29
Sep

Parade

Parade
Wallace Buice Theatre
through October 7, 2018

For a small fairly new theatre company to bring this one to the stage, is quite an accomplishment. The play is a classic by Alfred Uhry with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. It’s a story about justice gone wrong, anti-Semitism, and the rising up again of the Klan.

If you don’t know the story, it is simple. A Jewish man, Leo Frank (Jared Bradshaw) was from NYC and working at a pencil factory in Atlanta. He was the bookkeeper for the factory. A 13 year old worker, Mary Phagan (Molly Wiley) is found dead in the factory and Leo was one of the last to see her alive. As he was a Yankee and a Jew, the odds were stacked against him from the start.

He was the person of interest, and despite no significant evidence of his involvement, it was convenient to indict and try him. Prosecutor Hugh Dorsey (Matthew Sidney Morris) did as he felt people wished him to do, which was to get it done and do it quickly. Leo Frank was found guilty and sentenced to hang. But Governor Slaton (Jeremy Wood) commuted his sentence to work on a prison farm in Milledgeville. His wife, Lucille (Maggie Salley) knew he wasn’t capable of this heinous act and does everything she can do to gain his release. To no avail.

For on that day in 1913 a gang invaded the prison farm, abducted Leo Frank and brought him to Marietta, where they lynched him on what is now Route 120 near Cobb Parkway. The small park area and a bronze plaque sign stand there in memory of what occurred.

Taylor Buice grandly directed a cast of 17 players, with 9 orchestra players under the baton of Ed Thrower; as they worked their way through the more than 30 numbers. This production is being staged in Marietta at the Atlanta Lyric Studio Theatre, just off the square. Easy to get to and fair amount of on-street parking usually available. It’s a small stage production and all the seats have a good view. It is a real accomplishment for this new company and you can get more info at WallaceBuiceTheatre.com

28
Sep

Nina Simone: Four Women

Nina Simone: Four Women
True Colors Theatre
through October 21, 2018

Nina Simone was a pop singer who had a very complex life. Born in North Carolina in 1933, Eunice Waymon changed her stage name to protect her family from any problems. It wasn’t a great time for black performers; but she played in bars and other venues, and her life was convoluted with several marriages and other relationships. On a couple of occasions she took off for the Caribbean and also hit the road to Paris, as did many black performers.

This story of her life by Christina Ham, and directed by Michele Shay, features four women, each of whom may have been a Simone at some time. We se them as Nina (Regina Marie Williams), one called Sweet Thing (Jordan Frazier), Sephronia (Wendy Fox Williams) and Sarah (Adrienne Reynolds). While there is a grand piano onstage she may seem to be on the keys at times, but it is Christian Magby, as Sam, who is providing the music for the eleven numbers which help to move the story along.

It wasn’t easy to be a black activist in her days, and to be seen singing numbers such as Mississippi Goddam, when folks thought she’d be better off singing to Porgy. The show runs in one act and each performer brings quite a bit to the stage; for the problems with which they deal may be thought of as resolved, but that may not actually be totally realistic, if you watch the news most days.

True Colors performs at the Southwest Arts Center on New Hope Road. Easy to get to, free parking, nice art shows, and all seats have a good view. More info at TrueColorsTheatre.org

26
Sep

Be Here Now

Be Here Now
Aurora Theatre
through October 21, 2018

Bari (Cynthia Barrett) is working in a fulfillment center, packing up stuff for people who think they need more “stuff”. She is very nihilistic and for a while had taught others what she thought to be true values or non-values. She works alongside Patty (Joselin Reyes) and Luanne (Falashay Pearson) who think she is denying herself the chances to find joy in her life.

They are in a small town where almost everybody is related to everyone else in the town. But, there might be a chance for her with the brother of one of the other ladies. He’s moved up from the city and runs a very unusual life in which he turns other’s trash into assets for third parties. That’s Mike (Travis Smith) and, like Bari, he is a loner and not looking for love in lost places.

Bari has some psycho-medical issues which come into play, and the play is about how mere humans may work through impossible times, to probably conclusions. This is a work by local playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer, who certainly can merge comedy with pathos, and is directed on the main stage by Rachel Parish. And, of course the sets, by the sisters Curley-Clay is quite a great job.

In a time when the world is going crazy, and we may all wonder what life may be like a hundred years from now; or maybe next month; it’s a production that pulls you in from the start. The show is about one hour and forty minutes with no intermission. More info at their website: AuroraTheatre.com

23
Sep

Lawrenceburg

Lawrenceburg
Dad’s Garage
through October 13, 2018

This opus by Travis Sharp is a restaging of the riotous show he wrote in 2006 and was staged in the old Dad’s Garage venue. Not only is he the playwright, but he is on the Board of Dad’s Garage, as well as being on the boards. There have been some revisions, we are told; but no worries. It is still the same story, and as the Frenchies would tell you; “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

The hick town of Lawrenceburg is about to become invaded by a Mall-Mart super store, and that is a real problem for all the local small merchants, as well as the farmers and other locals. And, they have a mayor (Travis Sharp) who is financially in bed with the Mall-Mart gang. The Sheriff, who is like a current day political aide, is played by Amanda Williams.

Some of the locals want to take to the streets to protest and run the project off the tracks, so their town will stay as it was. They have concern that while female employees will be paid the same as males; that all males will be paid as if they didn’t have a green card.  Hannah Aslesen is Marcie Foote, a prime mover of the resistance; and when I say mover, you have to see all the athletic moves she and the others bring to this production.

The show is not about race or ethnic background. In fact the attorney, Wally Goldstein is played by a black actor, Rickey Boynton. And the semi driver, Blacktop Cowgirl, is played by Kirsten King. They all work things out with Freddie Boyd and Jeremy Aggers joining the gang.

What’s really cute is the interaction of the musicians and other cast members with the audience; so that sometimes it as a play within a play.   More info at DadsGarage.com

22
Sep

A Red Plaid Shirt

A Red Plaid Shirt
Stage Door Players
through October 14, 2018

Michael G. Wilmot loves to write comedy and this one is a hoot. I am not going to give away the entire plot as there are twists and turns aplenty, and I would not want to intrude on your laugh fest.

You meet up with a couple of middle age geezers who have retired and are trying to format their coming years. It isn’t always easy, for life is what happens as you wait for your plans to work out.

Marty (Michael Strauss) was a teacher and has taken his leave. He has thought deeply about buying a Harley and hitting the road some day. A lot of us may have done that in our 40’s, but he’s older; and his wife, Deb (Suzanne Jordan Roush), is pretty worried about his safety and wellbeing on a two wheeler.

They are friends with another couple. Fred (Steve Hudson) is a retired accountant and his wife, Gladys (Eileen Koteles). Gladys hangs out a lot with Deb, and they get involved with more activities than the guys. But, somehow the men get sucked into learning some new skills, and anything that might screw up does so with great aplomb.

This laugh-a-minute is directed by Robert Egizio and the set by Chuck Welcome works great to come off as Fred and Gladys’ home, a local coffee shop, and two activity rooms at the school.

Stage Door Players is in Dunwoody, easy to get to, plenty of free parking, and every seat has a good view of the stage. It’s a very pleasant local theatre starting off this 45th year with this one. More info at StageDoorPlayers.net

20
Sep

Aladdin

Aladdin
Fox Theatre
through September 23, 2018

Take Disney’s film, add some incredible costumes, great music and sets that will blow you away, and it’s no surprise that this one did win a Tony and the touring company is selling out performances in many venues.

So maybe the story is an oldie, but this is a VERY updated version in song, dance and dialogue. Trevor Dion Nicholas brings down the house as the Genie who has to come up with the answers to three wishes, and has one of his own that he may or may not get to use. Clinton Greenspan is Aladdin, a street busker, hustler and petty thief just trying to get by.

As you know, he does meet and fall for a princess, Jasmine (Lissa DeGuzman), who is under a load of pressure to marry within her social circle. And the story is about how the street guy tries to pass himself off as some prince, and how he finally has to own up, and how everything comes out alright in the end. Of course there is an evil character, Jafar (Jonathan Weir) who will stop at nothing to gain access to the throne. His aide, Iago (Jay Paranada) is a comedic sort who comes off like an aide to an elected politician you may know of.

The sets and props are like a trip to Disneyland, and the live orchestra in the pit moves the action along. There is total eye candy in the costumes, sets and choreography; and no matter what you may think the show will deliver, it will far surpass your expectations.

Aladdin closes this weekend, so get your tickets and have a good time. The kids will enjoy the show and the old folks will enjoy the show and the single entendres. More info at FoxTheatre.org

16
Sep

42nd Street

42nd Street
City Springs Theatre
through September 23, 2018

Let’s jump to the last line ……. go online or phone to get your tickets to this incredible first production of this new theatre company in Sandy Springs. If you have been to professional theaters on Broadway or in Shaftesbury Avenue, then you will be duly impressed at the quality of this production. It’s a true classic which opened on Broadway in 1980 and won the Tony for Best Musical. Then in 1984 opened in London on Drury Lane and won the Olivier Award.

Brandt Blocker both directed this show and is in the orchestra pit as conductor. The story line is based on a film of the same name dating from the 1930’s and the Great Depression. A producer wants to bring a show to the stage but runs into some problems, including the accident that prevents an egocentric prima donna from taking center stage. Producer Julian Marsh (Tony winner Shuler Hensley) is furious and ready to pull the plug; but the cast rises up and ready to do whatever is necessary to get this one on. They get the young first-timer, Peggy Sawyer (Leigh Ellen Jones), accepted to stand in for the injured star.

If you recall seeing the dancers at Radio City Music Hall, then this is kind of that sort of production. The choreography by Cindy Mora Reiser is awesome, and the cast of 30 players pour their hearts and souls into the show. You just want it to go on and on.

It is about eye candy and treats for the ears. Tunes you will hum along to are classics, such as We’re in the Money, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, Lullaby of Broadway and more. There is a live orchestra belting out the tunes, and the stage sets and costumes are totally first class.

This new facility is in Sandy Springs, just north of 285, and there is plenty of garage parking; and on street meters if you can get the stupid things to work. The theatre seats a little more than 1,000 and every seat has a clear view of the stage. Plenty of boxes available with movable seats as well. So get going . . . . more info and tickets at their website; CitySpringsTheatre.com

15
Sep

9 to 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 to 5
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
through September 30, 2018

Get your tickets and get to see this one. It is one of the best that you can see right now. And Dolly Parton’s adaptation of the film, 9 to 5, has become a Broadway legend which to this day is probably playing somewhere every day. This musical, staged by Georgia Ensemble, is as we may say, . . Fabulous.

It is a story of women working for somebody who possibly could have become a President. He’s egocentric, undervalues women, and thinks he reigns supreme in all areas. But, he meets his downfall when the women come together and decide to take a Tony Soprano approach to resolving their dilemmas. It is soooooo relevant to current issues and activities.

Jill Hames is Violet, a supervisory female who is banging her head against a glass ceiling. They’ve just hired Judy (Wendy Melkonian) who has absolutely no business experience; but they’re going to make her fit in. Doralee (Alyssa Flowers) is the current object of affection for her boss, Franklin Hart, Jr. (Brian Kurlander) who is somewhat obnoxious in his moves. Eleven more players comprise the cast, and there’s an off-stage live band of five players headed by S. Renee Clark.

In the slight possibility that you’ve not seen the show before, I shall not tell you how they actually get control, and what ultimately happens to the boss with a horny Hart. Rest assured, that Dolly Parton wouldn’t have been so involved in this work, if all didn’t come right in the end. At least for the good ladies of the company.

James Donadio directed, and there’s plenty of great dance choreographed by Jennifer Smiles. When they go to intermission you just can’t wait to get back and see how things work out. More info and tickets at GET.org

11
Sep

The Two Kids that Blow Sh*t Up

The Two Kids that Blow Sh*t Up
Aurora Theatre
through September 30, 2018

Carla Ching is a master playwright who has quite a track record. A native of LaLa Land, and of Asian-American background, she put this one together telling the tale of two young Pan-Asians who move through lives together and apart as the times change.

Pam Joyce directs this show which is set on a pretty stark set; but it moves around and works quite well, as we know, The Play’s the Thing. The young Diana is played by Vivi Thai, and the boy/man is played by Jack Ha. Allegedly she may be of Chinese descent while he is of Korean. That comes out when he can’t read Mandarin. But, we meet up with these two when they are in their teens and when they are in their 20’s and 30’s. Maybe their parents don’t see the glue which binds them, and only concentrate on the differences between them. But. In the end, it is the two of them who have to make their own decisions and run their own lives. In one line they even bring up the Chekhov type of problem, but life moves on; and neither is harmed in the end.

The show runs about 90 minutes on the black box stage as part of the Harvel Lab Series, and it is loaded with expletives; ergo maybe not for kiddies or Ms. Prim. But, is in the language of today and WTF, you have to understand where they are coming from. You need to pay attention and think about what you see, for they segue from being in their 30’s back to their teens, then older, etc.

The Aurora is located in Lawrenceville, with free garage parking adjacent. It is a very well done show and the type we need in these days. More info at AuroraTheatre.com

9
Sep

It’s Only a Play

It’s Only a Play
Process Theatre Company
through September 22, 2018

The Process Theatre Company is associated with Onstage Atlanta, but this show is being presented in Marietta, at Out of Box Theatre on Cobb Parkway, just south of The Big Chicken.

The play by Terrence McNally is a screaming delight. A first-time Broadway producer, Julia Budder (Liane LeMaster), hosts an opening night party for the cast and crew of a play called The Golden Egg that she financed. Playwright, Peter Austin (Larry Davis), is there awaiting the reviews. There is some angst as they are joined by other principals. The star of the play is Virginia (Barbara Cole Uterhardt), who is addicted to some bad stuff as well as her self.

An actor, James Wicker (Zip Rampy),is a successful TV actor who turned down the lead in the play, and is glad that he did so. And, you meet a critic, Ira Drew (Bob Smith) who thinks everybody is a failure, inasmuch as he has been

They’re all having their stress fits, especially the Brit who directed the show, Frank Finger (Pat Young) who wishes nothing for himself other than more flops. A lot of comedy is also provided by a valet character, Gus (Frankie Asher), who is working for Miss Budder at her NYC flat, but desperately wants to get onstage or in front of a camera.

DeWayne Morgan must have been thrilled to direct this one. If you know some of these actors, you will be impressed at the different personae the bring to the stage. And one fascinating thing is that in real life, this show was a flop when it first hit the boards. But, as it has gone through several revisions it became an incredible success. So many of the top grade comic performers you recognize have played these roles over the past decade.

This is a total delight, and easy to get to with free parking. Have ball. Plenty of expletives so maybe not for Ms. Prim or the kiddies, but the rest of you will laugh your donkey off. More info and tickets at OnstageAtlanta.com