‘LaBoheme’ soon to be at the Times Union Center

Teatro Lirico D'Europa brings its highly acclaimed, full-scale, traditional, Italian production of Puccini's timeless “LA BOHÈME” to Jacksonville for one night only with an international cast of soloists, full orchestra and chorus. English super titles are projected above the stage.

The opera La Bohème centers around the tragic love story of Mimí and Rodolfo. The story is set in 1830 Paris and shows the lifestyle of four struggling bohemians – a poet, a painter, a musician and a philosopher. Shivering in a garret and owing rent, their lives change forever the night Colline the Philosopher and Schaunard the Musician earn enough money for all of the friends to buy a meal at a nearby restaurant. Rodolfo the Poet stays behind to finish his writing but is interrupted by Lucia, known as Mimi, a seamstress from the next apartment over. They are instantly attracted to each other, and decide to catch up with the others."

Teatro Lirico D'Europa had a stunning success with a production of Puccini's LA BOHEME that would have satisfied the most ardent opera fan. Here was a production in a classic style with solid acting and depth of sound, both of which stirred the musical soul of an audience so intensely satisfied. Artistic director Giorgio Lalov has the gift of "assemblage d'art". - The Chicago Star - D. K. Luksetich

“La Bohème – The Opera”
DATE: Friday March 26, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: Start at $33.75can be purchased online 24/7 HERE

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

Opera ‘La Traviata’ in JAX for one night

Teatro Lirico D'europa’s La Traviata will play Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center January 30, 2020 for one performance only!

G. Verdi’s La Traviata is set in 19th Century Paris and is the famous story of a young man, Alfredo Germont, who falls deeply in love with a wealthy French prostitute, Violetta Valery.  Without Alfredo’s knowledge, his father visits Violetta and asks her to give up her relationship with his son because it has brought shame upon their entire family; the generous woman agrees. At the conclusion of the tragic story, Violetta dies of tuberculosis in the arms of Alfredo.

Teatro Lirico D’Europa was created in 1988 by the late Yves Josse, a former ballet divo and brilliant French arts promoter, and Giorgio Lalov, a young Bulgarian opera singer who made his debut at Teatro alla Scala, Milan, at the age of 25 while participating in Scala’s famous international training program for young singers.  The collaboration between Josse and Lalov was a huge success in a very short time, resulting in tours with over 250 performances a season throughout France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Sicily, and Portugal.  The tours included performances for: Opera Dijon, performances at Salle Pleyel in Paris; Okinawa Performing Arts Center, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen; Theatre Carre in Amsterdam; Congresshaus in Zurich; Theatre Trinidade in Lisbon; Teatro Atlantida in Barcelona; Salida de La Compania in Madrid; Teatro Cervantes, Madrid; Teatro Bueno Vallejo, Madrid; Teatro Lope de Vega in Seville; Le Cirque Royale in Brussels & L’Atrium Theatre on the Island of Martinique.

“La Traviata”

DATE: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: start at $25 for adults and $12.50 for children (12 and under), 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.

‘A Bronx Tale’ - great show on a cool FL night

Even if this reporter has never seen “A Bronx Tale”, she thoroughly enjoyed the presentation at the Times Union Center in JAX.  I would not recommend this show for young children and everyone else probable saw the one-man-show, the movie, or musical elsewhere; because there were no little ones in sight.  Mix a little “West Side Story,” with a little “Jersey Boys,” add a of “Saturday Night Fever,” along with a pinch of “Grease,” and you’ve got a serious Broadway hit on your hands.

The elaborate cast that came to JAX is impeccable.  If a mistake was made - it was not noticeable.  The singing and chorography were wonderful especially in the songs: “I Like It,” “These Streets,” “Webster Avenue,” and “One Of The Great Ones.”  The 12-piece orchestra was fantastic.  Kudos to the set designer, costumes designer (looked very similar to the Broadway production) and the sound engineer.

This tour group, that came to Jacksonville, FL; looked, acted and sang so much like the actors who were in NYC - this was a real treat for JAX.  Young Calogero (“C”) locally played by 11-year-old Trey Murphy, stole the show.  His acting & singing were right on pitch and cue.  This writer doesn’t know how long he was a way from school, or how many hours he put into this show, nonetheless, his grades MUST be top notch.  You’ll see more of him at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, if not at other venues.  The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, because his father Justin Murphy, is lead actor in “Jekyll & Hyde” still playing at the Alhambra.  See “A Bronx Tale” in a city near you.  Get your tickets today!

‘Jekyll & Hyde The Musical’ is just what the doctor ordered

Photos: Jamie Iames Repper & Alhambra

If you like/liked the intrigue of stories like “Dr. Frankenstein” or Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”, “Psycho” or “Vertigo”, then you need to take time and make your reservation right now for “Jekyll & Hyde the Musical” at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, in Jacksonville, FL.  The acting, singing and dancing are marvelous throughout the show.

Justin Murphy, who has not performed at the Alhambra since 2008, does quite well in playing the dual-lead roles of Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde.  Murphy last performed at the Alhambra as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar (See center photo in collage).

Also returning are Gary Marachek* as Gabriel John Utterson (Marachek last appeared in the Christmas Carole as Ebenezer Scrooge),  Kenneth Uibel as General Lord Glossop (audiences will remember Uibel for his long-time portrayal of the ghost in the Alhambra’s Christmas Carole).  Jessica Booth as Lucy Harris has been in numerous presentations at the Alhambra and we watched her blossom into the national performer that she has become.  Her Mom (Lisa Valdini*) & Alhambra producer/director (Tod Booth*) are very proud of their daughter.

Also in the lineup’s main characters, whom you’ve seen in previous Alhambra shows are: Kurt McCall* (Sir Danvers Carew), David Diehl (Simon Stride), Patti Eyler* (Lady Beaconsfield), Alec Hadden (The Bishop of Basingstoke), Andrew LeJeune (Lord Savage), Melvin Nash (Sir Archibald Proops) and Traci Bair* as Emma Carew.  What a marvelous performance and kudos to these capable actors.

Lee Hamby, Katie Nettle*, Cat Brindisi*, Leland Pettis, Carley Levy and Erin Leigh Knowles are six performers who sing and dance the night away in this English Operatic musical; thanks to musical direction of Cathy Murphy Giddens, and stage manager/choreographer - Shain Stroff*.

* Denotes the player who is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association

From the dining room: The Executive Chef Dejuan Roy’s menu is simply superb.  Even though Chef Dejuan is on vacation, he made sure that his selections were created to the letter.  The following are selections that were sampled by this writer and my tablemates.  You will be delighted with any of these choices. First Course – Pumpkin Bisque with crème fraiche and toasted pumpkin seeds; or a Kale Salad with roasted fall vegetables {The soup is delightfully warm in temperature and not chilled.  If you like kale, then you will enjoy the salad}.  Second Course features a choice of Braised Pork Shank with polenta and pole beans {This is a large portion of meat as you would enjoy from an osso bucco shank.  It is flavorful and very delicious}; Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya {a little spicy, yet scrumptious}; house-baked Toffee Chocolate Cream Pie {melts in your mouth}.

“Jekyll & Hyde the Musical”

DATES: October 23, 2019 through November 24, 2019

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 $54 – $61.  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

Opera ‘Tosca’ comes to JAX

For one performance only, The Teatro Lirico D’Europa comes to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center. On January 18, 2019 at 8 p.m., come experience their production of “Tosca, The Opera!”  Tosca is a melodramatic piece set in Rome in June of 1800, with the Kingdom of Naples control of Rome threatened by Napoleon's invasion of Italy.

A tragic drama of intense love, an assassination, murder and suicide! NOW THAT'S OPERA!!!  "Naples gave Teatro Lirico's its best compliment, standing through four finale bows after the company sailed through 'Tosca' at the Philharmonic Center.  The Teatro operas are becoming can't-wait-for-the-next-one quality." - Naples Daily News.

“Tosca The Opera!”

DATE: Friday. Jan. 18, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS:  $18.08 for children (12 and under) and $33.75 for adults, plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), at their box office, or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.

‘Puccini’s Madama Butterfly’ in JAX for an evening

Puccini’s famous opera, Madama Butterfly will be coming to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center, for one performance only.

“Pucciniʼs Madama Butterfly” follows Pinkerton, an American naval captain who is exploring the World in the name of pleasure.  “Life is not worth living if I can’t win the best and fairest of each country,” he declares.  He sets his sights on the best and fairest of this land: the stunning Japanese beauty Cio-Cio-San. Pinkerton is fascinated by her exotic beauty and marries her on sight, while Cio-Cio-San, enthralled by his American ways and promise of a modern life in America, falls wholeheartedly in love with the stranger. But Pinkerton already has a foot out the door, looking forward to the day he will marry “a real wife, a wife from America.”

Three years pass, and Cio-Cio-San waits faithfully for her husband’s return from distant shores. Long abandoned by her family, she is alone with her servant Suzuki and a living memento of her American love. She refuses all offers of marriage, singing of her great hope for the day Pinkerton will return. The faithful Suzuki tries in vain to convince her to abandon hope. But when his ship comes in, Pinkerton is not alone. As dawn breaks, what will become of Butterfly’s great hope?

“Puccini’s Madama Butterfly”
DATE: February 16, 2018
TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS:  start at $18 for children and $33.75 for adults, plus applicable fees.  They may be purchased at the box office, and may be purchased online 24/7 at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Chase (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Puccini's opera 'Turandot' will be in JAX for one evening

Puccini’s final masterpiece “Turandot” comes to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center, Moran Theater for one performance only. Turandot is based on the Greek myth “the riddle of the sphinx”.  The opera's story takes place in the ancient “Forbidden City” of Peking and is performed in three acts.

Act 1: In a legendary time, at the square in front of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, the Princess, Turandot, is a woman of great beauty, but has a cold heart that is as cold as ice. She said, “Any prince seeking to marry me must answer three riddles.  But if he fails, he will have to die.”  At the square, a failed prince’s fate, who is going to the guillotine, excites a lot of the audience’s blood. In the crowd, a vanquished king of Tartary, Timur, meets his long-lost son, Prince Calaf, again.  Calaf falls in love with Turandot at first sight. He proclaims to try to answer her three riddles.  One of Timur’s slave girls, Liu, attempts to stop his reckless resolve, but his determination strengthens.

Act 2: Turandot appears, and begins to ask Calaf her three riddles.
Q1. What thing is reborn every night? ...A. ‘Hope’
Q2. What burns hot, but is not fire? ...A. ‘Blood’
Q3. What ice can make fire? ...A. ‘Turandot’
Calaf successfully answers her three riddles.  Turandot is upset, and refuses to marry him.  Calaf says to her, “If you can learn my name by dawn, I will forfeit my life.”

Act 3: Turandot gives the crowd in Beijing an order not to sleep until someone learns his name. The people of Beijing frantically find out his name.  They catch Liu.  Turandot asks Liu why she never says his name.  Liu answers that it is because of her love to him, and kills herself.  After the crowd goes home, Turandot remains alone to confront Calaf.  Then, Calaf gives away his name to her.  At the break of dawn, Turandot proclaims the victory to learn his name in front of the crowd.  She says to the crowd, “His name is …Love”, and she then concedes defeat and marries him.

The opera was unfinished at the time of Puccini's death in 1924, and was completed by Franco Alfano in 1926.

“Puccini’s Turandot”
DATE: Tuesday, February 21, 2017
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: start at $32.25, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Chase (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 442-BWAY (2929) between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 442-2947 or emailing groupsales@fscj.edu.