Last night, I got to see an incredible live stage show at Theatre Jacksonville. One of my friends is with the Crescendo Amelia Big Band and they had their first of two performances of “How the Big Band Stole Christmas” after I got off work. While he wanted me to be in the show, scheduling issues prevented that from happening this year. I did, however, entertain some audience members by juggling in the lobby during the intermission. Here are some of the highlights of the show.
I got to the theatre just before 7:30. After checking in, I made my way to the dressing room and hung out there until the intermission. In between numbers, I got to visit with Santa Claus, some of the singers, and my friends who were there to dance. We were close enough to the stage that, with the help of a monitor showing the audience’s viewpoint, we could see and hear the show from backstage. As the final number of the first half drew near, I began warming up my juggling as quietly as I could. Once the intermission came, I grabbed my stuff and headed to the lobby.
I reached the lobby right before the floodgates opened and the audience poured into the small room. This gave me a bit of time to find a spot and start juggling. There were a few times that I had to stop so others could pass, but for the most part the crowd was light enough that I could juggle steadily. In addition to entertaining kids and their families, several adults enjoyed themselves, including a few more friends and Mrs. Claus. One kid said he had been trying to learn to juggle but hadn’t figured it out; I told him that it may take a while but he’d get if if he kept practicing it. Toward the end of the intermission, they flickered the lobby lights several times to signal that the show would resume soon. Once they turned the lights down, I finished my set, took my stuff back to the dressing room, and sat down with friends in the auditorium to watch the second half of the show.
There was one wonderful number after another: my dancing friends, some amazing singers, a tap dancer, a few funny bits with clever costumes, and the incredible music of the Crescendo Amelia Big Band. Although I appreciated being able to see the show from backstage, I enjoyed it much more once I got a seat in the auditorium. It was easier to hear and see what was going on as well as get lost in the show since there were fewer distractions in there than elsewhere. For the final number, the dancers came into the auditorium and danced around the audience in the aisles. Two of them pulled me and a friend up and we danced along with them for the last part of the song. After we applauded all of the performers as they took their final bows, we gradually made our way to the lobby for pictures. From there, we said our goodbyes and a friend gave me a ride back to my car so I wouldn’t have to spend much time in the rain.
I’ve heard the Crescendo Amelia Big Band three times now and each time has been awesome. Listening to them alongside all the other great entertainment made for a wonderful night out. I hope it works out next year that I can be in their show; either way, I’ll still have fun listening to them. If you’re in or close to Northeast Florida and you haven’t checked them out, do yourself a favor and give them a listen. You’ll be glad you did.