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. 

Review of Nunsense at the Lyric Theatre in Marietta @bravepratl #sponsored

My daughter and I went to see the Marietta Theatre Company perform Nunsense at the Lyric Theatre (in exchange for our review, we were given tickets to the show). We got there early, so we went to eat at Hemingways on the square. We weren't particularly hungry, so we just ordered appetizers. The waitress (didn't get her name) was funny. She came to our table with our apps and let us know nothing had been dropped or otherwise affected. She then stated she felt like she should start singing "Be Our Guest". My daughter and I tried to convince her to go ahead, but she wouldn't.. so after she left we did it for her. I mention it because it was great customer service.

So, on to the show..

The program had 5 performers, each did a great job.  The show is VERY irreverent, so if you're easily offended by dad jokes or such, I wouldn't go.  On the other hand, my daughter and I found the program very funny.   The story line runs that a few nuns from NJ leave the convent to play BINGO with another group.   Meanwhile, at home, the rest of the nuns are killed by botulism thanks to bad stew/soup.  The show starts with 5 of the surviving sisters doing a fundraiser to help bury the last 4.

It's a fun musical with each of the 5 contributing stories to entertain.  More than that, though, their interactions with each other (and the audience) make it priceless.  I loved the way the actresses portrayed their characters.  Even when technical difficulties happen ("Help me ObiWan"), they carry on with the story and keep it seamless.

My daughter and I usually have our favorite performers in the show.  It isn't meant to say the others weren't good, it's just that these were our picks of the night.  For my daughter it was the Novice, Sister Mary Leo (played by Megan Martell).  For me, it was a hard choice, but I'll go with Sister  Robert Anne (played by Kate Metroka).  All 5, though, did an excellent job.  Our only problem with the evening was some mic problems, fortunately with the small space it was a minor problem.

The show runs through September 1st.  Tickets run $25 for general seating.  There are options for dinner plus show, as well as VIP tables.  The theater area itself is small with no bad views in the house.    Next show up is The Toxic Avenger, not recommended for children (border between PG13+ to R primarily for language).

Nunsense @mariettatheatrecompany #ad @bravepratl

I have been invited to attend Saturday night in exchange for my review.  Watch here for that to be posted on Monday.  In the meantime..

Following a successful inaugural season, Marietta Theatre Company is kicking off its second season with Nunsense, a comedic, over-the-top musical that tells the story of five of the 19 surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken: a one-time missionary order that ran a leper colony on an island south of France. Nunsense, set to run August 17 through September 1 at the Lyric Studio on the Square, is a hysterical comedy written and produced by Dan Goggin, who received the 1986 Outer Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Music.

The hilarious musical follows five nuns who discover that, while they were off playing bingo with a group of Maryknolls, their cook Sister Julia accidentally killed the other fifty-two residents of the convent with her tainted vichyssoise. Things go from bad to worse when they forget about four of the nuns and need additional funds for a proper burial. With the deceased nuns on ice in the deep freeze and desperate to raise the necessary amount, they decide to stage a variety show in the Mount Saint Helen’s School auditorium on the set of the eighth-grade production of “Grease” and hilarity ensues all around.

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.

Madeline's Christmas @HorizonTheatre #ad #hosted #family

My daughter and I were invited to attend a final dress rehearsal of the show.

"The beloved family tradition, Madeline’s Christmas returns to Horizon Theatre December 2 – 31! A festive treat for parents and children alike, families are invited to join Madeline and friends for a magical musical adaption of Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic children’s tale! Featuring 24 local girls performing alongside professional actors in collaboration with The Atlanta Children’s Theatre Company, this merry production is a holiday classic for all."

There are 2 teams of girls for the play.  Each team will perform on alternating days, so if you attend more than once you may see a different group of girls each time.  This is a wonderful way to allow more girls the opportunity to participate in a great little production.  

I have never had the opportunity to watch a production at the Horizon Theatre before, so this was an irresistible chance.  The performance stage is ground level with the seats stadium style surrounding it.  There did not appear to be a bad spot to view the performance.  The show itself was only about an hour long, just right for young ones to be able to sit and watch.

My daughter has loved Madeline since she was little.  She and I both agreed this production was well done.  The girls in the show did an awesome job, even as a final rehearsal.  I believe they'll do a great job for the regular performances as well.   If you have a child that loves Madeline (or even if it's just you), we both recommend the show.  Good luck to all the girls (and adults) in the production!

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  

#Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious night in @GALawrenceville @AuroraTheatre

I was given an invitation to attend a media night for Lawrenceville's Aurora Theater's Mary Poppins.  My husband decided he wasn't interested in going, so my daughter and I made it a girl's night out.  We started by having dinner at Cosmo's Little Italy Pizza (her pick).  My daughter was determined to have pizza.  I, on the other hand, decided to have baked ziti.  We both thoroughly enjoyed the food and the atmosphere (cozy casual).

We wandered around the square after, though nothing more than restaurants and such were open.  After letting dinner settle slightly, we headed to a little place next to Cosmo's called Special Kneads and Treats.  Let me say straight up that this place will be hazardous to my wallet and my waist line in the future. I love supporting special programs and this one is doing a wonderful job.  Not to mention that what they're selling is AWESOME!  I had a salted caramel cupcake and cup of tea, my daughter had a cookie.

From there we headed over to the theater itself. I've seen a lot of shows advertised and have meant to get over there many times. I just haven't done it. For reference, the theater is located adjacent to the city parking deck. 

I wasn't able to get pictures of the production itself, but I will state that they did a VERY nice job of the show.  My daughter thoroughly enjoyed herself.  My favorite song in the show is (and almost always has been, even in the movie) Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.  My daughter decided she really liked the cast's performance of Step in Time.   

The show is running now through August 31st.  The theater is small and there didn't seem to be a bad seat in the house.  You can purchase tickets through the theater's web site:  http://www.auroratheatre.com/