by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Supporters of live theater received a bit of an “off Broadway” experience over the weekend when Jacksonville University brought its production of “Chess the Musical” Downtown to the Florida Theatre.
It was an exercise in the real world of touring productions, said Bill Hill, dean of the College of Fine Arts.
“We provide an excellent education at JU and we want it to be experiential,” he added. “The students need to have the experience of having one day to arrive, set up the production, rehearse and then perform in front of a live audience.”
Hill also said bringing the show to the historic theater is a way for the university to support Downtown revitalization.
“JU has a long connection with Downtown and we want to be part of the urban core. Urban revitalization is always centered on the arts,” said Hill.
In addition to the cast of actors, singers and dancers, JU also sent a full technical crew and an orchestra.
“I have always thought theater generally, and musicals specifically, combine all the art forms from actors to musicians to set designers and seamstresses,” said Robert Arleigh White, executive director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
“A lot of people who are really different have to work together,” he said.
Bringing the productions Downtown also helps the university expand its audience.
“Jacksonville University and the Florida Theatre are two of the city’s most remarkable cultural resources. Being at the Florida Theatre will help theater lovers discover JU’s theater program,” said White. JU performed Friday and Saturday.
If you missed JU’s production of “Chess the Musical,” at the Florida Theatre, there are two more performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in JU’s Swisher Theater. For ticket information call 256-7345.
356-2466