Thursday, February 13, 2020

'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' with a dinner

Power, sex, ambition, greed…it’s just another day at the office in the Alhambra Theater & Dining’s satire of big business.  Perhaps it’s just a strange coincidence that WWW are the initials of the company at the center 1952 book called “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”  In 2020, the musical about a young window washer climbing the corporate ladder to Chairman of the Board might be as relevant as ever – and WWW takes on a whole new meaning.  The Alhambra Theatre and Dining will open its version of the Broadway multiple-award winning drama on February 20, 2020.

About the show & book: “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying: The Dastard's Guide to Fame and Fortune” is a humorous 1952 book by Shepherd Mead, inspired by Mead's corporate experiences at the Benton & Bowles advertising agency, which he joined in 1936 as a mail-room clerk, eventually working his way up to a vice-presidency.  During his journey up the corporate ladder, Mead wrote the book in his spare time—before work and on weekends.  The book was a best-seller.

J. Pierrepont Finch, a young man with large ambitions, works as a window washer of the World Wide Wicket Company.  Dreaming of a higher position in the company, he purchases a book that promises to guide him straight to the top of the corporate ladder (without putting forth too much effort). Power, sex, ambition, greed… It’s just another day at the office in this classic satire of big business.

The musical comedy, starred Robert Morse and Rudy VallĂ©e when it opened at the 46th Street Theatre on Broadway in October 1961, running for 1,417 performances.  The show won seven Tony Awards, the New York Drama Critics Circle award, and the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In 1967, a film based on the musical was released by United Artists, with Morse and Vallee re-creating their stage roles.

A 1995 revival was mounted at the same theatre as the original production (now named the Richard Rodgers Theatre).  It ran for 548 performances and starred Matthew Broderick and Megan Mullally.  A 50th-anniversary Broadway revival directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford and starring Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette opened on March 27, 2011, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre and ran for 473 performances.  Larroquette and Broderick both took home Tony Awards for their respective portrayals of J. Pierrepont Finch.

Poking fun at life in the business world with themes still pertinent today, the show contains 20 witty and wonderful songs, such as “A Secretary is not a Toy,” “Grand Old Ivy,” an ode to the CEO’s college alma mater, & “Company Way,” a tongue in cheek look at corporate culture.

Said Managing Partner, Craig Smith, “We’ve wanted to do this show for a long time, and because it’s either been on tour or on Broadway, we haven’t been able to.  This is a funny show that whether you’ve spent your life in the corporate world or just been around it, you’ll just nod in agreement with the humor.”

How to Succeed in Business
  Without Really Trying


DATES: February 20 — March 22, 2020

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

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday February 21, 2020.  Doors open at 5:15 p.m.) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual”, or “Sunday Best”.  There is always complimentary Champagne and Hors d'oeuvres served in the lobby before dinner, on Gala evening and special pastries served after the show.

TICKETS: Prices start at just $40 per person.  Ticket prices include: a plated three-course meal that changes for each show, and is served directly to your table; a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking.  Tickets may be purchases on line, or by calling (904) 641-1212.
     **Prices do NOT include gratuity, professional photos, nor orders from the bar**

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

PBTS partners with JNMS in music merger


Players by the Sea is thrilled to be partnering with Jacksonville New Music Society (JNMS), a new nonprofit whose mission is to serve as a vehicle for new and creative music in Jacksonville.  JNMS & PBTS are launching their partnership with a concert featuring one of the most promising jazz musicians of his generation, Adam Larson.

Adam Larson is a saxophonist, composer and author who is an endorsed artist for P. Mauriat saxophones, Boston Sax Shop “Heritage” necks and Vandoren reeds, mouthpieces and ligatures.  Nate Chinen of The New York Times called him, “the sort of jazz musician who gets flagged early on as a promising talent and then hustles to meet every requirement for success.”  He has toured all over the world to gain recognition for his talent and continues to present master classes at various high schools and universities throughout the U.S. Larson has also worked in various capacities with organizations that showcase exceptional young American talent, including the prestigious Grammy Foundation.

The community won’t want to miss the opportunity to celebrate the joining together of both musical and theatrical worlds, as Players by the Sea is proud to invite new orchestral performances to the theatre.

About Jacksonville New Music Society: The Jacksonville New Music Society’s mission is to serve as a vehicle for new and creative music in Jacksonville.  The JNMS will serve as a catalyst for growth in the Jacksonville musical community by commissioning, promoting, and performing new works.  Performances will feature local artists, as well as stylistically and culturally diverse guest performers.  The JNMS seeks to integrate all forms of music, from classical to jazz, creating works that defy classification.  Additionally, the JNMS will provide masterclasses, instruction, and opportunities for young, aspiring composers and musicians.  A current and evolving musical portrait of Jacksonville, as inspired, vivid, and culturally diverse as the people who call it home, is what the Jacksonville New Music Society is all about.

About Players by the Sea: For over fifty-three years, Players by the Sea has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community.  Players mission is to enrich the community through excellence in theatre.  The nonprofit community theatre welcomes all creative artists to participate in making the magic of theatre come to life, whether on stage, through advocacy or assisting backstage.

Adam Larson Concert

DATE: Fri, Feb. 28, 2020
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $20.

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

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

‘Backstreet Boys’ coming to JAX and a city near you

The Boys are back in town as the "Backstreet Boys" extend their highly successful Dna World Tour with upcoming North American Summer & Fall dates.  Tickets to these shows are the perfect Valentine’s Day gift and go on sale to the general public starting Friday, February 14, 2020 at LiveNation.com

Following the success of last summer’s sold-out North American tour, the Backstreet Boys are excited to announce a second North American tour, kicking off July 10th in New York.

Produced by Live Nation, the extensive 45-date, three-month trek will see the group performing their impressive catalogue of award-winning hits in arenas and amphitheaters all over the U.S. and Canada before an incredible finale at the famous Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA.


The forthcoming run is the second North American leg on their tour, which has become one of the group’s biggest arena tours in 18 years, thanks to the global success of their #1 and GRAMMY nominated new album “DNA.”

The DNA World Tour has already visited five continents and the group’s fans across the globe have made this outing extremely special.

“We give our fans 100%, night after night, putting on the best Backstreet Boys show we can. We play our hits, we dance our asses off and we do it because we love our fans,” says AJ McLean. “We have the best fans in the world. They come out to party and they sing at the top of their lungs and we feed off that energy. We can’t wait to take this show on the road again this summer.”

The DNA World Tour picks back up later this month when the group heads to Mexico, South America, Australia and New Zealand.  They will be performing at the Vy Star Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday September 25, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. 
Check HERE to find another location in your area.

‘Bill Engvall’ comes to OP once again


Bill Engvall is back by popular demand and is presented by Thrasher-Horne Center and brought to you by Garber Automall.  After two highly successful, almost sold-out shows, this will be Bill Engvall’s third appearance at the Thrasher-Horne Center.

Bill Engvall is a Grammy nominated, multiplatinum comedian and actor. Most recently, Bill was featured in the horror movie “The Neighbor” which was released January 2018.  In 2017, Bill released the comedy special Just Sell Him for Parts. Bill was a contestant on season 17 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, and as a fan favorite, he made it to the finals.  In 2013, Bill lent his voice to the animated comedy series Bounty Hunters, which aired on CMT.

Bill previously starred in, and executive produced, the TBS sitcom The Bill Engvall Show.  He was part of the enormously successful Blue-Collar Comedy concert films, which sold over nine million units and received a Grammy nomination.  He also starred on the WB’s hit sketch comedy show Blue Collar TV and in several solo specials for Comedy Central.  In 2012, he reunited with Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy on the Them Idiots Whirled Tour, which aired as a special on CMT.

Bill’s first album, “Here’s Your Sign,” is certified platinum and held the #1 position on the Billboard Comedy Chart for 15 straight weeks.  His second album, “Dorkfish,” also debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Comedy Chart, as did his subsequent comedy albums.  Bill has written several books, including his 2007 autobiography “Bill Engvall –Just A Guy”.

Bill Engvall
DATE:
Sat., February 15, 2020
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: Prices range
from $49-$129 with all fees included.  Meet and Greet tickets are also available.  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.

LOCATION:The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
       St. Johns River State College
      
283 College Drive

       Orange Park, FL 32065

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

‘Bandstand’ coming to The Times-Union Center for only eight shows

FSCJ Artist Series is proud to announce that the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, Bandstand, comes to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center for only 6 days.  Originally directed and choreographed by three-time Tony winner and Hamilton choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler, featuring music by Richard Oberacker with book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker.  This poignant and inspiring new American musical explodes with infectious music and high-octane, heart-stopping dancing.

It’s 1945. As America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, Private First-Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, struggles to rebuild the life he left behind.  When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, Donny sees a lifeline for himself and some fellow veterans that gives them the purpose they so desperately need.  Together, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Along the way, they discover the power of music to face the impossible, find their voice, and finally feel like they have a place to call home.

“Bandstand” is “both a peppy celebration of can-do spirit and a more somber exploration of what American servicemen experienced when they marched home from World War II.  It’s a great argument for why theater can sometimes tell a story more boldly and more viscerally”
(The New York Times).

The award-winning “Bandstand” design team includes: Tony Award nominee David Korins and associate Justin West (Scenic Design), Tony Award winner Paloma Young (Costume Design), Tony Award winner Jeff Croiter (Lighting Design), Tony Award winner Nevin Steinberg (Original Broadway Sound Design), David Thomas (Tour Sound Design), J. Jared Janas and Dave Bova (Makeup, Hair and Wig Design), Tony Award nominee Greg Anthony Rassen (Co- Orchestrator and Music Arranger), Tony Award winner and 2017 Tony Award nominee Bill Elliott (Co-Orchestrator), Fred Lassen (Music Supervisor), Gina Rattan (Tour Director), with choreography restaged and additional choreography by Marc Heitzman.  Tour Casting by Kate Lumpkin, CSA.

“Bandstand” is produced by Work Light Productions and was originally produced on Broadway by: Tom Smedes, Gabrielle Palitz, Terry Schnuck, Roger Horchow, Peter Stern, Michael Palitz, Jane Dubin, Tom Kirdahy, David Lyons, Sarah Perot, James L. Nederlander, James & Catherine Berges, Darren DeVerna & Jere Harris, Jeff & Ellen Adler, Nancy & Randy Best, Deep End Productions, Patty Baker, Terry D. Loftis/Scott D. Huffman, Independent Presenters Network/Charles & Lisa Siegel, Rosie Gunther McCooe/J. Scott & Sylvia G. Bechtel, Roy Putrino/Heather Shields, Diane & John Kalishman/Alison & John Ferring and The Shubert Organization in association with Paper Mill Playhouse.

Bandstand

DATES:   &   TIMES
Tues., Feb. 18, 2020 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 19    7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 20    7:30 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 21     8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 22     2 & 8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 23    1:30 & 7 p.m.

TICKETS: start at $49.50, plus applicable fees. 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 at fscjartistseries.org.

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