Tod Booth to Star in the Alhambra's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Opens 8/10

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels premiered on Broadway in March of 2005 at the Imperial Theater, and ran for more than 625 appearances. The show was nominated for 10 Tony® Awards and its star, John Lithgow, whose role Booth is playing, won Best Actor. The story focuses on Freddy and Lawrence, two con men, making their living by faking their compassion for women with shocking stories about their fake fate. But the town isn't big enough for two con men, so they agree on a settlement: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target wins, the other leaves town. Dirty Rotten went on to the silver screen in 1988 and starred Steve Martin, Michael Caine and Glenne Headley, who won a Golden Globe® award for Best Up & Coming Actress.

The last time Tod Booth took the stage at the nation's longest running dinner theatre, George Bush was in office, Disney Land celebrated its 50th anniversary, Lance Armstrong won his 7th Tour de France, the Chicago White Sox won its first world series in 88 years. Perhaps even more interestingly, that year, 2005, was the year Dirty Rotten Scoundrels opened on Broadway. And beginning on August 10, Booth will make his return to the Alhambra stage in that very musical comedy, playing the lead role. And if that weren't enough, because of his return to the spotlight, Booth will turn over the director's chair for the first time in nearly three decades - to none other than his wife, Alhambra veteran actor, Lisa Valdini.

"This is truly historic for the Alhambra," stated Managing Partner Craig Smith of the new Alhambra ownership group, Theatre Partners LLC. He added, "I've been coming to this theatre since I was six years old and I cannot remember a show that Tod did not direct. Having Lisa direct, a veteran Alhambra actor, could very well be the first time a woman has directed here. And I can assure you, directing her husband will create some drama! In all seriousness, we are excited beyond words about this show."

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" opens August 10, 2011. Show times are 8:00 PM for evening shows Tuesday through Sunday. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the buffet starts at 6:30 PM. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 PM. Doors open at 11:00 AM and the buffet starts at 11:15 AM. Sunday matinee is at 2:00. Doors open at noon and the buffet starts at 12:15 PM. Group sales are available. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $35 for children. Ticket price includes dinner, show and parking. Call the box office at 904.641.1212 or visit on line at www.alhambrajax.com.

About the new Alhambra Theatre & Dining

The Alhambra Theatre is the nation's oldest continually operating professional dinner theatre and the only professional resident theatre between Atlanta and Miami. Opened in 1967, The Alhambra has hosted legends such as Tony Curtis, Claude Aiken, Sid Cesar and Cesar Romero, and, recently, Loretta Swit. The Alhambra was the place of Betty Grable's final acting role. The Alhambra is also home to former Miss America, Orange Park native Leanza Cornett who started at the Alhambra when she was 15. In November 2009, the Alhambra was purchased by Theatre Partners, LLC, headed by Jacksonville entrepreneur and Alhambra patron, Craig Smith as way to give back to Jacksonville and preserve what he believes is one of its cultural jewels.