|
Atlanta, GA (May 28, 2008) --- “We are delighted to present one of the classic musicals of all time, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “It is truly a celebration of the American spirit, the can-do attitude and the unwavering optimism of the proud people who founded this great country. We are especially honored to be working with an outstanding creative team including award-winning Director Norb Joerder and renowned Choreographer Gemze de Lappe, who is recreating Agnes de Mille’s iconic dances which are such a thrilling part of this show. And our cast is superb! Join us for an unforgettable theatrical experience when we present Oklahoma! at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from June 24-29. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com and at 404-817-8700. For special group rates contact the Fox Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.”
Oklahoma! was the first collaboration between Broadway legends Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Set in the early part of the 20th century when Oklahoma was still Indian Territory, the fierce rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, fall in love. The road to true love never runs smooth, and with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, the journey is a delightfully bumpy ride! The glorious score includes “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top,” “People Will Say We’re In Love,” and the title song “Oklahoma!”
Oklahoma! is based on the play "Green Grow The Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs with Music by Richard Rodgers and Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hamerstein II and features Original Dances by Agnes de Mille.
Director Norb Joerder’s work can be seen from Broadway to regional theaters across America, as well as European and International productions. He reunited Robert Goulet and Camelot for a critically acclaimed revival on Broadway and a record breaking National Tour. He also staged the Richard Harris International Camelot that toured Australia and Europe. In New York, he has directed and choreographed revivals of 42nd Street with Jerry Orbach and Tammy Grimes, La Cage Aux Folles with Gene Barry and Lee Roy Reams, Gypsy with Lanie Kazan, Guys and Dolls with Vic Damone, The Music Man with John Schneider, Annie Get Your Gun with Andrea McArdle and My Fair Lady with Michael Moriarty.
Regionally he has worked for Theater of the Stars in Atlanta, Theater Under The Stars in Houston, the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Dallas Summer Musicals in Dallas and Music Fair Productions in New York and Pennsylvania. He has also staged over 25 musicals for The Jupiter Theatre and Richard Akins Productions of Jupiter, Florida. For his work there, Norb was nominated over twelve times and received the Carbonell Award for excellence in theater in southern Florida.
Gemze de Lappe is an American dancer, teacher and choreographer who worked closely with famed choreographer Agnes de Mille and was frequently partnered with de Mille's favorite male dancer, James Mitchell. Originally trained by Irma Duncan, Isadora Duncan’s adopted daughter, and Michel Fokine, de Lappe began her career in Fokine's company. At an early age she became one of the leading members of the Agnes de Mille Dance Theatre Company. She was featured in the first national company of Oklahoma! (1943) and in1947 she traveled to London to dance in Oklahoma! and began to do work in staging and choreography.
On Broadway she was the premiere dancer in productions of Oklahoma!, Carousel, Brigadoon, and Paint Your Wagon . De Lappe also appeared in The King and I for Jerome Robbins, both in the original Broadway production and in the film, as “King Simon of Legree.” Her long concert dance career includes a memorable experience with the American Ballet Theatre (1953-1954). In the late 50’s was invited by the State Department to tour Greece and Asia on a concert tour with Rod Alexander’s Dance Company. She stopped touring in the mid 60’s to get married and raise two sons. During this time she did more staging and choreography in New York. She has done her own choreography for revivals of Finian’s Rainbow, South Pacific and The Unsinkable Molly Brown.
She recreated de Mille’s choreography for the 1979 Broadway revival of Oklahoma! and served as Professor of Dance at Smith College from 1979 through 1992. In the late 80’s Cameron Mackintosh asked her to stage Oklahoma! at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End and liked her work so much that after the London run he took the musical to Australia. She choreographed Abe Lincoln In Illinois at Lincoln Center in 1993. In 2007 she was presented with an honorary Tony Award for a lifetime of excellence in the theatre. De Lappe remains active as a choreographer and teacher, a vibrant and joyful presence in the landscape of theatre and dance.
Theater of the Stars’ production of Oklahoma! features a marvelous cast.
Jennifer Evans stars as Laurey. Her national tour credits include Jersey Boys, Annie – 30th Anniversary Tour and The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas starring Ann-Margret. Nicholas Rodriguez portrays Curly. He made his Broadway debut in Tarzan and starred opposite Val Kilmer in the recent Los Angeles production of The Ten Commandments.
Ruth Williamson will star as Aunt Eller. This past January she was seen as Miss Hannigan in Annie in Theater of the Stars’ production at the Fox Theatre. Her Broadway credits include La Cage Aux Folles, The Music Man, Little Me, Guys & Dolls, Smile and Annie. On film she’s appeared in Evan Almighty, The Producers, Legally Blonde II and Malcolm X and on television she has a recurring role as Mrs. Grubman on Nip/Tuck. Betsy Dilellio is Ado Annie. This past January she was featured in Theater of the Stars’ production of Annie as Lily St. Regis. Her national tour credits include The Light In The Piazza. In November, 2007 she appeared in the Oscar Hammerstein Award Concert Honoring Joseph Stein.
Atlanta native Glenn Rainey will play Andrew Carnes. He recently closed the Broadway company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as Cogsworth, having played the role in the first national tour. Glenn is well-known as the junk-food eating psychopath Otto in Horizon Theatre’s production of Nicky Silver’s The Food Chain. He appeared in the films Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil, The Shaggy Dog and Enchanted. Christopher Vettel will appear as Cord Elam. Atlanta audiences have seen him at the Fox Theatre in Annie – 30th Anniversary Tour as Bert Healy and as Cliff in the national tour of Sunset Boulevard. He has been a soloist with the Opera Company of Boston, Opera Cleveland and the Boston Symphony Orchestra (in the final concert conducted by Leonard Bernstein).
Danae Carter stars as Dream Laurey. Danae attended Contra Costa Ballet Centre and the San Francisco Ballet School. She most recently played the role of Emily in Agnes de Mille’s A Rose For Emily which was staged by Gemze de Lappe. Ben Crawford portrays Jud and Dream Jud. His Broadway credits include the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Phillip Skaggs is Dream Curly. He danced with the Hartford Ballet in 1997 and joined the Richmond Ballet in 1999. His favorite roles include Balanchine’s Apollo, Agnes de Mille’s A Rose For Miss Emily and John Butler’s Carmina Burana.
The creative team for Oklahoma! includes Robert Strickland as Musical Director and Conductor, Michael Schweikardt as Set Designer, Kirk Bookman as Lighting Designer, Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel as Sound Designers, Jeffrey Meek as Costume Designer and Bill Newberry as Children’s Musical Director.
Theater of the Stars will present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from June 24-29, 2008. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale NOW through Ticketmaster. Purchases through Ticketmaster can be made in three ways: at Ticketmaster ticket centers, by calling 404-817-8700, or by ordering online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group ticket sales, call the Fox Theatre Group Sales Office at 404-881-2000. Ticket prices range from $25- $68.
Theater of the Stars celebrates our 56th Anniversary as one of the nation’s premier theater companies. A civic not-for-profit cultural treasure, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. Learn more about our history of excellence.
MEDIA NIGHT at Oklahoma! is Tuesday, June 24 and there are tickets available for working press. Please RSVP by June 18 at
5 pm if you are interested in attending. For press information, to request artwork, or to set up interviews, please contact Karen Hatchett at The Glenn Agency for Theater of the Stars at 770-433-1137 and
May 15, 2008 (Atlanta) – Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce casting information for the Atlanta date of the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE. The show will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre for 24 performances from July 15 through August 3. Tickets are on sale NOW through www.ticketmaster.com and 404-817-8700. Group tickets can be purchased through the Fox Theatre Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.
Nominated for eleven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE COLOR PURPLE is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous GRAMMY® nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is about hope and the healing power of love.
“We are thrilled to host the tour of THE COLOR PURPLE here in Atlanta in association with the National Black Arts Festival ” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “Its powerful and timeless message is sure to resonate with our audiences. And we are thrilled to welcome this marvelous ensemble cast including Stu James, who is originally from Atlanta.”
The cast of THE COLOR PURPLE includes:
JEANNETTE BAYARDELLE (Celie) is a Hunter College graduate from NYC. This Gospel recording artist released her debut CD entitled Praise Report in September 2005, which is available online at www. jeannettebayardelle.com. She starred on Broadway as Celie in The Color Purple and has performed in national and international tours of Big River, Rent, and Sister Act.
FELICIA P. FIELDS (Sofia) is a native Chicagoan who earned a Tony Award Nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in The Color Purple on Broadway. Her performance also earned her a 2006 Theatre World Award, a Clarence Derwent Award, two Broadway.com Awards and she was a 2006 Drama League honoree. Felicia has worked throughout the Chicagoland area in Jammin’ With Pops (Ella Fitzgerald), Hot Mikado (Katisha), Show Boat (Queenie), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Ma Rainey), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Nell/Amelia) and Dreamgirls (Effie Melody White), to name a few. Felicia’s stellar performance in Chicago’s Drury Lane production of Sophisticated Ladies earned her the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
ANGELA ROBINSON (Shug Avery) portrayed Shug Avery on Broadway in The Color Purple. She also appeared on Broadway in: Wonderful Town, Bells Are Ringing, Play On! Her tour credits include: Wizard of Oz, and Dreamgirls (Deena) [Black Theatre Alliance nomination]. She’s performed extensively in regional theatre including the Baltimore Center Stage, Paper Mill, Pittsburgh Public, The Alliance, Prince Music Theatre, and TheatreWorks CA. Her roles on television include “A Diva’s Christmas Carol,” and “Law & Order: SVU.”
RUFUS BONDs, JR. (Mister) performed the role of Mufasa in Julie Taymor’s Broadway production of The Lion King. Mr. Bonds recently won the L.A. Weekly nomination, Best Ensemble, for his work in the Los Angeles premier of Because They Have No Words, directed by Emilie Beck. Bonds received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Jim in the Los Angeles Deaf West production of Big River. He has worked with such greats as Stephen Sondheim in Merrily We Roll Along, William Finn in Romance In Hard Times and Harold Prince in Parade for which Bonds was nominated for both the Drama Desk and the FANY Award.
STU JAMES (Harpo) is thrilled to be a part of such a timeless and amazing story as The Color Purple. He’s a native of Atlanta, Georgia and a graduate of Morehouse College. He performed on Broadway as Benny in RENT. His movie credits include Bill Condon’s Dreamgirls; Downtown A Street Tale; House of Grim and the D.K. Holmes feature Burning Sands. Television audiences know him from roles on “General Hospital,” “All My Children” and “Barbershop.” Stu is currently putting the finishing touches on his debut Album Love Is (www.myspace.com/stujameslive) and he’s working on a one man show entitled Son of the South.
LaTOYA LONDON (Nettie). Being part of The Color Purple is a dream come true for LaToya. Now known to her fans simply as “London,” she was named the early front runner to win season three of “American Idol” by Simon Cowell and Elton John. On-air she joined the ranks of “The Three Divas” alongside Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino before she was shockingly voted off, ending up in fourth place. London later garnered a Peak Records recording contract and two Billboard-topping singles. Regional credits and tours include: Beehive, Issues, Handles Messiah and Quincy Jones’ Blues In The Night at The Hollywood Bowl. Her debut album Love & Life is in stores now. For more information and the latest news about Latoya visit www.latoyalondon.com
STEPHANIE ST. JAMES (Squeak) is a Los Angeles-based actress, singer and songwriter. She’s a proud advocate for the disease endometriosis. You can learn more about her campaign to raise awareness, her own personal story and struggle with the disease, and more on her acting credits and music at www.stephaniestjames.com
Also starring in the North American Tour are Ensemble members: Lynette DuPree, Kimberly Ann Harris and Virginia Ann Woodruff as the Church Ladies, Bridgette Bentley as the Church Soloist, and Adam Wade as Ol’ Mister. Rounding out the cast are Shani Borden, Brian Harlan Brooks, Reneé Monique Brown, LaTrisa Coleman, Darius Crenshaw, Tiffany Daniels, Quentin Earl Darrington, Alex de Castro, Lesly Terrell Donald, Aliyah D. Flowers, André Garner, Rhett George, Phyre Hawkins, Dameka Hayes, Warner Robins natives LaTonya Holmes and Jenna Ford Jackson, Chauncey Jenkins, Trent Armand Kendall, Keith Byron Kirk, Kristopher Thompson-Bolden, Diamond White, and Anthony Williams II.
As on Broadway, the first North American Tour of THE COLOR PURPLE is directed by Gary Griffin. THE COLOR PURPLE features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award®-winning composers/lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd. The original creative team of Tony Award®-winner John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award®-winner Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Jon Weston (sound), Jonathan Tunick (orchestrations) and Kevin Stites (Music Supervisor) were reunited for the tour.
The first North American Tour is produced by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, Quincy Jones, Creative Battery, Anna Fantaci & Cheryl Lachowicz, Independent Presenters Network, Lowy Family Group, Stephanie McClelland, Gary Winnick, Jan Kallish, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Andrew Asnes & Adam Zotovich and Todd Johnson, and is produced in special association with AEG Live.
The original cast recording is available on EMI/Angel Records, and THE COLOR PURPLE: A Memory Book of the Broadway Musical (Avalon/Carroll & Graf) is available in bookstores now. is a proud sponsor of THE COLOR PURPLE.
THE COLOR PURPLE will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in association with the National Black Arts Festival as follows:
Tues, July 15 at 8 pm Tues, July 22 at 8 pm Tues, July 29 at 8 pm
Wed, July 16 at 8 pm Wed, July 23 at 8 pm Wed, July 30 at 8 pm
Thurs, July 17 at 8 pm Thurs, July 24 at 8 pm Thurs, July 31 at 8 pm
Fri, July 18 at 8 pm Fri, July 25 at 8 pm Fri, Aug 1 at 8 pm
Sat, July 19 at 2 pm Sat, July 26 at 2 pm Sat, Aug 2 at 2 pm
Sat, July 19 at 8 pm Sat, July 26 at 8 pm Sat, Aug 2 at 8 pm
Sun, July 20 at 1:30 pm Sun, July 27 at 1:30 pm Sun, Aug 3 at 1:30 pm
Sun, July 20 at 7 pm Sun, July 27 at 7 pm Sun, Aug 3 at 7 pm
For more information about THE COLOR PURPLE, please visit www.colorpurple.com
Limited Engagement Runs from August 15 - 24 for 13 performances only
at The fabulous fox theatre in Atlanta
Disney Theatrical Productions and Theater of the Stars announced today that tickets for the new touring stage version of the phenomenally popular Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will go on sale to the public on Saturday, April 5 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Fox Theatre Box Office, 660 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308. The Atlanta engagement will run from Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 24 for 13 performances only. This marks the Atlanta reunion of the show and the final stop on the national tour!
Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, April 5 at the Fox Theatre at 10:00 am – in person only. They will go on sale through www.theaterofthestars.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets on Sunday, April 6 beginning at noon.
As a special bonus, anyone purchasing tickets in-person on Saturday at the Fox Theatre will receive a special offer to Broadway’s Award-Winning Best Musical: Disney’s The Lion King which is now playing in Atlanta through May 4. Disney’s The Lion King is presented by arrangement with Broadway Across America – Atlanta.
This new touring stage adaptation of Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is directed by Jeff Calhoun (Big River). Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL features a book by David Simpatico (adapted from the original movie script by Peter Barsocchini), and a score including all the songs from the original soundtrack plus two new songs. The touring company includes a live orchestra
and a cast of 34 talented performers.
Commenting on the production, Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, said, “Our stage version of this great property has been mounted as a direct response to overwhelming demand. As someone who has been passionate about theatre since I was a kid, I am thrilled that we are touring this remarkably popular title as a fully realized stage production, and most certainly introducing countless young people to the world of theatre for the very first time. You can’t ask for more than that.” Schumacher adds, “It is a great joy and privilege for us to be able to produce and present the Disney Channel’s enormously popular property on stage.”
Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is a contemporary musical comedy about a popular high school basketball star and a shy, academically gifted newcomer who discover they share a secret passion for singing. When they sign up together to audition for the lead roles in the school musical, it threatens East High's rigid social order and sends their peers into an uproar. In a desperate effort to maintain the status quo, the "jocks," the "brainiacs" and even the drama club regulars are soon hatching convoluted plots to separate the pair and keep them offstage. By defying expectations and taking a chance on their dreams, however, the couple inspires other students to go public with some surprising hidden talents of their own.
The creative team for this new touring stage production of Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, in addition to aforementioned director Calhoun, consists of choreographer Lisa Stevens, scenic designer Kenneth Foy, costume designer Wade Laboissonniere, lighting designer Kenneth Billington, sound designer Duncan Robert Edwards and music supervisor Bryan Louiselle.
DISNEY'S "HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL" the movie premiered on Disney Channel U.S. on January 20, 2006, and posted the highest ratings for a Disney Channel Original Movie up until that time. It went on to become a smash hit internationally, airing on 27 Disney Channels and free-to-air broadcasters worldwide, thus far reaching over 250 million viewers in over 100 countries including China. It was also the first TV movie to be offered on the iTunes Music Store. Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL delivered the #1 album of 2006, the year's #1 TV movie on DVD, licensed amateur and professional touring stage productions, a best-selling junior novel, a popular consumer products franchise at mass retailers, a themed show at Disneyland Parks and Resorts in Anaheim, Orlando and Paris, a sold-out 42 date arena concert tour in North America and Latin America and a popular touring ice show around the world.
Adding to its success, it won two Emmy Awards, a DGA Award, Television Critics Association Award, an Imagen Award, a Director's Guild of America Award and a Humanitas Prize nomination among other honors. Its soundtrack received a Billboard Music Award (Soundtrack of the Year) and was nominated for an American Music Award in the Favorite Album (Pop/Rock) category. Its critically acclaimed sequel, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2, ranks as the #1 basic cable telecast of all time (18.6 million viewers for its August 17, 2007 premiere) and has thus far been seen by 179 million total viewers around the world. Its soundtrack is quadruple Platinum in the U.S., triple Platinum in the UK and many more countries. It recently won an American Music Award. Walt Disney Studios will begin production on a feature film based on the movie; Kenny Ortega will direct and choreograph and the cast will reunite for the film titled High School Musical 3: Senior Year, scheduled for a 2008 release in theatres around the world.
Theater of the Stars will present Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from August 15-24, 2008. Performances times are as follows:
Friday, August 15 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 16 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday, August 17 at 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm
Monday, August 18 – no performances
Tuesday, August 19 at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, August 20 at 7:00 pm
Thursday, August 21 at 7:00 pm
Friday, August 22 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 23 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday, August 24 at 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm
Purchases through Ticketmaster can be made in three ways: at Ticketmaster ticket outlets, by calling 404-817-8700, or by ordering online through www.theaterofthestars.com For group ticket sales, call the Fox Theatre Group Sales Office at 404-881-2000. Ticket prices range from $20- $66.
Theater of the Stars will celebrate its 56th Anniversary in 2008 as one of the nation’s premier theater companies. A civic not-for-profit cultural treasure, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. Learn more about our history of excellence.
Atlanta, GA (February 27, 2008) --- “It gives me great pleasure to announce our 2008 Season,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “We are celebrating our 20th year as the resident theater company at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, one of the finest venues in the world. We just completed a fantastic year and we know that audiences are going to love what we have coming up! We welcome back our loyal family of subscribers and issue an invitation for you to join our family and let us entertain you with laughter, wonder, drama and intrigue. All I can say is, wow, what a season!”
MAMMA MIA! JUNE 10-15, 2008
Over 30 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show. Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives!
Presented in association with Broadway Across America – Atlanta
OKLAHOMA! JUNE 24-29, 2008
An all-new production featuring Agnes de Mille’s iconic choreography is a celebration of the American spirit. This classic musical was the first collaboration between Broadway legends Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Set in the early part of the 20th century when Oklahoma was still Indian Territory, the fierce rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, fall in love.
The road to true love never runs smooth, and with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, the journey is a delightfully bumpy ride! The glorious score includes “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top,” “People Will Say We’re In Love,” and the title song “Oklahoma!”
Music by Richard Rodgers, Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on the play "Green Grow The Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs featuring Original Dances and Choreography by Agnes de Mille
Oprah Winfrey Presents THE COLOR PURPLE JULY 15-AUGUST 3, 2008
THE COLOR PURPLE is a soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the Oscar-nominated film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who triumphs over tremendous odds to find joy in life, and her true inner beauty.
Nominated for eleven Tony® Awards, THE COLOR PURPLE is a landmark theatrical event. With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is capturing the hearts of young and old, and uniting audiences in a celebration of love.
Here’s what the critics are saying: “A roof-raising story of Triumph!” - Michael Kuchwara, AP. "A soaring, epic tale. It made a joyful noise in my heart." - Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine. "A bright odyssey of survival and triumph with a fairy-tale sense of wonder."
- Ben Brantley, New York Times.
LES MISÉRABLES SEPTEMBER 19-28, 2008
We proudly announce the return of the powerful and passionate Les Misérables in a brand new Theater of the Stars production! The story begins in France in 1815. Jean Valjean, released on parole after 19 years on the chain gang, finds that the yellow ticket-of-leave he must, by law, display condemns him to be an outcast. Only the saintly Bishop of Digne treats him kindly and Valjean, embittered by years of hardship, repays him by stealing his silver.
Valjean is caught and brought back by police, and is astonished when the Bishop lies to the police to save him. Valjean decides to start his life anew. This epic tale of love, loss, triumph and redemption includes memorable songs such as “One Day More,” and “Do You Hear The People Sing?”
Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables won 8 Tony Awards, a Grammy, and on Oct 6, 2006 it became the world’s longest running musical. Written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg with Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. Adapted for the stage by Cameron Mackintosh
DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 NOVEMBER 7-16, 2008
What time is it? Summer time! School’s out and the Wildcats are back for an all new adventure. Join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and the rest of the East High gang as they dive into the enchanted world of Lava Springs Country Club and put their talent to the ultimate test! Theater of the Stars is proud to follow-up the astonishing success of our production of Disney’s High School Musical last January with the Professional Premiere of the highly anticipated sequel – Disney’s High School
Musical 2.
TARZAN JANUARY 16-25, 2009
Theater of the Stars will produce the regional theater premiere of this new musical based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan of the Apes and he smash-hit 1999 Disney animated film. A shipwreck and the treacherous jungle leave an infant boy orphaned on the shores of West Africa. Taken in and raised by a tribe of gorillas, the young boy strives for acceptance by his ape father while grappling with his uniqueness. When a human expedition enters gorilla territory, Tarzan, now a man, encounters strangers like himself for the first time. Can two worlds become one family?
Tarzan features music and lyrics by pop icon Phil Collins, including “You’ll Be In My Heart,” and book by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang.
Season Tickets for Theater of the Stars 2008 Season are on sale NOW by calling 404-252-8960.
Discover the many benefits of being a subscriber such as personal service, premium seating and ticket exchange privileges. A full schedule of the season – and some “extras” - along with seating options and seating charts, is listed on our web site at: www.theaterofthestars.com
Special attractions not included in our season ticket package:
DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL AUGUST 15-24, 2008
The wildcats are back! That’s right, the production that was born on the Fabulous Fox stage last January and has been touring across America for the past year returns to the Fox for a reunion. So mark your calendar for this high energy summer spectacular. Disney’s High School Musical follows the much-loved story of the movie, featuring all your favorite characters and songs, together with two brand new numbers performed by a new cast of talented theatrical performers and an electrifying live band. “We’re all in this together” so… “get’cha head in the game!”
STOMP JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 1, 2009
STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.”
STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
Theater of the Stars celebrates our 56th Anniversary as one of the nation’s premier theater companies. A civic not-for-profit cultural treasure, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. Learn more about our history of excellence. Theater of the Stars would like to thank our wonderful sponsors for their invaluable support. Without them we could not continue to produce high-quality shows featuring the nation’s brightest talent, and bring in top-notch national tours.
Let’s give a rousing round of applause to: AirTran Airlines, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, TicketMaster, Sheraton Atlanta Hotel and Extended Stay Hotels.
Atlanta,
GA (January 4, 2008) – Atlanta’s
Theater of the Stars, along with three co-producing partners,
will mount a new stage production of TARZAN®, based on the
beloved Disney animated film. Originally produced on Broadway
by Disney Theatrical Productions in 2006, TARZAN® features
the music and lyrics of seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner Phil
Collins. In addition to five songs from the film, including the
award-winning hit, “You’ll Be in My Heart,” nine
new songs have been composed specifically for the stage production.
Following the premiere of the production in Atlanta’s
Fox Theatre in January 2009, the production will then move
to the other co-producing theaters: American Musical Theatre
of San Jose, CA (February) at the San Jose Center for the Performing
Arts, North Carolina Theatre in Raleigh, NC (March) at the
Progress Energy Center, and Dallas Summer Musicals in Dallas,
TX (April) at the Music Hall at
Fair Park.
“We are delighted with the collaboration between Theater of the Stars and our three co-producing partners on the stage production of TARZAN®,” said Chris Manos (Producer) and Nick Manos (President) of Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars. “One
of the best known stories of all time will once again spring to life on stage
with unforgettable music by the legendary Phil Collins. We are excited to introduce
this exceptional show to our theatre-loving communities across the country.”
“We continually seek opportunities to bring exciting new family-friendly musicals to Dallas and TARZAN® will be a wonderful addition to our 2009 season.” proclaims
Michael Jenkins, President of Dallas Summer Musicals. Michael Miller, CEO & Executive Producer of American Musical Theatre of San Jose, adds “This family musical adventure will surely reach new audiences in our community as well as those patrons who already enjoy bringing their families to the experience of live theater.” Wally Jones, President of the North Carolina Theatre in Raleigh states “A
chance to participate in the creation of new productions of classic stories
is central to our mission and the lifeblood of the Regional Theater world.”
After playing on Broadway in the 2006-2007 season, Disney’s first international production of TARZAN®,
a continuation of a long-standing co-partnership between Disney
Theatrical Productions and Stage Entertainment, opened April
15, 2007 at the Circus theatre in The Netherlands and continues
a hit, record-breaking run. A second international production
is scheduled to premiere in Germany at the Neue Flora Theatre
in Hamburg in October 2008.
The original cast recording of TARZAN® was released by Walt Disney Records and is available in music stores nationwide and at online retailers including Amazon, iTunes and Disney Shopping. Based on the 1999 Disney animated film and the famous character depicted by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the stage production of TARZAN® features music and lyrics by Oscar® and seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner Phil Collins, who has expanded his songs for Disney’s film into a complete theatre score. Tony Award®-winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly) has written the book, based on Tarzan of the Apes, by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and the film, Tarzan®.
Theater of the Stars’ production of TARZAN® will feature
an award winning creative team of Broadway professionals headed
by Lynne Taylor-Corbett (Swing, Footloose) as Director / Choreographer, Kenneth Foy (High School Musical, Annie) as Scenic Designer, Paul Rubin (Wicked, Peter Pan) as Aerial Designer, and Ken Billington (Chicago, White Christmas) as Lighting Designer. Additional members
of the creative team will be announced shortly.
TARZAN® tells the classic tale of a shipwreck that leaves an infant boy orphaned on the shores of West Africa. The helpless baby is adopted and raised by the mate of the leader of a tribe of gorillas who is grieving the loss of her baby. As he grows and matures, the boy yearns for acceptance from his ape father and to discover the reason for his uniqueness. Eventually he encounters his first human — Jane Porter, a curious young explorer — and
all of their worlds are transformed.
Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars is one of America’s premier not-for-profit Regional Theaters. For over 55 years, TOTS has produced and presented the best of Broadway in Atlanta and throughout America and has been a leader in developing and enhancing the co-production model for sharing shows with other theaters. Recent successes include Dreamgirls with Jennifer Holliday, White Christmas, and the professional premiere of Disney’s
High School Musical. Learn more about Theater of the Stars' history of excellence.
For 73 seasons, American Musical Theatre of San Jose, one of
the nation’s oldest musical theatre companies, has gained recognition for providing theatergoers with exceptional theatre. This professional not-for-profit company offers its patrons an outstanding season of self-produced productions as well as presenting national tours of Broadway’s
best. For more info, visit www.AMTSJ.org
North Carolina Theatre, a non-profit, professional Regional theatre has been producing Broadway revivals for 25 years. Recent productions include King & I with Lou Diamond Phillips, Fiddler with Paul Sorvino, Jekyll & Hyde with Sebastian Bach and Joseph…Dreamcoat with Sheena Easton. NC Theatre also provides exceptional training, performing and outreach programs to young actors and audiences through its Kids on Broadway education program. For more info, visit www.nctheater.com.
Dallas Summer Musicals has been a major presenter and producer of theatrical productions for more than 68 years. Based in Dallas, DSM presents more than 20 productions annually, in addition to producing touring productions. DSM is presently represented on Broadway with three different productions and on London's West End with two productions. DSM also operates several theatres through its affiliate. For more info, visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.
Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce that Atlanta will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for 24 performances from July 15 through August 3, 2008.
Tickets on sale now through www.ticketmaster.com and 404-817-8700.
For group sales contact the Fox Group Sales Dept at 404-881-2000.
“We are delighted to be a part of this phenomenon,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “Atlanta is looking forward to giving this show a warm, southern welcome. It is destined to be one of the highlights of 2008!” Nominated for eleven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE COLOR PURPLE opened on December 1, 2006 at the Broadway Theatre where it continues its record breaking run. It is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is about hope and the healing power of love.
Michael Kuchwara, the Associated Press described THE COLOR PURPLE as “a Roof-Raising story of triumph.” And Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine said, “[it is] a soaring, epic tale. It made a joyful noise in my heart.”
Elysa Gardner from USA Today raved, “Pure heart! It celebrates the inspiring relationships of faith and love, A Broadway hit!” As on Broadway, the first North American Tour of THE COLOR PURPLE is directed by Gary Griffin. THE COLOR PURPLE features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award®-winning composers/lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and choreography by Donald Byrd.
The original creative team of Tony Award®-winner John Lee Beatty (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Tony Award®-winner Brian MacDevitt (lighting), Jon Weston (sound), Jonathan Tunick (orchestrations) and Kevin Stites (Music Supervisor) was reunited for the tour. The first North American Tour is produced by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, Quincy Jones, Creative Battery, Anna Fantaci & Cheryl Lachowicz, Independent Presenters Network, Lowy Family Group, Stephanie McClelland, Gary Winnick, Jan Kallish, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Andrew Asnes & Adam Zotovich and Todd Johnson, and is produced in special association with AEG Live.
The original cast recording is available on EMI/Angel Records, and THE COLOR PURPLE: A Memory Book of the Broadway Musical (Avalon/Carroll & Graf) is available in bookstores now. Ariel Mutual Funds is a proud sponsor of THE COLOR PURPLE.
For more information about THE COLOR PURPLE, please visit www.colorpurple.com
For advertising and PR questions, please contact Karen Hatchett at The Glenn Agency for Theater of the Stars at 770-433-1137 and karen.hatchett@mindspring.com
|
