Theatre Partners, LLC

1. I want to know what’s up. Can you tell me about the new Alhambra Theatre and Dining?

The Alhambra is once again open. It is the oldest professional dinner theatre in the country with more than 42 years under its belt. In the summer of 2009, economic conditions forced its temporary closure. Tour bus operators—a large part of our historical business—had been hit by the economic slowdown as well as many of our long-term patrons.  After much review, much support from the community, commitments from vendors, the bank, our sponsors, actors—and employees of the theatre…we decided that the theatre was a wanted—and needed—cultural icon in Jacksonville. A group of investors led by Craig Smith agreed, and the result is a renewed and reinvigorated Alhambra. We opened again on December 4, 2009 with A Christmas Carole…and will ring in 2010 with the previously announced schedule. We ask for your continued support and patronage—and look forward to seeing you this season enjoying shows with us once again.

2. Why is the name different?

The Alhambra name is synonymous in Jacksonville for live theatre, and has been for over 40 years. We are known for our high quality performances…and thus the word “theatre” has taken a more prominent position in our name. That is not to say that the meal is getting secondary attention. The Alhambra was also known for its meals….but not the way we want to be remembered. So we have commissioned Chef Matthew Medure to direct our menu and meals. And Dining connotes much more than dinner. We have lunch at our matinees and likely will have other meal choices as we expand our offerings—so dining is more appropriate than just “dinner.”

3. Are you permanently re-opening? Or just for Christmas Carole and special events?

We have permanently re-opened the theatre. This is not just for Christmas Carole and special events, but for a full season of entertainment for years to come. With the renovations at the theatre, we think you will see that we have made investments in the future of the Alhambra for the long-term. Of course your patronage is needed for our success…so please consider supporting us with a season partnership.

4. What are your policies?

To make the experience at Alhambra Theatre and Dining more pleasurable for our patrons, we have a published list of policies and present them here for you. A ticket purchase and your entrance to the theatre indicates that you accept and will adhere to these for the benefit of all:

1. As a courtesy to our performers and other patrons, children under the age of  5 (including infants) are not permitted in the theatre with the exception of kiddie shows.  All patrons must have a seat, including children. For safety, children are not allowed to sit on a parents lap.

2. While we want you to be comfortable, an evening at the Alhambra is an elegant affair and we encourage a standard of tasteful, business casual dress. Men should wear long pants and collared shirts. Sport jackets for men are encouraged, although no ties are required.

3. Credit Cards will be charged at the time of your purchase, and all sales are Non-Refundable. This ticket can be refunded only in the event that the Alhambra Theatre and Dining changes the attraction playing on the date for which the ticket was issued.

4. Seats may be exchanged for another performance if a minimum 48-hour advance cancellation notice is given prior to first scheduled attendance.  This gives us an opportunity to offer your seat for sale to others wishing to attend, as many performances sell out. In the event that you are a no-show (including notification of less than 48 hrs before a show), NO exchanges, credits or refunds will be issued. If a ticket exchange is made for a lesser price admission, no refund or credit will be issued for the difference. In the event of an exchange for a higher priced admission, the additional due will be collected by Alhambra Theatre & Dining prior to admission.

5. This ticket is a revocable license and may be taken up and admission refused upon refunding the purchase price appearing hereon.

6. If you are late to a performance, timing of seating you at your table will be at the discretion of the Theatre so as to cause minimal disruption to other theatre patrons.

7. Photography and the use of recording devices are prohibited during the show.

8. Please remember to silence all cell phones prior to the performance.

9. Entertainment card discounts are valid for Wednesday Evening performances only.

10. Gift Certificates purchased under the prior ownership carry a $15 transfer fee. The new theatre realized no revenue from those sales, however we will honor them provided the transfer fee is paid.       This fee goes to cover our out-of-pocket expenses for royalty fees owed for your attendance. In no event can expired gift certificates be honored.

5. Are the prices the same?

We understand that times are tight for many. Today’s economy has been brutal for lots of folks—including the theatre in its recent past. So, in response to this, even with our major expenditures in revamping the theatre, we have pledged no increases in ticket prices for the coming season. We hope this will allow our long standing patrons to continue to enjoy the theatre, and for those yet to experience the theatre, a compelling value proposition for you to join us. Where else can you get a fine meal and a live show for $49 (or less) per person?

6. What has changed?

The look of the theatre. New paint, new carpet, new restrooms (including one with family access), new theatre walls, new table cloths, flatware, glasses, plates, seating. New menu with delicious food, new library with fireplace. Along with the “big-picture” items, we are also addressing many not so visible items—the steps are easier to navigate, our fire alarm system has been upgraded, roominess in many seating areas is increased. Our coffee and beverage service equipment is new, and several procedural changes that our staff are now utilizing, are all making the Alhambra experience more enjoyable for you.

Many of our changes are yet to come. We have instituted a process of continuous improvement, so each time you visit us this season you will see incremental enhancements—all to improve and enhance your night out with us. If you have a comment, question or suggestion, we are happy to hear from you. Just send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We will read and consider every one of your comments.

7. I bought season tickets from the old Alhambra, and I understand they will be honored. What do I do? Will my seat assignments be the same?

When the Alhambra was purchased by the new owners, a decision was made to honor season tickets that had already been purchased. This is a significant investment made by the new owners---absolutely no money you paid for season tickets prior to October 30 comes to us. We are paying your season ticket expenses—food, royalties for the show rights, actor’s salary and all the expenses incurred for a night at the theatre—is being paid for the new Alhambra. We want you to continue to support the Alhambra—and the best way to do that was for US to put our money where our mouth is. You have not lost your investment with your season ticket purchase. You have been a supporter of the Alhambra—and we want to support you! That is why we are making good on your tickets. We hope that you will continue to support us. We want to see you this season and next season. So when the next opportunity to support the Alhambra arrives, we hope you will remember us at that time.

On seating arrangements---

Some seating arrangements are slightly different. Additionally, when the new season started, we did not have access to the old computer system with all of the information from prior ticket-holders…and frankly many prior ticket holders cancelled their payments during the time that the theatre’s status was in limbo. So, to preserve your season ticket status, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to let us know that you would like to still join us this season. Please give us your confirmation number, the name that the season ticket was purchased under so that we can track your information and make sure you are still in the system. If you cancelled your transaction with your credit card company, we will ask you to initiate a new transaction to keep your season ticket active.

8. I am a previous patron-how do I update my information with you?

Send us an email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and give us—

8. 1. Your name as it appeared on your season ticket
   2. Your reservation number, season ticket number, seating assignment and number in your party.
   3. Your email. This is the best way for us to reach you timely.
   4. Your phone and physical address so that we can correspond with you regarding your tickets and keep you apprised of our progress at the theatre.
   5. Lastly, you can call the box office at 641-1212. Please understand, the box office is experiencing a very high call volume presently. We have new folks in training as well…so there may be a delay in getting to your call. Please be patient with us. Your call is very important to us and we will be back with you as soon as we can with attention to your needs our highest priority.

9. I have a gift certificate from the old Alhambra, is it valid?

Your gift certificates still have value even though they were paid to the prior owners. In honoring your gift certificates, we realize none of the value that was paid for your gift certificate—but still want you to enjoy your gift. We apologize in advance, but find it necessary to charge a fee of $15 per ticket for gift certificate transfers to Alhambra Theatre and Dining from the old Alhambra Dinner Theatre. This expense goes to pay for show royalties that we must pay when you attend. We will cover the food and normal theatre operating expenses when you attend, but the royalty fees represent an out-of-pocket expense that must be paid over and above any of our local expenses, and we need your contribution on that expense.

10. I have a comment, where do I send it?

There is nothing we like better than hearing from our loyal patrons. We hope that it is a note on how much you enjoyed the performance, our upgraded menu and delicious food, the attention of our wait staff and our hospitality…but if there is an area that needs attention, we want to hear that, too. There is not one thing we do that we can’t learn to do better—your feedback will help us in that regard. Send a note to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

11. Can you tell me about the food experience at the new Alhambra?

We will be happy to do that!

One of our biggest coups is that Matthew Medure will be directing our food service. In the recent past, meals at the Alhambra have been lacking. That is no longer the case. Medure has quite the reputation of fine dining and great food. Delicious food is now part of our fare at Alhambra Theatre and Dining. Matthew’s newest enterprise, Take-Away Gourmet buffet was a perfect answer to our theatre’s menu and he has hit a home-run. Quality food at a reasonable expense is now what our patrons enjoy every time they visit the Alhambra. Rave reviews on food from those who have visited us recently confirms we have made the right decision in retaining Matthew.

12. What about the shows? Are they going to be the same quality?

The Alhambra stage has been home to many great performances—and great performers. Bob Denver (Gilligan), Sid Cesar, Omar Shariff, Bob Crane (Hogan’s Heroes) have all graced the stage at the Alhambra. Betty Grable made her very last appearance right here on the Alhambra Stage. We have also launched the careers of many a star right here on the Alhambra stage—including Leanza Cornett—former Miss America and current TV star of Animal Planet.

So, to get to the point, our very own Tod Booth, Sr. will continue to be the creative behind all of our stage talent. His unique abilities to locate existing talent and find new up-and-comers will continue to be an integral part of the Alhambra theatrical offering. We are so pleased that he has agreed to stay with us, and we are certain that you will continue to enjoy the professional theatre you have come to expect at the Alhambra.

13. Are new shows coming?

A common comment—is that our patrons would like to see new shows offered. While our current 2010 season is set due to commitments made prior, we are asking our patrons to give us your opinions—and vote on what shows you would like to see for 2011 and beyond. Email us on what shows you would like to see at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

14. I hear the theatre is open again, but I still see construction activity—tell me what is going on.

To get straight to the point—the Alhambra has undergone a normal 6 months of renovations, all in about 45 days. The transformation has been absolutely phenomenal judging from the comments of our long-term season ticket holders and recent patrons. But we still have work to do, we discover new items weekly that we would like to address, and with a few delays on getting materials (carpet, signage, countertops, machinery, stage curtain automation and some lighting), we are continuing to enhance the physical facilities at the theatre. We ask for your patience during this time and appreciate your support.

15. Are you going to dress-up the outside?

To start- we have painted the exterior and added pavers to the entry ways. The outside of the Alhambra facilities will continue to be upgraded in the coming months to be on par with the upgrades to the interior. We have renovations underway for the fountain. There is a courtyard planned for the front lawn area. The recent traffic-flow changes to Beach Blvd have created the need for new ingress and egress flow to our parking facilities—and we are working on re-striping the parking areas. Landscaping and more enhancements to our physical plant are coming. We ask for your patience as we work on more exterior improvements

16. How do I audition for upcoming shows?

Shortly, we will post audition information on our website for those interested in participating on the theatrical side of our operations. In the meantime, you may send us a note at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

17. Do you have any employment opportunities?

For our immediate needs, we have filled positions needed at the theatre from past employees and from applicants on file. However, we are growing and are always looking for quality people. If you have restaurant and/or dinner theatre experience, we would love to hear from you. Send us an email with your resume attached to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it