Tuesday, January 10, 2017

'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


Wednesday, January 4, 2017

What to expect from the Alhambra Theater and Dining for 2017


2017 shows marking 50 years of success

“Looking back.  Looking Forward” is the theme for the 2017 year-long anniversary celebration at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, the nation’s longest running professional dinner theater.  The season will begin with a throw-back of sorts, a limited run of “Come Blow Your Horn”, the first show ever performed at The Alhambra it will open for three weeks starting January 4.  Making it an even more special run, “Come Blow Your Horn” will be offered at a 50th anniversary price of two seats for only $50.

The 2017 season will also feature three Alhambra actors from by-gone eras and not-so-by-gone eras.  Dawn Wells will star in Steel Magnolias.  Morgan Fairchild will star in Dixie Swim Club.  And Tony Triano will return to the Alhambra, reprising his role as Scrooge in Alhambra holiday classic, Bruce Allen Scudder’s Christmas Carole.  Triano last performed at the Alhambra in 2013.  You may recall that Wells is best known for her tenure on the hit TV show, Gilligan’s Island and Fairchild on Knots Landing and Dallas.

Sticking to the theme of “looking back and looking forward,” Craig Smith (Managing Partner) says that the Alhambra’s 50th Anniversary lineup features a mix of classic shows, “popular demand” shows, and some new shows.  The seasons shows and dates are as follows:
A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline,    January 27 - February 19
  starring Gail Bliss
Showboat
             February 22 - April 2
Dreamgirls             April 12 - May 21
Steel Magnolias,           May 24 - June 25
  starring Dawn Wells
Annie
               June 28 - August 13
Dixie Swim Club,         August 16 - September 24
  starring Morgan Fairchild
The Addams Family
        October 4 - November 12
Christmas Carole,        November 22 - December 24
  starring Tony Triano

The season began and will continue with some special events, including a signing party for the Alhambra’s commemorative coffee table book in December of 2016 and a 50th Anniversary Birthday Bash in December of 2017 with plenty of surprises in between.  The Alhambra is putting together its Alhambra After Dark Music Series line up.  It is also hosted a special New Year’s Eve Gala that featured from Las Vegas, The Piano Men Tribute, starring Lee Alverson in a montage tribute to Elton John, Billy Joel and Jerry Lee Lewis.  You may want to get your tickets early in 2017 for next New Year’s Eve.

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 Nights” (first Friday of any show) attire is “Dressy / Formal”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Range from $35 - $62.  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