Times Union JAX seeks young female child actress

“WAITRESS”, the Tony nominated musical will be premiering at the Times-Union Center on March 12-17, 2019 for a limited engagement and is looking for two young girls to perform the role of “Lulu” for the duration of the engagement.  Sign up HERE before January 31, 2019 (Slots may be full, but check back often to see is there are any NEW openings).

WAITRESS tells the story of “Jenna,” an expert pie baker working at a local diner and stuck in a loveless marriage.  Her salvation comes in the form of her daughter, “Lulu.”  The character of “Lulu” is a sweet and carefree 4 to 5-year-old who appears in the production’s finale scene.  Qualified young girls should be shorter than 4’2 and be no older than 5 years and 3 months.  Individual applicants are welcome, as are sets of twins or siblings.  Space is limited to the first 60 applicants to sign up.

The “Search for Lulu” will take place in Jacksonville on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at the Times-Union Center and will last approximately two hours.  The audition will consist of the child reading two lines from the show.  If possible, parents should bring a current head shot and resume for each child. Headshot, resume and prior acting experience is not required.  To sign up for an audition spot, use this LINK  Don’t give up!.

The character of “Lulu” will be cast locally in each tour market and two girls are chosen to share the role.  Each girl chosen will perform in four performances each during the one-week engagement, but must be available the entire week of the show.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (“I Am Sam”) and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Finding Neverland, Pippin, Hair).

Inspired by Adrienne Shelley’s beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage.  A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness.  But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

Tickets for WAITRESS begin at $42 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at our box office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (904) 632-5000, or online 24/7.  Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.  Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.  For more information, please visit FSCJ Artist Series.

Florida Theatre extends furlough free ticket offer

The Florida Theatre announced today it will continue to offer FREE TICKETS for upcoming select shows to government employees on furlough.  This is in conjunction with the FREE ticket offer that the theatre offered to those individuals who desire to get away for some fine entertainment.  This is one way that the Florida Theatre would like to thank you for your service, and ease some of the tension that you may be feeling.

With a valid, government employee ID, employees can receive one free ticket to:

•Sara Evans on Sunday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m.
•Pink Martini on Monday, January 28 at 8 p.m.
•Sinbad on Saturday, February 2 at 8 p.m.

This offer is valid only in person at the Florida Theatre Box Office located at 128 E. Forsyth Street.  The historic, nonprofit, Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union.

LOCATION: Florida Theatre
      128 E. Forsyth St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 355-2787

The Florida Theatre: From ballet and opera to contemporary pop, jazz, rock, country and blues the nonprofit Florida Theatre offers 200 cultural and entertainment events annually for every taste and age.  More than just an entertainment center, The Florida Theatre is also home to graduations, awards ceremonies, lectures, business meetings and charity events that support the community’s schools, churches, hospitals and civic groups.  As an anchor to downtown development along the beautiful St. Johns River, The Florida Theatre draws 250,000 people to Jacksonville’s center each year.  The magnificently restored Florida Theatre is recognized as one of the finest concert venues in the Southeast.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The Florida Theatre holds special memories for four generations.  From the Vaudeville acts and silent films of its earliest days to today’s blend of performances of all kinds, The Florida Theatre has served as Jacksonville’s premier entertainment center since 1927.

Howie Mandel Live! in Orange Park, FL

Two amazing stars, one great night of comedy!  HowieMandel appearing for one night with Special Guest - Preacher Lawson.  An indelible force in the entertainment business, Howie Mandel’s an actor, comedian and producer – with an impressive career of more than 30 years in the biz.

Currently a judge on NBC’s hit TV series “America’s Got Talent,” Mandel also is known for his work on “Deal or No Deal,” “St. Elsewhere,” “Bobby’s World,” “Little Monsters,” “Walk Like A Man,” and “Gremlins.”

Best known from this past season of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, comedian, Preacher Lawson was a Top 5 Finalist on the show’s highest-rated season to date.  He placed in the final ten and quickly became a fan favorite.  This led to several opportunities for him, including his performing in America’s Got Talent LIVE! in Las Vegas.  Preacher is also currently on “AGT The Champions” airing on ABC.   Show contains adult material.

  ‟Howie Mandel
guest Preacher Lawson”
NEW DATE: Sunday, January 27, 2019
NEW TIME: 7 p.m.

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

TICKETS: range from $49 - $149 with all fees included.  Meet and Greet tickets are only $149.  Select an Orange seat in the Orchestra Pit.  They 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.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens February 2019

Augusta Savage

Cummer Gardens in the afternoon

If you missed all the fantastic January events - you may want to resolve to make additional calendar reminders for Feb.  Of the many events that happened last month, you missed the spectacular “Artful Umami Japanese Dinner Party” & the “Martin Luther King Jr tribute events at he Cummer and also the Ritz Theater/Museum.  Take a good look at next month’s listings of things to see and do in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.  Don’t be left out in the cold - even the Gardens are pleasant during this time of the year.

Florida Blue Free Tuesday - Each Tuesday Evening from 4 to 9 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  Every Tuesday, enjoy free admission to the Cummer Museum and its historic Gardens, thanks to the generous support of Florida Blue. Guests can enjoy free admission to the Galleries.

Tapas Tuesday - Tap into Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union at the Cummer Café.  Reservations recommended!  Every Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Cummer Café patio, take in the sunset while listening to local musicians with beer, wine, or artfully inspired tapas for sale at the Café.  Reserve your table by calling 904.899.6022.

Weaver First Saturday Free for All - Sat., Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  The first Saturday of each month at the Cummer Museum is FREE FOR ALL, thanks to the generous support of J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver. Guests can enjoy free admission, as well as art-making activities for all ages in the Cummer Gardens, live music, and a Docent-led tour at 2 p.m. For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us - Sun, Feb.3 | Noon to 4 p.m. | Free to cardholders | No registration required.  The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers free admission on the first Sunday of the first full weekend of the month to all Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholders through the Museums On Us program. Each cardholder receives one free general admission to the Museum. For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Art-Rageous!: Augusta Savage with The Jacksonville Public Library - Wed., Feb. 6 | 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Free | No registration required | Ages 12-18.  JPL Main Library.  This program will educate participants on the life and work of artist Augusta Savage, and will increase participants’ cultural competence and creativity, through art activities and educational discussion. This event will be held at and hosted by the Jacksonville Public Library in their Teen Department at the Main Library.

“Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman” Book Discussion with The Jacksonville Public Library - Sat, Feb 9 | 1 to 2 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  JPL Main Library.  A book discussion centered around the recent release “Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman”, the most current scholarship focused exclusively on Savage.  Come prepared to explore how author Jeffreen M. Hayes, Ph.D. portrays this ground-breaking artist who faced multiple obstacles including poverty, racism, and sexual discrimination.  Dr. Hayes is also the guest curator of the Cummer Museum exhibition by the same name.  This adult-focused event will be held at and hosted by the Jacksonville Public Library in their Special Collections Department at the Main Library.

History Of Western Gardens: The Baroque Garden - Tues., Feb. 12 | 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Members Free, Non-Members $10 | Registration required.  Explore garden history through this four-part lecture series. Join Museum staff for a trip through some of the world’s great gardens as we trace the connections between art and gardens. Space is limited. For further information, please email education@cummermuseum.org or call 904.355.0630.

Talks & Tea: Augusta Savage - Wed., Feb. 13 | 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Members Free, Non-Members $10 | Registration required.  You are invited to the Museum to enjoy an insightful talk on Augusta Savage led by Museum staff over a cup of tea and a sweet treat.  For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6023.

Art Adventures: Ancient Art - Sat., Feb. 16 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Members $10, Non-Members $15 | Registration required.  Ages 6 through 12.  Join the museum on the third Saturday of each month for studio classes.  In this class students will view and discuss works from the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, which will inspire them to create their own work in the studio with sgraffito.  Class size is limited.  For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Books & Bricks - Augusta Savage Sculpts! (And So Can You!) With The Jacksonville Public Library - Sat., Feb. 16 | 2 to 3 p.m. | Free | No registration required | Ages 5 to 12.  JPL Main Library.  This program will introduce school-aged children to local sculptor Augusta Savage, her role in the Harlem Renaissance, her work for equal rights in the arts, as well as her teaching studio fostering a rising generation of artists. Children will create a collaborative Lego display and discuss her life and career. This event will be held at and hosted by the Jacksonville Public Library in their Terry Children’s Theater at the Main Library.

Family Open Studio: Presidents’ Day - Sun., Feb. 17 | 1 to 3 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  Free art-making activity in the Art Connections studios for all ages! For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

History Of Western Art: Realism, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism - Tues., Feb. 19 | 10:30 a.m. to Noon | Members Free, Non-Members $10 | Registration required.  Explore art history through this monthly series of lectures that includes time in the galleries.  Brush up on your art history for personal enjoyment as Museum staff leads you through the history of Western Art. Space is limited.  For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Art For Tots: It’s All In The Family - Sat., Feb. 23 | 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | Members $10, Non-Members $15 per pair | Registration required.  Ages 2 & 3 with an adult.  In this class children will visit the gallery to view a painting of a family. In the gallery they will explore who is in their family and create their own family portraits.  Then in the studio they will create art pieces that reflect their own family identities.  Entry is through Art Connections.  Class size is limited.  For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Art Fundamentals: Acrylic Painting - Wed., Feb. 27 through Apr. 3 | 1 to 4:30 p.m. | Members $180, Non-Members $210 | Registration required Ages 18 and up.  Instructor Allison Watson introduces painting to beginning students and strengthens the skills of intermediate painters. Learn composition for landscape and still life, color theory, and techniques in acrylic. Participants may sign up for multiple sessions. Supplies are not included. For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Ritz Chamber Concert: Augusta Savage - Wed., Feb. 27 | 2 to 3 p.m. | Members Free, Non-Members $10 | Registration required.  Enjoy a special performance by the world-class musicians of the Ritz Chamber Players, an organization that seeks to foster the appreciation of chamber music through performances and educational outreach featuring preeminent African-American musicians and composers, with an emphasis on building audiences and arts inclusion that reflects our diverse society.  The performance will be in honor of Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman and in celebration of Black History Month.  For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6023.

Cummer Amelia an Afternoon of Art: Rome as a Center for The Arts - Thurs., Feb. 28 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  Fernandina Beach Branch Library.
This presentation will focus on the Eternal City as a source of opportunity and patronage for artists such Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and countless others.  The central role of Rome as an artistic and training hub was sustained by the presence of wealthy merchants, bankers, ecclesiastic figures and, of course, the Church.  Artists from all corners of Europe, and later the United States, from the 15th century forward, flocked to the Italian city.  Works from the Museum’s collection offer many examples, including paintings by Claude Lorrain and Charles-Joseph Natoire.  For further information, please contact Brittany Nazario or call 904.899.6007.


Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission