Fans invited to experience the magic of the performing arts with smash hit Broadway blockbuster; Gwinnett theater also announces new GCC Harvel Lab seriesBenny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ Mamma Mia!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, is set to run from March 8 – April 22, 2018. Mamma Mia! is one of the most successful musicals of all time, the eighth longest-running show in Broadway history and one of only five musicals to have run for more than ten years on Broadway – and the talented team at Aurora Theatre will debut the Atlanta premiere engagement during the upcoming season!
“For the last 10 years, our patrons have begged us to produce Mamma Mia!,” says Anthony Rodriguez, artistic director and co-founder of Aurora Theatre. “We have been working with the licensing company to be able to add it to our season the moment regional rights were available. Mamma Mia! is just as exciting for our artists as it will be for our audiences. We are planning now for the most spectacular production of the theatrical season. If you’ve never been to Aurora Theatre before, this is the time!”
Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s hit songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” Mamma Mia! combines timeless tunes with a sunny, funny tale that unfolds on a small Greek island. Sophie dreams of a perfect wedding where her father walks her down the aisle, but she is faced with one problem: the identity of her father is unknown! On a quest to discover his identity, she secretly invites the three possible candidates to her wedding, bringing them back into her mother’s life for the first time in 20 years. Mamma Mia! is an absolute must-see, filled with ABBA hits, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers. In the title role of Donna Sheridan, Aurora Theatre proudly cast Kristin Markiton, the star of last season’s The Bridges of Madison County.
“Kristin can do it all,” associate producer Ann-Carol Pence adds. “Her voice is stunning and she is quirky, funny and heartbreaking all at the same time. Her ability to span musical styles, from opera to pop and country, is just exceptional. Atlanta is so fortunate to have this level of local talent, and Anthony and I are proud to find a vehicle like Mamma Mia! to showcase her expertise.”
In addition to the global smash hit musical, Aurora Theatre’s 2017-18 Season will highlight three contemporary works fueled by innovation, creativity, and inspiration in the GCC Harvel Lab Series.
Throw Me on the Burnpile and Light Me Up
September 8- October 1, 2017
Tickets $20-$30
From Oscar-nominated screenwriter and playwright Lucy Alibar of Beasts of the Southern Wild, this poetic and powerful solo performance highlights Alibar’s life growing up in the middle of nowhere on the Georgia-Florida line. Alibar’s stew of stories includes a lecherous goat, Pentecostals on the radio, a clutter of in-bred cats, phone calls from death row and Daddy’s burnpile. Directed by Rachel Parish, this magical coming-of-age tale is rife with humor and heart. For more information, please visit bit.ly/AuroraBurnpile.
Ontario Was Here
February 9-March 4, 2018
Tickets $20-$30
Social workers are constantly striving to do the greater good without getting emotionally involved with their work. Penni and Nathan, co-workers and former lovers, both work for Kansas City’s Department of Children and Families. Tempers start to flare when these two are at odds over the best interests of a nine-year-old boy, Ontario. Beyond their relationship and careers, what’s at stake is literally life and death. Written by Darren Canady and directed by Cynthia D. Barker, this powerful play will be sure to have the audience on the edge of their seats. For more information, please visit bit.ly/AuroraOntario.
The Great Mother’s Day
April 6-29, 2018
Tickets $20-$30
Performed in Spanish with English Supertitles
Audiences to Teatro Aurora can revel in this heartwarming story all about a mother’s love. Three women of three different generations come together to celebrate an unforgettable Mother’s Day. Violeta, her daughter Cotillón, and granddaughter Prudencia, all keepers of dark secrets, have a great Mother’s Day reckoning in a family mausoleum. Written by Julián Quintanilla, this rollicking comedy from Spain is filled with love, tears and most importantly, a big dose of laughter. For more information, please visit bit.ly/AuroraGreatMothersDay.
Mamma Mia! joins the previously announced titles in the 2017-2018 Signature Series. With this star-studded line-up, theatergoers will be able to experience award-winning productions and talent in the heart of Lawrenceville this season!
The 2017-2018 Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series is as follows:
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
July 20 – August 27, 2017
Abigail/1702
September 21– October 15, 2017
Christmas Canteen
November 16 – December 23, 2017
Maytag Virgin
January 11 – February 11, 2018
Mamma Mia!
March 8 – April 22, 2018
Ripcord
May 10 – June 3, 2018
Season subscribers to the 2017-2018 season will have the opportunity to select preferred seating, prior to general admission ticket sales. For more information on the series, to purchase tickets or to become a season subscriber, please visit auroratheatre.com, or call the Box Office at 678.226.6222.
