The Roomate @AuroraTheatre #ATTheRoomate #sponsored #review

I received tickets in exchange for my honest review.

From the promotionals:

"Fifty-something-year-old busybody Sharon is in need of a roommate to share her expenses and break
the isolation in her Iowa home. Robyn, also in her mid-fifties, is a bit more of a free spirit with a
complicated past, looking for a fresh start. As Sharon and Robyn fight to find common ground in their
new, uncommon living arrangement, they find themselves in an unlikely friendship that teaches them
lessons they never expected."

"Dark comedy" is definitely appropriate for this one.  It's almost a set up for Thelma and Louise.  Two people with widely different backgrounds end up as house mates.  The almost innocent reactions of Sharon to the previous life of Robyn make for an interesting chemistry.  Sharon carries most of the load when it comes to changes.  Robyn is the catalyst that sets the action in motion.  The influences they have on each other lay the groundwork for situations that are both humorous and, in a way, sad.

This is a well preformed one act show.  The two actors do a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life.  It's not a show to leave you feeling good at the end. It's also not one meant for kids.  It is, however, a show for an enjoyable evening.  Combining your visit to Lawrenceville with a good meal at one of it's local restaurants with the show at the Aurora makes for a great ladies' night out. 

Doll's House part 2 @AuroraTheatre @braveatlpr #ATDollsHouse

I was given tickets in exchange for my review.

From Aurora Theatre:

"Based on the characters of the Henrik Ibsen classic play, this follow-up story imagines what would happen if Nora Helmer returned home, 15 years after she slams the door on her husband and family. Audiences don’t need to be familiar with the original story to enjoy this “Part 2,” as playwright Lucas Hnath juxtaposes contemporary and classic sensibilities to create a thought-provoking and sharp- witted comedy. A co-production between Aurora Theatre and Actor’s Express, A Doll’s House, Part 2 features a quartet of Atlanta’s top-tier talent. Three-time Suzi Award winner Tess Malis Kincaid will star as Nora, Rob Cleveland as Nora’s estranged husband, Torvald, Shelli Delgado as the Helmer’s daughter, Emmy and Deadra Moore as the nanny, Anne Marie. This all-star cast is under the direction of Freddie Ashley, Actor’s Express Artistic Director and two-time Suzi Bass Award Winner for Outstanding Direction."

My daughter and I attended the show this past Friday.  One major change is that Tess Kincaid did not star in the show.  Due to illness, she was replaced by an understudy.  She had to use the script to help her with the role (somewhat distracting), though.  The set itself was simple, but fit the play very well.  The only "problem" with the set is that my daughter and I found the lighting around the stage to be somewhat distracting.  Fortunately, not enough to really bother us.

The show was a good continuation of the original story.  You find that Nora has travelled, experienced more of life, etc. She has to return home, though, to keep a scandal from happening.  There she finds that nothing has changed for Torvald.  The play consists of a series of exchanges between Nora and Anne Marie, Nora and Torvald, Nora and Emmy.  The question is can anything be resolved for Nora during her exchanges?  

All together the actors did a good job.  Their facial expressions were on target for the characters.  I will say that I liked Shelli Delgado as Emmy.  The facial expressions she had were great.   I loved some of her "come back" lines too.  Individually, though, I didn't have a favorite character or actor this time around.

The show runs until February 10th.  You can get show dates/times and pricing on the Aurora Theatre web site: Doll's House Part 2

Review of Disney's Newsies @AuroraTheatre #BravePRAtl #ATNewsies

Inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this high-energy musical soars with rousing dance numbers and non-stop thrills. In New York City at the turn of the century, publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst look to take advantage of newsboys to increase profits. Enter charismatic Jack Kelly who unwittingly leads a ragged band of teenaged "newsies," across the city to strike for what’s right. This Tony Award-winning musical, based on the timeless Disney film, is toe-tapping fun for the entire family.

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Running Time: Approximately 2.5 hours Dates: July 19-September 2

As soon as my daughter heard this one was coming, she let me know.  Fortunately, we were invited by the Aurora Theatre to check it out in exchange for our review.  I have to say that I was impressed by the cast.  Many are returning from the Aurora Theatre's production of  Mamma Mia! so I knew what they'd be capable of.  There were many that I hadn't seen perform before and I have to say they did awesome!  As impressive as the cast was together, I always seem to find that one person that stands out.  This time around it was Mahalia Jackson (Medda Larkin).  I loved her sass and her voice.  I just loved the way she portrayed her character.

There were quite a few younger actors that my daughter enjoyed as well - some of them being high schoolers.  The young actor playing Les was younger than that.   Her favorite scene, though, was "King of NY", mostly due to the choreography.

The cast's performance with a combination of singing and dance was well done.  The audience seemed to be highly impressed with some of the tumbling and leaps.  There were many in the audience that showed a lot of enthusiasm during portions of the performance that indicated they were being well entertained.

Overall, I'd say a performance well done.  If you're interested in attending, I'd suggest purchasing your tickets soon. Some shows are already sold out.  Ticket information is found here.

Newsies @AuroraTheatre July 19 - September 2 #ad @bravepratl

I have been offered media passes in exchange for an honest review.  

Review should be posted on July 22.

Inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, Disney’s NEWSIES is set to kick off Aurora Theatre’s 23rd season with rousing dance numbers and non-stop fun for the whole family! This high-energy musical is set to soar onto the mainstage July 19 –September 2, where audiences will follow charismatic Jack Kelly and his ragged band of teenaged “newsies” as they strike against an unfair system in New York City at the turn of the century.

Aurora Theatre’s production of NEWSIES stars Greg Kamp as Jack Kelly, Adrianna Trachell as Katherine Plumber, Stephan Jones as Joseph Pulitzer, Russell Alexander II as Crutchie, Marcello Audino as Davey and Mahalia Jackson as Medda Larkin, along with a star-studded ensemble. Audiences will recognize the same creative talents behind Aurora Theatre’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Mamma Mia! – direction by Justin Anderson, musical direction by Ann-Carol Pence and choreography by Ricardo Aponte.

Tickets can be purchased through the Aurora Theatre Box office.

Review: Ripcord @AuroraTheatre @BravePRATL #ATRipcord #AuroraTheatre #Ad

I was given tickets to attend in exchange for my honest review

From Aurora Theatre:

There’s something humorous brewing in Lawrenceville, May 10-June 3, 2018! From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire and under the direction of Jaclyn Hofmann, Ripcord employs a light-hearted tone to tell the story of reclusive Abby and her cheerful new roommate at a senior living facility, Marilyn. Despite Abby’s resolve to push Marilyn into relocating, her warm-hearted companion decides not only to stay, but to uproot Abby’s stronghold on the spot by the window. In an effort to settle the score, the two women engage in an innocent bet, which quickly escalates into an outrageous contest of one-upmanship.

The talented cast of this uproarious comedy stars Donna Biscoe, of Hidden Figures and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, and Jill Jane Clements, known for her roles in The Walking Dead and Free State of Jones.

My daughter and I attended the show on Saturday evening.  We both found it very funny and well done.  My daughter (as a theater student) was commenting on their sets and how well put together they were.  Of the primary characters, my favorite was Marilyn.  Determined not to get angry, she really annoys Abby just by being herself (and enjoys it in the process).  Not sure that I liked Abby, though some of her efforts towards the bet were funny.

There's more to the show, though, than just the bet.  You learn something about each characters' background and find out why they are the way they are.  It adds depth to the show and meaning to the humor.  Very well put together, interspersing the humor into the story so that the comedy feel isn't lost..

Somewhat distracting (but funny too) was that a bat was loose in the theater.  It began its flight in the second half, finishing the performance at about the same time as the show by swooping low in front of one of the actresses.  Her reaction was priceless but still fit the scene/show.  The audience found it very humorous.

Playing through June 3rd, you can find tickets on the Aurora Theatre web site.  Also, reminder that if you missed Mamma Mia at the Aurora Theatre, you can catch it at Georgia Tech's Ferst Center June 9-24th.  You can get more information on this one at the Aurora Theatre site as well.

Mamma Mia! @AuroraTheatre #hosted @bravepratl#ATMammaMia #AuroraTheatre

I was given tickets in exchange for my review.

My daughter and I were given the opportunity to see Mamma Mia! at the Aurora Theatre Sunday. It was a packed house. There was no prerecorded music, background vocals were performed by the ensemble while off stage. Most of the shows at the Aurora are sold out, however they're bringing the cast and performance back in June at the Ferst Center at Georgia Tech. They've even reserved one of the decks for parking, so that you can park free.

The show itself, though, was great. Well done performances by everyone involved. There was a glitch in the audio system that dropped the mics, but the cast continued through without pause until it was corrected. My favorite part of the show was "Does your mama know?". I have always loved the character of Tanya, and she's well done by actress Terry Henry. My daughter's favorite character is also Tanya, but she really loves the ending of the show. Regardless of our favorites, though, I was impressed by the ensemble as much as by the main characters.

The show runs until April 22nd at the Aurora Theatre and from June 9-24th at the Ferst Center. If you go to the Aurora Theatre you'll also find a "Dip Box". It will automatically donate $5 when you "dip" your credit card into it. Cute idea.

A Christmas Carol @AuroraTheatre #Gwinnett #ad #hosted

I was invited to attend an afternoon showing of the performance in exchange for my review.

"Captivating patrons young and old, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will bring the true meaning of Christmas to Aurora Theatre, November 24-December 23! The entire family can prepare for another year of seasonal sensations with the return of this Christmas classic, now in its 11th year. Follow cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge (Anthony Rodriguez) as he undergoes recognition, realization and remission while journeying through the past, present and future of Christmas. Audiences will revel in the spirited truth that unfolds within this timeless tale, commonly recognized as the greatest Christmas story to date!

Featuring the work of multiple Suzi Award-winning set designers Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay and costumes by designer Alan Yeong, A Christmas Carol stars the acting of Anthony Rodriguez as the classic characters of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley and the remarkable ghosts."

Sometimes it's hard to imagine a story like this being told by a single actor.  Mr. Rodriguez returns for his 11th year to do just that.   With some audience involvement and a powerful way of telling stories, he pulls it off wonderfully.  He manages to quickly pull everyone in to a tale most of us have heard before.  He then adds his own quirky way of making sure the audience stays involved.  My daughter attended with me and was duly impressed by his work.  

We have yet to see a performance at the Aurora Theatre we haven't enjoyed.  This one lived up to our expectations easily.  For more information about the performance, you can check out the Aurora Theatre's web site.  

They also currently have Christmas trees up, created by various groups/companies in the community, around the lobby for you to drop off your unwrapped gift or packaged food.  If you can bring a donation, please do.

Some cool news we learned while there is that the Theatre will be expanding it's campus.  By summer 2020, it will take up the rest of the block it's sitting on.  The city of Lawrenceville approved construction of a new Performing Arts Center that will be a gathering place for the community. This expansion is another innovative partnership between the City of Lawrenceville, Aurora Theatre and the educational community, and will boast a 500-seat theater, classrooms and lab space for new work development  

The Bridges of Madison County @AuroraTheatre @BravePRAtl #BridgesMusical #AuroraTheatre

I was given tickets to the show in order to provide my honest review.

Based off of the book by the same name by Robert James Waller and converted into a musical.  The story follows the meeting and brief love affair of housewife Francesca and traveling photographer Robert Kincaid.  The songs were composed by Jason Robert Brown and suit the show very well.

My daughter and I attended the show this past Friday night.  We were up front, so hearing and seeing weren't an issue.  We were duly impressed by the stage and set.  We loved the simplicity of it, and you definitely got the feel of the settings. 

I have to admit, though, that my favorite characters weren't the leads.   My favorite was Marge (played by Valerie Payton).  I just love the humor and way she was presented.  Of course, if you like Marge, you have to appreciate her husband, Charlie (played by Rob Cleveland).  My daughter appreciated the character Bud Johnson (played by Matt Lewis).  The leads were very well done as well, as were all of the other characters in the show.

The show does contain mature content, so I don't recommend it for the younger set.   If you've read the book or seen the movie that was created before this, you'll understand.  The show runs through April 16th.  You can get more information and purchase tickets from the Aurora Theatre web site.

Review - Aurora Theatre presents I'm Not Rappaport @AuroraTheatre @BravePRAtl

I was given tickets to view the show in exchange for my honest review.

From the Aurora Theatre web site:

By Herb Gardner
Directed by David De Vries

This 1996 Tony Award winner is the touching humorous tale of two old men who inhabit a bench in New York’s Central Park. Nat Moyer, a feisty Jewish man, spins tall tales and doesn’t want his daughter dumping him into an old folk’s home, while half-blind, cantankerous African-American Midge Carter, hides from his disgruntled tenants.

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I'm not sure what I was expecting when I went to view the show.  I can honestly say, though, that I was definitely pulled in.   A very simple set that is impressive none the less.  The two main characters, played by Kenny Raskin and Rob Cleveland, tell a story that most of us would not want told about society and the way the world treats some of it's seniors.  A mostly humorous and still very serious plot, takes us through these two as they meet in the park and exchange stories.  Watch them as they tackle some very real troubles and come out the other side.  An awesome tale told by some awesome actors.  Definitely a must see.

The show runs:

May 5–June 5, 2016

Performances:
Wednesday–Saturday at 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2:30pm
Tickets $20–$55

Wednesday Discount Matinee
May 25 at 10:00am
Tickets from $16

You can purchase tickets here.

Aurora Theatre produces "Into The Woods" @AuroraTheatre #musical #GrimmFairyTales #StephenSondheim #JamesLapine

Maker Monday has been postponed until Friday to bring you the following..

I was given a pair of tickets to preview the new production of "Into the Woods" at the Aurora Theatre.  My daughter and I had seen the movie together, so she was more than happy to go see a live version with me.
The cast actually started on this set.  While we waited for the show to start, they came on stage and left in a little story setter.

If you haven't seen Into the Woods, or read the book, be prepared for a twist on some of your favorite tales.  With Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Baker and his Wife and Little Red Riding Hood, you get a wonderful evening of story telling.  You listen to the stories you know (not Disney's version) with their happily ever after, then hear the story of what happens next.  The first half of the show lasts about 90 minutes, the second about 55.  There's a 15 minute intermission.  It's a long show but definitely worth it.

All of the actors did a wonderful job, but my favorites were the Princes (Cinderella's & Rapunzel's Prince).  Played by Christopher Morgan and Brody Wellmaker, they stole the show when they were on stage.  To go along with that, their  performance of  "Agony" was one of my daughter's favorites as well.

My daughter and I both agreed that the Witch, played by Natasha Drena, was very good as well.  I think for my daughter it was the costume & makeup that first impressed her (one of the things she wants to do in the future is costuming & make-up).  However, her other favorite from the show was the song  "Last Midnight" performed by the Witch as well.

The show runs until April l7th with many already sold out.  If you have the opportunity, my daughter and I both recommend you go.  You can purchase tickets here.  She's already looking forward to next season and some of the shows that have been announced.  The big one she wants to see is IN THE HEIGHTS Music & Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Review - Memphis @AuroraTheatre #Musical #Lawrenceville

I was given tickets to attend the show and provide my honest opinion.

 It seems most times I go to Lawrenceville for a show at the Aurora Theatre, I end up having dinner at Cosmo's across the street.  Quick and good pasta, I had cheese manicotti.  Yum!

From now until August 30th, the Aurora Theatre, in cooperation with Theatrical Outfit, has begun a run of the musical Memphis.   I have to admit, I really had no idea what I was getting in to when I decided to go.  Based on real life events, we follow a white man as he discovers the music on Beale Street in Memphis in the '50s.  Falling in love with the music, he becomes a DJ and brings it to the white population.  Not always a popular person, we watch as he pioneers music on the radio and Rock'N'Roll in the South and then gets his chance to pioneer TV too.

Part of the show did happen on the very sides of the stages, which made my seating unfortunate, as I couldn't see the performers.  There seemed to be a few problems with the mics as well.  Nothing overly detracting, but I noticed.  I loved the music and the performers, though.  They were outstanding.  While Huey (lead character) was fun to watch, I think my favorite was Gator, a mute who finds his voice.

All together, I think the cast and crew put on a very good show.  It is a long show, though, with the first half running about 100 minutes.  I didn't plan for that, so it was later than I expected when I got home.

I also wanted to mention that the Theatre, working with one of their sponsors HoltKamp and in celebration of their 20th anniversary, are trying to bring in 20 tons of food for the local food banks.  Bring a bag of the listed "most needed" items or a $5 donation to help them along the way and you will be entered to win a trip to San Diego and tickets to the Old Globe Theater.

Here is a list of the basic needs -
Canned: meats (chicken, spam, ham ravioli), soups, vegetables, fruits
Protein: peanut butter, dry beans, tuna fish
Dry: pasta, rice cereal
Paper: toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, diapers
Hygiene: soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant
Cleaning: detergent, laundry soap, new cleaning cloths

Driving Miss Daisy @AuroraTheatre

I was given passes to attend media night at the Aurora Theater in downtown Lawrenceville.  I didn't do what I did last time, which was to have dinner at one of the restaurants downtown.  When I got to the downtown area, most of the restaurants were full and I wasn't sure I'd be able to get in and eat in time to go to the show.  So, instead, I just had a cupcake at Special Kneads.  Not the best dinner, but definitely satisfactory for my night out.

From the theater site:
"This timeless story follows the unlikely 25 year friendship of Miss Daisy, a Jewish widow and her African-American chauffeur Hoke. In 1948 Atlanta, their relationship gets off to a steely beginning, but as they navigate the bumpy road of bigotry together a profound, life-altering friendship blossoms. Full of wit and charm, this 1988 Pulitzer Prize winner takes audiences on an unforgettable journey."

The set is fairly simple, keeping with the story line.  3 chairs were the car, a desk for Boolie, and a chair for Daisy.  The theater was an intimate setting and you're very close to the cast.  Seating is general admission.

The doors opened a little before 8 with the show starting about 8:30.  It's back to the original theater production, so keep the movie out of your minds if you go.  With 3 cast members performing the entire show, it lasts about an hour.  Hoke Colburn was played by Rob Cleveland, Daisy Werthan was played by Jill Jane Clements, and  Boolie was played by Jared Simon.  All three cast members did an outstanding job with their roles.    A wonderful story, but definitely not politically correct.

The show runs through October 19th.  The lead actor will change on September 28th.  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from the Aurora Theater website.