‘Shanghai Circus’ acrobats of China are back

“Shanghai Circus” played at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts on Florida State College at Jacksonville’s South Campus back in 2014.  Well, the troupe is coming back to entertain and take pictures with you and the children after their performance.  Don’t miss it this year.

Astonishing athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in this spellbinding show. Fearless performers with boundless energy bring you more than two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions.  If it’s humanly possible – and even if it’s not! – Shanghai’s acrobats, jugglers, and contortionists do it with spectacular flair.  Direct from China, this troupe has been wowing audiences for over 16 years.

Some traditional Chinese acrobatic acts derived from the lifelong skills of the village peasant, river sailor, and local craftsman are:
Climbing to the top of a tall stack of chairs
Spinning plates on the end of a long bamboo stick
Balancing small wooden benches on one’s head
Flipping bowls with one’s feet, and
Climbing tall poles with long leather straps. Just to mention a few tricks of the trade.

“Shanghai Circus”
DATE:       TIME:
Sunday, March 4, 2018 4:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Wilson Center for the Arts:
       Florida State College at JAX So. Campus
       11901 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, FL 32099

TICKETS: start at $18.50 and are available at the Artist Series Box Office between 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, at (904) 632-5000, and online 24/7 at the JAX Artist Series. Parking is always free at the Wilson Center.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens calendar of events for March 2018

Now that the Winter Olympics are over, you’ll have a great time picking some of your favorite activities at the Cummer.  There are events for your entire family and it’s also a great place to explore with that new person of interest in your life.  Why not take a friend to the Cummer Museum this month?  Here is a list of activities to choose from:

Florida Blue Free Tuesday - Each Tuesday Evening from 4 to 9 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  Enjoy free admission to the Cummer Museum and its historic Gardens, thanks to the generous support of Florida Blue. Guests can enjoy free admission to the Galleries. Each Tuesday evening, the Cummer Café is open for Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.

Tapas Tuesday - Each Tuesday Evening from 5 to 7:30 p.m. | The Cummer Café | Reservations recommended.  Tap into Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union at the Cummer Café. Every Tuesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on the Cummer Café patio, take in the sunset while listening to local musicians with beer, wine, or artfully inspired tapas for sale at the Café. Reserve your table by calling 904.899.6022.

Spring Celebration & Plant Sale - Sat, Mar 3 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  Welcome Spring with a free family event and plant sale! Celebrate the coming of the season by purchasing plants and flowers from local vendors on the front lawn of the Museum. Enjoy plein air painting, live music, a hands-on family art activity, and garden tours throughout the day. For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Weaver First Saturday Free For All - Sat, Mar 3 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  The first Saturday of each month at the Cummer Museum is FREE FOR ALL, thanks to the generous support of J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver. Guests can enjoy free admission, as well as art-making activities for all ages in the Cummer Gardens, live music, and a Docent-led tour at 2 p.m. For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us - Sun, Mar 4 | Noon to 4 p.m. | Free to cardholders | No registration required.  The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers free admission on the first Sunday of the first full weekend of the month to all Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholders through the Museums On Us program. Each cardholder receives one free general admission to the Museum. For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

History Of Western Art: American Art - Tue, Mar 6 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Members Free, Non-Members $10 | Registration required.  Explore art history through this monthly series of lectures that includes time in the galleries. Brush up on your art history for personal enjoyment as Director of Education Lynn Norris leads you through the history of Western Art. Space is limited. For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Talks & Tea: The Historic Cummer Museum Gardens - Wed, Mar 14 | 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Members Free, Non-Members $6 | Registration required.  You are invited to the Museum to enjoy an insightful talk over a cup of tea and a sweet treat, led by Museum Educator Karl Boecklen, on the historic Cummer Museum Gardens. For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6023.

Art Adventures: Nature And Art! - Sat, Mar 17 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Members $10, Non-Members $15 | Registration required.  Ages 6 through 12.  Join them on the third Saturday of each month for studio classes. In this class students will focus on the natural beauty of the Museum’s outdoor spaces. Students will visit the galleries to view nature-inspired works before being introduced to en plein air painting as they work from direct observation in the courtyard. Projects will be completed within one class period. Open to children ages 6 through 12. Class size is limited. For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

History Of Western Gardens: The 19th-Century English Garden - Tue, Mar 20 | 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Members Free, Non-Members $10 | Registration required. Explore garden history through this four-part lecture series. Join Director of Education Lynn for a trip through some of the world’s great gardens as we trace the connections between art and gardens. Space is limited. For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Art For Tots: Modern Messages! - Thu, Mar 22 | 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | $10 per pair | Registration required. Ages 24-36 months with accompanying adult. Join them with your little one to see how shapes can combine to make strong images. In the studio children will use collage techniques to create modern masterpieces. Art for Tots is funded through the generosity of the Chartrand Family Foundation. Entry is through Art Connections. Class size is limited. For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Jax Lantern Parade Workshop: Illuminated Parasols Pre-registration - Thu, Mar 22 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Members $30, Non-Members $40 | Registration required. This workshop is offered in support of the first-ever Jacksonville Lantern Parade on April 7, 2018!  The lantern parade is a creative community collaboration and will take place on a two-mile span up and down the St. Johns River. Participating with your own hand-painted, one-of-a-kind lantern will make the experience unforgettable. Please read parade details at Jacksonville Lantern Parade.  Create your own illuminated parasol for the Jacksonville Lantern Parade. Let the bright colors and imagery on display in the exhibition Fields of Color: The Art of Japanese Printmaking inspire your design. After experiencing the exhibition, participants will work with a local artist to design an illuminated parasol while enjoying beer, wine, and light appetizers. For further information, please call 904.899.6023 or register online.

Art For Tots: Modern Messages! - Sat, Mar 24 | 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair | Registration required. Ages 24-36 months with accompanying adult.  Join the Cummer with your little one to see how shapes can combine to make strong images. In the studio children will use collage techniques to create modern masterpieces. Art for Tots is funded through the generosity of the Chartrand Family Foundation. Entry is through Art Connections. Class size is limited. For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Classical Concert: In The Garden - Sun, Mar 25 | 1:30 p.m. | Free with admission | Registration required.  Join the Museum for a classical concert inspired by the exhibition In the Garden. Drawn from the vast George Eastman Museum collection in Rochester, New York, the photographs in this exhibition explore how humans cultivate the landscapes that surround them. From famous locations such as Versailles to the simplest home vegetable garden, from worlds imagined by artists to food production recorded by journalists, these images broaden our understanding of how photography has been used to record gardens. For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6023.

Cummer Amelia An Afternoon Of Art: Women Artists Of The 19th Century - Mon, Mar 26 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Free | Registration required at Fernandina Beach Library.  Cummer Amelia partners with the Fernandina Beach Library for a lecture series with a presentation on “Women Artists from the Renaissance to Abstract Expressionism” by Cummer Museum Director of Education Lynn Norris. In the third talk in this series, Rosa Bonheur, Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Cecilia Beaux were at the vanguard of a large contingent of women artists who concentrated on scenes of everyday life. Their place - still separate and not equal. Seating is limited. For further information please visit Cummer Museum Amelia or contact Wendy Mayle or 904.899.6007.

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

‘The Illusionists’ are coming to JAX

On the heels of a highly successful multi-city tour and run on Broadway, the world’s best-selling touring magic show, The Illusionists - Live From Broadway™, will play the Times-Union Center in Jacksonville on March 2 and 3 for three performances only as part of its North American tour in 2018.

The Illusionists - Live From Broadway™ is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and MagicSpace Entertainment.  Conceived by Simon Painter, the show’s creative team also includes executive producer Tim Lawson, director Neil Dorward and creative director Jim Millan.

Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, The Illusionists has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth.

The five stars, each a master in their own field, are:
The Trickster, Jeff Hobson is the epitome of glamour and showmanship. Don’t be fooled by his innocent appearance; Jeff has audiences laughing long after the curtain goes down.

The Inventor, Kevin James is known for innovative illusions, is an inventor, comedian and collector of the strange and unusual. Kevin is one of the most prolific inventors of magic in the world and has created some of the most celebrated illusions of the last century.

The Deductionist, Colin Cloud, one of the greatest thought readers of all time is a psychic savant known as a real-life Sherlock Holmes. Don’t play against him in a game of poker – he’s never lost.

The Manipulator, An Ha Lim: The first place winner at Korea’s Busan International Magic Competition (2006), Italy Club Convention Manipulation (2006) and World Magic Seminar in Asia (2007), An Ha Lim was also a Golden Lion Award winner at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas (2008).

The Daredevil, Jonathan Goodwin, is widely considered one of the most creative, skilled, and frankly crazy stunt performers in the world. He is an accomplished knife thrower, archer, escape artist, fakir, martial artist, free diver, and free climber. Unlike the other performers in the show, Jonathan is not a magician or illusionist but he will leave the audience breathless with his death-defying stunts.

 “The Illusionists”
Live from Broadway
DATES:      TIMES:
Fri., Mar. 2, 2018  8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 3    2 & 8 p.m.

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

TICKETS:  start at $38.50 for, plus applicable fees.  They may be purchased at the box office, and may be purchased online 24/7 at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Chase (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.

St. Patrick's and St. Augustine, Florida history

Overview of St. Augustine, FL

The 2018 Romanza St. Augustine Festival is set for March 9-11 in downtown St. Augustine, featuring 9 of the top Celtic bands in the world, a pre-festival Whiskey Tasting, The St. Augustine Highland games, Celtic artisans and food, live music, two stages, and a variety of entertainment.  The oldest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the World (started here in 1601), begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018.

A Little History About St. Patrick and St. Augustine: It's been proven in written records that the first event commemorating Saint Patrick in the U.S. was held in St. Augustine, Florida in 1600, and the first St. Patrick's parade/procession took place in 1601.  This pre-dates Boston's claim to the first St. Patrick's Day celebration in 1737, and New York City's first St. Patrick's Day parade in 1762.
Found in Spanish archives on December 20, 2017 by historian Dr. J. Michael Francis, documents reveal that spring festivities included a feast day of San Patricio (St. Patrick) in the year 1600 in St. Augustine, Florida.

"While artillery pieces often were fired to help guide ships safely across St. Augustine's protective sandbar, they were also fired during times of public celebrations and religious festivals,"  Francis wrote in his blog for PBS  Also, in Francis' PBS blog: “In March of 1601, St. Augustine's residents gathered together and processed through the city's streets in honor of an Irish saint, who appears to have assumed a privileged place in the Spanish garrison town.  Indeed, during these same years, St. Patrick was identified as the official 'protector' of the city's maize fields.”

Rare finds: For Francis, this is one of two extremely rare finds. His previous discovery was the oldest documented marriage in St. Augustine in 1565, which was between a free black woman and a Spanish soldier.  “I've been working in those Spanish archives going on almost 30 years ... and it's rare that you read through and there's this one magical document that changes everything “... like this one St. Patrick’s Day commemoration” Francis said.

According to Catholic.org, Saint Patrick is thought to have been born in the late fourth century, and is known for driving the snakes from Ireland (probably an analogy of putting an end to pagan practices). Saint Patrick wasn't the first to bring Christianity to Ireland, but it is believed he encountered the Druids and abolished their pagan rites. He died in March 17, 460 A.D.

Irish Residents: Francis also found written archive records about two Irish residents in St. Augustine - David Glavid, a soldier and a merchant who moved to St. Augustine in June 1597, and Ricardo Arthur (Richard Arthur) who served as St. Augustine's parish priest from 1597 to 1604, when he disappears from the record.  Francis believes the St. Patrick celebrations in 1600 and 1601 were influenced by the Irish priest, Richard Arthur.



Monster Jam 2018 coming to JAX

They’re big! They’re tough! And they’ll be in Jacksonville, Florida very soon!  You’ll want to get your tickets pronto.  It’s time for MONSTER JAM!  Did you ever wonder how the world's premier football and sports fields become Monster Jam^® performance tracks?  There is a lot more to the transformation than only dumping dirt over the surface.  350 truckloads of dirt will begin their conversion on top of one of the NFL's natural grass surfaces of EverBank Field, on Thurs., Feb.22nd.

A stadium track construction conversion by the numbers:
   1,100 sheets of plastic product to protect the natural grass surface
   500-man hours to install the field protection covering and build the track
   350 dump truck loads or around 6,000 tons, 12 million pounds
   Entire field will be converted to “Monster Jam” track by Thurs. night / Fri. morning and finalized Fri. afternoon to be ready for the Sat. 7 p.m. event.
   20 pieces of heavy machinery
   1,200 sq. feet of banners
   45 gallons of paint needed to paint obstacles and track
   10 “crush cars”

Monster Trucks will be on public display this Thursday.  Fans will have a chance to see and take photos with some of the show's enormous trucks, and meet the race teams before these beasts roar into EverBank Field for the Jam.  The best part, it's all free to the public at the following times and locations:
Thursday, February 22, 2018
2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
“Mutant”
Walmart, 7075 Collins Rd., JAX, FL 32244

“Bad News Travels Fast”
MetroPCS, 9770 Atlantic Blvd., JAX, FL 32218

“Slinger”
Circle K, 11869 Pulaski Road. JAX FL 32218

Thursday, February 22
3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
“Fs1 Cleatus”
America's Best, 6001 Argyle Forest Blvd.
Ste. 18b-19; JAX, FL 32244

“Bounty Hunter”
ToysRUs, 4875 Town Center Parkway
JAX, FL 32246

Friday, February 23                                                
3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
“BKT Tires Monster Jam Experience Trailer”
Tijuana Flats, 13280 Old St. Augustine Rd
Suite 125, Jacksonville, FL 32258

MONSTER JAM 2018
DATE: Sat. Feb. 24, 2018
TIMES: Pit Party - 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
    Gates open: 5 p.m.
    Show Time: 7 p.m.

For Tickets and Show times click HERE.  New this year, the Pit Party Early Access Pass is available to every fan who purchases a ticket to the event.  The pass provides early entry into the Pit Party from 1:30pm-2:30pm and serves as the regular Pit Party pass from 2:30pm-5:30pm.  The Monster Jam drivers will depart from the Pit Party at 5pm.  The Pit Party Early Access Pass must be accompanied by an event ticket and quantities are limited.

LOCATION:  EverBank Field
     1 EverBank Field Dr.
     Jacksonville, FL 32202

Was that George Benson in Jacksonville, Florida?

What can I say?  George Benson had people dancing in and out of their seats.  This writer has interviewed and reviewed many a singer and actor, in different venues, during the time that I have been doing this blog post; nevertheless, George Benson has withstood the tests of time.  The man can sill sing, play and sway as he has done in years past; and the years have been kind to his visible statue.  If you get an opportunity to be entertained for an hour and a half (with No intermission in JAX), you may want to check out his itinerary and make plans to attend.

In the meantime, the Thrasher-Horne Center has some dynamic musical and acting engagements that you don’t want to miss.  Stay tuned to “Around Town With Ms. “V”, and don’t be left out in the cold.
LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065
      (904) 276-6815

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ has believably surprising props at the Alhambra

Even if you haven’t seen the movie or the play, Little Shop of Horrors is a show that will entertain you from beginning to the end.  The cast is fabulous.  The food is fantastic and the service can’t be beat.  It just started and you have time to get your tickets while prime seating is still available.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ exhibits great puppetry at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining and the acting is top notched.  Technical Director/Designer, David Dionne, did a wonderful job in creating “Audrey II”.  It almost would remind you of the one-eyed monster on the new Ellen Degeneres “Game of Games” show.  Kudos also go out to “Puppeteer” Luke Holt who gives life to a matured Audrey II.

If you haven’t been a Royalty Partner of the Alhambra’s, then you may not know who Jessica Booth* is t the Alhambra.  Well, Jessica stars as “Audrey” in this month’s show that will continue into March, but what many people don’t know is that she is the talented daughter of Director/Producer Tod Booth* and seasoned actress Lisa Valdini (Booth)*.  Jessica has matured right in front of our eyes and is her own star.  She has perfected the mannerisms and voice of her character Audrey to mimic that of the original movie actress Ellen Greene.

Talk about a multi-talented actor, Daniel Robert Sullivan* plays four separate characters (Orin, Bernstein, Snip and Luce), and how he changes costumes is amazing.  Watch how much of that nitrous oxide you inhale between changes.

Suddenly Seymour, Benjamin Smith* is no stranger to the Alhambra; in fact, you might remember his singing and acting in previous shows (Big River & Seussical).

You won’t see him, but you will hear his dynamic voice.  Rendell Anthony DeBose*, as Audrey II, sings and speaks his part off stage.

Chef DeJuan Roy did not disappoint.  If you like lamb, then you should order the Ossobuco.  The Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya will also satisfy your pallet as a choice for your main course.

Wait for it, wait for it!  The end of the show will be a total surprise, so don’t leave early.  This musical may be a little scary to very small children and you may want to contact the theatre before ordering children tickets.
*denotes Actors’ Equity Association*
“Little Shop of Horrors”
DATES: February 14 — March 25, 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” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $64.  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

‘Dancing With The Stars: Live! – Light Up The Night’ in JAX

Following the success of “Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Hot Summer Nights” and the 25th Season of Dancing with the Stars, America’s favorite dance show, produced by BBCWP, is going back on tour across America this winter with “Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Light Up The Night.”  Fans of the show have the opportunity to see the best ballroom dancers in the business perform live in Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center on Saturday, February 17, 2018.  This all-new production showcases every style of dance seen on ABC’s hit show produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, from sizzling salsas to elegant waltzes and high energy group numbers, plus original pieces choreographed by Emmy© winning choreographer Mandy Moore.

“Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Light Up The Night” features more of your favorite dancers than ever before, including Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Artem Chigvintsev, Keo Motsepe, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater, plus Sasha Farber, Jenna Johnson, Hayley Erbert and Brandon Armstrong, with additional surprise casting. (Cast is subject to change without notice!)

For the first time ever, two celebrity finalists will be joining “Dancing with the Stars’” winter tour, “Dancing with the Stars: Live! - Light Up the Night.” Season 25 Mirrorball Champion Jordan Fisher (Hamilton, Grease: Live!) and actor/race car driver Frankie Muniz (Agent Cody Banks, Malcolm in the Middle) will reprise their incredible season 25 performances alongside their professional partners Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson, coming to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center February 17, 2018 for one performance only.

Fans who voted Frankie and Jordan all the way into to the finals will now have a chance to see the standout season 25 competitors perform live in their very own hometowns. This all-new production showcases every style of dance seen on ABC’s hit show, produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, from sizzling salsas to elegant waltzes and high energy group numbers, plus original pieces choreographed by Emmy© winning choreographer Mandy Moore.

Captivating audiences across the country, “Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Light Up The Night” kicked off on December 30th in Charlotte, NC and finishes on March 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA, giving fans the opportunity to experience the excitement, glamour and fun they see in the Dancing with the Stars ballroom every Monday night live in theaters in their very own hometowns.  Take a good look at the “Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Light Up The Night” Tour Dates

“Dancing With The Stars”
  ʽLight Up The Night’
DATE: Sat. Feb. 17, 2018
TIME: 8 p.m.

SHOW TICKETS: starting at $75.50 - 144.50, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show along with the VyStar Credit Union), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 632-5050 or emailing groupsales@fscj.edu.

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

Thomas Hart Benton and the Navy presented by Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

The newest exhibition at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Thomas Hart Benton and the Navy, will be on view February 16 through June 3, 2018 and will feature a series of 24 paintings and drawings that capture the heroic actions and moments of respite that made up life aboard submarines and around shipyards during World War II.

Benton, one of the more formidable personalities in American art, would have been familiar with such realities having served in the Navy during World War I.  In the 1940s, Benton’s patriotic ardour, which remained a driving force throughout his career, drew the attention of Abbott Laboratories, a leading pharmaceutical company that wound up underwriting the artist’s work throughout the war.  Abbott later donated many of Benton's World War II era images to the United States Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, D.C., which generously lent them for this exhibition.

The Museum welcomes this exhibition to Jacksonville in the hope of engaging more members of our local military community.  To that end, the Museum will be offering discounted admission rates to military families through the run of the exhibition.  From February 16 through June 3, 2018, any active duty or former military ID holder can utilize the buy-one-get-one-free admission promotion. This is in addition to the already discounted Military entrance fee.

“In light of the current exhibition focus on the Navy, we want to not only invite our local military families to the Museum, but to also support and recognize them for their active role in shaping the Jacksonville community,” states Chief Operating Officer and Chief Curator Holly Keris. “Our military communities not only strengthen the local economy, but add to the diversity of people, thought, and ideas in our local conversation.”

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is honored to be able to bring this exhibition to the people of Jacksonville, and show its support for military families.

Related Programming: Talks & Tea Lecture Series: Thomas Hart Benton And The Navy Wed, Apr 18 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.  Members Free, Non-Members $6.  Registration required

Exhibition Season Presenters: Ameris Bank, City of Jacksonville, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc., Robert D. and Isabelle T. Davis Endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, The Director’s Circle at the Cummer Museum, The Schultz Family Endowment State of Florida.

Exhibition Season Sponsors: Mr. Ryan A. Schwartz, Carl S. Swisher Foundation, Inc.

In-Kind Sponsors: Agility Press, Inc., DoubleTree Jacksonville Riverfront, Wingard Creative.

 

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

‘Disney’s The Lion King’ gives JAX an economic jolt

Disney’s The Lion King continues to reign across North America with a sold-out run in Jacksonville.  The two-week return engagement at The Times-Union Center grossed over $3.1 million at the box office and entertained more than 44,000 theatergoers during its 16 sold-out performances.  This engagement was the second time for the show at The Times-Union Center.

It is estimated that the Jacksonville engagement of The Lion King generated an economic benefit of more than $10 million to the city from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking and other businesses patronized by both theatergoers and production staff.  This figure is based upon a Touring Broadway League report which found that, on average, Broadway tours contribute an economic impact 3.52 times the gross ticket sale to the local metropolitan area’s economy.

“Based on our previous experience with the show and its history in other North American cities, we knew that Jacksonville would respond,” said Dr. Milt Russos, executive director of the FSCJ Artist Series/Broadway in Jacksonville. “The response was overwhelming and far exceeded our expectations; we are delighted that so many enjoyed the production. It was an exciting two weeks for Jacksonville and we look forward to further expanding our relationship with Disney Theatricals.”

“We thank the Jacksonville community and our partners at the FSCJ Artist Series and Broadway Across America for another sensational, sold-out engagement,” said Jack Eldon, Vice President, Domestic, Disney Theatrical Productions.  “We are humbled by the enduring and extraordinary audience response and look forward to returning to Jacksonville in the future.”

The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 19 million theatergoers in over 70 cities throughout North America.  The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards^®:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy^® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has, in recent years, supervised new productions of the show around the world.