SOUND OF MUSIC, GYPSY, et al. Featured in Atlanta Lyric Theatre's 2011-12 Season

Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the 2010 recipient of the Suzi Bass Award for Best Musical, is pleased to announce its 2011-12 season. With five fantastic shows - the high-spirited musical romp "Thoroughly Modern Millie," everyone's favorite "The Sound of Music," the rollicking Fats Waller revue "Ain't Misbehavin'," the Atlanta premiere of the lush romantic musical "The Light in the Piazza," and the much-loved American classic "Gypsy" - Atlanta Lyric Theatre looks forward to continuing to deliver unforgettable theatrical experiences to patrons.

Subscription prices are unchanged from last season, and start at only $100. Current subscribers have the first chance to renew and lock-in their preferred dates and seating, but only for a limited time. Season subscriptions and individual tickets will go on sale to the general public on May 1, 2010. For information and sales, contact 404-377-9948 or visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" (September 16 - October 2, 2011) Music by Jeanine Tesori; Lyrics by Dick Scanlan; Book by Richard Henry Morris - Audiences will find their toes tapping as flappers take the stage, tap-dancing the night away in Atlanta Lyric's production of the Broadway smash-hit "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Winner of five Tony Awards including best musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" is a high-spirited musical romp that has everyone dancing the Charleston. It's the zany new 1920's musical that has taken Broadway by storm! Taking place in New York City in 1922, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It's a New York full of intrigue and jazz - a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. Based on the popular movie, the stage version of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers.

"The Sound of Music" (December 2 - 18, 2011) Music by Richard Rodgers; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Book by Howard Lindsay & Russell Crouse - The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre.

"Ain't Misbehavin'" (February 17 - March 4, 2012) Music by Thomas "Fats" Waller - "Ain't Misbehavin'," a Tony Award-winning celebration of the music of Thomas "Fats" Waller. An ensemble of energetic and irresistible performers and the hottest jazz band in town will bring down the house with a musical parade of thirty of Waller's greatest hits. A joyously creative songwriter of the 1920s and 30s, Fats Waller penned over 400 songs in his career - many of
which have entered the classic repertoire of jazz standards that are still being performed today.
"Ain't Misbehavin'" pays tribute to his legacy and music, and includes the ever popular songs: "The Jitterbug Waltz," "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," "‘T'Ain't Nobody's Biz-ness If I Do," "Honeysuckle Rose," "Find Out What They Like," and "Your Feets Too Big."

"The Light in the Piazza" (April 20 - May 6, 2012) Music and Lyrics by Adam Guettel; Book by Craig Lucas - Atlanta Lyric Theatre proudly presents the Atlanta premiere of the lush romantic musical "The Light in the Piazza." Winner of 6 Tony Awards, this soaring musical, composed by the grandson of Richard Rodgers, whisks its audience away to Italy for a captivating tale, which celebrates the beauty and passions of the human heart. It's the summer of 1953, and Margaret Johnson, the wife of a North Carolina businessman, is touring the Tuscan countryside with her daughter Clara. In their travels, Clara meets and falls for a young Florentine boy, who is ardent in his pursuit of her. As the young couple's love blossoms, Margaret is faced with a difficult choice: should she reveal a truth that could destroy her daughter's happiness; or say nothing and let fate run its course?

"Gypsy" (June 15 - July 1, 2012) Music by Jule Styne; Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Book by Arthur Laurents - From the first trumpet blast of its legendary Overture to the last white-hot spotlight, "Gypsy" is considered by many to be the greatest American musical ever. "Gypsy" is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of "Gypsy" Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist. The story focuses on her mother, Momma Rose, whose name has become synonymous with "the ultimate show business mother." "Gypsy" follows the dreams and efforts of Rose to raise two daughters to perform onstage and casts an affectionate eye on the hardships of show business life. The musical contains many songs that became popular standards, including "Small World," Everything's Coming up Roses, "Some People," and "Let Me Entertain You."

About Atlanta Lyric Theatre
Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Atlanta's only local 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, and the company changed its name to Atlanta Lyric Theatre. In August 2008, Atlanta Lyric Theatre announced its partnership with the Friends of the Strand, Inc. to relocate to the historic and newly renovated Strand Theatre located on the Square in Marietta, Georgia, as the new performance home of Atlanta Lyric Theatre. In October 2009, Atlanta Lyric Theatre was nominated for 19 Suzi Bass Awards (Atlanta's equivalent of the Tony Awards), the most of any professional Atlanta arts organization, and in 2010 The Lyric's production of Hairspray won the Best Musical award. For more information, visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.

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