Saturday, March 16, 2019

‘Waitress’ entertains many Jacksonville, Florida showgoers

Waitress tells a story of redemption, recovery, forbidden love and a reward for doing the right thing in the end.  The house was packed on the third night of the stage show in JAX.  Young and mature were in their seats as they enjoyed the scenery changes, vocals, and an evening of Broadway in Florida.  If you’ve never seen the movie or the musical, you’re in for an eye-opening experience.

Situations happen to us every day and sometimes we’re left to “look for love in all the wrong places”, yet, a moment of indiscretion, like that in “Waitress”, led to a life of joy, and fulfillment in the end, as things are turned around for the good.  People may treat you rotten, yet if you put your trust in God and believe that He is the master of this universe, then things may change for the better.

The actors who stood out to this writer were Ogie (Jeremy Morse) and Dawn (Ephie Aardema) who played a couple that would remind you of a Saturday Night Live cast.  Also, the other two waitresses: Jenna (Christine Dwyer) and Becky (Maiesha McQueen) harmonized beautifully in each musical rendition that they performed.  Joe (Richard Kline) appeared to be a little cantankerous and demanding at first, but in the end, he came through for Jenna and her daughter.  Earl (Matt DeAngelis) is a great antagonist and someone you will like to dislike.  The entire cast is to be commended for a job well done.

There was a wonderful live band of 6 team members who quite cleverly blended into the background of ‘Joe’s Diner’.  Accolades go out to Robert Cookman - director and keyboardist; Lilli Wosk - conductor and pianist; Tom Jorgenson on drums; Lexi Bodick on bass; Nick Anton - Cello/Guitar; Ed Hamilton on Guitar and under the coordination of John Miller.  It’s always a pleasure to experience live music during a musical, and the melodious genius of “Waitress” did not disappoint.

“Waitress” will be in Jax for one more day and you can check
HERE to see when this production will be in an area near you.

About the show: Inspired by Adrienne Shelley’s beloved film that came out in 2007, the musical 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.

WAITRESS
DATES:
      TIMES:
Sat. Mar. 16    2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sun. Mar. 17     1:30 p.m.

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

TICKETS: (Vary) and start at $42.  They may be purchased at the 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.

Friday, March 15, 2019

‘Finding Neverland’ is a family musical

“Finding Neverland” the Musical opens at Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park, FL for one amazing night.  The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart,” says TIME Magazine.  Vogue cheers, “It’s a must-see you’ll remember for years to come!”  Recommended for ages 7+.

Based on the Academy Award-winning Miramax motion picture by David Magee, and the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan by Allan Knee, Finding Neverland follows the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family that inspired Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up – one of the most beloved stories of all time.  The show is directed by Tony®-winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Hair) with book by Olivier Award®-nominee James Graham, music and lyrics by Gary Barlow (Take That) and Grammy Award®- winner Eliot Kennedy, and choreography by Emmy Award®-winner Mia Michaels (“So You Think You Can Dance,” Cirque du Soleil’s Delirium).

This new musical, packed with mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs, is a timeless story about the power of imagination… and spectacular proof that you never really have to grow up.

The production features scenic design by Tony Award®-winner Scott Pask (Pippin, Book of Mormon), lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Pippin), costume design by Suttirat Larlarb (Of Mice and Men), sound design by Tony Award®-nominee Jonathan Deans (Pippin, La Cage aux Folles), hair and make-up design by Richard Mawbey, projection design by Jon Driscoll, music supervision by Fred Lassen, musical direction by Ryan Cantwell and casting by Stewart/Whitley.

Finding Neverland is Produced by NETworks Presentations.  For more tour and casting information see: Facebook; Twitter: @NeverlandBway and Instagram: @FNLmusical.

Finding Neverland The Musical
DATE: Tues., Mar.26, 2019
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 $49 - $79 with all fees included.  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. This show is presented as part of Thrasher-Horne Center’s 2018-2019 Broadway Orange Park season sponsored by Garber Automall.  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.

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

‘The Price is Right Live™’ is coming back to JAX soon

Are you ready?  It’s only happening for one evening, in JAX, during March.  The Price Is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to "Come On Down" and play classic games from television's longest running and most popular game show.  Contestants can win cash, appliances, vacations and possibly even a new car by playing favorites like Plinko™, Cliffhangers™, The Big Wheel™, and the fabulous Showcase!

Playing to near sold out audiences for more than 10 years, The Price Is Right Live™ has given away more than 12 million dollars in cash and prizes to lucky audience members all across North America.

The show is the longest running game show in television history and loved by generations of viewers.  This on-stage travelling version gives fans the chance to experience the same fun and winning excitement up close and in-person.  The Price Is Right™ is produced and licensed by
FremantleMedia North America.

*No Purchase Necessary to register for chance to be a contestant.  Open to legal US residents, 18 years or older.  Ticket purchase will not increase your chances of being selected to play.  For complete rules & regulations, including eligibility requirements, please click
here.  To enter theater to watch show, a ticket purchase is required.

The Price is Right Live!

DATE: Thurs., Mar. 28, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.

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

TICKETS: $39, plus applicable fees, and may be purchased at their box office, by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.  Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.

‘Jersey Boys’ comes back to JAX with explosive expectations

You don’t want to miss the JAX engagement of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys.  The show will be in town for only one performance this year at the Times Union Center in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jersey Boys
is the behind-the-music story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.  They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note.  They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of.  But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.  The show features all their hits including: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Working My Way Back To You.”

Jersey Boys opened in New York on November 6, 2005 and by the time it closed over 11 years later on January 15, 2017, it was the 12th longest running show in Broadway history, passing such original Broadway productions as 42nd Street, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Producers.  Jersey Boys will return to New York with a new production in November 2017.  The Jersey Boys US National Tour opened to rave reviews in San Francisco on December 1, 2006, and is still breaking house records in cities across North America.  Jersey Boys tours of the United Kingdom and Australia began at the end of 2017 and 2018 respectively. Jersey Boys worldwide has been seen by over 25 million people (as of August, 2017).

The Jersey Boys design and production team comprises Klara Zieglerova (Scenic Design), Jess Goldstein (Costume Design), Howell Binkley (winner of the 2006 Tony® Award for his Lighting Design of Jersey Boys), Steve Canyon Kennedy (Sound Design), Michael Clark (Projections Design), Charles LaPointe (Wig and Hair Design), Steve Orich (Orchestrations) and Ron Melrose (Music Supervision, Vocal/Dance Arrangements & Incidental Music).

Jersey Boys is produced by Dodger Theatricals, Joseph J. Grano, Tamara and Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group, with Latitude Link and Rick Steiner.  Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

Jersey Boys

DATE: Mon., Mar. 25, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.

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

TICKETS: $55, plus applicable fees, and may be purchased at their box office, by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.  Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.

‘Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show’ coming to Thrasher-Horne

The popular musical, "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show," now in its tenth season, has announced a Florida run as part of its U.S. Theatre Season Tour, a new cast recording release and a February launch for its extensive new website.  The theatrical production stars Sandy Hackett, son of the illustrious comedian Buddy Hackett, and his wife, Lisa Dawn Miller, daughter of legendary songwriter, Ron Miller.  The two produce the show under their jointly-led production company, Hackett Miller.

“We always love performing in Florida.  We’ve toured throughout the state numerous times and the audiences really understand the difference between our show and the countless ‘tribute-type’ of productions out there,” Hackett said. “I grew up with the members of the Rat Pack.  These were my father’s lifelong friends – his pals, his cronies,” Hackett continued. “This isn’t me going out and doing research about strangers.  This is me doing a show about my friends and my father’s friends.  It’s a labor of love – for me and my wife.  Lisa has her own connection.  Every singing member of the Rat Pack recorded and performed her father’s classic standard, ‘For Once in My Life’ and my wife brings her musical genius to the show, both as a creator and performer, which really sets our show apart from anything else out there.  The Florida audiences really know the difference,” Hackett said.

“Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” which has stacked up rave reviews over the years is a theatrical, musical production which recreates what it would have been like to see legendary icons, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop live onstage together.  “God sends the Rat Pack to do one last show.  They arrive in their prime but they are sent back to modern day so we get to weave current events into the show,” said Miller who plays “Frank’s One Love,” a character based on Sinatra’s relationship with Ava Gardner.  “Sandy’s father, Buddy Hackett, plays God.  We recorded his voiceovers before he passed.  Even though this is a book show, there is a lot of room for improv because that’s how it was with the real Rat Pack.  Sandy is brilliant as Joey Bishop and is the comedy genius that has made our show so successful.”

Sandy Hackett’s
“Rat Pack Show


DATE:
Fri., Mar.22, 2019
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 $42 - $82 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.  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.

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

‘The Sound of Music’ is coming to the TH Center in OP

The brand-new production of The Sound Of Music”, produced by NETworks Presentations comes to Thrasher-Horne Center for only one performance.  The musical features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp.  The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award®–winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.

The Sound Of Music enjoyed extraordinary success as a live television production when “The Sound of Music Live!” aired on NBC in December, 2013 and was seen by over 44 million people.  2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history.

In the words of Ted Chapin, President of Rodgers & Hammerstein, “I waited for a moment when we could rediscover THE SOUND OF MUSIC as it was originally created. Because of the enormous success of the film, few were aware that it started life as a hit Broadway show—and a very big hit at that!  The artists behind this production embraced what the authors wrote, looked at it all through modern eyes and, in so doing, found depth and resonance that has been recognized by critics and audiences across the country.  It's like visiting an old friend but finding yourself surprised as well.  It's also a reminder of why this show is such an evergreen."

The creative team for this new production includes: direction by Matt Lenz, based on the national tour’s original direction by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Coast of Utopia).  Original choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen, Fun Home, The Bridges of Madison County, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) has been recreated by Jonathan Warren, with music supervision by Andy Einhorn (Hello, Dolly!, Bullets Over Broadway, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The Light in the Piazza).  The design and production team is comprised of Tony Award® nominee Douglas W. Schmidt, set design (The Front Page, 42nd Street, Into the Woods
); Tony Award® winner Jane Greenwood, costume design (The Little Foxes, 2014 Special Tony Award® for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre), six-time Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz, lighting design (Long Day’s Journey Into Night, An American in Paris
, Once, Aida, The Coast of Utopia, The Glass Menagerie) and Shannon Slaton, sound design (Present Laughter, The Humans).  Casting is by Stewart/Whitley.

The Sound of Music
DATE: Sat., Mar.16, 2019
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 $54 - $84 with all fees included.  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. This show is presented as part of Thrasher-Horne Center’s 2018-2019 Broadway Orange Park season sponsored by Garber Automall.  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.

‘Travis Scott’ Astroworld: Wish You Were Here comes to JAX


Set to be some of his most explosive performances yet, the second leg of the tour follows an initial leg that included dates at historic venues like New York City's Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles' The Forum, with a special homecoming Astroworld Festival” in Houston that took place on November 17th.  This week the extravaganza will be in JAX, at the Veterans Memorial Arena, for one evening only!  There are still choice seats available.

Produced by Live Nation, the second leg of the tour kicked on January 25 in Vancouver as Travis played 29 shows before concluding on March 24 in Charlotte.  All 3 postponed shows from the previous leg, (Milwaukee, Hartford and Tampa), have been rescheduled and tickets for the original date will be honored at the new date.  Check out the full itinerary
HERE and get your tickets today!

The Houston rapper's live shows have become the stuff of a legend with Billboard writing, "Travis Scott's penchant for raging, off-the-wall live shows have become an essential part of his career."  Speaking about the early shows of the first leg of the "Astroworld: Wish You Were Here" tour, Complex says, "this show is worth whatever effort you have to put forth to catch it."  Get ready for the ride of a lifetime!

About Live Nation Entertainment:  (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit.


About SMG Jacksonville: They manage seven sports, entertainment, and convention venues on behalf of the City of Jacksonville.  Their beautiful venues include: TIAA Bank Field, Daily’s Place, The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center & The Ritz Theatre and Museum.

    TRAVIS SCOTT
“Astroworld: Wish You Were Here”


DATE: Thursday, March 14, 2019

TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $37
$99.  All seats are reserved, and tickets are available online, by calling (800) 745-3000, or by visiting the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Box Office at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

LOCATION: JAX Veterans Memorial Arena

      
300 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Downtown
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      
(904) 630-3900