Atlanta Theatre + Broadway News

Dad's Garage Presents One-Man Show, APNEA, Now thru 6/1

(4/26/2013) - Tonight, April 26th at 8pm, Mike Schatz will take the stage to perform Dad's Garage's first one-man show since 1999 - Apnea. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 8 p.m. in the Dad's Garage Top Shelf.

Atlanta Opera Appoints Tomer Zvulun as General & Artisic Director

(4/25/2013) - Beginning June 1, 2013, Tomer Zvulun will become the Atlanta Opera's new general and artistic director. At only 37 years old, Zvulun is hailed as a rising star in the opera industry, and has earned consistent praise for his creative vision and work in prestigious opera houses worldwide, including The Metropolitan Opera, and the opera companies of Seattle, Cleveland, Dallas, Cincinnati, Buenos Aires, Wolf Trap and more. Zvulun, an Israeli native, will manage both the artistic and administrative aspects of The Atlanta Opera.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet To Perform ASO Premiere of James MacMillan's 'The Mysteries of Light'

(4/25/2013) - Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet will join Music Director Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to perform the ASO premiere of James MacMillan's Piano Concerto No. 3, "The Mysteries of Light," May 30 and June 1, at 8:00 p.m., and June 2, 2013, at 3:00 p.m., in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Mr. Spano will also lead the Orchestra in two compositions by Mozart: the Overture to The Magic Flute and Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter."

BWW Interviews: GA Shakespeare Brings Energy to the Park with MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

(4/24/2013) - Like temperatures creeping closer to the 90's and pollen covering all of metro-Atlanta, Georgia Shakespeare's trip to Piedmont Park has become an annual rite of spring. After eight years as 'Shake at the Lake', Georgia Shakespeare is readying a remount of last summer's hit comedy 'Much Ado About Nothing' for their second year in front of the Legacy Fountain with 'Shakespeare in the Park.' The show runs May 1st-5th at 7:30pm, with doors opening at 6:00pm.

Aurora Theatre Academy Summer Camp Announces 5/7 Open House

(4/24/2013) - In addition to the camp programs traditionally offered by Aurora Theatre Academy, this summer boasts something brand new, a fully produced musical production for students. Camps and intensives offer student's grades 1-12 a chance to work with seasoned professionals in a fun and supportive environment. All sessions culminate in a performance in one of the Southeast's best venues, Aurora Theatre. Once again, Aurora Theatre Director of Education, Jaclyn Hofmann has assembled an incredible team of teaching artists with professional credits in metro Atlanta's vibrant theatre, film and television industry.

The Fox Theatre Sets GREASE Sing-A-Long for 7/27

(4/24/2013) - The Fox Theatre will host Sing-a-long-a Grease, when the unique, interactive show rolls into town on Saturday, July 27 at 7:30 pm. You'd better shape up to sing along to the great movie musical, complete with on-screen lyrics and the chance to become a T-Bird or Pink Lady for the night and enter the world famous costume competition. Now, at last, Atlanta audiences will have the chance to experience "Summer Lovin'," "Grease Lightning" and the chance to sport a pink wig or greased quiff while belting out "You're The One That I Want". Tickets go on sale this Sunday, April 28 and are $15 in advance and $20 day of show. To purchase tickets, please visit www.foxatltix.com, call 855-ATL-TIXX or visit the Fox ticket office.

BWW Reviews: Simplistic SISTER ACT Raises Voices, Hearts in Joyful Atlanta Return

(4/24/2013) - While 'Sister Act: The Musical,' playing through Sunday at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, is by no means the epitome of theatrical storytelling, it succeeds in spades in its primary goal, and that is simply to entertain and empower. With a toe-tapping 70's inspired score, a script that never takes itself too seriously, and enough sequins to blind half of metro-Atlanta, 'Sister Act', the final show in Broadway Atlanta's season, is a feel good family-show that leaves audiences with a smile on their face and a tune on their lips.

THE PRODUCERS, SPAMALOT and More Set for Atlanta Lyric Theatre's 2013-14 Season at Cobb Civic Center

(4/23/2013) - Atlanta Lyric Theatre will present its 34th season of musicals. 2013-14 will be its most spectacular season to date! With five fantastic shows - Mel Brooks' hysterical Tony Award-winning The Producers; Frank Loesser's classic Broadway musical Guys and Dolls; the song and dance extravaganza Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies; everyone's favorite little orphan Annie the Musical; and the irreverently funny musings of Monty Python's Spamalot - the Lyric looks forward to continuing to deliver unforgettable theatrical experiences to its patrons. Additionally, The Lyric will re-mount the successful holiday production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas as an add-on to the season.

Next Stage Theatre Partners to Bring 'Weird' to the Square!

(4/23/2013) - Next Stage Theatre Company, is thrilled to announce that it has partnered with The Carnival of Doom, who organizes the annual Marietta Zombie walk each October, to bring 'immature mature entertainment' to the Marietta Square.

American Cancer Society Hosts Special Concert with Legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones and Friends, 5/23

(4/23/2013) - The American Cancer Society will celebrate its 100th Birthday with "An evening with Quincy Jones & Friends," taking place on Thursday May 23rd at 8 p.m. at Atlanta's iconic Fox Theatre. The legendary music producer will be joined for an unforgettable evening by special guests including James Ingram, Patti Austin, Siedah Garrett, Nikki Yanofsky and Alfredo Rodriguez. Tickets start at $55 and are available for purchase now at www.FoxAtlTix.com, by calling 1-888-ATL-TIXX or at the Fox Theatre ticket office.

Emory University Announces Creative Writing Fellows in Fiction and Poetry for 2013-2015

(4/23/2013) - The Emory University Creative Writing program announces the Creative Writing Fellows in Fiction and Poetry for 2013-2015. The new Creative Writing Fellow in Fiction is David Samuel Levinson and Malachi Black is named the Creative Writing Fellow in Poetry.

Aurora Children's Playhouse Announces May Events

(4/23/2013) - Aurora Theatre assembles the best children's performers in the region, bringing them to Gwinnett County for the series Aurora Children's Playhouse. With the end of school near, this Saturday morning series features spectacular family entertainment for families with young children.

Historic Oakland Foundation to Present Tunes from the Tombs, 6/8

(4/22/2013) - On June 8, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Historic Oakland Foundation will present the third annual Tunes from the Tombs music festival at Historic Oakland Cemetery. This fundraising event features musicians performing in and among Oakland's extraordinary monuments, mausoleums and renowned gardens. All genres of music will be represented: rock, folk, Americana, jazz, classical, and everything in between.

BWW Interviews: SISTER ACT, Melvin Abston Come 'Home' to Atlanta

(4/22/2013) - Despite what you might see on certain television shows, the creation of a new Broadway musical generally takes years, and there are almost always countless substantive changes across numerous productions before the show even has a chance to grace the Great White Way. Such is the case for feel-good 'Sister Act: The Musical,' which opens at Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre Tuesday, April 23rd. However, despite this first national tour starting just last August, this will not be the first trip to Atlanta for 'Sister Act.'

Now Playing Onstage in Atlanta - Week of 4/21/2013

(4/21/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 4/21/2013 for Atlanta

George Jones Concert Rescheduled at the Fox Theatre

(4/19/2013) - Today, country music icon George Jones was admitted to a local Nashville hospital for observation. During a routine checkup, Mr. Jones was running a slight fever with irregular blood pressure.

Atlanta Symphony Announces Events For 2013 Decorators' Show House

(4/17/2013) - The Atlanta Symphony Associates has just announced a series of signature events as part of the 43rd Annual Decorators' Show House & Gardens. In addition to touring the home, these events welcome all attendees to participate and indulge in tailored special presentations - including lectures, book signings, garden tours, wine tastings, and cooking demonstrations - that will take place at Tuffeau Estate in April and May.

BWW Interviews: Buford Welcomes Award-Winning GTA SouthernStage to New Home

(4/16/2013) - For over three decades, the award-winning Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA), a collaboration between the recently renamed University of North Georgia and Brenau University, has been one of the premiere theatre's in Georgia. While many of GTA's shows feature guest professional actors, directors, and designers, the majority of the on and off-stage work is done by students. However, in 2012, in a collaboration with the city of Buford, they founded GTA SouthernStage, a professional resident company in the new Buford Community Center, Town Park, & Theatre. Through April 28th, GTA SouthernStage is concluding its first season with an outstanding professional production of 'Alfred Hitchock's The 39 Steps' (read BWW Atlanta's glowing review: 'You'd Be Psycho to Miss Amazing 39 STEPS at GTA's SouthernStage'), and has announced that a production of the recent Broadway hit 'Lombardi' will open their second season in their new home in August.

Woodruff Arts Center To Host Inaugural 'Neil Asks' Lecture, 5/17

(4/16/2013) - The Woodruff Arts Center will host the inaugural lecture in the new "Neil Asks" lecture series on Friday, May 17, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. This first lecture, in a conversational format, will discuss leadership and innovation with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles and Turner Broadcast System, Inc. Chairman and CEO Philip I. Kent. ASO Vice President for Artistic Planning Evans Mirageas will moderate.

Georgia State University's Rialto Center for the Arts Presents BETWEEN WORLDS, 5/2

(4/16/2013) - Georgia State University's Rialto Center for the Arts will present Moving in the Spirit's Between Worlds on May 2, 2013 at 7pm. This sweeping fairy tale imagines four young people lost on a dying planet. Thrust together with little in common, they embark on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, reconnecting with forgotten values and learning to work together to restore harmony to the world. Conceived by award-winning poet Alice Lovelace, Between Worlds features student and professional dancers, live musicians, original music by M.U.G.A.B.E.E, lighting by Greg Catellier, set design by Sal Brownfield and design by The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur.

Atlanta Symphony Announces Return to Piedmont Park

(4/16/2013) - The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Piedmont Park Conservancy today announced the Orchestra will return to Piedmont Park as part of the Bank of America presents "Performance on the Promenade" concert series, Friday, May 17, and Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 7:30 p.m.

BWW Reviews: You'd Be Psycho to Miss Amazing 39 STEPS at GTA's Southern Stage in Buford

(4/14/2013) - Don't walk, don't run, don't drive, don't take a ride with strangers on a train, but fly as fast as you can North by Northeast of Atlanta to the Gainesville Theatre Alliance's new Southern Stage in Buford and their side-splitting production of 'Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps.' This is the maiden show for GTA's new professional resident company in the gorgeous Sylvia Beard Theatre at the new Buford Community Center, and it more than gives urban-Atlantans reason to venture to the northern suburbs of Gwinnett and Hall counties. Directed by GTA's Artistic and Managing Director Jim Hammond, this four person cast treats Hitchcock's classic spy drama with a hilarious Monty Python-style sensibility, complete with lightning fast costume changes, outlandish physical comedy, and dozens of quirky accents. There is no doubt that this is one of the best pieces of theatre in the Atlanta-Metro area this year.

Now Playing Onstage in Atlanta - Week of 4/14/2013

(4/14/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 4/14/2013 for Atlanta

BWW Reviews: Hilarious ASSISTANCE Cast Provides Cure For Case of the Mondays at Pinch 'N' Ouch

(4/13/2013) - How many times, at 1:27 on a Saturday morning, have you, in between handfuls of Cool Ranch Doritos, wished that someone would make a sequel to the 1999 movie classic 'Office Space?' Well, put down the Red Bull, because you are in luck! A new tale of hilarious, and sometimes depressing, life on the lower rungs of the corporate ladder is now playing at Atlanta's Pinch 'N' Ouch Theatre. The regional premiere of Leslye Headland's 'Assistance', directed by George Contini, runs through May 4th. The stellar young cast plays the farcically cartoonish co-workers with a reckless comedic abandon, reminiscent of a profane cable sitcom.

Dad's Garage Theatre is Moving; Looks to Build New, Permanent Home

(4/12/2013) - It's official. At the ripe ol' age of 18, mom and dad are kicking Dad's Garage out of the house. Dad's Garage Theatre has received notice that its building, as well as the entire property at 280 Elizabeth Street, is changing ownership and will be redeveloped in the coming months. The team is optimistic that they will finish out the remainder of their season in the current space and will be performing as per usual through at least July 31st. Dad's Garage will be moving out soon after and will continue performing at its new temporary home at 7 Stages in Little Five Points beginning in August. While in the temporary home, Dad's Garage anticipates launching a capital campaign to raise funds to build a new, permanent home.

BWW Reviews: Impressive, Tireless Cast Highlights GA Ensemble's Charming HELLO DOLLY!

(4/12/2013) - 'Hello Dolly...it's so nice to have you back where you belong.' I have to admit, prior to seeing the ebullient production of 'Hello Dolly!' at Georgia Ensemble Theatre, I generally considered the musical, by Jerry Herman (music and lyrics) and Michael Stewart (book), to be a relic of a bygone era, based on a play of an era even more bygone (Thornton Wilder's 1938 comedy 'The Merchant of Yonkers,' reworked as 'The Matchmaker' in 1955). However, after seeing this joyful production, directed by Suzi Award winner Heidi Cline McKerley, I must concede that this heart-warmingly energetic show is in fact back where it belongs, on stage entertaining audiences young and old.

BWW Interviews: Mike Tyson Talks UNDISPUTED TRUTH Before He Takes on the Fox

(4/12/2013) - There are probably few pop-culture figures that were less likely to grace a Broadway stage than former Heaveyweight champion Mike Tyson. However, in August 2012, after a run at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, the controversial boxer debuted 'Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth' at Broadway's Longacre Theatre. In this one-man show, directed by film director Spike Lee ('Do the Right Thing', 'Malcolm X'), Tyson discusses everything from is difficult childhood, his boxing career, his 1992 rape conviction, and much more.

BWW Interviews: Atlanta Lyric Takes on 'Epic' RAGTIME with All-Star Cast

(4/12/2013) - Broadway musicals come in all different shapes and sizes. The small and cute, 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' and 'Little Shop of Horrors;' the grand and extravagant, 'Hello Dolly!' and 'The King and I;' and the massive and epic, 'The Phantom of the Opera,' 'Les Miserables,' and 'Ragtime.' The latter, the most notable American addition to the list, opens at Marietta's Earl Strand Theatre in a production by the Atlanta Lyric Theatre on Friday. With a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty, 'Ragtime' opened on Broadway in 1998 and won, amongst others, the Tony Awards for Best Book and Score, and Audra McDonald won her third Tony for playing young-mother, Sarah. The show, set in 1902, combines the joy of a simpler time with the inevitable conflict associated with societal change.

Georgia Ensemble Theatre Announces 2013-2014 Season Lineup

(4/12/2013) - A packed audience at tonight's opening performance of Hello Dolly! was treated to the official announcement from Artistic Director Robert J. Farley of Georgia Ensemble Theatre's (GET) 2013-2014 Season. The selections are: Almost Heaven: John Denver's America written and adapted by Peter Glazer, Deathrap by Ira Levin, the world premiere of The Only Light in Reno by Topher Payne, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby adapted for the stage by Simon Levy, and Camelot by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. Georgia Ensemble Theatre is the Official Resident Professional Theatre Company at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center in historic Roswell, Georgia.

STAGE TUBE: First Look at Adam Jacobs, Natascia Diaz, Andrea Goss and More in ZORRO Highlights

(4/11/2013) - The ALLIANCE THEATRE's production of ZORRO, a new musical, is set to the flamenco sound of The Gipsy Kings. The show opened April 10, 2013, and runs through May 5, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production highlights below!

Academy Theatre Presents Atlanta S.T.E.A.M.Fest 2013, 5/4 & 5

(4/10/2013) - Atlanta's favourite two-day steampunk festival is returning in 2013. Sponsored in part by the City of Avondale Estates, Academy Theatre's own S.T.E.A.M.Fest is returning on May 4th and 5th. This year we are looking beyond Victorian England and America. This year will be a celebration of Mexican history and steampunk south of the border. It's not just high tea, it's high tequila!

Photo Flash: First Look at Adam Jacobs, Andrea Goss & More in ZORRO, Opening Tonight!

(4/10/2013) - The ALLIANCE THEATRE's production of ZORRO, a new musical, is set to the flamenco sound of The Gipsy Kings. The show opens tonight, April 10, 2013, and runs through May 5, 2013.

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Rehearsals for ZORRO, Opening Tonight!

(4/10/2013) - The ALLIANCE THEATRE's production of ZORRO, a new musical, is set to the flamenco sound of The Gipsy Kings. The show opens tonight, April 10, 2013, and runs through May 5, 2013.

Professor Jim Harbour Concludes Georgia Southern Theatre Career with ON THE RAZZLE, Now thru 4/13

(4/10/2013) - The Theatre and Performance program at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro concludes the spring semester with the comedic farce On the Razzle by Tom Stoppard. This show plays tonight, April 10-13 with performances at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center on Georgia Southern's campus.

Tom Stoppard's ON THE RAZZLE to Open at Newnan Theatre, 5/9

(4/9/2013) - 'On the razzle' is a British expression meaning a night on the town involving alcohol consumption and raucous fun. NTC's production of 'On the Razzle,' by Tom Stoppard, opens on the Newnan Theatre Company Main Stage on May 9. Audiences won't need adult beverages to have a rollicking good time.

Dad's Garage Presents One-Man Show, APNEA 4/26-6/01

(4/9/2013) - On Friday, April 26th at 8pm, Mike Schatz will take the stage to perform Dad's Garage's first one-man show since 1999 - Apnea. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 8 p.m. in the Dad's Garage Top Shelf.

Michael Feinstein To Perform With the Atlanta Symphony, 5/24 & 25

(4/9/2013) - Grammy-nominated singer and pianist Michael Feinstein will join Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for an evening of favorites from the American Songbook May 24-25, 2013, at 8:00 p.m., in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center.

BWW Interviews: For John Markus' Love of BBQ, All Roads Lead to Franken

(4/8/2013) - A case could easily be made that John Markus, the creator and Executive Producer of Destination America's docu-reality series 'BBQ Pitmasters' has done more for 'The Art of Barbecue' than anyone in recent memory. In addition to filming the series' 13-episode fifth season, Markus is traveling the country's film festival circuit with his documentary 'The Kings of BBQ Barbecue Kuwait,' which chronicles a seven-day trip to Kuwait City in 2010 in which he and five all-star Pitmasters served 5,000 troops a taste of home.

Donald Runnicles To Lead Duruflé 'Requiem' for Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

(4/8/2013) - Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles will lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Durufle's Requiem May 16 and 18, 2013, at 8:00 p.m., in Atlanta Symphony Hall at Woodruff Arts Center.