It is ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ at the Times Union Ctr.

It’s not just the music, but how the story of Carole King unfolds that will bring understanding of some of the songs that Carole and her husband (Gerry Goffin) collaborated together, to make beautiful music and an extraordinary life.  If you’ve seen Jersey Boys or Motown the Musical, then “Beautiful—The Carole King Musical” (the early life and career of Carol Klein), is a ‘must see’ to add to your live-onstage repertoire.  You may only have heard her music, but you didn’t know her story.

There are so many familiar songs in the show, that one might think that the singers penned the music and lyrics themselves, nonetheless, it was the collaboration of Carole King/Gerry Goffin, and that of Cynthia Weil/Barry Mann.  The music is so good that you will actually be singing along with the actors on stage.  And don’t take your eyes off the actors, Little Eva (the one-time baby sitter of the King/Goffin baby girl) does a quick-change right is plain sight while singing “Locomotion”.  Yes, it happened earlier in the show too, but I don’t recall the song or the group - it was done that smoothly.

Music was contributed to groups and solo artists as: Neil Sedaka, The Drifters, Cynthia Weil, Gerry Goffin, Little Eva, The Righteous Brothers, The Chiffons, The Shirelles, Carole King and many more; and the vocals of the tribute artists is as great as the real person.

A wonderful 13-piece orchestra has added to the superb vocals of the 18 actors on stage.  The elaborate stage props move methodically in a flawless transition from one scene to another.  After a 2 1/4 hour delivery, and a fifteen-minute intermission,  you will leave wanting more.

“Beautiful - The Carole King Musical” is recommended for ages 10 years and older.  There is no foul language but there is talk about the use of drugs.  For more information and a video sneak peek, please visit www.BeautifulOnBroadway.com.  You still have time to get some choice seats to see it in JAX.

   “Beautiful
The Carole King Musical”
DATES:      TIMES:
Tues., Apr. 10, 2018 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 11     7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Apr. 12    7:30 p.m.
Fri., Apr. 13      8 p.m.
Sat., April 14    2 p.m.
Sat., April 14     8 p.m.
Sun., April 15    1:30 p.m.
Sun., April 15    7 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: start at $37 plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

There will be a Beautiful Brunch presented by the FSCJ Artist Series in partnership with The Candy Apple Café and Cocktails, on Sunday, April 15, 2018.  Brunch from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and the Matinee begins at 1:30 p.m.  Check HERE for more information.

‘Mummenschanz’ is coming to the Florida Theatre

In their new stage show, Swiss pantomime troupe, “Mummenschanz” transforms everyday objects, like toilet paper, wires, tubes and boxes, to create fantastical characters.  Suitable for all ages, this show is the perfect family night out!  The show will be in Jacksonville Florida for one night only!

Since its successful three year run on Broadway, Swiss based theater troupe “Mummenschanz” has pioneered a new form of visual theater that has since spawned multiple new genres reclaiming their legacy. “Mummenschanz” has been dazzling audiences worldwide for more than 45 years.  By creating a playful yet compelling experience through the inventive use of shadow, light, and creative manipulation of objects, MUMMENSCHANZ offers timeless insight on the human condition. The result is a visually stunning spectacle that transcends cultural barriers and sparks the imagination.

The 2017-2018 season will see a brand-new creation, “You & Me” by the visionary “Mummenschanz” troupe with new performers bringing to life the largescale masks you’ve grown to love; as well as reviving a historic tradition of acrobatics.  The show will also include some of the classic sketches that have stood the test of time.  To learn more about “Mummenschanz”, click HERE.
 
DATE: Saturday, April 21, 2018
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: Click HERE to get a $20.00 adult ticket and $10.00 child ticket to Mummenschanz.  Regular internet fees apply.  Tickets can also be purchased by calling the box office directly at (904) 355-2787.

“MUMMENSCHANZ”
LOCATION: Florida Theatre
      128 E. Forsyth St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

‘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