Alhambra Dinner Theatre

NINE-SHOW SLATE TO INCLUDE MICHAEL LEARNED, GEORGE WENDT, LORETTA SWIT, CHRISTMAS CAROLE, AND THE RETURN OF THE “SUMMER SURPRISE”

(Jacksonville, FL) – The Alhambra Theatre & Dining will open its 2013 season – its 46^th – with a tribute to Johnny Cash and close it out in December with its bi-annual run of Christmas Carole. In between, the nation’s longest running professional dinner theater will host everything from Broadway classics to Norm from Cheers.  Managing Partner Craig Smith announced that season tickets are now available after a private sale to existing season partners. 

“We call them Partners because it’s exactly what they are to me and to this theatre,” stated Smith.  He added, “I continue to be amazed at the passion and support this community feels for this theatre.  I have been involved in many businesses, and most are transactional.  I honestly feel that this theater has a relationship with each and every person that walks through our front door.  Our Season Partners are certainly the most ardent, and with our third straight fantastic renewal period, clearly the relationship is mutual.”

The Johnny Cash musical show, Ring of Fire will open the season on December 28.  As part of the run, the Alhambra will hold a special New Year’s Eve event, which will feature a special menu, dancing, and a balloon drop at midnight followed by a breakfast buffet.  For Driving Miss Daisy, Jacksonville will be treated to two stars, Michael Learned of The Walton’s along with screen and TV star, Lance Nichols. Nichols is currently appearing in HBO’s Treme. Come March Crazy For You will take the stage.  In May, Loretta Swit, of M*A*S*H. will return to the Alhambra in the comedy Murder Among Friends.

Those wanting to explore their southern roots or simply learn a little more about the south will love the comedy, Dixie Swim Club.  In September, George Wendt – Norm from ABC’s hit comedy, Cheers – will star in a yet-to-be-named show, one that Wendt himself will hand pick with producer Tod Booth.  The Alhambra will turn toward the islands in October for the classic 

Broadway musical, South Pacific.  And, in its bi-annual return, Christmas Carole will once again close out the season in what is sure to be another sell-out holiday extravaganza.

Smith also announced that, for the second straight season, Alhambra patrons will decide on the summer show, traditionally a family-oriented production, via fan polling. Starting in the spring, people will be allowed to vote among three pre-selected nominated shows via website polling and Facebook discussion.  The show receiving the most votes will be announced in early April.

“We stated last year at this time that 2012 would be a pivotal season for us,” said Craig Smith.  “We wanted to raise the bar on our production quality and improving our cuisine.  Now the word we hear most often is ‘experience.’ Chef DeJuan Roy has people talking about our food as a culinary experience and critics continue to rave about Tod Booth’s theatrical productions.  There is no better feeling for me than to hear our guests praise those two people for the hard work they and their staff put into making the Alhambra experience special, and we truly look forward to an even more adventurous 2013.”

The 2013 lineup includes:

Tod Booth will return as Creative Director and Producer for his twenty-ninth season.  Smith indicated that the Alhambra will continue its new plated, seated dinner service citing that, “90% of our customers tell us the Alhambra experience simply feels more elegant when we serve them.  The live theater experience is about escaping the everyday complexities of life, and part of that experience consists of not having to fix one’s own meals.  We want to serve them and enhance their get away from the rat race.  Occasionally we may mix in the buffet if the situation calls for it, but we have had tremendous feedback on the plated service that is commensurate with Chef Roy’s culinary talents.”

About the new Alhambra Theatre & Dining

The Alhambra Theatre is the nation’s longest 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 Cesar and Cesar Romero, and, recently, Loretta Swit, Barry Williams, Jamie Farr, Sally Struthers and Joyce DeWitt. The Alhambra 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.