Mamma Mia! dances into Aurora Theatre, March 8 – April 22

Photo  by Chris Bartelski

Atlanta’s post-Broadway premiere of the smash hit to play downtown Lawrenceville

Calling all dancing queens and kings! Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ Mamma Mia!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, is set to run at Aurora Theatre from March 8 – April 22, 2018. Mamma Mia! is one of the most successful musicals of all time, the eighth longest running show in Broadway history and one of only five musicals to have run for more than ten years on Broadway - grossing over $2 billion and bringing smiles to over 54 million worldwide. Aurora Theatre is proudly producing Atlanta’s post-Broadway premiere of the feel-good show in the heart of downtown Lawrenceville!

“When the professional rights for Mamma Mia! were on the verge of becoming available last year, we knew we had to produce the show at Aurora Theatre,” says Justin Anderson, Director. “It is both the most anticipated and most spectacular production of our theatrical season. Along with hit after danceable hit—that every dedicated fan knows and loves—we’ve taken a fresh look at the design that will inject the show with unprecedented energy and verve, while also mining the story for its real heart. Whether you’ve seen Mamma Mia! once or a hundred times, this production is sure to leave everyone singing and dancing all the way home!”

Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s hit songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” Mamma Mia! combines timeless tunes with a sunny, funny tale that unfolds on a small Greek island. Sophie dreams of a perfect wedding where her father walks her down the aisle, but she is faced with one problem: the identity of her father is unknown! On a quest to discover his identity, she secretly invites the three possible candidates to her wedding, bringing them back into her mother’s life for the first time in 20 years. Mamma Mia! is an absolute must-see, filled with ABBA hits, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers.

Under the direction of Justin Anderson, Mamma Mia! proudly stars Kristin Markiton as the leading lady, Donna Sheridan. Audiences will remember Ms. Markiton for her Suzi Award-winning performance as the star of last season’s The Bridges of Madison County. Other members of the all-star cast include Marcie Millard as Rosie, Terry Henry as Tanya, Chris Kayser as Sam Carmichael, Travis Smith as Bill Austin, Greg Frey as Harry Bright, Hannah Church as Sophie Sheridan and Nick Arapoglou as Sky. The song and dance are brought to life with musical direction by Ann-Carol Pence and choreography by Ricardo Aponte.

Mamma Mia! will play at Aurora Theatre March 8 - April 22, 2018. Regular tickets range from $40-$75 and may be purchased online at tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222. For more information on this production or other programming, please visit auroratheatre.com.

For true super fans, Aurora Theatre will also host three special sing-a-long nights during the 8 p.m. shows on March 27, April 3 and April 10. Audiences of these shows can sing out loud to all the ABBA hits, from “Honey, Honey” to “Take a Chance on Me,” and live the show fully from their seats!

Regular show times are as follows:
Tuesday–Saturday: 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

*Evening performances on March 10, 13 and 20 and April 4 and 11 are sold out, as well as matinees on March 10, 11, 20 and April 10

9 to 5: The Musical Opens Sept 28 at the Fabluous Fox Theatre @theFoxTheatre

We shared this with you on our Backstage Georgia blog and it's been on Arts Across Georgia and the Georgia Front Page. However, it's opening Tuesday AND we have a cool new photo. Hope everyone who sees this goes out and buys tickets if you haven't already. It's going to be fantastic!

Diana DeGarmo as Doralee, Dee Hoty as Violet,
and Mamie Parris as Judy in the National
Touring Production of 9 to 5: The Musical.
Photo by Joan Marcus

“We are delighted to bring the new musical comedy, 9 to 5: The Musical to Atlanta,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “Not only does it feature songs by the one and only Dolly Parton, a cast of incredible actors including Dee Hoty, Mamie Parris, Joseph Mahowald and more...but the role of Doralee will be played by Georgia’s own Diana DeGarmo! Mark your calendar, stick a post-it on your dayrunner, or set an alert on your Android, but don’t miss this show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from September 28-October 3. Tickets are on sale NOW at Ticketmaster outlets, 800-982-2787, www.ticketmaster.com and the Fox Theatre Box Office.”

9 to 5: The Musical was nominated for four 2009 Tony Awards® including Original Score and received a record breaking 15 Drama Desk nominations including Outstanding Musical. This new musical comedy, direct from Broadway, is based on the hit movie and features Dolly Parton's original hit title song along with her new Tony Award® and Grammy-nominated score.

9 TO 5: The Musical had its world premiere engagement in Los Angeles at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 and opened on Broadway at the Marriott Marquis Theatre on April 30, 2009.

9 to 5: The Musical marked the Broadway debut of seven-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and musician Dolly Parton as composer and lyricist. “I couldn’t have asked for a better experience on my first Broadway show,” said Dolly Parton. ‘I’ve had the privilege of working with an amazing group of people who have become like family to me. I can’t wait for this show to hit the road so people across the country can see why I’m so proud of everyone involved.”

9 to 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. This is the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do -- even in a man's world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business... it's about getting credit and getting even.

Dee Hoty will play the role of Violet. She has earned three Tony nominations for her starring roles in Footloose, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public and The Will Rogers Follies. Dee starred on Broadway and in eight major U.S. cities as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! Performing on and off-Broadway, she toured the country and has been involved in many pre-Broadway workshops. She has appeared in “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and numerous television and film appearances.

The role of Judy will be played by Mamie Parris whose Broadway credits include the Tony-Nominated revival of Ragtime, 110 In the Shade and the Tony-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone. She turned the road pink in the First National Tour of Legally Blonde the Musical, has sung with the Radio City Rockettes, toured with country music icon Kenny Rogers, and participated in over a dozen readings with students of the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.

Joseph Mahowald is the unsuspecting Franklin Hart, Jr. Joseph has appeared on Broadway in title roles in Jekyll & Hyde, Javert in Les Miz and Chiefton O’Flaherty in The Pirate Queen. He has performed off-Broadway and in several national tours, was a soloist with major symphonies around the world and has been on all the NY soaps. Some of his extensive regional credits include being a founding member of the artistic company of Tennessee Repertory and appeared in leading roles in numerous productions.

Comic, actress and cabaret performer Kristine Zbornik has been cast for the role of Roz. Kristine performed on Broadway in A Catered Affair and Off-Broadway in Forbidden Broadway, Mama Mia and Man of LaMancha.

“American Idol” finalist, Diana DeGarmo has been cast in the role of Doralee Rhodes, made famous by the queen of country music and iconic songwriter, musician, movie star and entrepreneur Dolly Parton. Diana gained overnight fame, at age 16, as a runner-up on the third season of television’s No. 1 series, “American Idol”. Broadway credits include Hair, Hairspray and Brooklyn: The Musical and starred in the off-Broadway musical The Toxic Avenger. DeGarmo was born in Birmingham, AL, raised in Snellville, GA, and currently has a home and resides in Nashville where she continues to co-write and perform in and around the area.

Rounding out the cast is Jane Blass, Patrick Boyd, Paul Castree, Holly Davis, Janet Dickinson Madeleine Doherty, Marjorie Failoni, Gregg Goodbrod, K.J. Hippensteel, Jesse J.P. Johnson, Michelle Marmolejo, April Nixon, Ryah Nixon, Rick Pessagno, Wayne Schroder, Micah Shepard and Travis Waldschmidt.

WOR Radio said ‘You will love this show! 9 to 5 is a real 10!” Other reviewers agree. The Associated Press calls it “A certified crowd pleaser!” and the Daily News sums it up by saying “it shines! Dolly Parton’s songs are bouncy, big hearted, fresh & original. If you’re looking for a diversion, 9 to 5 will do the trick from 8 to 10:15!”

9 to 5: The Musical’s book is by Patricia Resnick (co-writer of the original screenplay). The touring production will be directed and choreographed by Tony nominated, Jeff Calhoun. "I met Dolly Parton as a chorus kid dancing in the film ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ only a few years after ‘9 to 5’ was already a hit movie. It was a thrill to work with her then and an honor and privilege to be entrusted to direct and choreograph this exciting new tour of 9 to 5: The Musical” said Mr. Calhoun. The co–choreographer is Lisa Stevens, scenic design by Ken Foy, costume design by five time Tony Award® winner, William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award® and Drama Desk Award winner, Ken Billington, music supervision by Stephen Oremus and casting by Telsey + Company. For more information visit www.9to5themusical.com

9 to 5: The Musical will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta from September 28-October 3. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm & 8 pm, and Sunday at 1:30 pm & 7 pm. Tickets are on sale NOW at Ticketmaster outlets, 800-982-2787 and www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices range from $25-$70. Special group rates are available through the Fox Theatre Group Sales Department at 404-881-2000.

Theater of the Stars celebrates its 58th Anniversary as one of the nation’s premier regional theater companies. A civic not-for-profit cultural treasure, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. To learn more about our history of excellence, visit www.theaterofthestars.com.
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Auditions for Griffin version of Broadway Smash Musical Coming up this Week.

This week, The First United Methodist Church Drama Team, "Acting Up,” is holding auditions for its spring production of the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Auditions will be held this Tuesday, January 29th and Thursday, January 31st at 7pm and on Saturday, February 2nd at 4pm. The auditions will be held in the Alpha Choir Room (office building) of the Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive.

Two male and one female singer are needed for the three principal roles. In addition, six featured male characters and numerous chorus members will fill other roles.

According to Nancy Beall, Director, “We are looking for talent in the age range of high school through young adult. Applicants should prepare a two minute song and provide a copy of the music. An accompanist will be provided. No CD or a cappella please.

“Jesus Christ Superstar,” with lyrics by Tim Rice and Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, opened on Broadway on October 12, 1971 and ran for eighteen months at the Mark Hellinger Theatre.

The show has since become a cultural phenomenon and has been produced many times, including productions in Ireland, Hungary, India, New Zealand, Italy, France, Mexico, Chile, Bulgaria, South Africa, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Greece, Australia, The Philippines, Panama, Colombia and Bolivia.

A film adaptation of “Jesus Christ Superstar” was released in 1973 and was the eighth highest-grossing film of that year.

The Griffin production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be staged at the Griffin Auditorium, 234 East Taylor Street, on April 25 - 27, 2008.

For more information, please call Nancy Beall at 770- 227-7630 or Gene Sheffield at 770-228-3020.

Fun, Music and Lots of Play at the Alliance with Seussical the Musical

Mar. 1 – 23, 2008
Opening Night Feb. 23, 2008

Atlanta – Hop on down to the Alliance Children’s Theatre to see Seussical the Musical, a show that all can enjoy, every who-girl and every who-boy. This one-hour version of the musical than ran on Broadway is adapted specifically for young audiences and celebrates the wonderful works of Dr. Seuss. Directed by Rosemary Newcott, this wildly fun and universally appealing musical brings Dr. Seuss’ beloved characters and stories vividly to life on stage. Opening Night is Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 at 7 p.m. (prior to public performances). Tickets to shows Mar. 1 – 23 are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at www.alliancetheatre.org.

Seussical the Musical follows the one and only Cat in the Hat as he guides a young boy named JoJo through a whirlwind tour of the magical world of Dr. Seuss. The timeless stories of Horton Hears a Who and Gertrude McFuzz and other tireless tales are tied together into one unforgettable celebration of perhaps the greatest children’s literature of all time.

Audiences will feel like they have stepped directly into the deliciously enchanting world of Theodor Geisel’s imagination. The Alliance Theatre production promises to delight with larger-than-life costumes and outrageous sets plucked right from the pages of Dr. Seuss’ books.

Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, known also for Ragtime and Once on This Island, wrote the book, music and lyrics.

The cast features 10 local actors (one of whom is a child) including well-known Atlanta actors Jahi Kearse, Wendy Melkonian and Alecia Robinson. (Biographical information on the cast and creative team members may be found in the attached fact sheet.)

The production also features Choreographer Hylan Scott, Set Designer Kat Conley, Costume Designer Sydney Roberts, Lighting Designer Pete Shinn, Sound Designer Clay Benning, Music Director Christopher Cannon and Dramaturg Jade Lambert-Smith.

Performances are Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the Alliance Stage. Performances on Saturday, Mar. 1 will be at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for the FAMILIES Centerstage festival (more info is below). The Sunday, Mar. 16 show at 1 p.m. will be Audio Described.

Tickets are $20 and $30 and are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at www.alliancetheatre.org. Discount rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 404.733.4690. Discount rates are also available for members of the military, seniors and students. The Alliance Theatre is located at the Woodruff Arts Center, corner of Peachtree and 15th Street, in Midtown Atlanta.