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The year in theater … and the best shows

By Wendell Brock | Thursday, December 27, 2007, 11:53 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

On Christmas Day, my look at the best theater moments — and shows — of 2007 ran on the cover of the Living section. In case you missed it, I repeat it here.

Now, what do you think? Did I leave anything out? What were your favorite theater happenings and performances of 2007?

Happy Holidays. And thanks for reading this blog throughout the year.

Here’s a look at the top 10 theater moments of 2007:

1. Alliance wins Tony. Artistic director Susan V. Booth accepted the 39-year-old theater’s coveted regional Tony Award on prime-time TV, declaring the institution a “national theater with a local address.”

2. Kenny Leon. The True Colors Theatre director added a star to his crown by taking August Wilson’s final play, “Radio Golf, ” to Broadway. At the community level, he advanced the great playwright’s legacy by establishing the August Wilson Monologue Competition for high school juniors and seniors. Later in the year, Leon and former Wilson dramaturge Todd Kreidler said they’d adapt the classic film “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” for the Great White Way.

3. Muppets take Atlanta. The family of puppet master Jim Henson said it would give the bulk of its collection to Midtown’s internationally recognized Center for Puppetry Arts. The center is in the process of raising money to build the Muppets a suitable home.

4. Jewish Theatre of the South. Founding artistic director Mira Hirsch severed ties with the Marcus Jewish Community Center after 13 years. The Dunwoody agency said it would continue its theater mission —- but under a different name and with more mainstream, community-friendly fare.

5. Aurora Theatre. After leaving Duluth, the Gwinnett County ensemble opened a lovely new space in downtown Lawrenceville. With its handsome renovation of a 100-year-old church and adjoining construction of a new theater, Aurora became the metro area’s best suburban playhouse.

6. Actor’s Express. The edgy ensemble named Alliance Theatre literary manager Freddie Ashley its new artistic director, and newcomer Bill Fennelly said goodbye after just eight months on the job.

7. Cybill Shepherd. The former Memphis beauty queen who became an overnight ’70s sensation with “The Last Picture Show” created a stir with Bobby Goldman’s one-woman comedy “Curvy Widow” at the Alliance Theatre. Shepherd flubbed her lines and earned disastrous reviews but managed to sell out the run nonetheless. 8. “Disney’s High School Musical.” Theater of the Stars staged the first professional production of the tween phenomenon, and Disney liked it so much it picked up the spectacle and sent it out on a national tour.

9. Jennifer Holliday. The original Effie White claimed her legacy was stolen by the Oscar-winning film based on the musical “Dreamgirls.” She then made a remarkable comeback by reprising her signature role for Theater of the Stars during the National Black Arts Festival. Talk about goose bumps.

10. Suzi Bass Awards. The city’s only professional theater honors got all fancy and moved to the Fox Theatre’s Egyptian Ballroom. The big winner was Marietta’s Theatre in the Square, which picked up eight Suzis for the Celestine Sibley biography “Turned Funny” and the Sanders Family musical “Mount Pleasant Homecoming.”

And the year’s best shows are …

  1. “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.” Alliance Theatre.

  2. “I Am My Own Wife.” Actor’s Express.

  3. “Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.” True Colors Theatre.

  4. “Dark Play or Stories for Boys.” Actor’s Express.

  5. “Meds.” Out of Hand Theater.

  6. “Gee’s Bend.” Theatrical Outfit.

  7. “Metamorphoses.” Georgia Shakespeare.

  8. “Dreamgirls.” Theater of the Stars.

  9. “The Last Night of Ballyhoo.” Georgia Ensemble Theatre.

  10. “The Jammer.” Dad’s Garage.

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