Aurora Theatre Presents CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2012, 11/23-12/23

Christmas Canteen 2012 is Aurora Theatre's original annual holiday musical extravaganza. This living Christmas card overflows with nostalgic music that will evoke warm holiday memories. Gwinnett County's longest running theatrical holiday tradition combines the sentimentality of a television variety special with the high energy of a USO show. For thousands of North Georgians, it's just not Christmas until they hear their Canteen favorites and this year the show is jam packed with more holiday tunes than ever.

Christmas Canteen 2012 pays tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Services both past and present while Aurora's Festival of Trees supports both the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive and local food banks. From the whimsically clever to the breathtakingly spectacular, the Festival of Trees decks the halls of Aurora Theatre with over 30 trees decorated by local businesses. All are encouraged to cast a vote for their favorite tree with a new unwrapped toy or a non-perishable food to help ensure that everyone has a great holiday season. Generous thanks to the Holtkamp Can Challenge who handles the food drive delivering much needed food to our local food banks.

The stellar Christmas Canteen 2012 cast is led by performer and head writer of the show Brandon O'Dell, now in his ninth year. Returning Aurora veterans, Jevares Myrick (Sweet Charity) and Eric Moore (Suzi Bass Award winner for Godspell) are ready to deliver another season of dynamic performances. Making their Canteen debut are three lovely ladies, all of whom have impressed Aurora Theatre audiences with their luscious voices. They include Courtney Godwin (A Chorus Line), Kathryn Berrong (Chicago, Guys & Dolls and Lucky Stiff) and Taryn Bryant (Sweet Charity). Truly a labor of love, Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez directs and Associate Producer Ann-Carol Pence brings her award-wining musical direction to the stage. Christmas Canteen is a cup of eggnog for the holiday soul.

Aurora Theatre Associate Producer Ann-Carol Pence when asked what audiences can expect from this year's Christmas Canteen simply said, "More fun than ever, more Christmas than ever!" She went on to explain, "In a year when our community has helped us with an enormous fundraising campaign, Canteen is the sincerest way Anthony and I can show our deepest appreciation. By supporting us, you have already made our dreams come true."

Cast & Crew

Brandon O'Dell Ensemble & Writer
Jevares Myrick Ensemble
Eric Moore Ensemble
Courtney Godwin Ensemble
Taryn Bryant Ensemble
Kathryn Berrong Ensemble

Anthony Rodriguez Director
Ann-Carol Pence Music Director
Ricardo Aponte Choreographer
Kathryn Pelkey Stage Manager
Britt Hultgren Ramroop Production Manager
Bradley Bergeron Set & Lighting Design
Alan Yeong Costume Design
Bobby Johnston Sound & Video Design
EB Hooyer Props Design & Asst. Stage Manager
James M. Helms Technical Director
Daniel Terry Asst. Technical Director
Sarah Thomson Scenic Artist

Christmas Canteen 2012 runs November 23 – December 23, 2012. Performances are Wednesday – Saturday at 8:00PM and Saturday & Sunday at 2:30PM. Tickets $30 - $40. *No performance Wednesday, November 28.

There will be a Wednesday Discount Matinee on December 12 & 19 at 10:00am - Tickets $20. A Special Preview Performance will play on Wednesday November 21 at 8:00PM. Preview Tickets: $10 with Library Card.

Call 678.226.6222 or visit www.auroratheatre.com for tickets and more information. City of Lawrenceville FREE Parking Deck attached to Aurora Theatre: 153 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, GA.

Pictured: Cast of Christmas Canteen 2011. Photo by Chris Bartelski.