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

It’s Only a Play
Process Theatre Company
through May 14, 2023

The Process Theatre Company is associated with Onstage Atlanta, and this show is on their mainstage. The play by Terrence McNally is a screaming delight. Directed by DeWayne Morgan, some of the cast were with him when they first brought this work to us at the Out of Box Theatre in Marietta five years ago. It was a small venue but a really happy crowd.

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 also meet a critic, Ira Drew (Holli Majors) who thinks everybody is a failure, inasmuch as she has been

They’re all having their stress fits, especially the Brit who directed the show, Frank Finger (Branden Hembree) who wishes nothing for himself other than more flops. A lot of comedy is also provided by a valet character, Gus (Nicholas Ramsay), 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 again. If you know some of these actors, you will be impressed at the different personae they 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

Support Group for Men
Horizon Theatre
through May 28, 2023

Playwright Ellen Fairey has won a lot of acclaim for her quickly acted, and quick witted plays where we see sort of normal humans. This work premiered at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre 5 years ago and is hitting the boards around the country.

With a cast of 7 players, the show runs in one act of a little over 90 minutes; albeit it’s really two acts sewn together then ripped apart. Ladies most often have their YaYa Sisterhoods, while a lot of guys only meet up at the local sports bars. These four guys played by Even Bergman, Marcus Hopkins-Turner, Louis Kyper and Sariel Toribio get together on Thursday nights to hang out and spill out their thoughts in a manner quite unusual. The rule is that while is speaking nobody may interject. Not totally like real life.

Set in a Chicago area between Boystown and Wrigleyville. All hell can break loose be in the street adjacent to the apartment building in which they meet. Directed by Jeff Adler on a set by Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay you will wonder what it’s all about. Then you will meet up with Alexandro (Roberto Mendez) who is an uninvited guest who is not about to just vanish. And the two cops who drop by to inquire about happenings in the ‘hood are played by Brad Brinkley and the female cop by Suehyla E. Young or Kelly Criss.

It would be an understatement to suggest that as the show moves towards conclusion that all hell breaks loose. It’s your call. But, you will be enjoying the laughs, shocks and awe as they present their acts. It is not one for kiddies, and while there’s no sex on stage, the F-word is the common modifier, so Ms. Prim might be using ear plugs.

A good script, fine set, perfect costumes and easy views from all seats. Make sure you know what’s going on for road traffic and closures when heading over to Little 5 Points, and try to make sure you get there at least a half hour before curtain time. More info and tickets at HorizonTheatre.com

Prayer for the French Republic
Actor’s Express
through May 14, 2023

It’s true that it really takes some cajones to find humor in tragedy. And playwright Joshua Harmon understands the very essence of that. It’s 2016 and the French are faced with some difficult choices; not unlike what we may see here in these days. This one specifically deals with the antisemitism and it’s emotional stress for the Jewish family, where some of the members are thinking of making aliyah to Israel.

The play is set on an open stage designed by the sisters Curley-Clay and is directed by Freddie Ashley. The story runs through 3 acts, in a little more than 3 hours with two intermissions. And we get to witness the imbedded dysfunctions relating to five generations and the seeking of peace and personal safety in a world that isn’t necessarily always fully changing.

The cast of eleven players does include Carolyn Cook and Susan Shalhoub-Larkin, and it was the winner of 2022 awards for best off-Broadway play and Drama Desk award. Can hatred of others ever be eradicated? Do we not hear about bombings of religious institutions, maltreatment of people of color, school shootings, and books and words you can not hear in schools; unless you are a student hanging out in the yard with others like yourself.

So as th French might opine, c’est la vie. This is a very well done show that opens your eye, ears and possibly brain cells. More info and tickets at Actors-Express.com

MOULIN ROUGE!
Fox Theatre
through April 30, 2023

Part of Broadway Across America, the touring company has hit the boards at the Fox. This isn’t quite the same as you may recall from the film of 20+ years ago, as it has been camped up a bit and brings the story of the Bohemians of the Montmartre used to gather about in their days in Paris.

A huge cast of more than 40 players bring out some stories of those olden days when artists and well-off would often meet up and try to hook up. I can recall many times strolling down the Rue Lepic past the many bistros and galleries, and then once off the hill swinging by the glorious red windmill.

John Cardoza and Courtney Reed come off as Christian, the suitor seeking his claim for Satine. You also get to meet up with Toulouse Lautrec (Nick Rashad Burroughs) and some others whose fame may never have come to light. With a live orchestra they sing and swing their way through dozens of numbers which have been adapted and/or used with license from more than 100 composers; albeit you’ll not leave the theatre singing along to many of them.

But the costumes are 100% pure eye candy as these ladies all go stage front with their sexy outfits, and wow the house. It’s not really one for the kiddies, although they’ll enjoy it even if they don’t figure out what’s going on.. . . . It’s a grand production and closing soon, so get your seats easily online at FoxTheatre.org

Calvin Berger
Marietta Theatre
through April 29, 2023

Come to the theater and you willl meet up with some young folks who are working to find their ways through the lives they find themselves in. Calvin (Joshua Baldin) and his pal Matt (Ben Cole) have strong but not always spot-on feelings for the two girls, Bret (Magda Roub) and Rosanna (Kinsey Bosher)

Directed by Blaine Clotfelter with music managed by Brian Osborne, the couples work their way through 16 numbers you haven’t before heard. The one thing that may jiggle your memory is that Calvin and Matt both have pretty prominent proboscises; ergo the name Calvin Berger might make you think of Cyrano de Bergerac.

It’s a well done sort of cabaret show in a comfortable small theatre just off Marietta Square. You can access moe info and seats easily at MariettaTheatre.com Enjoy.

The Savannah Sipping Society
Art Station Theatre

You’ve seen man shows crafted by the trio calling themselves Jones Hope Wooten, which is really their surnames. One you may always recall would be those four old broads called the Golden Girls.

In this one, David Thomas directs four not-so-old gals as they work their way through some tough times down home in Savannah. Aretta Baumgartner, Mary Kathryn Kaye, Suzanne Roush and Karen Whitaker grab onto to your eyes and ears from the git-go, and never lose a minute other than the one intermission.

It is the usual highly entertaining production of this local theatre company,, and next up will be a one-nighter on the 29th for you to enjoy some Senior Moments.

We all stand, salute and thank the cast and crew of this theatre company for keeping up their good work in difficult days.

Enjoy it, and pass it on…