Jamie Farr Readies to Open Lend Me a Tenor

In June of 2010 it was M*A*S*H star Loretta Swit marking the return of a big name star to the Alhambra's stage. In July of this year that tradition continued with Barry Williams in The Odd Couple. And in two weeks another star will take the Alhambra's stage as M*A*S*H alumnae, Jamie Farr, who played Corporal (later Sergeant) Maxwell Klinger in television's longest running comedy makes his Jacksonville debut.

Farr will star in The Alhambra's production of the Tony Award winning Broadway farce, Lend Me a Tenor. "I have talked to Jamie several times over the past few weeks," said Craig Smith, Managing Partner of the Alhambra Theatre & Dining. "He is as excited to be here as we are to have him. Jamie brings nostalgic flair to the stage, and at the same time offers contemporary appeal." Farr played the same role at Kansas City's New Theatre Restaurant in the spring of this year, and just wrapped up a show in Toronto where he starred in Tuesdays with Morrie.

Set in 1934, Lend me a Tenor revolves around renowned tenor Tito Merelli, who is scheduled to appear in Otello as a fundraiser. Unfortunately, even before the star leaves his hotel room, everything begins to unravel. Chaos ensues when Merelli's wife, who has mistaken an autograph-seeker hidden in his closet for a secret lover, leaves him a "Dear John" letter. Lend me a Tenor is a chain-reaction of mistaken identity, plot twists, double entendres, innuendoes, and constant entrances and exits through many doors. A sensation on Broadway and in London's West End, Lend Me a Tenor was nominated for eight Tony Awards and won one.

About Jamie Farr

Emmy Award nominee Jamie Farr was born Jameel Joseph Farah on July 1, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, the only son of Samuel, a meat cutter/grocer, and Jamelia, a seamstress. His acting career began at age 11 when Jamie won $2 in a local talent contest. He won his first film role as Santini in "The Blackboard Jungle", then served two years in the army in Korea and Japan.

He then proceeded to carve out a TV career by appearing as a regular on "The Red Skelton Show" and several episodes of the "The Danny Kaye Show."

During the first season of M*A*S*H* Jamie was hired for one day's work as a phony transvestite, Corporal Maxwell Klinger, bucking for a Section 8 discharge. By the third season, Jamie became a full member of the cast and went on to even direct several episodes. He also has appeared on the big screen in George Stevens' monumental "The Greatest Story Ever Told," and with Burt Reynolds in "Cannonball Run" and ?"Cannonball Run II". He has toured with John Davidson in "Will Rogers's Follies" and played Oscar Madison in the national tour of "The Odd Couple" with his M*A*S*H* associate, William Christopher. Jamie's Broadway debut was made in the long running "Guys and Dolls" for which he received rave reviews for his portrayal of Nathan Detroit. More recently, he appeared in "Moon Over Buffalo", as well as the comedy-thriller play, "Catch Me If You Can."

"Lend me a Tenor" opens September 21, 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.

 

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