Alhambra's Neil Diamond Tribute Show to Be Featured in PLAY ME Documentary

As if having the premier Neil Diamond tribute band at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining isn't enough, it was announced this morning by Managing Partner, Craig Smith that the Saturday evening and matinee shows on May 9 will be filmed live by an international film crew making a documentary about the popularity of tribute bands. The Alhambra launched its Alhambra After Dark music series in 2014 and has featured tributes to Elvis Presley, the Rat Pack, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Jimmy Buffett and many others.

The movie is titled "Play Me," incorporating a popular Neil Diamond lyric, and is about how popular tribute bands around the world have become, especially for Neil Diamond. The film crew has been traveling the world filming other Neil Diamond tribute bands, but Real Diamond is the main band being featured. The film is about the true-life story of the trials and tribulations of 13 Neil Diamond Tribute artists from around the world.

"If being in the right place at the right time is one of the things that makes a business successful, then we hit a home run here," said Smith. "Real Diamond band is truly the best Neil Diamond tribute band in the world, and they are the feature of this film as a representation of what great tribute bands are - and how they actually work with the original artist. Mr. Diamond is involved here. I think it only adds to the original artist's brand and keeps that artist relevant regardless of where he or she is in their career. We are fortunate to have this band and be part of the film."

In addition to Real Diamond, the Alhambra show will feature the American debut of "South America's Neil Diamond," Carlos Reyes Picasso. The film crew is chronicling Carlos' American journey. He will actually join the band for a couple of songs - a unique twist to what is already heralded as one of the best Neil Diamond tributes in the world. In addition, Real Diamond will host Denny Diamond from Chicago, another performer in the film. Denny is featured in the movie's theme song, "Diamond Mountain," which will be the first single from the film.

Real Diamond is a professional band dedicated to the faithful re-creation of the live Neil Diamond experience. They are obsessively passionate about providing the audience with the finest Neil Diamond show short of having the man there himself.

Curt Di Domizio fronts the band with a chillingly realistic Neil Diamond interpretation. Audience are amazed and dazzled as they dance and sing along to four decades of incredible, unforgettable songs, including note-for-note renditions of all Neil Diamond's greatest hits such as, Cherry Cherry, Holly Holy, Kentucky Woman, Cracklin Rosie, Sweet Caroline, America, Love on the Rocks, September Morn, Solitary Man, I'm a Believer, Song Sung Blue, Heartlight, You Don't Bring me Flowers, If You Know What I Mean, Thank the Lord for the Nighttime, I am..I Said, Hello Again, Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show, Play Me, Desiree, Shilo, He ain't Heavy, Red Red Wine, Forever in Blue Jeans, Beautiful Noise and many more.

Real Diamond will run at the Alhambra for a very limited engagement May 5-10, 2014 for just seven shows. Show time is 8:00 PM for evening shows. Doors open at 5:45 PM and dinner will be served until 7:30 PM. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 PM. Doors open at 11:00 AM and brunch starts at 11:15 AM. Sunday matinee is at 2:00. Doors open at noon and the meal starts at 12:15 PM. Ticket prices are $64, and includes dinner, show and parking. Call the box office at 904.641.1212 or www.alhambrajax.com.

The Alhambra Theatre is the nation's longest 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, Barry Williams, Jamie Farr, Sally Struthers, Joyce DeWitt, Michael Learned, Barbara Eden, Lisa Whelchel and Mike Farrell. 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.

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