ʽPlayers By The Sea’ announces the cast of ʽA Christmas Carol’

The holiday season is right around the corner.  A holiday classic vamped with diversity and a magical vision is coming to the beaches.  Rehearsals for Players by the Sea’s holiday show, “A Christmas Carol”, are underway.  The Charles Dickens classic, that runs December 6 through 22, 2019 is filled with diverse talent.

Directed by Suzanne Hudson-Smith, Players Executive Director, this timeless story is complete with Scrooge, the three spirits, and thirty community actors, young and old, who bring the tale to life and transport you to London.  “Over 50 people auditioned,” stated Hudson-Smith, “what an incredible display of community spirit for this holiday offering.”

The cast is official!  Here’s who you can expect on stage for “A Christmas Carol”:
Old Joe – Frankie Rady; Ebenezer Scrooge – Elgin Moore; Bob Cratchit – Adam Thompson; Fred – Shawn Stermer; Jacob Marley – Bob Shellenberger; Belle – Hannah Cereghino; Lucy/Fezziwig Daughter #1 – Anna Hobbs; Caroline/Fezziwig Daughter #2 – Victoria Pregent; Caroline’s Husband/Fezziwig Guest #1 – Christian Douglas; Boy Scrooge/Peter Cratchit – Jack Lockett; Boy at Crossroad – Noah Toops; Boy at Crossroads – Tiyuka Jamba; Young Adult Scrooge – Andres Bravo; Fan/Belinda Cratchit – Claire Smith; Mr. Fezziwig – Ruben Oliva; The Ghost of Christmas Present – Jackie Jantzen; Gentleman #1/Mrs. Fezziwig – Kenggy Bravo; Fezziwig Guest #2/Topper – Mason George; Mrs. Cratchit – Lisa Fleming; Undertakers Woman– Jeanie Lijol; Charwoman/Business Man #1 – Catherine Courtney; Gentlemen #2/Laundress/Business Man #2 – Sherry Rosen; Tiny Tim – Connor Oliva; Fezziwig Daughters #2/Julia Fred’s Wife – Catherine Tetzlaff; Fezziwig Guest #3/Business Man #3 – Ben Sparenberg; Ghost of Christmas Past – Farah Nesargi; Gillian Cratchit – Avery Graves; Fezziwig Daughters #3/Martha Cratchit daughter – Arden Trusty; Miranda Cratchit – Madison Oliva; Caroler /Want – Olivia Rodgers (Understudy Miranda Cratchit); Ignorance – Freya Nesargi (Tiny Tim Understudy).

This presentation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is an adaptation by Romulus Linney of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means.  This richly textured play brings the full spirit of the book, as well as those of Christmases Past, Present and Yet To Come, to life on the stage.

“The Beaches community can stay out at the beach this holiday season and enjoy a timeless classic tale of transformation,” Hudson-Smith said.  The vision for this version of A Christmas Carol is one of ghostly movement.  “I imagine the set becoming a character in and of itself,” she said.  The audience will be transported to the foggy city of London to experience some magical effects for ghostly flight.

Players by the Sea is the perfect place to spread the cheer! This Holiday season, treat your staff or clients to a Live Performance of a Christmas Carol and a PreShow or Post-Show party in our Studio Theatre and Classroom space.  Contact the theatre for more information and to schedule your Carol encounter.

“A Christmas Carol”
DATES:     TIMES
Fri. Dec. 6, 2019  8 p.m.
Sat., Dec.7      8 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 12   8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 13    8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 14    8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 15    2 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 19   8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 20    8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 21    8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 22    2 p.m.

TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $28.  Student/Senior/Military may purchase theirs for $25.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

ABOUT PLAYERS BY THE SEA— For over fifty-three years, Players by the Sea has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community.  Players mission is to enrich the community through excellence in theatre.  The nonprofit community theatre welcomes all creative artists to participate in making the magic of theatre come to life, whether on stage, through advocacy or assisting backstage.

Romanza in St. Augustine ‘Spreads the Love’!

In its tenth year promoting and producing performing arts and cultural events in St. Augustine, the Romanza Organization will now support smaller, yet noteworthy, independent cultural projects.  Known for its highly acclaimed Romanza Festivale, the organization wants to further induce the development of new and excellent cultural offerings.

Each year, Romanza will grant 3 to 5 awards to performers, artists, bands, troupes, and cultural organizations.  Awards will range from $500 to $2,000 each, in support of selected arts and culture activities that show excellence.

“All of us at Romanza are extremely grateful to members of the St. Augustine community for the support we have received throughout the years. This is our way of giving back” stated Albert Syeles, Director of the Romanza.

Applications for 2020 must be submitted before November 1, 2019.  The events receiving funding must take place the following year EXCEPT during festival season - the months of March, April, and May.  All activities must take place in St. Augustine.

This is the Last Week for all artists, groups and organizations with projects in the music, dance, visual arts, and film/video/media disciplines to apply.  For more information about this award, visit HERE.

‘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

‘Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!’ in JAX for 2 days

Everyone’s invited to take part in the sunniest and funniest street celebration in “Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party”, an interactive stage production inspired by the iconic, Emmy® Award-Winning Television Program!  The inaugural production under Feld Entertainment’s new partnership with the non-profit educational organization, Sesame Workshop features favorite Sesame Street pals: Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and more in a brand-new sensory adventure live on stage.

From the moment the curtain rises, parents and children alike will be on their feet dancing along to a pop-infused soundtrack with new Sesame Street friends and live emcees Casey and Caleb.  Planning a party isn’t easy when everybody has a different idea of fun, but with some help from the audience, it becomes the ultimate reflection of what friendship plus teamwork can accomplish.  Party guests will sing along to new and familiar songs, like “I Love Trash” and “C is for Cookie,” with Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster; dance to the beat with Elmo; explore a wintry wonderland when Abby Cadabby’s magic goes awry; take flight with Big Bird to learn about some of his fabulous feathered friends; and discover new cultures in an interactive Spanish lesson with Rosita.  A unique, up-close-and-personal pre-show experience will be offered at an additional charge prior to select performances, allowing families the opportunity to tour the on-stage neighborhood of their favorite, furry friends before they arrive for the main show.  The fun doesn’t end there.  A variety of interactive activities give children the chance to create, discover and learn as they help decorate for the upcoming party.

“Sesame Street Live!
  Let’s Party”
DATES: Sat., Oct. 25,  TIMES: 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.
    Sun., Oct.26, 2019      2 p.m.

TICKETS: start at $15.  All seats are reserved, and tickets are available online or in person at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Box Office.  For group rates and information, reach out at (904)-630-3900.

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


ASM Global was formed in October 2019 from the merger of AEG Facilities, the global innovator in live entertainment venues, and SMG, the gold standard in event management.  ASM Global is a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues.  As the world’s most trusted venue manager, ASM Global provides venue strategy and management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services.  Among the venues in our portfolio are landmark facilities such as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Conference Centre in Shenzhen, China.  ASM Global also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies.

‘Jekyll & Hyde The Musical’ in town for Halloween

What was the longest-running show ever at Broadway’s Plymouth Theatre?  The answer - “Jekyll & Hyde the Musical”, which opens at the iconic Alhambra Theatre & Dining on Wednesday, October 23, 2019.  Some Alhambra veterans will be returning for the musical-horror-drama based on Robert Louis Stevenson novella, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.  Justin Murphy, who has not performed at the Alhambra in more than 10 years, will be playing the dual-lead roles of Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde.  Murphy last performed at the Alhambra as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar.  Murphy left the on-stage life to produce films such as Dawgtown and to teach at Florida School of the Arts as an animation professor.

Also returning are Gary Marachek as Gabriel John Utterson, Kenneth Uibel as General Lord Glossop and Jessica Booth as Lucy Harris.  Booth is returning from her travels singing on the AIDA Cruise Lines and can be seen in a recent episode of the TV show, Primal Instinct.  Audiences will remember Uibel for his long-time portrayal of the ghost in the Alhambra’s Christmas Carole.  Marachek last appeared in the Christmas Carole as Ebenezer Scrooge.  Lee Hamby will be marking his 39th production at the Alhambra.  He is also the founder of Jacksonville’s The 5 & Dime Theater.

About the Show: "Jekyll & Hyde" is a tale of two men – one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman – and two women – one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful and trusting only herself.  Both women are in love with the same man, and both are unaware of his dark secret.  While trying to find a cure for his father’s mental illness, Dr. Jekyll makes himself the subject of his experimental treatments and accidentally unleashes his dark side.  This musical brings to life the epic struggle about the nature of man.

Originally conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden, it features music by Frank Wildhorn, a book by Leslie Bricusse and lyrics by Wildhorn, Bricusse and Cuden.  After a world premiere run in Houston, Texas, the musical embarked on a national tour of the United States prior to its Broadway debut in 1997.

Many international productions in various languages have since been staged including two subsequent North American tours, two tours in the United Kingdom, a concert version, a re-vamped US tour in 2012 ahead of a 2013 Broadway revival and an Australian concert version in 2019.  Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff took over the lead on October 17, 2000 until the production closed.  The musical played an almost-four-year run and became the longest-running show in the history of the Plymouth Theatre, closing after 1,543 regular performances on January 7, 2001.

Said lead actor Justin Murphy, “I haven’t acted in a significant production since my last performance at the Alhambra more than a decade ago, and now I get to play two roles at the same time.  I can’t wait.”  Added Alhambra Managing Partner Craig Smith, “With the sellout success we have had in the past two or three seasons producing timely shows like the Addams Family, we felt like Jekyll & Hyde fit right in.  Maybe it will be start of another Alhambra “holiday” tradition!”

For the foodies, Executive Chef Dejuan Roy has developed a menu that is anything but scary, including: First Course – Pumpkin Bisque with crème fraiche and toasted pumpkin seeds; or a Kale Salad with roasted fall vegetables.  Second Course features a choice of Braised Pork Shank with polenta and pole beans; Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya; Sweet Tea Poached Salmon and Shrimp; or a Vegan Italian “Sausage” & White Bean Farro Chili with homemade cornbread.  For Dessert, Alhambra guests can choose from house-baked Toffee Chocolate Cream Pie, or Pumpkin Crumble Souffle.

“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: “Gala Night” (Friday October 25, 2019.  Doors open at 5:15 p.m.) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual”, or “Sunday Best”.  There is always complimentary Champagne and Hors d'oeuvres served in the lobby before dinner, on Gala evening and special pastries served after the show.

TICKETS: Prices range from $40 – $66.  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

‘Clint Black’ will be at the Thrasher-Horne Center

Clint Black’ Still…Killin’ Time 30th Anniversary Tour is coming to the Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 8 p.m.  This event is sponsored in part by: Allegro in Fleming Island, FL and 94.1 FM Jax Country.

After 30 years of ‘killin’ time,’ Clint Black is ready to celebrate.  The multi-million selling country icon is embarking on a tour commemorating the 30th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album Killin’ Time, which all but altered the landscape of country music.  Three decades later, Clint remains humble as ever about the massive influence he has had on the genre.

Clint’s staggering career speaks for itself. He surged to superstardom as part of the fabled Class of '89, reaching #1 with five consecutive singles from his triple-platinum debut, Killin' Time.  He followed that with the triple-platinum Put Yourself in My Shoes, and then a string of platinum and gold albums throughout the '90s.  Perhaps most impressively, Clint wrote or co-wrote every one of his more than three dozen chart hits, including "A Better Man," "Where Are You Now," "When My Ship Comes In," "A Good Run of Bad Luck," "Summer's Comin'," "Like the Rain" and "Nothin' But the Taillights," part of a catalog that produced 22 #1 singles and made him one of the most successful singer/songwriters of the modern era.  Along the way, he’s earned more than a dozen gold and platinum awards in the U.S. and Canada, and nearly two dozen major awards and nominations, won a GRAMMY Award, countless Country Music Association, American Music Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Clint Black has written and produced songs for Hasbro’s children’s shows and in 2010 and 2012 starred in the films Flicka 2 and Flicka:Country Pride, the latter with his wife and daughter.  In 2015 released On Purpose, his first studio album of new material in nearly a decade.  He dedicated the album to his father, who passed away in 2012.  Now, with the 30th anniversary of Killin’ Time approaching, Clint has earned the right to sit back, and let his body of work speak for itself.

“Clint Black...Killin’Time”
 30th Anniversary Tour

DATE: Fri., Oct. 25, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: Prices range from $49-89 with all fees included.  They 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 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 at 283 College Drive in Orange Park, Florida.

‘Post Malone’ will be touring a few more days

Post Malone, Swae Lee & Tyla Yaweh

Post Malone is coming to JAX with his latest North American Runaway Tour.  Produced by Live Nation, the run started September 14 in Tacoma, WA and visited cities across the U.S., including a stop in Jacksonville, FL October 25 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, and Canada before wrapping November 20 at The Forum in Los Angeles.  Swae Lee and Tyla Yaweh will appear as special guests on all of the Runaway Tour dates.

Tickets are available at the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Box Offices located at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, or online.  Citi is the official presale credit card of the tour.

Post Malone’s star continues to rise with the debut of his latest single “Goodbyes,” ft.Young Thug which became an instant hit after its Fourth of July release.  This past March, “Wow.” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Post Malone’s sixth top 10 single.  At the end of 2018, “Sunflower” was featured in the Oscar-winning film Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse and ultimately hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  The anthemic song features the Runaway Tour’s special guest, Swae Lee. Post Malone released his Grammy nominated sophomore album, beerbongs & bentleys, in 2018, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and is certified triple Platinum by the RIAA.

 ‟Post Malone”
  Runaway Tour

DATE: Fri. Oct. 25, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m..

LOCATION: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
      300 A Philip Randolph Blvd.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 630-3900

Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour hits JAX again

Elton John, the number one top-performing solo male artist, has announced a new concert date at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on June 3, 2020 as part of his sold out ‟Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” after selling out a previous show in Jacksonville.  “...The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour is the most bombastic, elaborate, high-tech arena show he’s ever attempted.” – Rolling Stone

The Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour kicked off to sold-out crowds in September 2018 and has received rave reviews in every market.  Taking the audience on a magical journey through his career, the show features some of Elton’s most beloved songs from his legendary catalogue including, “Bennie and the Jets,” “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Philadelphia Freedom.” Elton’s music has taken him to many places, opened many doors and inspired many passions in his life.  The audience will experience a rare glimpse into Elton’s life and the deeply personal meaning behind some of his greatest hits, with mesmerizing, never-before-seen photos and videos shown throughout the show from his incredible 50-year career.

Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, October 18 at 10am local time but check local listings.  Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased at EltonJohn.com.  A limited number of exclusive VIP packages will also be available while quantities last.  These exclusive offers can include premium tickets, on-stage photo opportunities at Elton John’s piano, backstage tours, limited-edition lithographs, custom merchandise and much more.

The Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour presale is powered by Ticketmaster Verified Fan; a fan-first technology that was built to help artists combat ticket bots and get tickets into the hands of fans that intend to go to the event.  Tickets for this event will be available through registration using Ticketmaster Verified Fan.  For more information and to register in advance, visit www.EltonJohn.com.

  Sir Elton John
‟Farewell Yellow Brick Rd. Tour”

DATE: Wed. June 3, 2020
TIME: 8 P.M.

LOCATION: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
      300 A Philip Randolph Blvd.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 630-3900

A little about Elton John: Elton’s career achievements to date are unsurpassed in their breadth and longevity as the number 1 top-performing solo male artist.  Elton is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 1 diamond, 38 platinum or multi-platinum, and 26 gold albums, over 50 Top 40 hits, and he has sold more than 300 million records worldwide.  He holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time, “Candle in the Wind 1997”, which sold over 33 million copies.  ‘Diamonds’ the Ultimate Greatest Hits album, reached the Top 5 of the UK album charts on its release in November 2017, becoming Elton’s 40th UK Top 40 album in the process. This release celebrated 50 years of his song writing partnership with Bernie Taupin.  August 2018 saw Elton named as the most successful male solo artist in Billboard Hot 100 chart history, having logged 67 entries, including nine No. 1s and 27 Top 10s.

Elton announced the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour at New York’s Gotham Hall in January 2018. Encompassing 5 continents, and over 350 dates, this 3-year-long tour started in September 2018 and marks his retirement from touring after more than 50 years on the road.  In May 2019 it was named Billboard's Top Rock Tour.  To date, Elton has delivered more than 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries since launching his first tour in 1970.

2019 has already seen the release of 'Rocketman' to great critical and commercial success with nearly $200 million at the box office, a fantasy musical motion picture of his life and his much-anticipated autobiography Me was released October 15, 2019.

Among the many awards and honours bestowed upon him are six GRAMMYs, including a GRAMMY Legend award, a Tony and an Oscar, a Best British Male Artist BRIT Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, 13 Ivor Novello Awards between 1973 and 2001and a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for “services to music and charitable services.”

In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is one of the leading non-profit HIV/AIDS organizations and has raised over $450 million to date in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.  In June 2019 President Emmanuel Macron presented Elton the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest award, for his lifetime contribution to the arts and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

'Players by the Sea' hosts a pre-Halloween Party with a Toxic musical

(Update: Oct. 17, 2019)

Players by the Sea is throwing a weekend Halloween Kick-off Party on Friday, October 25 & Saturday, October 26 for $22 per ticket that includes: a champagne toast and appetizers, “The Toxic Avenger” live musical presentation and an after-show dessert glow with music in the Gallery!

On Sat., Oct. 26th, patrons will be able to enjoy FREE BEER & heavy appetizers, a festive costume party beginning at 6:30 p.m., with judging for: Best Individual Costume, Best Couples Costume and Best Group Costume. The hot, rock musical “The Toxic Avenger” begins at 8 p.m. and will be followed by dessert and music in the gallery until 11 p.m.  The show will fill the night with energy and laughs you can’t get at any other Halloween Party in town.

The party is a unique way of fundraising for the theatre and is a great value for an evening out that includes food, the brew and live theatre.  “This is our way of combining the fun of a live, outrageous performance that is perfect for the Halloween season, with a cool experience for the patrons,” said Suzanne Hudson-Smith, Executive Director of Players.  *Please Note: reserved seats are no longer available for Oct. 26th*

About the show: The Toxic Avenger, based off the film and comic, follows Melvin Ferd, the Third, who wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey.  Foiled by the mayor's bullies, Melvin is dumped into a vat of radioactive toxic waste, only to reemerge as The Toxic Avenger, New Jersey's first superhero... a seven-foot mutant freak with superhuman strength and a heart as big as Newark.  He's out to save New Jersey, end global warming, and woo the blind librarian in town.

Why should the community come out to celebrate Halloween with Players?  Director, Daniel Dungan answered best: “Because The Toxic Avenger is a rock musical comedy about an environmentally conscious mutant full of jokes making fun of New Jersey, what more could you ask for?  An awesome cast?  Well, we have that, too.”

Not only is it a hot-rock musical filled with hysterical one-liners and interesting character choices, but it also points to the effects of pollution on the environment and those living with it.  St. Johns Riverkeeper Outreach Director, Kelly Thompson noted how important it is to work with local theaters and artist groups to promote environmental causes.  “It’s critical to talk about environmental issues through different community platforms and lenses.  The environmental movement and art are inextricably linked.  Now more than ever, we must be reaching different audiences to engage and help share their own stories of environmental justice, pollution, and ultimately, take action. St. Johns Riverkeeper is proud to participate in the showing of The Toxic Avenger as it sheds light on environmental concerns that are relevant to our St. Johns River and each one of us,” Thomspon said.

Representatives of PBTS’s Brand Partners will be present at this event: St. Johns Riverkeeper, Folio Weekly, Cosmic Comics, and Collective Con 2020.

*Please note: ‟The Toxic Avenger” is appropriate for mature audiences only and contains adult language, loud noises and flashing lights that may make some audiences uncomfortable*

 “The Toxic Avenger”

DATES:     TIMES
Fri. Oct. 25, 2019  8 p.m. (Halloween Kickoff)
Sat., Oct. 26    8 p.m. (Halloween Costume Party)
Thurs., Oct. 31   8 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 1     8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 2     8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 3    2 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 7    8 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 8     8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 9     8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 10    2 p.m.

TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $28.  Seniors and military can get theirs for $25.  Students get a half-price ticket for $14 at the door, when they present their valid student I.D.  ($22 for Oct. 25, 26 and Oct. 31 shows when you purchase online with the code "JERSEY"). Kindly contact the theatre for further updates and/or questions.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre                               106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

ABOUT PLAYERS BY THE SEA— For over fifty-three years, Players by the Sea has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community.  Players mission is to enrich the community through excellence in theatre.  The nonprofit community theatre welcomes all creative artists to participate in making the magic of theatre come to life, whether on stage, through advocacy or assisting backstage.
 

PNC Bank gives Free Fridays to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Get to know the finest art museum in all of Jacksonville, Florida.  The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens announces the launch of Free Fridays, presented by PNC Bank.  The Museum will offer free admission to its permanent collection and gardens during new extended hours, 4 to 9 p.m. every Friday, providing a new way for the community to kick-off the weekend.

Free Fridays at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

This announcement builds upon the success of the Museum’s inaugural Summer Fridays program, which was also presented by PNC Bank.  Over the past three months, the Museum provided free admission and programming every Friday evening.  The campaign drew approximately 9,000 visitors to the Museum, including more than 1,200 visitors during its final week — representing a 25% increase in visitation compared to the same period in 2018.

“The Cummer Museum of Art is one of the great cultural resources of this city,” said PNC Regional President for Port Cities Brian Bucher.  “Free Fridays not only complements the Museum's permanent, stunning collection, but provides access to quality, visual art experiences, while supporting the cultural vitality of this region."

“With the success of our extended Summer Friday hours, we learned that the community embraced the chance to visit the Museum during evening hours,” said Adam Levine, the Cummer Museum’s George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director & Chief Executive Officer. “With the generous support of PNC Bank, we look forward to continuing Summer Fridays year-round as a fun, engaging and accessible experience for the community.”

Guests will be able to purchase food and beverages (including beer, wine and cocktails) from the Cummer Café during Free Fridays.  Additional experiences, such as admission to signature exhibitions, will be available for purchase.

FREE ACCESS TO CUMMER ON FRIDAYS

DATES & TIMES:
Every Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.

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