Aurora Theatre Reveals Series!

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, MAYTAG VIRGIN, and RIPCORD all part of the Signature Series; Holiday classic CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2017 returns Aurora Theatre is opening the curtain to unveil its 2017-2018 Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series! Georgia’s second largest professional theater will once again bring Broadway-caliber productions of unsurpassed talent and theatrics to the Lawrenceville’s charming downtown square.  This season’s diverse line-up features THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, ABIGAIL/1702, MAYTAG VIRGIN, RIPCORD, and the highly anticipated return of the celebrated holiday classic CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2017. One additional show, a blockbuster musical slated for a Spring 2018 production, is an audience favorite and will be announced over the summer.  Led by co-founders Anthony Rodriguez and Ann-Carol Pence, the upcoming season offers something for theatergoers of all ages with a main stage mix of musicals, comedies, and dramas!   “Our patrons are so special to us and they deserve the very best we have to offer.  Since day one, our goal has been to raise the artistic bar each season.  In Season 22, we are taking BIG chances.  This is no time to play it safe.  As always, we have crafted a lineup that will feature talented artists, both on and off stage.  This season, because of our BIG Summer Surprise Announcement, we’re asking our patrons to ‘take a chance on us.’  We promise you will be inspired, challenged, and entertained.  With 21 years of success behind us, it’s a pretty safe bet if you ask me,” Commented Aurora Theatre Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez. Aurora Theatre can only produce this series and all of the programs that touch the lives of over 70,000 people annually through the continued support of individuals and businesses who recognize the meaningful positive impact of the arts in our community. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME  Music by Alan Menken • Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz • Book by Peter Parnell Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film A Co-Production between Aurora Theatre and Theatrical Outfit, producing partners of Memphis and In the Heights. July 20 - August 27, 2017 Based on the Victor Hugo novel, this epic musical traces the journey of Quasimodo, a deformed bell ringer in a cold, cathedral tower as he discovers his inner strength. His guardian, Archdeacon Frollo, seethes as all of Paris readies for the annual Feast of Fools.  Frollo becomes obsessed with scouring the Gypsies from the city, even as he lusts after the beautiful dancer Esmeralda.  This beloved medieval love story examines, “What makes a monster and what makes a man?” and features a lush score by Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin). ABIGAIL/1702  By Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa September 21- October 15, 2017 Ten years after the Salem witch trials, the notorious young accuser Abigail Williams seeks salvation in Boston, only to find her new life haunted by terrors of the past.  She’ll face the plague, pirates, and the devil in this eerie sequel to the American classic, The Crucible.  For Abigail, forgiveness is everything—but it may come at an unthinkable price. CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2017 November 16 - December 23, 2017  Gwinnett's longest-running theatrical holiday tradition, Christmas Canteen 2017, returns for a 22nd smash year!  Audiences love this stunning musical revue, a Winter Wonderland that keeps getting better every year!  Filled with songs of the season, sketch comedy, amazing theatrics, and a touch of nostalgia, Christmas Canteen 2017 is the perfect recipe for a very Merry Christmas!  MAYTAG VIRGIN  By Audrey Cefaly January 11- February 11, 2018 Being a widow in rural Alabama ain’t easy.  High school teacher Lizzy Nash is on a leave of absence after the sudden death of her husband when odd duck Jack Key moves in next door.  The two are as different as night and day.  Over the span of a year, this play follows these neighbors as they develop a funny and poignant friendship that explores questions of the heart.  In the end, will each get a second chance at happiness? RIPCORD By David Lindsay-Abaire May 10 – June 3, 2018 Battle lines are being drawn at the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility.  Crabby Abby won’t pay for a private room, but keeps her solitude with an impenetrable spite.  That is until new roomie, the fiercely cheerful Marilyn, not only wants to stay, but vies for Abby’s prime real estate by the window.  To settle the score, a seemingly harmless bet escalates into an outrageous game of one-upmanship.  The Odd Couple meets The Golden Girls in this over-the-top comedy from Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire. The 2017-2018 Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series lineup includes:  THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME July 20 - August 27, 2017 ABIGAIL/1702 September 21– October 15, 2017 CHRISTMAS CANTEEN November 16 - December 23, 2017 MAYTAG VIRGIN January 11 - February 11, 2018 TBA SPRING 2018 RIPCORD May 10-June 3, 2018 Ticket prices for the 2017-2018 Signature Series vary by performance.  Season subscribers have the opportunity to select preferred seating starting now, whereas single-show tickets go on sale to the public starting July 3.  For more information on the series or to become a season subscriber, please visit auroratheatre.com, or call the Box Office at 678.226.6222.