Carmina Burana
Georgia Symphony Orchestra

Car Orff brought together this unusual orchestral story based on desires and tales of a bunch of old friars with some unusual wishes. It premiered in America about 1955 and is a most unusual piece, consisting of 25 movements and a playing time of about one hour.

It takes a lot of gusto to opt into staging this one. The GSO was there in full number and they were backed up by there Chorus, joined by the GSO Youth Symphony Chorus and The Atlanta Boy Choir; so there well over 200 performers on stage. Hats off to Timothy Verville, the GSO music director and conductor.

In addition to this massive opus, they started off the two performance presentation with a Claude Debussy piece and Brahm’s Academic Festival Overture. While they are now off for their summer break and traffic jams; they’ll be back on stage in October. The GSO does a splendid job with every concert and you can get plenty of info on the upcoming 2023-2024 season at their website georgiasymphony.org.

The Play that goes Wrong
Aurora Theatre
through June 18, 2023

This typical Brit Farce was written by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields and Jonathan Sayer; who not-surprisingly are in the UK, and it has been playing to SRO houses there since it first hit the boards. So we should shout Hurrah for Heidi Cline McKerley who has stepped up to direct this opus where anything, or everything, which could go wrong seems to do so.

I can’t reveal much of the story line other than to let you know it’s about a murder being investigated at the Haversham Manor. Inspector Carter (Marcello Audino) gets the 911 call when Charles, the lord of the manor (Chris Hecks), is found dead on a chaise lounge. The butler, Perkins (Jeff McKerley) tries to get a little order into what’s happening; but that may not work out quite well. They’re hitting the stage with 5 more terrific characters each played by well known performers

Let’s just say that while this may not be for the kiddies, since they’ll not quite get what’s happening; but you won’t really get what’s about to occur. It is a non-stop riot that runs about 2 hours and keep everybody laughing and clapping. This an incredible job with great actors, marvelous sets and a lot of work carried off in grand style.

There is one guarantee: You will thoroughly enjoy this NYC quality production in Lawrenceville. Seats are going fast, so get yours when you visit their website at AuroraTheatre.com

Back in the Building
Strand Theatre
through May 21, 2023

This is the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Musical right here in Marietta, on tour from Las Vegas, and it is 100% true Vegas quality. You will be blown away by the onstage band, the back-up singers and the gents who play Elvis in real style, with the voice, the moves, and everything you recall from those olden days.

This totally exhilarating production closes this weekend and if you’re a kid who grew up in the days of Elvis, then you will ravish going back in time. The Strand is right on Marietta Square, easy to get to, parking available, every seat has good view and feel free to sing along.

This one really rocks! So if you snooze, you lose, so grab your seats at their website StrandTheatre.org

Peter and the StarCatcher
Stage Door Theatre
through May 28, 2023

Stage Door Players in Dunwoody has brought together a cast or ore than a dozen actors, including some young folks in this narrative directed by Lauren Morris. Some of us in our “later years” can well understand a youngster who doesn’t want to grow up. These may not turn out to be the Golden Years for some.

You will enjoy Sully Brown as Peter, and Alejandra Ruiz as Molly, and also many others who may not be exactly as you expected, like Bridget McCarthy who comes on as Black Stache. The cast work through the story with a lot of interaction and songs; and it’s one for kids from 8 to 88.

A pleasant evening out or Sunday matinee, with free parking, easy seating, and a friendly environment that’s easy to get to. More info and tickets at StageDoorTheatre.org

Significant Others
Atlanta Ballet
through May 14, 2023

If you can get blown away by really grand ballet, then you have to get over to Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center this weekend.

The company presents three different ballets, each done to perfection. The first is a World Premiere of Joaquin Rodrigo’s Carnivale, choreographed by Claudia Schreier. After the act is over and the intermission ends, you will be watching a duet choreographed by Ben Stevenson with Airi Igarashi and Erik Kim as the dancers to the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff with Western-Li Summerton at the keys of the onstage piano.

And after the second intermission you will be totally fascinated by the Wofrld Premiere of Significant Others choreographed by Remi Wortmeyer and set to the music of Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel, with a full cast of 21 performing. It is superb.

More info and tickets just go to AtlantaBallet.com

‘Til Beth Do Us Part
Center Stage North
through May 20, 2023

This is another laugh-fest by the Jones/Hope/Wooten trio who always strike the right chords ether it be with Golden Girls or others. Jerry Jobe has brought togther a really good cast for this one, where we start off meeting Suzannah Hayden (Julie Turner) and hubby Gibby (Kevin Kreissl) She’s deep into working with a candy company, while he’s trying to make better sense of his own life and 27 years of marital bliss. Things go from bad to worse when you see how as her assistant, Beth (Tenia Taylor) is actually running their lives, not just following a simple “todo” list. Beth has a plan of her own and moving up the corporate ladder is her fashion.

Timother Resh plays Gibby’s buddy Hank, and Hank’s ex is played by Julie Resh and/or Amy Tallmadge. The CEO of the candy company is coming to dinner at the Hayden Home, as that’s how Beth waned to create a scene where she might be the object of attention more than Suzannah.

The set is a basic Moliere scene where one door opens another closes, and nobody ever seems to add up the odds. The show is a pure delight that runs about an hour and 45 minutes, with easy views for all seats, free parking and goodies for sale. More info at CenterStageNorth.com

RUTHLESS! The Musical
OutFront Theatre
through May 20, 2023

Out Front is the leading LGBTQIA stage these days, and this delightful opus is one that is a co-production with Georgia State University and is directed by Paul Conroy. Joel Paley did the story and also the lyrics for all the musical number, while the score was crafted by Marvin Laird.

This is hoot of a tale of a young wanna-be star on Broadway many years ago, when agents ran the shows along with the producers. The costumes, set and staging all work so very well and while you wonder who is in drag and who may not be, the tale goes on, until the end. Albeit the end ain’t exactly what you might have thought. Egomania is a disease of the mind, and if you don’t think so then listen to some politicians.

Presented in two acts with plenty of stuff at the concession stand, the theatre is an easy one to get to, perfect view from every seat, and a ton of fun by every performer. More info at OutFrontTheatre.com

Jeffrey
Lionheart Theatre
through May 21, 2023

Paul Rudnick’s opus about some men dealing with the HIV problems in New York City in the 90’s won an Obie in 1993 as an outstanding off-broadway new play. With great guts and gusto Lionheart brings it to stage under the direction of Scott King.

Ray D. Amell plays Jeffrey and one of the things the players agree on is that drag is not a crime, butg rather a choice. And you get to see Gregory Fitzgerald as Darius, who is deeply into the problems. It can make you also think about what we have all been through with this Covid crap.

And while this one isn’t for kiddies, even though they serve up great treats at intermission; there are some things which could offend some ultra religious folks. Especially when Barry West comes on as Father Dan.

In today’s world we are fortunate that we try to understand what motivates others, while we keep trying to work out our daily lives. The play runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2pm. Info an tickets at LionheartTheatre.org

CATS
City Springs Theatre
through May 21, 2023

Let’s jumps to the bottom line . . . order your tickts now; as this is one incredible production as good as any you would see in London or on Broadway. You know the story is based on T. S. Eliot’s book of Practical Cats, and the music is all by Andrew Lloyd Webber. And if you think about it, the show is basically an incredible ballet performance that is beloved by kids from 6 to 96.

Baayork Lee choreographed and directed this masterpiece.with a cast of more than two dozen players, and a full orchestra under the baton of Michael Duff. While you won’t be seeing Betty Buckley singing Memories; the cast and crew of this one really does bring the house down in grand style. Especially the magical Mister Mistoffelees (Harry Francis).

Thedre is not a dull moment in this production and it is a really good one as an introduction to theatre for youngsters. Check it out at their website CitySpringsTheatre.com

Mlima’s Tale
7 Stages Theatre
through May 21, 2023

This is a moving experience for those of us who have ever visited wildlife areas, or recall the days of poachers around the world. Written by Lynn Nottage and directed by Lydia Fort, this one takes us to Kenya when the elephant population was being decimated by poachers who were making great sums by selling off ivory tusks to Asain buyers.

Mlima is the name given to a well regarded Kenyan elephant who became the victim of these poachers, and how his remains wormed their way through the various legal barriers. For dealiing in tusks violated the laws and agreements of many nations; yet enforcers of what’s right was also an issue, as it is today.

This one is on the main stage, with some projected lines showing up on the side walls, so try to stay alert and it will keep you up as to time and locations. As one who knows Kenya I can tell you that if an elephant is blocking your roadway, you do NOT try to push him off. Wait, and appreciate. An entertaining 90 minutes in Little Five Points. More info and tickets at 7Stages.org