 |
| Photos: Chelsea Black |
Players by the Sea Community Theatre is bringing their New
Voices Program back to the stage. Created in 2016 and inspired by new
play development programs across the country, New Voices aims to develop the
next wave of American voices right here in Jacksonville. In previous years, the
program selected 1-2 established OR aspiring playwrights to embark on a
yearlong developmental journey and pairs them with mentors who help guide the
process from conception to final draft. The program culminates in a fully
mounted production of their new play.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to take center stage, Players by the Sea
reimagined New Voices and pivoted to a virtual process. This year’s theme is Voices Unheard. They selected 3 playwrights
through a blind submission process and began a 12-week development and writing
journey. Through mentorship, workshopping, and writing sessions, two of their
selected playwrights are now ready to rehearse and showcase their 45-minute
short plays that uplift and highlight the voices of the unheard.
The Space Between is written by Chelsea Black.
Nina is a young woman who just wants her mother Maria to accept her. When they
find out her brother Kenneth’s spinal injury may be cured by a new medical
breakthrough, Maria takes the opportunity to talk to her daughter about her
weight. Mother and daughter must navigate their fraught relationship while also
being there for Kenneth.
God's God written by Ken Pedersen.
Do you sometimes wonder about what really happens once you die? What if you
arrived in the afterlife and you discovered that God himself was praying for a
better life? That is the situation we encounter in "God's God." GG
delivers an avantgarde exploration of what might happen once we ‘meet our
maker.’ Its world is populated with a passive agnostic, a prickly non-believer,
a deity overwhelmed by his day-today responsibilities, and the angels that run
the place. God’s God examines the role of hope, belief, and purpose in a
30-minute package that seeks to get its audience to reconsider how their
choices here on earth might best bring out the divinity in all us.
The third selection will be released later this Summer as a special
presentation!
COVID-19 protocol is in place to secure the health and welfare of their
patrons. Social distancing will be adhered to, masks will be required and hand sanitizing
will be available according to the CDC guidelines.
New
Voices Program: Voices Unheard
DATES/TIMES: May 15, 2021 8 p.m.
May 16, 2 p.m. Matinee
TICKETS:
Tickets are $20 and are available online at
or by calling (904)-249-0289.
LOCATION: 
Players By The Sea Theatre
106 6th Street North
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 249-0289
It has literally been a month of Sundays since we’ve had a review on “Around Town with
Ms. “V” due to the pandemic shutdown in March; nonetheless we thank God that
we are alive and well.Florida has only reached Stage 2 of carefully reopening some businesses with
social distancing and having patrons don masks, yet we are proud to report that
the “Alhambra Theatre and Dining” has complied to safely protect
its patrons and their employees.
Masks are not required during your meal, but you are requested to mask-up when
going to the restrooms. Some people
chose to have on their masks during the show’s presentation, but that’s
entirely up to you.
Space between tables has been designed so that only you and people who are in
your party, are sitting together.
Plexiglass is positioned throughout the showroom in order to separate one
layer of tables from the next level of tables.
All servers are protecting you with their facial coverings and gloved
hands.
Yes, you can still get your favorite alcoholic beverage brought to your table,
and don’t forget to get your professional 5x7 framed photo taken with a themed
background to commemorate your visit along with a memorable key chain.
The show “Grease” is fantastic. When I
asked if I should watch the original movie with my Granddaughter, it was
suggested that I wait until after viewing the show, and she was so right (but
it really didn’t matter). A couple of
the songs were different and of course, some of the scenes have been changed
under the excellent production of Mr. Tod Booth. The actors (some of whom you might have seen
before), are seasoned participants as they act, sing and dance with the upmost precision.
The Alhambra Theatre and Dining is a small business that is doing everything
that they can do tin order to maintain quality while presenting the best three
course meals by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy.
Also, please be kid to your servers because they work hard to give
quality service. Tipping is allowed and
recommended. The only negative of my evening
was the coffee that tasted like a weak tea, nevertheless, there’s still a Starbucks
still open somewhere on the way home.
“Grease” may be sold out (even with the addition of three extra weeks); but in
order for experience live theater, you may want to join the Alhambra’s
Royalty Partners. These Season
Ticket holders, who have purchased tickets before the onset of the Coronavirus,
get first preference to available seating.
Want to get out and continue to enjoy life? Get your Alhambra Theatre & Dining tickets
today. Give them a call!
LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
12000 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville, Florida 32246
(904) 641-1212
The Florida Theatre proudly welcomes the
critically-acclaimed improv show “Whose Live Anyway?” on Friday,
February 26, 2021. The current cast
members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud
to present their new improv tour: Whose Live Anyway?
“Whose Live Anyway?” is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all
based on audience suggestions. Cast
members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel
Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before
your eyes. Audience participation is key
to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast
onstage! Whose Live Anyway? showcases
some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as
some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach.
All ages are welcome, but please note that some “PG-13” language will be used
during the performance.
The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit
Union. For a complete list of upcoming
events or to buy tickets visit the Florida Theatre’s official website.
“Whose Live Anyway”
DATE: Fri., Feb. 26, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $35 – $55
LOCATION: The
Florida Theatre
128
East Forsyth Street.
Jacksonville, FL
32202
(904) 355-2787
Experience the magic of the “Cinderella” menu in the comfort of your own home! Take a look at the takeout menu options for
Fri., June 12 –
Sun., June 14.
Takeout Hours: Fri.: 5:30 p.m. –
7:30 p.m.; Sat. –
Sun: 11 a.m. – 1
p.m.; 5:30 p.m. –
7:30 p.m.
Family-Style Meal: Fri., June 12 – Sun., June 14 (4 servings). Grilled
Pork Chops - center cut pork chops, barbecue glaze, corn pudding, zucchini
& squash medley, with dessert of Mini Dip & Roll - cake skewers with
caramel, chocolate, brown sugar, whipped cream.
$55
Entrée Options for Fri., June 12 – Sun., June 14 (1 serving/each) Slow Roasted Tri-Tip Sirloin
with natural jus, pan-roasted rosemary potatoes, roasted asparagus, cherry
tomatoes, with dessert of Mini Dip & Roll - cake skewers with caramel,
chocolate, brown sugar, whipped cream *GF* without dessert. OR Glazed Salmon - glazed with garlic, honey
& soy sauce, brown rice gratin, almonds, roasted wax beans, with dessert of
Mini Dip & Roll - cake skewers with caramel, chocolate, brown sugar,
whipped cream *GF* without dessert. OR Grilled
Pork Chops - center cut pork chops, barbecue glaze, corn pudding, zucchini
& squash medley, with dessert of Mini Dip & Roll - cake skewers with
caramel, chocolate, brown sugar, whipped cream.
OR Summer Barbecue Bowl - barbecue jackfruit, roasted corn, zucchini
& squash, barbecue baked beans, topped with Brussels sprout slaw and fried
corn chips, with dessert of Mini Dip & Roll - cake skewers with caramel,
chocolate, brown sugar, whipped cream *GF* without dessert. $20 each.
Click curbside-to-go dining-program or call the box office at
904.641.1212 to place your order and let us take care of dinner!
Price includes tax. Gratuity not
included –
but much appreciated. Orders may be
placed until 11 a.m. on day of pick-up. Quantities are limited. Available while supplies last.
“Cinderella”
DATES: June 11 through July 20, 2020
SHOW TIMES: Please note, to accommodate the many young
families attending this show, doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for evening shows
and dinner will start at 6 p.m.
TICKETS: Prices range from $40 – $68. Children 12 and under are $38 + tax. 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 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
The Alhambra Theatre & Dining announced it will open its doors on June 11
with Rogers & Hammerstein’s classic, “Cinderella.” With social distancing guidelines strictly
enforced and capacity restricted to 50% occupancy, the Alhambra will continue
its run as America’s longest-running dinner theater. The re-opening plan took some juggling of
seating charts and schedules, not to mention the patience of more than 10,000
guests who already had tickets for the remainder of the year, but the curtain
will rise on June 11, the originally-scheduled dates for the Alhambra’s run of
“Cinderella.“ The show is scheduled to
close on July 26. Patrons are asked to
wear a mask except during mealtime.
Because of the social distancing guidelines related to COVID-19, the Alhambra
will only be able to sell limited number of additional tickets. The show was already 70% sold out when it
suspended sales in late April. Following
the math of only allowing 50% capacity, the Alhambra actually added several
matinee dates to accommodate the overage.
“We are thrilled to roll with whatever punches we need to open for our
family of guests and staff,” said Alhambra Managing Partner Craig Smith. He continued, “Our job is to provide the
community a break from the day-to-day and give folks a place to go to make some
memories. We’re grateful we get to do our job again and that our guests and
staff are so accommodating.”
Adding the additional dates not allow the Alhambra to sell more tickets. It simply gave them the opportunity to seat
existing ticket holders, some who were asked to switch dates and tables. “Our guests were ready, willing and able to
work with us. Our staff was willing to
switch from days to nights when called upon. Our kitchen staff was happy to add day time
hours to an already-busy schedule. It
was really a great demonstration of being in this thing together,” said
Smith.
Smith recounted that the most challenging part was figuring out what to do with
the remaining shows on the calendar, including the nearly-sold out, “Grease.” To do that, the Alhambra is moving its run of
The Music Man to 2021 and replacing it with “Grease” from July 30 to September
20. This adds two weeks to the original
run of “Grease,” allowing for the Alhambra to accommodate its current ticket
holders as-well-as take more reservations.
Said Smith, “We knew when we scheduled it that “Grease” would be a big
seller for us. We had the opportunity to
accommodate the 12,000 “Grease” ticket holders and honoring our commitment to
“The Music Man” by simply moving it to next season.” The Alhambra will allow anyone unable to use
their current tickets in their new seats and date as a credit for a future
show. “Love, Sex and IRS,” will run as
planned in late September, and with matinees added to create more seating for
what Smith expects to be a strong seller.
In compliance with local, state and federal guidelines for COVID-19, the
Alhambra will heighten its usual high safety standards. Staff will undergo training in safe service
practices as well as what to look for regarding symptoms. All staff will be wearing masks and gloves. They have also been instructed to stay home if
there is even a hint of a related symptom. In an email to ticket holders, the Alhambra
has asked customers to take the same precautions, and has offered to waive the
“day of” transfer fee to those needing to change dates at the last minute.
In addition, the Alhambra will suspend for “Cinderella” and “Grease” its
Opening Night Gala pre- and post-show celebrations in the lobby of the Theatre.
“We take for granted our usual
processes because we’ve been at this for so long, so we’re having to review and
change every contact point from food delivery to pens our guests use to sign
their credit card receipt. It’s been a
good exercise for us in terms of efficiency.” Said Smith. Complimentary Champagne and Hors d'oeuvres
served at your table before dinner, on Gala evening.
Reconfiguring process is not new to the Alhambra, which had successfully
pivoted at the beginning of the business closing period by switching from
seated dining for 375 people to take-away and curbside delivery. They later added dine-in options once the
options were allowed. The Alhambra will
continue its curbside to-go dining program.
“Cinderella”
DATES: June 11 through July 20, 2020
SHOW TIMES: Please note, to accommodate the many young
families attending this show, doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for evening shows
and dinner will start at 6 p.m. Adult
and Children’s Menu can be viewed HERE.
TICKETS: Prices range from $40 – $68. Children 12 and under are $38 + tax. 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 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
Update: Jan. 29. New caterer to be announced through the Stage Aurora website.
“Dinner With Booker T.”, written and
performed by Darryl
Reuben Hall, will be presented February 8, 2020 6:30PM at Worsham Hall
located at 1100 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL. The dinner show will be presented dinner-theatre-style.
About the Show: Darryl Reuben Hall takes the audience on a journey into
the life of Booker T. Washington by portraying the many friends and enemies
that kept him strong in the fight for equality from a United States Officer to
a General, a Coal Miner to Mrs. Ruffner, 14 characters in all. Due to its historical nature, some may find
some of the language offensive as narrative follows southern newspaper
headlines as well as comments made by senators and other politicians alike. "Dinner with Booker T." is an inside historical look into the life of one of
America's greatest orators and leader of the Negro race, Mr. Booker T.
Washington and based on his rise from slavery, to student, to educator, to
national and worldwide leader. This
60-minutes work is comprised of original rhetoric, research, song, dance,
speeches, historical dialogue, and visual presentations. Mr. Booker T. Washington was catapulted to
national acclaim following his 1895 Atlanta Exposition Compromise Speech.
Darryl Reuben Hall has been noted for his philanthropy, theater directing, show
production and acting in such theatrical shows as: “A Raisin in the Sun, Bag
It, Black Arts Festival, Colored Museum, Color Purple, Crowns, Dream Girls
Driving Miss Daisy, Fences, FRAT House, Friends, God’s Trombones, Harlem of the
South, Little Shop of Horrors, Louis N Ella, Miss Ever's Boys, Motown, Respect,
Sinner Man, Soldier’s Story, The Me Nobody Knows, Three Divas, To Kill a Mockingbird,
Steel Magnolias, and The WIZ” and other notable productions too numerous to mention along
with other venues in cities across the US and other countries. Hall has appeared with several actors/actresses
including: Angela Robinson, Ella Joyce, Melba Moore Ertha Kitt & Scott
Whitehurst - just to name a few.
“Hall does a brilliant job at capturing the realistic nature of the dinner's
backlash.” - Brooke Clariday, Theatre Reviews. “Hall is earnest in his characterization
of Washington.” - Nancy Bishop-Third Coast Review.
Get your tickets today because tomorrow may be too late.
“Dinner With Booker T.”
Starring: Darryl Reuben Hall
DATE: Sat.,
Feb. 8, 2020 TIME: 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Good Shepherd Episcopal
(Worsham Hall)
1100 Stockton Street
Jacksonville, FL. 32204
TICKETS: Admission: $45 includes dinner. For tickets and more information, please
contact Stage Aurora Theatrical Company at (904) 765-7373 or visit Brothers
2000 (904) 768-6004 located at 5238-1 Norwood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32208. You may also purchase tickets at Stage Aurora Box Office.
Community theatre at the beaches brings a holiday
classic to life on stage. “A Christmas Carol” starts this Friday, December 6th at
Players by the Sea Theatre. After months
of rehearsal, the cast & crew (about 40 talented artists) are ready to
share their magical work with the JAX community.
A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens and adapted by Romulus
Linney tell the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey from an embittered,
ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three
spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means. This richly textured play brings the full
spirit of the book, as well as those of Christmases Past, Present and Yet To
Come, to life on the stage.
Kenggy Bravo, who plays Mrs. Fezziwig in the show said, “I think people
should buy tickets to see A Christmas Carol because it’s going to appeal to
everyone. It’s such a warm show to watch during the holidays, and what better
way to get into the spirit than to remember what Christmas truly means?”
Watch in awe as a diverse group of Jacksonville talent from different
backgrounds and of young and old ages, come together to make holiday magic on
stage at Players by the Sea.
“A Christmas Carol”
DATES: TIMES
Fri. Dec. 6, 2019 8 p.m.
Sat., Dec.7 8 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 12 8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 13 8 p.m.
Sat. Dec 14 2 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 14 8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 15 2 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 19 8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 20 8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 21 8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 22 2 p.m.
TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $28.
Student/Senior/Military may purchase theirs for $25. Don’t forget, Thurs. nights are Student
Nights! Bring a valid student ID to the
theatre and get a half-price ticket for $14.
There are a limited number of tickets left for opening weekend, so get
yours now!
LOCATION:
Players By The Sea Theatre
106 6th Street North
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 249-0289
ABOUT PLAYERS BY THE SEA— For over fifty-three years, Players by the Sea
has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community. Players mission is to enrich the community
through excellence in theatre. The
nonprofit community theatre welcomes all creative artists to participate in
making the magic of theatre come to life, whether on stage, through advocacy or
assisting backstage.
Players by the Sea is the perfect place to spread the cheer! The theatre has
private space available for hosting your holiday parties or any event this
season. Local businesses can combine a
live performance of “A Christmas Carol” with a pre-show or post-show
private party in the Studio Theatre and classroom.
Their ‘Studio Theatre’ is an intimate, 80-seat performance space that
transforms beautifully to the perfect party spot! An open stage area works as a dance floor, a
space for setting up tables, presentations, or whatever a creative mind can
come up with. The built-in theatre
seating gives added space for your guests to relax. Connected to the Studio Theatre is our
classroom, which is available for an add-on. The classroom is perfect for setting up a bar,
serving food (no restrictions on caterer choice), or using as a staging area.
The corporate party package includes: tickets to A Christmas Carol for
$22 per ticket and every seat will be reserved. The Studio Theatre rental is $500 and the
classroom add-on is $250. Please note that event insurance is required for a
holiday party at PBTS.
A Christmas Carol opens on the PBTS Main Stage Friday, December 6th and
Saturday, December 7th with shows at 8 p.m. both nights. From then until December
22nd, shows will run each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening at 8 pm and
Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. (See the linked article above)
The classic play is written by Charles Dickens, adapted by Romulus Linney. The show is an adaptation of the story of
Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a
giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas
Eve, show him what life means. This
richly textured play brings the full spirit of the book, as well as those of
Christmases Past, Present and Yet To Come, to life on the stage.
Reserve your space while it is still available.
For more information, contact Suzanne Hudson-Smith at (904) 249-0289 or email.
LOCATION:
Players By The Sea Theatre
106 6th Street North
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 249-0289
ABOUT PLAYERS BY THE SEA— For over fifty-three years, Players by the Sea
has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community. Players mission is to enrich the community
through excellence in theatre. The
nonprofit community theatre welcomes all creative artists to participate in
making the magic of theatre come to life, whether on stage, through advocacy or
assisting backstage.
The popular community (PBTS - Players By The Sea) theatre has hired two new
valuable staff members to keep the theatre in top shape. Kanesha Frederick was
named the Box Office Administrative Assistant and Alexandra Blackwell will take
on the role of Marketing & Communications Manager.
Kanesha Frederick is a Jacksonville native who discovered a love for the
stage at an early age. She began singing
at the age of 6 years old and her love of music and the arts blossomed. She has been acting for 13 years and has been
cast in numerous plays under the direction of some of Jacksonville’s greatest
directors including Jereme Raikett with Megamind Productions, Toni Diamond-Bingham
with Dynamic Duo Productions, and Cedarian Crawford with Cedarian Crawford Presents.
Kanesha is a passionate Pastry Chef and
owner of Tickled Pink Sweets, a local bakery, “Tickling Your Tastebuds One
Treat At A Time.”
“My love for theatre and my community are a part of what makes me who I am.
I am excited to be a part of the Players By The Sea family and I can’t wait to
see what life has in store for me. I am #ProudToBeAPlayer,” she says.
Alexandra Blackwell graduated from Florida State University this past
May. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Media
and Communication Studies and a minor in Music. Over her college career, she gained marketing,
writing, editing and reporting experience from internships with WFSU Public
Media, College Magazine, WJCT Public Broadcasting and Alcom Marketing and
Advertising. Ever since the 8th grade,
she’s been in love with the theatre. Her
first role was Dina in School House Rock Jr. From there she went on to participate in
theatre at Nease High School, Summer Musical Theatre Camp in St. Augustine, the
Northeast Florida Conservatory and the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival.
She says, “I am beyond thrilled to accept a role that combines my skills
with my passion. Players by the Sea
became my happy place the second I stepped inside. And I am honored to start creating alongside
such a talented team.”
You can find both Kanesha and Alexandra at the theatre five days a week with
extended hours during show runs. They
are always looking for volunteers to help them with anything from administrative
work to set building. Visit the Players By The Sea
website to learn how you can get involved.
About Players By The Sea— For over fifty years, Players by the Sea has
brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community.
With a team of only three full time workers, the theatre relies on volunteers
to dedicate their time and talents to making each show a success. Through the
years, Players has grown in its operations, incorporated educational programs,
and increased its membership and volunteer base. But they have not lost site of
the main ideal its founders lived by — “the passion of individuals for creating
satisfying theatre experiences to share with audiences.”
LOCATION: Players
By The Sea Theatre
106 6th Street North
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 249-0289
