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SECTION C • SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015
spotlight on
SPRING & SUMMER ARTS
Cirque du Soleil’s latest arena touring production of “Varekai” will be at The Arena at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth from July 29 to Aug. 2, featuring a variety of thrilling acrobatic acts including the Russian Swings. (Special Photo: Rick Diamond)
ENCHANTED WORLD
Cirque du Soliel’s ‘Varekai’ to come to life at the Gwinnett arena
Cirque du Soleil’s latest arena touring production of “Varekai” features a variety of whimsical characters like La Promise, or The Betrothed. (Special Photo: Eric Piché)
Cirque du Soleil’s latest arena touring production of “Varekai” also features a variety of thrilling acrobatic acts including The Flight of Icarus. (Special Photo: Marco Cisaria)
By Katie Morris katie.morris@gwinnettdailypost.com
This summer, local audiences can escape to an extraordinary place hidden deep within a forest at the summit of a volcano — the world of “Varekai.” Here they’ll watch fantastical creatures come to life and witness the impossible become reality. IF YOU GO Cirque du Soleil will transform The Arena at GwinWhat: Cirque du nett Center into the enchanted world of “Varekai,” Soleil’s “Verakai” from July 29 through Aug. 2 when its latest arena Where: The Arena at touring production comes for eight performances. the Gwinnett Center, The word “Varekai” means “wherever” in the Ro6400 Sugarloaf Parkmany language of the gypsies, the universal wanderway in Duluth. ers. Written and directed by Dominic Champagne, When: July 29 - Aug, 2 Tickets: $40 to $145 the production is described as paying tribute to the More Info: www.gwinnomadic soul, the spirit and art of the circus tradition nettcenter.com or as well as to those who quest with infinite passion www.cirquedusoleil.com along the path leading to “Varekai.” The production combines drama and acrobatics to tell the story of Icarus, a young man who flies too close to the sun with wax wings and ends up falling out of the sky and into the world of “Varekai.” After landing in the enchanted forest, he embarks on an adventure both extraordinary and unbelievable, meeting a variety whimsical creatures along the way. Helping to bring the exotic creatures of “Varekai” to life are the original costumes designed by Japanese visual artist Eiko Ishioka, who has received many accolades for her designs including an Oscar Award for her costume designs seen in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” Head of Wardrobe, Tanya Jacobs, feels Ishioka’s unique designs help to create a visual experience that’s unlike any other show. “She was a very impressive costume designer and an amazing visual artist … and I think that influenced her designs a lot, and she took it to a whole new category, which makes it really exciting to work on this show because it’s not like any of the other shows that I’ve worked on,” she said. Ishioka incorporated vibrant colors as well as unusual shapes and forms in order to accentuate the performers movements and help visually enhance their acts. “She went quite deeply into having the costume support the movement,” Jacobs said. “She used a lot of silk … she wanted to get a very soft and fluid line finish, and she also used mytex, which was new at the time the show was being created. You apply it upon the fabric and you put a shine on it, so it’s a sheen. It almost looks scaly or wet but it gives it an all around shine that’s not glitter.” It’s difficult for Jacobs to pick a favorite act from the show but she really enjoys watching the thrilling finale, the Russian Swings. The act See VAREKAI, Page 2C
Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai” will feature a variety of thrilling acrobatic acts including the Solo on Crutches. (Special Photo: Marco Cisaria) The Arena tour will also feature a variety of thrilling acrobatic acts including the Georgian Dance that takes its inspiration from a long tradition of resistance in the Republic of Georgia. (Special Photo: Rick Diamond)
2C • SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015
gwinnettdailypost.com
Cirque du Soleil’s latest arena touring production of “Varekai” will be at The Arena at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth from July 29 to Aug. 2, featuring a variety of thrilling acrobatic acts including the Russian Swings. (Special Photo: Rick Diamond)
•From Page 1C
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includes 11 acrobats who are propelled by two Russian swings and hurled high into the air by their partners’ crossed arms or a landing canvas. During the act, performers even soar from one moving swing to another. Uladzimir Maliutsin is from the Republic of Belarus, and has been an acrobat for almost 22 years. He’s performed in “Varekai” as a flyer in the Russian Swings act for eight years and says it’s still his favorite act of the show. “It’s the last act of the show, and I really love when the people are afraid for us jumping and flying,” he said. “I love when I can see them afraid for me.” Maliutsin says it takes a lot of practice and training with his fellow performers to develop the level of trust needed to feel safe onstage — there are still times when he gets a little nervous before performing, but he always enjoys being on stage. “I love what I’m doing
Varekai ‘VAREKAI’ COSTUME FUN FACTS • The show has over 600 costumes, shoes, wigs, hats and accessories. • The design of “Varekai’s” costumes involved finding technical solutions to ensure comfort and safety. The highly skilled costume makers fashioned the original creations after no less than 33,000 hours of hard work. • Moleskin (Lycra) continues to be one of the most popular fabrics used, on account of its flexible, elastic and easy care properties. Some special materials were also used, such as flexible titanium rods, sponge nylon and different types of fire-resistant materials. • The artists’ make-up is so complex that it can take between 45 minutes to an hour and a half to apply and each artist does their own. • The “Varekai” wardrobe team consists of four permanent touring staff and two local wardrobe employees in each city who launder, repair, iron, repaint the shoes and retouch the hats. • It takes a total of 250 hours a week to keep the costumes impeccable on tour.
and am really excited to be on the stage and to perform while the audiences watch me,” he said. Jacobs believes an arena is the perfect venue for watching “Varekai” because there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. “It’s quite a good show because even if you don’t have seats that are close to the front, from far away the overall image is also very beautiful and the costumes have a big part to play in that,” she said.
Jacobs also encourages people to take advantage of the rare oppotunity to see Ishioka’s unique designs live. “She has a very strong signature in all of her designs that you’ll never see anywhere else, and this is really the only forum where you can see her costumes live,” she said. “It’s quite an impressive and unique opportunity to see them on stage — especially with the artists in them.”
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SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015 • 3C
spotlight on spring & summer arts
‘Pippin’ to bring circus style to audiences By Katie Morris
katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com
Audiences can witness a feast for the eyes when circus meets musical at the Fox Theatre this May. The National Tour of “Pippin” will bring thrilling acrobatics, daring stunts, vibrant costumes, fosse-style dancing and a beloved musical score to Atlanta May 5-10. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, “Pippin” tells the story of a young prince embarking on a journey of self-discovery and searching for meaning in his existence. He longs to do something extraordinary with his, but is he willing to risk everything for a singular flash of glory? Sam Lips plays the part Pippin and says it was exciting — and at the same time terrifying — stepping into the role for the National Tour after understudying it on Broadway. “This role in particular, he hardly ever leaves the stage and his emotions are all over the place. It’s exhausting. When I would go on as the understudy, I would prepare for like two days prior to going on,” he said. “On the road when you are doing it every night, you have to find ways to pace yourself … that was definitely a big skill to learn, but on the flip side the great thing about doing it every night is you really get to find who this character is.” Lips says one of his favorite aspects of the show is that The Players, or circus performers, are able
The cast of the National Touring Production of “Pippin,” which plays the Fox Theatre in Atlanta May 5-10. (Special Photo: Terry Shapiro)
Allen describes the score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”) as “gorgeous,” saying it’s hard for her to pick a favorite song. “I can’t pick just one — they all have fun moments in them for me. The ballads I can stretch out and do a little more, but the fast stuff is more choppy but really fun,” she said. Both Allen and Lips had to train in acrobatics for their part in the show, saySasha Allen as Leading Player (in the center) and the cast of the National Touring Pro- ing they had to work hard duction of “Pippin,” which plays the Fox Theatre in Atlanta May 5-10. (Special Photo: to master their stunts. “I get on the trapeze, Terry Shapiro) and no I’d never done that to form a connection with get so much energy from the role of the Lead Player, before. I’m in great shape audience members. the audience and every au- which is the narrator or right now because of all the “We address them and dience is different, so that ringmaster of the show. fun stuff we get to do,” Alrun out into the house a means every show is going “I’m talking to the audi- len said. “You don’t realize bunch, so the line there is to be different.” ence throughout the whole how weak you are.” very blurred,” he said. “I Sasha Allen, seen in show, so I think I get the Lips just recently worked love it because it makes the Top 5 on Season 4 of most interaction with them, his way up to performing every night different. We NBC’s “The Voice,” plays which is fun,” she said. all of his stunts in the show
to their full intensity, saying the other acrobats were a big help during training. “They are so good about teaching you, and honestly the hardest thing for me was to learn how to trust them and let (the other acrobats) do most of the work,” he said. Allen and Lips agree that “Pippin” is truly a show that has something for everyone to connect with — whether it be the relatable storyline, the beloved musical score or the spectacle of acrobatics and dancing. “I think the greatest thing about ‘Pippin’ is that a lot of people don’t know anything about it. And that’s good,” Lips said. “Thats kind of where we want you because there are going to be a lot of things that you won’t expect.”
4C • SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015
gwinnettdailypost.com
spotlight on spring & summer arts
Real-life romance comes to the ice By Katie Morris
katie.morris@ gwinnettdailypost.com
Portraying the characters Ariel and Prince Eric from “The Little Mermaid” comes easily to skating partners Bertalan Zákány and Agota Zákány-Szabo — they just use their own love story as inspiration. “It’s a classic love story, and it’s so easy for us because we’re married and we love each other,” Zákány said. Local audiences can see the husband and wife skating partners bring the classic love story to life when Disney on Ice presents “Worlds of Fantasy” at the Arena at the Gwinnett Center for nine performances May 13-17. Zákány and Zákány-Szabo have know each other since they were young, having grown up skating in the same shows and competitions back in their native country of Hungary. They both joined Disney on Ice in 2010, growing closer and closer before eventually tying the knot in 2011. The couple remembers it was challenging getting used to married life at first because they spend a lot of time together on tour. Zákány said they try to keep their work and personal lives separate, and they also spend time apart enjoying activities with castmates, like table tennis or soccer. Zákány-Szabo also remembers the roles of Prince Eric and Ariel coming with a few challenges. Both spouses were predominantly single skaters before Disney on Ice,
Disney on Ice presents “Worlds of Fantasy” will bring beloved characters like Sebastian from “The Little Mermaid” to the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth May 1317. (Special Photo) Married couple Agota Zakany-Szabo and Bertalan Zákány bring real life romance to the ice as they perform the roles of Ariel and Prince Eric from “The Little Mermaid” during Disney on Ice presents “Worlds of Fantasy,” at the Arena at the Gwinnett Center May 13-17. (Special Photo)
competition skating. “There’s more acting, so you have to put that part into it as well because it’s not just skating and technical wise. You also have to give 100 percent in acting, you have to learn how the character, or whoever you play, moves,” she said. Disney on Ice presents “Worlds of Fantasy” incorporates skating, special effects and beloved characters to bring favorite Disney moments to life. In addition to “The Little Mermaid” characters, audiences will be able to witness thrilling stunts from Lightning McQueen, Mater and the Disney on Ice presents “Worlds of Fantasy” will bring beloved characters like Buzz crew of Disney Pixar’s Lightyear, Woody and Jesse from “Toy Story” to the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth “Cars.” Enter the enchantMay 13-17. (Special Photo) ed world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the having performed together ing in the beginning, and have to work on the timDisney fairies, and join in previous shows and at we are still learning new ing,” she said. Buzz Lightyear, Woody, competitions but not as a things all the time. All the According to ZákányJessie and the rest of the pair. tricks that we do together Szabo, performing in Dis- “Toy Story” gang as they “It was a little challeng- and skating together, we ney on Ice has been very escape from the rambuncdifferent experience from tious tots of Sunnyside
Daycare during their adventure home. Both skaters say it’s very rewarding to perform in front of audiences and watch their faces light up as they enjoy their act. “We both like skating, but it’s always an extra when you can look around and see that everybody likes you and is enjoying what you do. It’s just a really nice feeling,” Zákány-Szabo said. Zákány-Szabo and Zákány are looking forward to returning to the Gwinnett Arena and encourage everyone to come enjoy “Worlds of Fantasy.” “We can just say that everybody is more than welcome to come because Disney movies aren’t just for kids, and also it’s for both boys and girls,” Zákány-Szabo said. “There’s not just one type of person we’d like to see in the audience, we would like to see everybody.”
Opening Night Tickets $15! Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Excludes premium seats.
MAY 13 – 17 Buy Tickets: GwinnettCenter.com • 770-626-2464 • Venue Box Office
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DisneyOnIce.com
AURORA THEATRE 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville 678-226-6222 www.auroratheatre. com • May 7-31: “Hands on a Hardbody” • May 9: Aurora Children’s Playhouse “Hawthor’s Dragon” • May 15 - 16: Aurora Comedy Nights with headliner Rob Haze • May 29 - 30: Aurora Comedy Nights with headliner Darryl Roades • May 16: Aurora Children’s Playhouse “Cinderella” • June 18: Aurora Swing Nights “Rock the Depot” • June 20: Aurora Comedy Nights with headliner Henry Cho • July 23 – Aug. 30: “Memphis”
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SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015 • 5C
spotlight on spring & summer arts GWINNETT BY VENUE GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter. com • May 2 - 3: Buford School of Ballet presents “Cinderella & Friends” • May 9: ALL STARS Performing Arts presents “Maleficent, The ALL STARS Version” • May 10: GEET - RUNG School of Dance and Music’s Annual Recital • May 15-17: Northeast Atlanta Ballet presents “The Little Mermaid” • June 13: Home By Dark: JP Williams & James David Carter
SYLVIA BEARD THEATRE Buford Community HUDGENS CENTER “Boeing Boeing” will run from April 16-May 3 at the Sylvia Beard Theatre, Buford Community Center. (Special Photo) Center, 2200 Buford FOR THE ARTS Highway, Buford Gwinnett Center, 770-945-6762 6400 Sugarloaf Parkwww.bufordcommu“Night Lights” exhibition Hundred Dresses” Veterans” way, Suite 300, Duluth Orion Wertz nitycenter.com • June 13: Hudgens • July 24 Aug. 29: • Sept. 11-13, 18770-623-6002 • April 16-May 3: “Memory Awakened” 20, 24-27: “Laughing NEW LONDON www.thehudgens.org Prize Awards Cer“Boeing Boeing” emony exhibition Stock” THEATRE • Through June 27: • May 16: Francine • July 14 – Sept. 19: 2338 Henry Clower Reed 2015 Hudgens Prize “The Cup Show:” The LIONHEART NEW DAWN Blvd., Snellville Finalist’s Exhibition • July 16 - Aug. 2: Hudgens’ 1st National THEATRE THEATER 770-559-1484 • Through June 27: “Steel Magnolias” Juried & Invitational 10 College St. N.W., 3087 Main St., www.newlondontheThe Art of Theatrical Cup Exhibition Norcross Duluth atre.org Design: Aurora TheTANNERY ROW 678-938-8518 404-625-0361 • May 8-24: “Harvey” atre’s Sets & Costumes ARTIST COLONY KUDZU ART ZONE www.lionheartthewww.newdawnthe• June 12-28: “Plaza • May 16: Hudgens 554 West Main St., 116 Carlyle St., Noratre.org atercompany.com Suite” Prize Finalist’s Artists Buford cross • May 1-3, 8-10, 14• April 30 - May 3: • July 10 - 26: Talks: Bethany Collins 770-856-8145 770-840-9844 17: “Come Back to the “Sense and Sensibility” “Damn Yankees” & Rylan Steele www.tanneryrowww.kudzuartzone. Five and Dime Jimmy • May 23: Mark Pitt’s • May 30: Hudgens wartistcolony.com org Dean” Tribute to Elvis: “SupPERFORMING Prize Finalist’s Artists • May 2 - June 5: • Through May 16: • July 23-26: “The port to Our Troops & ARTS CENTER AT Talks: Scott Ingram & “Lines”
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6C • SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015
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spotlight on spring & summer arts BY VENUE ALLIANCE THEATRE 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4650 www.alliancetheatre.org • Through May 10: “Blues for an Alabama Sky” • Through May 9: Girls of St. Catherine’s “Antigone” • Apr 30 - May 9: “Antigone,” presented by the Girls of St. Catherine’s • May 16: A Tony Evening • May 27 - June 21: “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical” • May 29 - May 31: Toddler Takeover 2015 • Sept. 2 - 20: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-876-5859 www.atlantabg.org • April 25 - May 1: Atlanta Museum Week • May 2 - Oct. 3: Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden • May 9 - 10: Atlanta Rose Show, Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour • May 30: Endangered Species Day • Sept. 26: The Garden of Eden Ball CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS 1404 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta 404-873-3391 www.puppet.org • Through May 24: “Paul Bunyan and the Tall Tale Medicine Show” • May 14 - 17: Xperimental Puppetry Theater (XPT) • May 26 - June 7: “My Life as a Fairy Tale: The Ugly Duckling” • June 11 - July 26: “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type” • July 28 - Aug. 9: “The Reluctant Dragon” • Aug. 13 - Sept. 20: “The Tortoise, the Hare, & Other Aesop’s Fables” CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA 275 Centennial Olympic
FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta 404-929-6300 www.fernbankmuseum.org • April 26: Dangerously Delicious Tasting Event • Through May 3: The Power of Poison exhibition • May 8 and 23: Fernbank Forest Night Walk • May 16 - 17: Tadpole Tales • June 6 - August 23: Brain: The Inside Story exhibit • June 6: Brain: The Inside Story Opening Day Celebration • June 13: Lost Oasis 2015: Night of Illusions • June 21: Superhero Day • July 11: Reptile Day • Aug. 22: Dinosaur Birthday Bash HIGH MUSEUM OF ART 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-733-4400 www.high.org • May 10: Family Fun Day: Celebrate Mother’s Day The Atlanta Botanical Garden will be aglow this spring when it hosts the outdoor art exhibition “Bruce Munro: Light • Through May 24: José in the Garden,” featuring unique installations created from hundreds of miles of fiber optics May 2 through Oct. 3. Parlá: Segmented Realities (Special Photos: Mark Pickthall) • Through May 24: “Imagining New Worlds” Wifredo the World of Fairy Tales • May 15 - 17: Atlanta Lam, José Parlá, Fahamu exhibit Ballet presents “MAYHEM” Pecou • May 9 - 10: Meet the • May 29: An Evening • Through May 10: Dox Holidays: Mother’s Day of Praise: Marvin Sapp & Thrash: An American Journey • Ongoing: FundamenTamela Mann exhibition tally Food exhibit • May 30: Lisa Lampan• Through May 31: African • Ongoing: Eat a Georgia elli Art: Building the Collection Rainbow series • June 20: Anderson • Through June 7: Gordon • Ongoing: Crawl Space Cooper & Andy Cohen Parks: Segregation Story • Ongoing: Leaping into • July 17 - 19: Atlanta • Through June 7: Earl Learning Lyric Center presents Pardon’s “Portable Art”: Jew• Ongoing: Let Your Cre- “Cats” elry and Design exhibition ativity Flow • Sept. 19: Jeanne Rob• Through June 7: Leon• Ongoing: Tools for ertson ard Freed: Black in White Solutions America exhibition FOX THEATRE • Through June 21: Helen The Atlanta Botanical Garden will be aglow this spring COBB ENERGY 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Levitt: In the Street when it hosts the outdoor art exhibition “Bruce Munro: PERFORMING ARTS Atlanta • Through July 5: A Light in the Garden,” featuring unique installations creatCENTRE 404-881-2100 Painter’s Profile: The High ed from hundreds of miles of fiber optics May 2- through 2800 Cobb Galleria foxtheatre.org Celebrates Romare Bearden Oct. 3. Parkway, Atlanta • May 5-10: “Pippin” • Through Oct. 4: The 770-916-2800 • June 7: The Fox Theatre Park Drive, Atlanta Coca-Cola Bottle Kids Save the World exhibit www.cobbenergycentre. Block Party 404-659-5437 • Through Nov. 29: Los • May 2 - 3: Meet the com • July 11: Anthony Bourdain Trompos (Spinning Tops): www.childrensmuseum Holidays: Cinco de Mayo • May 1: Lewis Black • Aug. 18-23: “Motown the atlanta.org Interactive Setting on the Sifly • May 3 - July 26: Once • May 2: Bill Cosby 77 Musical” • Through May 3: Super Piazza Upon a Time … Exploring
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SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015 • 7C
spotlight on spring & summer arts
Aurora Theatre presents new musical as finale katie.morris@gwinnettdailypost.com
Aurora Theatre is driving home its 2014-15 Peach State Signature Series with comedy and competion, presenting the regional premiere of the musical “Hands on a Hardbody.” Inspired by true events from the 1997 documentary of the same name, “Hands on a Hardbody” explores just how far a group of small town people are willing to go in order to win a brand-new Nissan “hardbody” truck. The rules are simple: whoever keeps their hands on the truck the longest will drive home its owner.
of the Grammy-nominated band Phish under the award-winning musical direction of Aurora’s Resident Musical Director Ann-Carol Pence. “When we have a collection of voices that sound this great, I know the audience is going to be in for a truly special experience,” Ann-Carol Pence Aurora Theatre Associate Producer said in a release. “Adding in a soulful, rockabilly score by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green gives it a lot of musical horsepower. And comedy takes audiences contest. through a rollercoaster of Directed by Brian Clow- to be honest, I love a show that reminds us that everyemotions, as hours become dus, “Hands on a Harddays and the truck turns body” features an original one deserves a chance at the American Dream.” into a symbol of much score from renowned The production’s more than just winning a musician Trey Anastasio Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville will close out its 201516 season with the musical “Hands on a Hardbody,” featuring performances from (Front row left to right) Jessica Meisel, Jeremy Aggers, Diany Rodriguez (back row left to right), Rob Lawhon, Eric Moore, Ben Davis and Randi Garza. (Special Photo: Chris Bartelski)
By Katie Morris
The 10 strangers’ lives become intertwined during the four-day battle of wills that’s filled with sleepless nights and plenty of laughs. The dramatic
upbeat, moving numbers are enhanced with choreography from Jen MacQueen and designs from an award-winning creative team. “Hands on a Hardbody” will be presented May 7-31 at the Aurora Theatre located at 128 East Pike Street in Lawrenceville. A discount weekday matinee will be offered on Wednesday, May 27, at 10 a.m. for $20 to $30 per person. Regular show time tickets can be purchased for $30 to $50 per person online at tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-2266222. For more information, visit auroratheatre.com.
Aurora announces 20th season The Aurora Theatre recently announced its 20th anniversary season, featuring two hit musicals, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play and a world premiere comedy. The 2015/16 Peach State Signature Series will include: • Winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Musical, “Memphis,” a coproduction with Theatrical Outfit with music by David Bryan, lyrics by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro and book by Joe DiPietro. The birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the South happened in Memphis but there is a lot more to this story than Graceland. Inspired by true events, pioneering disc jockey Huey Calhoun moves this iconic sound from radio to TV. — July 23 through Aug. 30
• The 2013 Tony Awardwinner for Best Play, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” a coproduction with Horizon Theatre Company. — Oct. 1 through 25 • “Christmas Canteen 2015,” Gwinnett’s longestrunning theatrical holiday tradition returns for its 20th season. — Nov. 19 through Dec. 20 • Atlanta teacher Margaret Edson wrote only one play, the 1999 Pulitzer Prize-winner “Wit,” which chronicles the life of cancer patient Dr. Vivian Bearing, a teacher who becomes a student of life as she undergoes an experimental treatment. — Jan. 14 through Feb. 7 • The multiple Tony Award-winning musical, now Oscar-nominated
Disney motion picture, “Into the Woods” with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. — March 10 through April 17 • “The Kim Basinger Project” by Topher Payne, Suehyla El-Attar and Johnny Drago, a world premiere comedy commissioned by Aurora Theatre and inspired by true events. — May 5 through 29 The Aurora will also present its highly popular Harvel Lab Series sponsored by Georgia Gwinnett College, featuring three contemporary plays in Aurora’s intimate 90-seat studio. For more information, call the theatre box office at 678-226-6222 or visit auroratheatre.com. — From staff reports
8C • SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015
gwinnettdailypost.com
spotlight on spring & summer arts
Hudgens Center for the Arts features new exhibit By Aaliyah Weathers Staff Intern
Considering the closeknit arts community in Gwinnett, The Hudgens Center for the Arts and Aurora Theatre have always shared a significant relationship. The partnership has led to the creation of an exhibit which seamlessly blends two separate forms of art, “The Art of Theatrical Design: Aurora Theatre’s Sets and Costumes.” According to Hudgens’ Director of Exhibitions and Programs, Angela Nichols, there are many reasons why the partnership between The Aurora Theatre and Hudgens Center for the Arts makes sense. “Both are arts nonprofits in the area and the partnership creates a cross between performing and visual arts,” she said. Every year the Aurora Theatre in downtown Lawrenceville presents two series of theatrical productions and is home to over 600 events. While the theatre has certainly received many accolades for it’s on stage performers, it is rare that the artists working behind the scenes of each production are highlighted. This is the purpose behind “The Art of Theatrical Design: Aurora Theatre’s Sets and Costumes,” which features set designs, props and costumes from many of the productions Aurora has put on throughout the years including “Mary Poppins” and “Les Misérables.” The Aurora and Hudgens are hoping the exhibit
Props from past Aurora Theatre productions can be seen at “The Art of Theatrical Design: Aurora Theatre Sets and Costumes” exhibit on display at The Hudgens Center for the Arts in Duluth through June 27. (Staff Photo: Katie Morris)
paper and goes from there. This exhibit is a wonderful exploration of the detail and the craft behind technical theatre,” Hudgens Center Executive Director Teresa Osborn said in a press release. Costumes from past Aurora Theatre productions can be seen at “The Art of Theatrical Nichols said one of her Design: Aurora Theatre Sets and Costumes” exhibit on display at The Hudgens Center favorite features in the for the Arts in Duluth through June 27. (Staff Photo: Aaliyah Weathers) exhibit are the props from Aurora’s production of will help to garner more “This exhibition extransport theatregoers into “Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the appreciation for the artistry plores the process of the the world of actors. The Hat” for their playful and of the scenic, costume, artistic vision behind the technical design and conwhimsical appeal. She also props, and lighting design- phenomenal sets, detailed struction of each producfinds it fascinating to see ers. costuming and props that tion starts with a pen and the props before your eyes
alongside photos of how the cast used the props and set during each production. The exhibit will be on view until June 27 at the Hudgens Center located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Bldg. 300, in Duluth. The Hudgens Center hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. For more information, visit the hudgens.org or call 770-623-6002.