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

Georgia Shakespeare One-Day Ticket Sale!

20% off tickets to the World Premiere of The Odyssey: a Journey Home
Based on the work of Homer, Directed by Richard Garner
Adapted by Richard Garner and Georgia Shakespeare’s Associate Artists

ONE DAY SALE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, ONLY

Georgia Shakespeare announces a special One-Day Sale Friday, October 1, 2010. Every seat at every performance of The Odyssey: a Journey Home (excluding student matinees) is available for 20% off! To get this awesome discount, tickets must be purchased on Friday either by phone (404-264-0020) or online (www.gashakespeare.org). NOTE: Discount applies to tickets to The Odyssey only, not applicable to subscriptions or other shows or events available for purchase on the website.

In this clever adaptation of Homer’s breathtaking epic, the physical, psychological and emotional challenges Odysseus overcomes in his return from fighting the Trojan wars mirror those of the modern warrior. Returning from war is a journey that only begins with arriving home. The Odyssey: a Journey Home examines the issues around re-entry and explores the actuality of “coming home”.

“Our veterans arrive home in a matter of hours, versus Odysseus’ 10-year trip, but their journey doesn’t end at home’s threshold. In many ways, it is just beginning,” says Garner. “And yet, the parallels between Odysseus and today’s soldiers are stunning. It’s been a real eye-opener to explore this concept of warriors and to realize how very little has changed over these hundreds of years.”

The cast features Joe Knezevich (in his 12th season at Georgia Shakespeare) as Odysseus, Chris Kayser (21st season) as Zeus, Carolyn Cook (16th season) as Athena and Neal A. Ghant (6th season) as Poseidon, among others.

UPDATE: SPECIAL EVENTS

Free and Open to the Public:

THIS EVENT’S DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THE DATE LISTED HERE

On Saturday, October 23, at 4:30pm, The ArtReach Foundation, Inc., will host a symposium to discuss issues facing veterans today. The panel will also discuss the play and how Odysseus’ journey, and the demons he faced along the way, represent issues veterans are facing upon returning home currently. The panel consists of The ArtReach Foundation Founder and Executive Director, Susan Anderson; Psychiatrist and Chair of the Board of Directors of The ArtReach Foundation Christina O’Hara; and Georgia Shakespeare’s Producing Artistic Director and The Odyssey: a Journey Home director and adapter, Richard Garner.

REMINDER: Free and Discounted Tickets for Military Guests

Georgia Shakespeare will give away 50 tickets per performance to military personnel with a valid ID, on a first-come, first-served basis. Each military guest with an ID will be given two tickets, and the opportunity to purchase up to two more at the discounted rate of $15 each.

Interviews with directors, company members and administration available upon request. Show imagery available upon request. Contact Jenny Costantino: Jenny@kickstrategy.com.

Georgia Shakespeare is grateful for its sponsors

Season Sponsors: AirTran Airways, Bank of America, The Georgia Council for the Arts, Oglethorpe University

Shake at the Lake Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Bank of America, The Kendeda Fund, The Coca-Cola Company, The Charles Loridans Foundation, CornerCap Investment Counsel, Alston + Bird, LLP

Summer Festival Sponsor: CornerCap Investment Counsel

Shrew: the Musical Sponsor: Callner, Portnoy and Strawser PC, PBA:30, Reporter Newpapers

The Odyssey: a Journey Home Sponsors: DocAuto, Inc., Turner Broadcasting. Funding also provided by The National Endowment for the Arts

A Christmas Story: Publix Super Markets Charities

Georgia Shakespeare is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts, through appropriation of the General Assembly. The Council is a Partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art.

Announcing The Woodruff Arts Center’s Second Nights on the Piazza Outdoor Concert Series

Spend your Thursday nights at The Woodruff Arts Center, September 30 – October 28, for five free concerts featuring innovative local musicians. Enjoy food and drink specials by Legendary Partners of Atlanta, and relax under the stars!

Scheduled performers include:

• September 30 – Tealights (7:00) Sealions (8:00)
• October 7 – TBA (7:00) Hope For Agoldensummer (8:00)
• October 14 – Tin Cup Prophette (7:00) Venice is Sinking (8:00)
• October 21 – TBA (7:00) Evan McHugh (8:00)
• October 28 – TBA (7:00) TBA (8:00)

Whether you’re a Woodruff Arts Center regular or you’re coming for the first time, October is the perfect time to visit. The Woodruff is alive with exciting new seasons at the Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, with blockbuster exhibitions at the High Museum of Art. While you’re here on Thursdays, take advantage of one of these great events:

- Alliance Theatre: Sammy & Me – October 1 – 24. Part self portrait, part celebrity investigation, this insightful new show features 15 songs Sammy made famous, including “Where or When,” “Smile,” “Mr. Bojangles,” and “Candy Man.” With Sammy & Me, the Alliance welcomes the return of Eric Jordan Young, last seen as the show-stopping King Herod in the hit Alliance musical Jesus Christ Superstar GOSPEL. www.alliancetheatre.org

- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Symphony Socials – October 15, 6:30 pm. Join the ASO for the first Symphony Socials event of the 2010/2011 season! Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres at the pre-concert party at Shout Restaurant, followed by a performance by the Grammy-award winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra! Party and Concert, only $20! www.atlantasymphony.org/symphonysocials


- High Museum of Art: Dali: The Late Work – Through January 9, 2011. On Thursday nights, 5:00 – 8:00 pm, the High offers 50% off ticket admission. Pride at the High: Celebrity! – October 7, 8:30 – 11:00 pm. Dance, drink and delight in Dalí—take a special after-hours look at Dalí: The Late Work dressed as your favorite celebrity! Event will feature DJay McCracken, full bars with a special "Dalí-tini,", a celebrity look-alike contest, a surreal photo booth, and more! www.high.org

Learn more about upcoming events at The Woodruff Arts Center at www.atthewoodruff.com.
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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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Target Free Family Day at the Woodruff Arts Center An Unforgettable Day of Art, Performances and Fun!

Sunday, October 10, 2010, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm 

9/13/10 The Woodruff Arts Center has again partnered with Target to present the 3rd annual Target Free Family Day at The Woodruff Arts Center! This fabulous family arts festival has attracted thousands to The Woodruff Arts Center campus in years past and offers amazing visual and performing arts opportunities!

Visitors will experience the best family programming from each of The Woodruff’s Divisions – Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art and Young Audiences – and the whole day is FREE!

Date & Time: Sunday, October 10, 2010, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: The Woodruff Arts Center 1280 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309

See these great performances:

• Discover Next Generation concerts by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
• Sneak Peek performances of Alliance Theatre’s Middle School the Musical!
• Dance, music and puppet performances
Experience a special exhibition:

• Dalí: The Late Work at the High Museum of Art (Museum Admission is Free)
Hands-On activities for the entire family:

• The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra instrument petting zoo
• Arts activities just for kids
• Participate in an Acting Workshops
And much, much more! Visit www.woodruffcenter.org/target.aspx or call 1-866-449-5165 for details. Guests can also register through the website to be entered to win fantastic day-of prizes.

Target Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,719 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.

The Woodruff Arts Center Over the past 40 years, the Woodruff Arts Center has distinguished itself as one of the premier cultural centers in the nation, a unique institutional model where individual arts institutions unite to form a collaborative, inspirational, and supportive environment for the arts and education. The Woodruff Arts Center campus, located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta houses four renowned arts organizations including Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art, and Young Audiences.

Since 1968, Woodruff Arts Center has served more than 30 million patrons and annually offers more than 3,300 performances and exhibitions. In addition to its role as a cultural beacon and hub of the Southeast, the Center serves as a critical economic, educational, and social catalyst for Atlanta and the region.
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Isakson Living Announces Partnership with Alliance Theatre

Peachtree Hills Place and Park Springs to sponsor COME FLY WITH ME

Isakson Living, the developer of premiere Atlanta retirement communities, Park Springs and Peachtree Hills Place announces a partnership with the Alliance Theatre for its upcoming performance, COME FLY WITH ME, a dance musical featuring the sounds of Frank Sinatra. Previews begin September 15, 2009 at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre. The show opens September 23 and runs through October 11.

“We are so excited to be partnering with the Alliance Theatre,” said Park Springs Leisure Service Director, Lisa Kiely. “The Alliance Theatre’s productions are always thought provoking, entertaining and memorable, The Alliance Theatre has been very generous to our members and now we feel like we are able to let them know how much we appreciate them.”

The musical, conceived, directed and choreographed by Tony Award® Winner; Twyla Tharp celebrates the love and life of four couples over one night falling in and out of love. By special arrangement with Frank Sinatra Enterprises and The Sinatra Family, COME FLY WITH ME features original recorded “masters” of Frank Sinatra’s voice – arguably one of the most recognized voices in the history of music – backed by a live on-stage Big Band. The show’s score combines newly discovered vocal performances from the Sinatra archives along with signature arrangements of some of his most famous work. The majority of music is comprised of songs from The Great American Song Book, composed by the likes of Irving Berlin, Cy Coleman, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Sammy Cahn, Hoagy Carmichael, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, Richard Rodgers and Jimmy Van Heusen.

Tickets are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at www.alliancetheatre.org. The show’s producers are planning a North American tour commencing summer 2010 and are in discussions for a possible Broadway run and international engagements

Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sept. 15 – Oct. 11, 2009 on the Alliance Stage. There will not be a matinee performance on Saturday, Sept. 19.

About Park Springs:
The Southeast's premier CCRC, Park Springs enhances life for active seniors by providing independent residences alongside extensive amenities and on-site wellness and private health care facilities. The 398-home campus-style community is situated on 54 acres surrounded by Stone Mountain Park. A 64-suite health center provides assisted living, skilled nursing and dementia/Alzheimer's care. The campus style community boasts a 50,000 square foot Clubhouse serving meals in four themed dining rooms daily and a 12,000 square foot fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. The Seniors Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders named Park Springs a Platinum winner. Park Springs is developed by Isakson Living and managed by Life Care Services LLC (LCS), a leader in senior living communities. LCS today serves more than 23,000 residents daily in over 80 communities nationwide. For more information on Park Springs, call 770-879-5006, 800-267-7126 or visit www.parkspringscommunities.com.
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Discover Creative Georgia

Locally produced crafts, arts and performances showcase communities across the state

Get to the heart of Georgia’s communities through their creative cultures and indigenous arts. Discover the people and places that make communities unique: potters, artists, theatres and galleries that allow visitors to take home a piece of Georgia.

Travel to northeast Georgia to experience a tradition that has been around for more than 100 years of handmade pottery. The Northeast Georgia Folk Pottery Museum in Sautee and the Mark of the Potter in nearby Clarkesville will shed some light on this fascinating folk tradition that has served both functional and artistic purposes over generations. Both locations sell pottery, detail the tradition’s history and feature one-of-a-kind “face jugs” handmade pieces that don eyes, a nose, a mouth, ears and curious facial expressions. Learn to make your own pottery at Etowah River Pottery in Dahlonega, or discover gourd-inspired pottery at The Gourd Place, also in Sautee. Also, don’t miss the Hambidge Fifth Annual Georgia Pottery Show near Clayton, where more than 30 Georgia potters will have their work on display until Sept. 8.

Blue Ridge also offers a variety of places for arts enthusiast to visit. Turning Leaf Wood Art and Twigs to Furniture carry decorative and functional handmade wooden pieces made by local artisans, and Fishbone Studio features mosaic work from local artist Betty Wassmer. Another must-see is the ironwork of blacksmith John Beatie on display at the Beatie Blacksmith Gallery in Mineral Bluff. Also, be sure to check out a performance at the Blue Ridge Community Theater, which has “The Fantasticks” and “A Christmas Carol” among its scheduled performances for 2009.

For other community theater productions in Georgia, visit the Winder Cultural Arts Center in Winder for comedies “The Curious Savage” and “Bus Stop” in 2009 or the Waycross Area Community Theatre in Waycross, which is performing “Little Shop of Horrors” and “The Sound of Music” in the coming year. The Tater Patch Players in Jasper will perform the musical comedy “Smoke on the Mountain,” which follows a family of gospel singers during the Depression of the 1930s. Theaters across the state also tell Georgia-crafted stories. Georgia’s Official Folk Life Play, “Swamp Gravy”, for example, offers a newly written story performed each year in Colquitt based on real life stories of community members. The latest production of Swamp Gravy is scheduled for October. The middle Georgia town of Lyons also recounts local history every year in its production of “Tales from the Altamaha,” based on the writings of a local attorney and businessman, Col. Thomas Ross Sharpe, who lived there between the 1940s and 1960s. The productions are held in the spring at the Blue Marquee Theater in Lyons.

West of Lyons in Buena Vista is another essential visit for Georgia arts lovers: Pasaquan, a seven-acre arts site that includes six major structures, concrete sculptures and painted walls designed by eccentric Georgia-born artist Eddie Owens Martin. A visit will detail the artist’s vision and his relationship with the South and spirituality. Another inspirational arts site is Paradise Gardens, a four-acre property designed by Southern Baptist minister and folk artist Howard Finster. The site includes Mr. Finster’s gardens, a museum, a folk art chapel and the Finster Folk Art Gallery.

Several Atlanta hotels introduce visitors to the work of Georgia artists. The St. Regis Hotel and the W Atlanta-Buckhead hotel, both in Buckhead, exhibit works from local artists and photographers. The Whitlock Inn in Marietta and the recently remodeled Georgian Terrace in Midtown also showcase pieces by local artists and scenes of local events. Paintings in the restaurant of the Georgian Terrace, for example, commemorate the premiere gala of “Gone With the Wind,” which was held at the hotel in 1939.

Visiting local galleries is another great way to see Georgia-made art. The Seen Gallery in Decatur recently featured Georgia artist James Dean, who has garnered a following for his paintings of “Pete the Cat,” a little blue cat depicted in a variety of scenes. The Joseph House Art Gallery in Columbus also features work from local artists including watercolors, oil paintings and art glass. Gallery RFD in Swainsboro is a non-profit that encourages business development through the arts and features exhibitions from local artists. The Soda Shop Gallery in Sylvania and The Gallery in Savannah also showcase Georgia-made work. Not far from Savannah is another arts must-see that chronicles the cultural history of African-Americans along the Georgia Coast, the Ogechee Kunda Cultural Center in Riceboro. A living museum that carries local and African art, the center profiles the history and arts of Gullah culture in Georgia.

Georgia’s museums, theaters, hotels and galleries tell the story of a rich history and culture through the arts. Learn from local artists in towns and communities across Georgia. Plan your next arts-inspired trip at www.exploregeorgia.org.
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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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Theater Of The Stars Presents The Great American Musical: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA!

Theater Of The Stars Presents The Great American Musical: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA!
From June 24-29 At The Fabulous Fox Theatre

“We are delighted to present one of the classic musicals of all time, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “It is truly a celebration of the American spirit, the can-do attitude and the unwavering optimism of the proud people who founded this great country. We are especially honored to be working with an outstanding creative team including award-winning Director Norb Joerder and renowned Choreographer Gemze de Lappe, who is recreating Agnes de Mille’s iconic dances which are such a thrilling part of this show. And our cast is superb! Join us for an unforgettable theatrical experience when we present Oklahoma! at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from June 24-29. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com and at 404-817-8700. For special group rates contact the Fox Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.”

Oklahoma! was the first collaboration between Broadway legends Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Set in the early part of the 20th century when Oklahoma was still Indian Territory, the fierce rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, fall in love. The road to true love never runs smooth, and with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, the journey is a delightfully bumpy ride! The glorious score includes “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top,” “People Will Say We’re In Love,” and the title song “Oklahoma!”

Oklahoma! is based on the play "Green Grow The Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs with Music by Richard Rodgers and Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hamerstein II and features Original Dances by Agnes de Mille.

Director Norb Joerder’s work can be seen from Broadway to regional theaters across America, as well as European and International productions. He reunited Robert Goulet and Camelot for a critically acclaimed revival on Broadway and a record breaking National Tour. He also staged the Richard Harris International Camelot that toured Australia and Europe. In New York, he has directed and choreographed revivals of 42nd Street with Jerry Orbach and Tammy Grimes, La Cage Aux Folles with Gene Barry and Lee Roy Reams, Gypsy with Lanie Kazan, Guys and Dolls with Vic Damone, The Music Man with John Schneider, Annie Get Your Gun with Andrea McArdle and My Fair Lady with Michael Moriarty. Regionally he has worked for Theater of the Stars in Atlanta, Theater Under The Stars in Houston, the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Dallas Summer Musicals in Dallas and Music Fair Productions in New York and Pennsylvania. He has also staged over 25 musicals for The Jupiter Theatre and Richard Akins Productions of Jupiter, Florida. For his work there, Norb was nominated over twelve times and received the Carbonell Award for excellence in theater in southern Florida.

Gemze de Lappe is an American dancer, teacher and choreographer who worked closely with famed choreographer Agnes de Mille and was frequently partnered with de Mille's favorite male dancer, James Mitchell. Originally trained by Irma Duncan, Isadora Duncan’s adopted daughter, and Michel Fokine, de Lappe began her career in Fokine's company. At an early age she became one of the leading members of the Agnes de Mille Dance Theatre Company. She was featured in the first national company of Oklahoma! (1943) and in1947 she traveled to London to dance in Oklahoma! and began to do work in staging and choreography. On Broadway she was the premiere dancer in productions of Oklahoma!, Carousel, Brigadoon, and Paint Your Wagon . De Lappe also appeared in The King and I for Jerome Robbins, both in the original Broadway production and in the film, as “King Simon of Legree.” Her long concert dance career includes a memorable experience with the American Ballet Theatre (1953-1954). In the late 50’s was invited by the State Department to tour Greece and Asia on a concert tour with Rod Alexander’s Dance Company. She stopped touring in the mid 60’s to get married and raise two sons. During this time she did more staging and choreography in New York. She has done her own choreography for revivals of Finian’s Rainbow, South Pacific and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. She recreated de Mille’s choreography for the 1979 Broadway revival of Oklahoma! and served as Professor of Dance at Smith College from 1979 through 1992. In the late 80’s Cameron Mackintosh asked her to stage Oklahoma! at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End and liked her work so much that after the London run he took the musical to Australia. She choreographed Abe Lincoln In Illinois at Lincoln Center in 1993. In 2007 she was presented with an honorary Tony Award for a lifetime of excellence in the theatre. De Lappe remains active as a choreographer and teacher, a vibrant and joyful presence in the landscape of theatre and dance.

Theater of the Stars’ production of Oklahoma! features a marvelous cast. Jennifer Evans stars as Laurey. Her national tour credits include Jersey Boys, Annie – 30th Anniversary Tour and The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas starring Ann-Margret. Nicholas Rodriguez portrays Curly. He made his Broadway debut in Tarzan and starred opposite Val Kilmer in the recent Los Angeles production of The Ten Commandments. Ruth Williamson will star as Aunt Eller. This past January she was seen as Miss Hannigan in Annie in Theater of the Stars’ production at the Fox Theatre. Her Broadway credits include La Cage Aux Folles, The Music Man, Little Me, Guys & Dolls, Smile and Annie. On film she’s appeared in Evan Almighty, The Producers, Legally Blonde II and Malcolm X and on television she has a recurring role as Mrs. Grubman on Nip/Tuck. Betsy Dilellio is Ado Annie. This past January she was featured in Theater of the Stars’ production of Annie as Lily St. Regis. Her national tour credits include The Light In The Piazza. In November, 2007 she appeared in the Oscar Hammerstein Award Concert Honoring Joseph Stein. Atlanta native Glenn Rainey will play Andrew Carnes. He recently closed the Broadway company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as Cogsworth, having played the role in the first national tour. Glenn is well-known as the junk-food eating psychopath Otto in Horizon Theatre’s production of Nicky Silver’s The Food Chain. He appeared in the films Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil, The Shaggy Dog and Enchanted. Christopher Vettel will appear as Cord Elam. Atlanta audiences have seen him at the Fox Theatre in Annie – 30th Anniversary Tour as Bert Healy and as Cliff in the national tour of Sunset Boulevard. He has been a soloist with the Opera Company of Boston, Opera Cleveland and the Boston Symphony Orchestra (in the final concert conducted by Leonard Bernstein). Danae Carter stars as Dream Laurey. Danae attended Contra Costa Ballet Centre and the San Francisco Ballet School. She most recently played the role of Emily in Agnes de Mille’s A Rose For Emily which was staged by Gemze de Lappe. Ben Crawford portrays Jud and Dream Jud. His Broadway credits include the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Phillip Skaggs is Dream Curly. He danced with the Hartford Ballet in 1997 and joined the Richmond Ballet in 1999. His favorite roles include Balanchine’s Apollo, Agnes de Mille’s A Rose For Miss Emily and John Butler’s Carmina Burana.

The creative team for Oklahoma! includes Robert Strickland as Musical Director and Conductor, Michael Schweikardt as Set Designer, Kirk Bookman as Lighting Designer, Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel as Sound Designers, Jeffrey Meek as Costume Designer and Bill Newberry as Children’s Musical Director.

Theater of the Stars will present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from June 24-29, 2008. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale NOW through Ticketmaster. Purchases through Ticketmaster can be made in three ways: at Ticketmaster ticket centers, by calling 404-817-8700, or by ordering online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group ticket sales, call the Fox Theatre Group Sales Office at
404-881-2000. Ticket prices range from $25- $68.

Theater of the Stars celebrates our 56th Anniversary as one of the nation’s premier 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

‘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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It's "The Wizard of Oz" at the Legacy Theatre, Tyrone, Georgia

The Legacy Theatre, South Metro Atlanta's only full-time professional theatre, is excited to announce youth company auditions for "The Wizard of OZ"!

Auditions will be held Saturday, March 15th from 9am-12pm at The Legacy Theatre, 1175 Senoia Road, Tyrone, GA. This audition is for ages 5-17 only and will be for the youth company of our professional production and summer camps!

All those auditioning will be asked to sing either 1 Chorus or 16 Bars from a song of their choice a cappella (without music) and learn choreography.

There will be a sign up sheet the day of the event. Everyone will audition on a first come first serve basis. Those auditioning may be cast as part of the pre-show, as Munchkins, as ensemble members or in minor roles.

Please be aware that all youth company members will be required to participate in our "Wizard of Oz Summer Camp" for which there is a fee. For more information please call 404-895-1473 or go to our website www.thelegacytheatre.org

The Legacy Theatre, South Metro Atlanta’s only full-time professional theatre, is excited to announce Principle/Ensemble auditions for The Wizard of Oz (RSC Version, based on the MGM motion picture).

Auditions will be held at The Legacy Theatre (1175 Senoia Road, Tyrone, GA, 30290) March 16, 2PM-4PM. 18+ ONLY. No appointment necessary, sign up sheet available upon arrival. Seeking all Principle roles. Also casting members of the Ensemble to play Osians, Winkies, Jitterbugs, etc. Please prepare 16 bars from classical music theatre and one one-minute comedic monologue. May be asked to read from script. May be asked to stay for dance call beginning at 4PM. Please bring appropriate attire. Paid positions and apprenticeships available. Competitive salary.

Performances are July 28-Aug. 3 with possible weekend extensions. Please call (404) 895-1473 for more information. www.thelegacytheatre.org.

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!