Atlanta's Fox Theatre Kicks off the 2019 Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival!

Fox Theatre Kicks off 2019 Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival Atlanta's The Fox Theatre presents the 2019 Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival with a screening of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” for the film’s 30th Anniversary. This family favorite will return to the venue with a sing-along component for all to participate in! After opening night, the festival will include early and evening shows including “Saturday Morning Cartoons,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Mary Poppins” sing-along, “The Princess Bride” and the 80th Anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz.” Discounted tickets for these films will go on sale Friday, June 7, at noon for $8 until June 30. General admission tickets will go up to $10 after June 30. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets at the door for $12. Tickets are on sale now at FoxTheatre.org. Single-event access to the Marquee Club presented by Lexus will also be available for purchase for select films for $40 per person. Marquee Club access will include private entry, locally sourced food from film-inspired menus, meet-and-greet opportunities with movie characters, adult and kid-friendly movie-themed beverages, rooftop access, private bars, and restrooms and more! As in previous years, Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival will showcase films on its impressive 26-by-56-foot screen. Patrons will enjoy movies under the Fox Theatre’s distinctive blue sky with twinkling stars and fluffy clouds. For select showings, guests will have the opportunity to attend a magical pre-show experience, which will include a sing-a-long with a vintage cartoon and performances on the world-renowned “Mighty Mo” organ. 2019 COCA-COLA SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE Sunday, July 14 @ 2:00p.m.        Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” sing-along, 30th anniversary Sunday, July 14 @ 6:30p.m.        “To Kill a Mockingbird” Sunday, July 21 @ 2p.m.              “Mary Poppins” sing-along Saturday, July 27 @ 10a.m.          “Saturday Morning Cartoons” Saturday, July 27 @ 7:30p.m.      “The Princess Bride” Sunday, August 25 @ 2:00p.m.    “The Wizard of Oz”, 80th Anniversary Specialty Movie Ticket Pricing ·     “Disney’s Little Mermaid” sing-along screening – Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the show. ·     “Mary Poppins” sing-along screening – Tickets are $15 in advance for $20 on the day of the show. ·     “Saturday Morning Cartoons” – Tickets are $5 now through the show date. *Additional fees may apply. Guests must purchase tickets at the Fox Theatre ticket office or at FoxTheatre.org *MARQUEE CLUB PRESENTED BY LEXUS The club will not be open for “Saturday Morning Cartoons”. Activations for “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Princess Bride” will be announced at a later date. Special kid-friendly opportunities in the Marquee Club presented by Lexus for both sing-alongs and The Wizard of Oz are outlined below, with more details to follow closer to the date of each viewing. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” - $40 per person Club attendees will enjoy a meet-and-greet opportunity with a magical mermaid princess, adult and kid-friendly “Under the Sea” specialty drinks, and movie-themed menu items. Club amenities include early, private entry with expedited security, premium bars, rooftop access, and private restrooms. “Mary Poppins” sing-along - $40 per person Club attendees will enjoy a meet-and-greet opportunity with a Mary Poppins look-alike character, adult and kid-friendly “Spoonful of Sugar” specialty drinks, and movie-themed menu items. Club amenities include early, private entry with expedited security, premium bars, rooftop access, and private restrooms. “The Wizard of Oz”- $40 per person Club attendees will enjoy a meet-and-greet opportunity with Wizard of Oz look-alike characters, adult and kid-friendly specialty drinks, and movie-themed menu items. Club amenities include early, private entry with expedited security, premium bars, rooftop access, and private restrooms. Parking Pricing While spaces are available, select Lanier parking lots surrounding the Fox Theatre will offer discounted $5 parking for Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival patrons. For more information, please visit FoxTheatre.org. Special Movie Tours: All film festival dates will have a 60-minute movie tour that start 2 hours prior to each film. There will be no Movie Tour prior to “Saturday Morning Cartoons”. Admission to Movie Tours will be $20 per person. * Additional fees may apply. Guests must purchase tickets at the Fox Theatre ticket office or at FoxTheatre.org Movie Tours Schedule: "Little Mermaid" sing-along Sunday, July 14th              12:00p.m.  "To Kill A Mockingbird" Sunday, July 14th 4:30 p.m.     "Mary Poppins" sing-along Sunday, July 21st 12 p.m. "The Princess Bride" Saturday, July 27th 5:30 p.m. "The Wizard of Oz" Sunday, August 25th 12 p.m. To purchase tickets or get additional information, please visit FoxTheatre.org.

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.

Aurora Theatre Academy Announces 2015 Summer Camp Sessions!

Aurora Theatre Academy’s extensive array of Summer Camps for 2015 are right around the corner. Enrollment is now open for a coveted spot.

Aurora Theatre Director of Education, Jaclyn Hofmann, has put together an incredible team of teaching professionals, most of whom you will recognize from professional theatrical productions around Atlanta or from the screen anywhere from Georgia Lottery commercials to HBO.

This summer, Aurora Theatre Academy will prepare students of all skill levels to perform like professionals.  Located on the square in downtown Lawrenceville, all classes will culminate in a showcase in Aurora’s exquisite facility.  Aurora will also offer students both financial need and talent-based scholarship opportunities. 

Summer Camp Open House: Wednesday, April 29 from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Come meet some of our Camp Staff, take a tour of the theatre and participate in theatre games as an intro to the fun we have all summer long! Light refreshments and snacks provided. Talent Scholarship Auditions for The Little Mermaid Jr will take place during Open House. For an appointment, please email education@auroratheatre.com.

Aurora Academy Summer Camp One Day Sale: Wednesday, April 29

Receive $25 off any Summer Camp Programs! Purchase tickets online at www.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678.226. Aurora’s one-time New Student Registration Fee of $25 still applies for first-time registrants of Aurora Theatre Academy. *Offer may not be used on previously purchased camp registrations or in conjunction with scholarship offers. Other restrictions may apply

Aurora Academy Summer Programs: Preparing Students to Perform Like Professionals

Aurora Academy is the best summer theatre program for young people in Northeast Georgia. What distinguishes Aurora Theatre Academy from other summer drama camps is that the instructors are working professionals with years of real-world professional experience. Each session culminates in a performance on the same stages where the professionals perform. In addition to receiving training on how to be a winner onstage, students build confidence and communication and life skills that will be a valuable part of their bright futures.

Summer Musical for Grades 3-12

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr

Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater

Music by Alan Menken

Book by Doug Wright

Aurora Theatre Academy will journey under the sea with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr, based on the Hans Christian Andersen Story and the Disney Film produced by Howard Ashman and John Musker; written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home - and her fins - behind and live in the world above. But first she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking. Students will attend three weeks of classes in acting, singing and dancing, as well as rehearse and perform Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr at the end of the session. Students will be taught and directed by some of Atlanta’s finest professional musical theatre actors. Students will perform on the Aurora Mainstage on Friday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Saturday, June 27 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase for the general public.

Camp Aurora for Students Grades 1-5

Camp Aurora gives students the opportunity to spend a week at Aurora Theatre where they can learn what it takes to put on a performance. This production class will provide students with valuable stage experience, all while encouraging teamwork and collaboration with peers. The experience instills a sense of self-confidence in the students. In these half-day sessions, students will be active participants in creating portions of the sets, costumes and props for these exciting, whirlwind productions presented to family and friends.

Aurora Academy Summer Camps for Middle and High School Students

The Acting Edge camp explores the craft of acting through various styles: Stanislavski, Shakespeare, Stage Combat, Improvisation and more. Sessions will culminate in a showcase performance in Aurora’s Studio for friends and family. Whether your teen is a seasoned performer or beginner, they will benefit from the real-world experience of our teaching staff.

Guerrilla Theatre Camp breaks the boundaries of the stage and brings theatre to students in fun and exciting ways. Learn many of the styles that shatter the convention of the fourth wall from Commedia dell’Arte to Improv Comedy and even Flash Mobs! You would have to be “bananas” to miss out on Guerrilla Theatre.

Scholarships

Through the continued support of Scott Hudgens Family Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Suwanee and other generous groups, Aurora Theatre Academy is able to offer more than $15,000 for students to have the valuable experience of honing their craft with seasoned professionals. For more information or to request a scholarship application, email education@auroratheatre.com.

SUMMER MUSICAL (Grades 3-12)

The Little Mermaid Jr – June 8-26

Monday–Friday: 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.  (two Saturday Shows on June 27)

Three-week, full-day session
Cost: $600

CAMP AURORA PRODUCTION CLASS (Grades 1-5)

June 1–5 and July 6–10

9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and 1–4 p.m.

Cost:  $200 per half-day session.

ACTING EDGE CAMP (Grades 6-12)

July 6–17: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Two-week, full-day sessions
Cost: $500

GUERRILLA THEATRE CAMP (Grades 6-12)

June 1–5 and July 13–17

10:30 a.m. –4 p.m.

One-week, full-day sessions
Cost: $300

There is a $25 first-time student application fee. Pre-booking guarantees a spot in one of the classes. We are limiting enrollment in each class to 15 students. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required.

To register for the summer theatre sessions, visit https://auroratheatre.com/secure/summer-camp.php  or call the Box Office at 678.226.6222. For more information on the programs, visithttp://www.auroratheatre.com/education/aurora-academy/summer-camp-2015/.

Aurora Theatre · 128 East Pike Street · PO Box 2014 · Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046

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Now in its 19th 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; Teatro Del Sol. 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” and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts.

Aurora Theatre, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation and is a member of Atlanta Performs, Theatre Communications Group, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Lawrenceville Tourism and Trade Association, Latin American Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Commerce Club, Suwanee Business Alliance and Duluth Merchants Association.

THE LITTLE MERMAID Opens Soon in Atlanta. Cast is Revealed!

DIVE “UNDER THE SEA” FOR THE
ATLANTA DEBUT OF Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID
AT THE FOX THEATRE JULY 8-13

Atlanta audiences are set to take a trip under the sea with Disney’s family friendly extravaganza Disney’s The Little Mermaid, featuring bright, inventive sets and dazzling costumes!

This fun-filled, timeless tale will come to life on stage July 8-13 at the Fox Theatre, kicking off the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2014/2015 series.

Ticket prices start at $30.  Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre box office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), by visiting www.foxtheatre.org, or by calling 1-855-285-8499. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

The performance schedule for Disney’s The Little Mermaid is as follows:

            Tuesday-Thursday      7:30 p.m.
            Friday                          8:00 p.m.
            Saturday                     2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
            Sunday                       1:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we will meet Ariel, the little mermaid who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, Ariel’s crabby sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea; and the handsome and human, Prince Eric.

Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, The Little Mermaid is making its Atlanta debut.  Featuring all the audience favorites such as “Under The Sea” and “Part of Your World” as well as new songs written by Oscar-winning Disney tunesmith Alan Menken, the mastermind behind productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram praised this production as “a thoroughly entertaining theatrical experience, especially appreciated by kids who love the movie — and their parents and grandparents.”  The Dallas Morning News claims, “The Little Mermaid reels in the gold,” and Theater Jones says, “The Little Mermaid hooks the audience and keeps them captivated.”

Casting has been announced, and this musical boasts several acclaimed Broadway and stage veterans:

Jessica Grové (Ariel) played in Broadway’s A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Les Misérables. She also toured nationally in The Boy Friend.

Eric Kunze (Prince Eric) appeared on Broadway in Damn Yankees, Miss Saigon, and Les Misérables.

Liz McCartney (Ursula) boasts Broadway credits such as Annie, South Pacific, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mamma Mia!, and The Phantom of the Opera.

Christian Probst (Flounder) has acted in several regional theatres, most recently in musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Mame, Peter Pan, Oliver!, and The Sound of Music.

Alan Mingo, Jr. (Sebastian) performed on Broadway in Glory Days, The Little Mermaid, and Rent. He lists Shrek, Hairspray, and The Lion King among his work in national tours.

Steve Blanchard (King Triton) lists Beauty and the Beast, Camelot, and The Three Musketeers as his Broadway experience. Blanchard also toured nationally in Camelot.

Matt Allen (Scuttle) appeared on Broadway in The Wedding Singer, Oklahoma!, and Annie Get Your Gun. National tour of Billy Elliot and Doctor Dolittle. 

Ben Roseberry (Jetsam) played in Broadway’s The Lion King.  His national tours include The Lion King and Rent.

Scott Leiendecker (Flotsam) toured nationally in Camelot and Jesus Christ Superstar. 

Dale Hensley (Grimsby) has performed on Broadway in La Cage aux Folles, The Drowsy Chaperone, Guys and Dolls, and Anything Goes. His national tour credits include hits like La Cage aux Folles, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Full Monty and Big.

Rounding out the cast is Kristine Bennett, Audrey Cardwell, Matthew DeGuzman, Marjorie Failoni, Thay Floyd, Julie Kavanagh, Morgan Kirner, Michael McGurk, Sarah Meahl, Dennis O’Bannion, Robbie Roby, James Shackelford, Billy Steeves, Katie Ulrich, and Jessica Wockenfuss.

Leading the creative team as director is Glenn Casale, who directed Broadway’s Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby.  Internationally, he directed Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Casale’s work has been seen throughout the United States in productions of Dr. Dolittle, Ballroom, Wrestlers, From the Top, Camelot, and The Prisoner of Second Avenue.

John MacInnis will choreograph The Little Mermaid.  He most recently choreographed the European productions of the same show as well as Beauty and the Beast in more than five European countries.  In 2011, he worked on the Tony Award–winning musical The Book of Mormon. Other credits include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular as well as the Olympic Medals Ceremonies at the 2002 and 2012 Winter Olympic Games.

Craig Barna will serve as the musical director and conductor.  He previously worked as the musical director for the Broadway productions of Peter and the Wolf, Peter Pan, Jesus Christ Superstar, and for the national tours of Camelot, Cats, Singin’ in the Rain, and Grease.  Charlie Morrison will join on board as the lighting designer, and Kit Bond will be the sound designer.

The Little Mermaid’s flying sequence choreographer, Paul Rubin, "The Fly Guy", has choreographed some of the most memorable flying sequences including everything from the Tony Award winning Broadway production of Wicked to Cathy Rigby's Emmy Award winning DVD of Peter Pan.    

I am so excited I can barely stand it!  What about you?  Do you have your tickets yet?