Georgia's second biggest professional theater company, Aurora Theatre, in handsome downtown Lawrenceville, announced its 2016-2017 season this week, with plans for some new flavors and an old favorite.
The company just celebrated its 20th season, under the leadership of Anthony Rodriguez and Ann-Carol Pence, toasted at a gala banquet earlier this month.
Rodriguez, who started as a "starving artist," now operates a $2 million program out of a $7 million complex. The theater's 2015-2016 season continues Friday night with "Into the Woods."
Here are the offerings for the coming season:
“In The Heights”
“In the Heights” (July 21- August 28), co-produced with Theatrical Outfit, tells the story of a vibrant Latin community in New York’s Washington Heights, “where the coffee from Usnavi’s corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music.”
It’s a Tony Award-winning show, with Grammy-winning music.
“Women in Jeopardy”
A gal’s night out sounds like it’s in the works when “Women in Jeopardy” is staged Sept. 29- Oct. 23. In the show, Mary and Jo, two divorcees, decide to investigate their friend’s new lover, a dentist with a questionable past. Aurora calls it a “combination of Thelma and Louise meets The First Wives Club.”
“Christmas Canteen”
Continuing a 20-year tradition, Aurora will bring back their seasonal hit, “Christmas Canteen” (Nov. 17-Dec. 23), a winter revue that includes sketch comedy, theatrical numbers and plenty of songs.
“The Mountaintop”
The drama, “The Mountaintop” (Jan. 12-Feb. 12, 2017) re-imagines Dr. Martin Luther King’s last moments on earth. After delivering the epochal “I have been to the mountain top” speech, King retires to his room at the Lorraine Hotel and orders a cup of coffee. In a conversation that follows, he confronts his destiny and legacy.
“Split in Three”
The bond of sisterhood is tested in “Split in Three” (May 4-28, 2017) a “southern fried” comedy set in 1969 Mississippi, when the Supreme Court has decreed that schools will be integrated.
The Aurora is also planning a new musical, yet to be announced, to be mounted March 9-April 16.
Information: auroratheatre.com, or call the Box Office at 678-226-6222.
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