When you want to talk about exquisite music, “World
of Musicals” is onboard with their ten talented singers. This European troupe of five women and 5 men from
Ireland, Scotland and England, recently gave a grand performance to the sold-out audience
at the Times Union Center (Terry Theater) in Jacksonville Florida, with tunes
from some of Broadway’s greatest hits. Direct
from their Australian and European tours, this select cast of highly talented
and accomplished West End performers have been featured in worldwide smash hits
on London’s West End. And they will be continuing
their visit to the USA until the middle
of April.
The costumes were quickly changed as the audience enjoyed one number while being
entertained for the next song. And not
only did they sing, but they also performed all types of dance. We enjoyed music from this era and some older
(but not forgotten) time periods. Some
of the familiar tunes were from: “The
Lion King,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “MaMa Mia,” “Wicked,” “Elvita,” “West Side
Story,” “Pirate King,” “Three Little Maids,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Jesus
Christ Superstar,” “The Greatest Showman,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma,” “Singing
in the Rain,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “CATS,” “Jersey Boys,” “Hairspray,” “Beauty &
the Beast,” “Les Miserables,” and ending with a finale from “The Blues Brothers.” Entire songs were sung and the evening only
had one 15-minute intermission.
Due to a lot of smoke coming from the smoke machines, we were not asked to
evacuate the building, but for safety’s sake, the Jacoby Hall, on the second floor
was asked to leave the building; nevertheless, the Times Union had everything
under control and the shows continued to the end.
The only thing that was missing from "World of Musicals" may have been some music from Motown the
Musical, but that show already exists and maybe additional showtunes from Detroit may be added to their
repertoire.
“The World of Musicals” is
making its Jacksonville premier, coming to the Times-Union Center’s Terry
Theater on March 30, 2019 for one performance only. “The
World of the Musicals” is a show for the entire family, so get ready
to be enthralled and sing along to all your favorite and beloved Musicals in
one unforgettable evening.
The World of Musicals brings
the very best of musical theatre to life. This captivating production is an emotional
journey through the great world of musicals that will leave the audience
spell-bound. With beautiful and
emotional ballads from Evita, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera along
with great up-beat favorites from Dirty Dancing, We Will Rock You
and Mamma Mia, there is something in this show for everyone. Highlights from the newest musicals such as Rocky
and Sister Act II will also be featured along with the classics from
Golden Age of American Musical Theatre by Rogers and Hammerstein, Gilbert and
Sullivan, George Gershwin and Stephen Sondheim.
WOW!!!
Direct from their Australian and European tours, this select cast of highly
talented and accomplished West End performers have been featured in worldwide
smash hits on London’s West End such as: Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray,
West Side Story, Titanic, Les Miserables, Wizard of Oz,
Mary Poppins, Evita, Rent, and Avenue Q among many
others. The World of Musicals was
created by a powerhouse team in Dublin who are responsible for Celtic Nights,
Gaelforce Dance and On Eagles Wings.
“The World of Musicals”
DATE: Sat.
Mar. 30, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Times
Union Center Performing Arts
Terry Theater
300 West Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
TICKETS: start at $50, plus applicable fees,
and may be purchased the FSCJ Artist Series box office, by calling (904)
632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.
“Waitress” tells a story of redemption, recovery,
forbidden love and a reward for doing the right thing in the end. The house was packed on the third night of
the stage show in JAX. Young and mature
were in their seats as they enjoyed the scenery changes, vocals, and an evening
of Broadway in Florida. If you’ve never
seen the movie or the musical, you’re in for an eye-opening experience.
Situations happen to us every day and sometimes we’re left to “look for love in
all the wrong places”, yet, a moment of indiscretion, like that in “Waitress”, led
to a life of joy, and fulfillment in the end, as things are turned around for
the good. People may treat you rotten,
yet if you put your trust in God and believe that He is the master of this
universe, then things may change for the better.
The actors who stood out to this writer were Ogie (Jeremy Morse) and Dawn (Ephie
Aardema) who played a couple that would remind you of a Saturday Night Live
cast. Also, the other two waitresses: Jenna
(Christine Dwyer) and Becky (Maiesha McQueen) harmonized beautifully
in each musical rendition that they performed.
Joe (Richard Kline) appeared
to be a little cantankerous and demanding at first, but in the end, he came
through for Jenna and her daughter. Earl (Matt DeAngelis) is a great antagonist and someone you will like to dislike. The
entire cast is to be commended for a job well done.
There was a wonderful live band of 6 team members who quite cleverly blended
into the background of ‘Joe’s Diner’. Accolades
go out to Robert Cookman - director
and keyboardist; Lilli Wosk - conductor
and pianist; Tom Jorgenson on drums; Lexi Bodick on bass; Nick Anton - Cello/Guitar; Ed Hamilton on Guitar and under the
coordination of John Miller. It’s always a pleasure to experience live
music during a musical, and the melodious genius of “Waitress” did not disappoint.
“Waitress” will be in Jax for one more day and you can check HERE to see when
this production will be in an area near you.
About the show: Inspired by Adrienne
Shelley’s beloved film that came out in 2007, the musical tells the story of
Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small
town and loveless marriage. A baking
contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at
a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for
happiness. But Jenna must summon the
strength and courage to rebuild her own life.
“WAITRESS”
DATES: TIMES:
Sat. Mar. 16 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sun. Mar. 17 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
Moran Theater
300 West Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
TICKETS: (Vary) and start at
$42. They may be purchased at the box
office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (904) 632-5000,
or online 24/7. Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available
by calling (904) 632-5050. Performance
schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
Are you ready? It’s only happening
for one evening, in JAX, during March. “The Price Is Right Live™” is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible
individuals the chance to "Come On
Down" and play classic games from television's longest running and
most popular game show. Contestants can
win cash, appliances, vacations and possibly even a new car by playing
favorites like Plinko™, Cliffhangers™, The Big Wheel™, and the fabulous
Showcase!
Playing to near sold out audiences for more than 10 years, The Price Is Right
Live™ has given away more than 12 million dollars in cash and prizes to lucky
audience members all across North America.
The show is the longest running game show in television history and loved by
generations of viewers. This on-stage
travelling version gives fans the chance to experience the same fun and winning
excitement up close and in-person. The
Price Is Right™ is produced and licensed by FremantleMedia
North America.
*No
Purchase Necessary to register for chance to be a contestant. Open to legal US residents, 18 years or
older. Ticket purchase will not increase
your chances of being selected to play. For complete rules & regulations,
including eligibility requirements, please click here. To
enter theater to watch show, a ticket purchase is required.
“The Price is Right Live!”
DATE: Thurs.,
Mar. 28, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing
Arts
Moran
Theater
300 West Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
TICKETS: $39, plus applicable fees, and may be
purchased at their box office, by
calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org. Discounts
for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.
You don’t want to miss
the JAX engagement of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit musical Jersey
Boys. The show will be in town for only one performance
this year at the Times Union Center in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Jersey Boys”
is the behind-the-music story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. They were just four guys from Jersey, until
they sang their very first note. They
had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on
stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an
international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A
Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Working My Way Back To You.”
Jersey Boys opened in New York
on November 6, 2005 and by the time it closed over 11 years later on January
15, 2017, it was the 12th longest running show in Broadway history, passing
such original Broadway productions as 42nd Street, Grease, Fiddler
on the Roof, and The Producers. Jersey
Boys will return to New York with a new production in November 2017. The Jersey
Boys US National Tour opened to rave reviews in San Francisco on
December 1, 2006, and is still breaking house records in cities across North
America. Jersey Boys tours of the United Kingdom and Australia began at the
end of 2017 and 2018 respectively. Jersey
Boys worldwide has been seen by over 25 million people (as of August,
2017).
The Jersey Boys design and
production team comprises Klara
Zieglerova (Scenic Design), Jess
Goldstein (Costume Design), Howell
Binkley (winner of the 2006 Tony® Award for his Lighting
Design of Jersey Boys), Steve Canyon Kennedy (Sound Design), Michael Clark (Projections Design), Charles LaPointe (Wig and Hair
Design), Steve Orich
(Orchestrations) and Ron Melrose
(Music Supervision, Vocal/Dance Arrangements & Incidental Music).
Jersey Boys is produced by Dodger Theatricals, Joseph J. Grano, Tamara and Kevin Kinsella, Pelican
Group, with Latitude Link
and Rick Steiner. Performance schedule, prices and cast are
subject to change without notice.
“Jersey Boys”
DATE: Mon.,
Mar. 25, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Times
Union Center Performing Arts
Moran Theater
300 West Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
TICKETS: $55, plus applicable fees, and may be
purchased at their box office, by
calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org. Discounts
for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.
The Tony nominated musical “WAITRESS”, which
opens at the Times-Union Center on March 12, 2019, has cast two young area
actresses to take on the role of “Lulu” during the Jacksonville 7 show engagement. The JAX performances will showcase 2 young
local artists.
Whitney Shillingford, 4, of Jacksonville, and Bailey Dorman, 5, of Orange Park
will alternate the role of “Lulu,” the daughter of the production’s main
character, Jenna. WAITRESS tells
the story of “Jenna,” an expert pie baker working at a local diner and stuck in
a loveless marriage. Her salvation comes
in the form of her daughter, “Lulu.”
Both girls were chosen via an audition process held at the Times-Union Center on January
31, 2019. More than 40 girls
participated in the auditions, which were presided over by members of the WAITRESS
company. The character of “Lulu” is
cast locally in each tour market and two girls are chosen to share the role. Each five-year-old girl chosen will perform in
four performances each during the engagement.
For Bailey, a student at Andromeda Preschool, this is her first audition and
acting experience. "It was fun. I liked
playing with Whitney," she said happily. “This
has been a completely new experience for our family,” remarked Chris
Dorman, Bailey’s father. “We're so excited for Bailey. She will always be able to look back on this
whole process and feel proud." While
Whitney has never acted before, she participates in a children’s drama program
called “Shining Star,” plays soccer and tennis, and takes ballet and
gymnastics. She is a student at
Southside United Methodist preschool and loves going to the park and the beach.
“Being able to audition for Lulu was such
an amazing opportunity for Whitney,” her mom Cindy told us. “We
really saw her confidence and independence shine in the process. We are so proud that she had the courage and
interest in being part of a Broadway show, and we are so honored she was
chosen! We can’t wait to see her share
the stage with such talented stars - we know this is an experience that she
will cherish forever.”
Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, WAITRESS is
an irresistible new hit featuring original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy
nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love
Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (“I Am Sam”) and
direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Finding Neverland, Pippin, Hair).
Inspired by Adrienne Shelley’s beloved film, the musical tells the story of
Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small
town and loveless marriage. A baking
contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at
a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness.
But Jenna must summon the strength and
courage to rebuild her own life.
“It’s an empowering musical of the
highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune. “WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!” says Entertainment
Weekly and “a monumental contribution to
Broadway!” according to Marie Claire. Don’t miss this uplifting musical celebrating
friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.
“WAITRESS”
DATES: TIMES:
Tues. Mar. 12, 2019 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Mar. 13 7:30 p.m.
Thurs. Mar. 14 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Mar 15 8 p.m.
Sat. Mar. 16 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sun. Mar. 17 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
Moran Theater
300 West Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
TICKETS: (Vary) and start at $42. They may be purchased at the box office from
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (904) 632-5000, or online 24/7. Discounts
for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050. Performance schedule, prices and cast are
subject to change without notice.
“Rain: A Tribute
To The Beatles” presents The Best of Abbey Road Live! In celebration of the anniversary of the
release of Abbey Road, RAIN will bring the greatest hits to life
in addition to all your early favorites. The celebration begins March 9, 2019 at 8 p.m.
for one performance only at The Times-Union Center!
This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary
foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!”
(Associated Press). Experience the worlds’ most iconic band and
come celebrate The Best of Abbey Road Live with Rain – A Tribute To
The Beatles. In addition to the updated sets that include
state of the art LED, high-definition screens and multimedia content, RAIN
will bring the Abbey Road album to life with the launch of the 2019
Tour.
Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN has
mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a
totally live, note-for-note performance that’s as infectious as it is
transporting. Let RAIN take you
back with all of the greatest hits along with all of your other Beatles
favorites! This adoring tribute will
take you back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from
your friends! Like The Beatles, the
onstage members of RAIN are not only supreme musicians, but electrifying
performers in their own right!
Join the conversation with RAIN on Facebook,
follow Rain on Twitter @raintribute, Instagram: @RainTribute and YouTube.
“RAIN”
A Tribute to the Beatles presents
The Nest of Abbey Road LIVE!
DATE: Saturday Mar. 9, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Times Union Center
Performing Arts
Moran Theater
300 West Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
TICKETS: range from $44 – $106
for adults, plus applicable fees, and may be purchased at their box office, by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5
p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.
Unlike “Men Are From Mars - Women Are From Venus”, “Girls Night: The Musical” is not for the faint at
heart. It reminds you a little bit like “Menopause
The Musical”, but with a lot of adult content and sexual innuendos. The music is wonderful and there were a lot of
women, in the audience, who were singing and dancing along to some of the
familiar tunes.
There is a storyline that is told by a lovely winged angel. Josephine Cooper (Sharon), Bethany Nicole Taylor (Anita),
Katie Campbell (Kate), Shelby Garrett
(Carol) and Sarah McShane (Lisa) not only sing, but dance and gyrate
around the stage to make for a flirty show.
The harmony that came from these five talented ladies is very
entertaining.
If you would like a cocktail to enjoy during the show, you may want to get to
the theatre a little early. This is NOT
a family show (there was a dad, mom and two children who left after the first
song). I was with a friend, yet would
have felt a little uncomfortable with my daughter or my mother. It’s a Night out with the Girls of your own
age.
‟Girls Night: The Musical”
DATES:
Thurs., Feb. 21, 2019 TIMES: 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 22 8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 23 4 p.m.
LOCATION: Times Union
Center Performing Arts
Terry Theater
300 West Water St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
TICKETS: are $55.
They may be purchased at the box office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, by calling (904) 632-5000, or online 24/7. Discounts
for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.
