Alhambra Theatre 50th anniversary party kicks-off

It’s going to be a BIG celebration coming to the Alhambra Theatre & Dining this month and there are a few tickets still available so you can be there to party with the best-of-the-best.  The Alhambra Theatre & Dining stands proudly as one of just a handful or remaining dinner theaters dotting North America.  After half a century, the Alhambra is as vibrant as ever with new owners, led by Managing Partner, Craig Smith, are excited to announce its culminating event, the “50th Birthday Bash”, set for Monday, December 11 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Alhambra Theatre.

In the summer of 1967, a press photo was taken of a single table on an empty lot on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida, an unlikely spot 50 years ago for a theater that would become an icon in the Jacksonville cultural landscape and within the national theater scene.  Set for two, that single table was covered by an elegant lace cloth, and adorned with matching napkins, silverware, stylish china plates and coffee cups and tall crystal glasses. In the middle of the small table stood an equally elegant candelabra holding five candles. What better way for the young gentlemen sitting there, Ted Johnson and George Ballis, to demonstrate their vision of the future.  Just a few months later, in December of 1967, the Alhambra opened its doors to the public as a place where guests came for a “night on the town,” adorned in gowns, tuxedoes and their best shoes.

Expected to be on-hand will be the Current and Former Owners; Jacksonville’s Mayor Lenny Curry; members of Jacksonville’s City Council including: Al Ferraro, Scott Wilson, Reggie Gaffney, Danny Becton and Jim Love; State Representative Tracie Davis; US Senator Bill Nelson; Matthew Davis of Senator Marco Rubio’s office, Alhambra’s Legacy Servers, long-standing season subscribers and some special guests who have milestones that began in 1967 (such as first dates or engagements), and other VIP’s.

Opened in 1967 as The Alhambra Dinner Theater, this establishment is the longest-running dinner theater in the country.  The Alhambra has hosted legends such as: Tony Curtis, Claude Aiken, Sid Cesar and Cesar Romero, and, recently the likes of Loretta Swit, Barry Williams, Morgan Fairchild, Dawn Wells, Jamie Farr, Sally Struthers, Joyce DeWitt, Michael Learned, Barbara Eden, Lisa Whelchel and Mike Farrell.  The Alhambra was the place of Betty Grable’s final acting role, and is featured in her biography.  The Alhambra is also home to former Miss America, Orange Park (FL) native Leanza Cornett, who started at the Alhambra when she was only 15 years old.


Managing Partner, Craig Smith

In November 2009 the Alhambra was purchased by Theatre Partners, LLC; headed by Jacksonville’s AlhaManmbra entrepreneur, Craig Smith, as a way to give back to Jacksonville and preserve what he believes is one of its cultural jewels.   Craig is quoted as saying, “For fifty years The Alhambra has been a place of Broadway quality shows and fine meals, but the Alhambra really is more of a place where people make memories.  This theater is where we go to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries; it is where people came for the prom; it is the place of first dates and marriage proposals.  Recently, the Alhambra has even been a place where people get married.”

Today, the Alhambra boasts a run-rate of 80-90% capacity, including several completely sold out shows in recent years (including Alhambra After Dark shows) with the help from its Season Partners subscriber base of nearly 5,000.  The theater also employs more than 70 full-time staff, and donates tens of thousands of dollars and tickets annually to area charities.

“Our job isn’t just to sell seats to a great show, it’s to be part of this community and supportive of things that are meaningful to our guests,” said Smith.  “We can only take credit for putting a good product together.  I give all the credit to the Jacksonville community for rallying around this old girl and putting her back on the map.  It’s a journey that isn’t finished, but we’re off to a good start…that’s more than 50 years in the making.”  He added, “To me, when I walk through this theater, I can almost hear the voices of the memories.  Some say The Alhambra is haunted and those are the voices of the ghosts, but I say she just shares a lot of stories - and a lot of joy!”

“50th Anniversary Party”
DATE: December 11, 2017
EVENING ITINERARY:
5:30 Reception in the Garden, celebrating original fountain
6:15 Seating for dinner, a culinary journey created by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy
7:00 Master of Ceremonies, Las Vegas’ Andy DiMino as Dean Martin introduces JAX’s original Elvis impersonator.
8:30 Formal presentations including Mayoral Proclamation by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry; presentation to the founding and current owners as well as a celebration of 50 years of Memories.
***Note: Proclamation could be held at 7:00 pending schedule.
8:45 Presentation of the birthday cake, a replica of the Alhambra building
9:00 Dancing to the big band sounds of The Chris Thomas Band

DRESS: “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie” or Semi-Formal

TICKETS: $129 and includes pre-event reception, dinner, dancing, take home gifts.
    **Price does NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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

‘Christmas Carole’ tickets still available from the Alhambra

“Christmas Carole” returns to the Alhambra Theater & Dining for its 24th holiday season.  To provide more opportunity for you to enjoy the Alhambra's Christmas experience, they have added Wednesday matinees each week through the run of this year’s Christmas Carole shows.  If you’ve never had the opportunity to sit down to a fabulous dinner and a top-rate show, then you still have an opportunity to get in on the action this year.  To make your reservations for these new Wednesday matinees, or any other performance, please call the box office or click HERE.  Also, for the first time, the role of Ebenezer Scrooge will be played by producer/director Tod Booth.  You don’t want to miss this year’s performance.

About the show: On Christmas Eve, crotchety miser Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his dead partner Jacob Marley.  Scrooge is told that what they do in life will determine what happens to them in the afterlife.  Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three ghosts and to take heed of what happens.  The first spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Past, shows Scrooge that he was once a happy young man, carefree and in love but money became his greatest desire.  The Ghost of Christmas Present shows him how others, including his nephew Fred and his clerk Bob Cratchit,  The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, shows Scrooge the fate that awaits him.  Scrooge learns from his visits and becomes a good man who knows how to celebrate Christmas.

Of course Executive Chef, DeJuan Roy, will prepare a holiday feast that includes: First Course: Winter Kale salad with raisins, dried cherries, toasted pecans, champagne vinaigrette *GF*.  Or Potato and Leek Soup fried potato garnish, truffle oil.
Second Course: The Holiday Feast: Hand-Carved Turkey, honey-baked ham with sweet potatoes soufflé cornbread dressing, green beans, turkey gravy, apple raisin glaze *GF* without stuffing.  Or Beef Bourguignon buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus.  Parmesan Crusted Salmon angel hair pasta, pesto, sautéed spinach *GF*.  Stuffed Acorn Squash winter vegetables, kale salad *GF*.
Third Course: Crème Brulle French toast with whipped cream. Or Peppermint Cake.  Fresh fruit cup, Raspberry Sorbet, or chocolate mousse may also be available (*Denoted Gluten Free Items*).  Menus subject to change!

“Christmas Carole”
DATES: November 22 — December 24, 2017

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins around 6 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 12 p.m. *NB: Wednesday Matinees (this show only) begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m.*

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday November 24, 2017) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $35 – $62.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.
    **Price does NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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

Hilarious - ‘Dixie Swim Club’ at the Alhambra

If you’re not a fan of musicals, like I am, then you’re probably putting off going to see the “Dixie Swim Club”.  Don’t make the mistake of staying away.  This presentation is a hoot!  The cast is a little different from the show that the Alhambra Theatre and Dining put on back in 2013, and you will be thoroughly entertained.  This five-woman cast is so funny as they portray a story about their relationships from year to year, yet there are some moments that might make you tear up.

When Morgan Fairchild* (Lexie Richards) came out on stage, she was greeted with a round of applause, ooh’s and aah’s.  Whatever she has done with herself through the years, she needs to just keep on doing it.  She looks great and was flawless with her lines as she informs the girls of her love life.   Morgan is a true actress, who portrays a real Southern Belle, and is in Jacksonville, Florida doing many on TV interviews during the day and then appears on the Alhambra stage in the evening; and twice on the weekends.

Morgan with WJXT First Coast Connect host

Vickie Daignault* (Sheree Hollinger) shakes her groove-thing, and is a very spirited, aerobic and vocal character.  Vickie will keep the ladies’ active and entertained with her lists of things to do.  Patti Eyler* (Dinah Grayson) is the one who is an expert martini maker and excels as a professional well-to-do legal advisor, but doesn’t have a love in her live.  Talk about the funniest character in the entire play, Brooks Ann Hayes Meierdierks (Vernadette Simms) is an instigator who will keep you laughing instead of crying over her haphazard family life.  And to round out the group, veteran Alhambra star Lisa Valdini* (Jeri Neal McFeeley) who is an ex-nun who becomes pregnant, leaves the convent and marries the babies’ daddy.  She’s a little naïve, yet she always sees the positive side of things.  The lives of these five women cover many years as they return to a familiar seaside cottage around North Carolina.  You won’t want to miss the ending.
             *Denotes Actors’ Equity Association*

Chef DeJuan has done it once again.  The entire meal is reminiscent of the Southern setting and is scrumptious.  This writer and her husband enjoyed the taste of both appetizers.  The Cornmeal-Dusted Baked Flounder was flaky and flavorful.  Chef’s Dejuan’s Food Network Award-winning canned Ham was very good, but remember that it is made of canned ham and is a little salty.  As always, you never need to add any condiments to Chef’s dishes.  So put the salt shaker down!

“Dixie Swim Club”
DATES: August 16 — September 24, 2017

Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner begins shortly afterwards.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 11:50 p.m.

DRESS: All shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $35 – $62.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.
  **Prices do NOT include gratuity or orders from the bar**

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

TV veteran Morgan Fairchild makes her return to the Alhambra

Morgan Fairchild made her debut at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre opposite Arte Johnson in The Seven Year Itch.  As part of its “50 Years of Memories” celebration, Ms. Fairchild returns to the Alhambra, now the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, more than 40 years later as ‘Lexie’ in “Dixie Swim Club”.  If you did or didn’t get a chance to see the cast back in 2013, then you’re in for a real treat with some of the actresses from 2013 along with a couple of new ladies.

About Morgan Fairchild: Originally from Dallas, TX, Morgan Fairchild is one of America’s best-known actresses.  Her breakout performance as Constance Weldon Carlyle in Flamingo Road (Golden Globe Best Actress nomination), was followed by Racine in Paper Dolls, Jordan Roberts in Falcon Crest and she originated the role of Jenna Wade on Dallas.  Morgan broke ground playing Sandra Bernhardt’s lesbian lover on Roseanne, and an appearance on Murphy Brown earned her an Emmy® nomination.  Fairchild also recurred on NBC’s Friends as Chandler Bing’s mother, and most recently in Days of Our Lives playing Angelica Deveraux.

Off-Broadway Morgan played Skye in Geniuses, Lina Lamont Singin’ in the Rain, Chick Boyle in Crimes of the Heart (directed by Garry Marshall) and starred in national tours of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Lorelei Lee) and The Graduate (Mrs. Robinson).  Her recent appearance at the New Theatre was as Lexie in Dixie Swim Club, where she also played Angela Forrester in Murder Among Friends.  In addition, she portrayed Baroness Hardup in the Pinto, A Cinderella Christmas at the Pasadena Playhouse.  Feature films include: The Seduction with Andrew Stephens, Holy Man with Eddie Murphy, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Walk Hard with John C. Riley, Red-Headed Stranger with Willie Nelson and Campus Man with Kim Delaney.

Let’s talk about Dixie Swim Club: Five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships.  Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives.  Dixie Swim Club focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years.  As their lives unfold and the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another, through advice and raucous repartee, to get through the challenges (men, sex, marriage, parenting, divorce, aging) that life flings at them.  And when fate throws a wrench into one of their lives these friends, proving the enduring power of "teamwork," rally 'round their own’ with the strength and love that takes this comedy in a poignant and surprising direction.

Dixie’s menu inspired by Executive Chef DeJuan: (Choice of One for each entree)
First Course: Tomato Basil Bisque or Country Ham Salad (spring mix, tomato, balsamic drizzle, baguette *GF* without baguette).

Second Course: Prime Rib (French green beans, herb-whipped mashed potatoes, au jus, creamy horseradish *GF*), or Baked Cornmeal-dusted Flounder (lemon butter, cauliflower rice, tomato, caper relish), or Food Network Award-Winning Canned Ham (panko-crusted ham with moutarde (mustard), fingerling potatoes, mushrooms, sautéed Swiss chard, light mustard crème), or Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas (cool ranch sauce, Spanish rice).

Third Course: Coconut Cream Pie, or Warm Peach Cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream.
*Gluten-Free* and Sugar-Free desserts available upon request

“Dixie Swim Club”
DATES: August 16 — September 24, 2017

Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner begins shortly afterwards.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 11:50 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday August 18, 2017) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $35 – $62.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.
   **Prices do NOT include gratuity or orders from the bar**

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

Alhambra releases the 50th season Commemorative Book

The Alhambra Theatre and Dining stands proudly as one of the few remaining dinner theaters dotting North America.  “The Alhambra Theatre & Dining: 50 years of Memories” is a commemorative book that was released this week, to celebrate the Alhambra’s half-a-century anniversary.  Three generations of Alhambra owners (original owner Johnson, most recent owner, Tod Booth and current owner Craig Smith), will gather for a photo and be available to sign copies of this keepsake book.  Joining them for a complimentary light appetizers & desserts gala will be author, Charles Day.

Written by Jacksonville biographer and former University of North Florida professor, Charles Day, the Alhambra Theatre & Dining: 50 Years of Memories, features more than 175 pages of archival photos, biographies of actors and behind the scenes stories as the book chronicles the rise, fall and rebirth of America’s longest running professional dinner theater.  Mr. Day wrote the book over the course of 18 months, interviewing prior and current owners, guest stars, culinary staff, members of the press and patrons of the Alhambra.  The book is handsomely designed by David Parrish as a coffee table book.

The book is broken into three chapters, appropriately-referred to as “Acts,” each highlighting a different era in Alhambra lore.  From interviews with Ballis and Johnson to current owner, Craig Smith and tales from prior owner and long-term Director Tod Booth, the Alhambra’s story traces a remarkable history.  Weaved among several hundred photos, newspaper clippings and historical ads, are sidebars called, “Celebrity Showcase,” which call out the remarkable and seemingly endless list of talent who graced the Alhambra’s stage.

The Alhambra has hosted legends such as Imogen Coca, Bob Crane, Lee Meredith, Dawn Wells, Mickey Rooney, Tony Curtis, Claude Aiken, Sid Cesar, Cesar Romero, and, recently the likes of Loretta Swit, Barry Williams, Jamie Farr, Sally Struthers, Joyce DeWitt, Michael Learned, Barbara Eden, Lisa Whelchel and Mike Farrell. The Alhambra is also home to former Miss America, Orange Park (FL) native Leanza Cornett, who started at the Alhambra when she was 15.  Current owner Craig Smith often credits Swit for saving the Alhambra in 2010, and the book tells the story in detail.  A full page is dedicated to Betty Grable’s 1973 role in “Born Yesterday.” The show opened in early January and was scheduled for three weeks.  She was so popular that the show was held over for two weeks.  Grable died of cancer in July of the same year.  “Remarkably, despite her illness she never missed a show” — George Ballis.

"The Alhambra Theatre & Dining:
  50 Years of Memories" Event
DATE: Tues., Dec. 13, 2016
TIME: 4 - 5 p.m. (3 - 4 p.m. for Season Partners only!)
BOOK PRICE: $39.99

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
CALL: (904) 641-1212 to reserve your spot and a commemorative book.