International Hit CALENDAR GIRLS to Open Georgia Ensemble Theatre's 23rd Season

Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET), North Fulton's only professional theatre company, is proud to launch the Company's exciting 2015-2016 season with the highly anticipated play, Calendar Girls by Tim Firth. In a move that will go down as one of the most significant milestones in the Theatre's twenty-three year history, the international smash hit Calendar Girls is now coming to metro Atlanta, right here and only here on the GET stage.

After seeing the play in London's West End in 2009, Artistic Director Robert Farley and Managing Director Anita Allen-Farley began a five year journey to bring this funny and touching play to Atlanta audiences. They have now been rewarded for their tenacity as GET was named the first U.S. theatre to be granted the rights to the fastest selling play in British theatre history.

GET's production will run September 10 - October 4, 2015, already extended a full week longer than a usual run for the company. The Theatre's home is in the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell, GA. Heidi Cline McKerley will direct this production. Calendar Girls is graciously co-sponsored by long-time GET sponsor Macy's and new sponsor Piedmont Cancer.

Nine friends from a local women's club find their bonds put to the test when their altruistic efforts for a local hospital are thrust into the international spotlight. After the death of the beloved husband of one of the friends, the ladies rally to create an "alternative" (but artistic and tasteful) calendar to raise money for the cancer wing. This heartfelt comedy is perfect for the Steel Magnolias fan who feels that "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!"

Based on the true story of eleven women's club members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund, Calendar Girls opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre and has since become the fastest selling play in British theatre history.

Calendar Girls has a profoundly positive message about the power that we all have to create change and raise awareness about the causes that matter deeply in the world. This positive message is deepened by putting a group of extraordinary women at the heart of the story who lean in and discover how to find life while working through grief and therefore reinventing themselves. The Georgia Ensemble production has a cast of Atlanta's most seasoned and powerful actresses and actors who will be telling a story that has a tremendous amount of humor and will touch the soul while being an inspiration for all who see it." - Director Heidi Cline McKerley

A stellar ensemble of Atlanta actors have been assembled for this historic event. The cast includes actresses Courtenay Collins, Jennifer Levison, Meg Gillentine, Alex Bond, Bethany Irby Okie, Vicki Ellis Gray, Joanna Daniel, Stephanie M. Wilkinson, Kathy Kuczka, and Maggie Birgel. There are four talented gentlemen joining the ladies in this production: Robin Bloodworth, Kevin Stillwell, Ptah Garvin, and Ty Autry.

GET's metro-wide celebration of this production will include many special events during the run of the play. These efforts will honor the tradition of the original Calendar Girls by raising money and awareness for cancer treatment and support right here in Georgia.

- Calendars: Georgia Ensemble Theatre has produced its own 2016 Calendar Girls calendar, to be sold through the run of this production. The calendar is available immediately at the box office. Atlanta photographer BreeAnne Clowdus worked with GET to create beautiful and fun photographs of eight actresses from the show that are featured in the calendar. A portion of the proceeds from calendar sales will go to support The Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont. This commemorative calendar is sure to be a hugely popular item for patrons and fans of the movie and play. "Photographer BreeAnne Clowdus and her talent have brought this dream of our own calendar to life! We couldn't be more proud that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these $25 keepsake calendars is going to support Piedmont Cancer and The Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont," said GET Artistic Director Bob Farley. He added, "This is more than just professional entertainment - it's providing a way for Atlantans to help the many of us who have been touched by cancer in some way."

- Shop for a Cause: With the support and help of Macy's Department Stores, GET is also expanding this metro-Atlanta event by selling our calendars and providing makeovers for the general public on their special 'Shop for a Cause Day' on August 29th at both Perimeter Mall and Town Center Mall. The Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center will provide mini-massages and cooking tips, and members of the cast of Calendar Girls will be in attendance at both locations, where they will be available to sign calendars and interact with the public.

- Post-Show Discussion: Piedmont Cancer will provide medical expert panelists for a post-show discussion on cancer on the first Sunday matinee of the production on September 13th. Both patrons seeing the play and the general public are invited to come to the Theatre right after the show (at approximately 4:30pm) for this free and informative panel. Piedmont Cancer will also provide materials for patrons on cancer screening locations and on how to take advantage of their fantastic services for cancer patients at The Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont, a free and open service for all.

Ticket prices for Calendar Girls start at $30 for Wednesdays, Thursdays and matinees; Friday nights start from $37, and Saturday nights start from $40. Book early for best prices. (Senior/Student discounts available for select performances). Tickets are available now online at www.get.org, or by calling the Box Office at 770-641-1260.

The Georgia Ensemble Theatre and Conservatory provides quality theatre productions and arts education to the north metro Atlanta area. The Company annually produces five mainstage productions, attended by more than 30,000 patrons, as well as three Theatre for Youth productions and year-round classes for all ages.

Photo Credit: BreeAnne Clowdus Photography