Tom Key’s beloved one-man stage adaptation of the Truman Capote classic offers an intimate alternative to local seasonal spectaculars
For an exclusive run of only nine performances this holiday season, Theatrical Outfit will feature Executive Artistic Director, Tom Key, on stage for his one-man show adaptation of Truman Capote’s cherished story, A Christmas Memory. The performance will consist of two acts—the first act of holiday music by bluegrass band, The Georgia Potlickers, will complement the second act’s theatrical narration by Key: “The actor, the words and the audience’s imagination is all you need. Reader’s theatre really invites the audience to let their imagination run free.” An Alabama native himself, Key narrates the semi-autobiographical tale of seven-year-old Alabama boy, Buddy, and his unique friendship with his elderly eccentric cousin, like “a lost pair of kites hurrying towards heaven." Comedic, realistic, and with childlike charisma, the adventures in A Christmas Memory offer an intimate holiday event for the entire family.
Much like last season’s Amahl and the Night Vistors, A Christmas Memory delivers the same simplicity and charm of holiday storytelling—as if the audience is being entertained in Key’s own home. In fact, Tom Key had not originally intended to fully adapt Capote’s work, but was encouraged to do so by his family and friends, for whom he had made a holiday tradition of performing the work. In 1973, Key was asked by the local YMCA in Knoxville, TN to perform his adaptation during graduate school. However, it was not until after his tour of Cotton Patch Gospel in 1982 that Key was approached by several regional theatre companies to take A Christmas Memory to the stage, including the Alliance Theatre in the late 1980s. Most notable of A Christmas Memory’s presentations is that it was the first work to be performed at Theatrical Outfit’s newly-renovated downtown home, The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, on December 16, 2004. Of this performance, Wendell Brock wrote, “That Key can evince so much whimsy and filigree from Capote’s tales is a testament to his gift as a storyteller.” “…[A Christmas Memory] remains a rich and evocative glimpse of the vanishing South—and a wise commentary on the intricacies of friendship, kindness and giving” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2004); all warm and resonant notes of the holiday spirit.
Tickets are $15 - $30 and are available now. For more information about show times and tickets, call the Box Office at 678.528.1500 or visit www.theatricaloutfit.org. Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday from noon – 6:00pm and prior to all performances. Group rates available. Theatrical Outfit in The Balzer Theatre at Herren’s, 84 Luckie Street, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Atlanta Lyric to Stage Spectacular “42ND STREET”
“Come and Meet Those Dancing Feet” at The Strand Theatre in Marietta
Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the metro area’s only local professional musical theatre company presents “42nd Street,” the ultimate Broadway musical which opens December 3rd and plays through the 19th at the historic Strand Theatre in Marietta. Tickets are $30-$45, with discounts for seniors, students, groups and four pack season tickets that offer a savings as low as 30%!
“42nd Street” is an unforgettable tap-‐dancing extravaganza with a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin and music by Harry Warren that features such hits as “We’re In The Money,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me,” and, of course, the title song!
The 1980 Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Musical as did the 2001 Broadway revival for Best Revival. Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 film adaptation, “42nd Street” tells the story of a starry-eyed young actress named Peggy Sawyer who has come to audition for the new Julian Marsh musical that is about to open on Broadway. Unfortunately, Peggy can’t seem to work up the nerve to walk through the stage door until it’s too late--the audition is over. But not to worry! Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director, and when the chorus turns up one girl short, Peggy gets her big break. But Peggy can’t seem to stay in the good graces of the show’s aging leading lady, Dorothy Brock, and on opening night, another Dancer accidentally pushes Peggy into Ms. Brock who falls and breaks her ankle. The furious director fires Peggy on the spot. Discouraged and ready to give up all her dreams of becoming a star, Peggy packs her bags and heads for the train station, but fate has other plans and Peggy may turn out to be a star yet!
Lyric Artistic Director Brandt Blocker directs, and nationally acclaimed choreographer Karen Hebert choreographs and stars as aging diva Dorothy Brock.
Starring in the role of Peggy Sawyer is Casey Leigh Thompson of Broadway’s “Legally Blonde.” Thompson was previously seen as Tiger Lilly in The Lyric’s “Peter Pan.” Playing Broadway director Julian Marsh is Atlanta’s award-winning actor Jeff McKerley who was in The Lyric’s “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Mikado,” and “Cinderella.” Last seen at Long Island’s Gateway Playhouse in “The Producers,” William James Daniels plays brash performer Billy Lawlor, while Atlanta’s Dustin Lewis and Mary Nye Bennett are featured as Broadway writers Bert Barry and Maggie Jones.
Others in the cast include Steve Hornibrook, Larry Ruth, Charles Green, Jason Kalish, Jennifer Smiles Plumley, Lauren Warnke, Courtney Godwin, Caroline Ann Freedlund, Becky Simmons, Becca Potter, Courtney Bowers, Elizabeth Neidel, Michael Malone, Michael McDonough, Aaron Carter, Fenner Eaddy, and Justin Thompson.
The design team for the show is led by scenic designer Lee Shiver; Jessica Coale is the lighting designer; Lindsey Paris is the costume coordinator; and Bobby Johnston is sound designer.
All performances are held at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre at 117 N. Park Sq., on the historic Marietta Square. For tickets and information call 404-377-9948 or visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.
Performance Schedule
Dec 3, 4, 5 Friday & Sat. @ 8:00, Sun. @ 2:00
9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00, Sun. @ 2:00 16, 17, 18, &19, 2010
Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00, Sat. & Sun. @ 2:00
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Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the metro area’s only local professional musical theatre company presents “42nd Street,” the ultimate Broadway musical which opens December 3rd and plays through the 19th at the historic Strand Theatre in Marietta. Tickets are $30-$45, with discounts for seniors, students, groups and four pack season tickets that offer a savings as low as 30%!
“42nd Street” is an unforgettable tap-‐dancing extravaganza with a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin and music by Harry Warren that features such hits as “We’re In The Money,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me,” and, of course, the title song!
The 1980 Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Musical as did the 2001 Broadway revival for Best Revival. Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 film adaptation, “42nd Street” tells the story of a starry-eyed young actress named Peggy Sawyer who has come to audition for the new Julian Marsh musical that is about to open on Broadway. Unfortunately, Peggy can’t seem to work up the nerve to walk through the stage door until it’s too late--the audition is over. But not to worry! Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director, and when the chorus turns up one girl short, Peggy gets her big break. But Peggy can’t seem to stay in the good graces of the show’s aging leading lady, Dorothy Brock, and on opening night, another Dancer accidentally pushes Peggy into Ms. Brock who falls and breaks her ankle. The furious director fires Peggy on the spot. Discouraged and ready to give up all her dreams of becoming a star, Peggy packs her bags and heads for the train station, but fate has other plans and Peggy may turn out to be a star yet!
Lyric Artistic Director Brandt Blocker directs, and nationally acclaimed choreographer Karen Hebert choreographs and stars as aging diva Dorothy Brock.
Starring in the role of Peggy Sawyer is Casey Leigh Thompson of Broadway’s “Legally Blonde.” Thompson was previously seen as Tiger Lilly in The Lyric’s “Peter Pan.” Playing Broadway director Julian Marsh is Atlanta’s award-winning actor Jeff McKerley who was in The Lyric’s “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Mikado,” and “Cinderella.” Last seen at Long Island’s Gateway Playhouse in “The Producers,” William James Daniels plays brash performer Billy Lawlor, while Atlanta’s Dustin Lewis and Mary Nye Bennett are featured as Broadway writers Bert Barry and Maggie Jones.
Others in the cast include Steve Hornibrook, Larry Ruth, Charles Green, Jason Kalish, Jennifer Smiles Plumley, Lauren Warnke, Courtney Godwin, Caroline Ann Freedlund, Becky Simmons, Becca Potter, Courtney Bowers, Elizabeth Neidel, Michael Malone, Michael McDonough, Aaron Carter, Fenner Eaddy, and Justin Thompson.
The design team for the show is led by scenic designer Lee Shiver; Jessica Coale is the lighting designer; Lindsey Paris is the costume coordinator; and Bobby Johnston is sound designer.
All performances are held at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre at 117 N. Park Sq., on the historic Marietta Square. For tickets and information call 404-377-9948 or visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.
Performance Schedule
Dec 3, 4, 5 Friday & Sat. @ 8:00, Sun. @ 2:00
9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00, Sun. @ 2:00 16, 17, 18, &19, 2010
Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00, Sat. & Sun. @ 2:00
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Broadway Across America-Atlanta Holiday Package Announced
Help spread some Broadway magic with the gift that keeps giving all season long! The recently announced Broadway Across America – Atlanta Mini Season Package includes classics such as West Side Story and Hair, as well as a Tony Award nominated newcomer, Shrek the Musical, and the high-energy ballroom dancing spectacular, Burn the Floor.
“Our new holiday package enables theatre fans to gift an experience that will resonate throughout the year,” said Stephanie Parker, vice president of Broadway Across America – Atlanta. “This mini season line up features some of this season’s most anticipated shows at prices that can accommodate any budget.”
With packages starting as low as $52, reserving seats and spreading the joy to loved ones will be easier than ever for Atlantans. Tickets can be purchased through December 31 online anytime at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com or by phone at 800-278-4447 (Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
Show dates include:
West Side Story
January 25 – 30, 2011
Burn the Floor
March 22 – 27, 2011
Shrek the Musical
April 26 – May 1, 2011
Hair
May 17 – 22, 2011
About Broadway Across America
Broadway Across America: Owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman), Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities. Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Broadway Across America most recently produced Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS on Broadway, while current and upcoming productions include WEST SIDE STORY, BLITHE SPIRIT, MINSKY’S, and the DeafWest production of PIPPIN. Broadway tours include DORA THE EXPLORER, FROST/NIXON, SPAMALOT, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent, please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.
Clayton State Theatre Presents “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab”
This November, the Clayton State Theatre brings audiences an original stage production, “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab” – an entirely student developed musical featuring an all-student cast.
Preview nights for “Everything Goes” are Nov. 9 and 10 with the musical running Nov. 11, Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, all at 8 p.m. in the Clayton State Theatre, located in room G132 in the University’s Arts & Sciences building.. General admission is $5. Clayton State students receive free admission with their LakerCard.
Fourteen Clayton State Theatre students began developing “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab” at the beginning of fall semester 2010. Under the tutelage of Clayton State Theatre Artistic Director Phillip DePoy, the students created the play’s title, characters, plot, and other elements through improvisation. The action centers on a 1920s speakeasy and features jazz numbers from that time period.
“The students did research on music in the 1920s, built a rough outline and improvised lines in class to create the script,” shares DePoy, who led theatre students in a similar creative process in 2005 when Clayton State Theatre produced its first student developed play, “Coffee Girl in a World of Good and Evil.” “This play, although weirdly close in theme to 1920s theatre, is really a parody that explores the foolishness and delight of that era of musical.”
Students in the cast of “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab” include Brian Bryant, Kristy Bryant, Tiffany McClanahan, Bryan Meadows, Adrienne Garcia, Kathryn Hayes, LaDonna Williams, Tristan Santiago, Anissa Sivik, Chelisa Williams, Cody Wilson, and Angel Woods. Clayton State senior and Fayetteville native Kalani Fraser – who graduates with her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Clayton State this December – is stage manager. Clayton State theatre graduate Marie Banks is assistant stage manager for the production.
Also assisting in the production of “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab” is Clayton State Director of Opera Dr. Kurt-Alexander Zeller, choreographer Nicole Livieratos and pianist and Clayton State alumnus Seth Davis. Adrienne Garcia, a cast member, created the murals as part of an internship.
“The process of developing a play drives some actors crazy, but other actors buy into it whole-heartedly,” says DePoy, recalling the support he received from the Clayton State student actors during both original Clayton State pieces in which he has been part. In addition to writing numerous plays himself, DePoy was the artistic director at Atlanta’s Theatrical Outfit when the theatre company developed a popular version of the British epic “Beowulf.”
For more information on “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab,” contact DePoy at PhillipDePoy@clayton.edu or call (678) 466-4715.
Preview nights for “Everything Goes” are Nov. 9 and 10 with the musical running Nov. 11, Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, all at 8 p.m. in the Clayton State Theatre, located in room G132 in the University’s Arts & Sciences building.. General admission is $5. Clayton State students receive free admission with their LakerCard.
Fourteen Clayton State Theatre students began developing “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab” at the beginning of fall semester 2010. Under the tutelage of Clayton State Theatre Artistic Director Phillip DePoy, the students created the play’s title, characters, plot, and other elements through improvisation. The action centers on a 1920s speakeasy and features jazz numbers from that time period.
“The students did research on music in the 1920s, built a rough outline and improvised lines in class to create the script,” shares DePoy, who led theatre students in a similar creative process in 2005 when Clayton State Theatre produced its first student developed play, “Coffee Girl in a World of Good and Evil.” “This play, although weirdly close in theme to 1920s theatre, is really a parody that explores the foolishness and delight of that era of musical.”
Students in the cast of “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab” include Brian Bryant, Kristy Bryant, Tiffany McClanahan, Bryan Meadows, Adrienne Garcia, Kathryn Hayes, LaDonna Williams, Tristan Santiago, Anissa Sivik, Chelisa Williams, Cody Wilson, and Angel Woods. Clayton State senior and Fayetteville native Kalani Fraser – who graduates with her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Clayton State this December – is stage manager. Clayton State theatre graduate Marie Banks is assistant stage manager for the production.
Also assisting in the production of “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab” is Clayton State Director of Opera Dr. Kurt-Alexander Zeller, choreographer Nicole Livieratos and pianist and Clayton State alumnus Seth Davis. Adrienne Garcia, a cast member, created the murals as part of an internship.
“The process of developing a play drives some actors crazy, but other actors buy into it whole-heartedly,” says DePoy, recalling the support he received from the Clayton State student actors during both original Clayton State pieces in which he has been part. In addition to writing numerous plays himself, DePoy was the artistic director at Atlanta’s Theatrical Outfit when the theatre company developed a popular version of the British epic “Beowulf.”
For more information on “Everything Goes, Episode One: Big Max Takes a Cab,” contact DePoy at PhillipDePoy@clayton.edu or call (678) 466-4715.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Broadway Baby Comes Home to Help Foster Children
Curtains Up, the non-profit performing arts company that mentors at-risk children to become confident and successful performers, invites the community to see their production of Annie at Onstage Atlanta on November 8 through November 13, 2010. Mary Stewart Sullivan, a Broadway performer, will star as the title role opposite Jennifer Salberg, founder of Curtains Up, as Miss Hannigan.
Jennifer started Curtains Up in 2004. She produces Broadway shows that inspire children and encourage them to reach for the stars. In addition, Curtains Up gives every child the opportunity to stand in the spotlight.
In 2005, Mary Stewart, at the age of four, learned how theatre could be fun and philanthropic from “Ms. Jen”. Thus, their magnetic force, which will be evident in Annie, began.
This year, with the help of her Curtains Up background, Mary Stewart landed the role and played Jojo in Seussical with the Atlanta School of the Performing Arts. During that production, the magic of Broadway struck. At eight years old, she received the call of a lifetime and was whisked away to perform as the daughter of Tony Award Winner Norbert Leo Butz in Enron, A true story of false profits. Mary Stewart returns to Atlanta to play Annie and help Curtains Up support foster children.
All of the ticket money from Annie will go to at-risk and foster children.
For tickets and more information please call 404-459-0409 or visit www.curtainsupinc.org
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Twitter:
@artsacrossga
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Jennifer started Curtains Up in 2004. She produces Broadway shows that inspire children and encourage them to reach for the stars. In addition, Curtains Up gives every child the opportunity to stand in the spotlight.
In 2005, Mary Stewart, at the age of four, learned how theatre could be fun and philanthropic from “Ms. Jen”. Thus, their magnetic force, which will be evident in Annie, began.
This year, with the help of her Curtains Up background, Mary Stewart landed the role and played Jojo in Seussical with the Atlanta School of the Performing Arts. During that production, the magic of Broadway struck. At eight years old, she received the call of a lifetime and was whisked away to perform as the daughter of Tony Award Winner Norbert Leo Butz in Enron, A true story of false profits. Mary Stewart returns to Atlanta to play Annie and help Curtains Up support foster children.
All of the ticket money from Annie will go to at-risk and foster children.
For tickets and more information please call 404-459-0409 or visit www.curtainsupinc.org
---
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter:
@artsacrossga
@softnblue (music & dance)
@RimbomboAAG (books, authors +)
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
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