‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid’ splashes into the Alhambra

Since report cards have been available for your viewing pleasure, it’s time to reward your little scholars with dinner and a terrific musical presentation (“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”, presented by Snyder Heating & Airconditioning), at the historic Alhambra Theatre & Dining.  The singing is outstanding, the dancing is right on time, the costumes are soooooo colorful, and the spoken lines are wonderful!

The entire cast, chosen by Director/Producer Tod Booth*, is magnificent in their glowing, glamorous, colorful costumes.  As said earlier, the vocals stand out especially ‘Ariel’ portrayed by Grace Gibbons* actual performer at Walt Disney World.  Her voice and underwater mannerisms are very close to the Disney Movies’ character that we know and love.

Some other performers who have stood out to this reviewer are: Grimsby - Timothy Ellis*, Flounder - Evan Gray*, the incomparable Sebastian - Rendell Anthony DeBose, and the entire Ensemble (some of whom play multiple roles).

Ever since this writer started covering entertainment at this venue, back in 2010, there have been many memorable shows that the Alhambra  Theatre & Dining’s set designer, Ivan Black, has excelled in creating.  Besides “Disney’s the Little Mermaid” being among some of the classic Set Creations that have graced the Alhambra stage others have been: “Phantom,” Little Shop of Horrors,” “BIG” “Shrek the Musical,” “Seussical the Musical,” The Wiz,” Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” & “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”  These are just a few of the many other (try to name a few others that you feel have exceeded your expectations).  Most of these productions can be found in the “50 Years of Memories” sold in the Alhambra foyer.  Many accolades go out to the entire Production Staff for a job “well-done”.

The Watermelon & Tomato Salad, Shrimp and Leek Gratin & Ariel’s Strawberry Cupcake are my top winners.

(If you purchase a “Strobe-light Ring” for your little one, please make sure that they keep them from flashing during the Show.)  * denotes Actors Equity Association members *.

Tickets are going quickly, so if you desire to have a good time with friends and family, order your tickets TODAY!  This show is NOT just for children.  Adults have a ball too.

  “Disney’s
The Little Mermaid”

DATES: June 12, 2019 through July 28, 2019

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:30 p.m.  Doors open 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 2 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.  NB: The curtain will rise at 7:30 PM for evenings shows, rather than the traditional 8:00 PM start.  (If you purchase a “Strobe-light Ring” for your little one, please make sure that they keep them from flashing during the Show.)

DRESS: “Business Casual”, “Sunday Best”, or Little Mermaid character attire.

TICKETS: Prices range from $40 – $66.  The Alhambra calls this summer’s show as its “Family Show,” offering an earlier starting time and lower pricing to attract more families to come to the historic theater.  A Family Four Pack is available for $159.  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

Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' makes a BIG splash in JAX

“In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid, who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, Ariel’s crabby sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea and the handsome and human Prince Eric.”  This is only a little part of the story, and the beginning of what’s in store for you during the presentation of “The Little Mermaid” at the Times Union Moran Theatre from now until this Sunday.

So many little girls came in their Little Mermaid costumes; while some mothers, and attendees adorned in blue and green hair promenaded the halls for the annual ‘Family Night on Broadway’.  There was excitement everywhere!

The Choreography is top notch and the cabled flights will remind you of scenes from Peter Pan, but you are right there to witness the thrills of the evening.  Do you remember ‘sneakers with wheels’?  Well, you’ll see some crazy birds glide across the stage (see photo) during this spectacular show.  The live orchestra did not get their just recognition in the playbill, but they did a magnificent job under the direction of Colin R. Freeman.  The music and singing were top-notch and worthy of the Disney name.

It’s amazing how Ariel and the other underwater creatures flex their bodies back-and-forth to represent swimming, nonetheless, they accomplish these moves while saying lines, singing, and flying through the deep-blue ocean air.  Costumes are very vibrant in so many pastel colors.  The scene “Under The Sea” is like viewing a Louisiana Mardi Gras or dancers on the Vegas strip, but you are viewing it on the Times Union stage.

Crazy birds on skates (top) Ariel (bottom)

Because of all the changes in characters from the Marquee playbill, this writer cannot give total credit to the proper actors, but I will try to do my best.  On one of the many papers flying around the auditorium (you should stay until the end and see who is going to clean up all the clutter), kudos go out to Dennis O’Bannion whose name was omitted.  Let it be known that all but one of Ariel’s Mersisters also doubled as the Maids; well done ladies.

Ariel (Diana Huey) has a stunning operatic-soprano voice that doesn’t allow a body harness to hamper her acting or vocals.  Sebastian (Melvin Abston) stole the show with his lobster-like moves and precise diction.  Besides having a wonderful octopus (minus a couple of tentacles) costume, Ursula (Jennifer Allen) gave a stellar performance with her mean antagonistic self.  All the actors, stage coordinators, manager, director and every assistant that “The Little Mermaid” show uses in putting on this musical, deserve to be recognized.  You don’t want to miss this show.  By far it has to be the most stunning show of the year and maybe of 2016 too.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”

DATES:         TIMES:

Wed., Mar. 22      7:30 p.m.

Thurs., Mar. 23     7:30 p.m.

Fri., Mar. 24       8 p.m.

Sat., Mar. 25      2 & 8 p.m.

Sun., Mar. 26      1:30 & 7p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts

      Moran Theater

      300 West Water St.

      Jacksonville, FL 32202

REGULAR SHOW TICKETS: start at $38.50, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series (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.

'Disney's The Little Mermaid' offers a Family Night on Broadway

Join the Times-Union Center on Opening Night of Disney’s The Little Mermaid for the 15th. Annual Family Night on Broadway.  The FSCJ Artist Series is partnering with Jax4Kids, PRI Productions, Savor…Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Public Library, and many others, to create special pre-show activities on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and during intermission.  All Family Night activities, including children’s games, face painting, photo ops, coloring stations, crafts, a special guest appearance and more, are free with paid show admission tickets.  Kid-friendly-foods will be available for purchase from Savor…Jacksonville, the Times-Union Center’s official caterer.

Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is making its Jacksonville debut.  The show features all of the favorite songs like: “Under The Sea” and “Part of Your World” as well as new songs written by Oscar-winning Disney composer Alan Menken, the mastermind behind productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Pocahontas.  Lyrics are by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and book by Doug Wright.

Proclaimed by the Houston Chronicle as “colorful entertainment, wrapped up in an attractive production,” Disney’s The Little Mermaid is sure to charm audiences of all ages!  In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid, who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, Ariel’s crabby sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea and the handsome and human Prince Eric.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”

DATES:         TIMES:

Tues., Mar. 21, 2017    7:30 p.m.

   “Family Night on Broadway”!

Wed., Mar. 22      7:30 p.m.

Thurs., Mar. 23     7:30 p.m.

Fri., Mar. 24       8 p.m.

Sat., Mar. 25      2 & 8 p.m.

Sun., Mar. 26      1:30 & 7p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts

      Moran Theater

      300 West Water St.

      Jacksonville, FL 32202

FAMILY NIGHT TICKETS: 50 percent off purchase of two tickets (one adult and one child under 12) plus facility fee and service charge; facility fee and service charge not discounted. Valid for March 21 performance only. Subject to availability. *Restrictions apply* - not valid on previously purchased tickets, and cannot be combined with any other offer.  Promo code MERMAID at fscjartistseries.org  *Offer expires at 3 p.m. on March 21 or may be withdrawn at any time*

REGULAR SHOW TICKETS: start at $38.50, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series (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.