Broadway's Meg Gillentine Stars in Lyric Theatre's THE PRODUCERS, Beg. Tonight

Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the metro areas only local, professional musical theatre company, is excited to announce the return of hometown actress Meg Gillentine in Mel Brooks' hysterical Tony Award-winning THE PRODUCERS, playing tonight, August 9th through the 25th at the Cobb Civic Center's Anderson Theatre (548 S. Marietta Pkwy., Marietta). Tickets and information available at www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com or 404-377-9948.

Based on Mr. Brooks' Academy Award-winning 1968 film of the same name, THE PRODUCERS, is the story of down-on-his-luck theatrical producer Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, a mousy accountant. Together they hatch the ultimate scam: raise more money than needed for a sure-fire Broadway flop and pocket the difference. Their "sure-fire" theatrical fiasco is none other than the musical SPRINGTIME FOR HITLER starring Bialystock and Bloom's secretary, receptionist, and aspiring actress Ulla. Played by Meg Gillentine.

Gillentine's credits include the Broadway productions of CATS (directed by Trevor Nunn), FOSSE (on Broadway and the 1st national tour directed by Ann Reinking), and Stephen Sondheim's THE FROGS. Meg also performed in the Los Angeles production of THE PRODUCERS directed by Susan Stroman. Meg's film and television credits include features in Tyler Perry's MADEA'S WITNESS PROTECTION, THE PRODUCERS with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, EVERY LITTLE STEP, FOSSE, the AFI Awards, the 1997 Tony Awards, and choreographed, sang, and danced in the 2004 Academy Awards. Meg was awarded the Helen Hayes Award for Best Actress in a Musical for DAMN YANKEES, a Helen Hayes Award Nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for CABARET, and an Ovation Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for KISS ME KATE.

Joining Gillentine in THE PRODUCERS is Lyric Associate Artistic Director Alan Kilpatrick as Max Bialystock, Christopher Kent as Leo Bloom, Broadway's David de Vries as Roger DeBris, Googie Uterhardt as Franz Liebkind, Jevares C. Myrick as Carmen Ghia, and an all-Atlanta cast of supporting characters, singers and dancers including Stanley Allyn Owen, Jamie Katz, Marissa Druzbanski, Jeremy Varner, Becca Potter, Jessica Pack Olson, Priscilla Curtis, Fenner Eaddy, Aaron Carter, Jamie McCord, Koby Parker, Tre McClendon, Bonnie Harris, Michael Persson, John Streit, Jamey Hoge, and John Michael Haas.

THE PRODUCERS is directed by Lyric Artistic Director Brandt Blocker and choreographed by Karen Hebert-the same team that brought Lyric audiences such hits as 42ND STREET, LEGALLY BLONDE, and THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. The scenic design is by Broadway designer Robin Wagner, costumes by Broadway's William Ivey Long, lighting by Mary Parker, wigs by George Deavours, and sound and production management by The Lyric's Bobby Johnston.

All performances are at the Cobb Civic Center's 600-seat Anderson Theatre, only 1.5 miles from the Marietta Square, featuring a large stage, spacious orchestra pit, excellent sound system and acoustics, and all the other amenities of a first-class venue for Broadway-quality productions. The CivicCenter's Anderson Theatre has hosted big-named acts such as Frankie Avalon, Debbie Reynolds, Ben Vereen, Vicki Lawrence, Linda Eder, Brenda Lee, The Osmond Brothers, and many more.

The Cobb Civic Center also boasts abundant, safe, and well-lit parking adjacent to the theatre. Additionally, the Downtown Marietta Development Authority will be providing complimentary shuttle service to and from the Marietta Square by The Historic Marietta Trolley Company two hours prior to curtain.

Tickets and subscriptions to The Lyric's 34th season of musicals are available at www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com or by calling The Lyric box office at 404-377-9948.