Sometimes, 2,000 seats are too many and you can’t put two acts on the same stage the same night.
That’s why the Florida Theatre will be presenting some shows at the Ritz Theatre on Davis Street in LaVilla.
With 400 seats, the Ritz will provide a more intimate atmosphere for some shows and allow the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center Inc., the nonprofit that manages and programs the historic venue, to book acts that otherwise might not have made an appearance in Jacksonville.
“It’s a great little space with good sightlines and a great lobby,” said Numa Saisselin, president of the Florida Theatre.
Both venues are owned by the city.
The nonprofit manages the Florida Theatre and SMG manages the Ritz, along with the other municipal entertainment and sports venues: The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, EverBank Field, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, Veterans Memorial Arena and the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
The Florida Theatre is renting the Ritz for four shows: the Peter White Christmas Tour on Dec. 11; Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Feb. 19; saxophonist Mindi Abair, Feb. 23; and pianist Jim Brickman, March 31.
Florida Theatre Program Director Kevin Stone said being able to rent the Ritz will allow Jacksonville audiences to again see the Peter White Christmas Tour.
The Florida Theatre would not have been able to book White this year due to a scheduling conflict with performances of The Community Nutcracker.
Bill McConnell, SMG Jacksonville general manager, said the agency views the Florida Theatre as an important part of the city’s entertainment infrastructure.
“We’re pleased with the relationship and look forward to working with them to bring more quality entertainment to Jacksonville,” he said.
Tickets for the Florida Theatre’s shows at the Ritz are available at either venue’s box office or through Ticketmaster.
(904) 356-2466