Broadway in Atlanta offers Student Rush and Lucky Seat lottery for THE LION KING!

 

Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta announced today that THE LION KING will offer special lottery and student rush tickets for the upcoming engagement at the Fox Theatre from Oct. 2 – 20. Tickets are on sale now by visiting foxtheatre.evenue.net/events/.

For those feeling LUCKY, Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta is partnering with the digital ticket lottery platform Lucky Seat. Starting Friday, Sept. 20, participants will have a chance to win a limited number of $39 tickets for the Atlanta engagement of THE LION KING.

Entries for shows at the Fox Theatre will open at 12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, with weekly winners. The final round of entries will close on Friday, Oct. 11, at 9:30 a.m. Lucky Seat will email winners weekly on Fridays starting at 10 a.m. and will continue throughout the day, as needed. Winners will have a limited window to purchase and claim their tickets. Participants must have a Lucky Seat account to participate in the lottery or create one by visiting LuckySeat.com. The weekly schedule is below:

Week 1
​Entries Open ​ ​ ​ Fri, Sep 20 @ 12:00 p.m. ​
​Entries Close ​ ​ ​ Fri, Sep 27 @ 9:30 a.m. ​
​Drawing & Winner Notification ​ Fri, Sep 27 @ 10:00 a.m.

Week 2
​Entries Open ​ ​ ​ Fri, Sep 20 @ 12:00 p.m. ​
​Entries Close ​ ​ ​ Fri, Oct 4 @ 9:30 a.m. ​
​Drawing & Winner Notification ​ Fri, Oct 4 @ 10:00 a.m.

Week 3
​Entries Open ​ ​ ​ Fri, Sep 20 @ 12:00 p.m. ​
​Entries Close ​ ​ ​ Fri, Oct 11 @ 9:30 a.m. ​
​Drawing & Winner Notification ​ Fri, Oct 11 @ 10:00 a.m.

Tickets are subject to availability. Limit of four tickets per patron. In some cases, tickets may be partial view and, while every effort will be made to seat multiple seats together, there is a chance that seats may be split up. Tickets can be picked up at the Box Office at the Fox Theatre with a photo ID starting two hours before the performance time.

In addition to lottery tickets, Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta will also offer special $35 Student Rush Tickets for THE LION KING’s Atlanta engagement. College students simply need to bring valid college student identification with them to the Fox Theatre Box Office two hours prior to each performance. The Student Rush Ticket price will be valid for all performances with a two-ticket limit per student ID. Student Rush Tickets will be located at the box office’s discretion, and may include limited view locations. ​

THE LION KING will play for a three-week engagement in Atlanta from Oct. 2 – 20. The performance schedule is:

• Tuesday – Thursday ​ ​   7:30 p.m.
• ​Friday ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 8 p.m.
• ​Saturday ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2 p.m., 8 p.m.
• ​Sunday ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

*With a matinee performance at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11 and Thursday, Oct. 17.

For more information about THE LION KING at the Fox Theatre, please visit foxtheatre.org/the-lion-king.

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING, and now, you can too when Atlanta’s best-loved musical returns to the Fox Theatre. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. ​ THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

Tickets for BEETLEJUICE On Sale January 19th!

 

It’s showtime!

Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta announced today that single tickets for the North American Tour of BEETLEJUICE, the edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy playing Atlanta’s Fox Theatre from March 19 – 24 as part of the 2023/2024 Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta season, will go on sale Friday, Jan. 19.

Ticket prices start at $31. Tickets will be available at the Fox Theatre box office at 660 Peachtree Street NE, by visiting foxtheatre.org/Beetlejuice, or by calling 855-285-8499. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by contacting sales@foxtheatre.org.

The performance schedule is:

• Tuesday – Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, 2 p.m., 8 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.

With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

You can "Like" BEETLEJUICE on Facebook at Facebook.com/BeetlejuiceBway/ or follow along on Twitter and Instagram @BeetlejuiceBway.

For more information, visit www.BeetlejuiceBroadway.com.

Disney's ALADDIN Comes to ATLANTA!

Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher, and Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta announced today that tickets for the long-awaited engagement of Disney’s Aladdin will go on sale to the public on October 27. Performances of the hit Broadway musical comedy will run from January 9th through January 14th at Atlanta's The Fox Theatre.

In Atlanta, Aladdin will play Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30p.m., Friday at 8:00p.m., Saturday at 2:00p.m. and 8:00p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Beginning Oct. 27, tickets will be available at the Fox Theatre Box Office at 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 and online at foxtheatre.org/aladdin. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by contacting sales@foxtheatre.org.

Ticket buyers are reminded that the Fox Theatre is the only official retail ticket outlet for all performances at the Fox Theatre. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the Fox Theatre is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

Aladdin will play for a limited engagement in Atlanta from Jan. 9 – 14, 2024. The performance schedule is:

• Tuesday – Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 p.m.

About Aladdin

Aladdin, the hit musical based on the Academy Award®-winning animated film, opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years. Having played over 3,000 performances, the New York production is among the Top 20 longest runs in Broadway history.

Hailed by The New York Times as “fabulous and extravagant,” the Broadway production has broken 16 New Amsterdam Theatre house records and spawned nine additional productions on four continents. Worldwide it has welcomed more than 16 million people and can be seen currently on Broadway and on tour across North America, as well as in Japan and Spain, with a UK tour opening shortly.

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, Aladdin features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida), and six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Prom, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).

Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exciting world of daring adventure, classic comedy, and timeless romance. This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.

The animated film Aladdin was released by Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year. The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film’s two Academy Awards as Best Original Song. The Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, eight-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, three-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes, and sound designer Ken Travis.

The production team also includes illusion designers Jim Steinmeyer and Rob Lake, hair designer Josh Marquette, and makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira. The music team is headed by music supervisor and music director Michael Kosarin, who also created the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined by orchestrator Danny Troob, and dance music arranger Glen Kelly. John MacInnis is the associate choreographer, Jason Trubitt is the production supervisor, and Myriah Bash is the general manager. Anne Quart serves as executive producer.

The current North American tour has played in over 40 cities to more than a half million people since launching in October 2022. A previous tour played to an additional nearly 3 million patrons.

For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com/tour, Instagram, and Facebook

The John Gore Organization is the leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide. Under the leadership of 20-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. The company presents shows in 48 cities across North America as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, Japan, and China. It has won Tony Awards in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier Awards. The John Gore Organization is committed to supporting theater access and education programs that introduce Broadway to the next generation of audiences and theater professionals

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. Led by 20-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon and Hamilton. Current and past productions include Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge! and To Kill A Mockingbird.

Ain't Too Proud Plays to Interactive, Energized Crowd on Opening Night

 

Last night, David and I were blessed to be able to attend the opening night of Broadway in Atlanta's presentation of "Ain't to Proud, the Life and Times of the Temptations."

I was so excited to attend this show.  All day, I had Alexa playing Temptations songs ("Alexa, play the Temptations.").  I was ready.

As a PR blogger, I do have the "job" of attending many musicals in Atlanta, but I don't think I've ever been as excited to attend one as I was last night.  I mean, who doesn't love The Temptations, right? The Temptations are the top R&B group in American music history.  Everyone knows their hits, and you can probably sing them in your sleep.

So seeing Atlanta's Fox Theatre full last night was not a surprise.  I don't recall many empty seats around where we were sitting.  The mood was electric from the time we sat down.  People seemed to be happy and chatty.  Our seatmates began conversation immediately.  It was a nice change from the past few years, but I do think that some of this infectious energy had to do with the show we were about to watch.

Check out this clip from ABC's, "The View," where the Broadway cast sang for Whoopi's birthday show.  The energy is palatable:

The Temptations began their careers in the 1960s, scoring their first #1 hit with "My Girl," written by the infamous Smokey Robinson.  From that moment until now (yes, 2022), it has been a steady career of hits and history making music for the Temptations.  In fact, the Temptations are still led by their founding member Dr. Otis Williams, who is 80!!

Check out this performance by The Temptations at our Country's birthday celebration a few years ago:

(If you want to learn a more detailed history about The Temptations, click on the link above to browse their history from their official website.  Sixty years of history is more than I can surely input here!)

Ain't Too Proud brings the story of The Temptations to the stage in such a way that makes you feel for all the characters - their highs, their lows (i.e., substance abuse, physical ailments, relationship issues), their achievements, and their struggles.

When you interlace these personal and professional stories with the history of Motown and Detroit and then include all their most popular hits, you end up with a show that leaves audiences wanting more and an encore.  (I think this is the first musical I have wanted an encore.)

Courtesy:  Youtube

As expected, the choreography was OUTSTANDING (in fact, it won a Tony Award); the music is flawless; and the story line is enlightening.  Several people around us all agreed - we had NO IDEA what this group transpired through and overcame.

Many times through the musical people raised their hands, danced, rose to their feet, and at several points, you could hear the entire Fox Theatre singing along.  Ain't Too Proud is a lot of fun mixed with a high-level of interactive energy.

It is truly an amazing show.  It will leave you wanting MORE of the personalities and the music but also with a realization that the people we often see in the spotlight are just as human as we are with the same fragilities.

Check out this clip from the 2019 Tony Awards to get a bit more understanding:

Ain't Too Proud plays Atlanta's The Fox Theatre for one week only. Tickets are still available and start at only $40 a ticket.

Do yourself a favor and go see this musical while it's in town.  The performers in this show are some of the most talented in the business.  Wow; they are just amazing.  You will leave on a high and almost a closeness to those around you sharing the same feelings of humanity and good times.

It is definitely a must-do Atlanta item this week!

*Disclaimer: We were provided tickets to see Ain't Too Proud in exchange for promotion and reviews.  This review is nonbiased and solely our own opinions.

Tonight! Ain't Too Proud Opens in Atlanta

 

Tonight is the night.  The countdown is on.

I'll be honest, I see quite a few Broadway shows here in Atlanta.  I'm blessed to be able to.  It's one of the little joys in my life.

If you've never seen a musical in person, you are truly doing yourself a disservice.  These are some of the MOST talented individuals in America and internationally.  Yet, some of the most unrecognized individuals as well.

The storylines are both modern and classic.  Energizing and intuitive.  Each one a work of art on its own.

But to say I am most excited for tonight's performance would be an understatement.  I am SO very excited to see Ain't Too Proud tonight.  This is probably the one show I've been the most excited to see.

I absolutely love the music of the Temptations, the Supremes, and that entire era of music.  My one hope for tonight is that the Atlanta "society" circle lets loose a little bit, and as John Lennon once said, "...rattles their jewelry."

Ain't too Proud starts tonight and runs for one week only - March 8 through the 13th.  Tickets starts at only $40 each!

To purchase tickets, visit the Fox Theatre website.  I hope to see you there!

Fiddler on the Roof Opens at Atlanta's Fox Theatre

 

Yikes!

The image above is from a dream sequence inside NETworks Presentations' Fidder on the Roof ("Fiddler") production, playing this week at Atlanta's The Fox Theatre.

This one still picture represents all the goodness, talent, and wonderfulness of this musical.  It also represents all the oddities and craziness of this story and production.

I'll be honest here.

I knew the music (well, some of it) from Fiddler, but I didn't know the story.  I had never seen the movie. Both my Grandmother and my Parents had the music around.  Record albums, TV, organ sheet music.  But - still.  I never sat down and actually watched the movie.

The first half of this musical is phenomenal.  Be prepared, though.  The first act is two hours long, so make sure you are well settled, have taken your potty break, and are equipped with your snacks and beverages of choice.

The first half develops the story.  Gives us the background on the characters, their environment, the time they live in, and their relationship with each other and community.  Community.  It is a huge part of Fiddler, and without it, the play would have no knitting together.

The choreography is spectacular.  The group dance scenes by the male dancers is on spot and fabulous.  So many times, they had the audience clapping in time with them on stage.  Many times, audience members shouted out at the scenes and characters in front of them.  Many times, whoops and hollers where given to the musical numbers.  

The songs are familiar and well-loved, as this story has now been told for decades.

The actors are amazing.  Super talented, funny, and true to the characters they portray.  You can't go wrong heading back to the theatre to see Fiddler.  Even children would be welcome at this show, as there is no nudity and no profanity.

Keep in mind, though, that if you take your children, you will probably have to explain this time in history and what is happening.  Many older children will be able to understand and open doors for discussion, but it may be a little disturbing for younger children.

The second half of the play, about an hour in length, is not as powerful as the first half (or so that is my humble opinion).  While the actors and music are still on spot, the story moves into a more meatier story line reflecting the time period it is set in and thus, turns dark and gloomy.

We see our characters' wedding destroy, their homes ripped out from under them, and the community dissolving as each family heads to different parts of the new world that is developing around them.

Since I have never seen the movie, the musical encourages me to dig deeper and find out more about the story line, the background on each family, and to help me understand the ending a little better.

I would say that if you are planning on attending this show, watch the movie first.  Gain a little bit of foundation and understanding of the story line, the time period it is set in, and getting to know the characters and their families.  Then, sit back - singalong - clap in time - and enjoy the story America and the world have loved since 1964. 

Fidder on the Roof plays The Fox Theatre through November 14th.  There are a select number of $40 tickets for each performance.  You may purchase tickets via the Fox Theatre website at foxtheatre.org.

To learn more about the musical, visit the musical's website or any of their social media accounts (facebook, twitter, and instagram).

The Little Mermaid Makes Waves in Midtown

Click here to purchase The Little Mermaid tickets.

Attention all Disney, Ariel, and Prince Eric fans.

It's time to snorkel up and swim to Midtown Atlanta this weekend as The Fox Theatre is transformed into an underwater world of fantasy, fins, and famous melodies when Disney's iconic story of of Ariel, the Little Mermaid, comes to town.

All your favorite Disney Little Mermaid characters will be in attendance -- Princess Ariel, Prince Eric, Ursula the Seawitch, Flounder, and even Scuttle.

All the beloved Little Mermaid melodies will be there -- Kiss the Girl, Part of Your World, and Poor Unfortunate Souls.  There will even be a few new new stage-only productions that you will love and that will fit in with the story line perfectly.

To be fair, everyone knows I am a HUGE Disney fan.  I am also a Disney travel agent.  I sell Disney for a living, and I am a Disney blogger when necessary.  So, does that begin tell you something of the expectations I might have had for this production?

Over the years, I've seen many Disney theatrical and musical productions -- Beauty and the Beast many times over; Mary Poppins multiple times; and The Lion King a time or two.  BUT...this musical, The Little Mermaid, had escaped me.

I am so happy to report here and tell you that Broadway Atlanta's first show of the year is a positive, fun, "two-thumbs up," family favorite production that is suitable for all ages.  You will find that all the magic you loved from the movie is still present in the stage production.  Colorful stage sets, grand costumes, and a sprinkling of Pixie Dust make this show one more success in Disney's long list of achievements.

My excitement level was high for The Little Mermaid because it's not often I get to see something "new" from Disney.  You can imagine my heart swarming as we pulled into the Atlanta parking deck adjacent to the Fox Theatre.

As soon as we arrived, we were encapsulated into the Magic that is Disney.  To start the evening off, we parked right next to a Mother and daughter duo also arriving for the evening.  As they emerged from their car, we could see two beautiful girls all glamoured up for the night getting out, both in their classic Ariel attire.  Mother and daughter.  Yes, the Pixie Dust had begun to sprinkle!

So many little ones in attendance on Opening Night.  So no worries about taking children, some as young as three, to this show.  (Be warned, though, that there are a few "scary" scenes involving Ursula the sea witch.  One little behind us broke into tears during our performance.)

We saw little boys climbing off their Mother's laps to stand in the aisle and get a better view of Prince Eric's "huge" ship and little Princesses in their best Matilda Jane, velvet dresses, and patent leather shoes watching wide-eyed as Prince Eric danced to a stunningly dressed in pink Ariel in the palace.  (Again, more Pixie Dust being sprinkled.) Truly a magical evening in the best that Disney always has to offer.

If you are heading to the show this weekend or thinking about going now that you've read this, a few things I would like to mention ahead of time.  Just so you can be aware.

First of all, I think it's important that you know Ariel is played by Diana Huey.  Diana's talent is HUGE.  She has learned the Disney Princess mannerisms well and has definitely done her Disney homework.

Her voice is pristine and crystal clear and her acting on spot.  Her resume is long and impressive.  However, the one thing I want to know before you go is this -- she's ASIAN.  Yes.  You heard me correctly -- she's Asian.

Apparently, this casting made national theatre news; I had no idea.  And little ones may not even catch it or notice.  But I did hear murmuring in the audience that night when Ariel appeared for the first time on stage.

I had a hard time with this at first.  Would we change Mulan?  Would we change Tiana?  I'm not so sure we would.  So why would we change Ariel?  Then someone, very familiar and with family in the Broadway musical business, said to me, "A good actor can make you see past who they are and make you believe they are their character."  (Thank you Susan.)

So, okay.  I give.  She was right.  A few minutes into the production, and I had forgotten all about Diana being Asian.

The second thing I want you to be aware of and to watch for is this fun little detail -- body language.  As Ursula would say, "...and don't underestimate the importantance of body language."  I didn't pick up on this subtlety at first until my friend pointed it out to me, "Look how they are moving their bodies."  That's all I'm going to hint at here.  Just watch.  You'll see what I mean...It's pretty cool.

And the last and third thing I want you to be ready for is the swimming.  Yes.  The swimming.  The producers and technicians have done an amazing feat in this musical (which, really, when you've seen enough musicals, you slowly begin to realize that the entire Broadway, off-Broadway, and local musical communities are actually all amazing).  So amazing, in fact, you won't even realize that the characters aren't swimming.

(To get a sneak peek on "swimming" and backstage antics, visit @broadwayatlanta's Instagram page .)

To summarize our trip to see The Little Mermaid, if you have little ones or are a Disney fan like myself, do yourself a favor and go catch some Pixie Dust while it's being sprinkled in town.  You may click on the link above (under the show header and logo) to purchase tickets and make sure you follow @broadwayatlanta on Instagram as well!

It is always Magical when Disney comes to town.

As Mickey would say, "See you real soon!"

*This blog was provided with two complementary tickets for media night by Brave PR in exchange for promotion of the event as well as a follow up post about the musical.  All views are unbiased and our own.

Bring a Book to Beauty and the Beast to Help a Child

SHARE SOME MAGIC WHEN YOU ATTEND:

Bring your new or gently used books when you come to the Fox Theatre for Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST to benefit Everybody Wins! Atlanta

For 19 years, Everybody Wins! Atlanta has devoted itself to improving children's literacy and developing the reading skills of students in low-income elementary schools through shared reading experiences. Through their Power Lunch program mentors from local businesses and community partners are paired with students identified as reading below their grade level. Pairs meet once each week during the student's lunchtime for the entire school year. They program effectively impacts at-risk students in reading comprehension, motivation and achievement, as well as overall academic performance, classroom behavior, self-confidence and social skills.

WHERE AND WHEN CAN I DONATE?

Fox Theatre lobby preceding Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST performances.

Tuesday, February 2 – Thursday, February 4: 7:30pm

Friday, February 5: 8:00pm

Saturday, February 6: 2:00pm and 8:00pm

Sunday, February 7: 1:00pm and 6:30pm

LEARN MORE ABOUT EVERYBODY WINS!

CLICK HERE FOR SHOW TICKETS

Look at weekday performances for best availability.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the smash hit Broadway musical, is returning to Atlanta! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!

Due to the nature of live entertainment; dates, times, performers, and prices are subject to change. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. No exchanges or refunds. Tickets are subject to additional fees. There is an eight (8) ticket limit per account, billing address or credit card. Orders that exceed this limit will be cancelled without notice, including multiple orders with the same account, billing address or credit card.

Green Day's American Idiot Plays Atlanta's Fox Theatre Through Tonight

Well...I am late to the party on posting this review for Green Day's American Idiot.

I guess I just couldn't bring myself to sit down and write it....How do I start?  Let's just say this review will be short and not-so-sweet.

Let's begin with old adage, "Always do your homework before attending any media presentation."  I guess that's where I should have begun prior to May 1st and going to see Green Day's, "American Idiot" at Atlanta's Fox Theatre.

To say I was a bit more than disappointed would be a mere understatement.  ...and I'm guessing I'm not alone, judging by the number of supposed-subscribers walking out of this opening night play.  If you are a fan of Green Day and their pop music, which the three women in front of us obviously were, I'm sure you'd appreciate the play.

As a casual radio listener and only knowing their top hits, I did not. This play is typical left-wing satire, philosophy, and campaigning.  Pictures of George Bush taking a bite out of the Statue of Liberty, a "script" laden with the "f" word, sexual scenes, and rampant drug use.  Yes, it tells a "story," and yes - some might even call this rock opera brilliant (it has been nominated for a Tony award), but for someone like me - middle-aged, middle-class, and right-wing conservative, I found it hugely unentertaining and offensive.

It is what it is.  If you like pop music, rock operas, and Green Day - you will probably understand and accept and maybe even enjoy this performance, but as for me and the many people walking out throughout the performance - I did not.

Sad to say that even when the curtain fell and rose again to an all-acoustic performance by the Cast - droves of people were leaving and already in the lobby heading out to Peachtree Street and their cars.

I wish I could promote this play and tell you to run down to the Fox Theatre tonight to see it before it leaves town, but sadly, I cannot.  No amount of money is worth sitting through two hours of left-wing political statements, constant use of the "f" word, and teenagers having sex and using drugs.  Yes, I am well aware that this is part of the world we live in, but I would definitely choose to spend my time elsewhere supporting the arts in a more positive manner.

Here is a brief clip of the acoustic encore, by far - the most enjoyable part of the show.  I wish it could have all been like this, as it shows just how talented this Cast truly is:

*DLDS was given media tickets in exchange for pre-promotion and post-review of this play.  All opinions are strictly our own and not representative of anyone else or others involved.

Disney's "The Lion King" ROARS into Atlanta's Fox Theatre!

Wow.  What more can be said besides, "WOW?"  ...and ALL CAPS at that.

By now, almost all of us have seen (or surely heard of) Disney's once most-successful animated feature, "The Lion King."  (The Lion King was recently toppled as Disney's most-successful animated film by the blockbuster Frozen.)

This stage adaptation of the famous movie has been going strong and shows no signs of slowing down as it approaches its 20-year Anniversary.  You may remember this little 15th Anniversary celebration on Good Morning America a few years ago.  It is, arguably, one of the most well-known and popular musical numbers from the show, "Circle of Life:"

Nothing stirs a Disney fan's heart more than the first uttering of song from Rafiki, where our primate friend calls out to the Prideland, summoning one and all to come and gather at Pride Rock for a presentation of the newest cub to the pride's royal family.  It has been said this first song creates such a rich African tapestry that it immediately transports us into the beauty and awesomeness of the African savannah.

I was more than blessed last night to receive media tickets for this event.  Lucky for me, the media tickets this go 'round (you never know where they might be located) where Orchestra level, left center.  As a true Disney and Lion King fan, I was elated when Brave PR handed me the ticket envelope and I opened it up to see the location.  I felt like Charlie when he had been given that last candy bar, and he slowly unwrapped it to see the golden ticket inside.

I quickly made my way to my seat and buckled in.  The last time I saw this performance was at Atlanta's Civic Center, and my family was high in the balcony.  All I could do was look down.  Tonight, I was going to be seated right in the middle of the action!

In case you are unfamiliar with The Lion King musical play, let me clue you in on a little secret -- the play begins from the BACK of house.  The animals make their way to the stage (Pride Rock) from the back of the theatre, down through the aisles, and up two sets of staircases to the Savannah -- elephants, wildebeests, birds, antelopes, and more.  It is a sight to behold.  Imagine hearing children and adults alike gasping, cheering, and clapping when they realized what was going on all around them. 

I said this last night, and I'll say it again now -- any play that is put on by Broadway ATL is top notch, but when you combine that with the level of quality that only Disney can provide - well, there is just too much musical magic for any one person.

As the play continued, it was all I expected it to be, and I could not have been happier.  I have heard about this play for years, and the Atlanta Fox Theatre production did not disappoint.  The Lion King is rich and abundant in African scenery, deep colors, and flavored music.  Music we have all listened to and loved for 20 years still sounds as fresh and as fun as it did in the 90s.  The theatrical production is a mirror image of the animated film, with a few more songs (written by Tim Rice and Elton John) added in.

The play runs two and a half hours long, with one 15-minute intermission, so make sure all bathroom breaks and concessions are secured before the show starts.  Also, the theatre has a 10-minute seating hold, so keep that in mind if you are running late.  You will not be permitted to enter the theatre until after the opening number since the cast and crew are actually making their way to the stage thru the house.

The actors and actresses in this play are nothing less than amazing - strong talent - from acting and singing to the puppetry arts (including two SUPERB younger talents - 10-year olds Jordan Hall as Simba and Nya Carter as Nala).

I was amazed at how many of the people around me shouted out, cheered, and gave standing ovations.  I love when adults, not just children, get wrapped up in Disney and the arts.

The Lion King will be having a long run here in Atlanta -- three weeks, playing now through April 27th.  The show plays Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30PM, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00PM, and Sunday evenings at 6:30PM, as well as matinees on Saturday at 2:00PM and Sundays at 1:00PM.  (A special weekday matinee will take place on Thursday, April 17 at 2:00PM.) 

Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre Box Office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), online at www.foxtheatre.org, or by calling 1-855-ATL-TIXX.  Orders for groups of twenty (20) or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

I highly recommend you go see The Lion King while you have an opportunity.  It is always a special time for the arts in Atlanta when Disney comes to town.

I leave you with this "rousing" number by Scar (the villain of our show), just posted by The Lion King's facebook page, along a few astonishing facts.

Interesting facts about The Lion King:

• Ten times a day, all over the world, the cry in the African language of Zulu rings out in a darkened theater:  "Nants ingonyama bagithi baba!  Sithi uhhmm ingonyama!"  ("Here comes a lion, Father.  Oh yes, it's a lion.")
  
  
• The North American travel company travels in 18 trucks (14 are tractor-trailers that haul duplicates of everything)!
  
  
• Each city The Lion King travels to needs one week of set up before the show arrives and opens.
  
  
• The Lion King is the highest-grossing show in Broadway history!
  
  
• The Lion King still fills it's Broadway home to capacity, 17 years later!
  
  
• The Lion King uses six African native languages, and all companies include native South African performers (the Atlanta show has six).
  
  
• The original Broadway recording of The Lion King can be listened to for **FREE** on Spotify!