Maytag Virgin to Play Lawrenceville's Aurora Theatre!

Maytag Virgin is set to weave a tale of love, loss, and everything in between at Aurora Theatre, January 11-February 11!

When two recent widows find themselves living as neighbors, both coping in their own way with the aftermath of tragedy, they drive each other crazy before finding common ground.  Audiences will follow Lizzy Nash as she battles her grief and the quirky behaviors of her new neighbor, odd duck Jack Key, with whom she might have more in common than she realizes.  Will this encounter between Lizzy and Jack change their paths and their hearts for good?  Kick off the New Year with this non-traditional romance from Aurora Theatre’s 2017-2018 Signature Series! 

“Part of what makes Maytag Virgin such a great production is its relatability and raw emotion,” said director Melissa Foulger.  “The show connects with audiences because it keeps them cracking up.  It balances between approaching sad situations in an uplifting way while it allows audiences to see the good and feel the humor.  I’m sure it will resonate with everyone who has ever experienced love and loss on the roller coaster of romance.”

From the creative efforts of award-winning American playwright Audrey Cefaly, Maytag Virgin is a classic southern love story offering laugh-out-loud comedy and poignant moments from beginning to end.  Alabama school teacher Lizzy Nash loses her husband to an unexpected death, leading to her leave of absence. In a stroke of luck and uncanny timing, a very odd yet winsome Jack Key moves in next door.  Over the course of a year, the two find themselves frustrated with each other yet drawn together by their shared circumstances.  Lizzy struggles with honoring memories and respect for her late husband, while pondering this newly-found neighbor who may give her a second chance at life, love, and self-discovery.  Fit for teens and adults, this quirky yet heartfelt tale is the perfect way to start the year!

Under the direction of Melissa Foulger, Maytag Virgin stars Suzi Bass award nominee Courtney Patterson as Lizzy Nash and showcases the talents of Brad Brinkley in the role of Jack Key.  The show is brought to life by the creative and ingenious design team of Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay (set), Jordan Jaked Carrier (costumes), Sarah Thomson (scenic artist), Kevin Frazier (lights), and Angie Bryant (sound).

Maytag Virgin will play at Aurora Theatre January 11-February 11, 2018.  A Tuesday discount matinee show will be offered on Tuesday, January 23 at 10 a.m. with tickets starting at $16.  Regular tickets range from $20-$55 and may be purchased online at tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222.  To make the most of Aurora Theatre’s 2017-2018 season, season tickets and group rates are also available.  For more information on this production or other programming, please visit auroratheatre.com.

Regular show times are as follows:

• Tuesday–Saturday: 8 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

Aurora Theatre - A Christmas Carol Returns!

Captivating patrons young and old, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will bring the true meaning of Christmas to Aurora Theatre, November 24-December 23! The entire family can prepare for another year of seasonal sensations with the return of this Christmas classic, now in its 11th year.  Follow cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge (Anthony Rodriguez) as he undergoes recognition, realization, and remission while journeying through the past, present, and future of Christmas. Audiences will revel in the spirited truth that unfolds within this timeless tale, commonly recognized as the greatest Christmas story to date!  "Anthony's (Rodriguez) one-man performance of A Christmas Carol becomes richer, deeper, and more personal each year,” said Tony Brown, the show’s adapter and director.  “With finely tuned vocal inflections and his specific and character-evoking physical mannerisms, he brings each character in this classic tale to life with a remarkable blend of power and sensitivity.  His Scrooge in particular reminds us of the power of forgiveness and the possibility of the renewal of our spirits, particularly at this holiday season and encourages us to take those gifts to heart long after we've left the theater." Featuring the work of multiple Suzi Award-winning set designers Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay and costumes by designer Alan Yeong, A Christmas Carol returns to Aurora Theatre for the enjoyment of all ages.  Starring Anthony Rodriguez for the 11th consecutive year, the classic characters of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley, and the remarkable ghosts are brought to life in the audience-aweing performance.  Guests can watch the troubled and resentful Scrooge transform as he encounters the three ghosts of Christmas, recalls forgotten memories, and is forced to make life-altering decisions.  The stone-cold Ebenezer Scrooge is acquainted with lessons and stories specific to each ghost, which may or may not lead him to embrace the joy of Christmas.  This one-man version of the traditional tale will impress theatergoers in an incredibly personal and uplifting light this holiday season! Celebrating its 11th successive year, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is presented Wednesdays through Sundays on Aurora Theatre’s studio stage, November 24-December 23.  Tickets range from $20-$30 and can be purchased online at tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222. Regular show times, in repertory with The 12 Dates of Christmas, are as follows: ·     November 24, December 2, 6, 8, 14, 16, 19, and 20 at 8 p.m. ·     November 25, December 3, 9, 17, and 23 at 2:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets for programming, call the Box Office at 678.226.6222 or visit www.auroratheatre.com.

Christmas Tradition Comes to Atlanta's Fox Theatre

Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!

Last night, this blog had the delightful opportunity to start our Christmas celebrations a few days early.  We attended the opening night of Big League Productions', "A Christmas Story, The Musical."

This nostalgically charming musical stars Joshua Turchin (as Ralphie), Arick Brooks (as Randy), Chris Carsten (as Jean Shepherd/Narrator), Susannah Jones (as Mother), and Christopher Swan (as The Old Man).  Together, they make up one of America's most iconic Christmas film families -- the Parkers,  (You know, right there along with Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie.)

When our invitation first arrived, our minds started racing.  Just how was Big League Productions going to turn our beloved Christmas tradition movie into a musical?  I mean...there are no songs in the original screenplay, right?

But as the curtain lifted and the musical began, we were courted with familiar story lines, characters, and sets.  Everything was falling into place.  There was the Parker's Normal Rockwell and comfortable-looking living room along with their iconic kitchen.  There was Ralphie's school room with his ever-so-eccentric teacher and menagerie of school friends.   And, of course, let's not forget the famous Department Store and Santa slide along with the only-thing-open-on-Christmas-Day restaurant - "the Chinese place."  It all seemed perfect and in place.

As the musical ebbed and flowed through the story line, the songs each matched their respective scenes perfectly.  From fun, happy songs like "Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun" (showcasing Ralphie's desire to get one from Santa for Christmas) and "A Major Award" (The Old Man's tribute to the iconic Leg Lamp) to the emotionally wrought "Just Like That," where Mother sings about trying to cling on to her children's childhood and her warm family home life.

I noticed, right about the time that Mother was singing, "Just Like That," that my heart was beginning to soften towards this family and I felt my eyes misting up a bit.  As a Mom, the lyrics and scene hit home a little too closely.  Which one of us Moms hasn't wanted to slow the clock down for just a bit and hang on to her children a little while longer?

That's when the play shifted for me.  It went from being a Christmas TV tradition that I kept playing in the background of my living room for 24 hours on Christmas Day to a true CHRISTMAS STORY.  A story, told by our Narrator Jean Shepherd, about a close-knit and quirky family and how they spent their December Christmas holiday month during a early 1940s.

This musical will tug at your heart strings.  It will make you laugh at all the things you've laughed at for years, but it will also leave you with feeling so much more than the movie ever gave you.  Reminding you what December is all about - fun, fast, frantic times; extreme weather conditions; and the love we have for each other within our own homes.

I am so glad I went to see this musical.  It really pulled off what I thought it might not be able to, and it did it brilliantly at that.  Do yourself a favor and buy tickets to see this holiday presentation.  It's a great addition to the season this year at The Fox Theatre.  Really makes you ready for the holidays, the decorations, the food, and the fun.

P.S.  I always like to tuck this little bit into my reviews -- this play is almost verbatim to the movie.  It is appropriate for all ages, and at our performance, there were several children in attendance.  There is no language or violence to worry about.  And keep your eyes open, you might even spot the Parker's neighbor's dogs in attendance!  Certainly a fun outing for the entire family.

A Christmas Story, The Musical runs through December 4th at Atlanta's Fox Theatre.  To purchase tickets, visit the Fox Theater website.


*This website was provided with tickets to Opening Night in exchange for fair and honest promotion and review of the musical.  Our review is strictly unbiased and our own account(s) and opinion(s).

A Christmas Story! - Opens TONIGHT!

Well, Christmas is coming early to Atlanta.

Tonight, A Christmas Story opens at The Fox Theatre.  I've tried not to peek online or anywhere else to sneak peeks of this, so I am extremely curious as to how they will make this traditional holiday cult favorite movie into a musical.

I am excited and ready to welcome the holidays.  This will be a treat for me as I normally only frequent The Fox Theatre only once during the month of December - for their annual Mighty Mo & More event.  (For more information and tickets to that, you can visit The Fox Theatre's website.)

To help whet your appetite for this week's musical, here are a few snapshots from production.  Enjoy!

The Phantom of the Opera Returns to Atlana!

Casting has been announced for Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA for the triumphant return Atlanta engagement at the Fox Theatre February 22 – March 5 as a Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2016/2017 season special. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America. Tickets go on sale Sunday, December 18.  Tickets start at $33.50 and are available by visiting www.FoxTheatre.org/phantom, calling 1-855-285-8499, or visiting the Fox Theatre Box Office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308).  Group orders of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.  Performance schedule, prices, and cast are subject to change without notice.  For more information, please visit www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com/ustour or www.BroadwayInAtlanta.com. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre February 22 – March 5. The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m.  Thursday, 1 p.m.  Friday, 8 p.m.  Saturday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.  Sunday, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. For more information on the production and a video sneak peek, please visit www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com/ustour/ Derrick Davis will portray the man behind the mask, ‘The Phantom,’ with Katie Travis as ‘Christine Daaé, Jordan Craig as ‘Raoul,’ Trista Moldovan as ‘Carlotta Giudicelli,’ David Benoit as ‘Monsieur Firmin,’ Price Waldman as ‘Monsieur André,’ Anne Kanengeiser as ‘Madame Giry,’ Phumzile Sojola as ‘Ubaldo Piangi,’ and Emily Ramirez as ‘Meg Giry.’ Derrick Davis has been seen on Broadway as ‘Mufasa’ and ‘Scar’ in The Lion King as well as on national tour.  His regional and opera credits include Dreamgirls, Show Boat, Amahl, and the Night Visitors and Die Fledermaus.  As a recording artist, his two albums A Christmas Journey and Life Music are available online.  Katie Travis continues in the role of ‘Christine Daaé’ after two years with the Spectacular New Production.  She has performed principal roles at The MUNY (Les Misérables, Cosette), Fireside Theater, Liederkranz Opera Theater, and was a 2014 winner of the Lys Symonette Award (Lotte Lenya Competition).  Jordan Craig has performed at the Houston Grand Opera (Billy Bud, Tosca, Carmen) as well as the Alliance Theater, Geva Theatre Centre, Actor’s Express, and Atlantic Lyric Theatre. Trista Moldovan played the role of ‘Christine Daaé’ in the Brilliant Original Production’s historic 10,000th performance on Broadway.  She has also been seen on national tour in White Christmas, Bridges of Madison County, and The Phantom of the Opera.  David Benoit’s Broadway and National Tour credits include Jekyll & Hyde, Avenue Q, Les Misérables, Dance of the Vampires, Young Frankenstein, and All Shook Up.  Price Waldman joins the Phantom tour after two and a half years on Broadway in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.  Additional Broadway credits include The Little Mermaid, Grinch, and The Lion King.  Anne Kanengeiser has been seen on Broadway in the original companies of Little Women, Ragtime, as well as the 3rd National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera.  Phumzile Sojola has been seen on Broadway in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Lord Pinkleton – original cast) and The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess (Peter).  Emily Ramirez has performed with BalletMet and the Charlotte Ballet.  She has been seen regionally in The Addams Family, Cabaret, Stage Kiss, and Rock of Ages. The Ensemble includes Steve Czarnecki, Kaitlyn Davis, Tynan Davis, Dan Debenport, Mark Emerson, Jordan Ensign, Jim Hogan, Robert Anthony Jones, Edward Juvier, Ted Keener, Jay Lusteck, Laura Mann, Adryan Moorefield, Sarah Mossman, Shane Ohmer, Quinto Ott, Rebecca Robbins, Eric Ruiz, Ally Taylor Sacks, Travis Taylor, Victor Wallace, Marguerite Willbanks.  The Corps de Ballet includes McKenna Birmingham, Sarah DeBiase, Julie Eicher, Daniela Filippone, Abigail Mentzer, Lily Rose Peck, Ally Taylor Sacks, and Tara Sweeney. Andrew Lloyd Webber said, “Having received great critical acclaim in the U.K. and North America, I am really pleased that Laurence Connor’s new production of PHANTOM will continue to tour the U.S. playing in tandem with the Broadway production which soon celebrates 30 years.” Cameron Mackintosh said, “With PHANTOM still the reigning champion as the longest-running production on Broadway after 28 phenomenal years, with no end in sight, I’m delighted that this spectacular new production of PHANTOM has been as well-received in the U.S. as the brilliant original and has already been seen by over 2.5 million people across North America since it opened in November 2013.  With an exciting new design and staging, retaining Maria Björnson’s amazing costumes, the new PHANTOM is thrilling audiences and critics alike all over again.  With the production continuing to be such a success, we are delighted to welcome our exciting new stars to keep the music of the night soaring for many years to come.” PHANTOM IS AN ENORMOUS HIT ALL OVER AGAIN! “Powerful, gorgeous…and better than ever.” -The Philadelphia Inquirer “Extraordinarily opulent.  This PHANTOM’S storytelling and relationships have an electrifying tension.” -Chicago Sun-Times “An intense and spectacular new production with a stunning new design, fresh drama, and added momentum.” -Sunday Express (U.K.) “Take a deep breath and prepare to be dazzled; this kind of gorgeous escapism is exactly what audiences need.” -The Scotsman (U.K.) “This PHANTOM is for a new generation.” -Roy Leonard, Chicago Now Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is presented by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Group, and NETworks Presentations.  Directed by Laurence Connor (who co-directed the new production of Les Misérables that just finished a hugely successful two and a half year revival on Broadway and will start a North American tour in the fall of 2017, directed the award-winning new production of Miss Saigon coming to Broadway in 2017 and national tour in 2018, and also directed the stage version of the movie School of Rock now playing at Broadway’s Winter Garden and opening in London’s West End at the New London Theatre this November), with choreography by Scott Ambler, set design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Paule Constable, sound design by Mick Potter, and musical supervision by John Rigby.  The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh.  THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; lyrics by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe); book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber; orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it.  He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command. Cameron Mackintosh’s brilliant original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA continues performances at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London and in its recording-breaking run at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway and many other cities around the world. BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO).   Current and past productions include On Your Feet!, Fiddler on the Roof, Shuffle Along, Beautiful, Finding Neverland, and Million Dollar Quartet. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Broadway.com Official show site: www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ThePhantomOfTheOpera Twitter: www.Twitter.com/PhantomOnTour Instagram www.Instagram.com/PhantomTour

MARY POPPINS Returns! Plays Aurora Theatre in North Georgia!

Disney’s Mary Poppins Brings a Spoonful of Magic to Aurora Theatre, July 17-August 31

Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series Opens with Disney Classic 

Recent Broadway sensation, Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, The Broadway Musical, sweeps metro-Atlanta with laughter and fun to open Aurora Theatre’s 19^th Season Signature Series July 17-August 31.

Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh with additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical tells the story of everyone’s favorite “practically perfect” nanny who falls from the sky and into the hearts of the dysfunctional Banks family.

With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert, she teaches the family the immeasurable benefits of love, joy, and mutual respect for one another one magical lesson at a time. Produced with dazzling theatrical effects and a score that includes Chim-Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, and Step in Time, rediscover the Walt Disney classic that has touched the hearts of audiences for more than 45 years.

“I have wanted to open the season with a great family musical for some time now, but had not found the perfect show – when Mary Poppins became available, I knew that we had our show,” said Anthony Rodriguez, Aurora Theatre producing artistic director.

“Through the generosity and support of two angel donors dedicated to the arts here in Gwinnett, I’m happy to say we will have the resources to bring in specialists to make actors fly, villains disappear, and create the more than 200 period-specific costumes for this production. When you have individuals in your corner like Clyde and Sandra Strickland and Marshall Boutwell, anything is possible.”

A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film with original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Mary Poppins promises to be the biggest spectacle in Aurora Theatre history with a production even bigger than last season’s unparalleled hit Les Misérables.

Aurora has enlisted the aid of D2 Flying Effects to help create some of the magic moments and 200 unique and period-specific costumes have been created for this production. The 28-person cast includes Galen Crawley (Shrek the Musical; Alliance Theatre) as the iconic, magical English nanny Mary Poppins.  As Mary’s artistic and mischievous sidekick Bert, is Andy Meeks (Rent; National Tour) who returns to the stage after a four-year absence to start a family and help start the company Scoutmob. The cast also includes standouts William S. Murphey as George Banks, Liza Jaine as Winifred Banks, Heidi Cline McKerley as Miss Andrew, Geoff Uterhardt as Admiral Boom, and Jessica DeMaria as Mrs. Brill.

The cast also includes four adorable youngsters who will alternate playing the Banks children with Mabel Tyler and Sarah Carroll playing Jane, and Joseph Masson and Benjamin Harding as Michael. Aurora Associate Artistic Director Justin Anderson directs and heads the talented creative team including Aurora Theatre Associate Producer and Resident Music Director Ann-Carol Pence and choreographer Jen MacQueen. Making the magic happen is the design team of Shannon Robert (set), Sydney Roberts (costumes), Mary Parker (lights), Ryan Bradburn (props), and Daniel Terry (sound).

Ideal for all ages, Disney’s Mary Poppins, The Broadway Musical is presented July 17- August 31.  

Discount matinees are available Wednesday, August 6, 13, and 20 at 10 a.m. for $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Ticket Sales Office at 678-226-6222. Regular show times are as follows:

·         Wednesday- Friday: 8 p.m.         

·         Saturday: 2:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.

·         Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

There will be no evening performance on Wednesday, August 6

Exclusively for this production, youngsters ages 6-12 are invited to participate in a Jolly Holiday Party on Saturday, July 26 and August 16 at 1:15 p.m. The festivities include activities and photos with Mary Poppins and Bert, as well as a special snack. Tickets are $10 per person with purchase of a ticket to the corresponding day’s matinee.

Disney’s Mary Poppins, The Broadway Musical was adapted from the novel written by Julian Fellowes and the motion picture produced by Walt Disney Productions; it is presented through the Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series.

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.

Programming in Aurora Theatre’s 19th Season Signature Series is possible through generous support from Peach State Federal Credit Union. Mary Poppins is sponsored by Peach State Federal Credit Union with additional support from Clyde and Sandra Strickland, Garrard and Coles Barton LLP.