The current 7 Stages season has been one of transition, with Heidi S. Howard and Mack Headrick taking over the leadership roles of artistic director Del Hamilton and producing director Faye Allen, who co-founded the Little 5 Points company in 1979.
But it’s even easier to see the fingerprints of the new leadership team in the recently announced 2013-14 season, the troupe’s 35th and first full one under the artistic guidance of Howard and new associate artistic director Michael Haverty.
Take, for instance, the fall season opener, “The Navigator,” adapted by Haverty from the young adult novel by Irish writer Eoin McNamee and to be staged in a roving, large-scale production at the Goat Farm Arts Center. Described as an “interactive adaptation” in which audiences are encouraged to become part of the show, the world premiere promises giant puppets, film and shadow projection, actors, music and otherworldly objects.
The lineup:
- Sept. 27-Oct. 13: "The Navigator," directed by Haverty.
- Nov. 15-17: "No(se)onenowhere" by the Israeli troupe Dimona. "A classic clown show," the Jerusalem Post said in its 2012 review, "that illustrates in mime and gibberish (Ofir) Nahari's apparent disillusion with the world that crowds in on and deafens him."
- Dec. 19-21: "Krampus Xmas: Krampus and Santa's Excellent Adventure," a world premiere directed by Howard featuring the Little Five Points Rockstar Orchestra and the 7 Stages Hand Bell Choir.
- Feb. 27-March 23, 2014: "Red Badge of Courage," a co-production with Kennesaw State University, co-created by Haverty and Jane Barnette, associate professor and resident dramaturg in KSU's Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. Their adaption of Stephen Crane's Civil War novel merges puppets, object theater, animation and actors.
- May 2-18, 2014: "Mass Transit Muse," directed by Howard. 7 Stages artistic associate Michael Molina's play, combining spoken-word poetry with live music and dance, is described as "a hip-hop trip through the streets of New Orleans."
- May 29-June 1, 2014: "The Secret History of Love," in which transgender choreographer Sean Dorsey "reveals the underground ways that LGBT people have managed to survive and love each other in decades past."
Information: 404-523-7647, www.7stages.org.
THEATER
Aurora Theatre finalizes lineup with musical
Lawrenceville’s Aurora Theatre has completed its 2013-14 lineup with the addition of “The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown. To run March 13-April 13, 2014, the musical tells the tale of a seemingly well-adjusted teen whose bags are packed for college but who’s stalled at the crossroads to adulthood. The book and lyrics are by Kait Kerrigan, music by Brian Lowdermilk.
Aurora boldly says it plans to reach 5,000 season ticket holders in its 18th season, up from 3,600.
A reminder of the shows previously announced: “Les Miserables” (July 25-Sept. 8), the regional premiere of Joseph Zettelmaier’s comedy “All Childish Things” (Oct. 3-27), the 17th encore of the musical revue “Christmas Canteen” (Nov. 29-Dec. 22), Eric Simonson’s “Lombardi” (Jan. 16-Feb. 9, 2014) and Marc Camoletti’s comedy “Don’t Dress for Dinner” (May 1-25, 2014).
Information: 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com.
YOUTH MUSIC
Georgia Boy Choir hits Carnegie, Choir for Girls planned
The Georgia Boy Choir will make its Carnegie Hall debut on May 28, featured in a program that concludes with the Atlanta-based group joined by a choir of voices from around the country in performance of John Rutter’s “Mass of the Children.”
The Stern Auditorium concert kicks of a Northeastern tour for the group. Info: www.georgiaboychoir.org.
Meanwhile, Georgia Boy Choir artistic director and conductor David R. White will lead a Summer Choir for Girls program for six weeks starting June 18. Open to girls ages 6 to 15, the program will meet in the sanctuary of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1438 Sheridan Road, Atlanta.
No experience or audition is required. After rehearsing three times weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, the choir will give a grand finale concert on July 25. The program cost is $280. Information: 770-241-8070 or email whitedr@mindspring.com.
Spivey Children’s Choir South Carolina-bound
Spivey Hall Children’s Choir, conducted by Martha Shaw, will tour Columbia and Charleston, S.C., June 5-13, including a performance at Piccolo Spoleto during Spoleto Festival USA.
The Piccolo Spoleto performance will be at 3 p.m. June 9 at Charleston’s Grace Episcopal Church. Another tour highlight comes in Columbia, where the Spivey choir appears in a joint workshop/performance with the Young Sandlapper Singers at St. Michael and All Angels’ Episcopal Church at 7 p.m. June 5.
Touring as part of a “Give Back” program, the group, featuring students ages 10 to 13 from 17 metro Atlanta counties, also will sing at four senior community centers. Information: www.spiveyhallchildrenschoir.org.
Atlanta Opera’s high school singers to lift voices
Atlanta Opera’s annual High School Opera Institute plans its spring performance at 4 p.m. June 9 at Morningside Presbyterian Church.
In its fourth year, the institute trains students seeking to continue music study at the collegiate level. This year, 15 metro 10th though 12th graders were selected to participate in the eight-month program. Participants are coached on topics that include preparing and auditioning for a role, selecting a music school, characterization, diction and vocal technique.
The free performance will feature arias and small ensemble pieces from composers including Mozart, Bizet, Menotti, Floyd and Copland. 1411 N. Morningside Drive N.E., Atlanta. Information: www.atlantaopera.org (click “Community” and “Professional Development”).
