Alliance 51 Announces Lineup for 2019/2020 Season
By: A.A. Cristi Mar. 27, 2019
Atlanta's nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre and Jennings Hertz Artistic Director Susan V. Booth are pleased to announce the productions of the Theater's 51st season. Since opening in 1968 the Alliance has been dedicated to expanding hearts and minds on stage and off with diverse programming for all ages. The 2019/20 season marks the Alliance's first full season back in its transformed performance space, the newly opened Coca-Cola Stage.
"It takes courage to be human," said Susan V. Booth, Jennings Hertz Artistic Director. "Tempted to say, 'in these times,' but I don't know that there's ever been a time when it didn't take courage to do and be all the things that make us the messy stew we call human. And our 51st season at the Alliance embraces, celebrates, and takes a clear-eyed measure of a slew of 'em."
The 51st season will begin in September on the renovated Coca-Cola Stage with BECOMING NANCY, a huge-hearted new musical that weaves a story of family bonds, first loves, and the courage it takes to find your own spotlight. Based on the best-selling British novel by Terry Ronald, this world premiere musical boasts an exciting international creative team, with direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray), a book by Elliot Davis (Peter Pan, Loserville), and a score by the songwriting team of George Stiles (Music) and Anthony Drewe (Lyrics) (Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, Honk!).
Also this fall, the Alliance will produce SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS in its 200-seat Hertz Theatre. This Off-Broadway hit comedy and 2016 Critics' Pick (The New York Times, New York Magazine, Time Out New York) is written by Drama Desk Award winner Bess Wohl (Pretty Filthy) and directed by Alliance Artistic Director Susan V. Booth (Ever After, Native Guard). In SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS, six strangers in search of serenity meet at a silent wellness retreat for what they hope will be a life-changing five-day experience. Filled with insightful humor, this unique and compassionate new play asks how we address life's biggest questions when we can't say a word.
For the holidays, the Alliance will produce two Atlanta favorites. On the Coca-Cola Stage, the Alliance will produce the 30th annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, with beautiful live music and an all-star Atlanta cast. And on the Hertz Stage, the Alliance will welcome home performer Courtenay Collins, who returns to the Alliance from her Broadway performance in THE PROM with her popular show, COURTENAY'S CABARET: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS for an exclusive engagement.
In January 2020, the Alliance will produce the American premiere of the award-winning musical, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING. Set in late 21st century Seoul, two obsolete helper-bots are living an isolated existence in a robots-only housing complex. When the two discover each other across the hall, they have a surprising connection that challenges what they believe is possible for themselves, relationships, and love. Looking past our era of technology-driven detachment, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING imagines a magical and bittersweet reawakening to the things that make us human. MAYBE HAPPY ENDING is by Will Aronson and Hue Park and is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Michael Arden (Once on This Island, Spring Awaking).
On the Hertz Stage, the Alliance will produce SEIZE THE KING, award-winning playwright Will Power's propulsive, timely, and modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare's Richard III. The San Diego City Beat described it as "a sharp, lyrical script that blurs the line between the past and the present, while positing that ambition and depravity are not the province of merely one king, one country or one moment in time."
The Alliance is also pleased to announce this season's winner of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition - 53% OF, by Steph Del Rosso - which will receive its world premiere on the Hertz Stage in March 2019. Inspired by the finding that 53% of white women voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential election, 53% OF is a humorous, even-handed, and strikingly honest examination of Americans on both sides of the debate about what will truly make America great again. Past winners of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition have become some of today's most exciting playwrights and writers, including Tarell Alvin McCraney, whose play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue inspired the 2017 Academy Award-winning film, Moonlight; Kenneth Lin (Warrior Class), a writer for seasons two and three of the Netflix hit original series "House of Cards," and Mike Lew (Tiger Style!), 2018 winner of the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award for an Emerging American Playwright.
Closing the season on the Coca-Cola Stage the Alliance will produce Lynn Nottage's 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning play SWEAT. Based on Nottage's extensive research and interviews with residents of Reading, Pennsylvania, Sweat is a topical reflection of the present and poignant outcome of America's economic decline. SWEAT will be directed by Atlanta-based director and actor Tinashe Kajese-Bolden (Nick's Flamingo Grill).
In addition to the Alliance Series on the Coca-Cola Stage and Hertz Series, the Alliance will produce three productions for Youth and Families including, MAX MAKES A MILLION, a world-premiere based on Maira Kalman's charming children's book; GHOST, the Alliance's fall production for middle & high school audiences based on the popular YA novel that was a National Book Award finalist for young people's literature and named one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read; and NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, a tail-shaking, empowering message of individuality, with classic Mo Willems humor for all ages.
"Each one of those shows holds a mirror up to our emotional and psychological selves - finding joy, fear, love and drama in equal measure," said Booth. "So yes, it takes courage to be human. Which is why it can feel every kind of right to sit with our fellow humans and lock arms and hearts around the endeavor. It's what theatre does best - and what maybe - yes, at THIS moment - need most."
Season tickets for the Alliance's 51th season are on sale now. Single tickets for MAX MAKES A MILLION are also on sale now. Single tickets for the rest of the season will go on sale in August 2019. For more information, visit https://alliancetheatre.org/seasontickets.
2019/20 SEASON
MAX MAKES A MILLION (world premiere)
June 20 - July 21, 2019
Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Based on the book by Maira Kalman
Adapted and Directed by Liz Diamond
Poetry, dance, jazz, visual art, and most of all, dreams coalesce in a glorious theatrical adaptation of Maira Kalman's one-of-a-kind book Max Makes A Million. Adapted and directed by celebrated theatre artist Liz Diamond, this play follows the beat-poet dog Max Stravinsky on his quest to get to Paris and celebrates those wishful thinkers who dare to dream beyond what seems possible. Max Makes a Million is produced in collaboration with the High Museum of Art's exhibition, The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman's Books for Children, a colorful exhibition exploring the extensive catalog of Kalman's imaginative stories and illustrations, which have delighted readers for more than 30 years. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/maxmakesamillion.
BECOMING NANCY (world premiere; musical)
September 5 - October 6, 2019
Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Music by George Stiles
Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
Book by Elliot Davis
Based on the novel 'Becoming Nancy' by Terry Ronald
Directed by Jerry Mitchell
It's 1979 in the south London suburb of East Dulwich and David Starr is unquestionably one of the smartest, most talented kids in the 12th grade - he's got a wild imagination, a vocal range to die for, and a bedroom plastered with posters of his beloved pop idols: Blondie, Sting, and Kate Bush. But smarts, talent, and great taste in music may not be enough to get him through secondary school, where, to his great surprise, he's just been given the female lead in the school play. The unconventional casting sends shockwaves through David's small town, first with David, and then with his parents, his aunt, and his classmates. Before long, it seems like everybody has an opinion on whether David should go on with the show, inspiring him to turn to his no-nonsense best friend Frances and his unlikely co-star Maxie, the enigmatic captain of the football team. Becoming Nancy is the huge-hearted new musical that weaves a story of family bonds, first loves, and the courage it takes to find your own spotlight. Based on the best-selling British novel by Terry Ronald, this world premiere musical boasts an exciting international creative team, with direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award-winnerJerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray), a book by Elliot Davis (Peter Pan, Loserville), and a score by the songwriting team of George Stiles (Music) and Anthony Drewe (Lyrics) (Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, Honk!). For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/becomingnancy.
SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS
October 4 - 27, 2019
Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By Bess Wohl
Directed by Susan V. Booth
In the overwhelming quiet of the woods, six strangers in search of serenity meet at a silent wellness retreat for what they hope will be a life-changing five-day experience. Guided by an unseen guru, they are challenged to abandon technology and reset. As they confront internal demons both profound and absurd, their vows of silence collide with the achingly human need to connect. Filled with awkward and insightful humor, Small Mouth Sounds is a unique and compassionate new play that asks how we address life's biggest questions when words fail us. This Off-Broadway hit comedy and 2016 Critics' Pick (The New York Times, New York Magazine, Time Out New York) is written by Drama Desk Award winner Bess Wohl (Pretty Filthy) and directed by Alliance Artistic Director Susan V. Booth (Ever After, Native Guard). The New York Times says, "It leaves you moved, refreshed and even enlightened." And The Huffington Post calls it "a play unlike any other." For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/sounds.
GHOST
October 26 - November 2, 2019
Rich Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Adapted from the novel by Jason Reynolds
Directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden
In the Alliance's fall production for middle and high school audiences, Castle Crenshaw, a.k.a. Ghost, has been running his entire life, but for all the wrong reasons. Then one day he meets Coach, an Olympic medalist who sees his unique talent and offers him a life-changing invitation to join the middle school track club. Can Ghost harness his raw gift for speed, or will his past finally catch up to him? Based on the popular YA novel of the same name that was a National Book Award finalist for young people's literature and named one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read, Ghost teaches the importance of finding your team. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/ghost.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 13 - December 24, 2019
Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Adapted by David H. Bell
Directed by Rosemary Newcott
Celebrate the holidays with the beloved Dickens classic in this Broadway-scale production with beautiful live music and an all-star Atlanta cast. On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge, an old man well-known for his miserly ways, is visited by ghosts offering him a chance at a better future - his old partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future - who teach him it is never too late to change. See the Alliance's 30th annual production of A Christmas Carol at its new home, The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre. For tickets and information, call 404.733.5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/christmas.
COURTENAY'S CABARET: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
December 5 - 24, 2019
Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By and starring Courtenay Collins
Atlanta favorite Courtenay Collins returns to the Alliance from her Broadway performance in THE PROM with her popular holiday cabaret for an exclusive engagement. Join Courtenay for an evening of music, drinks, stories, laughter - and maybe even home-baked cookies - on the Hertz Stage. Accompanied by a live band and a rotating list of surprise guests, Courtenay sings holiday classics and new favorites with the wit and quirky Southern charm that have won her fans from Atlanta to New York City. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/cabaret.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING (American premiere; musical)
January 18 - February 16, 2020
Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Book by Will Aronson and Hue Park
Music by Will Aronson
Lyrics by Hue Park
Directed by Michael Arden
Set in the not-too-distant future in Seoul, Korea, two obsolete helper-bots are living an isolated existence in a robots-only housing complex on the edge of the city. Oliver is waiting for his former-owner to come looking for him, and Claire is just... waiting. When the two discover each other across the hall, they have a surprising connection that challenges what they believe is possible for themselves, relationships, and love. Looking past our era of technology-driven detachment, this award-winning musical imagines a magical and bittersweet reawakening to the things that make us human. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/maybe.
SEIZE THE KING
February 14 - March 8, 2020
Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By Will Power
Directed by Charlotte Brathwaite
With his country's throne empty, Richard knocks down threats to his ascension, fueling his insatiable ambition and paranoia. Even if he can be stopped - who can ensure a tyrant won't rise in his place? Award-winning playwright Will Power delivers a propulsive and timely modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare's Richard III that the San Diego City Beat described as "a sharp, lyrical script that blurs the line between the past and the present, while positing that ambition and depravity are not the province of merely one king, one country or one moment in time." For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/seizetheking.
NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE (musical)
March 7 - 29, 2020
Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Based on the book Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems
Directed by Leora Morris
Children's book author and artist Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny, Elephant and Piggie's We Are In a Play) brings another loveable character to life in this exciting family musical. Grab your friends and watch as Wilbur, a clothes-loving mole rat with exceptional style, navigates the pressure to be just like everyone else. With tail-shaking tunes, empowering messages of individuality, and classic Mo Willems humor, this musical is sure to rock audiences of all ages. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/nakedmolerat.
53% OF (world premiere; winner of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition)
March 28 - April 19, 2020
Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Written by Steph Del Rosso
Directed by Nataki Garrett
Set in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Brooklyn, New York, three collections of like-minded people try to find their place in the current political landscape. Separated by age, geography, class, culture, and values, each group believes their side has the answers to fixing a deeply divided nation. Inspired by the finding that 53% of white women voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential election, 53% OF is a humorous, even-handed, and strikingly honest examination of Americans on both sides of the debate about what will truly make America great again. For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/53.
SWEAT (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama)
April 22 - May 17, 2020
Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By Lynn Nottage
Directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden
In one of the poorest cities in America - Reading, Pennsylvania - a group of down-and-out factory workers struggle to keep their present lives in balance, ignorant of the financial devastation looming in their near future. Based on Playwright Lynn Nottage's extensive research and interviews with residents of Reading, Sweat is a topical reflection of the present and poignant outcome of America's economic decline. Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Sweat was described by the New Yorker as "a powerful critique of the American attitude toward class and how it affects the decisions we make." For tickets or information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/sweat.
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