Neighborhoods

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? A Christmas that includes softly falling snow? Not much chance of that in Jacksonville, although we came close in 1989. Does anyone remember? If you’re dreaming of a theatrical White Christmas, then the musical stage version of the 1954 Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye movie is now at the Alhambra and will remain until December 24. However, even experiencing the fluffy stuff vicariously may remain a dream unless you already have reserved seats, as the show has been sold out since Halloween. You can ask to be put a waiting list; perhaps you’ll …

Traditional good old country music is alive and well on the stage of the Alhambra Theatre and Dining in the hands of country music star Jason Petty and his show Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes. Originally scheduled to run through August 19, it has been extended until August 26. In this tribute to Hank Williams, one of the most popular shows to ever come to the Alhambra, Petty recreates Hank’s iconic stage presence. A terrific four-piece backup band includes Mark Baczynski (fiddle), Rory Hoffman (electric guitar), Eric Lewis (steel guitar) and David Martin, who is the bandleader and on …

Some early results are in for the 2012 election year. The Alhambra Theatre decided to choose its summer play based on the votes of its fans and patrons, and The Wizard of Oz was the winner of the popular vote. The musical has now opened and will be playing through July 23rd. It’s not a surprise that it won; the novel by L. Frank Baum that inspired the play has had a strong following since it was first published in 1900, 112 years ago. In 1939, an Academy Award nominated film starring Judy Garland was made. The Wizard of Oz film …

If you are a fan of 50s rock, Buddy Holly and the Crickets in particular, then the Alhambra’s new show The Buddy Holly Story is for you. If you were not around when Buddy Holly rose to fame and created the sound that changed the music of the 50s, you will be a fan after you experience this energy-packed extravaganza, which runs for two and a half hours. The story of Buddy begins at age 19 when, as the leader of a small county music band, he pursued his desire to perform rock and roll in his very own special style. The …

One of the Alhambra’s all time favorite shows is back in town, starring Gail Bliss in A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, on stage from February 8 to February 26. Webster’s dictionary defines “bliss” as supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment.” Indeed Ms. Bliss’s performances over the past twelve years has garnered a legion of loyal fans who return again and again because of the supreme happiness and joy they receive from her total commitment to bringing the songs of Patsy Cline to life once again. When it was announced by the Alhambra that this would be the last presentation …

The Alhambra Theatre opened a special summertime treat for children of all ages (from 5 to 95!), the musical stage version of Willy Wonka. The play is based on the children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by British author Roald Dahl, which was made into a very successful film in 1971, followed by a remake in 2005; the story has been a kid favorite for years. The Alhambra has been turned into a land of candy and fantasy, inside and out. As you approach the theatre you see giant lollipops along the way as well as in the lovely garden …