Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Barry Manilow challenges Duval residents for a great cause

Pop music icon Barry Manilow hopes others will follow his philanthropic lead as he brings his Manilow Music Project to John E. Ford PK-8 School in Jacksonville, FL.  The legendary singer/songwriter plans to donate a Yamaha keyboard to launch a local music instrument drive.  Anyone who donates a new or gently used musical instrument will receive 2 free tickets (valid for pre-selected seat locations on a first come first serve basis) for Manilow’s February 18th concert at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville.

The
Manilow Music Project has conducted music instrument drives all over the country to assist local schools with their music programs.  “I’m thrilled to once again bring the gift of music to these kids,” added Manilow.  The Public Can Trade a New or Gently Used Musical Instrument for Free Tickets to Manilow’s February 18th concert in Jacksonville, FL.  The box office at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts will be the drop off point for the instrument drive now through February 18th.  Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

“If we do not inspire a love of the arts in our children, there will be no more arts for our children to love,” said Staci Kelly Pendry, General Music Teacher.
“The Manilow Music project helps to give all students access to that inspiration through their love of music and generosity.  We are honored to accept this thoughtful gift on behalf of the John E. Ford PK-8 community.”

The Manilow Music Project (MMP) is part of The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope.  It was formed as a grass roots organization to assist local charities and programs.  Its primary focus is to provide musical instruments to high schools and middle schools and to provide music scholarships at universities throughout the US, Canada, and the UK.

Tickets are available online at
Manilow.com, in person at the Moran Theater Box Office or by phone at 800-745-3000.

With worldwide record sales exceeding 85 million, Barry Manilow's unparalleled career encompasses virtually every arena of entertainment, including performing, writing, composing, arranging, and producing. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Manilow has produced, arranged, and released more than 40 albums during the course of his career.  He has also written and produced songs for Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, and many more.  He has been honored with a Grammy, two Emmys, a Tony Award, an Oscar nomination, and a top selling autobiography.

SMG Jacksonville manages seven sports, entertainment, and convention venues on behalf of the City of Jacksonville. Their venues include: EverBank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida-Georgia, the TaxSlayer Bowl and Monster Jam.  Daily’s Place, a 5,500 seat amphitheater with concert programming year-round and an indoor practice facility for the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, showplace of such entertainment greats as Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett and home to the Arena Bowl XXIV Champions Jacksonville Sharks, the ABA Jacksonville Giants and the Jacksonville IceMen.  The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Florida vs FSU Baseball.  The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, stage to Broadway and music elite like Wicked, James Taylor and Diana Ross; and home of the FSCJ Artist Series of and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.  The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, a historic renovated train station providing a unique venue for meetings, social events and conventions.  The Ritz Theatre and Museum, located in Jacksonville’s historic African American community of La Villa, celebrating the artistic culture of African American life in Northeast Florida and the African Diaspora with museum exhibits, concerts, films, lectures, dance and dramatic arts.

‘Cabaret’ debuts in JAX at the Thrasher-Horne Center

“Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome” any way you want to say it, “Cabaret” is coming to the Thrasher-Horne main stage with its revival tour for one night only and they want you in the audience!  Based on Roundabout Theatre Company's Tony Award (r)-winning production, Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) and Rob Marshall's (Into the Woods and Chicago, the films) show is part of the 2017-2018 Broadway Orange Park Season sponsored by Garber Automall.

Welcome to the infamous Kit Kat Klub, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles and a raucous ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd - and to leave their troubles outside. But as life in pre-WWII Germany grows more and more uncertain, will the decadent allure of Berlin nightlife be enough to get them through their dangerous times? Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including "Cabaret," "Willkommen," and "Maybe This Time."  Leave your troubles outside - life is beautiful at Cabaret- John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff's Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way.

As an homage to the Broadway revival production, true "cabaret" tables will be available for audience members within the orchestra pit area near the stage for a more immersive viewing experience.  Tables seat four and include: complimentary champagne service with a dedicated server.

***Cabaret contains suggestive sexual content and dialogue and is not recommended for ages 12 and under***

Cabaret
DATE: Thurs. Feb. 1, 2018  TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thrasher-Horne Ctr.

      St. Johns River State College
      
283 College Drive

      Orange Park, FL 32065


TICKETS: range from $49– $83 with all fees included, and may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  The Thrasher-Horne Center encourages all guests to research a show's content before purchasing.  It is a performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  The venue is located on the Orange Park campus.

Florida Theatre is back for January 2018 New Year events

Have you missed some of the shows from the Florida Theatre?  Well, it’s time to get back to some really great talent, lots of music, featured shows and the best entertainment that Jacksonville Florida has to offer.  Take a look, clear your schedule and book your tickets today.

January 2018 schedule:
24 Musical Thrones
28 Tiffany Haddish
30 Take Me To the River
31 G3

January 24 - 8 p.m.
Musical Thrones: A Parody.  Musical Thrones: A Parody brings to life the characters of the Emmy-Award winning HBO series Games of Thrones.  Sing and dance along with Daenerys and her dragons, Tyrion, Joffrey and all the jolly members of the Lannister and Stark families in this fun musical.

January 28 - 8 p.m.
Tiffany Haddish.  Comedian Tiffany Haddish’s break- out- performance in the hit movie Girls Trip and one of the 2018 Oscar Nominations announcers, made her Variety Magazine's "Top 2017 Comedians to Watch."  Her first one-hour comedy special, She Ready! From The Hood to Hollywood!  premiered on Showtime in August. Later this year she will star in the upcoming TBS sitcom The Real O.G. alongside Tracy Morgan.

January 30 - 8 p.m.
Take Me to the River. Backed by an all-star Memphis band, Take Me To The River includes performances by the Hi-Rhythm Section (“On The Loose,” “Save All My Love,” and “Since You’ve Been Gone”), Frayser Boy (“Gone On That Bay,” “Big Money”) Al Kapone (“Whoop That Trick,”  and “Get Crunk, Get Buck”) and The Stax Academy Alumi Band under the musical direction of Boo Mitchell, who is best known for his work with Al Greene, 8 Ball, John Mayer, Rod Stewart and Lamont Dozier.

January 31 - 7 p.m.
G3 2018 featuring Joe Satriani, John Petrucci (of Dream Theater) and Phil Collen (of Def Leppard).  Guitar superstar Joe Satriani welcomes Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci and Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen to his annual tour.

“Florida Theatre January 2018 events”
LOCATION: Florida Theatre

      
128 E. Forsyth St.

      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS
: Vary with each show and seat preference.  Order online or call the box office (904) 355-2787, Monday — Friday from 9 a.m. –5 p.m.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Bill Engvall returns once again to Orange Park

Bill Engvall is coming back to the Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park with “Here’s Your Sign.” Don’t miss the funny man as he returns with a whole new show.  Bill Engvall: Here’s Your Sign will perform on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 8 p.m.  Those who purchased tickets for the original show date in October will have their choice seats for the new year’s show.

Bill Engvall is a Grammy nominated, multi-platinum selling recording artist and one of the top comedians in the country.  Most recently, Bill was a contestant on season 17 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, and as a fan favorite, he made it to the finals.  Earlier this year, Bill lent his voice to the animated comedy series Bounty Hunters, which aired on CMT. He previously starred in, and executive produced, the TBS sitcom The Bill Engvall Show.  Bill was part of the enormously successful Blue-Collar Comedy concert films, which sold over nine million units and received a Grammy nomination.  He also starred on the WB’s hit sketch comedy show Blue Collar TV and in several solo specials for Comedy Central.  In 2012 he reunited with Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy on the Them Idiots Whirled Tour, which aired as a special on CMT.

Bill’s first album, Here’s Your Sign, is certified platinum and held the #1 position on the Billboard Comedy Chart for 15 straight weeks. His second album, Dorkfish, also debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Comedy Chart, as did his subsequent comedy albums. Bill has written several books, including his 2007 autobiography Bill Engvall –Just A Guy.

A native of Galveston, Texas, Bill moved to Dallas and worked as a disc jockey with plans of becoming a teacher.  While in a nightclub one evening, he tried his hand at stand-up comedy and found that making people laugh was truly his forte.  Soon after, he moved to Los Angeles and went on to star in the Showtime special, A Pair of Joker’s, hosted A&E’s Evening at the Improv and appeared on The Tonight Show and Late Show with David Letterman.  In 1992, Bill won the American Comedy Award for “Best Male Stand-up Comedian.”  He appeared in several episodes of Designing Women and co-starred in Delta and The Jeff Foxworthy Show.  Bill resides in Southern California with his family.  More information is available at
www.billengvall.com.

Bill Engvall Show
Thrasher Horne Center Events
LOCATION:
The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      
St. Johns River State College
      
283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: May be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Prices range from $49 to $129.  Meet and Greet tickets for $129! Select a light blue seat in the Orchestra Pit.  (If there are no light blue seats, all Meet and Greet tickets have been sold. Details will be emailed to ticket holders closer to the show.)

The Thrasher-Horne Center is a not-for profit performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is located on the Orange Park campus.

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Four female crooners take on the Alhambra Theater and Dining

The audience was taken back in time to a senior prom of years ago.  Besides the familiar tunes of the late 50’s and early 60’s, the crowd also participated with voting for the prom queen Class of 1958 in The Marvelous Wonderettes.  Three of the four ladies (Erica Lustig* playing Missy Miller, Juliana Davis* as Cindy Lou Huffington, Kayla Tomas* in the character of Betty Jean Reynolds), have previously appeared in other productions at the Alhambra.  Lindsay Nantz* newbie to the quartet portrayed Suzy Simpson and harmonized so well with the other women.
The storyline is cute and may takes you back-in-time to your high school prom or reunion.  The music will have you singing along to those hits of the past.  Some familiar tunes are: “Mr. Sandman,” “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick On Your Collar,” “Good Night Sweetheart, Good Night,” “Sincerely,” “Mr. Sandman,” “You Don’t Own Me, “ “With This Ring,” “It’s My Part” “Son Of a Preacher Man,” “Leader Of The Pack,” “Maybe,” “Needle In A Haystack,’ “Rescue Me,” “Respect,” and many more.
*Denotes Actors Equity Association*

The Marvelous Wonderettes
DATES: January 3 — February 4, 2018

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday 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 12:50 p.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Business Casual”, “Sunday Best” or Stay Warm.

TICKETS: Prices 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, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       
12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
       (904) 641-1212

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens presents ‘A Dinner Party Series’

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is excited to present “Inspired Palates: A Dinner Party Series.”  This exciting series of dinners will raise funds to aid in the reconstruction of the historic Cummer Gardens, which were significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma.  So clutch your pearls, fill your glasses, and join the Cummer Museum for this avant-garde series of dinners that will inspire your palate and spark your creative energies.

Mr. and Mrs. Cummer were known to be legendary hosts
, and this is your chance to join the Museum in celebration of the culture and history of the places that inspired the beautiful gardens. The series includes three dinners, one for each historic garden space. All Dinner Party guests
will enjoy beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres, themed music, artful moments, and a gourmet dining experience.

Guests who purchase a VIP ticket will also enjoy a private art tour with selections chosen to complement each event, along with a signature cocktail prior to the start of the evening, from 5:30 to 6 p.m.  For further information or to register for one or all of the dinners, please call 904.899.6038 or visit HERE.

Join the Museum for a single dinner: VIP - $250. General - Members $150, Non-Members $175. Young Professional (40 and under) - Members $100, Non-Members $125.
Or for the full series: VIP - $675. General - Members $400, Non-Members $475. Young Professional (40 and under) - Members $275, Non-Members $350.


La Dolce Vita: An Italian Dinner Party — Thurs., Jan 11 from 6 to 9 p.m.  Registration required by Jan 5.  Experience the wonders of an Italian soggiorno without ever leaving the city limits of Jacksonville. The evening will offer guests an array of Italian-style experiences, including live music, wine, and antipasti, culminating in a seated, family-style meal that will reinforce why Italians are known for the gioie della tavola, or “the joys of the table.” This Italian experience will support the reconstruction of the Italian Garden.

British Invasion: An English Dinner Party — Thurs., Feb 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.  Registration required by Feb 8.  Calling all anglophiles! Do you fancy a pint? Round up some mates, dress in your British best, and join us at the Museum for a pub crawl style evening with a classy spin. Guests will enjoy live music, activities, beer pairings, and favorite pub cuisine! This jolly good evening will support the reconstruction of the English Garden.

“South” Hampton: A New York Dinner Party — Thurs., Mar 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.  Registration required by Mar 8.  Travel back in time to the Gatsby era in New York’s Southampton community, where socialites were aplenty and parties were swanky. Guests are invited to don their best wingtips, t-straps, and other festive attire as we celebrate the era of innovation with a top secret prohibition cocktail, live swing music, and a seated dinner. This exciting evening will support the reconstruction of the Olmsted Garden, designed in the early 1930s by the fabled Olmsted Brothers Firm, which had ties to New York’s Central Park.

As a fundraising event for the Museum, a portion of every ticket is a tax-deductible donation to the Museum.  Sponsorship options are available.  Please contact the Advancement Office at (904) 899-6028 for more information about sponsorship opportunities.

State Ballet Theatre of Russia brings ‘Sleeping Beauty’ to JAX


The State Ballet Theatre of Russia is coming to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center with Sleeping Beauty.  This full-scale production is choreographed by famous choreographer, Marius Petipa.  Brought to glorious life by The State Ballet Theatre of Russia and based on the Brothers Grimm's version, this romantic tale tells the story of a princess cursed to sleep for 100 years. Presenting 55 of Russia’s brightest ballet stars, this celebration of true love, considered one of Tchaikovsky’s greatest jewels, is brought onto the stage for only one performance.

Founded by legendary dancer and former Prima Ballerina of The Bolshoi Theatre Ballet, Maya Plisetskaya, The State Ballet Theatre of Russia, now under the direction of award-winning dancer and Moiseyev Dance Company soloist Nikolay Anokhin, presents the most passionate love story Ballet.  Music is by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Choreography by Marius Petipa.

“Effortless precision.” – Palm Beach Daily News “Full of enchantment!” – The New York Times.

Sleeping Beauty

DATE: January 12, 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 (12 and under) and $33.75 for adults, plus applicable fees.  They may also be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

‘A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder’ plays at the THC in OP

The Tony® Award winner for Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder”, will play Thrasher-Horne Center, in its First National Tour.  Gentleman’s Guide tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession, by any means necessary.  All the while, he’s got to juggle his mistress (she’s after more than just love), his fiancée (she’s his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.

The most celebrated musical of the 2013-14 Broadway season, Gentleman’s Guide received ten 2014 Tony® Award nominations, eventually winning four awards: Best Musical, Direction of a Musical, Book of a Musical, and Best Costume Design.  In addition, it won the Best Musical prizes from the Drama League, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle, and received a 2015 Grammy® Award nomination for Best Musical Show Album.

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder” features a book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak.  Direction is by Darko Tresnjak, with choreography by Peggy Hickey.  Gentleman's Guide opened at Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre to overwhelming critical acclaim in November 2013 where The New York Times raved Gentleman’s Guide will lift the hearts of all those who’ve been pining for what sometimes seems a lost art form.”  The Hollywood Reporter enthused Gentleman’s Guide “Restores our faith in musical comedy!” and Time Magazine said “Just as I was about to give up on musicals, along comes A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder!”

Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
DATE: Jan. 5, 2018  TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thrasher-Horne Ctr.

      St. Johns River State College
      
283 College Drive

      Orange Park, FL 32065


TICKETS: range from $43– $83 with all fees included, and may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  The Thrasher-Horne Center encourages all guests to research a show's content before purchasing.  It is a performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  It is located on the Orange Park campus.

‘Clara’s at the Cathedral is getting a facelift

To serve the public better, Clara White Mission is making things better for their  lunchtime guests, yet due to Kitchen Renovations, Clara’s at the Cathedral will be closed on Friday, January 5, 2018.  Reserve your seat for the best meal in town when the cafe reopens.

“Clara’s at the Cathedral” is an outgrowth of Clara White’s Culinary Arts Program, providing students with extensive hands-on training in production, presentation and front of the house restaurant service.  Operated through a collaboration with St. John’s Cathedral Church, since March, 2007.  The Café offers a relaxed dining experience within the Cathedral’s historic Taliaferro Hall, located in downtown Jacksonville Florida, at the corner of Duval and Market Streets.

To make a reservation for parties of 6 or more, click here.  All proceeds directly benefit the Clara White Culinary Training Program.  Tell a neighbor!  Tell a friend!  Tell your Mama and go for fine dining at Clara’s.

DATES: **Friday’s Only**
TIMES: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
COST: 3 Course buffet meal only $10
    Take Out $10

LOCATION: Clara’s at the Cathedral
       
St. John’s Cathedral
      256 E.Church St.
      Jacksonville, Florida 32202
      Office: (904) 354-4162


Friday, December 29, 2017

‘Marvelous Wonderettes’ kick off the 2018 Alhambra Theater and Dining season

The 2018 Alhambra Theatre & Dining season spectacular launches with “The Marvelous Wonderettes”.  This smashing off-Broadway hit takes place at the Springfield High School Prom in 1958 where the audience is introduced to the The Wonderettes, a four-girl tour-de-force with hopes, dreams and voices as big as their crinoline skirts.  The show follows their lives and loves from their prom night until they reunite on stage for their 10-year reunion.  Audiences in other cities have been found singing and dancing in the aisles as The Wonderettes sing classic hits from the 1950’s and 1960’s including: “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid” and “Lipstick on your Collar.”

The Alhambra is coming off of a record-setting 50th anniversary campaign, which brought more than 130,000 guests through the Alhambra’s festive doors in 2017; more than 30% of whom were first-time visitors.  Said Managing Partner, Craig Smith, “2017 was a whirlwind, and it certainly propelled the Alhambra into a new dimension with momentum coming into 2018 like we have never had.”  He continued,
“Shows like The Addams Family certainly brought in a new generation of guests, and we are excited about that, but we also had a lot of folks who hadn’t been to the Alhambra in a while who wanted to see what the buzz was about. It was a great season and 2018 is already selling strong.  We’re excited to make 50 more years of memories.”

Alhambra tickets include a three-course meal (that changes for each show), a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking.  Added Smith, “People have really started to understand what a great value the Alhambra is.  This is a real culinary experience, amazing theatrical productions and parking for around $50.  No where else in our area can someone find a great night out for such a price.”  Season Partnerships are also currently available for as little as $267 per ticket, per season, allowing guests to save even more money, lock in their seats for an entire season and receive early notification of special events such as concerts and new shows.

Get ready for a feast prepared by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy:
First Course (Choice of One):
Arugula Salad with goat cheese, toasted almonds, strawberry vinaigrette*GF* OR, Minestrone Soup.
Second Course (Choice of One): Chicken Cacciatore with herb fettuccine, OR Seared Sirloin with garlic shrimp, boiled parsley potato, broccoli au gratin *GF*, OR Shake-and-Bake Center Cut Pork Chop with buttermilk mashed potatoes, lima beans, OR Lentil and Vegetable Lasagna *GF*.
Third Course (Choice of One): Apple Strudel with caramel drizzle, OR Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with raspberry, OR
Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free desserts available upon request. *menus subject to change*

The Marvelous Wonderettes
DATES: January 3 — February 4, 2018

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday 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 12:50 p.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday January 5, 2018) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices 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, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       
12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
       (904) 641-1212