New $31 Million Art Facility in Lawrenceville!

On Thursday, June 13 at 11 a.m., City of Lawrenceville Officials celebrated the groundbreaking of a $31 million arts facility in downtown which will be located directly across the street from the Gwinnett County Historic Courthouse. Local officials from the City, County, and State were present to commemorate the start of construction for this new 56,000-square foot performing arts center, which will become the expanded home of Aurora Theatre. “Today’s ceremony marks another big step in Lawrenceville’s revitalization story,” said Judy Jordan Johnson, Mayor of the City of Lawrenceville.  “The City has been the hub of Gwinnett for almost 200 years and we are building on that foundation to create a new ‘sense of place’ that residents and visitors can enjoy.  This new facility only furthers that vision.” The expanded space will house a 500-seat theater, Cabaret, indoor and outdoor civic space, and rooms for educational programming.  It will be managed by the second-largest professional theater company in Georgia and Gwinnett’s only professional theater, Aurora Theatre. Anthony Rodriguez, Producing Artistic Director of Aurora Theatre shared, “What an incredible day for Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, and Aurora Theatre….This is a legacy project [that will be] built from a million dreams held by our community for an arts home where all are welcome.” The new center is poised to transform the downtown and attract more than 100,000 visitors, residents, artists, and students annually to the heart of Gwinnett County. “I applaud Mayor Johnson and the city council for their continued investment in the vitality of downtown Lawrenceville, the Gwinnett County government seat,” said Charlotte Nash, Gwinnett County Commission Chairman.  “The new performing arts center, combined with the restaurants, shops, and public gathering spaces that are already here, will give folks even more reasons to visit.” Adam Hilderbrandt, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville provided a benediction for worker safety followed by the official shovel ceremony to move the first piles of dirt on the site.  The facility will be occupied with operations by fall 2020 with full completion expected by the end of that same year.  For information on this and other news in Lawrenceville, please visit www.lawrencevillega.org or follow the City on Facebook.

Aurora Theatre - HOT August Programming!

Audiences and families in the greater Atlanta area invited to enjoy laughs, tricks and more! There’s no shortage of good times at Aurora Theatre this August!  Georgia’s fastest-growing professional theater is lining up some of the best comedic talent for adults in need of a laugh-filled night out, from Dad’s Garage to The 3 Wise Guys – Dan Mengini, Steve “The Nice Guy” Mingolla, and Vinnie Coppola. Young theatergoers can also get in on some educational, magical, and wholesome fun with several shows from Aurora Children’s Playhouse, including Cirque du Todd, Phenomenal Physics, and The Flying Turtle and Other Animal Folktales.  Families can also head to the main stage for the soaring, thought-provoking Stephen Schwartz musical Children of Eden or get spooked on the Lawrenceville Square during Lawrenceville Ghost Tours. From serious to scary – and everything in between – there’s a slew of entertainment at Gwinnett’s favorite theater this August! Special August Programming The 3 Wise GuysFriday, August 23 and Saturday, August 247:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.Tickets from $15 Those who love to laugh are invited to a hilarious, fast-paced show with three of the area’s best headlining comedians!  The 3 Wise Guys is a collaboration of talents:  Dan Mengini’s honest comedy will keep attendees laughing for a lifetime; Steve “The Nice Guy” Mingolla’s act is clean and never mean; and Vinnie Coppola is a true comic’s comic – his real secret weapon is his persona.  For more information and tickets, please visit bit.ly/AT3WiseGuys. Aurora Children’s Playhouse Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tickets $7 Aurora Children’s Playhouse brings together the best children’s performers in the region to showcase their artistry for parents and children.  Featuring puppeteers, magicians, storytellers, and musicians, these 45-minute shows are intended to give children their first theatrical experience through a lively production, sure to capture the attention of the whole family!  For more information, visit bit.ly/ChildrensPlayhouse2019. Cirque Du Todd Saturday, August 10 Marvel at some magic with Todd Key, an extraordinary talent with amazing skill in the art of juggling.  A legendary fixture at Renaissance Festivals in North America as a part of the act The Zucchini Brothers, Key hones his solo show Cirque Du Todd especially for children and families.  Attendees are sure to be awestruck and entertained, as a man balances upon a small, thin board, performs rope tricks, interacts with the audience, and juggles the ten most dangerous objects in history – all while keeping everyone laughing.  For more information, please visit bit.ly/CirqueDuTodd. Phenomenal Physics Saturday, August 17 Prepare to be amazed by the force, as this show by Big Thinkers Science Exploration explores the whirring world of physics!  Audiences can learn to defy gravity and make water levitate, gain a new perspective about inertia with some “skate board science,” observe awesome flashes of heat as energy is converted from potential to kinetic, and more!  This physics show is truly ph-abulous!  More information available at bit.ly/PhenomenalPhysics. The Flying Turtle and Other Animal Folktales Saturday, August 24 Families are invited to travel the world with storyteller Barry Stewart Mann, exploring tales of animals from as close as the Cherokee mountains and as far as China and Australia.  Ever since the beginning of creation, humans have been fascinated by and told stories about animals that have helped to explain the natural world, to entertain each other, and to teach basic values.  This show features a series of lively retellings of a diverse array of folklore, replete with playful puppets, colorful costumes, props, and plenty of audience participation and volunteer opportunities sure to have audiences feeling companionship with Earth’s four-legged and winged friends!  For more information, visit bit.ly/AnimalFolklore. Continuing in August… Children of Eden Through September 1 Tuesday – Saturday at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Telling the tale of the Book of Genesis in two acts, this family-friendly masterpiece with book by John Caird and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz covers the story of creation and the great flood – all while examining the complex love between parents and children.  Audiences of all ages will appreciate the musical twist on these famous stories!  For more information and tickets, please visit bit.ly/ticketseden. Lawrenceville Ghost Tours Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. Adults $12, Children $9 For years, the Lawrenceville Ghost Tours have told tales about Gwinnett County’s spookiest spots.  Guests can take 90-minute guided tours around metro-Atlanta’s oldest city and hear stories of its history and paranormal activity.  The tour begins and ends at Aurora Theatre and runs May through September, with tours continuing every night in October.  To purchase tickets online, please visit scarystroll.com or call 678.226.6222. For more information or to purchase tickets for events, call the Box Office at 678.226.6222 or visit www.auroratheatre.com.

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.

The Lion King - Atlanta Presale Begins Today!

Starting today, if you are a Disney Visa cardholder, you can score tickets to see Disney's The Lion King in Atlanta before tickets go on sale to the public on November 12th.

Use the promo code 2HAKUNA when checking out.

The Lion King will play Atlanta's Fox Theatre January 10 - January 28.

Aurora Theatre Presents Lawrenceville Ghost Tours!

Calling all mortals! You and a guest are cordially invited to downtown Lawrenceville for spooky fun! In the mood for a thrill?  Join Aurora Theatre for spooktacular fun with Lawrenceville Ghost Tours this October! Guests will be guided on a moonlit walk, accompanied by spooky storytellers who tell tales of awakened sleeping ghosts and increased paranormal activity in metro-Atlanta’s oldest city.  Without the use of gore, these tours encourage happy haunting while offering a healthy dose of spine-chilling scares. The tour runs every night in October - Monday through Thursday at 7:30; Fridays and Saturdays at 7 and 9 p.m.; and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $12 for Adults and $9 for Children.  If you are up for a more scary event and are 13 years old (or older), Aurora Theatre also offers a Cemetery Tours on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. (until October 28).  Tickets are just under $20/person. Both tours begin and end at Aurora Theatre, 128 East Pike Street, Lawrenceville.

Aurora Theatre Sets Stage for Action-Packed April!

As the April showers roll in, theatergoers of all ages can take cover and enjoy the many spring happenings at Aurora Theatre!

Young thespians can soak up the sun with beach-themed theatre activities and camps, while adults unwind and escape with a multitude of performances, including The Bridges of Madison County orPais de Bicicleta / Bicycle Country.  In addition to theatrical entertainment and glee, Lawrenceville neighbors can grab a lawn chair and enjoy a one-night-only screening of Hairspray, The Broadway Musical.  Rain or shine, Aurora Theatre guests can look forward to a spectacular April lineup!

Special April Programming

Aurora Children’s Playhouse
Select days during April at 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Aurora Theatre assembles the best children’s performers in the region, including jugglers, magicians, musicians, and puppeteers bringing them to Gwinnett County for a family-friendly series of extraordinary performances.  Playhouse tickets are $7; PlayhouseTix punch cards are $50 and good for 10 admissions to any Children’s Playhouse show.  For more information, visitbit.ly/AuroraChildrensPlayhouse.

Around the World in Under an Hour by Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Special spring break edition! Wednesday, April 5

Master explorer Phineas Figg has been challenged to travel the world in under and hour, but he can’t do it without the help of a few junior adventure explorers!  Travel to all seven continents with Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s award-winning Imaginators as they bring geography to life.

Nutty Songs & Stories with Eric Litwin
Saturday, April 15

Aurora Theatre welcomes Eric Litwin, award-winning musician and The New York Times bestselling author of the first four “Pete the Cat” books, “The Nut Family” series, and “Groovy Joe.”  After hearing silly stories and side-aching songs, guests can purchase a signed copy of his new book, “The Nuts, Keep Rolling!”

Aurora Theatre Academy

Drama Beach Spring Break Workshops
April 6 - 7 from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Local parents looking for a not-so-far away tropical getaway can enroll their children in Drama Beach ‘17 at Aurora Theatre Academy!  Led by Atlanta’s most talented actors and comedians, students will test the waters or polish off their skills during a one-day Improv workshop geared for grades 1-8.  Kicking off the season with a cookout party reception, students will engage in beach-themed activities and games focused on teamwork, character development, inventiveness, and more!  Can’t get enough Drama Beach ’17?  Enroll in both sessions before space runs out!  Admission is $35 per student per day and includes a cookout lunch.  For more information, visit bit.ly/AuroraDramaBeach

Sessions include:
Elementary School Students Mini Class (Grades 1–3)
Elementary School Students Master Class (Grades 4–5)
Middle School Students (Grades 6–8)

Summer Camp One-Day Sale & Open House
Monday, April 17

One-Day Sale
All day

On Monday, April 17, parents will receive a $25 discount on 2017 Summer Camp tuition when registering online, over the phone or in person!

Open House
4 – 6 p.m.

Families are invited to experience an exclusive inside look at Aurora Theatre’s Summer Camp Program with a behind-the-scenes tour, sample classes, and meet-and-greets with some of the teaching staff!  For more information, visit bit.ly/AuroraSummerCamp.

Summer Musical Talent Scholarship Auditions
4 – 7 p.m.

Students enrolling in The Lion King Jr Musical Camp who would like to be considered for a talent scholarship must audition.  To schedule an audition, email education@auroratheatre.com.  Scheduling will begin on Saturday, April 1.

* Financial Need-Based Scholarship Applications will be available starting Monday, April 10. For more information, visit bit.ly/AuroraSummerCamp. 

Aurora Theatre’s Musicals by Moonlight and the City of Lawrenceville present: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m.

Families are invited to enjoy a one-night-only, free performance of the smash hit Hairspray, The Broadway Musical under the stars on the Lawrenceville Lawn!  Pack a picnic, choose from a variety of favorites at McCray’s Tavern on the Square, or browse delicious menus from food trucks located around the lawn.  Lawn seating will begin at 5 p.m.

A VIP table and dinner for six is also available for $350!  Package includes a VIP reserved table with linens under a buffet tent and dinner provided by McCray's Tavern on the Square, including a mixed greens salad, steak with mushroom sauce, chicken piccata, or vodka pasta as a meatless option.  Guests will also enjoy side items, such as mixed vegetables, roasted potatoes, and dessert, two drinks per seat (choice of beer, wine or soda), and servers to tend to the table throughout the show.  For more information, visit bit.ly/AuroraHairspray.       

Continuing in April

The Bridges of Madison County
Through Sunday, April 16; varied times

Prepare to be swept away by one of the most endearing love stories of all time!  Aurora Theatre will dazzle audiences with its production of the timeless tale The Bridges of Madison County, on stage March 9–April 16.  Based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, the now two-time Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a lonely Iowa farmer’s wife Francesca and her unexpected, four-day love affair with traveling photographer Robert.  Will the passionate romance fuel Francesca to leave her family and to continue along the fiery, adulterated path with her new-found love?  Audiences are invited to experience the whirlwind romance that has captivated generations for the last five decades.  For more information, visit bit.ly/AuroraBridgesofMadisonCounty.

Pais de Bicicleta / Bicycle Country
April 7 –April 30; varied times

From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz – the creative behind last season’s stirring Sotto Voce – comes the tale of three Cuban refugees with a lust for freedom and the hope to achieve liberty.  Paralyzed by the oppression of Cuba’s totalitarian society, Julio, Ines and Pepe find the courage to finally leave their current lives behind and embark on the harrowing journey across the Caribbean Sea from Havana to Miami.  The play’s magical realism, accented by whip-fast dialogue, encompasses the Latin love of music and dance in this powerful display of what can happen when one dreams big enough.  Part of the Teatro Aurora initiative, Pais de Bicicleta / Bicycle Country is performed in Spanish with English supertitles.  For more information, visit bit.ly/AuroraPaisdeBicicleta

For more information or to purchase tickets for events, call the Box Office at 678.226.6222 or visit www.auroratheatre.com.