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Jelly Belly Candy Company

Jelly Belly Candy Company offers Self-Guided Factory tours from 9:15 am to 4 pm daily. Purchase your tickets inside the Visitor Center. Adults $5, Children $2, free under the age of 2.

The Jelly Belly Visitor Center retail store and Chocolate Shoppe is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The café is open 9 am to 3 pm with limited indoor seating, outdoor seating, and takeout.

This is where the magic happens! The Jelly Belly Candy Company is the home of Jelly Belly® jelly beans and more than 50 other fine confections.

The Jelly Belly Visitor Center in Fairfield is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Jelly Belly factory tours are especially popular and referred to by many as a “unique and sweet experience”. Reservations are not required. Step into the factory and smell the aroma of chocolate, peach, cinnamon, pineapple, or whatever is being cooked up that day. Explore a real working factory where employees cook up over 100 different kinds of Jelly Belly beans, along with other sweet treats. Learn the secrets to how Jelly Belly creates the legendary Jelly Belly jelly bean, and discover why it can take up to two weeks to make a single bean.

The fun doesn’t stop with the tour! The Jelly Belly Café serves hamburgers and pizza in the shape of a jelly bean! Or, you can take the ‘BeanBoozled’ Challenge with your family and friends at the sample bar. Upstairs, you’ll find the Jelly Belly Chocolate & Wine Experience, featuring wines from Suisun Valley and chocolates made in house. Come discover why USA Today readers voted the Jelly Belly Factory one of the Top 10 Tours in the United States!

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Sweet Beans: All About the Jelly Belly Factory Tour

Jelly beans are one of my favorite treats to take on road trips- they store well, don’t melt, and you can hand out just a few at a time. What better way to start a road trip than with a visit to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, CA?

The Jelly Belly factory tour takes you above the floor of the factory where you can watch actual Jelly Belly jelly beans being made and packaged. Videos along the way teach you about the process, as well as fun facts about Jelly Belly jelly beans.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.   As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own, and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

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Table of Contents

Where is the Jelly Belly Factory?

We visited the Jelly Belly Factory in California when our kids were ages 4, and 6. The jelly bean factory is at 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, CA, about halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento. This was the first stop on our American Northwest road trip .

What Kind of Candy Does the Jelly Belly Factory Make?

The Jelly Belly factory makes jelly beans, licorice, candy corn, gummy worms, chocolates, and other sweet treats. They also have a full line of Harry Potter beans and chocolate treats. However, most of what we saw on the tour was jelly beans!

Did you know that Very Cherry is the most popular flavor of Jelly Belly jelly bean?

We love the Grab & Go Bags , at 3.5 oz each you can try a couple of different combinations! S(6) picked out the Unicorn Mix for her birthday- it’s got eight flavors of sparkling jewel jelly beans!

What Do You Get to See at the Jelly Belly Factory?

The Jelly Belly Tour is self-guided, you can go through it at your own pace. It starts with an introductory video that teaches you about the family behind the brand, and a bit about how jelly beans are made. From there, you’ll walk along a path above the factory floor, so you can look down at the machines and workers below. There are videos every so often that explain the process.

A Bit About Jelly Belly

Jelly Belly is a family-owned company that’s been making candy for six generations. They started making jelly beans in 1965 and acquired the name Jelly Belly in 1980. With over 100 flavors, they now sell jelly beans in over 80 countries.

They were a small company that got a big break when then-governor Ronald Reagan became a public fan of the brand. His favorite flavor was licorice. In 1983 Regan as President, even sent some Jelly Belly beans into space!

How are Jelly Beans Made?

The process of making a jelly bean is fascinating! I used to work in the specialty food industry, so it was really fun for me to see how they had the factory set up and all the different machines they use to make it more efficient.

Each jelly bean takes 7-14 days to make! Here’s a bit about the process, it’s by no means complete but gives you an idea of how complex the process is to make this treat.

The Insides of the Jelly Bean

The insides of the jelly bean are flavored, as well as the shell. First, a candy slurry of sugar, water, and corn syrup is made in a big kettle. Each kettle holds enough slurry to make 200,000 jelly bean centers. The slurry is flavored, cooked, poured into jelly bean molds, and then frozen.

Adding the Shell

The jelly bean centers then go into rotating drums that look a bit like a small cement mixer. Each one holds 250 pounds of jelly bean centers. Flavoring and sugar are spooned in as the candies rotate until the right shell is formed. Apparently, if it’s done wrong the whole batch can stick together!

Finishing the Jelly Bean

After the center is finished, the jelly beans are sorted, and any misshapen beans are removed (you can buy some of these “Belly Flops” in the gift shop!) The Jelly Belly logo is stamped on each bean, then they are ready to package!

Is the Jelly Belly Factory Kid-Friendly?

Our kids loved the experience overall. However, they didn’t have the patience to stop and listen to all the videos. There are two games along the route, though we didn’t spend too much time on them.

One is a goalie game- stand on the yellow pad and try to swat the flying digital jelly beans out of the goal. Our kids weren’t tall enough to signal to the computer to start, we had to jump in to get it going, then let them play! The second game is a head-to-head competition sorting jelly beans on a screen.

The kids loved seeing the machines working- moving trays and boxes back and forth. They have a special spider robot arm that sees the bags of jelly beans on the conveyor belt, picks them up, turns them in the right direction, then puts them in boxes for shipping. The kids also loved browsing the gift shop and picking out a few special jelly beans to take with us!

What Else Can I Do at the Jelly Belly Factory?

Once you’ve finished the tour and taken your time peering through the glass at the workers below, there are a few other things to do at the Jelly Belly Factory.

The Jelly Belly Chocolate and Wine Experience

On the second floor, as you exit the tour, you’ll have the option to add on the Jelly Belly Chocolate and Wine Experience. This is for adults only, though minors can tag along. There are six pairings, each includes wines from Suisun Valley Wineries paired with Jelly Belly Chocolates.

The Jelly Bean Art Gallery

As you enter the factory you’ll see several examples of jelly bean art. There are more hung throughout the factory. After the tour, there’s a small art gallery with additional works. All of these are images (mostly portraits) made in a mosaic style using jelly beans.

The Jelly Belly Gift Shop

On the first floor, where you first buy your tour tickets, is the Jelly Belly Gift Shop. You can buy jelly beans and a small selection of other merchandise with the company logo.

There is also a Chocolate Shoppe on one side of the gift shop, that did not appear to be open when we visited.

Wait, No Sample Bar?

No, no sample bar. In the past, the Jelly Belly Gift Shop included a sample bar, where you could request up to three jelly belly flavors at a time. You were then welcome to get back in line for another three.

Sadly, this is no longer available and seems to have been permanently removed. We were a bit bummed about this- sometimes you want to try a Kiwi-flavored jelly bean without committing to a full bag! Mint Chocolate Chip, anyone?

The Jelly Belly Cafe

The Jelly Belly Cafe offers a selection of hamburgers, sandwiches, and salads. They have indoor and outdoor seating available. We didn’t stop to try it.

How Many Jelly Belly Factories Are There?

There are currently three Jelly Belly Factories- Fairfield, CA; North Chicago, IL, and Rayong, Thailand. The factory in California makes most of the jelly beans for the US and is the only one currently offering tours.

What Does it Cost to Visit the Jelly Belly Factory?

In 2023, there is a charge of $7 per adult and $3 per child to take the Jelly Belly Tour. They give you a sealed sample of jelly beans and a paper hat to wear for the duration of the tour.

When is the Jelly Belly Factory Open for Tours?

The Jelly Belly Factory is open for tours from 9:15- 4 pm daily. If you can, try to visit during the week when candy-making is sure to be going on. If you visit during the weekends, you will probably not get to see the factory in full operation.

They are closed for New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

How Long is the Jelly Belly Factory Tour?

We spent about an hour and a half at the Jelly Belly Factory, though you could spend longer if you watch each video from beginning to end.

There You Have It: The Jelly Belly Factory Tour

We loved starting our road trip at the Jelly Belly Factory Tour. We could spend as little or as much time as liked. I would have loved a more in-depth tour of what was happening below us, but the kids didn’t have the patience for more. Overall we all learned a lot and had an excuse to eat some delicious jelly beans, and stock up on irregular Belly Flops for the rest of our road trip!

Exploring more of California? Check out our guide to Yosemite , and the Trees of Mystery where you can take a canopy walk through the redwoods.

Road Tripping? Make sure your car is stocked with all the road trip essentials , and that you’ve packed road trip snacks and road trip activities .

Considering Christmas in California? Don’t miss our one-day itinerary for holiday magic in San Francisco .

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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Jelly Belly Reopens Their Factory Tours

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The Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield is now open for self-guided factory tours daily, from 9:15am – 4pm (closes at 5), so bring the whole family out for some super sweet fun!

FAIRFIELD – Self-Guided Factory tours are now available from 9:15 am – 4pm daily at the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield!

The Visitor Center retail store and Chocolate Shoppe are open from 9am to 5pm daily and the Café is open from 9 am to 3 pm with limited indoor and outdoor seating and take-out options. The Chocolate & Wine Experience is open 11am-4pm daily. Take advantage of the Caseload Sale at the Visitor Center, where you’ll find over 20 pallets of goodies available at incredible prices while supplies last.

The number of guests inside the Visitor Center will be limited to adhere to strict social distancing and Solano County guidelines, as well as following enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols. Masks are REQUIRED. Please check the website’s online calendar for any future updates.

Jelly Belly Reopens Their Factory Tours Visitor Center open daily, 9am – 5pm Self-guided tours daily 9:15am – 4 pm Tickets: Adults $5, Children $2, FREE under the age of 2. Purchase your tickets inside the Visitor Center in Fairfield. One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield 800-953-5592

For more information, visit JellyBelly.com .

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development .

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy , with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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Review: Imperfect, yes, but ‘Jelly’s Last Jam’ is still wildly entertaining in Pasadena revival

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Pasadena Playhouse has become the best place in town to see a musical. The theater is big enough to give a show breathing room but intimate enough to allow an audience proximity.

Most regional theaters of this scale have given up on trying to produce major musical offerings. The orchestra alone would break most budgets, never mind the murderous expense of large casts and elaborate sets.

But Pasadena Playhouse somehow manages to persevere. In recent seasons, it has delivered a fresh take on “Little Shop of Horrors” and served up two glorious revivals in its Sondheim Celebration, “Sunday in the Park With George” and “A Little Night Music.”

On stage now with a 10-piece orchestra is “Jelly’s Last Jam,” the musical about one of jazz’s founding fathers, Jelly Roll Morton. With a book by George C. Wolfe and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, the show tells Morton’s story through his music. The score by Morton, adapted by Luther Henderson, who composed additional material, confides his spiritual biography.

One of the conceits of the musical is that not only Morton’s personal suffering but the history of his people’s suffering — a history that he kept aloof from — is encoded in the music. “Jelly’s Last Jam” begins at the end, with Morton’s body lying on a coroner’s slab, and works backwards, offering a life in review, a moral autopsy , if you will.

Chimney Man (Cress Williams) is the figure who guides Jelly (John Clarence Stewart) through this postmortem reckoning with his past. He asks Jelly to think of him as the doorman or concierge to his soul as he leads him to confront in death what he evaded in life — the pain he experienced and the pain he caused.

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“Jelly’s Last Jam,” which premiered at the Mark Taper Forum in 1991, marked the emergence of Wolfe as one of the mighty creative forces in the American theater. His play “The Colored Museum” had already established him as a playwright of tremendous daring.

In “Jelly’s Last Jam,” Wolfe proved he could be just as innovative with a musical. What set him apart as writer-director was the way he combined electric showmanship with biting political critique.

The musical, which had its Broadway premiere in 1992, catapulted Wolfe into the upper ranks of Broadway directors. But what no one who saw this production will ever forget is the dazzling Tony-winning performance of Gregory Hines in the title role.

Hines was a marvel, not just with his fevered tap dancing and supple singing but with the sensitivity of his characterization. His Jelly had the heartfelt charisma to withstand the brunt of Wolfe’s harsh interpretive scrutiny.

Although ahead of its time in many respects, “Jelly’s Last Jam” hasn’t had a revival on Broadway. The reasons aren’t hard to find. It’s a big show and a costly one. But more consequentially, it still has the feeling of a work-in-progress, a musical oozing with potential but still a few drafts away from its ideal form.

All the more reason, then, to be grateful to Pasadena Playhouse for producing this revival of “Jelly’s Last Jam.” The musical is historically noteworthy even if it falls short of classic status. (An Encores! concert staging was well received earlier this year at New York City Center.) But more to the point, the musical abounds in theatrical riches that are on brilliant display in this production, directed by Kent Gash.

The energy of the staging sweeps you along even when the storytelling gets blurry or, in its final stage, predictable. Stewart’s Jelly is not sentimentalized. He’s the strutting, arrogant, trouble-making peacock everyone says he is.

Jelly is the first to attest to his own musical genius. He claims that he invented jazz, a point that when disputed enrages him. As a primer on his musical achievement, the show relies a lot on hearsay. We enjoy what we hear, but a deeper understanding of the music wars of the time and the rivalries with other jazz trailblazers are treated superficially.

The pain Jelly would rather deny is communicated in everything he can’t say — in what he refuses to acknowledge even to himself. Stewart conveys this repression physically, through a defensive crouch that uncoils when under attack. His bombast and braggadocio betray a subtle flinch. Jelly is only truly free when at the piano, making music in a way no one has ever done before.

Stewart doesn’t charm us through sheer virtuosity in the way Hines was able to do. But he gives passionate embodiment to Jelly’s wounds.

Wolfe positions Jelly as a race traitor, who denies his Black roots but whose music tells the full story of his origins. Born to a New Orleans Creole family, he was raised in a musically sophisticated household, where French opera was revered but the lure of the blues floated temptingly just outside his front door.

The traumatic event of Jelly’s early life was his banishment by his grandmother, Gran Mimi (Karole Foreman), after she discovered he was jamming with musicians at a brothel and doing God only knows what else there. Music led him to culturally cross over, but the conflict within his racial identity was established after Gran Mimi slapped him upside the head and told him “You are not Creole!”

What follows are musical snapshots of an artist, who on the lam from himself, hones a style that will forever change the landscape of modern music. On the road, Jelly pairs up with Jack the Bear (Wilkie Ferguson III), and together they careen through a blur of dodgy nightspots and underworld dens, each requiring a hasty exit after Jelly starts running his mouth.

The staging, which can seem cluttered and breathless in the early going, traipses through these seedy locales with a theatrical swiftness that captures the milieu that bred the syncopated rhythm of the Jazz Age. (Edward E. Haynes Jr.’s scenic design, Rui Rita’s lighting, Samantha C. Jones’ costumes and Dell Howlett’s choreography create a series of fluid tableaux, part motion picture, part nightclub whirl.)

Jelly eventually meets his match, in every sense, in Anita (Jasmine Amy Rogers). She’s a singer who is as confident as he is cocky. The music they make together is sublime. (Rogers bewitches with her singing in a knockout performance.) “Jelly’s Last Jam” is most alive in their tumultuous love story.

What makes the relationship special from a theatrical standpoint isn’t so much Jelly and Anita’s suitability for each other. (Jelly isn’t ready for her.) It’s Anita’s emotional heft. She’s a worthy antagonist for Jelly, who until now has been shadow-boxing with sketchy ghosts. Anita forces him to confront the emptiness he’s been fleeing his entire life.

The second act of “Jelly’s Last Jam” plays like an outline that hasn’t been filled in. The show’s supernatural frame involving Chimney Man feels more and more like a cheat. The epiphanies that occur via this pathway come cheaply.

The most thrilling moments of the first half involve the thunderous tap dancing between Jelly and his younger self. (A soaring Doran Butler imbues Young Jelly with an endearing grace.) But sometimes the production tries to mask the problems of the book with empty theatrical pizzazz. The minstrel-inflected “Dr. Jazz” number that closes the first act is given a little too much Vegas oomph.

“Jelly’s Last Jam” is an imperfect show, but a wildly entertaining one. It’s a significant American musical that needs an overhaul that only the authors could provide. Morton certainly deserves it. There’s a deeper knowledge base of his music since the show was written. (The 1992 Broadway musical helped launch discoveries of his oeuvre.)

Wolfe offers an interpretation of an artist that is bracing in its political boldness yet ultimately seems too narrow. But what a vibrant, muscular musical, and how lucky for us that Pasadena Playhouse has undertaken to remind us of its treasures.

'Jelly's Last Jam'

Where: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena When: 8 p.m. Tursdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m Saturdays, 2 p.m Sundays. (Check for exceptions.) Ends June 23 Tickets: Start at $44 Contact: (626) 356-7529 or PasadenaPlayhouse.org Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

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Charles McNulty is the theater critic of the Los Angeles Times. He received his doctorate in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism from the Yale School of Drama.

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Joshua Bassett is following the yellow brick road on a headlining tour this year, with stops planned for 39 cities across North America and Europe in support of his upcoming album The Golden Years .

Joshua Bassett Announces Debut Album ‘The Golden Years’: Here’s When…

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The tour will kick off just four days after the singer/actor releases his debut studio album The Golden Years , which he announced last month . So far, he’s shared just one single from the project, a soft rock number that serves as the LP’s title track.

“If I would’ve known those were the golden years/ I would’ve held you longer that night when you kissed me goodbye through your tears,” he sings on “The Golden Years.” “If I would’ve known those were the golden years/ I would’ve never left you alone when you needed me most, my dear.”

See Bassett’s announcement and The Golden Years Tour dates below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Bassett (@joshuatbassett)

The Golden Years 2024 Tour dates

North America:

Sept. 16 — Dublin, IE — 3Olympia Theatre Sept. 17 — Belfast, UK — Ulster Hall Sept. 19 — Glasgow, UK — O2 Academy Sept. 20 — Birmingham, UK — O2 Academy Sept. 22 — Manchester, UK — O2 Apollo Sept. 23 — London, UK — Eventim Apollo Sept. 25 — Brussels, BE — La Madeleine Sept. 27 — Amsterdam, NL — Melkweg Sept. 29 — Paris, FR — Salle Pleyel Oct. 1 — Barcelona, ES — Razzmatazz Oct. 3 — Milan, IT — Fabrique Oct. 5 — Munich, DE — Muffathalle Oct. 6 — Cologne, DE — Carlswerk Victoria Oct. 7 — Berlin, DE — Huxleys Neue Welt Oct. 9 — Copenhagen, DK — Vega

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Gracie Abrams Sets Fall Headlining Tour, Ahead of Opening Final Eras Tour Dates

By Chris Willman

Chris Willman

Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic

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Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams has announced a headlining tour in support of her upcoming “The Secret of Us” album, with shows in prominent theaters or amphitheaters in 18 cities. The trek precedes the climactic dates Abrams will be doing on Taylor Swift ‘s Eras Tour in North America at the end of the year.

Abrams’ just-over-month-long outing, dubbed “The Secret of Us Tour,” begins and ends in Portland — Oregon and Maine, that is, respectively. It begins Sept. 5 at Alaska Airlines’ Theater of the Clouds in Portland, Oregon, and wraps up October 10 at the State Theater in Portland, Maine.

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A presale for the Live Nation-produced tour begins Tuesday, followed by a general onsale Friday. Fans can access a Seated registration presale beginning at 10 a.m. local time Tuesday.

The tour will wrap just eight days before Abrams is due to make her long-scheduled gigs opening for the Eras Tour as it comes to a close with a series shows in the U.S. and Canada, after Swift will have spent most of 2024 overseas. Abrams will be opening for Swift on nine occasions in the States beginning Oct. 18 in Miami and concluding Nov. 3 in Indianapolis. Following that, Swift and Abrams share nine final dates in Canada, from Nov. 14 through Dec. 8. Abrams previously opened more than 30 shows for Swift on the Eras Tour in 2023.

The recently announced track list for “The Secret of Us” revealed that Swift will be making a rare outside featured appearance on one of the tracks, “Us.”

Abrams’ “The Secret of Us” album comes out June 21. Like her preceding album, “Good Riddance,” which earned her a Grammy nomination for best new artist, the new effort is produced by Aaron Dessner of the National.

The Secret of Us Tour

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gracie Abrams (@gracieabrams)

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