SAVE THE ALHAMBRA THEATRE!

I am very sad to hear that the legendary Alhambra Theatre in Jacksonville is closing its doors. However, it might not be the end of the theatre, and I sincerely hope somehow that it continues business as usual in the future. If you’ve never attended a show at the Alhambra Theatre, then you are missing a great experience.

Here is what the Alhambra website currently says:

August 31, 2009
PRESS RELEASE

SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS
AT THE ALHAMBRA DINNER THEATRE
As the longest running dinner theatre in the nation, the Alhambra Dinner Theatre regretfully announces the suspension of its operations effective Monday, August 31, 2009.

Since opening its doors on December 13, 1967, the Alhambra has served as a featured Jacksonville entertainment facility as well as a point of entry for many young professionals seeking careers in the world of theatre. The past 25 years of this 41 year run have been under the ownership and direction of Tod Booth Productions, Inc. Every effort has been made to continue operations, but unfortunately, as has occurred with other similar businesses, the Alhambra has become a victim of these difficult economic times. Economic conditions over the past year have severely affected the theatreʼs attendance and its ability to adjust its expenses. Management continues to explore every possible avenue to maintain operations, including discussions with its lenders and potential private investors, but current circumstances warrant suspension of operations at this time.

The management and employees of the Alhambra thank the many patrons of the theatre for their past support.

UPDATE: An investor recently stepped up who would like to keep the Alhambra Theatre running. According to Jacksonville.com, local businessman Craig Smith said he’s “trying to buy the Alhambra and reopen it with improved facilities and dining.” The article says Smith will be recruiting Matthew Medure, one of Jacksonville’s leading restaurateurs, to take over food service. He said he will then hire Tod Booth, the theater’s current owner and director of most of its shows, to continue running the theater.