‘Five Guys Named Moe’ brings a multitude of talent to JAX

Photos: Jamie Iames

This month at the Alhambra Theater & Dining, the entertainment continues during the show “Five Guys Named Moe”.  The food is scrumdiddlyumptious.  The acting is superb.  The dancing is top-notched and on point.  The singing is harmonious (especially on “Is You My Baby”).  The costumes are visually appealing.  And the interaction with the audience is like that on a cruise ship (selected individuals are asked to participate in a getting to know you segment on stage.  No one is embarrassed, just a lot of fun).  Could not imagine an attending patron named Caldonia, but she was there on Gala Night.  The songs may be from a forgotten jazz era, yet the music is entertaining with catchy tunes.

The acting is phenomenal and begins with Jereme Raickett* (Norman).  Yes, you have seen Jereme in other Alhambra productions, at the old Bolero’s dance studio and he’s also at the “Players By The Sea Theatre”.  He portrays a realistic drunk and then cleans up nicely later in the show.  Raickett is a multi-talented actor whom you’ll enjoy seeing over and over again.

Darryl Reuben Hall* (Four-Eyed Moe), is not a stranger to the Alhambra (The Wiz) or to Jacksonville.  Hall has appeared in numerous other venues around town, including many Stage Aurora presentations, One Spark, and he is the creator/producer/director of “Frat House.”  He has brought numerous well-known actors to Jacksonville and has given the young people of North JAX a chance to demonstrate their talents and gifts through his non-profit organization.  Darryl was asked to come back to JAX to star in this current production, from his work in New York.  He does give credit to watching his diet and a physical exercise, for his famous high-kicks and marvelous dancing.

We didn’t get a chance to see much of Rendell Anthony DeBose* (Eat Moe) on stage during his “Little Shop of Horrors” portrayal of Audrey II, yet Rendell lends his beautiful voice, his “splits” and rhythm of his feet and posterior, to the stage during “5 Guys Named Moe”.  You may also remember his beautiful deep tenor voice when he sang as Jim in “Big River”.

The group is rounded out with song, dance and acting from Damien DeShaun Smith* (No Moe), a new bee to the Alhambra stage; David Berry* (Little Moe); and Byron Glenn Willis* (Big Moe), who is no stranger to the Alhambra Theater with his appearance last year in “Dreamgirls”.

Many accolades to the LIVE Jazz Band!  Their playing is such a grand addition to the musical aspirations of the play.  Band Leader/Keyboard artist - Anthony Felton; Drums - Chanel Miller; Electric Bass - Brooks Clark; Trumpet - Paul Jackson; Reed instruments - Alex Hernandez (plays a mean solo on the saxophone - the highlighted instrument throughout the theatre); and Trombonist - Nicholas Carter.

This is another great production from Producer/Director - Tod Booth*, and marvelous Choreography from James Kinney*.  *Denotes Actors’ Equity Association.  Please take a look at the Director’s Note, in your program, about Louis Jordan, the inspiration for “5 Guys Named Moe”.

The song “Doing Da’ Butt” stayed in my mind when I saw “Smoked Boston Butt” on the menu and it was tender and very delicious.  The “Saturday Night Fish Fry” was tasty along with “Moe’s Salad,” “Field Pea Soup,” and the “Mini Pistachio Bundt Cake.”  Executive Chef DeJuan Roy did NOT disappoint.

***This show was dedicated in loving memory of the departed Jim “Jimbo” Martin  - former Food and Beverage Manager for the Alhambra.***

“5 Guys Named Moe”
DATES: April 4 — May 8, 2018

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 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 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday April 6, 2018) 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 dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.
 **Price does NOT include server’s gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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