Atlanta Lyric Theatre Expands, Leases New 'Lyric Studio Theatre in the Square'

Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the metro area's only professional musical theatre company, has agreed to lease the Alley Stage at the former Theatre in the Square in Marietta. In addition to the company's main stage productions, which are housed at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, the new acquisition, to be renamed The Lyric Studio Theatre in the Square, will accommodate weekly cabaret entertainment, new and original musical works, and the Atlanta Junior Lyric. The Junior Lyric program features theatre for young audiences, educational theatre for aspiring young artists, and musicals performed by Junior Lyric students.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for us," said Lyric Managing Artistic Director Brandt Blocker. "The Lyric Studio Theatre in the Square is a perfect compliment to our popular large scale programming at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. The ability to bring together Atlanta's finest performers with some of the country's most exciting cabaret artists is a real boon for our patrons. Additionally, having an intimate atmosphere for the production of new and original musicals as well as a venue to showcase our expanded Junior Lyric program completely fulfills our mission and our responsibility as one of Atlanta's leading arts institutions."

Patrons who may recall the Alley Stage at the former Theatre in the Square will no longer have to enter in the back alley of the complex. A new storefront lobby entrance at 12 Powder Springs Street SW will be used for The Lyric Studio Theatre. Patrons can visit The Lyric Studio Theatre box office for tickets to any Lyric production. Additionally, audiences will be treated to a renovated environment that includes cabaret style seating and technical enhancements.

"The City of Marietta is excited to welcome The Lyric Studio Theatre to our historic Square," added Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin. "The intimate atmosphere of this venue will enhance and showcase the established talented performers and productions of The Lyric to the enjoyment of theatregoers. The Lyric Studio Theatre in the Square is a perfect addition to our established arts scene in Marietta; and, we all look forward to enjoying this great theatre while taking in a "night out" on our beautiful Square."

The Lyric Studio Theatre in the Square is part of an historic complex on the Marietta Square. The complex, which was originally the home of Anderson Motor Company, now hosts boutique shops, commercial offices, and the Marietta Wine Market, Marietta's premier dealer of fine wines.

In addition to The Lyric Theatre Studio in the Square, The Lyric closes its 34th season at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre with Monty Python's "Spamalot" this Friday, June 13 through the 29th. The 35th anniversary season of musicals at the Anderson Theatre kicks off in August with Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats" followed by "Chicago," "Catch Me If You Can," "Damn Yankees," and "Barnum."

A schedule of events for The Lyric Studio Theatre will be released upon completion of renovations. Information and tickets for all events are available at The Lyric box office: 404-377-9948, www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.

About Atlanta Lyric Theatre: Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Atlanta's only professional musical theatre company, was formed in 1980 as the Southeastern Savoyards, a repertory theatre company dedicated to presenting the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. Since then, the company has grown into a highly regarded regional musical theatre company. The Lyric has received critical acclaim for the consistent quality of its productions, and has received more Suzi Bass Award nominations (Atlanta's equivalent of the Tony Awards) than almost any other Atlanta theatre. The Lyric received the 2009 Suzi Audience Choice Award for best overall season, the 2010 Suzi Award for best musical, and the 2012 Suzi Award for best ensemble of a musical. Atlanta INtown paper calls The Lyric "the best professional musical theatre in Atlanta." Atlanta Lyric Theatre currently performs at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta. For more information, visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.

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