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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America's Most Beloved Musical 'Annie' Returns to The Grand

America’s most beloved musical, “Annie,” is back in its 30th anniversary tour, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie will be coming to Macon for two shows at The Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University, Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 16-17. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tickets range $45-$49 and can be purchased through Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or online at TheGrandMacon.com.

Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow,” “Annie” is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family. “One of the best musicals ever,” proclaims the “Chicago Tribune.” The “Chicago Sun-Times” says, “Ageless “Annie” as engaging as ever.”

Set in New York City during the holiday season, the musical tells the tale of 11-year-old Annie, who decides to run away to find her parents who left her with nothing but half of a silver locket and a written promise to return. Annie sneaks out of the New York City Municipal Orphanage and comes across Sandy, an abandoned mutt who becomes her fast friend and constant companion. Soon after her escape, the police catch up with Annie, and she is returned to the villainous orphanage director Miss Hannigan. In the meantime, Grace Farrell, personal secretary of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, pays a visit to the orphanage. Warbucks wants to invite an orphan to visit his mansion for the Christmas holiday, and though Miss Hannigan does everything in her power to discredit Annie, Grace is drawn to the girl and is determined to take her back to the mansion. As Warbucks gets to know the young girl he decides to help her find her parents.

The original Broadway production of “Annie” won seven 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. It ran for 2,377 performances, and has subsequently been produced all over the world. The original production is one of the top 20 longest-running shows in Broadway history, and “Annie” continues to be one of the most successful musicals ever.

“Annie,” with music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meehan, is again directed by its lyricist, Martin Charnin, who brought the original production of “Annie” to Broadway in 1977. Tony Award-winning set designer, Ming Cho Lee, has created a fresh look for this new production.

In addition to Charnin, Meehan, Strouse and Lee, the creative team for “Annie” includes original Broadway musical staging by Peter Gennaro, choreography by Liza Gennaro, lighting design by Ken Billington, costume design by Theoni Aldridge and sound design by Peter Hylenski. “Annie” is being produced by Networks Presentations, LLC. For more information, visit annieontour.com.

Tickets for the Macon performances of “Annie” are available now through Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or online anytime at TheGrandMacon.com. “Annie” is the third of seven nationally-touring shows in The Grand’s 2008-2009 Broadway Series that runs from October to May.

The Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University, is a historical 1,000-seat theater located in downtown Macon, Ga. The Grand brings the very best in live, professional performing arts and entertainment to central Georgia. In addition to its popular “Broadway Series” of nationally touring productions and its “GrandKids Arts Education Series” for thousands of elementary, middle and high school students, The Grand hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. It is also home to the Macon Symphony Orchestra and The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia. For a complete schedule of upcoming performances, contact Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or visit TheGrandMacon.com.

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Support Student Performers at Scholarship Cabaret, Nov. 22-23

Experience spirited theatrics and dynamic harmonies at the 10th annual VSU Theater and Dance Scholarship Cabaret at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23, in the fellowship hall of St. John’s Catholic Church, 800 Gornto Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., during which time guests will enjoy appetizers and assorted wines and tea. A dinner, including stuffed chicken breast, garlic cheddar biscuits and sautéed vegetables, will be served at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the hour-long performance of musical theater classics and contemporary favorites, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., has provided scholarships for hundreds of talented theater and dance students.

VSU Theater and Dance professor, Jacque Wheeler, who has been involved with the cabaret since its inception, said money raised during the event enables the department to provide passionate student artists with scholarships so they can focus on their demanding craft instead of working to pay for classes.

“These scholarships enable students to commit more fully to the program without the necessity of maintaining a part time job, and they serve as the reward for students' excellent contributions to the program," Wheeler said. "The scholarships continue to help attract students of the highest caliber to Valdosta State University’s theatre and dance programs.”

Assistant Professor of Musical Theater Voice Michael Elliott is musical director for the program, “By the Numbers,” which features a range of standards from the Beatles’ “When I’m 64” to popular love song, “Come Rain or Come Shine.” Students will also perform musical theater favorites, like the toe-tapping “Tea for Two” from the musical comedy "No, No, Nanette" and “Three Coins in the Fountain” from Stuart Ross’ "Forever Plaid."

“We have an outstanding variety of great numbers from old standards to new favorites that everyone will enjoy,” said Elliott, who has provided musical direction for the cabaret since arriving at VSU in 2005. “This year’s group of students is one the strongest we’ve had, allowing us to perform some more difficult arrangements.”

Tickets, which include the dinner, cabaret performance and a donation to the scholarship fund, cost $40 per person. Call Associate Professor Duke Guthrie, area head of VSU Theater and Dance, at (229) 333-5307, to make reservations.

The Golden Circle Board - a volunteer group of university and community leaders dedicated to promoting VSU Theater and Dance programs and raising funds for scholarships - has coordinated the event since 1998.

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‘Carousel’ more than amusement park ride

ACG Note: The Springer Opera House is located in Columbus, GA. It is the State Theatre of Georgia and it is well worth visiting, regardless of what is showing! Be sure to head down early as you'll want to enjoy some of the side-walk restaurants just down the street and maybe take in a walk on the river. The Theater is gorgeous! The website is listed at the end of the info below, take a look!

Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein were the Midases of the Golden Age of Broadway and they considered “Carousel” the jewel in the crown they wore during the 1940s and 50s.

The Springer opens “Carousel” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, for a three-week run.

Rodgers and Hammerstein agreed that “Carousel” was their favorite of all their musical masterpieces. They appreciated the way in which they managed to integrate music with plot, tell a serious story and compose music that is unforgettable. “Time” magazine named “Carousel” the best musical of the 20th century.

The musical tells the story of the romance and marriage of an innocent girl (Tala Al-Khudhairi) and a carnival worker (Adam Clough), who finds easy pickings too hard to resist. Both of these actors were in Some Enchanted Evening, the Springer’s 2007 touring production that played all over the United States — and two dates in British Columbia.

Local audiences will remember Al-Khudhairi from this fall’s Enchanted April in which she played Costanza, the housekeeper at an Italian villa where four English women vacation.

“This is the musical that isn’t afraid to ask: Why is it that nice, intelligent girls will risk everything for a snarling rouge with a duck-tail haircut, leather jacket, tight jeans and several outstanding warrants, leaving the Boy Scout standing in the exhaust of a disappearing Harley,” said Springer artistic director Paul Pierce.

At a time when musicals were silly or vehicles to give some star a ride on the “Great White Way,” Rogers and Hammerstein had the foresight, fortitude and talent to tell meaningful romances with compelling tunes.

“Carousel” opened on Broadway on April 19, 1945, and ran for 890 performances.
Musical numbers such as “If I Loved You,” “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” immediately became classics of the American musical songbook. In fact, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” has assumed a life of its own; not only is it often sung at graduations and funeral, many English soccer clubs sing it at their games.

For all its light-hearted moments, “Carousel” has some difficult subject matter, including domestic violence. As a consequence, the Springer is producing this show in conjunction with Hope Harbour, the Columbus Alliance for Battered Women. Hope Harbour volunteers will be available at performances with literature and information about how people can use their services.

The Springer and Hope Harbour will also hold talkbacks after three of the performances of “Carousel” — the 7:30 p.m. performances for the first two Saturdays of the run (March 1 and 8) and the 2:30 Sunday matinee (March 9). The audience is invited to stay after these performances to talk about the issues of abuse raised by the musical and ways to deal with this problem.

Volunteers from Hope Harbour and other social service agencies and some of the members of the “Carousel” cast will be on hand for these talkbacks.

“Carousel” runs at the Springer at 7:30 Feb. 28 – March 1, March 6-8 and March 13-15 and at 2:30 Sunday, March 9. For tickets or information, call 706-327-3688 or visit www.springeroperahouse.org.

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Fayette Coweta Family Theater's Upcoming Shows & Auditions

FCFT Junior Musical Theatre Workshop Presents
The Workshop Review ~ The Music of Disney
A 30-minute, music filled review presented by the participants of FCFT's Junior Musical Theatre Workshop. Come help us encourage these young people in their creative efforts!

March 1 at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Fayette Family YMCA Lodge House in Fayetteville~ www.fcft.net/Directions

FREE TO PUBLIC~ Seating is limited~ Reservations suggested
770-251-7611 or www.fcft.net/HomePage
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A Company of Friends Educational Productions Presents
4 PUBLIC Performances of Their 2008 Rockin' Touring Musical

SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE, JR.
Join us for a rock n roll afternoon or evening of fun! A Company Of Friends (FCFT's Professional Touring Company) will present 4 shows of this high-energy, fifty-minute musical that has already played to thousands of local school children in Fayette and Coweta Counties to rave reviews and audience cheers! Don't miss your chance to "Do the Circulation," "Unpack Your Adjectives" or take a ride on the "Conduction Junction." A wonderful show for children from 3 to 12 years of age and their families!

Fayette Family YMCA Lodge House
215 Huiet Drive in Fayetteville (Directions)

March 8 at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Cast A)
March 9 at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Cast B)

$5.00 admission
Reservations suggested! 770-251-7611
or online at www.fcft.net/HomePage

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Little Ones~ Theatre Production Shop~ The Little Mermaid
Saturday, March 15 from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Age: 6 to 8 years Fee: $70.00
This shop is designed to get the youngest of performer up and performing! Class will work toward presenting a narrated version of "The Little Mermaid" at 7:30 p.m. for an invited audience. Participants will be cast in roles, rehearse their parts, make their own simple costumes and sets and learn one dance routine as they rehearse to put on the show. A wonderful first time performance experience for the young actor.

(Class is limited to only 12 participants~ So register early! at 770-599-0051 or fcftdirector1@aol.com)

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The Theatre Machine~Acting Classes (6 Sessions)
Join FCFT's Artistic director for a series of in-depth acting classes that cover ALL the basics of stage acting. Each of the six sessions will deal with a specific theatre skill.
1. Theatre Movement and Staging~ 3/17/08 2. The Actor's Speaking Voice~ 3/19/08
3. Creating a Believable Character~ 3/21/08 4. The Art of Auditioning~ 3/24/08
5. Meeting the Monologue~ 3/26/08 6. Partner Scene Study~ 3/28/08
*Class will conclude with a presentation of Monologues and Scenes performed by the students (from both classes) for an invited audience on March 29 at 6:00 p.m.

*Ages: 6 to 9 years from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. *Ages: 10 to 16 years from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
*Fee: $240.00 for all six sessions Each class is limited to 12 participants
Register Early~ 770-599-0051 Or fcftdirector1@aol.com

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The Art Of Auditioning~ High School Musical
Thursday, April 17 ~ 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday, April 18 ~ 5 to 8 p.m.
Fee: $55.00 Ages: 10 years to 17 Years

FCFT's most popular workshop. Learn the many techniques of auditioned for a Broadway Musical Show. Class will conclude with a mock audition using the audition dance, song and script from our upcoming audition for "Disney's High School Musical/

These classes fill up very quickly and pre-registration is required. Call 770-599-0051 or e-mail fcftdirector1@aol.com.

NOTE: If you are presently registered for the CATS audition workshop. This workshop will replace it. The only difference is the material used the last hour for the mock audition portion.

Auditions~ Disney's High School Musical
Saturday, April 19, 2008
WWW.FCFT.NET/AUD

Ages: 10 to 12 years (Ensemble Roles Only~ Singing and Dancing)
@ 11:00 a.m.

Ages: 13 years to Adults~ (Principle and Ensemble Roles)
@ 2:00 p.m.

Auditions will consist of a taught song from the show, an intermediate dance combination and cold readings from the script.

Show Dates: June 19-22 at Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville
Rehearsal Will Run April 21 - June 3 (No rehearsals weekend of graduation)
*All MUST be available from June 10 - June 17 for full run-throughs with entire cast
each night. No absences will be allowed during these dates.

Note: There will be a $55.00 costume/production fee required from each participant. Also, each cast member is required to obtain at least $120.00 (1 half page or 2 business/personal ads for the playbill)

*Rehearsals will run "weekends only" until after May 10
*After May 10th Musical rehearsals will be Tuesday evenings, Acting rehearsals will be Monday and Thursday evenings and Dance rehearsals will be Saturday mornings.

FOR SHOW INFORMATION VISIT~ www.fcft.net/HSM

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Voices Announces Contribution to Wellspring

Voices held the second presentation of their 2007 "Canto ad una Terra, Song to One World" as a benefit for Wellspring Living on September 15 of last year. The presentation was a first class, fully staged production that presented an eclectic combination of music; everything from pop favorites, Disney tunes, musicals, Christian contemporary, world music to classical-crossover and straight classical, including instrumental, operatic and symphonic pieces.

After closing post-production and starting preparations for this year, Voices is glad to announce that they were able to make a $2,000.00 donation to Wellspring as a result of the benefit.

"Selling tickets to a musical production seemed the ideal way to offer support for this endeavor. It is a wonderful way to contribute to this program. In this way, we help them assist women whose lives have been devastated by drug and alcohol addictions, depression, working in the sex industry and other behaviors that stem from the core issue of childhood sexual abuse" explained Maria Pia Ugarte, Artistic Director of Voices, during last year’s season.

Wellspring provides a no-cost residential program for women. For the first six months in the program, this organization offers women an intensive, therapeutic environment followed by supported transition during the last six months. The structured daily program provides opportunity for holistic change, offering both group and individual sessions and activities dealing with the body, soul and spirit. (For more information, please visit the Wellspring Living website at www.WelspriingLiving.org.)

"It has been our absolute pleasure being able to make this contribution," explains Ms. Ugarte. "None of this would have been possible, though, without the enthusiasm and collaboration of those involved. I could give you a list of names that would fill a whole page.” Evidence of this is the long list posted on the Voices website, which in actuality is two pages long (2007 Canto ad Una Terra.)

With about 130 people that were involved in this production, 100 of which were on stage, Ms. Ugarte explains “every single one that participated made this happen, each one of them; as well as our sponsors, who believed in what we were trying to do and in us at such an early age! It is certainly our intention to continue this kind of contributions as an ongoing practice, as much as possible.”

Voices is currently in the planning stages for 2008. More details about this season and further years are to be released in the upcoming weeks. For information about Voices or if you are interested in being a part of this organization on stage, behind the scenes or within their administrative body, please visit www.VoicesOnine.org or email their Artistic Director at maria.pia.ugarte@VoicesOnline.org. Voices is actively seeking for volunteer to assume the role of Media Relations Representative.

Wadsworth Auditorium Restoration Project Is "On Schedule"

On March 29 at 7:30 PM, world-renowned pianist Charles Wadsworth will host a spectacular concert celebrating the much-anticipated completion of the Charles Wadsworth Auditorium Restoration Project.

Since its original completion in 1939, Newnan's Art Deco style Municipal Auditorium has seen many years of constant use by the community. It has always been a place of special memories for local audiences. On its stage hometown folks appeared in plays, graduations. Recitals, concerts, Junior League Follies, special ceremonies, and much more. Some of those memories have been inscribed in the graffiti that can still be seen on the back stage brick walls ... and with a respect for history, will not be covered with paint.

Recognizing the importance of preserving the heritage of such an historic part of Newnan, the Auditorium Restoration Project begun in 1993.

Restoration of the auditorium itself has been completed and returned to its original Art Deco beauty. Refinished and reupholstered seats have also been re-installed. They now sit in the darkened and sleeping auditorium … soon to be released from their protective wrapping and occupied by a new audience. At the present time the stage area has been completely walled off to protect the auditorium from the work being completed on and behind the stage area. A new, high, stage ceiling has already been finished. A completely new modernized steel rigging system is being made and will soon be installed. Following that, new stage curtains will be hung, and the lighting system will be installed.

Soon the auditorium will awake … ready for its grand reopening.

Renamed The Charles Wadsworth Auditorium in 1998, the auditorium will be the site of the March 29th "A Preservation Celebration" which will welcome back local son and internationally acclaimed pianist Charles Wadsworth. Throughout the restoration committee’s spearheading efforts to restore and enhance the acoustically superior auditorium, Wadsworth and other artists have participated in annual concerts to raise funds for the project. He'll return to his hometown with a stunning presentation of musical artists. Patrons and sponsors of the event will also attend a special post-concert reception. All are invited to be in attendance at this historic reopening and this grand concert by Charles Wadsworth and Friends.

Tickets for "A Preservation Celebration" are available at Scott's Book Store on the Newnan Courthouse Square, Morgan's Jewelers at Ashley Park, and The Bank of Coweta - Thomas Crossroads branch. General Admission tickets are $20. Student and Seniors (65+) are $15. For more information log onto www.ci.newnan.ga.us

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.

A Company of Friends Presents The Educational Musical School House Rock Live, Jr.

A Company of Friends, the professional division of Fayette Coweta Family Theatre, will present 4 presentations of their touring musical "School House Rock Live, Jr." on February 13 and 14 at 9:15 and 10:45 each day at Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville. This 1-hour upbeat musical is based on the popular cartoon series of the 1970s and early 1980s and features familiar songs like "Interjections," I'm Just a Bill" and "Conjunction Junction." Presented by a cast of 9 professional performers, this show is open to school groups, homeschoolers and the general public.

Join Terri, a new teacher, as she worries about her first day of teaching and tries to relax. Suddenly the School House Rock Kids burst onto the scene and show Terri that learning should be FUN. Audiences will learn about the subjects of grammar, history, government, math, health and take a trip with Interplanet Janet to the solar system all through humor and music.

Admission is $6 for children and $4 for adults. Children's admission includes an activity sheet and souvenir and for every 10 paid child admissions, one adult may attend FREE. Groups of 10 or more must reserve their seats prior to attending, to secure seats together, all others may reserve or come to the door the morning of the show to purchase their tickets. Seating begins 30-minutes prior to show time. Reservations can be made by calling 770-599-0051 or visiting www.fcft.net/ACOF and clicking on the reservations link.

Don't miss this fun and educational musical!

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.