Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Plays The Alhambra Theatre, Opens 4/8

The Alhambra Theatre & Dining will open its biggest production in its 43-year history on April 8 when "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" debuts, announced Managing Partner Craig Smith. The renowned musical comedy will feature a cast of more than 25 actors, and the stage will be so grand the Alhambra will be removing side tables on the first level of seating to accommodate it. In addition to the size of the production, there are other interesting storylines for the Alhambra's production "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," including:

In 1954 actor Matt Mattox starred in the Oscar-nominated screen version as Caleb. He was a leading dancer in Hollywood throughout the 1940's and 1950's, dancing with Marylin Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, as well as Judy Garland and Cyd Charise. Now 90 years old, he went on to a lead an award-winning career as a choreographer, being credited for inventing the "freestyle" movement of jazz dance. 60 years later, fresh off of her Broadway debut in West Side Story, Mattox's granddaughter, Skye Mattox, is starring in the Alhambra production of her grandfather's breakout film.

In 2009 Tony Lawson and Krista Severied starred in Seven Brides at the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis (IN). They met during the show and are now married - and starring in Alhambra's production. Lawson starred in the "Beauty and the Beast" national tour.

The size of the show will be punctuated by some special effects at the Theatre. Production Manager Dave Dionne will create the avalanche scene during which the characters get "trapped" in the mountains using lighting and sound reproduction. The exterior and lobbies of the Theatre will be decorated to incorporate an Oregon logger feel. And the menu, created by Executive Chef Matthew Medure, will feature a similar theme and be served at the table rather than the Alhambra's traditional buffet.

"This is going to be a really fun show for us and for the audience," said Smith. He added, "The cast is superb, the menu will be unique and the set will be fantastic. Our patrons asked for new shows that we haven't done before, but also for classics, and this fills both rolls. It's going to be a test for Tod Booth and for the scene and costume craftspeople, and I am confident that this will be one of the most memorable performances we've ever had."

"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is based on the short story, "The Sobbin' Women," by Stephen Vincenet Benet. The 1954 MGM film was nominated for Best Picture with Howard Keel as Adam and Jane Powell as Milly. When Adam takes Milly as his young bride in the 1850s Oregon wilderness, his six brothers decide they want wives of their own. To help - and to ensure the success of her own marriage - Milly takes it upon herself to civilize her six rowdy brothers-in-law. But her plans backfire when the brothers, in their enthusiasm, kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their brides. Milly must help the bevy of beautiful girls endure the long winter until their fathers arrive in the spring for a mass shotgun wedding of the 12 young lovers. Great songs fill this show including "Bless Your Beautiful Hide," "Goin' Courtin'" and "Wonderful, Wonderful Day." Bursting with the rambunctious energy of the original film, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is all boisterous fun and romance that harkens back to the glory days of the movie musical.

"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" opens April 8, 2011. Show times are 8:00 PM for evening shows Tuesday through Sunday. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the buffet starts at 6:30 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. 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. Call the box office at 904.641.1212 or visit on line 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 Cesar and Cesar Romero, and, recently, Loretta Swit. 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.