In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.
Based on Playboy of the Western World. To an untidy little country saloon on a wild coast of Mayo, in Ireland, there comes a shy, frightened youth, Christy Mayo, with a tale of having killed his cruel father, with a single blow of a spade, a week ago on a distant farm. He is fleeing the police, and is accepted by Michael James, the publican, and his pretty but tart-tongued daughter, Pegeen, as a hero whom it would be well to hire as pot-boy.
East Brainerd Community Theater presents Steel Magnolias, March16-19 at Christ United Methodist Church on East Brainerd Rd. Times: March 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30. Matinees March 18 and 19 at 2:30. Tickets just $10!
Based on his own experience growing up in rural Natchitoches, Louisiana, Robert Harling’s landmark play “Steel Magnolias” explores the bonds between six women at a beauty salon. Harling based his play on the death of his sister, Susan, from complications related to diabetes. Combining light-hearted comedy and quirky characters with a serious, heart-rending storyline, Steel Magnolias has appealed to audiences both onstage and in its popular 1989 film adaptation. It has been translated into seventeen languages and has been produced across the world.
Dalton Little Theatre is continuing the tradition of showcasing four one-act plays in one entertainment-filled evening! This year’s plays include 3 locally-written dramas and a previously published comedy.
Performances are March 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7 pm and March 19 at 2 pm. For tickets, visit daltonlittletheatre.com OR call (706) 226-6618. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus.Pastor Oglethorpe, the young and enthusiastic minister of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, has enlisted the Sanders Family in his efforts to bring his tiny congregation into “the modern world.” Between songs, each family member “witnesses” — telling a story about an important event in their life. Though they try to appear perfect in the eyes of a congregation who wants to be inspired by their songs, one thing after another goes awry and they reveal their true — and hilariously imperfect – natures. By the evening’s end, the Sanders Family have endeared themselves to us by revealing their weaknesses and allowing us to share in their triumphs.
From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to 1950’s New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
*School Matinee available at 9am! Reservations available by email @ closeddoorentertainment@gm
“A Few Good Men” details the courtroom drama of two Marines charged with the murder of a fellow Marine and the tense legal tribulations that follow. A callow young Navy lawyer serves as the focus of the story. He is more interested in softball cases and expects a plea bargain. Prodded by a female member of his defense team, the lawyer eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in so doing, puts the military mentality and the Marine code of honor on trial.
Set in August of 1947, All My Sons is centered around the Keller family, patriarch Joe, his wife Kate and their son, Chris. The boisterous Joe Keller deals with the fallout from his business having profited from the war by shipping faulty engine parts, which caused the death of 21 pilots. Still reeling from the disappearance of their son, Larry, Kate Keller is in a constant battle to stay sane and refuses to give up hope for his safe return. Complications for the Kellers also arise from their former neighbors, George and Ann Deever, the children of Joe Keller’s business partner, who is taking the punishment of the faulty shipments. Ann is the girlfriend of the missing Keller son, but is now the object of the older Chris Keller’s affection. George, damaged by the war, uses his visit to assert a certain truth about the war and the faulty shipments.
A middle-aged single mother reflects on her life and death following her fatal car accident, while her grown son encounters two men at her funeral who could each be the father he’s never known.
On Wednesday, April 12, the new play “Scar’d for Life” from Ringgold Playhouse executive director Adam Cook will be performed for one night only on the historic Ringgold Depot stage. The play had its world premiere at the Dalton Little Theatre on March 17, and ran through March 25. The cast and crew, many of which have been a part of TRP over the years, will present the show as a fundraiser for the planned film adaption of the story. Ticketing and concession proceeds will go to the film project, which is currently in development and slated for shooting in the Fall of 2017.
The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in RIVERDANCE – The 20th Anniversary World Tour. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theater, and song – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, and comes directly to North America from a sold-out run across Europe and Asia.