Tag Archives: Cathy Murphy Giddens

FOOTLOOSE AT THE ALHAMBRA

“Footloose” opened at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre on October 22 and will remain on stage through November 22, 2020. The Dual Critics of EU Jacksonville – Dick Kerekes & Leisla Sansom – did not review the opening of this production, which was sold out before it even opened! Looks like the “Grease” crowd wanted to see it and turned out in force. We’ve seen productions in other venues and loved them: the plot revolves around a teenager facing the challenge of life in a small town that has outlawed dancing. If you want to see it, you can try calling …

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Song, Dance, Comedy, and a Holiday Feast: "Elf - The Musical" at the Alhambra

Song, Dance, Comedy, and a Holiday Feast: “Elf – The Musical” at the Alhambra

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW: Elf – The Musical The  opened its annual Christmas holiday show with the return of “Elf – The Musical” on November 29, which remains on stage through December 24, 2019. Last year’s production of this holiday classic filled with Christmas cheer was sold out in August, and played to full houses throughout the run.  Managing Partner, , decided to reschedule the play this year so theatergoers who were disappointed that they couldn’t get tickets last year could see it. The current production also sold out in August, and Craig says it’s their “fastest-selling show ever.” So …

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'Jekyll & Hyde' at Alhambra is a Chilling Unforgettable Tale

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ at Alhambra is a Chilling Unforgettable Tale

Alhambra Theatre & Dining Dual Critics Review  The Alhambra Theatre, Jacksonville’s only dinner theatre, opened “Jekyll & Hyde” on October 23, 2019, which runs through November 24, 2019. The theatre is located at 12000 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida. Visit alhambrajax.com or call 904-641-1212 for reservations. The musical is based on a novella by Robert Louis Stevenson first published in 1886. Book and lyrics are by Leslie Bricusse, with music by . This mesmerizing production of ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is directed by Alhambra’s , who directed the same show on this stage eighteen years ago. Dr. Henry Jekyll is a …

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Take a Two-Hour Trip to Greece with Alhambra Dinner Theatre's 'Mamma Mia!'

Take a Two-Hour Trip to Greece with Alhambra Dinner Theatre’s ‘Mama Mia!’

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW: MAMA MIA! AT ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING  Jacksonville’s has opened one of the most successful jukebox musicals ever with Mama Mia! featuring over twenty songs composed by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. ABBA-SOLUTELY FABULOUS FUN awaits ticket holders! This show marks the tenth year of the venue’s purchase by Managing Partner and Partners Bill Barnett, Fraser Bruns, and E. Karl Frisch.  The musical, which premiered in London in 1999, has been wildly popular, having played to a worldwide audience of sixty million theatre goers. After making it to Broadway in 2001, it remained for almost six thousand performances before …

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Aint Misbehavin', Alhambra Theatre & Dining, Jacksonville, Florida

Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Alhambra Brings National Caliber Talent to Jacksonville Stage

A DUAL CRITICS ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING REVIEW  ONE NEVER KNOWS, DO ONE? That was the favorite expression of American songwriter Fats Waller, and one frequently heard in Ain’t Misbehavin’, which received a Tony in 1978 for best musical and ran for almost four years on  Broadway. The show opened at Jacksonville’s on May 8 and runs through June 9, 2019. And one just never knows what’s going to turn up on that stage to entertain North Floridians and visitors. Last month, it was the , next month, it will be Disney’s The Little Mermaid (June 12 – July 28). The …

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DUAL CRITICS REVIEW: ‘Kiss Me Kate’ at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Jacksonville’s Alhambra Theatre opened “Kiss Me Kate,” a classic musical with a score filled to the brim with tuneful and thoughtfully fun songs. The production (August 1 – September 9, 2018) is staged at 12000 Beach Boulevard. Call (904) 641-1212 or visit alhambrajax.com for tickets and additional information. The musical, based on William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” features the fabulous music and lyrics of Cole Porter and is very funny. The Bard’s work was adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, who set it in Baltimore in the 1940s, where a theatre company is planning a production of …

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DUAL CRITICS REVIEW: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Jacksonville’s Alhambra Theatre opened the Florida premiere of “,” a production offering a fun time for children of all ages and a trip down memory lane for many adults, especially those who remember the 1968 movie of the same name which starred Dick Van Dyke. The matinee the Dual Critics attended was packed. The story is based on a children’s book written for the young son of , who is better known as the creator of superspy James Bond. How did the novel get its name? “Chitty Chitty” is reportedly based on Fleming’s friendship with an engineer named Chitty and …

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The Addams Family, Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jacksonville, Florida

ALHAMBRA THEATRE REVIEW: They’re Kooky & They’re Spooky “THE ADDAMS FAMILY”

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW Jacksonville’s Alhambra Theatre opened its fall season on October 4, 2017 with “. This musical comedy is based on the work of cartoonist (1912 – 1988), who first brought the characters to life in 1938 in “The New Yorker.” Their popularity led to a 1960’s television series, two animated series, three films, a DVD, and pinball and video games. The story was fashioned into a musical in 2010, with book by and , creators of “,” and music and lyrics by . With Nathan Lane in the leading role, it ran on Broadway for 772 performances. …

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Motown-Inspired “DREAMGIRLS” at the Alhambra

ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING REVIEW A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW BY DICK KEREKES & LEISLA SANSOM    Jacksonville’s opened the Motown-inspired musical, “” on April 12, 2017. It will run through May 21 at 12000 Beach Boulevard. If you want to see a show loaded with terrific voices, don’t miss this entertaining musical. For reservations, call (904) 641-1212 or visit alhambrajax.com. “Dreamgirls,” with book and lyrics by and music by , opened on Broadway in 1981, ran for over 1,500 performances, was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, and won six. The show mirrors the rise of The Supremes and lead singer …

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Dual Critics Review: SISTER ACT at the Alhambra – Make Laughs Your Habit

ALHAMBRA THEATRE AND DINING A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW BY DICK KEREKES & LEISLA SANSOM [email protected] The opened the musical comedy “” on September 7, 2016 which will run through October 9. The musical is based on the 1992 hit film of the same name which starred . Some changes were made during the transition to the stage. Composer , of “Little Shop of Horrors” fame added newly written music, the setting was moved from Reno to Philadelphia, and actress was cast in the leading role. The musical has been a hit from the beginning. It opened at Pasadena Playhouse in …

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