Birch & Burlap

Regional audiences can prepare to seize the day with Aurora Theatre’s 2018-2019 Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series, announced today.  The second largest professional theater in Georgia will once again bring premiere performances, heartfelt dramas, and Broadway-caliber productions with extraordinary talent to the heart of downtown Lawrenceville.  This season’s diverse line-up features Disney’s NEWSIES, BE HERE NOW, A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2, the world-premiere musical MEN WITH MONEY, NATIVE GARDENS, and the highly anticipated return of the celebrated holiday classic CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2018, back by popular demand for a 23rd year.  The upcoming season is led by co-founders Anthony Rodriguez and Ann-Carol Pence and features a tremendous assortment of dramas, comedies, and musicals that will have audiences of all ages ready to seize a season subscription! “On the heels of one of our most successful seasons ever, we are proud that we continue to attract the best artists in the nation to bring an exceptional line-up to our patrons,” said Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez.  “Whether visiting Aurora Theatre for the first time or the hundredth time, audiences will experience a variety of themes this season, from romance and friendship to perseverance and heart — sure to entertain, educate, and inspire!” The upcoming Signature Series includes ground breaking new works as well as the best of Broadway, as Aurora continues to foster meaningful artistic partnerships through co-production collaborations with local theatrical organizations, bringing the very best to devoted donors and subscribers.  Patrons to the theater during the upcoming season will also witness the first steps of Aurora Theatre’s 2020 expansion with an additional $26 million-dollar arts complex, including a new 500-seat theater, educational facilities, and an electrifying cabaret space. “The impact Aurora Theatre has on this community is due to our belief that cultural infrastructure is as crucial to a vibrant downtown as sidewalks, parks, and roads.  Because we laid an initial firm foundation of artistic excellence, people now drive to the suburbs of Atlanta to see theater,” said Associate Producer Ann-Carol Pence.  “Our 23rd season is going to knock your socks off, and that’s a promise!” Disney’s NEWSIES July 19 – September 2, 2018 Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Jack Feldman Book by Harvey Fierstein Based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White Inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this high-energy musical is set to soar with rousing dance numbers and non-stop thrills.  In New York City at the turn of the century, publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst look to take advantage of newsboys to increase profits.  Enter charismatic Jack Kelly who unwittingly leads a ragged band of teenaged "newsies" across the city to strike for what’s right.  This Tony Award-winning musical, based on the timeless Disney film, is toe-tapping fun for the entire family! BE HERE NOW September 20 - October 14, 2018 By Deborah Zoe Laufer Bari is in a perpetual funk, biding her time at a mind-numbing job shipping Tibetan-themed tchotchkes.  Cheerful co-workers Patty and Luanne try to see past her cynical exterior through their Prozac-colored glasses.  Will Bari ever leave her parents’ house in provincial upstate New York?  Will she finish her dissertation?  Will she go on a blind date with a dude who makes art out of garbage?  And what’s up with her headaches and the bizarre side-effects?  The answers await in this wonderfully weird comedy that will have audiences in stitches. CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2018 November 15 - December 23, 2018  Gwinnett's longest-running theatrical holiday tradition, Christmas Canteen 2018, returns for a 23rd smash year!  This stunning musical revue makes the most wonderful time of the year even more wonderful.  Brimming with songs, comic sketches, trips down memory lane, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic, it’s the holiday show with a little something for everyone on the list! A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 January 10 - February 10, 2019 By Lucas Hnath A co-production between Aurora Theatre and Actor’s Express This 2017 Broadway smash-hit is a fresh comedy based on the characters of the Henrik Ibsen classic, considered to be a cornerstone of modern theater.  In the original story, Nora Helmer leaves her husband and family with the slam of a door.  Fifteen years later and now a successful author, Nora finds herself knocking at the same door.  Then comes that awkward moment when she needs a favor from her estranged husband Torvald – a divorce. MEN WITH MONEY A New Musical March 7 – April 7, 2019 Book and lyrics by Bill Nelson Music and additional lyrics by Joseph Trefler Audiences will love this show that is an old-fashioned, brand new musical!  Louis, Max and Sonny are charming, young, and eligible bachelors looking to marry their way from rags to riches.  This romantic romp with a twist is full of dreams, schemes, and lavish musical numbers set in the golden age mecca of Manhattan in the 1950s.  It’s an alternative view to the gleaming, fabulous, and mighty Big Apple that will have audiences captivated as two of the leading men embark on the search for husbands! NATIVE GARDENS May 2 – June 2, 2019 By Karen Zacarías Neighbors clash in a dazzling new comedy about a battle for the backyard.  In one yard, Frank and Virginia, a well-established D.C. couple, trim a prize-worthy pristine garden.  In the other, the ambitious attorney Pablo moves in with his very pregnant wife and doctoral candidate Tania, a woman with a penchant for native flora.  When a disagreement over the property line quickly escalates into a war, taste, class, and entitlement push them all over the hedge. The 2018-2019 Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series lineup includes:  Disney’s NEWSIES July 19 - September 2, 2018 BE HERE NOW September 20 – October 14, 2018 CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2018 November 15 – December 23, 2018 A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 January 10 – February 10, 2019 MEN WITH MONEY March 7 – April 7, 2019 NATIVE GARDENS May 2 – June 2, 2019 Ticket prices for the 2018-2019 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 1.  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.