Jordan Higginbotham - Page 2

Pretty Woman is stoppin’ awhile at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Pretty Woman is based on the popular 1990 movie of the same name. Jacksonville audiences were completely nostalgic for the musical. Audience members could be heard making comments like “it’s the same dress!” or “look at them at the opera!” during the show.

The audience follows Aladdin on a journey from street rat to Prince Ali of Ababwa. He believes now that he is a prince, Princess Jasmine will fall in love with him (Senzel Ahmady). What he does not understand is she would love him simply for who he was, not because he was a prince. The musical was incredibly entertaining for audiences of all ages.

The musical is a fun time for the whole family!

Grumpy Old Men has opened at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining! The musical based on the 1993 movie follows two (as you guessed it) grumpy old men, John Gustafson and Max Goldman. The two had been feuding for decades, which all started with a woman they both liked. Years later, a new woman comes to town, and they are both vying for her affection.

What did our critic think of THE WIZARD OF OZ at Alhambra Theatre And Dining?The cult classic “Wizard of Oz” opened at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining on Friday night, and if you are looking for a sweet and nostalgic performance to distract you from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is the show to attend.

“Hear the beat of dancing feet, It’s the song I love the melody of Forty-Second Street.” 42nd Street opened at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining on May 13th. The musical follows the production of a musical called “Pretty Lady.” We observed an extremely talented girl from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Peggy Sawyer (Julie Stewart) trying to make it on Broadway. We also see a washed-up Broadway actress, Dorothy Brock (Jennifer Medure), trying to make a comeback, who is struck down (no pun intended) with a broken ankle and can no longer perform. Thank goodness Peggy Sawyer (Stewart) can step into the role after the producer, Julian Marsh (James Aaron Skiba), sees she can dance circles around Dorothy Brock (Medure) and sings just as well. The classic musical for sure gives the classic vibes of a small-town girl making it big on Broadway.

Brighton Beach Memoirs began its run at Orange Park Community Theatre on April 1st. Make no mistake, this is no April Fools prank, the cast and crew have put on a lovely performance for Orange Park and the surrounding areas.

  “Have you heard there’s a rumor in St. Petersburg? Have you heard what they’re saying on the streets?” Anastasia has made its stop in Jacksonville! The musical based on the beloved 1997 movie, follows the story of the two Russian men attempting to pass off a street sweeper as the sole surviving member of the Romanov family. Little do they know she is truly the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanov. Anastasia is a treat for the whole family! I should also mention, if you were a little girl born in the 90s obsessed with the movie, this will be a very nostalgic time.

It’s “nothin’ but a good time” at Alhambra Theatre and Dining in Jacksonville! Rock of Ages opened at Alhambra Theatre and Dining on March 25th and audiences went wild. The musical follows two aspiring artists making their way in Los Angeles. While we follow the two artists, a rally is going on to prevent the demolition of the Sunset Strip, where all the art and music is produced. With many popular songs of the 1980’s, audiences are sure to notice a few hits, maybe even bob their head to the rhythm.

Cats opened at Times Union Center for the Performing Arts on February 22nd. Jacksonville audiences were ecstatic to see the 1983 Tony Award winner for Best Musical. The musical follows the story of cats deciding which cat will go to “Heaviside layer”, based on the T.S. Eliot poem “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.”

Dear Jacksonville, this week is going to be a good week. And here’s why because Dear Evan Hansen is stopping here this week! The incredibly heart-wrenching and beautiful show follows the story of Evan Hansen, a senior in high school who struggles with anxiety and can’t seem to “fit in.” Evan wants to make his senior year a good year to please his mom, but also to feel like he belongs. However, when a letter he writes to himself is put into the wrong hands, it becomes a very complicated situation in which someone's small lie becomes a complete mess. The Jacksonville audience at the opening performance was in awe of the show, laughter heard at the much-needed comic relief, as well as many tears and sniffles heard throughout the theatre.

'What's happening all over? I'll tell you what's happening all over.' Or at least what's happening at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining. The 55th season has kicked off with the opening of Guys and Dolls!

When everyone was experiencing devastation on 9/11/2001, the town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada was accepting passengers from 38 planes full of people who had been detoured from their various destinations. Come From Away tells this true story. The musical follows the five days the “Come From Aways” stayed in Gander as they try and contact their loved ones and deal with the heartbreaking news that was happening in the states.

“To us and our good fortune. Be happy, be healthy, long life! And if our good fortune never comes Here’s to whatever comes, Drink l’chaim, to life!” feels very fitting after a long 18-month hiatus due to COVID-19.  Fiddler on the Roof opened at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville on November 2. The musical follows the Tevye (Yehezkel Lazarov) and his family in the town of Anatevka. When a radical named Perchick (Solomon Reynolds), Tevye’s family is taken on a journey into the “outside world.” The show truly depicts how times change, but traditions are hard to let go. The cast is supremely talented and witty, as well as entertaining for all audience members.

The Alhambra Theatre and Dining is “alive with The Sound of Music.” The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical follow the von Trapp family in 1938 shortly before the second world war in Austria. A new governess, Maria Rainer comes to the von Trapp family, bringing with her music and joy that has been lacking within the home since their mother passed away. The musical is filled with songs most audience members will recognize, such as “The Sound of Music,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Do-Re-Mi.”

“Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!” Spongebob the Musical opened at Players by the Sea on Friday night, and the crowd went wild. The musical follows Spongebob and the citizens of Bikini Bottom as they prepare for a natural disaster that could wipe out their town. Spongebob and his friends must find a way to save the town the love so much and battle various obstacles along the way. Audiences will recognize many of their favorite characters from the past 22 years of the popular television show.

“It’s possible! Anything’s possible!” like being in a full house on opening night at Alhambra Theatre in Jacksonville after a year and a half of the pandemic! My heart was so full to see such happy faces in the theatre as we were entranced by the world that is Seussical the Musical. The fun filled musical is sure to be a hit for families of Jacksonville ready to exit their homes and get back to the wonderful world of music, dance, and theatre!

Well, after almost one year, the media is back to limited shows in Jacksonville, FL! The Alhambra Theatre and Dining has done all they could to keep the arts alive during this turbulent time. Round of applause to the wait staff, directors, producers, actors, and everyone involved. I am thrilled to be in a beautiful world that provides a distraction from the COVID-19 world. There truly is nothing like live theatre! Now, onto a review of Tennessee Williams’s The Glass of Menagerie.

How to Succeed at Business Without Really Trying is at the Alhambra in Jacksonville, FL. The witty musical follows the story of J. Pierrepont Finch as he works his way up in a company through distinct steps, such as staying late at the office to look like an ambitious employee. The show was incredibly entertaining for the audience, and a little relatable for anyone who has worked in a corporate office.

a?oeRight This Waya?? to the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts to see Bandstand. Audiences were so moved by the musical on February 18. Bandstand follows the story of veterans' home from World War II as they try to qualify for a music competition. The group becomes the Donny Nova band and intends to win the competition and dedicate it to the veterans that defended the United States. It is very appropriate for the show to come to Jacksonville, FL as we have not one, but two naval bases. You could feel the theater become heavy with an array of emotions as audience members were transported to this time period and watched these characters portray very real post-war circumstances.