American Premiere of DUETS Opens At Aurora Theatre 3/5

Aurora Theatre has the distinct honor of being chosen for the American premiere of Duets, the new romantic comedy by Peter Quilter. Mr. Quilter is author of the 2006 Aurora Theatre hit Glorious!, the heartwarming comedy based on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world. Representing the baby boomer generation, Duets is five vignettes performed by two actors that explores the lighter side of romance and relationships. Theatrically brilliant, Duets is created for the audience to witness the magic of theatre as actors perform costume changes onstage as the scenery shifts to the next story – all written as part of the performance.

Two of Atlanta's finest actors are brave enough to attempt the feat of portraying five distinctly different couples. The relationships range from siblings to best friends and every conceivable romance, from a blind date through a divorce. The hilarious Don Finney who just finished delighting audiences as the lovable scamp Major Powell in Corpse will join Marianne Fraulo who Aurora Theatre audiences will remember from Glorious! as a gifted comedienne. Duets was written as in homage to Neil Simon and Peter Quilter includes a dedication to the award winning playwright in his manuscript. It is a fitting tribute because Duets possesses the same blend of sentiment and humor that has made Neil Simon's works the gold standard of Broadway comedy.

Anthony Rodriguez, Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director, "I got a call with this amazing opportunity to produce the American Premiere of Duets just as I realized we would need to postpone our production of The Glass Menagerie due to scheduling conflicts. As much as I was looking forward to seeing a Tennessee Williams' classic on our stage, it was not in the cards for us this season." He goes on to explain, "When we plan a season of plays, it is impossible to predict the social climate of the world in advance. As it turns out, I think a great comedy about love in all its shapes is a better choice for us this spring."

The cast and crew include: Marianne Fraulo*, Don Finney*, Anthony Rodriguez (Producer), Ann-Carol Pence (Associate Producer), Susan Reid (Director), Britt Hultgren (Set Design/ Technical Director), Jessica Coale (Lighting Design), Linda Patterson (Costume Design), Kate Bidwell LaFoy (Properties Design), Christopher Bartelski (Sound Design), George Deavours (Wig Design), Keith Williamson (Assistant Technical Director), Sarah Thomson (Scenic Aritst), and Katie Pelkey (Stage Manager).

Duets - An American Premiere of the New Romantic Comedy by Peter Quilter will be performed from March 5 - 29. Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 8:00PM and Saturday & Sunday at 2:30PM. Ticket prices range from $16 - $30. A preview performance is on Tuesday March 3 at 8:00PM. Tickets cost $10 with Library Card and only $5 with Gwinnett County Student ID. On Wednesday, March 25 at 10AM there will be a discount matinee. Tickets cost $14.

The Aurora Theatre is located at 128 Pike Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. For more information call: 678.226.6222 or visit: www.auroratheatre.com.
 
Aurora Theatre, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation and is a member of the Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts, Theatre Communications Group, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Lawrenceville Tourism and Trade Association,  Suwanee Business Alliance and Duluth Merchants Association.

*denotes member of Actor's Equity Association.

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