Tony Award Winning KINKY BOOTS in Jacksonville, FL May 2-7

This post sponsored by FSCJ Artist Series in Jacksonville. Tickets were provided for my honest opinion. 

Ladies, gentlemen and those who have yet to make up your minds,

I went to see Kinky Boots the Musical tonight, and WOW! The lights, the songs, the costumes...it was breathtaking. I was captivated from the moment Charlie, the son in Price & Son's Shoes, come onto stage. And then there was little Simon, who took to the stage in his red high heels. You heard me correctly, HE was dancing around on stage in red high heels.

Fast forward a bunch of years, Charlie tries to run away from his shoemaker destiny. But, when his father passes away, he's forced back to the factory, to care for the workers that still need jobs. He was ready to throw in the towel, until he met Lola. She was tall, dressed in flashy clothing, and had a broken pair of high heels. Together Charlie and Lola will turn the shoe industry on its head; in the process, they'll change the hearts of many.

What happened to little Simon? Well, you'll have to go see Kinky Boots, and see for yourself.

Look for Kinky Boots in a city near you. This broadway production will have you laughing and crying, feeling feelings that are raw and real. After you've seen it, come tell me what you thought. I'd love to hear from you!

Jacksonville, Fla. – Kinky Boots, the smash-hit musical that brings together four-time Tony^® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy^® Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper (Tony Award-winner for Best Score for Kinky Boots), opens in Jacksonville for its premier run May 2-7, 2017 at the Times-Union Center.

Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots has won every major Best Musical Award and is represented around the world with the Tony Award-winning Broadway company now in its fourth year, a North American First National Tour that launched in September 2014, a London production that opened in September 2015 (where it won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best Musical) and an Australian production that opened in October 2016. Previous productions include an extended run in Toronto, two Korean productions and a Japanese language production. The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Kinky Boots is available on Sony Masterworks Broadway.

Kinky Boots took home six 2013 Tony Awards, the most of any show in the season, including Best Musical, Best Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus) and Best Sound Design (John Shivers). The show also received the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Broadway.com Awards for Best Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Album, along with many other accolades.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

The creative team for Kinky Boots includes Tony^® Award nominee David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony^® Award-winner Gregg Barnes (Costume Design), Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Tony^® Award-winner John Shivers (Sound Design), Josh Marquette (Hair Design), Randy Houston Mercer (Make-up Design), Telsey + Company, Justin Huff, CSA (Casting), DB Bonds (Associate Director) and Rusty Mowery (Associate Choreographer). Kinky Boots features Musical Direction by Ryan Fielding Garrett, and Musical Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Stephen Oremus.

Kinky Boots is produced on Broadway and on tour by Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig, James L. Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, Independent Presenters Network, CJ E&M, Jayne Baron Sherman, Just for Laughs Theatricals/Judith Ann Abrams, Yasuhiro Kawana, Jane Bergere, Allan S. Gordon & Adam S. Gordon, Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Lucy and Phil Suarez, Bryan Bantry, Ron Fierstein and Dorsey Regal, Jim Kierstead/Gregory Rae, BB Group/Christina Papagjika, Michael DeSantis/Patrick Baugh, Brian Smith/Tom and Connie Walsh, Warren Trepp and Jujamcyn Theaters.

www.kinkybootsthemusical.com

www.twitter.com/KinkyBootsBway

www.facebook.com/KinkyBootsBway

Kinky Boots Performance Schedule:

Tuesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 5 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, May 6 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 7 at 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 7 at 7 p.m.

Tickets for Kinky Boots start at $38.50, plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at our box office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (904) 442-2929, or online 24/7 at www.fscjartistseries.org.

A beautiful, Jacksonville sunset to make the night even better! If you ever find yourself in Jacksonville, head downtown, to the Riverwalk. You'll not only see the skyline to our great city, you'll see sunsets that will take your breath away. 

Watch the Brand New Music Video for Shakira's "Try Everything," An All-New Original Song from ZOOTOPIA!!!

You can purchase Shakira's single "Try Everything" here.

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

Disney's THE FINEST HOURS Now In Theaters

This past Tuesday, I had the honor of going to see a pre-screening of Disney's newest film, The Finest Hours. In a theater filled with members of the U.S. Coast Guard, current and retired, and other media outlets, I sat on the edge of my seat for a full two hours. Cast members Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana BRING IT in this film!

Based on the true story of the most heroic small boat rescue in U.S. Coast Guard history, the producers waste no time in getting right into the details. We immediately meet Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) and his best friend as they go meet the leading lady in the film, Miriam (Holliday Grainger) and her friend for a blind date. Bernie and Miriam's onstage romance was sweet...very reminiscent of a 1950's love story. However, don't be fooled by her angelic face. Girlfriend is feisty, and NOT afraid of the Coast Guard Commanding Officer. You'll see.

Bernie and Miriam meet, fall in love, and then he sets out on the rescue mission that will take more than luck to achieve  On a boat regulated for 12, but 32 men to bring to shore, do Bernie and his men save them all? Does Miriam wait for him to come home? As I said above, I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the film. A few notes that I jotted down were, "Inspirational, captivating, and suspenseful." The Finest Hours is an incredible true story of faith and heroism.

Buy your tickets now. Schedule a babysitter. Go on a date night.  Tonight. This film is a must-see!

Like THE FINEST HOURS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefinesthoursmovie

Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneystudios

Follow Disney Studios on Instagram: https://instagram.com/disneystudios

Visit the official THE FINEST HOURS website here: http://movies.disney.com/the-finest-hours

I received complimentary tickets to go see The Finest Hours. I was NOT asked to write a review. All opinions are my own. 

Enjoy Your Next Sweet Treat at Sweet Pete's in Jacksonville, FL

If you're a Jacksonville native, new to town or just passing through, be sure to put Sweet Pete's Candy on your short list of things to do!

Located at 400 N Hogan St., Sweet Pete's has given new life to the longtime abandoned Seminole Club in historic Downtown. {After reading further history of the Seminole Club, it's mind-blowing to know that Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy -- among many other famous people -- walked the same halls and steps as all of us who visit Sweet Pete's!!!!}

Sweet Pete's is such a treat to step foot into. The atmosphere will make you feel as if you've stepped right in to Willa Wonka's Chocolate Factory. The colors. The smells, The friendly faces. {Sorry guys, I didn't see any Oompa Loompas.} You'll become a kid in a candy store...for real. 

I knew this place was awesome as soon as I walked in, but then I learned they make their chocolate in-house. Oh my, when you walk to the second floor and open the door that looks down onto the factory, you'll want to lick the air. It's pure chocolately goodness in there! AND, if you're lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of Sweet Pete himself and wave hello. {His office is in the far right corner, behind that wall.}

This. Chandelier. Amazing details ALL OVER Sweet Pete's! Look up, look down, look ALL around!

Up every step, around every corner, Sweet Pete's is magnificent! I don't think there's a single color in the rainbow that wasn't used in renovating this 112 year old building. 

Not much into candy? Have a cupcake or a scoop of ice cream or a slice of cake. It's all there!

BONUS: While at Sweet Pete's, you can stop in to the Candy Apple Cafe & Cocktails for brunch, lunch or dessert. The menu has everything from Angus Burgers to Cornmeal Dusted Flounder, Candied Bacon topped Mac N' Cheese to Sauteed Escargot. After your meal, be sure to ask for a Gourmet Candy Apple!

So, who's up for Sweet Pete's on their next trip through Jacksonville? You know you want to see what all of the fuss is about. It's genuine fuss, too. This place is a MUST SEE!!!

On Lake Time {at Flamingo Lake in Jacksonville, FL}

It's becoming an annual tradition to go to the lake at the beginning of each Summer. My mother-in-law rents a yurt at Flamingo Lake in Jacksonville, FL and we all spend a few days hanging out in the water and on the shore. So much fun!

Flamingo Lake is an inexpensive staycation destination in our city, and we love it! Who needs to pack up, load up, and head out of town when you have such a fun spot right in your backyard?

{seriously, can she get any cuter? too bad that float has a hole in it...someone send a patch kit!}

{different swimsuit, different day. gotta love hand-me-downs from cousins and momma's Old Navy discount!}

{we've discovered Frogglez Goggles. You want to get your kids a pair TODAY. A separate post telling you why, coming soon.}

{I don't feel like I'm spending enough time with this boy lately. He's the sweetest, most giving boy on the planet. Jonah Bonah, momma loves you!}

{on the last day, I treated them {haha!} to McDonald's Happy Meals}

{Jake brought a friend with him. Teenagers, y'all.}

 

 

See those inflatables behind them? It's an additional $7 per day, per person, but worth every penny. You and your kids can go out there and climb and jump and slide until your hearts content. And then, you all go home, or back to your campsite, and PASS OUT! A quiet night is well worth the $7 per kid in my book!

{everyone had their share of kisses from the sun...McKinley was no exception. She came home with quite the tan.}

{Jett spent most of his time at the lake sitting on the shore, catching minnows and tadpoles, digging them holes and filling them with water. I tell you guys often that he's an animal lover. I mean every word of it!}

 

Do you have a favorite staycation spot in your hometown?? Ours is, for sure, Flamingo Lake!

Kids Bowl Free {Kids Summer Fun Activity}

Looking for something FUN to do with your kids this Summer? My kids have have been out of school for almost three weeks, and this is one of our most favorite activities to do in the Summer, thus far. It's FREE BOWLING!!

Last week my ten year old beat all of us. We're going again this morning. Talk about a fun, competitive game? Bowling is it!

Free bowling is available is most cities, check this link to find a participating bowling alley near you. Jacksonville friends, we go to the Nassau County, Yulee Bowling Alley. It's not crowded, and it's a clean facility.

See you at the alley!

No Political Party Needed -- The Capitol Steps in Jacksonville, FL

Now performing in Jacksonville {until February 15}, The Capitol Steps. Made up of five comedians and a pianist who take the stage to mock all-things-politics.

The Capitol Steps was started in 1981 by Bill Strauss, Jim Aidala and Elaina Newport, at a Christmas party in the office for former Senator Charles Percy. Over the past 34 years, the Capitol Steps have recorded thirty-one albums and appeared on Good Morning America, the Today Show, 20/20, Entertainment Tonight, Nightline, CNN's Inside Politics and NPR's All Things Considered.

Many of the performers have worked in politics, for Republicans, Democrats and for "those who sit firmly on the fence."

The Capitol Steps fully admit that they have an odd way of looking at the news. When they hear of a scandal, they don't think about whether it's good or bad for the country. Their two questions are {1} is it funny? and {2} what rhymes with it? Next thing you know, someone wakes up screaming an idea for a parody. Ideas are constantly being thrown in by almost everyone for the backwards talk, Lirty Dies, in fact, the entire cast has tharted to stink that way! {Y'all HAVE to hear them tell stories in this backwards talk manner. It's HILARIOUS! As you're understanding what they are talking about, you're laughing at the last joke!}

A few of the hilarious parodies that were sang the other night were, "Putin on a Blitz", "Greece! The Musical." and "Sixteen Scandals."

Not all of the jokes are about politics. There was a splash of Justin Beiber and some talk of email hacking.

If it has been in the news in the last couple of weeks, the Capitol Steps has a joke. If you don't keep up with the news because it's too boring, go to the Capitol Steps, they'll fill you in on all current events AND have you laughing your head off!

Grab a friend, Republican or Democrat, and go see the show all of D.C. is talking about! Tickets available here. 

Disclaimer: I received two tickets to the Capitol Steps in exchange for social media promotion and this review. All opinions are my own.

The Book of Mormon {a Broadway Jax Performance}

On Wednesday evening, I had the amazing opportunity to go see The Book of Mormon on Broadway, right here in Jacksonville, FL. I had never heard of the musical before the invite. I had no idea what it was about. I gathered that it was probably about being a Mormon, but I didn't know the plot or story line. I asked around and no one that I knew seemed to know or had even heard of it. After doing a little research, I found that The Book of Mormon is a nine-time Tony Award winning Musical! Written by the creators of South Park, I knew it had to be a comedy of some sort, as well.

Being a lover of musical theater, I knew I wanted to go, even if I had no idea what The Book of Mormon was about or that I'm no fan of South Park. I went with an open mind and zero expectations.

I told you before I went on Wednesday. It's taken me until now to put pen to paper, if you will. I needed to process all that I had seen on that stage in two short hours. As the curtain opened and the first door bell rang, I was captivated. The Temple that framed the stage the beautiful, the lights were bright, the musical talent in the performers was already proving to be super. As each Elder took his place on stage, it only got better. There were some lines that were funny and there were others that were down right hilarious!

After the Elders were paired for their first missions trip, the show really started. The night of the performance I was kind of turned off by the language being used and the seemingly lack of respect for religion, but, honestly, it's real life, that's the way missionaries are really treated. After the Elders reached their mission destination, Uganda, Africa, they were faced with a raw, eye-opening scene, much like that of actual Uganda. They were welcomed with hatred and violence. Mormons are really encountering this today. Christians are. Catholics are. We ALL are. And, not only in Uganda.

Wednesday night, I felt like, while The Book of Mormon was filled with amazing talent, costumes and stage props, the whole story was a slap in the face to religion. But, after mulling it over and listening to the creators talk about the journey in creating the show, I see that it's just a really funny, sometimes vulgar and inappropriate, but realistic view of what all religions and missionaries face today.

I've never experienced Mormonism firsthand to have something to compare to and say that this musical is a mockery of Mormonism. Maybe there are some scenes where the Elders are a little more animated than what an actual Elder would be. But, overall, now that I've had time to think on the way faith was portrayed and there was a LOT of talk about Jesus, and none that I thought was disrespectful towards Jesus himself, I really enjoyed the show. {I took my friend, Randi, along and she thought it was so great!}

My final review in just a few short words? "Riveting, Colorful, Hilarious, Sometimes Raunchy, Must-See {if you can handle the language and vulgarity *snort*}!"

Here's just a short video of what the creators said about their musical.

Have you seen The Book of Mormon? What did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you The Artist Series Jax for providing me with two tickets in exchange for my review/promotion on social media?