Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Alhambra hosts first musical for 2021

On January 7, 2021 the Alhambra Theatre and Dining will kick off its 53rd season with “Singin’ in the Rain”. The show was originally slated for 2020 but was cancelled due to the pandemic. Craig Smith, Managing Partner for the Alhambra, the nation’s longest-running dinner theater, made a promise to those who were planning to attend the sold-out show that their tickets would be honored when it runs – and decided to kick off the 2021 season with this very special show to fulfill that wish.

Adapted from the 1952 movie of the same name, Singin’ in the Rain offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to “talkies.” Set in Hollywood in the waning days of the silent screen era, it focuses on romantic lead Don Lockwood, his sidekick Cosmo Brown, aspiring actress Kathy Selden, and Lockwood's leading lady Lina Lamont, whose less-than-dulcet vocal tones make her an unlikely candidate for stardom in talking pictures.

The stage musical sticks largely to its namesake film version, which is often regarded as the greatest musical film ever made. It topped the AFI's Greatest Movie Musicals list and is ranked as the fifth-greatest American motion picture of all time in its updated list of the greatest American films in 2007. In 1989, Singin' in the Rain was one of the first 25 films selected by the United States Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

The Alhambra will open the 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, 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.”

On the Menu Executive Chef DeJuan Roy creates a new menu for every Alhambra show, usually borrowing influences from the script to shape his selections and recipes. The menu for “Singin' in the Rain” features:
First Course: Warm Spinach Salad, red onions, chopped egg, ripe tomatoes, croutons and warm smoked bacon vinaigrette *GF* without croutons or, Country Ham & White Bean Soup (Chef DeJuan's Family Recipe).
Second Course: Braised Pork Shanks, mushroom demi-glace, mac n' cheese, turnip greens; or Shrimp & Scallop Farro Risotto lobster broth, roasted root vegetables, herb salad *GF*;or Pappardelle Pasta chicken, Tasso ham, tomatoes, asparagus, light sherry cream and fresh herbs; or Stuffed Bell Pepper plant-based meat, wild mushroom farro risotto, asparagus, tomato basil sauce *GF*.
Dessert Course: Sweet Potato Pie with whipped cream; or Ooey Gooey Buttercake.

“Singin' in the Rain”
DATES: January 7 — February 7, 2021

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 by or by (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

WJCT offering ‘Downton Abbey’ bundle

WJCT Public Media and BritBox announced on December 26, 2020 that Jax Bundle subscribers can now enjoy access to the biggest collection of Downton Abbey content available on any platform, including all six seasons of the acclaimed British drama and more than 160 minutes of bonus material.

This expansion of programming adds value to the Jax Bundle, which launched in early December as WJCT Public Media’s newest member benefit. The bundle is a streaming package of PBS Passport and BritBox, providing WJCT supporters with access to the finest and largest collection of British programming to view anytime, anywhere and from any device through one sign-up process.

In addition to the full series, viewers can enjoy bonus behind-the-scenes specials that are exclusive to BritBox. These 10-minute vignettes provide fans with insider perspectives on topics ranging from the show’s iconic sets at Highclere Castle, to the impeccable details seen in the show’s iconic costume designs.

“WJCT Public Media had the pleasure of presenting Downton Abbey on WJCT-TV for many years. With this latest update to the Jax Bundle, we are able to share the drama and visual splendor of this magnificent show with an even broader audience,” said David McGowan, President and CEO of WJCT.

New supporters can sign up for the Jax Bundle for $14.90 per month or $149 per year.

Proceeds support WJCT’s mission of bringing people together to celebrate human diversity, experience lifelong learning and actively engage in matters of civic importance. To learn more, visit WJCT.

About WJCT: WJCT is the community-owned and operated public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow. For more information on WJCT’s in-depth programming content, log on to WJCT Online at wjct.org. Like WJCT on Facebook (facebook.com/wjctjax) and follow WJCT on Twitter (@WJCTJax) and Instagram (@WJCTJax).

About PBS Passport: PBS Passport is a member benefit that provides WJCT donors extended on-demand access to a rich library of quality public television programming online and via your mobile device. This is one of the many benefits that WJCT provides its donors along with the program guide, discounts with our partners and thank you gifts like tickets, umbrellas or tote bags, based on the level of your gift.

About BritBox: BritBox is a digital video subscription service offering the largest collection of British TV in the U.S. and Canada. Created by two British content powerhouses – BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, and ITV, the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster – the service features iconic favorites, exclusive premieres, and current series and soaps available a day after they air in the UK. BritBox also offers expert curation and playlists that enable fans to easily find programs they know and discover new favorites on web, mobile, tablet and connected TV’s.

Monday, January 4, 2021

Times Union Theatre opens 2021 with ‘Reza’

REZA
FSCJ Artist Series Broadway in Jacksonville announces its first show in a while. REZA has taken the art of illusion to a new level, delivering his rock concert style magic show to audiences across the globe. Tickets are still available!

Don’t expect rabbits out of hats! Reza's current tour, coming to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center January 22, 2020 at 8 p.m., transports concert level lighting & production merged with the most incredible cutting-edge magic in existence today. Reza has garnered a world-wide buzz and loyal fan base with his passion for creating signature grand-scale illusions such as making motorcycles and helicopters materialize out of thin air!

Reza’s unique brand of illusion has landed him on popular reality shows across 31 countries, including recent US TV appearances on A&E’s Duck Dynasty and The CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Audiences can expect to witness such mega illusions as passing through the spinning blades of an industrial fan, a record-breaking recreation of Houdini’s most famous stunt, and the appearance of a real helicopter, live on stage.

More than a magic show, Reza infuses stage of the art production elements, masterful comedic timing, and numerous interactive & inspirational moments, allowing the audience to experience the magic first hand. Perhaps Reza’s greatest secret is his uncanny ability to communicate his performance art on such a personal level.

   “REZA
EDGE OF ILLUSION”
DATE:
 Friday Jan. 22, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: can be purchased online 24/7 at Fscjartistseries.org

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

Church celebrates first opening and makes an Impact

Impact Church celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Regency Mall Campus with a Soft Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9501 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, FL 32225. The public came out in grand form to include some local celebrities: Ken Jefferson - WJXT TV4, Crime and Safety expert; Dawn Lopez - Action News JAX co-anchor; and City Councilwoman, Joyce Morgan.


In 2016 Impact Church purchased the former Belk Department store at Regency Square Mall. The newly renovated facility includes a state-of-the-art auditorium and dedicated kid and teen spaces for all ages. The new facility also has training rooms, reception space, and a café offering specialty coffee and food selections.

“To reach the finish line on this project during a global pandemic is a testament to God’s amazing love for the Arlington area and how important it is for Impact to continue to make a difference in the Greater Jacksonville area. We are humbled and extremely excited about this major milestone in Impact Church and Jacksonville history,” said George Davis, senior pastor of Impact Church.

Impact Church will hold its first worship services in the new facility on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. CDC recommended safety protocols will be followed to protect the safety of everyone who attends.

The public is now welcome to come and worship with Impact Church. Seating is limited so social distancing can be maintained. For further questions contact weareimpact.com

About Impact Church: Impact Church is a non-denominational church with a heavy emphasis on solid biblical teaching and practical everyday application. Impact’s purpose is to help all people to come to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. They offer small groups for every interest and special activities and outings for the young and the young at heart. Since its inception, Impact Church continues to experience growth by the awesome power of God. For more information, visit their website.