If the best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear, then the cast of Alhambra Theatre & Dining’s “Elf: The Musical” is prepared to get Jacksonville into the Christmas spirit — sparkly tinsel and all.
Alhambra, which took home the title of No. 1 Best Dinner Theater from USA Today 10 Best earlier in the year, celebrated the opening gala of its latest Christmas musical on Nov. 21, inviting theatergoers of all ages to experience the holiday magic now through Dec. 24.
The dinner theater first ran “Elf: The Musical” back in 2018, which proved to be a tremendous success and prompted the return of the musical in 2025. Alhambra began selling out of tickets this season before the show even opened.
“Elf: The Musical” follows a similar plotline to the 2003 film with Will Ferrell, in which Buddy the Elf learns that he’s not a true North Pole elf and embarks on a journey to the perilous land of New York City to find his father in time for Christmas. The musical is filled to the brim with brightly colored costumes, catchy holiday tunes and heaps of Christmas cheer.
Mason Ebert steals the spotlight as the lovable-yet-clueless Buddy the Elf, while Kaylee Hendry plays his tough-yet-kindhearted crush, Jovie. James Skiba, Jennifer Medure and Elijah Chase Lawless join the cast as Buddy’s family, the Hobbs, while other cast members, such as Lisa Valdini Booth, Jereme Raickett, Pete Clapsis, Jeremiah Burch and more, bring supporting characters to life.
Before the show begins, guests can expect a first course of she crab bisque or kale salad, followed by their choice of parmesan crusted salmon, slow braised beef rib, or a full “Holiday Feast” packed with oven-roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, apple raisin sauce, sweet potato souffle, cornbread dressing, and garlic green beans. For dessert, Chef keeps things holiday-themed with a peppermint cake or crème brulée French toast with whipped cream.
While Alhambra’s 2025 season is winding to a close, the dinner theater’s 2026 season kicks off on Jan. 8 with “Menopause: The Musical,” followed by “Damn Yankees” in late February, “Morning After Grace” in April, and even more exciting shows throughout the year.
