Since report cards have been available for your
viewing pleasure, it’s time to reward your little scholars with dinner and a
terrific musical presentation (“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”, presented by Snyder Heating
& Airconditioning), at the historic Alhambra Theatre & Dining. The singing is outstanding, the dancing is
right on time, the costumes are soooooo colorful, and the spoken lines are
wonderful!
The entire cast, chosen by Director/Producer Tod Booth*, is magnificent in
their glowing, glamorous, colorful costumes.
As said earlier, the vocals stand out especially ‘Ariel’ portrayed by Grace
Gibbons* actual performer at Walt Disney World.
Her voice and underwater mannerisms are very close to the Disney Movies’
character that we know and love.
Some other performers who have stood out to this reviewer are: Grimsby - Timothy
Ellis*, Flounder - Evan Gray*, the incomparable Sebastian - Rendell Anthony
DeBose, and the entire Ensemble (some of whom play multiple roles).
Ever since this writer started covering entertainment at this venue, back in
2010, there have been many memorable shows that the Alhambra Theatre & Dining’s set designer, Ivan
Black, has excelled in creating. Besides “Disney’s
the Little Mermaid” being among some of the classic Set Creations that have graced
the Alhambra stage others have been: “Phantom,” Little Shop of Horrors,” “BIG” “Shrek
the Musical,” “Seussical the Musical,” The Wiz,” Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”
& “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” These
are just a few of the many other (try to name a few others that you feel have exceeded
your expectations). Most of these
productions can be found in the “50 Years of Memories” sold in the Alhambra
foyer. Many accolades go out to the
entire Production Staff for a job “well-done”.
The Watermelon & Tomato Salad, Shrimp and Leek Gratin & Ariel’s
Strawberry Cupcake are my top winners.
(If you purchase a “Strobe-light Ring” for your little one, please make
sure that they keep them from flashing during the Show.) * denotes Actors Equity Association members *.
Tickets are going quickly, so if you desire to have a good time with friends
and family, order your tickets TODAY!
This show is NOT just for children.
Adults have a ball too.
“Disney’s
The Little Mermaid”
DATES: June 12, 2019 through July 28, 2019
SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday
through Sunday start at 7:30 p.m. Doors
open at 5:30 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 12:50 p.m.
Sunday Matinees are at 2 p.m.
Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m. NB: The curtain will rise at 7:30 PM
for evenings shows, rather than the traditional 8:00 PM start. (If you purchase a
“Strobe-light Ring” for your little one, please make sure that they keep them
from flashing during the Show.)
DRESS: “Business Casual”, “Sunday
Best”, or Little Mermaid character attire.
TICKETS: Prices range from $40 – $66. The Alhambra calls this summer’s show as its
“Family Show,” offering an earlier starting time and lower pricing to attract
more families to come to the historic theater.
A Family Four Pack is available for $159. 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, or orders from the bar**
LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
12000 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville, Florida 32246
(904) 641-1212
Disney’s The Lion King continues
to reign across North America with a sold-out run in Jacksonville. The two-week return engagement at The Times-Union
Center grossed over $3.1 million at the box office and entertained more than
44,000 theatergoers during its 16 sold-out
performances. This engagement was the
second time for the show at The Times-Union Center.
It is estimated that the Jacksonville engagement of The Lion King generated an economic benefit of more than
$10 million to the city from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking and other
businesses patronized by both theatergoers and production staff. This figure is based upon a Touring Broadway
League report which found that, on average, Broadway tours contribute an
economic impact 3.52 times the gross ticket sale to the local metropolitan
area’s economy.
“Based on our previous experience with
the show and its history in other North American cities, we knew that
Jacksonville would respond,” said Dr. Milt Russos, executive director of
the FSCJ Artist Series/Broadway in Jacksonville. “The response was overwhelming and far exceeded our expectations; we
are delighted that so many enjoyed the production. It was an exciting two weeks
for Jacksonville and we look forward to further expanding our relationship with
Disney Theatricals.”
“We thank the Jacksonville community and our partners at the FSCJ Artist Series
and Broadway Across America for another sensational, sold-out engagement,”
said Jack Eldon, Vice President, Domestic, Disney Theatrical Productions. “We
are humbled by the enduring and extraordinary audience response and look
forward to returning to Jacksonville in the future.”
The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more
than 19 million theatergoers in over 70 cities throughout North America. The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®:
Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie
Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan)
and Best Direction of a Musical. The Lion King has also earned more than 70
major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical,
the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening
Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier
Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.
The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor
continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success. The
first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has, in
recent years, supervised new productions of the show around the world.
You may have friends who have seen the show, but have YOU experienced the
grandeur of Disney’s “The Lion King”? There are many opportunities in the US for
you to attend this musical yet, if you live in Jacksonville, Florida you have eight
more days to add this venue to your “must do” list. You will want to make sure that you’re in
your seats on time, because if you dilly-dally, you’ll miss a grand entrance at
the beginning of both the first and second acts.
If you had the opportunity to visit the Starz Center in Tampa, Florida, in 2016
to see “The Lion King, you will notice that 6 of the actors (Gerald Ramsey as Mufasa;
Keith Bennett as Banzai; Robbie Swift as Ed; Nick Cordileone as Timon; Ben Lipitz
as Pumbaa and Nia Holloway as Nala) are now appearing in the Times Union Center’s
production.
The opening scene of “The Circle of Life” performed by Rafiki and the Ensemble is
stunning. The actors approached the main
stage from both aisles. Every performer
is very talented within his and her own right, but “Rafiki’s” (Buyi Zama) voice
resounded just like that of former South African songstress Miriam Makeba. Young Simba (Joziyah Jean-Felix or Ramon Reed)
and Young Nala (Danielle W. Jalade or Gloria Manning) are seasoned young actors
who stole the show with their vocals, dance and execution of lines.
If you ever attended the stage presentation of “War Horse”, you will have an
idea of the magnificent puppetry that “The Lion King” presents with the stilted
giraffes and adult elephant. Your eyes
will have a fabulous treat as they behold the actors glide across the stage in
their colorful costumes. Take note how grass
can dance in unison, to the accompaniment of an extensive live orchestra. Appreciate the dynamic percussion instruments
manned by Mike Ramsey and Reuven Weizberg (also in last year’s show in Tampa).
The entire production (about 70 min. for act I and 60 min. for act II) is
filled with nothing but color, music and talent. A little bit of trivia, if you didn’t already
know, “Hakuna Matata” means – “No Worries” and you will leave the theater with
“no worries”. There are many
opportunities for laughter throughout the show especially when there is mention
of “Let It Go” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.
No singing can compare to that of Disney’s “The Lion King” except maybe for the
musical “Cats”. The dancing is as
precise as that of any Alvin Ailey’s Dance Troupe with lots of interpretive style. The backdrops are better than any from the Wizard
of Oz while the moving staircase is very impressive. If you desire an entertainment treat within
the next couple of weeks, get your tickets and make it a-date-to-remember for
you and your entire family.
“Disney’s The Lion King”
DATES: TIMES:
Sat., Feb. 3 2 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 3 8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 4 1 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 4 6:30 p.m.
Tues., Feb. 6 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 7 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 8 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 9 8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 10 2 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 10 8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 11 1 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 11 6:30 p.m.
TICKETS: Range
from $53 –$169
plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series
(the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000
between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904)
632-5050. Everyone, including infants
and toddlers, must have a theater ticket for admission.
LOCATION: Times
Union Center Performing Arts
Moran Theater
300 West Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Can you imagine the look of surprise and glee as
your loved-ones find tickets in their Christmas Stockings to Disney theatrical productions
of “The Lion King?” The FSCJ Artist Series announce
that The North American touring productions of the show has been
seen by more than 19 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 70 cities
across North America, The Lion King now proudly makes its return
at the Times-Union Center for sixteen performances. Not since 2007 has the production graces the
Jacksonville stage. The last time that
the show appeared in Florida was in 2016 in Tampa.
ABOUT THE LION KING: In its 20th year, The Lion King
continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13,
1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 90 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
(under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is the
only show in history to generate six productions worldwide running 15 or more
years. Performed in eight different
languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and
Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen
on Broadway, London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo and Sapporo, Madrid, Mexico
City, Scheveningen, Holland, and on tour across North America, for a total of
nine productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries
on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s
worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment
title in box office history.
The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical,
Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best
Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best
Direction of a Musical. The Lion
King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998
NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best
Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the
Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best
Costume Design.
The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who
co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other
members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and
puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair
and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith
(associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian
(production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.
“Disney’s The Lion King”
DATES: TIMES:
Wed., Jan. 31, 2018 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 1 1 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 1 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 2 8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 3 2 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 3 8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 4 1 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 4 6:30 p.m.
Tues., Feb. 6 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 7 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 8 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 9 8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 10 2 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 10 8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 11 1 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 11 6:30 p.m.
TICKETS: Range
from $53 –$169
plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series
(the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000
between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904)
632-5050. Everyone, including infants
and toddlers, must have a theater ticket for admission. Premium
Ticket Package includes: the best seats in the theater (rows A-H only $140-$169),
commemorative souvenir program and exclusive show merchandise item. Premium Ticket Packages are available forShows
are sponsored by VyStar Credit Union. Ticket
buyers are reminded that The FSCJ Artist Series and Ticketmaster are the only
official retail ticket outlets for all performances. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a
ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the FSCJ Artist Series is
unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and are unable to contact
patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates
regarding the performance.
LOCATION: Times
Union Center Performing Arts
Moran Theater
300 West Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Celebrate the joy and magic of the holiday
season at the 12th annual St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular on
Saturday, November 11 from 2-8 p.m. Holiday
shoppers, families and visitors are invited to attend the action-packed day of
free, family-fun and musical performances.
The annual holiday celebration, sponsored by Toyota, OneBlood, PRI Productions,
and Disney’s The Lion King
kicks off at 2 p.m. Throughout the day,
guests will enjoy festivities including: oversized games, an interactive hot
chocolate station, jugglers, caricature artists, letters to Santa, ornament
decorating, a festive photo booth and a silent DJ experience. That’s not all! The holiday fun will continue with great
giveaways, costume characters, holiday entertainment and more.
Main stage entertainment begins at 2 p.m. with dynamic holiday performances,
including a Broadway star from Disney’s The Lion King on The Main Stage
at 4 p.m., located in the Town Green in front of Maggiano’s Little Italy on Midtown Parkway.
Disney’s The Lion King returns to Jacksonville January 31-February 11
for 16 performances. For tickets and more information, visit fscjartistseries.org. Stay tuned for complete article on “Around Town With Ms. “V”.
