18
Mar

Cinderella

Cinderella
Aurora Theatre
through April 3, 2022

This is not the film, but is the Rogers & Hammerstein musical about that poor young girl who winds up the object of attraction for the local prince. The show is staged in the incredible new theatre in Lawrenceville, which is easy to get to and park at.

This slightly camped up version is both choreographed and directed by Ricardo Aponte, with Ann-Carol Pence on the keys and also directing the live orchestra. A cast of about 20 players do a superb job. India Tyree hits the boards as Ella, a/k/a Cinderella; while Prince Topher is played by Jackson Hurt. The other lead players are Steve Hudson as Sebastian, Galen Crawley as Charlotte, Rhyn McLemore as Marie, Marcello Audino as Jean-Michel, Candy McLellan as Gabrielle and Cole Ferguson as Lord Pinkleton.

You recall that Cinderella is a step-child who’s step-mom deems her worthy of little respect in any aspect of her life. The prince is going to have a ball and Cinderella manages to get worked into it, with those fancy glass shoes. And you know she has to split by midnight if she wants to get home in the charriot, etc. This one works out as the Prince gets pushed to run a banquet and somehow that delightful girl shows up again, only to split by 12.

The company works through more than two dozen numbers and everyone in the house truly enjoys every minute of this one. Please be considerate vis-a-vis all the Covid stuff. If you are tested positive or don’t want to abide by the usual protocols then maybe just watch some politicians with their lips moving on TV. Otherwise, if you want a lovely evening out this is a really good choice. So now’s the time to go online and get more info and tickets at their website, AuroraTheatre.com

My family is isolated these days, but were we not, we’d be heading back there for this show. Enjoy!

18
Mar

A Chorus Line

A Chorus Line
City Springs Theatre
through March 27, 2022

Sorry to be late in reaching out to fans; but have been deep into the Covid aggravation for the past week. But, if you feel OK and have had your shots and know how to be extra careful then get up off your couch and go see A Chorus Line at the Byers Theatre in the middle of Sandy Springs.

Original cast member, Baayork Lee directed and choreographed this incredible opus; which is a sheer delight to the senses. A cast of more than 30 players will really wow you, in a one-act production running a bit more than 2 hours.

If you tell yourself that their productions are every bit Broadway quality, then maybe it’s due in some part to a production team of forty experienced professionals who want nothing but the best for themselves and their patrons.

With a live orchestra in the pit, the music is the accelerator that helps to drive the story along, of performers who all want to land a job in an upcoming play. You’ll probably recall the melody of What I Did For Love, and ONE. Some of the in-line numbers are of the style you might recall from the Rockettes.

This wonderful show closes on March 27th, so waste not your time. More info and tickets at their website, CitySpringsTheatre.com

8
Mar

A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire
Lionheart Theatre
through March 20,2022

Tennessee Williams’ award winning opus is probably most famous for the film version in which you recall Marlon Brando screaming out “Stella” so often. It’s the trademark of the story; albeit there are instances of domestic violence and sexual assault. While it is a classic, is isn’t for the kiddies; but for the rest of us, it is a trip into the past so very well staged under the direction of R. Chandler Bragg.

Brandi Kilgore plays Stella, while Allen Cox comes on as Stanley. Blanche DuBois is played by Cat Rondeau and Eunice is Marita A. McKee. The really fine cast is rounded up by Scott Starkweather, Hunter Showalter, Corey Bossom, Joanna Brooks, Veronica Burman, Michael Donelan and John M. Dyess.

Spencer Estes designed this wide open set for the two room apartment that the Kowalskis rented. It works really well, as lots of action moves from card games to arguments, to enticements and disappointments.

Lionheart is easy to get to just off Norcross Square, and quite comfy seating. They would love to have you attend the show and will even give you a treat if you do so. More info and tickets at LionHeartTheatre.org

 

 

 

8
Mar

The Barber of Seville

Photo Courtesy of Raftermen

The Barber of Seville
Atlanta Opera
through March 13, 2022

Gioacchino Rossini was never your usual kind of composer. He was ready to adapt a score when it hit the boards for a premiere, and after he hit the big time, he took a hike at age 37 and spent the rest of his life hanging out in Paris and Bologna.

Il Barbiere premiered in Rome in 1816 and by 1819 in London as well as in New York. This production has been camped up a bit but hasn’t lost one iota of the craziness upon which it is founded. Michael Shell directed this incredible opus with a stunning cast of weirdos, including a stilt walker (Kristen Bailey), like you would see in Cirque du Soleil.

You will want to keep an eye open for the super-titles as the action gets going, and folks come and go as themselves and sometimes alter egos. But, as the Bard would opine, The Play’s the Thing; and this is a classic Opera Comique featuring Taylor Stayton as Count Almaviva (disguised as a soldier), Stephanie Lauricella as Rosina, Joseph Lattanzi as Figaro, Cadie J. Bryan as Berta, Giovanni Romeo as Doctor Bartolo and David Crawford as Don Basilio.

Everything about this is world class. The running time is a bit long, about 3 hours and 10 minutes. But, your eyes and ears and brains stay happily captive throughout the production.

The opera is performed at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre right near I-75 and 285. Easy to get to, garage parking, and a fine venue in every respect. Know that Covid protocols are observed so bring your CDC cards and a mask is required in the premises. Show closes this coming weekend, so get your seats NOW at AtlantaOpera.org