Atlanta theater companies nurturing new productions for spring
This story was originally published by ArtsATL.
‘Basura’
The world-premiere musical “Basura” at Alliance Theatre, May 30 to July 12, is worth seeing just because of the heavy involvement of multiple Grammy award-winner Gloria Estefan, who is co-writing the music and lyrics with her singer-songwriter daughter Emily.
Yet it also sounds intriguing. The new work is based on the 2015 documentary film “Landfill Harmonic,” directed by Brad Allgood, Juliana Penaranda-Loftus and Graham Townsley. It’s the true story of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra, which a music teacher started for students. The ensemble members of the troupe use unorthodox objects — such as empty paint cans, a fork and a bent license plate — and turn them into instruments to create music.
The show is directed by Michael Greif, who has been the driving force behind blockbusters such as “Rent” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” and has an all-star creative team. — Jim Farmer
‘Initiative’
As one of the final pieces in its season, Aurora Theatre will produce “Initiative,” March 26 through April 19, a world premiere by Jacob York about mortality, friendship and imagination. The play focuses on Dave, a young man in his late 20s battling aggressive cancer, who begins to worry about all the milestones he will miss if he loses that battle. Facing down his own mortality, he decides to sit down with his loved ones for one last game of Dungeons & Dragons, where he might play out the moments he fears he won’t live to see. Running March 26 through April 19, “Initiative” will explore how imaginative play can help us cope with the worst that life throws at us. It promises to be equal parts tearjerker and nerdy fantasy romp. — Luke Evans
‘In Spite of My Ambivalence’
A world premiere from Chicago playwright Catherine Yu, “In Spite of My Ambivalence” will take the Synchronicity Theatre stage June 5-28. Exploring the complexity of trauma through the lens of five individuals, the company’s intriguing overview of the play drops hints of PTSD, mental health, dance and human connection without elaborating much on a plot.
Known for recruiting outside the organization to provide expertise and conversation on the subject matter of its plays, Synchronicity will partner with mental health professionals for the production. “We plan to host industry nights for mental health care providers, offer panels and provide resources for patrons,” said co-founder and producing artistic director Rachel May. “With dance partners, we will host a discussion among dancers about mental health and how physical trauma can impact how they use their bodies.” — Sally Fuller
‘Venus’
“Venus,” the newest play from native Atlanta playwright Steve Yockey, will be staged at Actor’s Express from April 9 to May 3. It’s directed by Melissa Foulger, who also directed “Mercury” there in 2024. The play focuses on two women who meet-cute at a book club and decide to go on a date, but things spiral into dangerous territory after a minor disagreement exposes their insecurities about relationships.
Suehyla E. Young and Kate Donadio-MacQueen will star, reuniting from the developmental production at Theatrical Outfit’s Launchpad last year.
“I’m thrilled that it’s the same cast and director who initially helped develop the play in the Launchpad program at Theatrical Outfit,” Yockey said. “Getting to see it fully realized with those folks — I can’t wait.” — Benjamin Carr
More theater highlights …
- Displaying the power of community during tragedy, “Come From Away: The Musical,” is onstage at City Springs Theatre Company March 13-29, directed by Shuler Hensley.
- Written by famed American playwright Arthur Miller, “The Price,” takes the stage at Theatrical Outfit April 8 through May 3.
- Atlanta Shakespeare Co. Artistic Director Jeff Watkins directs ”Timon of Athens” for the first time at Shakespeare Tavern April 11-26.
- Calling fans of the teen film “Clueless!” — “Emma,” by Jane Austen, is on stage May 7-31, presented by Belle Esprit and Shakespeare Tavern and written by Claire F. Martin.
- A new kids’ musical with lyrics by Christian Albright and music by Christian Magby, ”The Great Ant Sleepover” will be on Alliance Theatre’s new Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families — part of the Underground Rep Package (a three-show package of family musicals) — May 16 to July 5.
- Written by Atlanta native Lauren Gunderson, “The Revolutionists” portrays the French Revolution through the lens of girl-powered comedy at Theatrical Outfit June 3-28.
- Did you miss “Hot Jambalaya” at Dad’s Garage? Get tickets to the show at Horizon Theatre, complete with a new cast and creative team, May 22 through June 21.
- Inspired by a true story, Theater Emory’s “Bright Star,” on stage March 26 to April 4, is a bluegrass-infused musical set in the Blue Ridge Mountains during the 1920s and 1940s.
- The world premiere of “Cluedunnit” at Out Front Theatre, written by Paul Conroy, combines murder mystery and drag show parody April 30 through May 16.
- At the Center for Puppetry Arts, catch the world premiere of its adaptation, “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales,” April 7 to May 17.
- Pulitzer Prize winner ”Wit”," staged at Actor’s Express June 4-28 and directed by Freddie Ashley, follows the story of a woman who was out of touch with her emotions until a transformative diagnosis.
- Savor the timeless Southern classic of Steel Magnolias, onstage at Stage Door Theatre April 4-19 and directed by Jaclyn Hofmann.
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