‘Pontypool’ is a scary play that might chill ya

Pontypool courtesy of PBTS

Courtesy: PBTS

Just in time for this ghoulish holiday season is the thrilling, chilling, thought-provoking drama at the Players By the Sea - “Pontypool”.  If you came to the opening night production, you would have been able to meet the artist of the wall decor, Mr. Drew Edward Hunter.  Hunter is also the voice of the greeter at the entrance door, that is a prop from the Sally Corporation that produces “The Walking Dead”.

Pontypool looks at the psychological concept of flight vs. fright.  This play is an adaptation of Pontypool Changes Everything, a book and film by Tony Burgess.  His stage play is now being edited for this production to include local Jacksonville factors by Kelby Siddons.  The production in the Studio Theatre aims to be a truly immersive event — the production team is partnering up with folks from Sally Corporation to create an experience that draws from dark side concepts.

The production of “Pontypool”, by the Players By the Sea, is so well done and befitting the work of any professional off-Broadway show.  This cast really gets physically involved with their roles.  There are a lot of words thrown around, and you’ll hear some colorful dialogue.  There is blood and murder, but you won’t wonder ‘who-done-it’.  This show is NOT recommended for children.

Want to wear a costume? Come on - I dare you.  A ghoul will be waiting to greet you in the foyer.  Beware of sitting on the front row, you may get a little wet in the intimate side theatre (unlike the show participants of comedian Gallagher).  Get your tickets today and note the change in the usual days that this presentation will be on stage.

More about Players By The Sea: The theater is quaint, comfortable and seats 150 people (the smaller side theatre seats less).  The restrooms are very clean and modern.  Entrance to the theatre is well-lite and parking is sufficient and close to the building.  The reception area has tall tables and is decorated with local art work.  For your pleasure there is a bar that offers beer, wine, soda and water for purchase.  On Gala night (the opening night for each show), Players offers their patrons some delicious finger foods served by 927 Catering& Events.  The food tastes impeccably delicious and is very creatively presented.

“Pontypool”
DATES:      TIMES:
Fri., Oct.26, 2018  8 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 27     8 p.m.
Mon., Oct. 29     8 p.m.
Tues., Oct. 30     8 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 31    8 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 1    8 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 2     8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 3     8 p.m.

TICKETS: Regular tickets are $28, with a discounted price of $25 for Senior/Student/Military.  Showtimes are 8 p.m. from Thursday - Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.  The Thursday night performance is a Student Night, wherein students can receive half price tickets with a valid student I.D.  Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.  Tickets are available on line or by calling the Box Office at (904) 249-0289.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

 

Florida Theatre has excitement for ‘November 2018’

It finally feeling like Fall here in sunny Jacksonville and the upcoming event at the historic Florida Theatre are worth you taking a look and then making sure that you have your tickets.  Don’t forget that tickets make a terrific Christmas stocking-stuffer gift.

01 - Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
02 - Tom Segura
03 - TOTO
07 - Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
09 - Chris D’Elia
10 - An Evening with Ira Glass
13 - So You Think You Can Dance LIVE!
15 - Kathleen Madigan
16 - The Australian Bee Gees
18 - Straight No Chaser
19 - Stephen Stills and Judy Collins
23 - Benji Brown
24 - Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas Tour 2018
26 - The Piano Guys
29 - Dave Koz and Friends Christmas

Nov. 1 - 8 p.m. — Rumours of Fleetwood Mac.  Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is endorsed by Mick Fleetwood, and considered to be the world’s finest tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the group’s iconic Rumours album they will perform the hit songs: “Don’t Stop,” “Go Your Own Way,” “Gold Dust Woman,” and more with note for note precision.

Nov. 2 - 8 p.m. — Tom Segura.  Comedian Tom Segura is best known for his Netflix specials: Completely Normal, Mostly Stories and Disgraceful.  His comic television credits include: Conan, Workaholics, Happy Endings, The Late Late Show, Comedy Central Presents: Tom Segura, Mash Up, and How To Be A Grown Up.

Nov. 3 - 8 p.m. — TOTO.  Classic American rock band TOTO has sold more than 40 million albums, amassing a catalog of hits like “Hold the Line,” “Rosanna,” and “Africa,” among many others.

Nov. 7 - 8 p.m. — Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening.  With state-of-the-art lighting, special effects and dazzling video, Jason Bonham, the son of late Led Zepplin drummer John “Bonzo” Bonham, recreates his father’s hits “I Can’t Quit You Baby,” “Dazed and Confused,” “Kashmir,” “The Lemon Song,” “When the Levee Breaks,” “Moby Dick,” and “Stairway To Heaven.”

Nov. 9 - 8 p.m. — Chris D'Elia Follow the Leader Tour.  Chris D’Elia is one of the most sought-after performers in the comedy world.  He is best known for his standup comedy specials: White Male. Black Comic, Incorrigible, and Man on Fire, and his starring role on the NBC comedy series Undateable.

Nov. 10 - 8 p.m. — An Evening with Ira Glass.  Ira Glass is the host and creator of the public radio program This American Life. The show is heard each week by more than 2.2 million listeners, on more than 500 public radio stations, with another 2.5 million downloading each podcast.  This American Life can be heard by heard on WJCT 89.9 on Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Nov. 13 - 7:30 p.m. —So You Think You Can Dance Live!  2018 winner of 15 Emmy® awards, will feature the show’s Top 10 Finalists: Hannahlei Cabanilla, Jay Jay Dixonbey, Chelsea Hough, Evan Debendedetto, Genessy Castillo, Cole Mills, Darius Hickman, Madalena Fialek, Slavic Pustovoytov, Jensen Arnold and includes the Season 15 winner, America’s Favorite Dancer and all-stars Cyrus “Glitch” Spencer and Lauren Froderman.

Nov. 15 - 8 p.m. — Kathleen Madigan.  Comedian Kathleen Madigan has starred in two HBO comedy specials and three Comedy Central specials. Her previous hour-long special, Gone Madigan, premiered on Showtime and is now available on Netflix. She’s is a regular guest on the nationally syndicated radio show, The Bob and Tom Show and The Stephanie Miller Show.

Nov. 16 - 8 p.m. — The Australian Bee Gees.  One of the most adored musical acts in history is recreated in this multi-media concert event that features the Bee Gees' biggest hits like: "Staying Alive," "You Should Be Dancing," "How Deep Is Your Love," "Jive Talkin'," and more!

Nov. 18 - 8 p.m. — Straight No Chaser. Marking the 10th Anniversary of their break-out album Holiday Spirits.  Founded at Indiana University and discovered on YouTube, this a cappella group mixes stunning vocals with lively performances for unique spins on contemporary standards ranging from Charlie Puth and Bruno Mars to Bob Dylan.  For their latest release, Six Pack: Volume 3, the group puts its stamp on rock classics as well as contemporary pop hits, including “Sweet Dreams/HandClap” (a mashup of the Eurythmics and Fitz and the Tantrums) and a show-stopping “Beyonce Medley.”

Nov. 19 - 8 p.m. — Stephen Stills and Judy Collins.  For this once in a lifetime concert experience, music icons Stephen Stills (Crosby, Stills & Nash) and Judy Collins will pull from their rich catalogs, including "Suite: Judy Blues Eyes," which was written by Stills for Collins during their romance.  The duo will also debut songs from their album Stills & Collins Everybody Knows.

Nov. 23 - 7 p.m. — Benji Brown.  Comedian Benji Brown can be heard on the syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show. His television credits include: BET's ComicView, STARZ's 1st Amendment Comedy Show, and Jamie Foxx's Laffapalooza.  His internet skits, featuring his most-requested character Kiki, have earned him more than 1 million You Tube views.

Nov. 24 - 8 p.m. — Martina McBride “The Joy of Christmas Tour 2018”  Celebrating 25 years as one of country music’s most beloved entertainers, Grammy-nominated Martina McBride performs traditional Christmas favorites, and some of her biggest hits, including: “Blessed,” “A Broken Wing,” “Wild Angels,” and “This One’s for the Girls” with a full symphony orchestra.

Nov. 26 - 8 p.m. — The Piano Guys.  For their new holiday show, The Piano Guys will perform holiday songs like "What Child Is This," "Mary Did You Know," "Ode to Joy to the World," and more from their latest holiday album Christmas Together.

Nov. 29 - 8 p.m. — Dave Koz and Friends Christmas.  Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz returns with his annual Christmas tour. Joining him to perform fresh renditions of Christmas classics and holiday hits from their respective catalogs are Grammy-nominated Jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair, vocalist Jonathan Butler and smooth jazz keyboardist Keiko Matsui.

Tickets On Sale Now (see individual links above)!

“Florida Theatre November 2018 events”
LOCATION: Florida Theatre
      128 E. Forsyth St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 355-2787

‘1776’ - a befitting remembrance of our political system

Photos: Courtesy of the Alhambra

“1776 a Musical Revolution” is now playing at Jacksonville’s iconic Alhambra Theatre & Dining (winner of “Best Dinner Theatre” for the 5th straight year), and this show gives us a look into the decisions that once made this country great and respected.  “1776” puts a human face on the pages of history as the audience sees the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures.  These men are determined to “do the right thing” for a brand new, up & coming nation.  This show is history in the makings.  It may be a little raw (amendment blocked to abolish slavery), but the events actually happened.  You cannot change history, yet you can learn from any mistakes that might have been done along the way and make this world a better place to live in through positive change.

Unlike todays Potus, who attacks through social media and any other venue he chooses to use almost every day, General George Washington (later the President of the US) was on the battlefield and let his Congressional leaders know of his conquests via of a News Courier (Rodney Holmes plays that Courier and Rodney has a great set of pipes).  Washington was a leader who knew how to lead his men and later - how to lead this country.

“1776” is a LIVE dramatization of the House of Congress, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the creation, ratification and signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Out of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, all 25 actors in “1776” brings life to the history of our forefathers (and yes, they are historically dressed in the proper attire of the era).  This is the third time that this production has appeared at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining (staged in 1986 & 1999 - See this information when you pick up your copy of the hardback coffee table copy of “50 Years of Memories” - located in the Alhambra foyer) and this presentation is worthy of applause.

Accolades to all of the troupe who did a smashing patriotic job: Alexander Molina* (John Dickinson), Mark Poppleton (Benjamin Franklin), Jake Delaney* (Thomas Jefferson), Andrew LeJeune (Edward Rutledge), Kurt McCall* (John Hancock, Richard Magyar (Dr. Josiah Bartlett), Robin Keith* (Stephen Hopkins), Alex Canty (Roger Sherman), Alex Hadden (Lewis Morris), Thomas Knightingale (Robert Livingston), Neal Thorburn (Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon), David Gowan (James Wilson), Kevin Roberts (Caesar Rodney), Mitchell McCollum (Col. Thomas McKean), Joey Swift (George Read), Lee Hamby (Samuel Chase), Travis Gerald Young* (Richard Henry Lee), Luke Holt (Joseph Hewes), Tom Bengston (Dr. Lyman Hall). Bruce Cofield (Charles Thomson) and Kenneth Uibel* (Andrew McNair).

There are also 2 females in attendance Katie Nettle (Abigail Adams) and Nicole Coffaro* (Martha Jefferson) who sing quite well and add meaning to the behind-the-scenes of democracy.  Kevin Anderson* starring in the lead as (John Adams), has a ton of lines as do so many of the other actors in this phenomenal play/musical.  The music is stunning and the little quick steps from choreographer Shain Stroff* are quaint and periodic.
* Denotes members of the Actors Equity Association*

Even if you weren’t a fan of history, like this writer (who was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) wasn’t; you will enjoy seeing and hearing what actually happened right before the Declaration of Independence was born.

Menu Review: Executive Chef Dejuan Roy has done it once again.  His “1776” meals were befitting that of Betsy Ross or Martha Washington (did they even cook?)  First Course: Sweet potato soup *GF* (Contains Peanuts) had a hit of sweetness and was a delicious warm
cup of savory bliss for the fall weather that is coming to FL. or Cesar salad with cornbread croutons *GF* without croutons was different because of the unique croutons and different Cesar dressing flavor.  Second Course: Aunt Mae’s Fried Chicken Alabama BBQ sauce (an original sauce of Chef DeJuan), gravy, buttery white rice, lima beans (this writer had a hankering to substitute the carrot medley and was delighted).  Third Course: Apple Galette with fresh whipped cream - pastry was flaky and the whole dessert wan not too sweet.

   “1776”
A Musical Revolution
DATES: October 17 — November 18, 2018

SUMMER SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 p.m. (Gala Night at 5:30 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: “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $64.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, a Broadway-style performance and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.
    **Price does NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**
    “1776”, presented by Fleet Landing

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

‘Diavolo’ - architecture in motion will be in JAX

Fresh from its recent success as a top 10 finalists on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, “Diavolo” will be bringing its acrobatics and architectural artistry to Thrasher-Horne Center this fall.  The national tour will stop in Orange Park.

Diavolo uses dance to explore the relationship between the human body and its architectural environment.  Artistic Director Jacques Heim steers Diavolo’s diverse team of dancers, designers, choreographers and engineers to create visceral and awe-inspiring works that reveal how we are affected emotionally, physically and socially by the spaces we inhabit.

Meticulously designed architectural structures serve as the central inspiration for each work, activated by the stylistically varied and intensely physical choreography which has become the hallmark of this truly original company throughout its rich 25-year history.  Through The Diavolo Institute the company also provides educational and outreach opportunities to people of all ages and abilities while touring and at home in Los Angeles, sharing the pioneering art form and the power of dance as a means of social impact.

‟Diavolo”
DATE: Friday, November 16, 2018
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

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

TICKETS: range from $39 - $100 with all fees included.  Meet and Greet tickets are only $125.  Select an Orange seat in the Orchestra Pit.  They and may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  It is located on the Orange Park campus at 283 College Drive in Orange Park, Florida.