Showing posts with label Godspell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Godspell. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

‘Godspell’ is a wonderful musical in JAX


The Alhambra Theatre and Dining is proud to present the acclaimed Broadway musical Godspell, and you would do yourself a great dishonor if you miss this one.  As I said in my Small Group, “I resolve NOT to be so Spirit minded that I’m NO earthly good.”  Some people got up and left the show during the middle of the first act and it must have been very disturbing to the actors, because it was to my husband and me.  Those people will NOT be able to show anyone the goodness of God.
 

The whole presentation is a modern-day interpretation of WWJD.  Sure, there were no cell phones in the days of Christ and His Disciples, yet the subtle differences will attract young people to the knowledge of the truth, and will entertain those who are more mature.

There is nothing blasphemous about “Godspell” the musical, nonetheless, it’s wonderful to see the scriptures come to life, even if one doesn’t know any Bible stories - there is something for everyone, both young and mature.  A smile stayed on my face during most of the play.  The only scripture mistake was during the Last Supper; only one disciple would deny that they knew Jesus.  For those who are Bible scholars, I challenge you to find any other fault with this man or this show.

And for those who don’t know the Bible according to Matthew - learn about the journey of Jesus Christ and His Peeps.  There are so many short stories intertwined with marvelous songs and dance from the ENTIRE CAST.  Major Kudos to everyone!  Loved the interaction that the cast had with the audience.  You will enjoy a touch of vaudeville, Broadway, slapstick, harmony, energy and meaningful interpretations.  And don’t forget to ask Tod Booth about the meaning of “the Flower” that Jesus presented to the other cast members; or can you guess?

OBTW, Kudos go to the staff of servers and the following: lighting (Daniel Dungan), props (Dave Dionne & Ian Black), choreography (Shain Stroff), line changes (Tod Booth), and for costumes (Camala Pitts & Dorinda Quiles).

I challenge anyone to attend and let me know your thoughts on “Godspell” now appearing at the Alhambra Theater & Dining.  My husband saw both Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell when he was in high school, and he was very impressed with this production. (Video Photos courtesy of Jamie Iames)
 ‟Godspell
DATES: January 9 — February 10, 2019

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 p.m. (Gala Night 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 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

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

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $59.  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 at or by calling (904) 641-1212.
     **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

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Alhambra to kick off 2019 with ‘Godspell’

In late 2009, the Alhambra Dinner Theater was purchased by a group of Jacksonville business people as a way to save the iconic theater from closing permanently.  What set out to be a short journey and a labor of love, turned into a passion for Craig Smith and Theatre Partners, LLC as they kick off their tenth season at the helm of what is now the Alhambra Theatre & Dining – the longest running dinner theater in America.  The Alhambra, as it is more commonly known locally, will launch its 52nd season on January 11 with the Broadway and pop culture hit, Godspell”.

Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and it took the world by storm.  Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including: "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side."

About the Musical: The story revolves around a small group of high school students who help the main character, “Jesus Christ,” tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing.  An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage.  Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

Boasting a score with chart topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak) and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.  The musical is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew. The parables are interspersed with music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ appearing briefly near the end of the show.

Godspell began as a project by the drama students at Carnegie Mellon University, then moved to the off-off-Broadway theater La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in the East Village of Manhattan.  The show was then re-scored for an off-Broadway production, which became a long-running success.  Several cast albums have been released over the years. "Day by Day,” from the original cast album, reached #13 on the Billboard pop singles chart in the summer of 1972.

Menu: First Course (Choice of One) Mixed Grain Salad farro, barley, tomato, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, Green Goddess dressing *GF*, OR Trio of Lentil Soup.
Second Course (Choice of One) Salmon Encrusted Florentine cheddar orzo, roasted asparagus, OR Roasted Leg of Lamb mint demi-glace, fingerling potato, honey glazed carrots *GF*, OR Tuscan Chicken Pasta hearts of palm, olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, pesto, feta, OR Baked Polenta Cake topped with wild mushrooms, tomato, roasted winter vegetables, sherry cream sauce.
Third Course (Choice of One) Chocolate Toffee Matzo Bars, OR Sugar Cookie Cake with lemon curd.  Menu subject to change.  Gluten-free & sugar-free desserts available upon request.


 ‟Godspell
DATES: January 9 — February 10, 2019

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 p.m. (Gala Night 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 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday January 11, 2019) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $64.  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 at or by calling (904) 641-1212.
     **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