Atlanta Lyric Theatre Announces 2013-14 Season, New Venue

Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the metro area's only local professional musical theatre company, has announced its 2013-14 season! With five fantastic shows - Mel Brooks' hysterical Tony Award-winning The Producers; Frank Loesser's classic Broadway musical Guys and Dolls; the song and dance extravaganza Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies; everyone's favorite little orphan Annie the Musical; and the irreverently funny musings of Monty Python's Spamalot - we look forward to continuing to deliver unforgettable theatrical experiences to our patrons. Additionally, The Lyric will celebrate the holidays once again with Irving Berlin's holiday favorite White Christmas.

The Lyric's season of musicals will, unfortunately, not be staged at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square. After five wonderful seasons, Atlanta Lyric Theatre and The Friends of The Strand, Inc. (who oversee the Strand Theatre) could not reach an agreement to continue the partnership that began in 2008.

Bob Ash, Chairman of the Friends of the Stand, Inc., describes the past five-year relationship as having been a "win-win" for both of them. "The Lyric was looking for a venue that would accommodate their elaborate productions and a larger audience than their previous home, and The Strand was looking for that special client who would add to and enrich the cultural experience of our community. And the last five years proved we both made the right decision. Atlanta Lyric Theatre has been, and for many of us, will continue to be an important part of our community's cultural history. For that, we thank them. And we wish them every possible success in the future."

"We have enjoyed our partnership with The Strand and very much wanted to return. We just couldn't make it happen," said Brandt Blocker, Artistic Director and General Manager of Atlanta Lyric Theatre. "As the only remaining professional theatre company in Cobb County, we are committed to our many patrons and the Marietta businesses on the Square that provide services to our audience. Within the coming days, we will be announcing our new performance venue and look forward to a continued relationship with the restaurateurs and retailers on the Marietta Square." The Lyric brought over 23,000 theatregoers to the Marietta Square in 2011-12 and expects that number to increase this season.

The final performances at the Marietta Strand will be Ragtime (April 12-28) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (June 7-23). Tickets and information on those productions can be found at www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.

Current Lyric subscribers have the first chance to renew their subscriptions for the 2013-14 season. Season subscriptions and individual tickets will go on sale shortly after the announcement of the new performance venue. For information and sales, contact 404-377-9948 or visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.

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