Loretta Swit

Emmy^® Award Winner Loretta Swit  who starred as Hot Lips Houlihan in TV’s M*A*S*H -- to Star in world premiere of

Mark Miller’s Amorous Crossing

-- Alhambra returns full circle to its glory days

when guest stars graced her stage --

(Jacksonville, FL) – Betty Grable…Tony Curtis…Claude Aiken…Sid Caesar…Miss America Leanza Cornett…these are just some of the names of the stars who once shined on the Alhambra’s stage.  And now, after countless renovations to the facility, the transformation of the dining experience, Alhambra Theatre and Dining's new owners are completing the circle of the theatre’s resurgence as a cultural icon as The Alhambra announces two-time Emmy^® Award-winning actress Loretta Swit will star in the production of Amorous Crossing.

Doubling the excitement and truly highlighting the Alhambra’s place in the arts community, Mark Miller’s Amorous Crossing is making its world premiere.  Miller, both an actor and screenwriter, wrote the films A Walk in the Clouds (which starred Keanu Reaves) and Savannah Smile.  He is the father of Hollywood actress Penelope Anne Miller. Mr. Miller is currently working on a new play, “Amber’s Angel,” and has two scripts in production.

“Premiering a play is something that happens so seldom in a theatre’s history,” stated Alhambra’s Managing Partner Craig Smith.  He continued, “We really wanted to underscore our commitment to the theatre and to Jacksonville, and by premiering a play written by someone of Mark’s importance – and to do it with an actor of Ms. Swit’s caliber – is something about which we are incredibly excited.  This marks a giant step in returning the Alhambra to her place not just in local theatre, but also well outside the Jacksonville boundaries.  Mark is an internationally renowned playwright with Hollywood credentials.  Loretta is an award-winning actress who starred in one of the most iconic and successful television shows ever.  The Alhambra is the longest running professional dinner theater in the nation. It’s the perfect storm of what we want the Alhambra to be.  This is very big news for us, as big as any since we bought and re-opened the theatre.”

Amorous Crossing is a true romantic comedy set aboard a cruise ship en route to an island paradise. The show focuses on the hilarious complications involving two couples. One couple is an older woman and a younger man, and the other couple is an older man with a younger woman. As their mutual honeymoons set sail, it is discovered that the younger man and the younger woman have been previously married -- to each other.

As the director of a world premiere, Tod Booth will be setting the precedent for how this play will be seen from this point forward.  “This is truly an honor for me and for the Alhambra,” stated Booth.  “We are so fortunate to have it in our town and in our theatre.” Mr. Booth commented that the creative process doesn’t end because the script is finished and the cast is set.  “This is where the challenge begins,” said Booth.  We’ll further develop the script with Loretta’s and the cast’s contributions during the rehearsals and we’ll make it better as each day progresses.  The audience will tell us if the choices we have made are working.”

Amorous Crossing sets sail on August 13th with all the fanfare a world premiere commands.  The Alhambra will continue its traditional Opening Night Gala, complete with red carpet, Hollywood lights and velvet ropes. After the show a private meet and greet will be available with Ms. Swit and Mr. Miller and the rest of the cast.  The Gala will feature some surprises including a new menu by Executive Chef Matthew Medure.  Guests are treated to passed hors d’euvres and glasses of champagne.

About Loretta Swit

As the quick-witted, impassioned Major Margaret Houlihan of television’s most honored series, “M*A*S*H,” Swit became an American icon.   Ms. Swit has been honored with such recognition as the People’s Choice Award, The Genie Award, The Silver Satellite Award, The Jean Golden Halo Award and two Emmy^® Awards.   Ms. Swit made her Broadway debut in Same Time Next Year and later appeared in The Mystery Of Edwin Drood. She has toured with national companies of Any Wednesday, and with two companies of Mame, starring as Agnes Gooch alongside two illustrious “Mames”, Susan Hayward and Celeste Holm.  She has appeared in over 1000 performances of Shirley Valentine, a role for which she has won Chicago’s theatrical honor, The Sarah Siddons Award. Ms. Swit was also seen in touring companies of the musical comedy Song of Singapore.

Her television career includes over 25 movies, including the original “Cagney and Lacey,” in which she created the role of Chris Cagney. Others include “Games Mother Never Taught You,” “Hell Hath No Fury,” “The Execution,” and “A Killer Among Friends”.   On the big screen, Ms. Swit has starred in such films as STAND UP AND BE COUNTED, FREEBIE AND THE BEAN, BEER, and Blake Edwards’ S.O.B.

Ms. Swit’s wildlife series, “Those Incredible Animals,” appeared on the Discovery Channel for an amazing five–year run. As impassioned about animals as she is about her career, Ms. Swit is an active board member of Actors and Others For Animals. She has also served as a spokesperson for the Humane Society of the United States. For her humanitarian efforts, she has been named Woman of the Year by both the Animal Protection Institute and the International Fund For Animal Welfare.

Amorous Crossing show times are 7:30 PM for evening shows Tuesday through Sunday.  Doors open at 5:45 pm and the buffet starts at 6:00 pm. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 pm.  Doors open at 11:00 am and the buffet starts at 11:15 am.  Sunday matinee is at 2:00 pm.  Doors open at noon and the buffet starts at 12:15 pm.  Group sales are available. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $35 for children.   Ticket price includes dinner, show and parking.  Book your tickets by calling the box office at 904.641.1212 or visit online at www.alhambrajax.com.

About the new Alhambra Theatre & Dining

The Alhambra Theatre is the nation’s oldest continually operating professional dinner theatre and the only professional resident theatre between Atlanta and Miami.  Opened in 1967, The Alhambra has hosted legends such as Tony Curtis, Claude Aiken, Sid Caesar and Cesar Romero, and was the place of Betty Grable’s final acting role.  The Alhambra is also home to former Miss America, Orange Park native Leanza Cornett who started at the Alhambra when she was 15.  In November 2009, the Alhambra was purchased by Theatre Partners, LLC, headed by Jacksonville entrepreneur and Alhambra patron, Craig Smith as way to give back to Jacksonville and preserve what he believes is one of its cultural jewels.

INTERVIEW NOTES:  Ms. Swit will be available for interviews during the week of July 27 and sporadically the week of August 1.  She will be in rehearsal from 10-6 each day and unavailable for interviews except during her lunch period from noon to 1:00 PM.  Mr. Miller will be in Jacksonville for the world premiere August 9 through 15.