Southside Theatre Guild Announces Auditions for "The Music Man"

Southside Theatre Guild in downtown Fairburn announces open auditions for The Music Man on Sunday afternoon, August 9 at 2:00 pm and Monday & Tuesday evenings, August 10 & 11 at 7:00 pm. All auditions will be held at our theatre at 20 W. Campbellton St., behind OZ Pizza. Performance dates are October 1-17.

This show involves singing, dancing as well as acting. You can bring a prepared song with score or accompaniment tape/CD or be ready to learn a song from the show. We will be moving to music so wear comfortable, danceable clothes. Readings will be from the script. We’re looking for at least 10 men, nine women, a couple of male & female teens, one principle young male and town children.

Director Jim Abert says, ”One of the reasons I enjoy this show is that it covers all ages six to sixty and beyond and I would encourage families to get involved.”

For more information, visit www.STGplays.com or call 770-969-0956.
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Georgia Shakespeare's Summer Festival Must End August 2

Special Events Highlight Final Performances

Georgia Shakespeare's critically acclaimed Summer Festival featuring Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Titus Andronicus, Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and the Family Classics world-premiere of Alice in Wonderland comes to a close on Sunday, August 2. Tickets may be purchased online at www.gashakespeare.org or through the Georgia Shakespeare box office at 404.264.0020. Georgia Shakespeare performs at the Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University, 4484 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA.

The last week of the Summer Festival offers special events, added value benefits and discount tickets guaranteed to suit any budget. In addition, patrons are encouraged to arrive early and picnic on the theatre's landscaped grounds before entering the theatre for the performance. The final performance schedule is as follows:

Thursday, July 23 at 8 p.m. - Titus Andronicus
Facebook Fans of Georgia Shakespeare receive special discounted tickets to this performance.
Tickets: $15 - $33

Friday, July 24 at 10 a.m. - Alice in Wonderland
Tickets: $13

Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m. - Titus Andronicus
Free book club discussion with Georgia Shakespeare's Education Director Allen O'Reilly at 6:30 p.m.
Complimentary coffee beverage available following the performance.
Tickets: $15 - $38

Saturday, July 25 at 10 a.m. - Alice in Wonderland
Tickets: $13

Saturday, July 25 at 2 p.m. - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Free ice cream sundaes available following the performance.
Tickets: $15 - $33

Saturday, July 25 at 8 p.m. - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Tickets: $15 - $45

Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. - Cat on Hot Tin Roof
Tickets: $15 - $33
Patrons who mention "staycation rewards" at the box office receive 15% off tickets.

Sunday, July 26 at 8 p.m. - Cat on Hot Tin Roof
Tickets: $15 - $33
Patrons who mention "staycation rewards" at the box office receive 15% off tickets.

Tuesday, July 28 at 10 a.m. - Alice in Wonderland
Tickets: $13

Tuesday, July 28 at 7 p.m. - Alice in Wonderland
Tickets: $13

Alice in Wonderland Unbirthday Tea Party at 6 p.m. - Special event for families features light food, sweets, tea, and an opportunity to meet Alice, the Mad Hatter and more!
Tickets: $23 (includes pre-show party and ticket to the performance).

Wednesday, July 29 at 10 a.m. - Alice in Wonderland
Tickets: $13

Wednesday, July 29 at 8 p.m. - Titus Andronicus
Tickets: $15 - $33
Shakespeare Crashers Happy Hour at 7 p.m. - Young professionals mix and mingle at a pre-show beer and wine happy hour on the picnic grounds.
Tickets: $25 (includes happy hour and ticket to the performance).

Thursday, July 30 at 10 a.m. - Alice in Wonderland
Tickets: $13

Thursday, July 30 at 8 p.m. - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Tickets: $15 - $33
Facebook Fans receive a special ticket offer.

Friday, July 31 at 10 a.m. - Alice in Wonderland
Tickets: $13

Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m. - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Tickets: $15 - $38
Complimentary coffee beverage available following the performance.
Final performance.

Saturday, August 1 at 10 a.m. - Alice in Wonderland
Tickets: $13
Final performance.

Saturday, August 1 at 8 p.m. - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Tickets: $15 - $45
Free ice cream sundaes available following the performance.
Final performance.

Sunday, August 2 at 2 p.m. - Titus Andronicus
Tickets: $15 - $33
Final performance.

Southside Theatre Guild Presents "Snoopy! The Musical"

Southside Theatre Guild in downtown Fairburn will present “Snoopy! The Musical” for three weekends, July 26 through August 1.

Performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday begin at 8:00 pm. A Sunday matinee on July 26 will begin at 2:00 pm.

Through a heart-warming series of vignettes, songs and dances, this is a showcase that draws the audience into the entertaining world of Charles Schulz. Discover why Charlie Brown chose Snoopy for a pet; watch the cast explore the mystery of their teacher; sit with Linus as he waits for the arrival of the Great Pumpkin and, finally, listen to the gang as they discuss such topics as Christmas and innocence. Only the "Peanuts" gang knows how to delight an audience as thoroughly as you will be delighted by this show.

A great show for all ages with lots of singing and tap dancing! For more info or to make your reservations, visit http://www.stgplays.com/ or call 770-969-0956.

Fayette: FCFT's Next Audition - PINOCCHIO The Family Fantasy Production

Auditions: Saturday, July 25
At Christ's Church at Whitewater in Fayetteville
Ages: 7 to 10 at 10:30 a.m.
Ages: 10 to 16 at 2:00 p.m.
(Call Backs at 3:30 p.m. for everyone, if needed.)

Performance Dates: August 27, 28, 29 and 30

*Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script and a taught dance for all those auditioning.

An Art of Audition Workshop will be offered on Thursday, July 23 from 12 Noon to 3:00 p.m. for ages 7 to 16 years Fee: $45 ~ To register please call 770-599-0051 or e-mail fcftdirector1@fcft.net

Roles Available

Pinocchio~ A lovable puppet that dreams of being a real boy! (lead, dancing, character role, heavy line memorization) Male 8 to 13 years
Geppetto~ The Toymaker and Pinocchio's father. Yearns for a son! (lead, some dancing, must be able to play old man. Heavy line memorization) Male 12 to 16 years
Jimmy Cricket ~ Pinocchio's conscience...takes job very seriously and is the narrator of the story, as well as part of the show, too. (Dancing, Lead, Character Role, heavy line memorization.) Male or Female 9 to 14 years
Cedric~ A new character to our version. A know-it-all Seagull who always get on Jimmy's last nerve. (Comic role, dancing, character role, Lead, heavy line memorization.) Male or Female~ 10 to 16 years
The Blue Fairy~ Magical being who turns Pinocchio into a real boy. Also protector. (Ballet, Supporting Role, Average line memorization.) Female: 12 to 16 years
The Puppeteer~ Mean owner of the puppets at Pleasure Island. (Character Role, Average line memorization) Male or Female 9 to 16 years
Cat~ Geppetto's loyal and loving pet, joins him on many adventures (Animal role, no speaking lines, lots of physical acting, little dancing) Male or Female ~ 8 to 12 years
Slick and Sly~ Mean con-men (Cat and Fox) They work for the Puppeteer. (Strong leads with menacing characters. Average line memorization) Male or Female: 10 to 16 years
Can-Can Dancer Dolls (4) ~ High spirited dolls who love to kick up their heels (Must be able to speak in heavy French accent, heavy dancing, Average line memorization) Females: 9 to 16 years
Clown Dolls (2)~ Silly dolls who are always up to crazy antics. (Tumbling a plus, dancing, average line memorization) Male or Females: 8 to 14 years
Cowgirl Doll~ A doll from out on the ranch! Loves to ride horses and rope any villains that she can. (Southern Accent, Average Line memorization, dancing) Female: 9 to 16 years
Ballerina Doll~ Beautiful and delicate with a graceful gate. (One point a plus, average line memorization, dancing)
Female: 8 to 16 years
Indian Maiden Doll~ A lovely and lovable Indian Maiden Doll...brave and willing to help in a crisis (Dancing, Average Line memorization)

Ensemble/ Dancers w/speaking lines
Pleasure Island Children and Creatures in the Whale ~ (Up to 10 will be cast)
(Dancing and a little line memorization...will play colorful child or vendor in Pleasure Island Scene and Sea Creature in Whale Scene.) ~ Males and Females~ Ages: 7 to 12
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Jim Crow and the Rhythm Darlings

It’s World War Two, and with so many men going off to serve, the previously all-male world of jazz is opening up to women for the first time. The International Rhythm Darlings are an all-female African-American band touring the Deep South, which would be a tough situation in the best of times … but now they've got a last-minute replacement in the group, a white Jewish woman, and integrated bands aren't allowed to play together on stage. Not in the South, not anywhere.

Inspired by the real-life experiences of musicians from that era, Vynnie Meli’s play takes a fascinating look at some extraordinary women who make their way past fear and hatred to find the common threads that bind them together.

Winner of the 2009 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award competition, the only prize exclusively dedicated to the work of Georgia playwrights. The Essential Theatre is proud to have developed this play (along with Working Title Playwrights, Jewish Theatre of the South and the Alliance Theatre playwriting class) and to be bringing it to the stage for the first time.

Directed by Betty Hart
Featuring: Rachel Bodenstein, Enisha Brewster, Daniel Burnley, DeAndrea Crawford, Nadir Mateen, Delesa Sims

[Watch JIM CROW AND THE RHYTHM DARLINGS trailer]

[YouTube Video with artistic director Peter Hardy, playwright Vynnie Meli and director Betty Hart]

Inspired by the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, this play tells a story every bit as interesting today as during the 40's Jim Crow era.

This performance is presented during the National Black Arts Festival. For more information, click here.

Click here to learn about this year's cast and crew

Jim Crow and the Rhythm Darlings will be performed on the following dates and times:

Thursday 7/16/2009 8:00 PM

Saturday 7/18/2009 8:00 PM

Sunday 7/18/2009 2:00 PM (matinee)

Friday 7/24/2009 8:00 PM

Saturday 7/25/2009 2:00 PM (matinee)

Monday 7/27/2009 8:00 PM

Thursday 7?30/2009 8:00 PM

Purchase Tickets: http://actors-express.tix.com/Clients/Actors-Express/ScheduleByMonth/SchedulebyMonth.asp?ActCode=38056&MonthName=July

Actor's Express Theatre Company887 W. Marietta St. Suite J-107, Atlanta, GA 30318Box Office: 404.607.SHOWPhone: 404.875.1606Fax: 404.875.2791

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Atlanta&state=GA&address=887+W.+Marietta+St.&zipcode=30318
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Theatrical Outfit Presents Cotton Patch Gospel

August 12—August 30, 2009 at The Balzer Theatre at Herren’s

"The basic facts of the story are shocking. This teenage girl claims to be impregnated by God. It’s a story that has lived for so many generations that we get used to the shock value of it. By not changing the story but changing the setting of the story affords the audience the opportunity to experience it for the first time."

As a former cast member and now the play’s director, Tom Key cites this sentiment as the key to the success of Cotton Patch Gospel: an adaptation of Clarence Jordan's "Cotton Patch" versions of the gospels of Matthew and John for the stage.

Inspired by both Jordan and his development of the interracial Koinonia farming community in south Georgia, Key and Treyz’s version transplants the story of Jesus into the mid-20th-century American South and considers what might have happened had Jesus been born in Georgia—with Gainesville standing in for Bethlehem, Valdosta for Nazareth, and Atlanta as the fateful Jerusalem.

Several standing ovation-inspiring tours later, this perennial favorite of bluegrass and jazz music and soulful storytelling plows new ground with an all-new cast and is produced in association with Georgia Ensemble Theatre (www.GET.org)

Calendar Info:

Preview: Aug. 12- 14 @ 7:30 pm.
Opening Night: Aug. 15 @ 7:30 pm.
Matinees: Aug. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 @ 2:30 pm.
Evenings: Aug. 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 @ 7:30 pm.
Talkback event after the performance Aug. 28.
Student Matinee Aug. 26 @ 11:00 am; Senior Matinee ($15) Aug. 19 @ 2:30 pm.
GET performances: Sept. 2 – 20.
Theatrical Outfit
Box Office Tuesday – Friday,
12 noon – 6 pm 678-528-1500
Tickets: $35 Regular.
Group discounts and $15 student tickets available.

The Balzer Theatre at Herren’s
84 Luckie Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

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Billy Crystal Brings "700 Sundays" to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

BILLY CRYSTALTO REPRISE HIS LEGENDARYTONY AWARD WINNING PERFORMANCE IN CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED PLAY CREATED AND PERFORMED BY MR. CRYSTAL DIRECTED BY TWO-TIME TONY AWARD WINNERDES McANUFF
BROADWAY BLOCKBUSTER TO PLAY LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS IN SIX AMERICAN CITIES INCLUDING ATLANTA

7/12/09 It was announced today that Billy Crystal will bring 700 SUNDAYS, his Tony Award-winning Broadway blockbuster, to Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre December 16-20 as part of a six-city American tour of limited engagements. 700 SUNDAYS, a play performed and written by Mr. Crystal with additional content by Alan Zweibel is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff.

700 SUNDAYS, an autobiographical journey, is an original two-act play in which Billy plays numerous characters that have influenced who he is today. It deals with his youth, growing up in the jazz world of Manhattan, his teenage years, and finally adulthood. It is about family and fate, loving and loss.

“I have thought about 700 SUNDAYS at least once a day since the last time I performed it in Australia two years ago. My love for these characters from the canvas of my life and the incredible connection that I feel with audiences while sharing this personal story have made this one of the most satisfying experiences of my life. I knew I wasn’t done performing it and I knew I’d like to bring the show back when the time felt right. I’m so happy to be playing Atlanta this fall,” said Mr. Crystal.

In its opening week on Broadway, 700 SUNDAYS broke the house record for highest weekly gross at the Broadhurst Theatre and then continued to top its own record every week. The week ending May 22, 2005, marked the highest grossing week, not only for the Broadhurst Theatre, but also for any non-musical production in Broadway history, taking in $1,061,688 at the box office.

The show won the 2005 Tony Award for Special Theatrical Experience and both the 2005 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Solo Performance.

Following the Broadway production, Billy played sold out limited engagements of 700 SUNDAYS in Toronto, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Billy then took 700 SUNDAYS to Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, where both engagements sold out upon announcement and won the 2007 Helpmann Award for Best Special Event.

Produced by Janice Crystal, Larry Magid and Face Productions, 700 SUNDAYS has a scenic design by David F. Weiner, lighting design by David Lee Cuthbert, projection design by Michael Clark and sound design is by Steve Canyon Kennedy.

Atlanta Broadway Series presents this show as a 2009-2010 Season Special. 700 SUNDAYS will play at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Wednesday, December 16 through Sunday, December 20. Shows during the week start at 8:00 p.m. Shows on Saturday are at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Sunday show is at 3:00 p.m. Ticket on-sale information will be released at a later date.
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Fayette: Annie Get Your Gun Auditions Announced

The Twilight Theatre announced auditions for the musical play Annie Get Your Gun July 13 and 14 at 6 pm at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, 175 Stonewall Avenue in Fayetteville. Performers ages 7-99 are invited to audition. Annie Get Your Gun will be performed September 18, 19, 25 and 26 at the Fredrick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City.

“Annie Get Your Gun is an audience favorite with music, dancing and sharpshooting, all tied around the late nineteenth century, true-life story of Annie Oakley and Frank Butler,” said Beth Nicholson, director of Annie Get Your Gun. “We are looking for a diverse cast with a myriad of skills like juggling, unicycling and tumbling in addition to good singers and dancers.”

Those auditioning should prepare 16 bars of a broadway-style song using karaoke music. Or those only interested in being cast in the ensemble should arrive at auditions promptly at 6 pm for a group song. There will also be cold readings from the script. The audition registration form, roles to be filled and a rehearsal schedule may be found at the theater web site, www.thetwilighttheatre.com. Callbacks will be Thursday, July 16 at 6 pm at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. For specific information not addressed on web site, email AGYGDirector@TheTwilightTheatre.com.

Annie Get Your Gun is under the direction of Beth Nicholson, music direction of Barbara Zellner and choreography by Kathy Senger of Peachtree City School of Dance with orchestration provided by the Peachtree Wind Ensemble and guest musicians.

Clayton State’s Stage and Screen Week, July 13 to July 17

It’s the perfect introduction for any young person interested in a career on stage or in front of a camera.

The Division of Continuing Education at Clayton State University will be holding “Stage and Screen Week” for seventh to 12th grade students from July 13 to July 17. The five sessions will run from Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The cost is $249 per student and attendees will get a chance to work with professionals from the television, film and theater.

For more information, call Clayton State CE Education Administrator Christy Slaton at (678) 466-5050.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

Grease is Roaring into Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre from August 7-16

“We are delighted to announce that due to popular demand we are adding additional performances for the previously announced, hot new production of GREASE™,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “We’ll open a few days earlier on Friday, August 7 to give audiences more fun “Summer Nights” at the Fabulous Fox! Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.”

Audiences across the country are going wild for this show with sellout engagements, enthusiastic crowds and great reviews. “Infectious talent and energy flows from the kids at Rydell High. Emily Padgett's Sandy Dumbrowski and Eric Schneider's Danny Zuko are impressive,” cheers Variety. The St Paul Pioneer Press says, “The Broadway touring version of 'Grease' is as fast as a T-Bird on a date.” And “The cast shines....there are some moments of real "Oh, wow!" brilliance,” raves broadwayworld.com.

After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, Danny Zuko's world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock n' roll celebration of growin' up, cruisin' with friends and goin' steady. The new production of GREASE™ features songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture for the first time ever in a Broadway production including “Sandy,” the Academy Award nominated song “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “Grease” and “You’re the One That I Want” - both of which were #1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list. These songs will be heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together.”

Platinum-selling recording artist and “American Idol” winner, Taylor Hicks, will join the production as “Teen Angel” beginning on Tuesday, August 11. Hicks made his Broadway debut in the role of “Teen Angel.”

GREASE opened on Broadway on June 7, 1972 and ran for nearly eight years at various Broadway theaters. It closed as the longest running show in Broadway history after playing 3,388 performances. In 1978, GREASE™ became a hugely popular feature film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the lead roles. A brand new production of GREASE™ opened on Broadway on Sunday, August 19, 2007. It was born out of NBC’s landmark talent competition TV series, “Grease: You’re The One That I Want.” The weekly talent competition drew 90 million viewers, and allowed America to vote for its favorite contestants to play the lead roles of “Sandy” and “Danny” on Broadway.

Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (The Pajama Game, Wonderful Town), GREASE™ features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Additional songs from the film are by Barry Gibb, John Farrar, Louis St. Louis and Scott Simon. GREASE™ features scenic design by Tony Award winner Derek McLane (33 Variations), costume design by two-time Tony Award winner Martin Pakledinaz (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Kiss Me Kate), lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Wicked) and sound design by Brian Ronan (Spring Awakening, Curtains).

GREASE™ will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta from August 7-16, 2009.

Performances are as follows:

Friday, August 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 8 at 2 pm
Saturday, August 8 at 8pm
Sunday, August 9 at 1 pm
Sunday, August 9 at 6:30 pm - Back to School Special Performance!
Monday, August 10 – NO SHOW
Tuesday, August 11 at 8 pm – starring Taylor Hicks as “Teen Angel”
Wednesday, August 12 at 8 pm– starring Taylor Hicks as “Teen Angel”
Thursday, August 13 at 8 pm – starring Taylor Hicks as “Teen Angel”
Friday, August 14 at 8 pm – starring Taylor Hicks as “Teen Angel”
Saturday, August 15 at 2 pm – starring Taylor Hicks as “Teen Angel”
Saturday, August 15 at 8 pm – starring Taylor Hicks as “Teen Angel”
Sunday, August 16 at 1:30 pm – starring Taylor Hicks as “Teen Angel”
Sunday, August 16 at 7 Pm – starring Taylor Hicks as “Teen Angel”

Tickets are on sale NOW at all Ticketmaster outlets, at 800-982-2787 and online at www.ticketmaster.com Ticket prices range from $20-$67.50. Special group rates are available through the Fox Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.

GREASE™ is produced on tour by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, Nederlander Presentations, Inc. and Terry Allen Kramer by arrangement with Robert Stigwood. For more information visit: www.greaseonbroadway.com

Theater of the Stars celebrates our 57th 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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42nd Street Starring Loretta Swit at The Fabulous Fox July 28 - Aug 2

“We are thrilled to bring back the tap dancing musical extravaganza 42nd STREET,” exclaims Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “And starring as the perennial leading lady ‘Dorothy Brock,” is the sublime Loretta Swit, an amazing actress whose career spans stage, screen and television roles from Mame to ‘Hot Lips Houlihan’ in M*A*S*H*. Our brand new production is sure to delight audiences of all ages! Join us for an unforgettable experience and see one of the all-time great musicals at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from July 28 through August 2. Tickets are on sale NOW at all Ticketmaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.com.”

Based on the 1980 Tony-Award winning musical, 42nd STREET tells the story of young Peggy Sawyer who comes to New York in search of fame and fortune. She catches the eye of one of the most powerful directors on Broadway, Julian Marsh. As can only happen in a Broadway musical, Peggy is discovered, hired, fired, and eventually becomes the star of the show! In between the intrigue and the plot twists are thrilling dance numbers, fabulous sets and gorgeous costumes, and some of the most famous songs ever heard on a Broadway stage including “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me,” “We’re In The Money,” “The Lullaby of Broadway,” “About A Quarter To Nine,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” and the title song, “42nd Street.” Theatermania.com cheers “When you add up all the dancing feet and the wonderful songs 42nd STREET is good, old-fashioned fun!”

From the source material of 1930’s movies including “42nd Street” (1933), “Gold Diggers of 1933,” “Dames” (1934) and “Gold Diggers of 1935,” Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble wrote the book, based on the novel by Bradford Ropes. Harry Warren wrote the music, and Al Dubin wrote the lyrics for the 1980 stage premiere. Broadway icon Gower Champion created the Tony Award winning choreography and directed the original Broadway production which ran for more than 8 years and is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.

Starring in 42nd STREET as Broadway diva “Dorothy Brock” is the legendary Loretta Swit. Few actresses can capture the imagination of a generation of television viewers with the charm of Ms. Swit. As quick-witted, impassioned “Major Margaret Houlihan” of television’s most honored series, M*A*S*H*, she became an American icon, and with the popular program now in worldwide syndication, new fans continue to enjoy her lavish portrayal of the sensuous, comedic “Major Houlihan.” Ms. Swit made her Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year opposite Ted Bessell, and later appeared in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, replacing Cleo Laine. She has toured with national companies of Any Wednesday and with two companies of Mame. She appeared in more than 500 performances of Shirley Valentine, a role for which she won Chicago’s most prestigious theatrical honor, the Sarah Siddons Award. She has starred in more than 25 movies on television, including the original “Cagney and Lacey,” in which she created the role of “Chris Cagney.” Her movie credits include Freebie and the Bean with James Caan and Alan Arkin, Stand Up And Be Counted with Jacqueline Bisset and Blake Edward’s S.O.B. with Julie Andrews and William Holden. Ms. Swit’s wildlife series, “Those Incredible Animals,” was shown twice weekly on the Discovery Channel for an amazing five year run, and now can be seen on Animal Planet.

Also starring in this new production of 42nd STREET:

Steve Blanchard (“Julian Marsh”) His Broadway credits include Beauty and the Beast, Camelot, The Three Musketeers and A Christmas Carol. And on television he’s appeared in “Law and Order,” “Another World,” and “The Guiding Light.” He will be starring in the upcoming national tour of Little House On The Prairie opposite Melissa Gilbert.

Shannon M. O’Bryan (“Peggy Sawyer”) She has performed the role of “Peggy” on Broadway, as well as all over America and abroad. Other Broadway and New York credits include White Christmas, City Center’s Encores: Follies, Face The Music and Of Thee I Sing.

Austin Miller (“Billy Lawlor”) He has starred in the First National Tours of Hairspray (“Link”), Grease (“Kenicke”), and Smokey Joe’s Café (“Michael”). He was a runner up on the popular TV reality series: “Grease: You’re The One That I Want.” For more information visit www.austinmilleronline.com

Also in the cast are the following: Tony Lawson (“Pat Denning”) He starred as “Thenardier” in Les Misérables on Broadway and was featured in National Tours of Damn Yankees, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Ken Hill’s Phantom of the Opera. Denise Nolin (“Maggie Jones”) Her National Tour credits include Disney’s High School Musical, The Producers and Guys and Dolls. Sarrah Strimel (“Anytime Annie”) Her Broadway credits include Young Frankenstein, The Producers and Encore’s Stairway To Paradise. She was featured in National Tours of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Producers. David Titus (“Abner Dillon”) David starred Off-Broadway as the original “Mother Superior” in Nunsense A-Men, regionally with Sally Struthers in Best Little Whorehouse, and in Mame with Christine Ebersole. James Young (“Bert Barry”) His Broadway credits include Crazy For You (“Custus”), My Fair Lady (“Zolton Karpathy”) with Richard Chamberlain, Me And My Girl (“Bill Snibson”), The Tap Dance Kid and A Chorus Line.

The Creative Team for this new production features Norb Joerder as Director and Choreographer. His extensive Broadway credits include 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, My Fair Lady with Michael Moriarity and a critically acclaimed revival of Camelot starring Robert Goulet.

John Visser will serve as Musical Director. He conducted the National Tour revivals of South Pacific, Camelot, Man of La Mancha, Anything Goes starring Mitzi Gaynor, Guys and Dolls with Maurice Hines and the 30th Anniversary Tour of The Fantasticks starring Robert Goulet.

Rounding out the Creative Team are: James Fouchard as Scenic Designer, Roger Kirk as Costume Designer, Paul Miller as Lighting Designer, Megan Henninger as Sound Designer and Bill Newberry as Teen Ensemble Director. Casting is by Barry Moss and Bob Kale.

42nd STREET will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta from July 28 through August 2, 2009. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm and Sunday at 1:30 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are on sale NOW at all Ticketmaster outlets, at 800-982-2787 and online at www.ticketmaster.com Ticket prices range from $20-$67.50. Special group rates are available through the Fox Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.

Theater of the Stars celebrates our 57th 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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Georgia Shakespeare Presents Alice in Wonderland July 18 - August 1

"It was much pleasanter at home, when one wasn't always growing larger and smaller, and being ordered about by mice and rabbits."

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Unbirthday Tea Party among curiouser highlights

Georgia Shakespeare continues its popular Family Classics Series with a world-premiere adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic story Alice in Wonderland July 18 - August 1. Performances take place Tuesday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with additional shows on Tuesday July 21 and 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the Conant Performing Arts Center (4484 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta, 30319 at Oglethorpe University). Tickets are $13 each and group rates are available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.gashakespeare.org and by phone at 404.264.0020.

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Things get "curiouser and curiouser" for young Alice as she journeys down the rabbit-hole and into a magical world where rabbits talk, Mad Hatters throw tea parties, and the Queen of Hearts is serious about her croquet. Adapted and directed by Tim Conley and Allen O'Reilly, Alice in Wonderland features Georgia Shakespeare's newly formed Will Power Ensemble. This ensemble includes Michael Bradley Cohen, Allison Leigh Corke, Brian Harrison, and Sarah M. Johnson who portray over twenty of Carroll's most memorable characters including Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. This colorful adaptation also incorporates puppetry and original music.

According to director O'Reilly, "We invite parents, children, and groups to join Georgia Shakespeare as we present this magical adventure for all ages. Alice in Wonderland is a perfect summer treat for families, daycare centers, camps, churches - anyone who wants to escape to a wonderous world where anything can happen."

Alice in Wonderland marks the latest addition to Georgia Shakespeare's Family Classics Series and is sponsored by Turner Broadcasting with media support provided by WSB-TV's Family 2 Family.

Special Event

In addition to regular Alice in Wonderland performances, Georgia Shakespeare presents an Unbirthday Tea Party, Tuesday, July 28 at 6:00 p.m. Kids and adults are invited to celebrate their unbirthday with Alice and her friends during this festive pre-show tea party, featuring food, drinks, desserts, prizes and more. Tickets are $23 each and include admission to both the Unbirthday Tea Party and the 7:00 p.m. performance of Alice in Wonderland. For tickets, call 404.264.0020 or visit www.gashakespeare.org.