on December 8, 2017.

January 19 & 20, 2017 welcomes two opportunities to experience the incredible talent of pianist Jason Farnham as he brings his solo show to our intimate Studio Theatre.  Take Jerry Lee Lewis, add some Victor Borge, Beethoven on steroids, garnish with Schroeder from Peanuts, throw it all in a blender, and what comes out is an unmistakable Jason Farnham show!  Piano with Jason Farnham delights audiences around the U.S. again and again.  Fans love his toy piano, his witty Victor Borge-style comedy antics, and the clever way he interacts with the audience.  The variety includes contemporary romantic piano, jazz, bossa-nova, blues, stride piano, and classical with a modern twist!  Tickets for Piano with Jason Farnham range from $29.00 to $39.00.  A special school time matinee performance will be held at 10:30 a.m. on January 19, 2018.

Finally, the Family Series is rounded out by a performance by GOBSMACKED! on January 28, 2018.  Direct from sell out seasons in London, Hong Kong and Edinburgh comes this mind-blowing vocal show from the UK.  This next-generation a cappella show redefines the limits of the human voice.  Featuring the reigning world champion beatboxer Ball-Zee and an international cast of world-class vocalists, GOBSMACKED! weaves stories through all forms of a cappella from traditional street corner harmonies to cutting edge, multi-track live looping.  Heart-stopping singing and jaw-dropping beatboxing guarantees the audience will leave with a song in their heart and a smile on their face. GOBSMACKED! is the latest break-out show that everyone is talking about – it’s funny, joyful and uplifts the spirits of all ages!  Tickets for GOBSMACKED! range from $29.00 to $69.00.

Thrasher-Horne Family Series
DATES: See individual shows above
TIMES: Go to individual links above

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

TICKETS: vary according to the show with 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.  Select your seats for each performance individually, or purchase a Series Package and receive 25% off tickets when you purchase three or more of these shows at the same time.  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.

Local talent in ‘Steel Magnolias’ are the best

Cast of Steel Magnolias

Usually when a major actor or actress comes out on stage at the beginning of a show, the crowd gives them a rousing round of applause; yet this was not the case for Gilligan’s Island’s star Dawn Wells.  Maybe no one recognized her in costume when she came out because she wasn’t the familiar Mary Ann that we knew and loved, nonetheless, the Alhambra Theater & Dining selected a great show when they chose Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias”.

All in all, the show is fantastically funny and nostalgic in comparison to the 1989 movie classic.  You may recall the cast of characters back then, with the talented actresses in the 2017 show: Truvy (Dolly Parton) - Patti Eyler*, Annelle (Daryl Hannah) - Lexi Langs*, Clairee (Olympia Dukakis) - Cheryl Horne*, Shelby (Julia Roberts) - Rebecca Lea Chisholm, M’lynn (Sally Field) - Lisa Valdini*, and Ouiser (Shirley MacLaine) - Dawn Wells*.  * denotes Actors’ Equity Association.  You may note that some of the performers are regulars to the Alhambra (Lisa Valdini, Patti Eyler and Lexi Langs), and out-of-towners Cheryl Horne and Rebecca Lea Chisholm bring loads of humor and well-rehearsed acting to the Jacksonville Dinner-Theatre stage.

First Course (top) & one Dessert

The actresses recreated the movie with creative lines under the tutelage of Producer/Director Tod Booth* and wig designer Patty Pitts did a fantastic job of selecting appropriate hair styles for the show.  Stage Designer Ian Black did a wonderful job with creating the southern Louisiana beauty salon.  You will laugh and almost cry as you engage with the ladies in “Steel Magnolias”.

“Steel Magnolias”
DATES: May 24 — June 25, 2017

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner begins at 6 p.m.  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: “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.  To see the menu, Click HERE.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $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