‘Love Letters’ communication at the Alhambra Theatre

This two-man play is a mature WIN at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining.  This play is excellent for anyone who remembers writing letters to someone dear, mailing them and waiting for a response to come back.  It wasn’t as simple as it is today - only being a keystroke away, but letters had meaning and it took thought and time to grab some paper & pen, and make a trip to the post office.  This presentation brings back fond memories.  Younger people might not “get it”, but the more mature audience will enjoy a reminder of times gone by.

Producer (and usually Director) Tod Booth* (Andrew Makepeace Ladd III) and Booth’s real-life-actress wife Lisa Valini* (Melissa Gardner), give much meaning to this presentation through their flawless reading, and heartfelt facial expressions.  Lisa’s jewelry and both their outfits are grand and add enjoyment for the eyes while listening to their extensive dialogue.

There is no music nor dancing, but most people could not read for two hours and express the love that a couple of characters held for each other that spanned a number of decades.  Imagine taking a journey of two young people through many years of school, graduation, jobs, love affairs, military commitment, growing families, life’s entanglements, and finally death.  That’s what “Love Letters” is all about.  It’s a mind game of an exciting journey.

Making her Directing debut, Jessica Booth* who did a wonderful job, behind the scenes at bossing her parents around the stage.  Take a look at some funny outtakes from her preopening experience.

As noted in the Playbill’s Author's Note: This is a play, or rather a sort of play, that is designed to be read aloud by an actor and actress sitting at tables, in front of a group of people, with no special set or memorization.  In performance, the piece would seem to work best if the actors didn’t look at each other until the end.  They listen eagerly and actively to each other along the way, as we might listen to an urgent voice on a one-way radio, coming from far, far away.

Chef DeJuan has not disappointed, especially with his famous Roasted Prime Rib.  This writer is not a fan of lobster, so the Monk Fish was not a favorite (don’t google it before you try it - the fish is hideous looking).  Both the first course selections are delicious, but the salad’s dressing tasted and looked like thousand islands.  Still it was tasty.  The Broccoli & Cheddar Soup is well seasoned and (as with most of Chef’s meals) did not require additional condiments.  For dessert, both the Carrot Cake and the Warm Pear Cobbler are hits.  Bon Appetite and enjoy the Show!

* denotes Actors’ Equity Association

“Love Letters”

DATES: January 9, 2020 through February 9, 2020

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

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

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $66, but for “Love Letters”, the Alhambra is offering a special pricing package in honor of this Booth family moment, two tickets for just $89..  Often following a show, the cast will make an appearance in the main lobby for an informal meet and greet.  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

Alhambra’s first show of the New Year - ‘Love Letters’

Having grown up in the Alhambra Theatre, Jessica Booth has played in just about every role from a child performer in Christmas Carole to leading lady as Jovi in Elf…the Musical.  Now she takes on an entirely new role as Director of the acclaimed Broadway hit, “Love Letters”.  To make it just a little more challenging (or perhaps interesting), Ms. Booth will be directing her parents, Lisa Valdini-Booth and Tod Booth.  Mrs. Booth has been in more than 200 Alhambra performances and was once knowing widely as the “voice of Winn-Dixie Supermarkets,” and Mr. Booth is the Alhambra’s former owner and current Creative Director, himself having directed more than 200 shows at the iconic theater.

A play by A. R. Gurney, “Love Letters” was a finalist in 1988 for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.  The play centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, who sit side by side at tables and read the notes, letters and cards – in which over nearly 50 years, they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats – that have passed between them throughout their separated lives.

Since its debut on Broadway in 1988, “Love Letters” has been performed by a who’s who of celebrities including: Carol Burnett with Brian Dennehy, Mel Gibson with Sissy Spacek, Robert Wagner with wife Stefanie Powers, Larry Hagman and Dallas co-star Linda Gray and in 2006 with I Dream of Jeannie co-star and Alhambra alumna Barbara Eden.  In 2013 Ali McGraw performed beside Love Story co-star Ryan O’Neal and in 2016, Tom Hanks performed with wife, Rita Wilson.  Even Elizabeth Taylor took a turn, with James Earl Jones in 2007.

Said Managing Partner, Craig Smith, “Amazingly, the Alhambra has never shown Love Letters, and it’s only appropriate that we do so with our very own stars, Lisa and Tod.”  Smith noted, commenting that the Alhambra is really in the business of creating memories, “Having Jessica direct her parents in her leadership debut is really monumental for the Alhambra family and for the Booth family.  That girl was pretty much raised under this roof.  Not many families get to celebrate such moments.”

Said actor-turned director Jessica Booth, laughing, “This experience could be really fun or really vengeful, or perhaps a little bit of both, depending on your point of view.”  She went on, “I really think directing my parents will be a great way to get feedback on my first directing opportunity. I’ve seen both of them work on stage and behind it, and I know I’ve learned from the best.  The bar is quite high, and I also know they won’t at all sugar-coat their feedback.  Why start now, right?”

“Love Letters”

DATES: January 9, 2020 through February 9, 2020

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

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday January 10, 2020.  Doors open at 5:15 p.m.) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual”, or “Sunday Best”.  There is always complimentary Champagne and Hors d'oeuvres served in the lobby before dinner, on Gala evening and special pastries served after the show.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $66, but for “Love Letters”, the Alhambra is offering a special pricing package in honor of this Booth family moment, two tickets for just $89..  Often following a show, the cast will make an appearance in the main lobby for an informal meet and greet.  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

'Come Blow Your Horn' will have you laughing at the Alhambra

The Booth family (Tod, Lisa Valdini and Jessica) are the stars of the Alhambra’s production of the Neil Simon comedy, “Come Blow Your Horn”; (the first show ever performed at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining when it opened back in 1967).  This is the first time that the family is debuting on stage together.  The play is very well done and it’s probably better than the original show - hands down.  As with the first “CBYH”, the Playbill was very modest in style and presentation, yet printed on quality stock with pertinent information of all involved.

The conversation between Tod Booth* (Mr. Baker) and both his sons, draw much laughter from the crowd and almost resembles a Laurel and Hardy sketch.  Tod still performs like the pro that he is, nevertheless, Mr. Booth is also the Producer/Director of this and many other Alhambra shows.  Tod Booth is wonderful whether behind the scenes or front and center as he proves it in this show

Vincent Hannam (Buddy Baker) was the younger son who knew where all the pencils are located in his brother’s apartment.  Adam Kaster* (Alan Baker) is the older playboy who leads his younger brother astray with the Ladies.  When Alan Baker comes to himself, he sounds just like his stern father figure in the end.  The dialogue between Abby Jaros* (Peggy Evans) and Buddy Baker is hilarious.  These three actors are new to the Alhambra Theater and Dining, yet they have proven that they will be back again.
The daughter of Tod and Lisa Booth can hold her own on the Alhambra stage here in Jacksonville, Florida and also on a stage in New York City.  Jessica Booth* (Connie Dayton) has blossomed into a beautiful, talented actress.  You may remember her from Alhambra presentations of: “Blithe Spirit,” “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Shrek the Musical” and many others.

Saving the best for last, Lisa Valdini* (Mrs. Baker) steals the show and is so funny especially when she slides off a bean bag chair.  She has so many one-sided comical lines on the telephone too.  Valdini is a seasoned actress who keeps on going and going, as she entertains the audience with each line.  It’s a hoot to finally see where the ‘pencils’ are hidden.
 
Special thanks to the sponsors of “Come Blow Your Horn”: Kilwins, Arlington YMCA, Bohemia Roofing, Kwik Fix Plumbing and Fleet Landing.

*Denotes Members of Actors’ Equity Association*

The colorful “Alhambra Theatre and Dining, 50 Years of Memories” hardback coffee table book, is a wonderful addition to any home and is available for $39.99, when you attend this performance.

“Come Blow Your Horn”
DATES: January 4 – 20, 2017
 
 PLEASE NOTE NEW SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner will be served until 7:20 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch ends at 12:45 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal service ends at 1:20 p.m.

DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.   
To see the menu, click HERE.

TICKETS: Regular tickets $35 each; or

tickets will be offered at a 50th anniversary price, just $50 for two seats.

  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 or orders from the bar.

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

'Come Blow Your Horn' starring the Booth family at the Alhambra

Remember to purchase your 50th Anniversary Book

If there is a “leading family” of Jacksonville theater, it may very well be the Booth family.  Marking their first time ever on stage together, Tod Booth, Lisa Valdini Booth and Jessica Booth will team up for the Alhambra’s production of the Neil Simon comedy, “Come Blow Your Horn”.  This was the first show ever performed at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining when it opened in 1967 so its reprisal is a fitting title with which to open the Alhambra’s 50th anniversary.  A limited run of only three weeks, tickets will be offered at a 50th anniversary price, just $50 for two seats.

Tod Booth was, of course, the most recent prior owner of the Alhambra, the nation’s longest-running professional dinner theater.  Mr. Booth has directed nearly every show at the Alhambra for the past 20-plus years and is currently the Creative Director for the theater.  During his early tenure, Booth starred in many shows, but has not taken the Alhambra stage since his 2012 role in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.  Lisa Valdini Booth has taken the Alhambra stage on many occasions, starring in countless roles.  She has also been the advertising “the voice” of Winn-Dixie supermarkets and runs the Alhambra’s summer theater camps.  Their daughter, Jessica Booth, now a University of Central Florida graduate working on Broadway, started her acting career at the Alhambra at nine years old.  She, too, has been in countless Alhambra shows, including: Shrek the Musical and Cinderella.  But this is the first time the three of them have acted together at the Alhambra (or anywhere), making it a historic evening and another page for the Alhambra’s scrap book.

If you’ve ever wanted to see what the Alhambra Theater & Dining was/and is all about, you now have the opportunity to see pictures, read stories and browse beyond the iconic walls of this historic dinner theatre.  The colorful “Alhambra Theatre and Dining, 50 Years of Memories” hardback coffee table book, will be a wonderful addition to any home and is available for $39.99, when you attend this performance.

“Come Blow Your Horn”
DATES: January 4 – 20, 2017

PLEASE NOTE NEW SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner will be served until 7:20 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch ends at 12:45 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal service ends at 1:20 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday Jan. 6, 2017) attire is “Dressy / Formal”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.  To see the menu, click HERE.

TICKETS: Regular tickets $35 each; or get “Celebration Tickets” for $50 per couple.  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 or orders from the bar.

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