WELCOME TO OUR weekly curated column. Feature photo: Daniel Burns and Rachel Potter in Shenandoah at Serenbe Playhouse. Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus.
Last chance
Men with Money. Through April 14. Aurora Theatre. Set in 1950s New York, Men With Money is a subversive, Technicolor romp about three young men looking to find wealthy spouses. Louis, Max, and Sonny are charming, young, eligible. With two of them looking for husbands and the other looking for a wife, they may just have the charm and chutzpah to pull off their own rags to riches story. With book and lyrics by Bill Nelson, and music and additional lyrics by Joseph Trefler, this new musical is full of dreams, schemes, and lavish musical numbers. Info on the Aurora Theatre website. Discount tickets at PoshDealz.com.
Shenandoah. Through April 14. Serenbe Playhouse. Join Serenbe Playhouse for Shenandoah, the story of one Shenandoah Valley family’s struggle to survive the upheaval of the Civil War. Charlie Anderson, a pacifist widower and the family’s patriarch, cannot continue to avoid the war happening around him after his youngest son is taken prisoner. A story of heartbreak and hope, Shenandoah shows war-time turmoil and its all-too-common scars. Staring American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and X Factor finalist Rachel Potter, Serenbe Playhouse’s production will transport audiences to the rolling hills of Virginia and will include a full-fledged war reenactment with soldiers, horses, and canons. Tickets and info on the Serenbe Playhouse website.
Opening this weekend
Bullets over Broadway. Runs April 11 – 28. Georgia Ensemble Theatre. Based on the screenplay of Woody Allen and Douglas McGrath’s 1994 film, Bullet over Broadway is the story of a playwright who has no intention of compromising the integrity of his work, but finds this hard to hold true when a producer is interested in mounting his show on Broadway. One catch – the producer is a mobster who wants his less-than-talented girlfriend to star in the show. Bullets over Broadway brings over-the-top characters and a fabulous ensemble. Info and tickets on the Georgia Ensemble Theatre website. Discount tickets at PoshDealz.com.
Bright Star. Runs April 12 – 28. Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Featuring a Grammy-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The show tells a story of love and redemption in the 1920s and 1940s — two points of time in the life of literary editor Alice Murphy. When Alice meets a young soldier returned home from World War II, he awakens her longing for a child taken from her years before. Hopeful and genuine, Bright Star features onstage musicians and a stellar ensemble. Tickets and info on the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village website.
Footloose. Runs April 12 – 28. Theatre Buford. Join as Theatre Buford brings this toe-tapping hit to the stage! When Ren McCormack moves to a small town named Bomont, he discovers the town’s restrictions on dancing — and the grief still felt from the incident that led to the creation of the ban in the first place. Ren reminds the town council that there is a time to mourn and a time to dance. The show brings all the beloved song from the film to life, including “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and of course “Footloose”! Tickets and info on the Theatre Buford website.
Singin’ in the Rain. Runs April 12 – 28. Atlanta Lyric Theatre. Another beloved movie-turned-musical, Singin’ in the Rain is full of hilarity and snappy dialogue. While main characters Don Lockwoord and Lina Lamont are a hot item on the silent movie screen, backstage is a different story. And what will happen to Lina’s career after “talking pictures take over? Don’t miss this production of a classic – complete with an onstage rainstorm! Tickets and info on the Atlanta Lyric Theatre website.
A special celebration
Shakespeare’s Birthday Party & Measure for Measure. April 23. Shakespeare on Draught at Orpheus Brewing. It’s the Bard’s birthday! Join Shakespeare on Draught for a night of birthday festivities and one of their signature delightfully under-rehearsed performances. Hosted as usual by Orpheus Brewing, Shakespearean birthday festivities will begin at 7:00pm and the show will start at 8:00pm. No tickets – but pay-what-you-can donations are always appreciated! More information on the Shakespeare on Draught website.
Save the date
Broadway on the Lawn Presents: In the Heights by Aurora Theatre. April 27. Aurora Theatre @ Lawrenceville Lawn. Grab a lawn chair, pack a picnic, and get ready to see In the Heights performed in concert! VIP experience available and comes complete with dinner, beverages, and a table. More information on the Aurora Theatre website.
