It's a Wonderful Life currently on The Broadway Palm Mainstage.

A WONDERFUL LIFE

NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 26, 2015

Frank Capra’s classic holiday film is brought to vibrant theatrical life in an uplifting musical that is perfect for the entire family.  The story of George Bailey and his wonderful life remains a timeless tale of dreams, cynicism and the power of love that exhilarates the mind and heart and celebrates the kindness in us all.

 Please join us as we celebrate the holidays and the Seasonal Run of It's A Wonderful Life

  

PERFORMANCE TIMES

MAT - 11:45 Lunch, 1:15 Show

EVE - 5:30 Dinner, 7:30 Show

TWI - 5:30 Dinner, 7:00 Show

Buffet and Show

Sunday - Thursday Evenings: 

$59.00

Friday & Saturday Evenings: 

$62.00

Matinees: 

$53.00

Children (12 and Under): $26.00

Show Only

Adults: $39.00; Children: $22.00

**A $3.00 per ticket fee applies for online orders** 

click here for details: http://www.broadwaypalm.com/content/booking-your-group.asp

Me and Tim Russel, "Sparky", from Plaid Tidings, currently next door at the Off-Broadway Venue

MY REVIEW: Ok, going in "cold", never having seen the film from 'yesteryear', I had no idea what to expect. This is a LONG production, it seems, but at the stroke of 10pm, It's OVER! But, even though I don't really do 'black and white' movies, since I AM all about a COLOR-FULL life as well as my wonder-filled one, I'll grit my teeth and go for it and actually see the original. 

There were a lot of good, fun, smiling times, especially with Rendell DeBose as "Matthew" the gloriously-dressed Angel. Hellova voice, R, and I really do want a pair of those wings.. And the humor of Clarence ~ Jerry Sciarrio, the angel-in-training to get his wings is adorable. "Concentrate, Clarence!" how cute!

I've watched people be as frustrated at their life as was George Baily ~ Jordan Goodsell (and he sold the role really GOOD!)

Everyone in the extensive cast, (remember when I laboriously typed it all in free keyboard? yeah, lots of misspellings, so, apologies from the past mistakes. Now I scan it in and it's no longer on MY head for any errors!), was marvelous.. incredible dancing, singing, acting. Being able to see my other friends up there, Drew Stark, Sami Doherty, and the new friends I have yet to meet personally, what a THRILL!!!

The kids were marvelous. Sadly, the only little guy I've met frequently, along with his parents is little Nicholas Salerno, and I now see his sister, Megan Salerno, is right up there with him. Good job, parents for raising kids who pay back your love and talents! And they are off their electronics and getting out and using their minds and dancing abilities! good job ALL the parents and kids (everyone is listed below.)

All in all, I laughed, smiled and teared up, which is a great bunch of emotions for the production, for the season and for the delightful night. Thanks, all for your hard work, Paul Bernier for directing and Amy Marie McCleary for another view of the 'wonderful life' of ya'll's dedication to The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Your love for the venue, actors and endless productions show with EVERY performance. And we are so grateful to you for your gifts of delight and entertainment. 

The Orchestra kicked major buns as well, good jobs, ya'll

 

  

And to all the chefs/kitchen help/servers/ bussers and those who bring us coffee, water, tea and are also as entertaining at our tables almost as much as the actors on stage.. 

Thank you ALL, for your service to us, who are most grateful.

This is what you bring to us.. The food!!

Discounts available for groups of 20 or more.

And the I'ts A Wonderful Life Menu!

Chef Carved Ham with a Bourbon Glaze* - GF

Pot Roast with Demi-Glace and  Root Vegetables 

Roasted Turkey with Gravy - GF

White Fish Over Spinach with a Roasted Red Pepper Puree - GF / LF 

Tri Colored Bowtie Pasta with a Portabella Mushroom Alfredo Sauce 

Sweet Potato Casserole Topped with Caramel and Pecans - GF

Mashed Potatoes - GF 

Apple Sage Stuffing

Roasted White Corn – GF/LF

Green Beans with Almonds - GF/LF

* Evening Only

GF - Gluten-Free

LF - Low-Fat

Full Salad Bar With Caesar Salad, Tossed Salad and Assorted Fresh Toppings and Dressings

Rolls and Butter

A Delicious Selection of Composed Salads and Fresh Fruit 

Ice Cream Table with Vanilla and No-Sugar-Added Pecan Ice Cream and a variety of toppings

(Sugar-free Chocolate Ice Cream Available Upon Request)

Dessert Buffet includes Sugar-free Cheesecake and Assorted Cakes and Pies

http://www.broadwaypalm.com/Content/default.asp

Plaid Tidings at the Broadway Palm, Off-Broadway Dinner Theatre Venue

http://www.broadwaypalm.com/Content/default.asp

PLAID TIDINGS

NOVEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 26, 2015

THE OFF BROADWAY PALM THEATRE PRESENTS

“PLAID TIDINGS!”

   

Reviewer note: Please recognize the amount of songs, lyrics, harmonies 

and choreography is being presented to you and how the guys'

actions, songs and humor are all flawless.. a major amount of brain cells and

memory for movement, etc are being used .. really

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre is dreaming of a “Plaid” Christmas as they present Plaid Tidings playing now through December 26, 2015. The boys of Forever Plaid are back and all wrapped up with a big plaid bow on top! This “heaven-sent” holiday musical is sure to get audiences into the spirit of the season.

Frankie, Sparky, Jinx and Smudge have returned to Earth for another performance and a phone call from Rosemary Clooney lets them know they are needed to bring some holiday cheer and harmony into a harsh world. You’ll hear hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s along with traditional holiday songs you know and love such as Let It Snow, Jingle Bells and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Added among the holiday hits are their version of The Ed Sullivan Show (this time featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir) and a Plaid Caribbean Christmas which puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis!

Join us for some heavenly entertainment with Plaid Tidings playing at The Off Broadway Palm Theatre now through December 26, 2015. The Off Broadway Palm Theatre is an intimate 100-seat theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. With no seat further than 25 feet away from the stage, you become part of the show. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $33 - $53 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

My review: 

I want you to hear the harmonies of yesteryear (sounds like the intro to the LONE RANGER, doesn't it? LOL) but this was the amazing music I grew up with .. I loved it.. I LOVE this show! Just give a short listen then come back to me quickly. I'll wait here.. (tapping foot and checking out my cuticles) tap tap tap..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps45GeBMt7w Four Freshmen/Blue world

Ok, back? Hope so. There are many Forever Plaid and Plaid Tidings shows on youtube, which is a very teensy and, sadly, weensy consolation if you miss this live 3-D, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR THE RED AND BLUE GLASSES AND NO EXTRA CHARGE performance. Yeah, you MUST go see OUR GUYS in action here in Fort Myers. You'll so love the comedy, four-part incredible (not seen in 30 years anywhere, any more, any how) harmonies. And stage moves.

Smudge, portrayed gloriously by Adam Clough, is the one usually out of step, but then I remember my dad telling me that when he was in the Service, they'd be marching and the Drill Instructor would shout out, “Everyone but Shanklin, Change step!”.. so, good thing there aren't any girls in the cast, especially if any directorial eyes had been cast at me.. I'd have been Smudge on Steroids to the 2^nd power.. yup, that bad. (I have a great beat, it's just hard to dance to it..)

The other amazing guys in the show: Austin Riley Green, formerly playing Jean val Jean in Les Miserables, of course, Adam Clough, previously playing Javert, JVJ's mean antagonist in Les Miz, and Joe Ogren, previously playing Willard in Foot Loose (and also my baby step brother, both of us red-heads.. his more natural than mine.. and both of us having the same birthday) and Tim Russel, whom I met for the first time last night (Hi, Tim!), who also rocks it!. Every one of them a total Cutie Patootie and lovely eye candy! Thanks, guys.

This was a totally mind-blowing performance for me to witness. Having seen both Austin and Adam as fearful and very serious antagonists in Les Miz to become expert jokesters in Plaid Tidings.And what a TREAT! Doing moves no French revolutionists would have .. could have.. made.

I have to also give Super Props to the Director, Victor Legaretta ('Vic Legs' if he'd decided to be a mobster instead of a darn wonderful singer, dancer, director.. yup, no time to be a Gangsta here!). I love anything he has his finger, mind, throat or dancing shoes in. Another triumph for this talents, this Production. Go, Vic!

And to the musicians who provide the wonderful accompaniment through the entire show, Chris Russell on piano and for this night, the adorable Peter Kolter, on stand-up base. Who plays that any more and with such skill? Ok, my short list includes Peter!

Yes, this show needs to have young people in attendance in the audience, just to show them what they are missing in their music today. And I say this for nearly every performance at The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. This is truly entertainment that needs to be carried on in the eyes of the youth. We OLDER folk all understand and remember it..The kids? No clue, which is truly so sad.

And how many shows remind us of The Ed Sullivan Show,that ran for 23 years, but they hit all the highlights in 3:11 minutes! Sooo funny! And factual! And FAST!! We hopped into that way back machine and back without a hair on our heads disturbed by the breeze.

Anyhoo.. hustle thine hips to Broadway Palm's fabulous Off-Broadway venue. Have another delightful chef-prepared wonderful buffet (see menu below), loosen your belts. Grab a run to the bathroom and settle in for two hours (there is a 15 minute intermission, though, if needed) of sheer joy, laughter, a tear or two, many MANY good memories and fun. Do it today. ~ Bekki

After show picture with The Guys.. I had NO idea I was this short, or maybe that they are this tall!!!
(thanks for your patience, guys, for letting me be in the pic.. and thanks to Marci, my pal and photographer! Thanks for letting me drag you to all these productions .. I know, dirty job, but SOMEONE has to do it!! LOL)

Now.. LET"S EAT!!

The Delicious Menu!

Chef Carved Beef Sirloin with Horseradish Sauce* - GF

Sliced Pork Loin Served over White Rice and Topped with a Sweet and Sour Glaze - GF

Chicken Bruschetta with Blue Cheese - GF

Almond Crusted White Fish in a Lemon Butter Sauce

Pasta Primavera

Au Gratin Potatoes

Pineapple Casserole

Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions - GF

Roasted Acorn Squash - GF

Full Salad Bar With Caesar Salad, Tossed Salad and Assorted Fresh Toppings and Dressings

Rolls and Butter

A Delicious Selection of Composed Salads and Fresh Fruit

Ice Cream Table with Vanilla and No-Sugar-Added Pecan Ice Cream and a variety of toppings

(Sugar-free Chocolate Ice Cream Available Upon Request)Dessert Buffet includes Sugar-free Cheesecake and Assorted Cakes and Pies

* Indicates Evening Only

GF - Indicated Gluten-Free