The King and I
Fox Theatre
through October 1, 2017

Once there was a book, Anna and the King of Siam, and from it’s pages Rodgers and Hammerstein crafted one of the most famous of Broadway shows, which to these days plays around the world.

It’s a story about a woman from England who accepts a job to be the teacher to the children of the Potus of Siam (now known as Thailand). He’s an egotistical pain, who feels superior to everyone in his land. And his children number in the sixties and the group continues to expand as he plants his seed so often.

He’s promised this teacher a home of her own, but reneges on that, much to her dismay. But, she gets attracted to the kiddies and toughs it out; finally getting the king to reassess his attitudes.

This touring production from the Lincoln Center stars Laura Michelle Kelly as Anna, and Jose Lana as the king. With a great set, a live orchestra in the pit, and some terrific costumes and a cast of dozens of players, the show is a delight to the ears and the eyes.

The ballet in Act II, about their interpretation of Uncle Tom’s Cabin is just terrific, and the numbers like I Whistle a Happy Tune , Hello Young Lovers, and Shall We Dance will be fondly remembered by those who recall the show and the score from days of yore.

It closes Sunday, so for more info and tickets visit FoxTheatre.org And, if you want to escape the NYC style parking fees think about Marta to North Avenue.

The Reign of King Edward III
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
through October 1, 2017

While most of us know about Romeo, Juliet, the one whose name may not be mentioned, and others; few of us have heretofore seen The Bard’s opus about the Reign of King Edward III.

So come back to the 1300’s and Edward takes over the throne of England. He’s a bit of a warrior and after gobbling up Scotland, he declares himself to be the proper ruler of France; and the hundred years war commences. For more info on the war go back to your Cliff’s Notes.

Directed by Mary Ruth Ralston, the play features Drew Reeves at Edward III, and David Sterritt as his son, the Prince of Wales. Other principals are the Earl of Warwick (Clarke Weigle), Earl of Derby (O’Neil Delapena), Earl of Salisbury (Chris Rushing) and John II, King of France (J. Tony Brown). The cast of about 16 players, come off in more than 28 roles. The play is pretty intense, and David Sterritt captains some terrific fight scenes.

While the factual history of the events being described may be a bit unknown to many of us, the play is the thing, and to that we must shout Hazzah for a job so well done. It is incredible that these performers can remember all these lines, and at the same time getting prepared to open the next play, the one whose name may never be mentioned, only 5 days after this one closes.

The Tavern is downtown on Peachtree Street with plenty of parking at the Emory Hospital garage across the street. They’ll discount your parking fee if you show them your ticket stub.

And, plan to grab some pub grub at the Tavern, as they have a pretty substantial menu and plenty of libations, fit for peons as well as peers. More info at ShakespeareTavern.com

Dial M for Murder
Stage Door Players
through October 15, 2017

Few of us would know that this incredible play was written by a gent who grew up in China. He was from a family of British missionaries. The script was so well crafted that even Hitchcock took it to the big screen without any changes, and more than 50 years later it is still elating audiences around the world.

This production is a delight with Stage Door Players Artistic Director, Robert Egizio taking center stage as the conniving husband, Tony Wendice. His wife, Margot (Kristin Markiton), has some relationship with a Yank, Max Halliday (Chad Martin), who is visiting London. While Max and Margot may have interests in one another, Tony’s eyes are elsewhere. But, Margot is the one with the money and he decides that were she to predecease him, that everything could come out right in the end.

He drags in Thompson (David Allen Grindstaff) to do the nasty work. Thompson will be provided all the info and tools to do the deed, while Max is being set up as the alibi for Tony on the night of the murder. After all, Tony is a mystery writer and if he can’t concoct to perfect scheme, who could? And when the bell rings, the action will start.

Oops. Seems that something goes wrong and Margot survives, so what’s the hubby to do? Change the script and that he does. It is foolproof, except for the fools from Scotland Yard, who may be a wee bit smarter than Tony thinks.

Doyle Reynolds and Charles Green are the coppers, and they may find some tiny little omissions which may change the direction of Tony’s plot. OK, . . so you recall the film, and possibly the glitches that seal the deal; but this is a splendid production directed by Kate MacQueen, with a perfect set by Chuck Welcome.

The theatre is easy to get to, free parking, and all seats have a good view of the action.

More info at StageDoorPlayers.net

Abigail / 1702
Aurora Theatre
through October 15, 2017

October seems to be a time for ghoulish stuff, culminating with all hallowed eve. And the Aurora runs their Ghost Tours in Lawrenceville, and this year they take us back to the bad olde days in New England.

Diany Rodriguez plays a young woman who has lived through the days of the witch hunts in Salem, and has some memories that she just can never erase. She knows more of the spirit world than many other folks, and also can be a healer of others using homeopathic and other uncustomary procedures.

She meets up with a young man (Lee Osorio) who has the pox and needs somebody to save him. He says he is a seafarer, and maybe he, as well as the young lady, have some things in their personal history they’d prefer not to publicize.

The woman cares for a young lad (Joshua Pagan) who had no family nor home. And, at one point she has to consider finding him another foster parent. Olivia D. Dawson plays an older woman, who had taken in the younger one, trained her, and is possessed of knowledge of the past in the region. And Peter Hardy is an older gent who appears as a judge and minister in this tale.

The story is derived of the saga of Abigail Williams who actually was involved in the accusations against more than 20 people in the Salem witch trials of 1692, and most of these alleged witches were put to death. So come back to the days of Salem, and The Crucible, and see some more of the background that was kept a secret for so long.

The play by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa premiered about 4 years ago to great acclaim. And this cast of five players directed by Justin Anderson, uses a terrific set by Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay, and does a very intense trip through those days in a one-act show that runs about 95 minutes.

More info an tickets at AuroraTheatre.com

The Dixie Swim Club
OnStage Atlanta
through October 1, 2017

Three playwrights, Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten came together to craft a load of comedies and they have done so under the pseudonym of Jones Hope Wooten. OnStage presented their Savannah Sipping Society this past April, and now has staged The Dixie Swim Club to provide even more laughter.

We meet five gals who have stuck together as BBFs since their school days and being in the swim club. They come together for a week every August at a cottage on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Each of the five has her own “stuff” to deal with.

There is one egocentric vamp played by Phyllis H. Giller, who has certain priorities in life. A hard working lawyer who hopes to find her big win one of these days, is played by Lateefah D. Mosley. Vernadette (Lory Cox) is one of those gals for whom anything which could go wrong does; and Bobbie Elzey was Sheree, the swim club’s tea captain who figures she still is in charge. Then they have a fifth gal who became a nun, but left the convent to become a mom. Jeri Neal is played by Cat Roche.

If the show reminds one of Only a Bridesmaid, or some episode of Golden Girls, it’s because these playwrights crafted those as well as many other works; and if there is one thing they know how to do, it is to evoke the humor in every day lives.

Directed by Cathe Hall Payne, the story takes place over more than 30 years as these ladies meet up in 1982, then 1987 and in Act 2 we find them gracefully aging in 1992 and 2015. Well, gracefully may not be the adjective they would endorse. This is a chick show to be sure, but the guys in the audience were guffawing as loudly as the ladies and enjoying every minute of the show. It is pretty poignant inasmuch as one of their reunions is thwarted by a storm. Thankfully, not like Irma.

If you would prefer good times and good humor over politicians and news channels, then my suggestion would be to turn off the boob tube and grab seats for this one. Easy to get to, free parking, nice coffee bar, and who could ask for more? For more info and tickets visit their website at OnstageAtlanta.com

Luzia
Cirque du Soleil
through November 19, 2017

What a treat that Cirque has returned to downtown under their Grand Chapiteau at Atlantic Station. Most Cirque shows are very much into acrobatics and this is no exception, except for the use of some real water pouring down onto the circular stage which collects it and sends it back up. The water is enhanced by some crafty electronic projections, and is a delight.

The show is allegedly about Mexico and what a treat to have it here, absent anybody talking about wall building. Cirque is the largest circus company in the world, and performers from around the world are privileged to work with them. This troupe has plenty of members from eastern Europe but actually also has some from Mexico and the USA.

Like any circus there has to be a clown (Eric Fool Koller) who works the audience while the sets and costumes are changed for the next act. This show features about 18 acts, performed in two segments of about an hour each, with a half hour intermission. It is a show that you can not be disappointed with.

In the second act you’ll meet two performers who are absolutely top of their class in every respect.  Juggler Rudolph Janecek from the Czech Republic holds the Guinness World Record in his work, and Aleksei Goloborodko from Russia is a contortionist beyond the limits of his profession. While there are no high wire or slack wire acts, the double swing acts are mind-blowing.

Easy to get to Atlantic Station, plenty of garage parking, and an exciting venue for kids from 5 to 95. Tickets and more info at CirqueduSoleil.com/luzia

Once on This Island
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
through October 1, 2017

This one-act musical about the goings on in an island in the French Antilles, is so very poignant when we think of what has happened in the wake of Irma.

The story is derived from a book about star crossed lovers, My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, and there are some of Romeo and Juliet sewn in. You meet a peasant girl on the side of the island never visited by the tourists. Ti Moune, the little girl (Myshay Pretty), is found by a couple who adopt and care for her. When she grows up she runs into a fellow, who has suffered a terrible injury, and she cares for him and helps him to regain his health. Daniel, the gent from the posh side of the island is played by Christian Magby and India Tyree is the adult Ti Moune.

The show is about love found, lost, refound and life in general. The show is very Caribbean, reminding one of some native areas in Haiti, where the hotels are up in the hills and the peons get by below and rarely do they meet. S. Renee Clark directed the live music performed from a niche at stage left, and this one is both choreographed and directed by Ricardo Aponte. It is on a fine set and with very colorful costumes.

The show runs about 90 minutes. What is so interesting is that this one took the stage in 1990 in NYC, and this coming November it will open at The Circle in the Square in NYC.

The cast of 11 players bring incredible talent and athleticism to the stage. Georgia Ensemble is easy to get to in Roswell with free parking and good views from all seats. More info at GET.org

Throw me on the Burnpile and Light me Up
Aurora Theatre
through October 1, 2017

Prize winning playwright Lucy Alibar wrote this see-through mirror of memories and actually took it to the stage herself a year ago. It is both an honor and a delight that the Aurora has now brought it to their stage with Taylor M. Dooley as the young girl.

She’s part of a tight-knit family down in the Panhandle near a watermelon farm. And she shares with us her memories of growing up there with some weird animals as well as a not-your-usual kind of family.

Her father is a lawyer who just does pro-bono work for clients charged with capital offenses. It’s not because the family is well off; it is perhaps more because of his basic belief that every person deserves a defender, and it validates his being when he is such.

The nameless girl we meet shares with us her stories about her mother, usually referred to as Boss Lady, and her brother who is referred to as The Son Of, while her father generally refers to the girl as Boss. Although they live in a deep southern part of the Bible Belt, father is an atheist who has no love of any deity, albeit he is one who believes in doing what is right.

The girl tells about her life with her family as she grew up, and also the problems encountered in her primary grade years with teachers and classmates. And the set is primarily a burn pile, where the father tosses all the artifacts which remain after a client is put down, and the locals line up for the free fries at the local fast food joint.

I have to tell you that I am not a great fan of one act shows which run about 90 minutes, after I have driven 60 to get there; nor of monologues which sometimes make me feel like I have been attending a lecture. But, this is not that sort of show. Taylor absolutely captivates the audience and while the story is one with pathos, there is humor aplenty in it.

It is a terrific show directed by Rachel Parish, with a backdrop set designed by Elizabeth Jarrett. I stand in wonder of actors as talented as Taylor, who can recall 90 minutes of lines, while I have trouble remembering where I may have parked the car. This is an excellent show. More info at AuroraTheatre.com

Wicket
Dad’s Garage
through October 7, 2017

Dad’s Garage is possibly best known for it’s years of improv theatre. But, they occasionally delve into some pretty loony scripted works. And, this one is one of the biggest they have ever staged.

Presented as “A Parody Musical” it is a look at Star Wars from the viewpoint of the Ewoks, and is an non-stop riot for those who understand what came before. Book and some lyrics by Travis Sharp with music and some other lyrics by Haddon Kime, the show features a cast of 9 players in some very unusual costumes. If you weren’t deeply into Star Wars then you may have a bit of trouble trying to deduce WTF is going on. But, if so, just ask those nerds sitting next to you. They’ll explain it.

Karen Cassady plays Wicket, who is a small Ewok. Wicket is enamored of the Princess Kneesaa (Alyssa Engelhoff) but has a problem. Seems that size matters, and that’s a big problem for a little Ewok. Googie Unterhardt is a terror as The Emperor, whose theory is that everybody and everything is supposed to be his. I hope he doesn’t run for office here next time.

Some of the other Ewoks are there including Princess Leia (Eliana Marianes), Roadie (Reed Pendergrass), Latara (Alice Garriga), Chirpa (Joseph Ndoum) and Longray (Rickey Boynton). And the operatic number by Jayme Alilaw brought down the house.

No, you’re not going to leave the house humming the tunes, nor recall most of the words, but you are going to have a very unusual and enjoyable trip into the other world.   It is surely not for the wee kiddies nor the Miss Prims; but it is a very well staged production under the direction of Rick Lombardo. As he defined the show, “It is the Battle of Endor told entirely from the Ewoks point of view.”

Dad’s garage is located a little south of Little Five Points. You can ask your phone how to get to 569 Ezzard Street, or if you are some old geezer look at one of those old printed map things. More info and tickets at DadsGarage.com

Shakespeare in Love
Alliance Theatre at Oglethorpe
through September 24, 2017

It’s been several years since the heart-breaking loss of the Georgia Shakespeare theatre at Oglethorpe University. So what a joy it is to have the Alliance Theatre bring this one to the stage, with Richard Garner directing, and many of the former cast members of the Shakespeare company.

This production has a large cast of two dozen players. Ok, maybe 23 and the dog “Spot” makes 24. But the play’s the thing and this one based on the film of the same name is a load of fun. Come back in time to London in the late 1500’s. A time when a woman was not allowed on the stage. And there were problems aplenty. For without a typewriter, Will had to take his quill and scribble out every line of a script. He’s just had some success with Two Gentlemen of Verona, but is under a lot of pressure to deliver up another script, and he’s dealing with writers’ block, big time.

Thomas Azar plays Will, and he goes for Viola, played by Bethany Anne Lind. But, nothing is easy. Viola has been promised by her dad to marry Lord Wessex (Joe Knezevich) but she’s not inclined to do so. And to start off, Will is getting some inspiration from Marlowe (Thomas Neal Antwon Ghant). You’ll also get a kick out of the Queen, played by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden. It seems that a play about Romeo and Ethel may not quite fill the bill. Then when the theatre gets shut down for violation of the rules against women on stage; what’s a playwright and performing company to do?

The costumes and set designs were by Angela Balogh Calin and work so well. The costumes are astoundingly great, especially her majesty’s get-up. And the fight scenes, choreographed by Scot J. Mann are superb.

The Conant Performing Arts Center is a first class theatre, at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven. Free parking, a patio where you can picnic before the show, and every seat in the house has a perfect view of the stage. The show runs about 2.5 hours with an intermission, and it’s one you will want to see and won’t forget. More info and tickets at AllianceTheatre.com