A periodic letter from Alhambra Managing Partner Craig Smith
When the Alhambra was in its hey-day, the theatre frequently featured Broadway stars such as Sid Cesar, Chuck Connors, Frank Gorshen and Betty Grable. In what feels like a full circle in our journey to return the Alhambra to its great stature among live theatres, I am so thrilled to welcome Loretta Swit to our stage. This is truly a big moment for the Alhambra’s renaissance, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Many of you – all of you, most likely given the popularity of the show – know Ms. Swit from her tenure as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on TV’s M*A*S*H, the longest running television series of all time. Ms. Swit has also appeared in film, on other TV shows and on Broadway in Mame. We are thrilled to have an Emmy Award winning actress on our stage, Ms. Swit is one of many Broadway actors who appear regularly at the Alhambra.
As we strive to make the Alhambra the best live theatre experience in town, it’s important to me that you, our supporters, understand this about the Alhambra: we are a professional, equity theatre. We strive to be part of the community, but we are not community theatre. I’ve become fond of saying, “the Alhambra is a little slice of Broadway on Beach Blvd,” and while it appears more true than ever with Ms. Swit here and debuting for the world a new play, it’s always the case. I’m proud of that, and I hope you are, too.
And I mention debuting a new play to the world: also unique to the Alhambra with Amorous Crossing is this show’s monicker as a World Premier. It is not often that a theatre of our size gets to premier a show, and we are proud to have been selected by Mark Miller to debut his, “baby.” Mr. Miller is a special man and a wonderful writer. You may be familiar with his screenplay, “A Walk in the Clouds,” which starred Keanu Reeves and Penelope Cruz. It’s truly a special occasion to premier a play, and with the help of director Tod Booth, we can promise you one thing: it won't be the same on closing night as it was on opening night! What makes live theater grand is that the show changes every night – sometimes subtly and sometimes dramatically. And with a new play, it’s guaranteed to change a lot.
So, welcome Ms. Swit – Lorette, as I have been asked to call her now that we’ve struck up a friendship. And thank you for making the World Premier of Mark Miller’s Amorous Crossing a delightful part of our journey and a delightful part of our schedule.
Enjoy the show,
Craig
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