Tennessee Williams’ play comes to the Alhambra

Since taking over the helm of the storied Alhambra Theatre & Dining, Managing Partner Craig Smith has wanted to produce a Tennessee Williams play, and on February 24, 2021 he will get his wish as the Alhambra opens his most famous one, “The Glass Menagerie”. The Alhambra has built its reputation on exceptionally casted and produced musicals and musical comedies, and has rarely mounted what theater fans call a “straight drama.” Audiences can expect the same astounding talent and set quality it is used to (and food), but with a slightly different theatrical experience overall.

Referred to typically as a “memory play, The Glass Menagerie premiered in 1944 and is credited for catapulting Williams from obscurity. The play has strong autobiographical elements, featuring characters based on its author, his histrionic mother, and his mentally fragile sister Laura.

In the script for The Glass Menagerie, Williams sets the show’s tone through the main character, Tom Wingfield, “The play is memory. Being a memory play, it is dimly lighted, it is sentimental, it is not realistic. In memory everything seems to happen to music. That explains the fiddle in the wings. I am the narrator of the play, and also a character in it. The other characters are my mother Amanda, my sister Laura and a gentleman caller who appears in the final scenes.  The scene is memory and is therefore non-realistic. Memory takes a lot of poetic license. It omits some details; others are exaggerated, according to the emotional value of the articles it touches, for memory is seated predominantly in the heart.”

The Alhambra will continue its 2021 season with limited seating due to its policy of strictly adhering to COVID-19 protocols. “Our role in this community is to provide entertainment and a respite for our family of guests,” said Smith. He continued, “We will always put their experience first, and this is what they told us they wanted.” With Season Partners having renewed at an even faster pace than for 2020 and hosting a sold-out season opener with Singin’ in the Rain, Smith feels reassured in the decisions he and his team made. “We’re delighted to make the seating work, and even more delighted that our guests are responding with such love and support.”

“The Glass Menagerie”

DATES: February 24 — March 21, 2021

SHOW TIMES: discussed with ticket sales

DRESS: “Business Casual”, or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices start at just $48 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