Dawn Wells stars in 'Steel Magnolias' at the Alhambra in JAX

In 1974 Dawn Wells (Mary Ann of Gilligan’s Island) last appeared at the Alhambra Theatre playing the lead in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park.  Ticket started at $7.50, the Alhambra Dinner Theater served a buffet and she was directed by George Ballis.  More than 30 years later, as part of its “50 Years of Memories” celebration, Ms. Wells will once again star at the Alhambra.  This time Tod Booth will be directing “Steel Magnolias” and Wells will be playing Ousier Boudreaux.

Wells, of course, gained notoriety in the late 1960’s classic television show, Gilligan’s Island.  She played the girl-next-door, Mary Ann Summers.  While forever etched in television folklore, Gilligan’s Island only ran for three seasons.  Meanwhile, in addition to acting, Wells is a producer, author, spokesperson, journalist, motivational speaker, teacher, and Chairwoman of the Terry Lee Wells Foundation - focusing on underprivileged women and children in Northern Nevada.  She has also served on the alumnae board of Stephens College and is co-founder of the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald Tennessee. A fourth generation of Reno, Nevada, Miss Wells represented Nevada in the Miss America Pageant of 1959.

About the show: The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done.  Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon, Ouiser; an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is about to marry a "good ole boy."  Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life.  The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strengths gives the play and its characters, a special quality of love, feisty women and sisterhood comradery.

“Steel Magnolias”
DATES: May 24 — June 25, 2017
SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner begins at 6 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 12 p.m.
DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday May 25, 2017) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.  To see the menu, Click HERE.
TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $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

Cinderella will be finding her Prince Charming in JAX

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA, the 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The King & I and The Sound of Music, will play the Times-Union Center for a limited engagement.  With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA combines the story's classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists.

More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting.  She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn't let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness.  She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place.  She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.

CINDERELLA has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II.  Originally directed by Mark Brokaw, the tour is directed by Gina Rattan and choreographed by Josh Rhodes.  Music adaptation and arrangements are by David Chase and music supervision is by Valerie Gebert. Orchestrations are by Bill Elliott and are adapted from the original Broadway orchestrations by Danny Troob.  CINDERELLA was written for television debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews.  In 2013, the show made its long-overdue Broadway debut.

The CINDERELLA tour is produced by Work Light Productions. CINDERELLA was produced on Broadway by Robyn Goodman, Jill Furman, Stephen Kocis, Edward Walson, Venetian Glass Productions, The Araca Group, Luigi Caiola & Rose Caiola, Roy Furman, Walt Grossman, Peter May/Sanford Robertson, Glass Slipper Productions LLC/Eric Schmidt, Ted Liebowitz/James Spry, Blanket Fort Productions and in association with Center Theatre Group.  For more information visit Facebook & Twitter: @CinderellaBway.

 “Cinderella”
DATES:         TIMES:
Tues., June 13, 2017    7:30 p.m.
Wed., June 14      7:30 p.m.
Thurs., June 15     7:30 p.m.
Fri., June 16       8 p.m.
Sat., June 17      2 & 8 p.m.
Sun., June 18      1:30 & 7p.m.

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

Mary Wilson adds to 'Menopause The Musical' 2017 tour

If you’ve already seen the production, fear not, there’s a new cast, and the fabulous Mary Wilson formerly from the Supremes is in the show.  Before the show begins, Ms Wilson comes out on stage and talks to the crowd of men and women, who can both identify with the songs and antics of “Menopause The Musical.”  At 73 years of age, Mary can still hold her own on stage.  She look fabulous and still has her ‘supreme’ voice.  Menopause The Musical is about four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra and: memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more!  This hilarious musical parody is set to classic tunes from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles!  The limited engagement continues for the Mother’s Day weekend at the Times Union Center Performing Arts: Terry Theater.

About the Cast: Megan Cavanagh (Earth Mother) is most recognized as Marla Hooch, from The Penny Marshall movie, “A League of Their Own.”  Other film credits include: Mel Brooks’ “Robin Hood: Men In Tights” (Broomhilde) and (Essie) “Dracula: Dead And Loving It.”  She starred with Tim Allen and Kirstie Ally in “For Richer Or Poorer” (Levinia Yoder).  She also starred with Christina Ricci in Disney’s remake of “That Darn Cat (Lu)”. Megan also voiced Judy Neutron in the Academy Award nominated animated feature “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius”.
Teri Adams (Iowa Housewife) has been with Menopause The Musical®! since 2006, where she first played IH at the American Heartland Theatre in her hometown, Kansas City, where it ran for 5 months.  Since then, she has joined the MTM national touring company, and although still based out of KC, she has performed this role on numerous tours and sit-down productions across the country.
Linda Boston (Professional Woman) was a requested vocalist and she’s sung before Pres. Bill Clinton, Rev. Jesse Jackson and many more.  She’s served as opening vocalist at the 2006 Detroit Mayoral Inauguration.  Theatre accomplishments include: “Crowns,” “Sophisticated Ladies” and the award winning one-woman-show “Jackie ‘Moms’ Mabley: The NakedTruth.”  She’s also voiced many local, regional and national commercials.
Patti Gardner (Soap Star) was the original soap star in GFour's first production and has toured nationally with menopause the musical since 2001.  She has performed on most of the South Florida stages for the last thirty years and is a multi Carbonell Award nominee and recipient, as well as the Silver Palm award.

The hilarious musical is set in NYC’s Bloomingdale’s store.  The cast laughs at their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges.  A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer The Silent Passage!  It is a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal!

Menopause The Musical® is the work of writer and producer, Jeanie Linders.  The laughter-filled 90-minute production includes parodies from the classics of the ‘60s and ‘70s and ‘80s. Disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” becomes “Stayin’ Awake,” Motown favorite “My Girl” is transformed into “My Thighs,” "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" switches to "In the Guest Room or on the Sofa, My Husband Sleeps at Night,” and “Puff The Magic Dragon” becomes the anthem to exercise, “Puff, My God I’m Draggin”.

This writer has already seen a performance of this show in Amarillo, Texas and JAX, FL.; it’s that good.  See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 10 years!  It's the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change!®

“Menopause The Musical”
DATES       TIMES:
Thurs. May 11, 2017 7:30 p.m.
Fri. May 12     8 p.m.
Sat. May 13    4:30 & 8 p.m.
Sun. May 14    2 & 5:30 p.m.

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

TICKETS: start at $46.90 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.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens celebrates 'National Public Gardens Day'

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens joins the American Public Gardens Association and communities throughout the United States in celebration of National Public Gardens Day.  This annual tradition of celebrating public gardens happens on the Friday preceding Mother’s Day weekend, May 12, 2017.  The day of public garden awareness invites communities nationwide to explore the diverse beauty of their local green spaces and to take advantage of conservation, education, and environmental preservation resources public gardens provide.  “The Cummer Museum is proud to be a part of National Public Gardens Day,” stated Chief Operating Officer & Chief Curator Holly Keris. “Museum founder Ninah Cummer believed strongly in public access for beautiful, green spaces.  Her contributions to this cause are exemplified not only by the gardens at the Museum, but also through nearby Memorial Park.  Although we consider every day at the Cummer Museum to be a way to celebrate the gardens, we are grateful to the American Public Gardens Association for helping to lead this conversation on a national level.”

In celebration of National Public Gardens Day, the Cummer Museum is offering FREE ADMISSION for two and a 10% discount in the Cummer Shop on May 12 for those holding a coupon.  Coupons can be printed from the American Public Gardens Day website and following the prompts to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.  Click HERE to find a participating garden near you.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission

'Chonda Pierce' comes to the big screen once again in May

If you missed comedian Chonda Pierce back in April of this year, well, you have another chance to see her this month.  Pierce will be returning to the big screen for another one-night special with an important message for audiences nationwide: Laugh – Cry – Love.  “Chonda Pierce: Enough” comes to cinemas nationwide on Tuesday, May 9th, at 7:00 p.m. local time, presented by Fathom Events and Fuseic Entertainment.  Following the feature content, audiences will see Pierce and acclaimed singer/songwriter and comedian Mark Lowry answer questions submitted by fans.  “Chonda Pierce: Enough” serves as a powerful reminder that our value is found in Christ; because of Him, we are enough.

Tickets for “Chonda Pierce: Enough” can be purchased online now, by visiting FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices.  Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in nearly 750 select movie theaters.  For a complete list of theater locations add your zip code to the link above (theaters and participants are subject to change).

America’s best-selling female comedian of all time, Pierce continues to overcome obstacles through her faith, humor and the support of her community.  Beginning two years after the death of her husband, “Enough” explores Pierce’s ongoing path to healing, highlighting the importance of friendship.  “Enough” is a passionate, heartening and funny call to connect with those who love you the most.