17
Dec

Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted
Synchronicity Theatre
through January 5, 2020

You remember that poor young woman with the nasty foster mother who was a scullery maid, but wound up a princess with a glass slipper for her personal ID. Then come along and meet Ella (akin to Cinderella) who is living a lousy life but things might just work out.

Karen Zacarias adapted the story line from the book by Gail Carson Levine, and Deborah Wicks La Puma, crafted the score to move the tale along. This work is highly energetic and is directed by Jenna Tamisiea Elser.

You get to meet Ella (L’Oréal Roaché) who is living with that nasty mother, and her husband who passes on. Marcie Millard plays the mother, and also comes on as the egotistic Dame Olga who would but marry off one of her daughters to Sir Peter (Robert Hindsman) a noble with a deep pocket. Her girls are Hattie (Meg Harkins) and Olive (Alexandria Joy)

The problem is that as a young lass Ella was bewitched with a curse that required her to obey any commands made to her, regardless of what she might prefer to do, or not to do. The Fairy Godmother is Lucinda (Amy Reynolds) and that curse can’t go away until and unless Ella can find Lucinda and invoke her compassion. That’s when she comes across the love of her life, Prince Char (Alex Harding) who just happens to be getting ready to host a ball where he can check out the available ladies.

You kind of know the story and how it must turn out; for no Fairy Godmother would really deliberately hurt somebody. She hadn’t intended the outcome that comes to pass. Things get weirder in this one as the ogres try to impose their hungry passions on Ella. But, don’t sweat it. All come out OK in the end. While most of the audience were adults, even the kids there were drawn into the tale and thoroughly enjoyed it; especially the Ogre’s dinner proposal song.

It’s another nice production by this small company, located midtown and easy to get to. If you use the garage adjacent to the building be sure to get your discounted parking pass at the refreshment stand. More info and tickets at SynchroTheatre.com

15
Dec

A Tuna Christmas

A Tuna Christmas
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
through December 29, 2019

Well, it is almost Christmas in the 3rd smallest town in Texas, and radio station OKOK is pouring out the music and news at a full 275 watts, to reach dozens of deeply interested local yokels. What is quite unique about the play is that while you meet more than 20 characters in real time, there are but two actors.

Jill Hames plays Didi, the owner of the radio station, and ten more roles both male and female. Beside her is Enoch King as the station DJ, as well as well as 9 more roles. The action starts and ends at the station; while much more takes place at the Tastee Kreme diner, where both of the actors are waitresses, each with her own list of weird problems. So I guess it is safe to say they both do some roles in drag.

The roles with changes of costumes, wigs, make up, and voices take place faster then most of us could put on a pair of shoes on the correct feet. And if you think there may be some sane citizens down there in Tuna, you may wish to think again after the show ends.

It is important to note that there is no proof of collusion here. The show is presented by Georgia Ensemble, which has it’s home stage in Roswell; but brings this one to Brookhaven to the Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe for your convenience. Directed by local playwright Topher Payne it really rocks the house and is an enjoyable couple of hours. Plenty of free parking and all seats with unobstructed views. More info at GET.org

15
Dec

Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn
City Springs Theatre
through December 22, 2019

Based on the 1942 film, this play by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge incorporates the original music by Irving Berlin. Jim (Nicholas Rodriguez) and Lila (Samantha Sturm) are performing a dance number at a NYC club with Ted (Tyler Hanes) when Jim proposes to Lila and she says yes. But, some stress comes in when Jim says they should leave the Big Apple to head up to a farm in Connecticut that he bought and give up show biz. She’s not quite ready for that, and takes off on a tour with Ted.

The story is about personal involvement in filling one’s dreams; whether they be about hitting the boards on stage, or repairing the boards that are falling apart on the old farm house. And, maybe one solution might be to turn the property into a place where there could be entertainment as well as lodging. Unlike a cruise ship, it would only sail on the holidays when plenty of folks would become visitors.

Directed by Greg London the cast of 19 professional players run through the singing and dancing of 20 of Berlin’s numbers which eventually help you to see Blue Skies when it is time for a White Christmas. Great set, costumes, choreography and a live orchestra in he pit under the baton of Brandt Blocker. Another Broadway quality production right here in Sandy Springs. And if the weather is lousy, just use the valet parking service right at the main entrance.

So have yourself a Hollie Jolly Holiday and get more info at CitySpringsTheatre.com

9
Dec

It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a Wonderful Life
Onstage Atlanta
through December 23, 2019

OnStage Director Cathe Hall Payne stepped up the plate to bring this large scale production to their stage. She tells you in the program why she has been so deeply into this 1946 film by Frank Capra, which tells the tale of a sorry loser in a small town and how he moves through his depressing life on this earth to finally find hope and a reason for being.

Daniel Carter Brown is George Bailey. George has had it in Bedford Falls and is ready to move on places unknown. He was going to off himself when his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (DeWayne Morgan) shows up to take him through what his life has been, and could have been, and might become, due to his good deeds; while others played a different game.

This is a show with a cast of more than 20 players, and while it may be full to the brim with stress, shouting, and difficult situations; you need to remember that it is a Yuletide tale, and all will come out right in the end. Angela Short designed a set that works quite well with projected images reminiscent of the film clips, which help to move the story along.

It may not be quite the red-nosed reindeer sort of show for kiddies, but for those who may have seen the film or know the story, it resonates in true time to their real hearts.

The show runs less than 2 hours with an intermission; and the theatre itself is dressed out as if all those elves from Macy’s had come to town just to dress out the venue. Located on North Decatur Road near 285, the theatre is easy to get to, has free parking, nice goodies, and good seats. More info at OnStageAtlanta.com

8
Dec

Cinnamon GRITS

Cinnamon GRITS
Christmas in The South
Art Station Theatre
through December 20, 2019

To start with, GRITS is the acronym for Girls Raised In The South, and this is a sequel to other GRITS productions. In this work we meet up with four ladies at the Yuletide. The tree is decorated, the boxes are wrapped, and many memories come into focus which they share musically with the audience.

Karen Beyer must really have enjoyed directing this one, featuring Aretta Baumgartner, Liza Jaine, Allison Upshaw and Joy Walters. Each of them sing along with one another, swap stories, work the house, and delve deeply into the essence of the holidays and families, and what is, or should be, most important.

Patrick Hutchison, and Woody and Tom Jenkins do the music, in this sweet little show crafted by Erica Allen McGee. She knows of what she writes as she actually once worked at Dollywood.

The show is done pretty much cabaret style and is certainly one that pleases the AARP crowd; for there may be some parody in some numbers, but no political discussion and nobody gets killed. This is one that any of the senior living centers would truly enjoy if they just grabbed up a group of tickets and hit the road to Stone Mountain Village.

More info at ArtStation.org

7
Dec

The Wickhams Christmas at Pemberley

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wickhams
Christmas at Pemberley
Theatrical Outfit
through December 29, 2019

If you saw last year’s production of Miss Bennet and her dysfunctional Christmas; then you’ll instantly relate to this sequel by the playwrights Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. This year we don’t go upstairs to the main sitting room area; but are hanging out downstairs in the servants’ quarters; pretty much managed by Mrs. Reynolds (Deadra Moore). Jasmine Thomas and Justin Walker return onstage as Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, but dealing with a whole new range of problems.

Carolyn Cook has directed this sequel which plays off so well. Lauren Boyd Lane and Shaun MacLean are the servants trying to get things done, without ticking off anybody. But that isn’t easy when an unwelcome visitor, George Wickham (Daniel Parvis) shows up late on Christmas eve. He’s a bit of a rogue and has been wed to Lydia (Erika Miranda) who may be part of the Darcy clan, but living apart from George.

George is a user and a loser, and as the Brits would say, he is NQOT (not quite our type) and is a poster boy for being a pariah. The party is going on upstairs, but we stay downstairs where the real action is boiling up. You might make a guess as to how things will turn out; but then you may also want to guess who gets elected in 2024. Derived from Pride and Prejudice the story isn’t one for the kiddies, but we kids up to age 90 enjoyed it; and if you have read Jane Austen you will really dig it.

Plan your drive with extra time if anything is going on down near Centennial Park, and just park in the garage next door to the theatre, since you can get a $6 parking voucher at the concession stand. The theatre is downtown on Luckie Street, has good views from all seats, and they always stage excellent productions. More info at TheatricalOutfit.org

6
Dec

Christmas with the Crawfords

Christmas with the Crawfords
Out Front Theatre
through December 21, 2019

Joan Crawford was an actress, egomaniac, booze hound, and a real piece of work. She had been a success in the early film days, and had adopted some children who were perhaps not quite convinced it had been an easy voyage. Crawford was a difficult mother-type who insisted they do chores, instantly obey her and always have the last words in every discussion; which would be “yes Mommie Dearest.”

This work may be derived from a book that her older adoptee, Christina Crawford, published about 40 years ago. But, it isn’t necessarily all based on facts. The stage is set at the Crawford mansion which lies next door to Cary Grant’s home, where a Christmas party was being staged. Without Joan and the kids being among the guests.

Joan (Emily Nedvidek) has a visitor, reporter Hedda Hopper (Jaymyria Etienne) who is ready to do a live radio interview. The kids, “Tina” (Michael Vine) and Christopher (Abby Holland) are the props for Mommie Dearest. Some unexpected visitors including Carmen Miranda (Rosa Campos), Judy Garland (Annamaria Dvorak), Gloria Swanson (Blake Fountain) and Ethel Merman (Lynn Grace) show up thinking they are at Grant’s gala. Oooops. Even the Andrews Sisters show up with Trevor Perry as one of the trio.

Nick Silvestri is onstage as a Liberace type piano player who gracefully works the cast through 19 seasonal numbers. Directed by Jennifer Alice Acker, the cast brings down the house. You know who is in drag, but everybody is into the laughter and the songs and silly screw-ups.

This is another really staged production by OutFront Theatre Company. Located on Brady Avenue at 10th Street, it is a traffic nightmare to get to on game days. But you might go early, grab a table at Donetto, a posh Italian bistro across the street and enjoy a fine meal. They have a fine menu and wine list and it can really make the night even better.

More info at OutFrontTheatre.com

6
Dec

Waffle Palace Christmas

Waffle Palace Christmas
Horizon Theatre
through December 29, 2019

Once again, Larry Larson and Eddie Levi Lee, have crafted a sequel to their Waffle Palace play. You know you are sitting in the diner, which is designed by Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay, and almost touching the staff and the patrons who come and go, as the business tries to survive a financially bleak holiday.

Some of the actors from the prequel have returned to reprise their roles. Maria Rodriguez-Sager comes back at the waitress, Esperanza, from Nicaragua, albeit she is now pregnant. Allan Edwards comes is Hugo, her hubby, who has some deep thoughts about impending parenthood. Lala Cochran is in her usually funny roles as a business woman and some other roles. And in this opus, Larry Larson hits the boards as the diner owner, John. His partner is Connie, played by Brenda Porter.

Dai’Sean L. Garrett is Deandre, the nephew of Connie who comes on to work the grill; and that mean old Christmas devil is played to the hilt once again by Rob Cleveland. And Megan Hayes plays a couple of other ladies. The production is directed by Lisa Adler

But, rest easily. This is holiday season. Nobody gets harmed, and all comes out well in the end; except maybe for the devilish Krampus. But all the patrons had a riotously happy evening. The show runs about 2.5 hours, and there is plenty of free parking; but plan early as you have to fight your way down to Little 5 Points. But, it’s worth it, . . . BIGTIME.

More info at HorizonTheatre.com