Aurora Theatre launches “Our Stage Onscreen” series with BARBARA’S BLUE KITCHEN

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    [ID] => 54509
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    [post_date] => 2020-09-11 21:40:01
    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-09-11 21:40:01
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Aurora Theatre is taking audiences to a Tennessee diner for an evening of music, interpersonal drama, and heartfelt laughs.

Just the facts

The Aurora Theatre will present Lori Fischer's musical Barbara's Blue Kitchen virtually, streaming September 25-October 4. This production marks the first in Aurora's "Our Stage Onscreen" digital series. Described as a "country fried musical," the piece stars Chloe Kay and Skylar Brown with direction by Justin Anderson and musical direction by Ann-Carol Pence.

In the words of the Aurora Theatre

“Our Stage Onscreen is exciting for a few reasons: it fulfills our mission of producing professional theatrical for our community, it allows us to employ artists and it gives us a creative platform we’re all so desperate for at this time,” said Ann-Carol Pence, Co-Founder and Associate Producer of Aurora Theatre. “We’ve used this opportunity to implement safety protocols for our artists and staff so when we’re able to gather, we’ll be ready."

"Barbara’s Blue Kitchen affected me so deeply because the show speaks to the ache we all have to be part of a community. This diner is the center of town, much like Aurora Theatre has become the central place for Gwinnett County. The show provides an opportunity to innovate by bringing a fully-realized production to the homes of our community, who we know are starved for great musical theater. This show is relevant, yet full of hope, heart and marvelous music.”

About Barbara's Blue Kitchen

Barbara Jean owns the diner that is the epicenter of life, love and gossip in Watertown, a small town just outside of Nashville. This musical serves up a slice of small town southern life with a heaping helping of comedy. At Barbara’s Blue Kitchen the special of the day is a genuine look into the hearts of everyday people.

The trials and tribulations of a weary nurse, an elderly widow, an overwhelmed mother of three boys, a heartbroken waitress and the topsy-turvy love life of Barbara Jean play out like a country song. The show will star WatersEdge Records recording artist and Aurora Theatre AppCo Alumni Chloe Kay.

About those tickets

Tickets are $30 per streaming view (not necessarily per person) and can be purchased here.

For those who want to help Aurora Theatre during these unprecedented times, you may donate to the theatre here.

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Aurora Theatre is taking audiences to a Tennessee diner for an evening of music, interpersonal drama, and heartfelt laughs. Just the facts The Aurora Theatre will present Lori Fischer’s musical …

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Chita Rivera, Kyle Chandler, and more promote Aurora Theatre’s “Soar to 100k” campaign

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    [ID] => 54366
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    [post_date] => 2020-07-28 21:08:03
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    [post_content] => 

Aurora Theatre has enlisted the help of some A-listers to reach their fundraising goal.

As the local theatre seeks to thrive in this challenging season, Broadway and screen actors have come alongside the team to show their support. Below, check out some shout-out videos from Chita Rivera, Kyle Chandler, Henry Cho, and James Michael Tyler encouraging audience members to donate to the theatre and "bring back the applause."

In the words of the Aurora team,

At Aurora, our patrons are a dream come true.

Many of you have have been asking how you can best help us weather this financial storm until we’re once again able to welcome you back to the theatre. We are thrilled to announce that three four generous donors have stepped forward to CHALLENGE us all to make this happen:

Our corporate partner Delta, Board Member Marshall, and wife Lee, Boutwell, the City of Lawrenceville, and our Board of Directors will match any donations YOU make today up to $30,000 $50,000! Your $100 donation now becomes $200 for the Aurora!

Tony Award-winner Chita Rivera

(original Broadway star in West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, and much more)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSJ1EKHcXLE

Henry Cho

Comedian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5NLBPfT_Cc

Emmy Award-winner Kyle Chandler

(star of Friday Night Lights, Bloodline)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AurTxTRT4Nw

James Michael Tyler

(Gunther in Friends)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1QBBUkZgrU

Click here for more information and to donate to Aurora Theatre.

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Aurora Theatre has enlisted the help of some A-listers to reach their fundraising goal. As the local theatre seeks to thrive in this challenging season, Broadway and screen actors have …

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Aurora Theatre’s Cyber Stage aims to “nurture belonging” in the arts community

WP_Post Object
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    [ID] => 54244
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    [post_date] => 2020-07-07 10:06:02
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    [post_content] => 

Though our Atlanta theatre's extended intermission is still underway, the team at the Aurora Theatre is taking it in stride by delivering completely new content, so audiences don't have to take a total break from the theatre they love so much.

As part of their Digital Series, the Lawrenceville-based theatre company has developed Cyber Stage, a weekly evening of virtual, live theatre.

Just the facts

The Aurora Theatre is presenting live, virtual performances every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Featuring professional actors from the Aurora Apprentice program, Cyber Stage plays include works written specifically for a "Zoom-style context." The evening concludes with a Q&A between audience and performers.

From Associate Artistic Director Justin Anderson

“When we first devised Cyber Stage, we knew we wanted to intersect with our audience to provide some kind of balm for the quarantine disconnect. As events have evolved over the last several weeks, we knew it was necessary to pivot the platform in a direction that holds the tension between both entertainment and education, inviting even more inclusive collaboration opportunities and making space for some difficult topics and conversations. Even in a virtual form, the need for empathy doesn’t change. The need for understanding doesn’t change. We hope to provide programming that nurtures belonging for both the artists and audiences.”

About those tickets

Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance as space is limited. Click here for more information and to reserve tickets.

Cyber Stage lineup

  • July 8: #Matter and Black Flag, double bill of two short one-acts by Idris Goodwin
  • July 15: Title TBD presented in partnership with ExSE
  • July 22: Title TBD, Apprentice Company (AppCo) Movement Response to 2020; participants Olivia, Branden, Miche’ and Peyton submitted pre-recorded dance pieces
  • July 29: Too White to be Latina, Too Latina to be White (working title TBD), one-woman journalism theatre piece by Jacky Segui

To donate to Aurora Theatre, visit AuroraTheatre.com.


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Though our Atlanta theatre’s extended intermission is still underway, the team at the Aurora Theatre is taking it in stride by delivering completely new content, so audiences don’t have to …

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Construction continues on arts center in Downtown Lawrenceville

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    [post_date] => 2020-06-26 20:25:39
    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-06-26 20:25:39
    [post_content] => 

$31-million performing arts center progresses in partnership between Aurora Theatre and City of Lawrenceville

Steadfast in their investment and dedication to the region, Aurora Theatre and the City of Lawrenceville today announced construction progress on the highly anticipated Lawrenceville Performing Arts Center (LPAC) – the soon-to-be expanded home of Gwinnett’s only professional theater, Aurora Theatre. Construction and expansion of the facility began in June 2019 and will continue in phases until the scheduled completion in spring 2021, including structural, mechanical and electrical design updates of the four anticipated venues.  

Located across the street from the Gwinnett County Historic Courthouse, the new 55,000 square-foot space will house a 525-seat theater; Cabaret; indoor and outdoor civic spaces; and rooms for office and educational programming. The project has resulted in numerous jobs for those deemed essential workers – an unforeseen yet advantageous impact on the local community during these challenging times.

“Art is vital to nourishing community. Its need is even more apparent under the circumstances we are all facing. We are grateful that the construction on the campus expansion never stopped, creating jobs and bringing hope for the future of our county,” said Ann-Carol Pence, Co-Founder of Aurora Theatre. “I sincerely hope this innovative partnership between our non-profit organization and the City of Lawrenceville will serve as a model for other cities across the nation. This city understands that we must invest in the foundation of the arts together, so that the arts truly serve the community in ways that inspire, educate and heal our people."

Cranes were erected and precast panels arrived to the site in the beginning of May. These deliveries are expected to continue over the next weeks, building out the rest of the buildings including the Main Theatre area. City officials have ensured that the buildings’ infrastructure will retain the architecture of the historic square in downtown Lawrenceville.

This unprecedented partnership between Aurora Theatre and the City of Lawrenceville serves as a model for other city and county governments to partner with arts organizations, which serve as the heartbeat of local communities. Performances at Aurora Theatre are currently suspended temporarily due to coronavirus concerns, but the theater continues to engage with audiences through digital programming alternatives. Aurora Theatre is eager to serve the community with live performing arts again!

About Aurora Theatre

Under the artistic leadership of Co-Founders and Artistic Directors Anthony Rodriguez and Ann-Carol Pence, now in its 24th Season, Aurora Theatre produces professional live entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. Aurora Theatre is home to over 850 events each year. Theatrical productions are comprised of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Additionally, Aurora produces concerts, stand-up comedy, children’s programs, metro Atlanta’s top haunted attraction Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, as well as Atlanta’s only professional Spanish language theatre, Teatro Aurora. Aurora Theatre is a world-class theatrical facility with two performance venues. Nestled on the square in historic downtown Lawrenceville, Aurora has FREE attached covered parking and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Aurora Theatre has garnered numerous accolades highlighted by recent achievements that include a 2016 Governor’s Award for the Arts & Humanities, winner of five 2019 Suzi Bass Awards, Creative Loafing’s “2010 Best Theatre Company,” Georgia Trend Magazine’s “2011 Best Places to Work in Georgia,” Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “2012 Best Places to Work,” Atlanta Magazine’s “Best of Atlanta 2018” for Best Inclusive Programming, Gwinnett Chamber’s 2018 Inaugural Moxie Award for Outstanding Organization, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts, and Gwinnett Chamber’s 2015 IMPACT Regional Business Award for Hospitality.


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$31-million performing arts center progresses in partnership between Aurora Theatre and City of Lawrenceville Steadfast in their investment and dedication to the region, Aurora Theatre and the City of Lawrenceville …

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Aurora Theatre sings “One Day More” virtually

WP_Post Object
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    [ID] => 54008
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    [post_date] => 2020-05-04 09:30:00
    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-05-04 09:30:00
    [post_content] => 

What do theatre pros do when they're on COVID-cation? Sing epic Broadway tunes, of course!

Aurora Theatre recently got the gang back together to perform "One Day More" from Les Miserables. Featuring cast members from the Aurora's 2013 and 2015 productions, the actors sang from the comfort of their homes.

https://www.facebook.com/AuroraTheatre/videos/2527730007486499/

Cast

  • Bryant Smith
  • Cecil Washington, Jr.
  • Kelly Martin
  • Leslie Bellair
  • Lowrey Brown
  • Kevin Harry
  • Marcie Millard
  • Anthony Rodriguez
  • Xylina Cassandra
  • Jono Davis
  • Shelli Delgado
  • Jessica DeMaria
  • Ally Duncan
  • Ed McCreary
  • Robby Owenby
  • Stuart Schleuse
  • Traci Weisberg

In a Facebook post about the video, Aurora Theatre co-founder and associate producer Ann-Carol Pence recalls the hope that staging Les Mis in the first place brought to her personally.

Why ONE DAY MORE? 2013 was an incredible season for us. We were able to produce the Atlanta Premiere of Les Miserables. We sold more than 10,000 tickets, and with a hashtag of #heartfulloflove, we joined together on stage so many artists who became great friends–friends to Aurora, friends to each other and friends to Anthony & me.

One year later, in 2014, as the lights were going down at an Alliance Theatre opening Jeff Watkins (the artistic director of Shakespeare Tavern, a mentor and friend) turned around and said, “You are CRAZY if you don’t remount Les Mis.” So we did! In January of 2015 we remounted the show & sold another 10,000+ tickets.

Almost everyone returned, and the new friends that joined the cast are just as special to Anthony and me. I turned 50 that year… And I lost my dad. So this epic show about one man and his impact on the world, a show which ends with a father at his death with his daughter by his side, reignited my passion for theatre. 

Sometimes, we lose our way. We lose our passion. But then something happens and we are reinspired. Opening our new theatre in 2007 in Lawrenceville gave us a sense of place. Adding an Apprentice Company changed our trajectory. And producing Les Miserables with this particular group of people changed our lives.

Why? We made the commitment to telling our stories with a culturally diverse community of actors.

If so called, please renew your season tickets. Or buy season tickets for the very first time. Your support lets us know you believe in us - and you will be back, because friends, we will be back. In 2018, the arts added four times more to the U.S. economy than the agricultural sector and $200 billion more than transportation or warehousing. We are an entertainment economy. (Netflix, movies, music, books, video games and theatre).

As is our tradition, we will gather together one day soon. And we will all be joined together in Lawrenceville by a heart full of love.

Eternal gratitude to our patrons, our board, our city, and our staff. Together we are unstoppable!


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What do theatre pros do when they’re on COVID-cation? Sing epic Broadway tunes, of course! Aurora Theatre recently got the gang back together to perform “One Day More” from Les …

Read More