Tina Lifford to Star in Generation W's Benefit Performance of THE CIRCLE at Alhambra, 8/24-25

Generation W will present the Jacksonville premiere and benefit performance of THE CIRCLE. THE CIRCLE is written by and stars nationally known actress, Tina Lifford and directed by Shirley Jo Finney, who has won multiple awards for her special talent and eye for storytelling. Tina Lifford and Generation W are teaming up with The Alhambra Theater and Dining to showcase THE CIRCLE Sunday, August 24th and Monday, August 25th.

THE CIRCLE is often referred to as an outlet for women to share life experiences - the ups and the downs, the good, the not-so-good, and the deep sense of relief that comes with having a safe haven. During THE CIRCLE, the stage will come alive with life-altering stories made up of issues that resonate with women. It is a play about seven women's lives that will make you think, feel, dream, and be inspired. THE CIRCLE becomes a safe place for women to share the subjects that impact them, which in turn empowers the audience to think about who they really are. Tina Lifford, playwright and Executive Producer based THE CIRCLE on her own experiences as well as those of many women she has encountered through out her own life.

Said Ms. Lifford, "I've been a member of a Sister Circle for almost 30 years. We have watched one another flower and grow beyond our challenges and beyond feeling 'less than' in some way." She continued, "I admire the honesty of the women in my Sister Circle and their willingness to dig deep to find their true Self. My sincere desire is that THE CIRCLE will be a catalyst that moves our audience into greater self-acceptance and the growing awareness that you are bigger than any challenge you face."

Events for The Circle:

Book Signing - The Little Book of BIG Lies

Date: Friday August 22nd Time: 11 am - 2 pm

Address: San Marco Book Store

1971 San Marco Blvd. Jacksonville, FL

Tina will be available to autograph books purchased at the book signing.

The Circle

Date: Sunday, August 24th and Monday, August 25th

VIP Preshow Reception 5:30 pm

Doors and Dinner at 6:00

Show at 7:30 pm

Address: The Alhambra Theatre & Dining

12000 Beach Blvd

Jacksonville, FL 32246

Tickets are $85 and $125 and both pricing levels include dinner, the show and complimentary parking as well as a special "talk back" discussion following the show. The $125 VIP package includes a special meet and greet with Ms. Lifford before the show as well as front of house seating and VIP parking. The VIP Reception will begin at 5:30.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier will also unveil custom Generation W chocolates, which will be included in the ticket packages and available for purchase during THE CIRCLE as well as in select Peterbrooke stores. Raffle prizes will also be available during both show times.

As a fundraiser, proceeds from ticket sales will benefit women and girls in the greater Jacksonville community by way of the events held by Generation W and Generation WOW. Generation WOW introduces young girls to the idea and opportunities of mentorship, where the leaders of today meet the leaders of tomorrow, as well as teaching lessons of the Positive and the Possible. Generation W's goal is to educate, inspire, and connect women through programming that promotes thought leadership to move people to improve their lives and communities. Tickets can be purchased though the Alhambra box office by calling 904.641.1212 or by visiting on line at alhambrajax.com.

About Tina Lifford: Tina Lifford is best known as a successful Hollywood actress, currently starring as Renee Trussell on NBC's hit series, Parenthood. Over the past 20 years, Tina has achieved a number of notable accomplishments: the first black female series lead (since Diahann Carroll) in the critically acclaimed half-hour show, South Central on Fox; Winnie Mandela opposite Hollywood icons Sydney Poitier and Michael Caine, in the Showtime biopic Mandela and de Klerk; and, Mama Haze in The Temptations Story, one of the highest grossing made-for-television movies in viewing history. Tina has starred opposite other industry legends such as Clint Eastwood, Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Willis, Jennifer Garner, Danny Glover and Steve Martin to name a few. As Founder and Executive Director of Waking Up Fabulous, her Inner Health & Wellbeing Company, Tina develops entertainment, workshops and special events that support woman, as they go about the business of changing their lives. THE CIRCLE is a unique play that is literally changing people's lives. THE CIRCLE has been playing to SOLD OUT audiences for the past seven months. THE CIRCLE establishes Tina as a leading provider of uplifting Transformational Theatre.

About Generation W: Generation W is a Jacksonville nonprofit organization that focuses on educating inspiring, and connecting women and girls. Generation W is about showcasing thought leadership that will move people to improve their lives and communities. The annual Generation W event brings together women from all over the country to take part and contribute their experience and expertise on a wide range of resonant topics in a dynamic and entertaining format.

About The New Alhambra Theater and Dining: The Alhambra is the nation's longest continuously operating professional dinner theater and the only professional resident theater 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, Michael Learned, Lance Nichols, Sally Struthers, Barry Williams, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr and most recently, Barbara Eden. The Alhambra was the place of Betty Grable's final acting role. In November 2009, the Alhambra was purchased by Theatre Partners, LLC, headed by Jacksonville entrepreneur and Alhambra patron, Craig Smith as a way to give back to Jacksonville and preserve what he believes is one of its cultural jewels. Equally important to Smith is hosting special events as fundraisers for area charities and non-profit groups.