"Nunsense" is Habit Forming

Marietta Theatre Company has opened their second season with the heavenly hilarious musical "Nunsense", on stage through Saturday, September 1. There are only a few performances with tickets still available. Get yours now!

Okay, okay...my title, "Nunsense is Habit Forming" is hardly original, but clever is clever. And that's not sinful. What is sinful is not laughing your ass off while watching this brilliantly delightful musical.

"Nunsense" | Marietta Theatre Company

Here's the premise of the second longest running Off-Broadway musical comedy...

"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, discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally killed the other fifty-two residents of the convent with her tainted vichyssoise while they were off playing bingo with a group of Maryknolls. However they forgot about four of the nuns and need additional funds for a proper burial! With the deceased nuns on ice in the deep freeze, they decide to stage a variety show in the Mount Saint Helen’s School auditorium to raise the necessary amount." 

- Marietta Theatre Company

The five actresses in Marietta Theatre Company's production are indeed a sisterhood. They're wonderfully synchronous and harmonize brilliantly. 

My personal favorite is Sister Mary Amnesia (Sophia Decker), a Georgia native (which I didn't know before deciding she's my favorite). Sophia is a huge fan of tap dancing, which the show has! She's also a puppeteer! 

The show also has ballet, danced by Sister Mary Leo (Megan Wartell), who wants to be the worlds first nun ballerina. Told you it's funny! I asked Megan if she was classically trained in ballet. She didn't break character. She totally answered as Sister Mary Leo, reiterating that she wants to be the world's first nun ballerina.

“What better way to open our second season than with a production that will have audiences laughing hysterically?” said Blaine Clotfelter, president and co-founder of Marietta Theatre Company. “As an emerging theater company in Atlanta’s bustling arts scene, we are honored and humbled to have received nearly 20 Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Award nominations for our inaugural season – more than any other theater in the region - and hope this show will set the tone for continued momentum in the year ahead.”

"Nunsense" | Marietta Theatre Company

Thank you to BRAVE PR for the tickets and for marketing such a fun show! I've worked with BRAVE PR for a number of years and they've consistently been wonderful and consistently represent their clients in the brightest limelight. 

See "Nunsense" at Marietta Theatre Company now through Saturday, September 1. A lot of shows are sold out, so DO NOT WAIT!

With such an awesome season as this, consider purchasing a season subscription and save 20 percent, equivalent to the price of a single show, to enjoy all five shows in Marietta Theatre Company's 2018-2019 season, including "Nunsense", "The Toxic Avenger", "I Love You Because", "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" and "Altar Boyz".

I saw The Toxic Avenger five times at another theatre...LOVE this show! And I saw Altar Boyz at a theatre in Bethesda, MD...another fantastic show! Can hardly wait to see what Marietta Theatre Company does with them!!!

See you at the theatre!

10 Reasons to See "Freaky Friday" in the Park

Horizon Theatre's production of "Freaky Friday" is coming to Piedmont Park!

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

For the fourth consecutive year, Horizon Theatre is sharing one of its super-popular musical comedies at the Park's Promenade. This year's show—one of the theatre's main stage plays earlier this year—has been met with hilarity, fantastic acting, super-fun musical numbers, and awesome reviews.

With only four performances, Wednesday through Saturday, June 20-23, this is a can't miss-show! In no particular order, here are 10 awesome reasons why you should see "Freaky Friday" in Piedmont Park...

1.) It's FREE! 

That's right. Horizon Theatre is giving away thousands of free tickets to see the four-day run of Freaky Friday in Piedmont Park. There's also reserved seating, for a nominal fee, closer to the stage, and if you're not a fan of sitting on the grass, you can buy reserved seats at a table near the stage or get a private table (for 6) also near the stage! I've sat on the lawn and reserved seats...whichever you chose, you'll have a great experience!

I think it's totally awesome is it that Horizon brings free theatre to our local community, and many others visiting Atlanta. "Thank you!", Horizon Theatre!

2.) The CAST is phenomenal!

The cast from the spring performance at Horizon Theatre in Inman Park/Little Five Points are all returning for the Piedmont Park run...I'm so excited! This was the largest cast to ever perform on the stage at Horizon Theatre and they truly are phenomenal. 

There are 19 actors in every performance, performing considerably more characters than that!

If you're an Atlanta theatre regular, you'll recognize names and faces of many of the cast, several of them multiple Suzi Bass award nominees and winners!

Jennifer Alice Acker, a personal favorite, is so incredibly talented and an amazing human being! She loves her craft, loves her fans, loves life and gives everything she has to every role she performs. Driven to continually improve (she's already AMAZING!), she's going to always deliver a magnificent performance! 

The spring show was the first time I'd seen Abby Holland on stage. She's AMAZING! Her voice is bold and beautiful and her acting is brilliant. I think you'll love her, too!

Christian Magby is multi-talented the likes you don't see very often. He acts, plays multiple musical instruments, writes, and he's one of the most personable artists you'll meet.

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

3.) It's in PIEDMONT PARK, "Atlanta's Favorite Greenspace"!

This is the fourth year that Horizon Theatre has brought one of their mainstage shows to Piedmont Park, which is in the heart of Midtown and easy to get to! The Promenade is near the Atlanta Botanical Garden—accessible from the Garden's entry road—and the Sage Parking Deck, accessible from Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive.

I've attended the last three Horizon Theatre shows in Piedmont Park and can personally attest to their being great fun...the shows and seeing them in the Park! [2015] [2016] [2017]

4.) There's something for EVERYONE!

Horizon Theatre has made a commitment to produce at least one play per season that multiple generations can enjoy together, and "Freaky Friday" is exactly that! Bring the kids, bring your parents, bring your friends of all ages!

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

5.) You get to MEET the cast and take PHOTOS with them!

In the wonderful Horizon Theatre tradition, after the show you'll get to meet the cast and make photos with them! Being the celebrity-spotter I am, this perk is a huge one for me and I love seeing so many other theatre-goers talking with the cast, congratulating them on their performance and getting to know them a little more.

6.) You've probably seen the MOVIE(s)!

"Freaky Friday" has quite a fun history, having been a book; then a movie in 1976 starring a young Jodie Foster who would go on to win two Oscar Awards; then another movie in 2003 starring Golden Globe-winner Jamie Lee Curtis and actress/musician Lindsay Lohan. 

Now...it's a MUSICAL!!!

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

7.) There will be FOOD and DRINKS!

You're going to get hungry and thirsty, right? Of course you will!

The grounds will open at 6:00pm (show starts at 7:30pm each night), so bring a picnic and enjoy! NOTE: Feel free to bring your own food, water and soft-drinks, but no alcohol and no glass, please.

There will be concessions, and beer, wine, water and soft-drinks available for purchase.

Remember, the earlier you arrive the closer you can get to the stage! But it's such a big show, they're all great seats. 

8.) The SET is awesome!

Twin sisters and Suzi Bass award winners Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay have done a magnificent job! I mentioned that this is the largest Horizon Theatre cast ever, and they brilliantly maneuvered the set at the theatre, but I'm super excited to see what they're do when it's in Piedmont Park. We're talking lots more real estate...more possibilities! 





9.) You're going to LAUGH!

Yes, it's a musical. Yes, it's about switching bodies. Yes, it's about the drama of a broken family—I come from one, so I know the hilarity that can come from that. It's ALL incredibly funny! You'll connect with this family, their friends, the wedding vendors, police encounters, and the wide range of relationships one encounters throughout life. Oh, and there's a high school scavenger hunt with a—by unanimous vote—totally hot list master...♫Aaaadddaammm!♫

10.) Horizon Theatre is GRATEFUL for your support!

Lisa Adler, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic/Producing Director, shares every opening night of every show that ticket sales make up for only about half of what it takes to run the theatre. Not everyone can see a show at the theatre, but most everyone can go to a free show...and then tell friends and family how great it was!

As a member of the Board of Directors at Horizon Theatre since August—and a patron of many years—we are incredibly grateful for your support, whether in ticket purchases, subscriptions and/or sharing how much you enjoyed your theatre experience with friends and family.

There you go...10 awesome reasons to come to Piedmont Park to see Horizon Theatre's production of Freaky Friday. I think you're going to love it!

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

The Legend of Georgia McBride is Legendary!

Who is Georgia McBride? She's a legend! Well, he's a legend. And they're mega-fans of The King of Rock 'n' Roll. See for yourself at Actor's Express!

The Legend of Georgia McBride | Actor's Express | Photo: Christoper Bartelski

The Legend of Georgia McBride is epic! It's hilarious! And...it's a love story. Yes, there are drag queens, too, and pizza, and a nightclub...multiple wardrobe changes, brilliant acting, and some of the most enthusiastic singing you've ever heard. It's a musical!

The Legend of Georgia McBride | Actor's Express | Photo: Christoper Bartelski

I was already a fan of Nick Arapoglou (Casey) from The Toxic Avenger and Avenue Q, and he's done a bit of television, including locally filmed, The Vampire Diaries. What a treat to see him in this show! 

In The Legend of Georgia McBride, Casey is a super-dedicated entertainer who is also a mega-fan of Elvis Presley. For other reasons he's wiling to put on a dress to keep a job. Complexity ensues in his relationship with his wife and others who want the same gig.

Casey's wife, Jo (Falashay Pearson), has huge news...the catalyst for her husband's putting on a dress, but she's in the dark. Drama, drama!

The Legend of Georgia McBride | Actor's Express | Photo: Christoper Bartelski

Casey's former job in the nightclub is being replaced with a drag show. Miss Tracy Mills (Jeff McKerley) shows up and steals the show...in the story and onstage! But she's also a "mentor". The entire cast is going to have you laughing out loud...and don't be surprised if there's a little (innocent) audience participation.

In fact, there are tables on the floor in front of the "stage", giving the show an authentic nightclub feel. If you can snag one of those tables, you're in for a real treat, but know that there's not a bad seat in the house! 

The Legend of Georgia McBride | Actor's Express | Photo: Christoper Bartelski

Everyone I've talked with who has seen the show—including the three friends I went with—has raved about it and can't stop smiling when recounting their evening with Georgia McBride and Miss Tracy.

See The Legend of Georgia McBride at Actor's Express through this Sunday, April 16...don't miss this show!

Interview: Benjamin Davis on the Inaugural AMTF

Everything has a beginning.

The upcoming inaugural Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival (AMTF) started with a "Why don't we have something like this?" epiphany when Atlanta-area actor-singer-producer Benjamin Davis was at the New York Musical Festival (NYMF) just one year ago.

This summer, Benjamin's then-budding vision will become a reality, making Atlanta musical theatre history!

Benjamin Davis, Founder & Executive Director, Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival

I had the awesome honor of interviewing Benjamin who shared with me some background on his theatre adventures and some of what he plans to grow into an annual event.

About Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival

Benjamin envisions the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival as an avenue to facilitate and foster "the next generation of theatre artists...to allow creative minds to explore their ideas with the guidance of seasoned industry professionals." Benjamin sees this as an opportunity to "celebrate our community and the impact that Atlanta can have on the national theatre scene."

Benjamin was inspired when attending/working the New York Musical Festival last year to start one here in Atlanta. NYMF, launched 12 years ago, today runs for nearly a full month and this year showcases 2 to 12 shows per day. Benjamin's fearless endeavor will no doubt rival its NYC sister Festival one day. That Benjamin has in only one year created and is about the launch the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival is mind-blowing! This is BIG, you guys!

There were 20 submissions received by the May 1 deadline and four official selections have been made that will be presented in the inaugural Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival, over two days and two nights, August 1-2. Tickets are available on the Actor's Express website and the shows will be performed at Actor's Express and Synchronicity Theatre. 

The range of topics presented in the inaugural year of the Festival is quite astounding. Festival-goers will see shows concerning slavery, family, feminism and memory! (more info about these shows is below)

Of course, getting any project of this magnitude off the ground takes vision, dedication and support. AMTF conducted a crowdfunding campaign and it was a total success at 111%! It's very exciting to see such support and enthusiasm for new musical theatre and for emerging theatre artists! 

Want to donate to the success of the Festival? You still can...donate here.

Tickets are now on sale for the two-day Festival. AMTF will take place on Monday and Tuesday, August 1-2. There will be a show at noon both days and a show at 8:00 p.m. both days...a total of four original works.

The Festival will be presented in four blocks over the two days. Each block will include a showcase performance of a local musical, in an abbreviated form, and one of the four official selections—a full performance of the original work.

About Benjamin Davis

A native Georgian, Benjamin has been acting since he was 12 years old. He grew up as a singer, and simply stumbled upon musical theatre when his middle school chorus class presented a musical each year.

He was born in Buford, Georgia, matriculated at University of Georgia and did his apprenticeship at Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville, Georgia, a theatre I've enjoyed on many occasions and highly recommend.

His first role came in 7th grade, as Wihthrop in The Music Man. Benjamin recounts the experience as one in which he "thought he was cast because of his natural talent, but probably had more to do with the fact that he had bright red hair and an actual lisp." 

His favorite shows today include a plethora of contemporary musical theatre, but he says the shows he's dying to tackle are Spring Awakening, American Idiot and Dogfight...*wink* *wink* to all Artistic Directors in Atlanta.

The most recent performance I had the pleasure of seeing Benjamin in was Sweeney Todd at Actor's Express, one of the theatres hosting the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival. After meeting him, I fully know that his passion for theatre is authentic. His desire for AMTF to be a total success is indeed genuine, and I'm wholly convinced it will be!

Over the years I've known many actors and actresses, some of them very close friends. The one common trait each and every one of them possess is a complete and total devotion to their craft. Benjamin's commitment to singing, acting and launching the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival is exactly that...a wholly committed devotion to a successful launch and continuation of the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival.

When I asked him what he does for fun in his spare time—knowing that was a long shot—Benjamin said, "You hit the nail on the head when you mention that our lives are acting. In addition to my acting career, my actual free time is usually spent on the Festival or other projects. My REAL free time would be spent cooking with my girlfriend, playing with my dog, or studying the craft. My free nights are spent watching other shows or movies, usually engulfing myself in other people's work. Free time and hobbies are a thing of the past for me!"

Sadly, Benjamin recently lost his canine companion to health complications. My heartfelt condolences to him and others who loved his pup.

When Benjamin got the idea for the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival, he was working as the Associate Producer for a show called The Last Time We Were Here at the 2015 New York Musical Festival, and the show was a great success.

Before that, Benjamin also had the awesome opportunity to tour with the Broadway Dreams Foundation as a production assistant/intern coordinator. Through Broadway Dreams, Benjamin has had the opportunity to work alongside Broadway greats including Billy Porter, Tituss Burgess, Eden Espinosa, Jarrod Emick, Megan Hilty, Stafford Arima, Norm Lewis, Stephanie J. Block, Tyler Hanes, Deidre Goodwin, and Tony Vincent, among others.

His resume is impressive to say the least! I believe he will prove to be the musical theatre promoter that Atlanta wants and needs.

Benjamin also maintains a steady amount of on-camera work. He has appeared in feature films, including The DUFF and The Fat Boy Chronicles, as well as commercials for Georgia Lottery, Top Flite, Zaxby's, RaceTrac, and Home Depot, among others.

Official Selections

Let's now have a look at the four Official Selections that will be featured in the inaugural Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival, presented here in performance date/time order. Tickets for all shows are available on the Actor's Express website.

Underground (tickets)
Monday, August 1  |  12:00 p.m.  |  Synchronicity Theatre

Book and Lyrics by Akil DuPont

"1850. With dreams of freedom tuggin' at his soul, Bali plans to escape from slavery after learning that his master, Jacob, is going to sell his young daughter ...Bali encounters a house slave, Dembi, who is content with her station in life..."

Human strife and struggle is often the catalyst for music, whether it offers relief or fuel. This show, I believe, is a story about the human condition, about the incredibly difficult decisions we sometimes have to make...decisions that will dictate our future. A must-see!

Underground | 2016 Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival

The Yellow Wallpaper (tickets)
August 1  |  8:00 p.m.  |  Actor's Express

Adaptation by Hannah Church
Music & Lyrics by Julia Appleton

"...a treatment called the 'rest cure'. Imagine lying in bed for eight weeks in complete isolation."

Granted, there are times, especially in today's busy world, I crave quite alone time, but never would I, or most anyone for that matter, want it forced upon me. I am completely curious about this 1891 "cure"...and how it's put to music!

The Yellow Wallpaper | 2016 Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival

The Fine Art of Forgetting (tickets) (website)
Tuesday, August 2  |  12:00 p.m.  |  Synchronicity Theatre

Book by Heidi Cline McKerley
Music by S. Renee Clark
Lyrics by Jeff McKerley

"...we follow Karen's journey as she juggles a mother battling Alzheimer's disease, a disappearing father, a nonexistent romantic relationship, and a new career opportunity that seems too good to be true."

I know S. Renee Clark's music. That alone tells me this one will be magnificent. The story is one that I believe many of us have in the past or are currently dealing with, making it wholly relevant to so many today.

The Fine Art of Forgetting | 2016 Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival

What's Past (tickets)
Tuesday, August 2  |  8:00 p.m.  |  Actor's Express

Written by Chase Peacock and Jessica de Maria

"What would you do if you could remember all the things you never knew you forgot?" 

That part of the show's synopsis terrifies me. Not because of the show, but because I don't think I'd want to unravel certain aspects of my past, but I can hardly wait to see it dramatically acted out on stage!

What's Past | 2016 Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival

You can get a discount by purchasing multiple shows and for a short time there will be full-festival passes available for all four shows at a significant savings! Remember to double-check your ticket and time, as the festival is being conducted at two different theatres, Actor's Express and Synchronicity Theatre.

Stephen Michael Brown, Title Sponsor of Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival, is someone I do not personally know, but I've seen his hand in a lot of great work, a lot of magnificent theatre, so it wasn't a surprise when I learned that he extended his expertise and generosity to the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival.

I hope to meet Stephen at some point in the future, but allow me please to share with you one of his favorite quotes, which I believe is accurate of how he approaches every day:

"I believe that if, at the end, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this and am happy I lived long enough to find out." - Roger Ebert

I'm looking forward to what I know will be a magnificent musical theatre experience! Thank you Benjamin, staff, artistic advisors, sponsors, playwrights, directors, crew and actors! And of course a huge thank you to all who purchase tickets!

Submissions for the 2nd Annual Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival will open this fall, so be sure to sign-up for informative email updates (bottom of their homepage) and follow AMTF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We may all very well be witnesses to the beginning of the next national musical theatre sensation! See you at the Festival!

Diana, Michael, Marvin...MOTOWN!

Seeing MOTOWN the Musical was so incredibly exciting! Not because I knew the story, but because I grew up with so many of the stars. That I learned so much about the history and connections within the Motown family was a total bonus...but seeing the music performed live and onstage, at the Fox Theatre, was the BEST!

MOTOWN the Musical | The Supremes | Photo: Joan Marcus

This show starts with the 1983 Motown 25: Today, Yesterday, Forever tribute, then flashes back to the founding of Motown and finishes in a grand finale back in 1983. Wonderful, wonderful story!

Of all the stars signed by Berry Gordy (performed by Josh Tower), the founder of the Motown record label, I'm a fan of The Supremes and Diana Ross (brilliantly portrayed by Allison Semmes) the most. I didn't know about the relationship she and Berry had, nor the background of Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany, both of which are fantastic! 

By the way, if you're visiting Atlanta and see MOTOWN the Musical, make it a double-feature and also see Bruce Monro: Light in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. One of the six installations in the exhibition, Three Degrees, was inspired by The Supremes! Check out my post about Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi performance at the Garden this summer, which includes a photo of Three Degrees (and a description about how it got its name). 

MOTOWN the Musical | The Jackson 5 | Photo: Joan Marcus

I had no idea that Berry Gordy signed The Jackson 5, although I remember their early music quite well! And of course, like billions of others in the world, I followed Michael Jackson's career throughout his life. 

What I didn't know, and was awesome to experience in MOTOWN the Musical, was that Diana Ross made the very first introduction of The Jackson 5 after they were signed by Motown! 

It wasn't discussed in this performance, but I sat there wondering if Berry's cinema deals for Diana had anything to do with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson starring together in The Wiz.

One of the other major players in MOTOWN the Musical was Smokey Robinson, (played by Jesse Nager), which I didn't know much about, but definitely know his music! The show totally nails his speaking voice, as well as many other nuances of other Motown stars...brilliantly played!  

MOTOWN the Musical | Marvin Gaye | Photo: Joan Marcus

One of history's more profound singers, Marvin Gaye's music has long been a favorite of mine...so soulful. What I didn't know was how strong an activist he was. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I liked his music so much. 

We had the wonderful pleasure of hearing Jarran Muse (Marvin Gaye) perform Mercy, Mercy Me...I never thought I'd hear that live! That one song has so many levels to it...listen to the words, again. 

MOTOWN the Musical | The Temptations | Photo: Joan Marcus

Get Ready! I'm not sure how The Temptations got their name because their music is irresistible! Yet another group whose music I loved as a kid. They had some cool moves, too. 

One of the things that is so incredible about this show is that there are not only nine scenes in Act I and nine scenes in Act II, but there are multiple songs in many of those! And the set design is AMAZING! Allow me to say it again...the set design is AMAZING!  

MOTOWN the Musical | Berry Gordy & Cast | Photo: Joan Marcus

There is an incredible amount of talent represented in this show, including The Marvelettes, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson and Rick James! The entertainment value of this show surpasses every expectation I had...and I had high expectations! The acting, dancing and singing talent on stage is brilliant...this cast represents Broadway in the finest form. 

Once again, I find myself writing the tip of the iceberg...there's so much going on in this show, so many wonderful things, you have no idea you're about to be hit with such a wonderful performance! 

A huge "Thank you" to BRAVE Public Relations for the tickets (Kellie, you're awesome!) and a reminder to my readers that the opinions expressed in my writings are my own. If I don't enjoy something, I won't write about it. THIS I enjoyed...toe tapping, clapping and singing the whole night! 

MOTOWN the Musical, part of the Broadway in Atlanta series, is at the Fox Theatre now through Sunday, August 23. Go, go, go!