Lawrenceville Ghost Tours Return with Ghoulishly Good Tales this October!

Frightful fun returns this fall to a once forgotten sleepy Southern town with Aurora Theatre’s annual Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, October 1-31!

Sharing spooky stories of historical haunts and paranormal activity, costumed storytellers guide the living (and along with a few undead) through a 90-minute stroll around the picturesque downtown square.  By way of Honest Alley, the haunted jail, and other devilish destinations, metro-Atlanta’s most popular ghost tour unveils the mysterious myths and legends during a witching hour moonlit walk.

“The ghost tour is meant to be a fun family-friendly outing, as it’s free of grotesque and startling effects,” said Anthony Rodriguez, Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director.  “We’re proud to have so much rich history in Lawrenceville that allows us to invite families to explore the town like they’ve never done before; these vibrant stories mixed with the vivacious personalities of the storytellers end up creating a spooky treat for residents and visitors!”

Hailed for its eerie encounters with EVP (electronic voice phenomena) and floating orbs, the Haunted Cemetery Tour is for brave souls seeking an extra frightful delight, October 9-31!  Not for the faint of heart, thrill seekers follow Madame Macabre (Cynthia Rintye) through tombstone paths as she recounts her own chilling tale that inspired this tour!  Guests should wear closed-toe shoes, bring a flashlight, and be at least 13-years-old to participate; a signed release form will be required for every attendee.

A frightful delight for the entire family (well, except the little tykes who scare easily!), Lawrenceville Ghost Tours is presented every day in October with the Haunted Cemetery Tour bringing screams of fun October 9-31.

Ticket reservations can be made by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222 or online at tickets.auroratheatre.com.  Tickets for Sunday through Thursday ghost tours are $12 (adults) and $9 (children); Friday and Saturday ghost tour tickets are $15 (adults) and $12 (children).  Tickets for the cemetery tours are $20.  For more information, visit scarystroll.com or email info@scarystroll.com.

Regular ghost tours are as follows:

·         Sunday – Thursday: 7:30 p.m.

·         Friday- Saturday: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

*Tours are also offered year-round, May through September

Haunted cemetery tours are as follows:

·         Friday & Saturday: 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

*Reservations highly recommended, as spots are limited 

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Now in its 20th Season, Aurora Theatre produces professional live entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. Aurora Theatre is home to over 600 events each year. Two series of theatrical productions, the Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series and the GGC Harvel Lab Series, are comprised of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Additionally, Aurora produces concerts, stand-up comedy, children’s programs, metro Atlanta’s top haunted attraction Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, as well as Atlanta’s only professional Spanish language theatre. Aurora Theatre is a world class theatrical facility with two performance venues. Nestled on the square in historic downtown Lawrenceville, Aurora has FREE attached covered parking and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Aurora Theatre has garnered numerous accolades highlighted by recent achievements that include winner of Seven 2013 Suzi Bass Awards, Creative Loafing’s “2010 Best Theatre Company,” Georgia Trend Magazine’s “2011 Best Places to Work in Georgia,” Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “2012 Best Places to Work”, Atlanta Magazine’s “Best of Atlanta 2013,” Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts and the Gwinnett Chamber 2015 IMPACT Regional Business Award for Hospitality.

Atlanta's Fox Theatre Unveils New Behind The Scenes Tour for Media and Guests

Photo courtesy of facebook.

Most of us who have lived in the City of Atlanta, or one of its metro suburbs, all our lives have dreamed of a tour such as this one. We have dreamed of what lies behind those 86-year old stone and cement walls.  We have been fascinated with the prospect of a peek "behind the scenes." 

So, when The Fox Theatre (the "Fox") set up a media preview for our small group of ten last week, I jumped at the invitation to come and witness what this famed and legendary theatre might hold behind its walls.  The Behind the Scenes Tour ended up being everything we expected it to be and so much more. 

If you did not follow along on my Instagram tour last week, I hope, after today's read, you will make a reservation for this limited-time, historic tour.  You may visit The Fox Theatre's website to sign up or receive more information.  (Currently, the tour is only planned for June dates.)

Our tour started off in the Lobby at the bottom of one of the Grand Staircases inside the theatre.  A young and energetic tour guide, named Alexis, gave us a brief history lesson on the Fox.  Did you know the original investors thought it would only take $1 million to build, but it actually ended up costing over $3 million?  Did you know the theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929 with all the fanfare of acrobats and a Steamboat Willie cartoon?  (Yes, my worlds actually collided for a brief moment!)  Did you know this theatre has been running and operating in the black since 1978?  Atlanta is so proud.

Our first official stop on tour was the Hospital.  Yes, you read that correctly -- the Hospital.  Buried behind the scenes and behind a large wooded door clearly marked, "Hospital," is a tiny subway-tiled room complete with an early 1930s-era bed, a medicine cabinet, and a bathroom sink.  Fascinating!  Still as you might picture it was during the early part of last century.  What used to be manned by a nurse for ailing performers or Guests is now attended to by an EMT.  Times may have changed, but the decor has not.

From the hospital, we proceeded to the old "screening room."  Pictures of the room can be view on my Instgram virtual tour, but basically, this room was used by Atlanta censors to decide if new releases from the major motion picture studios in Hollywood should be banned in Atlanta.  By the time this practice ended in 1966, 15 films had been banned from our City!

Today, the Fox uses this room for a multitude of purposes -- from Artist Meet and Greets to catering set-ups to prop storage areas.  It is not a large room, but the history contained within it?  Wow, if these walls could only talk!  I'm sure the stories themselves would be large.  

Next stop on tour was the pit.  This is the original pit from 1929.  The hydraulics used are still original (although the motors are new).  The pit contains a "floor" that lowers and raises.  This can be used for anything -- from strictly utilitarian procedures to dramatic production effects and entrances.  Again, pictures for this area may be seen on my Instagram account.  The pit was an extremely fascinating area to see, and one that both theatre fans and students will definitely want to take a peek at.

From the pit, we moved along to the electrical rooms.  These large and antiquated rooms are no longer used, as most of them have been replaced by small and unobtrusive small gray boxes along the walls.  However, here is an interesting factoid - Georgia Tech often sends engineers and students over to study these rooms as there so few in existence anymore.  Hats off, once again, to The Fox for keeping as much intact as possible these last 86 years.

Next stop was the paint room.  The fun part of this tour is that you are not only walking and climbing centuries old staircases, you are also riding century-old elevators.  The larger, freight-style elevator you take to get to the paint room, reminded me immediately of my beloved Walt Disney World's Tower of Terror.  (Only thing missing was a push out over the edge.)

I can't speak for everyone on our little tour, but it seemed to me that this room got the most inquisitions and pictures taken.  Very fascinating, and one stop I am glad the theatre includes!

The paint room is run by Ms. Edna Tillander.  She is the last one (out of four) from her family that has worked in the theatre's paint room for the past 65 years!  This room was a treasure trove of history and artifacts.

From the paint room, we took my beloved Walt Disney World's Tower of Terror elevator back down to the Rehearsal and Dressing Room areas.  The rehearsal room was fascinating as it housed the Production Manager's office up above and overlooking it.  This office space once gave way to an in-house radio station!  Who knew?

The Dressing Rooms were simply put, amazing.  Not for their elaborateness or luxury, but for a few pretty cool wallpaper designs, both custom made for the Fox.  The first dressing room's wallpaper was a montage of ticket stubbs from over the years.  It was fun trying to look at them all and hearing all of us say, "Remember them?" or "Hey!  I was at that concert!"  The second dressing room's wallpaper was a montage of show posters, many of them autographed by the shows actors.  Again - cool factor - off the charts.

And, before I forget.  One other cool thing about these two dressing rooms.  There is a tradition, apparently, at The Fox Theatre...artists sign the dresser drawers of their room!  Take a peek at just one of the drawers we saw.  (Yes, Mary Poppins was on one of them.  Again, worlds colliding.)

To wrap up our Behind the Scenes media tour nicely in a bow, we ended our night with the greatest cherry on top ever -- heading backstage and onto the Fox's famous stage itself.  Wow!  What a treat!

Before heading on stage, you are met with a large wall of performers' 8 x 10 head shots, most of them autographed by their subjects, letting you know you are in good company performing at The Fox Theatre.  And, right before you step out onto that impressive and historic stage, you are greeted over head with a classic quote by the famous Ronnie Van Zandt.  Such a great touch on this backstage area.

To say this tour is impressive would be an understatement.  If you are a lover of history, the City of Atlanta, or the Fox Theatre itself, you should not miss this tour.  There is no other place or time in the Fox's history where you will be or have been able to see all of these areas of the Fox.  They, quite simply put, have never been open to the general public before.  

Nowhere else will you be able to see the Mighty Mo up close and personal.  Nowhere else will you be able to stand and look out over an empty theatre and imagine you are seeing what the performers themselves see each night.  Nowhere else will you see Depression-era electrical systems.

Folks, this is a chance in a lifetime tour.  I promise you will not be disappointed.  I am so happy I was invited and got a chance to see this tour.  If you and/or your family would like to check out this historic tour too, here is the information on how you might acquire tickets.  Please remember this tour is not recommended for children under the age of 7, and there are several stairs and areas not ADA accessible.

Fox Theatre Behind The  Scenes Tour

For a limited time only, the Fox Theatre is offering special Fox Theatre Behind the Scenes Tours.  These tours are a 90-minute guided program that will allow guests to experience the Fox from a different perspective, BACKSTAGE.  This tour will feature many elements of the Fox, including refreshments in the star dressing rooms, a peek under the stage, and culminates with photo opportunities on the Legendary Fox Theatre stage.  The Behind the Scenes Tours are not recommended for children under 7 and no children under the age of 2 are permitted.   Everyone must have a ticket to attend the tour.

Fox Theatre Behind the Scenes Tours will take place on Tuesday, June 9, Wednesday, June 10, Sunday, June 14, Tuesday, June 16, Wednesday, June 17, and Saturday, June 20. Please note there are a large number of stairs and several places on the tour are not ADA accessible.
Tickets are $45, and may be be purchased at The Fox Theatre's website.

As I wrap up this article, I will leave you with one more photo, from my Instagram feed...

Since this was a private media tour and the only one of the night, we were treated to the "closing down" of the Fox that night.  And, as all good theatre patrons know, not all lights can be turned off.  This one light was left lit as we left the building.  Do you know why?

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

Ghost: The Musical - A Review

So...how does one begin this particular review?

How do I begin to explain the musical currently taking over the stage inside The Fox Theatre here in Atlanta?

I've always been a fan of the movie.  So, it was only fair I had my curiosity piqued on how they would adapt the movie to a musical.  But, as with all things "Broadway," I should not have been worried.

The company and people producing this play have made the transition from movie to stage quite nicely.   Illusionist Paul Kieve has taken this very spiritual movie and made it into one of the most magical stage plays I have seen -- actors walk through doors, objects levitate, and spirits rise from dead bodies.  ...and all this is done without you even blinking or thinking twice about it.  The stage play is almost two and a half hours long, and trust me - you will want to be still and quiet and intensely a part of the story the entire time.

Ghost, as you probably remember, is the romantic 1990 story of Sam and Molly.  You know it by now.  Sam is gunned down.  Molly is left to deal with her grief.  Sam then spends the majority his time here on Earth trying to communicate with Molly.  Sam eventually meets psychic Oda Mae Brown who helps him connect with Molly, and the two reunite briefly before Sam leaves for the afterlife.

The screen play was written by Bruce Joel Rubin, and the musical score was written by Dave Stewart (yes -- THAT Dave Stewart, of the Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard.  All top professionals in their fields.

However, despite the wonderful love story our screenplay and music gives us, it is the magic and illusion that you will walk away remembering.  To quote Illusionist Kieve, "A lot of things have to be reimagined for the stage...you need to design everything in the environment to make that happen and to make sure everyone in the audience...doesn't see how it works."

There are so many special effects and magical moments.  I don't want to spoil them for you!  One thing that I do want to point out is that, despite all the magic and illusion in this play, it is not a play (in my opinion) for children.  There is a lot of colorful language in the play, and some sexual scenes as well.  Not something I would want my children to hear or see.  Older teens may be fine, but I would not take middle school or younger-aged children to this particular play.

Lastly, and most important, let me brag on the actors before I wrap up this post.  The actors that play Sam and Molly (Steven Douglas and Katie Postotnik) are wonderful.  What voices!  I loved listening to Steven sing the Righteous Brothers' Unchained Medley (not everyone can sing that song or pull it off).  Steven pulls it off flawlessly each time he sings a piece of it.

...and the cherry on top of this play (besides the magic and illusion)?  Yes.  Yes.  Yes -- Ms. Oda Mae Brown.  This has to be one of my all-time favorite movie characters.  I wasn't sure if Carla Stewart could match Whoopi's performance, but I am POSITIVE that if Whoopi ever saw Carla's performance, she would give her a standing ovation.  I would give anything to have video of Carla and her version of Oda Mae.  In a storyline that is rife with drama and seriousness, Oda Mae breaks up the play and provides us with humor and breaks of laughter.  Lord, her character is funny!

In summary and to wrap up this post, let me say that I think you should make a trip to the Fox Theatre this weekend to see, "Ghost: The Musical."  It is familiar, heart-warming, and amazing to watch!  I don't think you will be disappointed if you decide to make the trip!

Here is a brief YouTube video of the play from the 2012 Tony Awards.  I hope it wets your appetite!

Tickets are currently available at the Fox Theatre box office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), by visiting www.FoxAtlTix.com, or by calling 1-855-ATL-TIXX. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000. 

Remaining performances of Ghost The Musical are as follows:

            Friday                           8:00 p.m.
            Saturday                       2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
            Sunday                         1:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
 

*This website was provided with tickets to see , "Ghost: The Musical," in order to promote and review it.  The tickets provided in no way influenced our review.  All opinions and views are our own.

GHOST - The Musical Opens TOMORROW Night in Atlanta!

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness with Ghost The Musical
at The Fox Theatre, November 5-10

Broadway in Atlanta Ticket Offer to Benefit Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Foundation

Get into the spirit of giving with Ghost The Musical! 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Fifth Third Bank Broadway In Atlanta is offering a special Ghost The Musical offer benefiting local charity, Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Foundation. With each ticket purchased, $10 will be donated to the local charity organization, whose mission is to educate about the disease and advocate for research funding. 

Tickets can be purchased online at FoxTheatre.org/Ghost using the code GABCC, now through November 4 (today)! The code is valid for all performances and price levels (excludes the lowest price level).

Ghost The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winner Matthew Warchus and created by a team of Grammy and Academy Award-winners, including an original score by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard.

Ghost The Musical features a book by Bruce Joel Rubin, who has adapted his Academy Award-winning original screenplay for the stage. This brand new score also includes the iconic song “Unchained Melody,” famously performed in the film by The Righteous Brothers.  

Set in modern day New York City, Ghost The Musical is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Walking back to their apartment one night after a romantic dinner, Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam dead on a dark street. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly, who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hopes of saving and protecting her.

Ghost The Musical will play November 5-10 at The Fox Theatre as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway In Atlanta 2013-2014 season. The performance schedule is:

Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 5-7                     7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 8                                            8:00 p.m.

Saturday. Nov. 9                                        2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10                                        1:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.broadwayinatlanta.com.

 

About Broadway Across America: A leading Broadway producer and the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America. BAA operates in 40 cities, bringing first-class touring musicals and plays to audiences across the U.S. and Canada in markets such as Costa Mesa, Fort Lauderdale, Tempe, Boston, Minneapolis and New Orleans. As a producer, current and upcoming productions include Million Dollar Quartet, Pippin, Big Fish, Betrayal, Bullets Over Broadway, Little Miss Sunshine and Bull Durham. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com