The Alhambra Theatre & Dining recently announced its slate of shows for the 2019 theatrical season. The schedule is as follows:
“Godspell” Jan. 9 to Feb. 10
“Mid-Life! Crisis The Musical” Feb. 20 to March 24
“Big The Musical” March 27 to May 5
“Ain’t Misbehavin’” May 8 to June 9
Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” June 12 to July 28
“Mamma Mia! “ Aug. 7 to Sept. 15
“Brighton Beach Memoirs” Sept. 18 to Oct. 13
“Jekyll & Hyde” Oct. 23 to Nov. 24
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Nov. 27 to Dec. 24
“We’ve got something for everyone in 2019 and everything for many,” said Alhambra Managing Partner Craig Smith, who is celebrating 10 years at the helm of the dinner theater. “It’s really a fun mix of classic shows like ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’ and some titles that we haven’t done before like ‘Big The Musical.’”
Smith noted that the theme of this season was picked to tie in the Alhambra’s culinary success. Six years ago, he changed the food service from a buffet to table service, creating a more fluid and relaxed experience.
“People come here for a mini vacation,” Smith said. “They don’t want to get their own food at a buffet. Our job is to make memories, and that speaks to the dining portion of the Alhambra as well as the shows. We committed 10 years ago to an enhanced guest experience from the moment one arrives until they depart, and now food and show are equal stars.”
Sales numbers would indicate Smith and his partners, Bill Barnett, Karl Frisch and Fraser Burns, have delivered on their promise. In 2009, the theater seated less than 50,000 guests and had fewer than 1,200 subscribers. In 2017, the theater welcomed more than 110,000 guests and now has nearly 5,000 subscribers, now referred to as “Season Partners.”
The Alhambra celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017, complete with a Mayoral Proclamation on its official birthday, Dec. 15. The Alhambra employs more than 70 people. In addition to its Broadway-quality shows, the Alhambra has added a sub-brand called “Alhambra After Dark” under Smith’s watch, which features a live music series as well as comedy and magic shows. The Alhambra is often rented during the day for business meetings and conferences and has hosted weddings and birthday parties.
“Time really does fly when you’re having fun,” Smith added. “This was the fastest decade of my life. I have met so many wonderful people. It is amazing how this theater has touched the hearts of its guests and been a memorable part of their lives for three generations. The future is bright for this old girl, and we are all as enthusiastic today as we were 10 years ago.”
