Christmas Carole Returns to the Alhambra

When the new Alhambra Theater & Dining opens it's production of Christmas Carole, it will mark the 20th time in the last 21 years for the Christmas classic at the nation's longest running professional dinner theater. And while the story is familiar and the venue quite traditional for Jacksonville theater-goers, a lot will have changed in this show: for the first time in more than 10 years the show will feature a completely new set and costumes, a new lead actor playing the part of Scrooge and a new chef in the kitchen.

And if some of this has a familiar story line, it may be because the new Alhambra will celebrate its second anniversary under the management of Theatre Partners LLC and the leadership of Managing Partner, Craig Smith. In November of 2009, Smith opened the iconic theater after a brief hiatus, and launched his first campaign with Christmas Carole. Then the theater had gone through most of it's physical renovations, but two years later it is even still a completely different experience - one that has been popular with its traditional clientele and a host of new Alhambra patrons, as well.

"It is remarkable to me how quickly time has passed," commentEd Smith. "At the same time, when I look around and see how far we have come, it seems like forever ago that we began this journey. It's even more remarkable that most of the people are the same, and how dedicated they have been to me, to this theater and to our guests. All of our success is because of the hard work of these folks." Smith also commented on how the Alhambra's popularity has continued to improve, with a steady rise in attendance and season ticket renewal. "While we keep improving the product, it has been with the support of the media for the arts community and the loyalty of our guests that have gotten is this far. We still have a long way to go, and we are working every day toward constant improvement."

And those improvements can be seen most immediately at the 2011 opening of Bruce Allen Scudder's Christmas Carole. Head Set Designer, Dave Dionne, has been working around the clock on building a new set for the show. While it will reflect the traditional feel of the story, he promises the new set to be more updated. Unlike most productions that visit Jacksonville, the Alhambra builds its own sets for each show at its Baymeadows scene shop. Typically, Dionne will present Smith with architectural plans of each set change, and then build them from scratch with his team of designers. It is a similar process for costuming: the Alhambra employs several people who design costumes for each show, creating most outfits by hand from their own patterns.

Alhambra loyalists will also be treated to a new actor playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. For the last 15 years the role has been played by Jacksonville's own, Tony Triano. Triano recently moved to New York to test his incredible skills on Broadway, and - to no one's surprise at the Alhambra! -- was cast in his very first audition. The role of Scrooge will be played by Gary Marachek - who actually played the part when the Alhambra first produced Christmas Carol. Said Creative Director, Tod Booth, "I am thrilled that I get to work with Gary again. It has been a fun reunion, and he will bring his own charms to the role and the show. Of course I'm equally happy for Tony. No one works harder than he does and he has earned his success."

Also in the cast will be some familiar faces: Ken Uibel will make his annual appearance as Bob Marley and each of the ghost characters. Booth's daughter, Jessica Booth, who has been acting at the Alhambra since she was a child and is a drama student at UCF will play the role of Lizzie. And back by popular demand playing Tiny Tim and Abby Davey, with her sister, Emily playing Sara.

Of course, a holiday tradition would be less satisfying without a traditional holiday meal to accompany it. The Alhambra's new Executive Chef, DeJuan Roy, will prepare a buffet that includes: Choice of a fresh garden salad with candied nuts and an herb vinaigrette dressing or a fresh spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette dressing. Entrees include, Sliced Top Round Sirloin with Natural au Jus and Carved Honey-baked Ham with Mustard Sauce, and a Carved Christmas Turkey with Cranberry Chutney. Side items include: Sweet Potato Soufflé, Baked Macaroni and cheese, Cornbread stuffing and Green beans with Candied Pecans. For dessert, the choices include the Alhambra's Famous Chocolate Mousse, Crème Brule French Toast and Pecan Pie.

Chef DeJuan joined the Alhambra family in late October, bringing the entire culinary experience in-house. "We learned a lot during the last show, and I am very, very excited for the Christmas Carole menu," stated Roy. "There is something comforting and at the same time celebratory about a big holiday dinner. Our goal in the kitchen is to provide that festive feeling, but take people back to those big holiday dinners around the family table."

The Alhambra will also begin its annual toy drive with the start of Christmas Carol. Toys collected form patrons will be collected in the Alhambra lobby, and then delivered by the cast to area charities. Details and specific charities are still being determined. In 2010, the Alhambra delivered more than 1,000 toys to Daniel Home for Children, Wolfson's Children's Hospital and several shelters.

"Christmas Carole" opens November 30, 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 longest 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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