It was a year of milestones, new adventures, and tried and true traditions at the Alliance Theatre.
From concluding its 50th Anniversary season to premiering Becoming Nancy, 2019 saw even more growth for the Tony Award-winning venue. Take a look back at the Alliance’s year in pictures, below!
Ever After
A princess story with fewer pumpkins, more wings. Based on the film of the same name starring Drew Barrymore, this pre-Broadway musical included a cast of Atlanta favorites and Broadway names including Sierra Boggess (The Phantom of the Opera, The Little Mermaid), Rachel York (The Scarlet Pimpernel, Kiss Me, Kate), and Jeff McCarthy (Urinetown, Side Show). Not only did this mark one of the first developmental productions of the musical, but it also served as the official unveiling of the Alliance’s brand new Coca-Cola Stage.
Photo credit: Greg Mooney
Goodnight, Tyler
Written by 2019 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition winner B.J. Tindal, Goodnight, Tyler explores themes of legacy and perspective. Tindal undertook the heavy subject matter of police brutality, but the playwright made the piece approachable by framing it an inherently funny tone. The Alliance’s production marked the official premiere of Goodnight, Tyler.
Photo credit: Greg Mooney
Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous
The Alliance’s playwright in residence Pearl Cleage brought us her latest piece in the spring. The world premiere takes a hopeful look at artists from different eras finding common ground in their differing world views, particularly about the place of women’s voices in society as they age.
Photo credit: Greg Mooney
The Wizard of Oz*
Yes, the stage version of the Oscar Award-winning classic. Under the direction of visionary Rosemary Newcott, this children and family production gave a folk spin to the beloved musical.
Photo credit: Greg Mooney
Approval Junkie
This one-woman comedic piece from Georgia native Faith Salie marked the world premiere for the Emmy Award-winning journalist. The colorful subtitle paints the clearest picture of this piece, “My heartfelt (and occasionally inappropriate) quest to please just about everyone, and ultimately myself.”
Photo credit: Greg Mooney
Ride the Cyclone*
The critically acclaimed musical about teenagers who die on a roller coaster and end up in an unconventional purgatory made its regional premiere this summer. This production marked the conclusion of the Alliance Theatre’s 50th anniversary season.
Photo credit: Chris Helton
Max Makes a Million
The imaginative family play brought to life Maira Kalman’s beloved character Max Stravinsky. In association with the High Museum of Art exhibition The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman’s Books for Children, the world premiere piece was adapted and directed by local theatre artist Liz Diamond.
Photo credit: Greg Mooney
Becoming Nancy
Following the Alliance’s legacy of producing new musicals, Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell directed this world premiere. This modern work takes a look at identity and belonging through the lens of high school musical theatre (the best lens).
Photo credit: Greg Mooney
Small Mouth Sounds
A play with minimal dialogue and endless meaning, Small Mouth Sounds takes place at a silent retreat. Playwright Bess Wohl told Encore that she underwent a journey of self-discovery as she wrote a play about silence, trying to stick to the conventions of the story while creating a meaningful environment.
Photo credit: Greg Mooney
Ghost
Not to be confused with the musical or Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name, this play is based on the Jason Reynolds National Book Award finalist. The Alliance developed this piece specifically for middle and high schoolers, centering around main character Castle Crenshaw whose life is changed when offered a position on the middle school track team.
Photo credit: Chris Helton
Courtenay’s Cabaret
Courtenay Collins made her victory lap in Atlanta following her Broadway debut earlier this year in The Prom (which had its world premiere right here at the Alliance). Surrounded by a set she describes as her dream living room, Collins’ one-woman show honors the excitement and heart break of the holidays, inviting audiences into her living room to share a festive evening- complete with Christmas cookies and crafts.
A Christmas Carol
Proving once again that it’s not Christmas until Tiny Tim proclaims to the Alliance audience, “God bless us, everyone!” A Christmas Carol concluded 2019 at the Alliance by taking its 30th annual bow.
Photo credit: Greg Mooney
*Suzi Bass Award-winner
