The Bluebird Patch

Candice McLellan (left) plays Siri and Jasmine Ellis plays Luna in the world premiere comedy Sweep at Aurora Theatre. (Photo by Chris Bartelski.)  Post-modern comedy to showcase the exploits of two “multiverse” hit women in imaginative tale LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Atlanta audiences are invited to step into a splintered world of strange imaginings as Aurora Theatre presents the world premiere of the femme fantasy story SWEEP , February 10 –March 5, 2017 ! The magical quest, written by rising Latina playwright Georgina Escobar, follows two sisters’ attempt at resetting history’s imperfections by hunting both biblical and modern-day targets through a set of alternate realities called the “multiverse.” Imaginative and adventure-filled, this zany, time-traveling escapade is a can’t-miss production for the New Year! “ One of the most riveting facets of SWEEP is the exploration of the idea that history can be re-written to create different outcomes today,” ...

Well hello there Bluebird Patch teens! I'm thrilled to share with you my thoughts on “I and You” a highly sentimental and compelling play at the Aurora Theatre. Written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Aurora’s Director of Education Jaclyn Hofmann, I and You chronicles the unlikely relationship formed by popular jock Anthony and chronically ill Caroline, when he shows up to her house unexpectedly with waffle fries, a beat-up book and a homework assignment to explore Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself.”  As a teenager, I can personally relate the current high school struggle of homework and group projects. Throughout the day, many emotions come between the two characters, both good and bad. As the story progresses we find many shocking things about both characters and let's just say the ending of the play will leave you speechless. I don't want to spoil it for ya, but the play has a twist worthy of a Nicholas Spark book. I'm telling you t...

  Mismatched teenagers offer insightful wisdom for all ages  LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (January 21, 2016)  – A quintessential tale of two worlds colliding, audiences are invited to experience the power of diversity and the beauty of acceptance in the award-winning I and You a t Aurora Theatre ,  January 29-February 21 . As part of the 2015-16 GGC Harvel Lab Series , this moving story of two teenagers and the bond they create through examination of poetry offers an ode to youth, life, love and the strange splendor of human connectedness! “ This play has quickly become one of the hottest properties in American theater, including a recently opened off-Broadway run,” said Anthony Rodriguez, Aurora’s Producing Artistic Director. “Lauren is a dear friend and nothing could thrill me more than having the opportunity for Aurora Theatre to produce the Georgia premiere of this Atlanta-bred playwright’s most recent work. Lauren’s work is universally acclaimed and widely...

Spanish Language programming celebrates Gwinnett’s diverse culture LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (September 9, 2015)  – The joys and frustrations unique to single ladies of all ages come to light in this wacky modern tale. Even matters of the heart are examined through a comedic lens in Gustavo Ott’s  Divorciadas, Evangélicas y Vegetarianas ( Divorcées, Evangelists, and Vegetarians) at Aurora Theatre running September 25 – October 18, 2015 . September 25 – October 18, 2015 . Performed in Spanish with English Supertitles, this play expertly finds the funny in uncomfortable situations and blunt truths. “Earlier this year, Aurora received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to deepen our relationship with the Latino community by expanding programing. Additionally, we received funding from BrandMortage to produce this show. I am very proud of our commitment to producing plays in Spanish,” said Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez. “As our community grows...

Smash-hit musical livens up Lawrenceville as 20 th  Anniversary Signature Series debut LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (June 22, 2015)  – Jive along to the brassy beats of Beale Street in 1950s Memphis, where the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll reels in an aspiring R&B DJ, who just happens to be white,  to spark change in the deep South. Bringing powerhouse numbers to the suburban Atlanta stage,  Aurora Theatre  debuts its  20 th  Anniversary Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series  with the regional premiere of the hit-musical sensation  Memphis , playing  July 23- August 30, 2015 ! A co-production with Theatrical Outfit, this tuneful tale is sure to strike a chord with music lovers of all ages!  “ When you take a mega musical like  Memphis  and produce it in Aurora’s intimate theatre setting, what you get is an unparalleled experience of fierce emotion, dynamic theatrics and the ability for audiences to immerse...

Las Mujeres Verdaderas Tienen Curvas Real Women Have Curves  is a  stage play  by  Josefina Lopez  and is set in a tiny  sewing factory in East  Los Angeles  in September 1987. It's marked by the issues of  gender politics  and the  Latina   immigrant  experience. The story is told from the point of view of Ana, the youngest employee at the factory. Ambitious and bright, Ana yearns to go to college , but doesn't have the  money . The action foll ows the course of a summer at the factory, as the women talk about their lives, loves and deepest desires while attempting to meet impossible production deadlines. Recommended for teens and adults interested in culture, Real Women Have Curves plays the Aurora stage  April 10-26.  This is the first time this play is presented in Georgia.  If you have never seen this wonderful play, here are 5 reasons why you should bri...

Annual Spanish Language programming celebrates Gwinnett’s Hispanic community Celebrate the power of womanhood, as five Mexican-American women venture down the road of self-discovery in a coming-of-age drama that will shower audiences of all ages with inspiration and courage! As part of Aurora Theatre’s annual Teatro del Sol, a Spanish language theatre initiative with a goal of the preservation of Hispanic cultural heritage, Real Women Have Curves plays April 10-26, 2015. Based on playwright Josefina Lopez’s own young adult experiences, this widely recognized portrayal of immigration and its impact on women and their families has sparked a greater conversation and call to action for young immigrants struggling to defy the odds and achieve the American dream.

Hilarious Tale of Exploration Pokes Fun at Victorian England’s Patriarchal Ideals Prepare for an adventure filled with zany humor, mad science and a touch of gender inequality, oh my! Hilarity unfolds as one woman propels Victorian England’s prestigious Explorers Club into a tizzy when she is nominated to join the all-male sanctum! With the potential to uproot the patriarchal foundation of the British Empire,  The Explorers Club  combines wry humor with cheeky disposition to present a riveting engagement at  Aurora Theatre, March 26 – April 19, 2015 . With its fast-paced and witty dialogue, the show takes audiences on a journey of juxtaposition of feminine ideals against the oppressive backdrop of conservative 19 th  century Great Britain. "What I love most about this play is that every character is so much fun; you can't take your eyes off of them!  Playwright Nell Benjamin created roles for men who are each uniquely hilarious and display a ton ...

Award-winning Musical Sensation Returns to Historic Lawrenceville Venue LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., (December 8, 2014)  –  Will you join in our crusade, who will be strong and stand with me?  Audiences are invited to celebrate the global phenomenon of the French novel turned award-winning musical and motion picture  Les   Misérables . The revolution returns to the  Aurora Theatre  stage  January 15 – March 1, 2015 . Winner of five Suzi Bass Awards, including “Best Musical,” audiences will be immersed into Victor Hugo’s heart wrenching tale of passion, sacrifice and betrayal – a testament to the strength and survival of human spirit. With unforgettable melodies like  Bring Him Home ,  Master of the House ,  I Dreamed a Dream  and  On My Own , Aurora’s Mainstage theatre provides an intimate setting for audiences to become engrossed in one of the world’s most popular musicals.