With a nod to the patriotic and some laugh-out-loud comedy, Christmas Canteen 2014 will warm hearts just in time for the holidays. Directed by Anthony Rodriguez with music direction by Ann-Carol Pence, the high-energy performances paired with nostalgic carols make for a holly jolly time for the entire family.
“Christmas Canteen is special to all of us here at Aurora,” said Anthony Rodriguez, the theatre’s Producing Artistic Director. “It’s not only an opportunity for us to continue a tradition, but it gives our staff and patrons a chance to make a difference in the lives of those who may need a little extra cheer. That is what the season is all about.”
Veteran actors Brandon O’Dell, Jevares C. Myrick, Bryant Smith, Randi Garza, Terry Henry and Liza Jaine make up the talented cast, with choreography by Ricardo Aponte. The design team consists of Alan Yeong (costumes), Phil Male (set), Daniel Pope (sound and projections) and Mary Parker (lights). Ann-Carol Pence is at the piano, joined onstage by the Canteen Band with Mark Biering (percussion), Greg Armijo (bass) and Jim Stallings (guitar).
Spreading extra cheer is Aurora’s annual Festival of Trees, supporting the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots and Gwinnett’s local food banks. More than 25 local businesses are set to join efforts to deck Aurora’s halls with beautifully decorated trees for visitors to enjoy. Theatre goers are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item and place them under their favorite tree. The tree with the most gifts underneath it at the end of the festival will be named Best of the Fest. All of the gifts will be donated to the United States Corps Toys for Tots and the food items will go toward the Holtkamp Can Challenge to be delivered to local food banks.
For those who may need a little joy during the holiday season, Aurora’s Need a Little Christmas Giveaway encourages guests to nominate a family who is in need to have dinner and a show at NO CHARGE courtesy of Lawrenceville restaurant partners and Aurora Theatre. Please contact the theatre for more details.
Recommended for all ages, Christmas Canteen 2014 is presented November 20- December 21, 2014. Tickets range from $30-$50 per person and discount matinees on Wednesday, December 10 and 17 at 10 a.m. start at $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at http://tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222.
Regular show times are as follows:
· Wednesday- Friday: 8 p.m.
· Saturday: 2:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.
· Sunday: 2:30 p.m.
There will be no performance on Wednesday, November 26 or Thursday, November 27 in honor of Thanksgiving
Now in its 19th Season, Aurora Theatre produces professional live entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. Aurora Theatre is home to over 600 events each year. Two series of theatrical productions, the Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series and the GGC Harvel Lab Series, are comprised of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Additionally, Aurora produces concerts, stand‑up comedy, children’s programs, metro Atlanta’s top haunted attraction Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, as well as Atlanta’s only professional Spanish language theatre, Teatro Del Sol. Aurora Theatre is a world‑class theatrical facility with two performance venues. Nestled on the square in historic downtown Lawrenceville, Aurora has FREE attached covered parking and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Aurora Theatre has garnered numerous accolades highlighted by recent achievements that include winner of Seven 2013 Suzi Bass Awards, Creative Loafing’s “2010 Best Theatre Company,” Georgia Trend Magazine’s “2011 Best Places to Work in Georgia,” Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “2012 Best Places to Work”, Atlanta Magazine’s “Best of Atlanta 2013” and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts.
Programming in Aurora Theatre’s 19th Season Signature Series is possible through generous support from Peach State Federal Credit Union and Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund.
