Atlanta Lyric Theatre Presents LEADER OF THE PACK 2/18-3/6

Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the metro area's only local professional musical theatre company presents the 1960's rock-n-roll revue "Leader of the Pack," February 18th through March 6th at the historic Strand Theatre in Marietta. Tickets are $30-$45, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups of ten or more!

"Leader of the Pack" celebrates the life and times of Ellie Greenwich, whose doo wop sounds skyrocketed to the top of the sixties charts. The story of Ellie's rise to fame and fortune is punctuated with the virtual Hit Parade of her music: "Chapel of Love," "Da Do Ron Ron," "Be My Baby," "Hanky Panky," "Do Wah Diddy," "And Then He Kissed Me," "River Deep, Mountain High" and, of course, the title song. In 2004 Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time included six by Ellie and her husband and writing partner, Jeff Barry - more than by any other songwriting team. A member of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Ellie Greenwich's songs have earned more than 25 gold and platinum records, sales in the tens of millions, and 33 BMI Awards.

Lyric Artistic Director Brandt Blocker is the stage and music director, and Elizabeth Neidel is the choreographer. The Atlanta Lyric Orchestra is conducted by BJ Brown.

Featured soloists performing all of Ellie & Jeff's greatest hits are Shawn Megorden, last seen onstage at The Lyric in "Smokey Joe's Café," "Hairspray's" Kayce Grogan-Wallace, and last seen in "42nd Street" Mary Nye Bennett and Dustin Lewis.

Starring in the role of Ellie Greenwich is Caitlin Smith who was last seen on the Lyric Stage as star of the Suzi Bass Award-winning best musical "Hairspray."

Playing opposite Smith as Ellie's husband Jeff Barry is Larry Cox, Jr. whose regional credits include "Phantom," "Miss Saigon" and "The Sound of Music." Popular local actor Geoff "Googie" Uterhardt plays the slick, shrewd record producer Gus Sharkey.

Others in the cast include Courtney Godwin, Caroline Freedlund, Bradley Renner, Bernard Jones, Krystle Simmons, Brett Parker, Joey Ellington, and Courtney Bowers.

The design team for the show is led by scenic and lighting designer Bradley Bergeron; Lindsey Paris and Clint Horne are the costume designers; and Bobby Johnston is sound designer.

All performances are held at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre at 117 N. Park Sq., on the historic Marietta Square.

For tickets and information call 404-377-9948 or visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.

Performance Schedule
Feb. 18, 19, 20 Friday & Sat. @ 8:00, Sun. @ 2:00
24, 25, 26, 27 Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00, Sun. @ 2:00
March 3, 4, 5, & 6, 2011 Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00, Sat. & Sun. @ 2:00