Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category

Lawrenceville, Ga., (August 6, 2010) – Aurora Theatre continues our series of club comedy on the Lawrenceville square, Funny Fridays with a huge night of hilarity on August 20 with shows at 7:15 pm & 9:15 pm . The evening will offer stand-up comedy from three very funny fellows. Audiences will love our special guest host for the evening comedian Chelsie Rice, whose style is clearly influenced by the old-school greats Redd Foxx, Don Rickles, and Flip Wilson just to name a few. The featured act for the evening is one of the founders of Affirmative Action Comedy, Steve Haigh. Steve is a great down to earth observational comedian, and the perfect compliment to our Headliner, the geeky-chic Mike Haun.

Headliner Mike Haun

Storming the stage with the runaway kinetic energy of a sleepy librarian, Mike Haun compels audience members to listen to every word of his act, lest they soon wonder why everyone else is laughing uproariously.  Named Atlanta’s Funniest person in 2008 and the Southeast’s Funniest Person in 2009, national recognition should logically follow the local and regional precedent that has been established. Having shared the stage with the kiles of Ron White, Gilbert Gottfried, Richard Lewis, Kathleen Madigan, and Emo Phillips, Mike Haun is an up and coming star whose act should not be missed.

Funny Friday’s at Aurora Theatre

Sponsored by McCray’s Tavern

August 20, 2010 at 7:15 PM & 9:15 PM

Tickets $15

Aurora Theatre

128 Pike Street

Lawrenceville, GA 30045

678.226.6222

www.auroratheatre.com

Lawrenceville Community Children’s Choir

Open House, Registration & Ice Cream Social

When: Thursday, August 19, 2010, 5:00 PM

Where: Aurora Theatre, 128 East Pike Street

Come and join in the musical fun as the LCCC kicks off its’ first full season on Thursday, August 19.  Open house and registration is at our new rehearsal venue, the Aurora Theatre, in historic downtown Lawrenceville.  After registration, go “cool-off” with us at Rita’s Ice!  Families are invited to join the choir in the fun, games, and ice cream social.  Registration is open to students in grades K-7 and tuition is $25 per month.  No prior musical or singing experience is required to join.

The LCCC mission is: “to give young people the chance to learn, sing, and perform a wide variety of choral music while encouraging them to share their gifts with the community.”  Past performances include: Christmas Caroling on the Square, March Melodies at Applewood Tower Senior Citizen Residence, Dreaming – Spring Recital Concert, Kaiser Permanente’s Lawrenceville Facility Grand Opening in June.

For more information, contact Michele Wright, LCCC Artistic Director, (770)339-4803, lccchoir@gmail.com, or visit our website at www.lawrenceville-childrens-choir.org

Lawrenceville, Ga., (March 9, 2010) – Aurora Theatre Funny Fridays continues a huge season of club comedy performances on the square in downtown Lawrenceville with Headliner Tom Simmons for 2 shows on March 26. He is the winner of the prestigious San Francisco Comedy Competition, a 35-year-old contest that has helped launch the careers of finalists that have gone on to legendary status. That list includes: Dane Cook, Rob Schneider, Ellen DeGeneres, Sinbad, Kevin Pollak, Dana Carvey and Robin Williams, just to name a few.

Tom Simmons, who grew up in the Atlanta area and now calls Greensboro, NC home, provides the perfect blend of suburban family life with cutting edge comic genius. A true comedian in every sense of the word, Tom has toured practically non-stop for ten years developing his act and himself. His scintillating comedy will entertain with subjects from being a new father and relationships, to socially relevant issues like war, racism, and frustrations we all have with the world and one another. The show is easily relatable and seriously funny…like a Blue Collar Tour for people that read.

Tom Simmons has appeared on Comedy Central, Showtime, BET, NBC, and has written for numerous comedians. Tracks from all four of his comedy CD’s can be heard daily on both XM and Sirius radio. He has appeared on Bob and Tom, at the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, The Boston Comedy Festival, as well as performing with Comics on Duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Locally he appears regularly at Uptown Comedy Corner and has performed at The Punchline, Funny Farm and Laughing Skull Lounge. His Aurora performances will be in the intimate Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Studio with cocktail tables and full bar service from comedy series sponsor McCray’s Tavern.

Funny Fridays at Aurora Theatre
Sponsored by McCray’s Tavern

Friday March 26 at 7:15 & 9:15 PM

Tickets $15

678.226.6222
www.auroratheatre.com

Aurora Theatre
128 Pike Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Lawrenceville, Ga., (March 1, 2010) – Aurora Theatre has assembled the best children’s performers in the region, bringing them to Gwinnett County in order to give parents and their children a chance to experience their artistry in our amazing facility in downtown Lawrenceville.

Aurora Children’s Playhouse will kick off an amazing installment of children’s performances in March with Celtic Music for Kids presented by The BorderCollies on March 13. This talented band of minstrels is one of the most beloved Celtic bands in the southeast and they will perform a high energy children’s concert with an Irish flare on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. Their show will be packed full of music, heritage and audience participation. There will even be an instrument “petting zoo” to give children a hands-on experience. Be sure to wear green!

On March 20 Aurora Children’s Playhouse welcomes back an audience favorite, “That Puppet Guy” – Lee Bryan, with The Big Bad Little Red Pig Show. That Big Bad Wolf is working double-time in this twisted, tangle of tales. Two childhood favorites have been cleverly squished together with just one Big Bad Wolf to share in all the hilarious fun. Lee has huffed and puffed new life into these stories through the use of rod puppets, hand puppets, clever music and an original script.

On March 27, Wendy Bennett puts her own spin on the timeless tale of Cinderella with puppets, costumes, props and plenty of audience participation. It’s a story of transformations: pumpkins into coaches, mice into horses, shabby rags into a glistening ball gown and talented singer-actress Wendy Bennett into Cinderella. Incorporating games like Show Me on Your Face and High/Low Voices encourage children to exercise their imaginations in this delightful presentation of this classic fairy-tale.

The Aurora Children’s Playhouse series features: puppeteers, magicians, storytellers, jugglers and musicians intended for youngsters to have their first theatrical experiences. At about 45 minutes in length, perfect for the young attention span, these lively performances are fun for the whole family. Aurora Children’s Playhouse performances are held on select Saturday mornings at 10AM unless otherwise noted.

Bullet Points

3/13/10 10 AM
Celtic Music for Kids The BorderCollies

3/20/10 10 AM
The Big Bad Little Red Pig Show “That Puppet Guy” – Lee Bryan

3/27/10 10 AM
Cinderella Wendy Bennett

Tickets $7

Playhouse Tix: 10 Admissions to be used anytime for only $50

Reservations: 678.226.6222

Aurora Theatre
128 Pike Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
678-226-6222
www.auroratheatre.com

Lawrenceville, Ga., (February 9, 2010) – In 2008, A Catered Affair was performed on Broadway by an all-star cast for 116 performances. This funny, poignant and oh-so-human tale of love and marriage begins its magnificent journey into regional theatre with its post-Broadway debut on March 4th at Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville.

Set in the Bronx in 1953, A Catered Affair chronicles a blue-collar family, the Hurleys, who must decide whether to spend their life savings on a taxicab business or on the wedding of their only daughter, Janey. Based on Paddy Chayefsky’s original teleplay and the Turner Entertainment film that was written by Gore Vidal, A Catered Affair was adapted for the stage by Broadway legend Harvey Fierstien with music and lyrics by John Bucchino. This hit musical was nominated for 3 Tony awards and 12 Drama Desk awards. Mr. Bucchino joins the cast on opening night for a post-show discussion and reception hosted by Dominick’s restaurant. It will be a rare treat for local audiences to have the chance to rub elbows with a Broadway composer. A Catered Affair is sponsored by Allgood Pest Solutions.

Aurora Theatre has assembled its own all-star cast for the show with Anthony Rodriguez (Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director), as father of the bride Tom Hurley. Ingrid Cole, best known to Atlanta audiences from the long running hit Menopause the Musical, will make her Aurora debut as Aggie, the mother of the bride. Uncle Winston will be portrayed by Glenn Rainey (7 years on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast) who most recently delighted Aurora Theatre audiences as the lovable gangster in Kiss Me, Kate. Also joining the cast are Laura Floyd (Smoke on the Mountain – Theatre in the Square; Beyond the Rainbow – Georgia Ensemble Theatre) and Jeremy Wood (National Tour of Ring of Fire, Grease). They will be under the direction of Freddie Ashley (Artistic Director Actor’s Express) who directed Camelot, Aurora’s inaugural show in their new venue. Mr. Ashley will be reunited with his Camelot collaborators; musical director Ann-Carol Pence (Aurora Theatre Associate Producer) and choreographer Ricardo Aponte (Kiss Me, Kate, Christmas Canteen).

Producer Quote

“There are many beautiful shows that are destined to have a very successful life at the regional level. A Catered Affair is the powerful story about really good people and that is not always the type of show that speaks to the cynicism of New York audiences,” said Associate Producer Ann-Carol Pence. “A Catered Affair charts the course for the next decade of Aurora programming. We have a commitment to bringing new musicals to life.”

Cast & Crew
Ingrid Cole* Aggie
Anthony Rodriguez Tom
Glenn Rainey* Winston
Laura Floyd Janey
Jeremy Wood Ralph
Randall Taylor Mr. Halloran / Cab Driver
Nita Hardy Pasha / Mrs. Halloran
Kenya Hamilton Myra / Dress Salesman
Christy Baggett Dolores / The Caterer
Rachel White Alice / Army Sargeant

Freddie Ashley Director
Ann-Carol Pence Music Director
Ricardo Aponte Choreographer
Katie Pelkey Stage Manager
Christopher Bartelski Sound Design
Jessica Coale Lighting Design
Joanna Schmink Costume Design
Corrie Haislip Props Design
Phillip Male Set Design
Britt Hultgren Ramroop Production Manager
James Helms Technical Director

Bullet Points

A Catered Affair
Book by Harvey Fierstien
Music and Lyrics by John Bucchino
Regional Premiere
March 4 -28
Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 8:00PM and Saturday & Sunday at 2:30PM
Tickets $16 – $30

Preview Performance, Tuesday March 2 at 8:00PM
Free ticket for Wedding Industry Businesspeople (with business card)
$5 with Gwinnett County Schools, Student, Faculty & Staff
$10 All Others

Wednesdays Discount Matinee, March 24 at 10:00 AM
Tickets $14

678.226.6222
www.auroratheatre.com

Aurora Theatre
128 Pike Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Aurora Theatre Funny Fridays

Author: Al Stilo

Lawrenceville, Ga., (January 12, 2010) – Aurora Theatre Funny Fridays continues club comedy on the square in downtown Lawrenceville with the nationally renowned Bad Boy of Hypnosis, Mark Irish. Watch in fascination from the edge of your seat, as Mark skillfully and tastefully guides the volunteers through a mysterious, yet fascinating tour of the unlimited potential of the human mind.

Mark’s keen sense of humorous scenarios is designed not embarrass the volunteers. That’s what separates him from his peers who still have people clucking like chickens. Skeptics will become believers as they witness the impossible happen right before their very own eyes.

This installment of Funny Fridays perfectly compliments the Aurora Theatre mainstage performance called Tranced, a suspenseful drama dealing with hypnosis for repressed memories. Mark’s clean, exotic, yet edgy hypnosis skits have enabled him to perform with well-known personalities such as Phil Collins and Mike Meyers and landed him in negotiations for a TV Show The Bad Boys Of Hypnosis.

Funny Fridays at Aurora Theatre

Sponsored by McCray’s Tavern

Friday January 29 at 7:15 & 9:15 PM

Tickets $15

678.226.6222

www.auroratheatre.com

Aurora Theatre

128 Pike Street

Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Author: Sean Christopher
Link: http://www.meetup.com/dancing4fun/calendar/12111162/

Join us Saturday, January 30, 2010 for our latin rhythm & swing dance party!
We will be playing a little Elvis Presley, Santana, Donna Summers, as well as today\’s hits such as: I Like the Way You Move by Outkast, and Promiscuous Girl by Nelly. We will show you that swing, latin & ballroom dancing can be danced to a lot of the songs you hear on the radio!
This night will be tailor made for both beginner and intermediate dancers. In addition to starting off the night with an hour introduction to East Coast Swing & Cha Cha, we will have mini lessons throughout the night teaching you the basics of salsa, rumba and bachata. Whether you are into hustle, west coast swing, latin, or waltz, this night is for you. If you live in or around the Gwinnett area, and are tired of driving all the way to Atlanta to go out dancing, come check us out. Don\’t forget that we will have some snacks & ice cold non-alcoholic drinks available for you throughout the night.

Time:
7:30pm – East Coast Swing
Dancing til 12am

Where:
Studio & Dancing4fun
116 Crogan Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30045

Costs:
$10/person with RSVP YES – $15/person @ the door

To Register:
http://www.meetup.com/dancing4fun/calendar/12111162/

Sean-christopher
http://www.dancing4fun.com

Lawrenceville, Ga., (November, 20 2009) – Aurora Theatre has assembled the best children’s performers in the region, bringing them to Gwinnett County in order to give parents and children the chance to experience a live performance, made even more special during the holidays. In accordance with audience demand, Aurora Theatre has expanded our children’s show schedule offering performances at both 10 & 11 AM each Saturday in December leading up to Christmas.

This year’s holiday line up includes two favorites and an exciting new offering.

On December 5, we welcome back That Puppet Guy – Lee Bryan and The North Pole Fa-la-la-la Follies. Some talented residents of the North Pole get ready for their annual holiday talent show. The zany and colorful cast of characters include a wisecracking fruitcake, a musical goose, tumbling teddy bears, a duo of dancing deer, the not-so-abominable snowman and many others.

The North Pole Fa-la-la-la Follies Lee Bryan - That Puppet Guy

Alice in Wonderland will be performed by Georgia Shakespeare’s Will Power Ensemble on December 12. Alice ventures down the rabbit hole in Lewis Carroll’s classic story which features some of the most memorable and off-beat characters in all of literature. The White Rabbit, The Queen of Hearts, The Cheshire Cat and The Mad Hatter are just a few of the zany inhabitants of Wonderland who will leave children feeling “curioser and curioser.”

Alice in Wonderland Georgia Shakespeare

Our Children’s Playhouse holiday finale is ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Piccadilly Puppets will be here the Saturday before Christmas, December 19, with this classic favorite. The story is told from the point of view of a mouse who was actually there and saw what really happened on that very special night.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas Piccadilly Puppets

If you would like to give the gift of theatre to a special child in your life – you can with Playhouse Tix. Aurora Theatre’s Playhouse Tix is a punch card with 10 admissions to be used at any Aurora Children’s Playhouse performance for only $50. With no expiration date, it is a gift that you can give with confidence, and the smile on their face will be the gift you receive each time you attend a performance.

12/5/2009

10 AM & 11 AM

The North Pole Fa-la-la-la Follies Lee Bryan – That Puppet Guy

12/12/2009

10 AM & 11 AM

Alice in Wonderland Georgia Shakespeare

12/19/2009

10 AM & 11 AM

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Piccadilly Puppets

Tickets $7

Playhouse Tix: 10 Admissions to be used anytime for only $50

Reservations: 678.226.6222

Aurora Theatre

128 Pike Street

Lawrenceville, GA 30045

678-226-6222

www.auroratheatre.com

Lawrenceville, GA (November 19, 2009) – Anthony Rodriguez is back for a third year with his mesmerizing solo performance of the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Not unlike what Charles Dickens himself did in the 1800’s, Mr. Rodriguez  focuses on the classic art of storytelling, using his voice and mannerisms to bring to life Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley and the remarkable ghosts found in the greatest Christmas story of all time.

The exhilarating one-man Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns for a limited 3 week engagement this December 4 – 20. Nestled in the intimate 80-seat Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Studio, the theatre is transformed to make you feel as though Mr. Dickens has personally invited you into his parlor.  Although a few amazing theatrical effects have been added, this rendition captures the true spirit of Christmas – the joy of giving. The story is adapted for the stage and directed by Tony Brown. Audiences will remember Mr. Brown from his memorable turns on the Aurora Theatre Stage (Merlin in Camelot, Colonel Mustard in Clue: The Musical).

“When we were planning the season, I was not sure about taking on this bear of a show again,” explains Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez. “As we head into the holiday season, more and more people have been asking if I was bringing it back. Their excitement has certainly served as great inspiration; I just hope I can still remember all the lines.”

Cast

Anthony Rodriguez

Crew

Tony Brown                                         Director

Brit Hultgren Ramroop                   Set Designer

James Helms                                        Lighting Designer

Amanda Sutt                                        Costume Designer

Bradley Bergeron                                 Original Sound Designer

Sarah Thomson                                    Scenic Artist

Adam Sechelski                                    Stage Manager

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Adapted for the stage by Tony Brown

December 4 – 20, 2009

Performances are Friday & Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 2:30 PM

(No Show on Dec 11)

Tickets $12 – $15

678.226.6222

www.auroratheatre.com

Aurora Theatre

128 Pike Street

Lawrenceville, GA 30045

678-226-6222

Author: Al Stilo

Lawrenceville, GA (November 17, 2009) – Aurora Theatre will brighten your holiday season with our original musical extravaganza Christmas Canteen 2009. This living Christmas card is filled with music that will evoke holiday memories for every generation. For thousands of North Georgians, it’s just not Christmas until they hear their Canteen favorites like, I’ll be Home for Christmas, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Santa Baby, Holly Jolly Christmas and so many more. Gwinnett County’s longest running theatrical holiday tradition combines the sentimentality of television Christmas Specials with the high energy of a USO variety show. Christmas Canteen 2009 will have even the biggest Scrooge wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas!”

As always, a segment of Christmas Canteen 2009 pays tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Services both past and present. The production will feature local heroes in a video retrospective during the performance. For the 6th year, Aurora Theatre will also be working with the United States Marine Corps and their annual Toys for Tots drive. Our toy drive is an integral part of the Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees, now in its third year, decks the halls of Aurora Theatre with holiday cheer. More than 25 trees, decorated by local businesses and organizations, will be on display. Each tree ranges from the whimsically clever to the breathtakingly spectacular. In addition to toys, patrons can donate food that will be donated to the local food bank. Anyone can cast a vote for their favorite tree with a new unwrapped toy or a non-perishable food item to help ensure that everyone has a Merry Christmas.

Aurora Theatre is thrilled to welcome back its entire cast from last year. Brandon O’Dell and Stacey Stone have been creating holiday memories for years as veterans of several Christmas Canteens. Natasha Drena appeared in the title role of our smash-hit season opener Kiss Me, Kate and in the title role of Annie Get Your Gun, which earned her a Suzi Bass Award. Justin McGough (Aurora’s Damn Yankees), Kenya Hamilton (Smokey Joe’s Café, Lyric Theatre & Beehive, and Theatrical Outfit) and Jevares Myrick (2009 Cobb Ovation Award for Outstanding Vocal Performer) are ready to deliver dynamic performances.

“We realize that it has been a challenging year for a lot of our friends and neighbors. I believe people are looking forward to the holidays even more this year, so they can spread joy and reconnect with family and loved ones. Christmas Canteen has always been about celebrating the gifts we have been given. It is our gift to our extended family – this amazing, supportive community.” Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez.

Cast & Crew

Natasha Drena Ensemble

Kenya Hamilton Ensemble

Justin McGough Ensemble

Jevares Myrick Ensemble

Brandon O’Dell Ensemble

Stacey Stone Ensemble

Anthony Rodriguez Director

Ann-Carol Pence Music Director

Ricardo Aponte Choreographer

Amanda Sutt Set Design

Rob Dillard Lighting Design

Rita Reynolds Blackwell Costume Design

Anna Alex Sound Design & Engineer

Britt Hultgren Ramroop Production Manager

James Helms Technical Director

Sarah Thomson Scenic Artist

Ali Mills Stage Manager

Christmas Canteen 2009

November 27, 2009 – December 20, 2009

Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 8:00PM and Saturday & Sunday at 2:30PM

Additional Wednesday Performances:

December 2 at 10:00AM

December 16 at 10:00AM & 8:00PM

Tickets $14 – $30

Special Preview Performance, Wednesday November 25, 2009 at 8:00PM

Preview Tickets: $10 with Library Card, $5 with Gwinnett County Students, Faculty & Staff, $5 with a new unwrapped toy donation to Toys for Tots

678.226.6222

www.auroratheatre.com

Aurora Theatre

128 Pike Street

Lawrenceville, GA 30045

678-226-6222