ALLIANCE THEATRE PODCAST: AN EXPLORATION OF THEATER AND THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
The Alliance/Kendeda Playwright Competition has put new talent to the forefront of regional theater for over ten years. With The Many Wondrous Realities of Jasmine Starr-Kidd, playwright Stephen Brown claimed the title as our 22/23 winner. On this episode we sit down with Stephen to discuss his inspiration for this story and why the Alliance/Kendeda competition is an important tool and a necessary space for young playwrights.
Stephen Brown (Playwright) is currently a fellow at The Juilliard School’s Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program. His play The Many Wondrous Realities of Jasmine Starr-Kidd won the Alliance/Kendeda Playwriting Competition Award and is currently under option to be adapted into a film. His play Everything Is Super Great was produced at 59E59 Theaters by New Light Theatre Project where it was a TimeOut NY Critic’s Pick. His other work has been developed and received readings by Primary Stages, MCC, Page 73, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Road Theatre, Barter Theatre, Theatre Lab, and the Aurora Theatre. He’s been a Finalist for the Play Penn Conference, Seven Devil’s Playwrights Conference, the Blue Ink Award, the Neukom Prize, The Aurand Harris Award, and the Working Farm at SPACE on Ryder Farm. He was a member of Youngblood at EST, Page 73’s playwriting group I-73 and has had residencies with the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and SPACE on Ryder Farm. He’s currently developing a TV show based on his pilot Barbara.
Amanda Watkins serves as an associate producer at the Alliance Theatre. Prior to this position, she was the general manager of Broadway Dreams, a nonprofit devoted to the mentoring and training of young adults in the theatre arts. Amanda served as EVP of Production and Development at The Araca Group in NYC where she shepherded the development of dozens of new plays and musicals. She was the executive producer on Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated Disgraced, the winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama by Ayad Akhtar as well as the 2010 Tony Award-nominated revival of Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor, directed by Stanley Tucci. Amanda was an actor on Broadway and throughout the regions for 15 years. She is a member of The Broadway League and in 2004, she was recognized by the State of Georgia House of Representatives with a certificate of excellence in theatre. She holds a B.F.A. from FSU and an M.A. from NYU.
Learn more about The Many Wondrous Realities of Jasmine Starr-Kidd and get tickets.
Learn more about Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition.
Learn more about the Alliance Theatre Podcast.
L to R (top to bottom): Deborah Bowman, Alexandria Joy, Cedric Lamar, Aishe Keita, Brandon L. Smith, Mike Spee and Adam Washington
The Alliance Theatre is pleased to present the inspiring world premiere of The Boy Who Kissed The Sky, on The Coca-Cola Stage from April 1 – April 15, 2023. This co-production with Seattle Children’s Theatre concluded its run in Seattle in November 2022 where it received critical and audience acclaim. Seattle’s Parent Map called the show, “Out-of-this-world good,” and “incredibly entertaining.” The Boy Who Kissed The Sky is written by Idris Goodwin and Directed by Tim Bond, with music by Divinity Roxx and Eugene H. Russell, IV.
Set in the heart of Seattle to the rhythms that shaped a generation, The Boy Who Kissed The Sky is inspired by the early life and influences of musical icon Jimi Hendrix. In the early era of rock n roll music, we see a young Black boy conjure his creativity as a budding guitarist. Guided by the spirit of music itself, the Boy learns to find harmony inside the challenging noises of his life. Although more mythology than biography, The Boy Who Kissed The Sky is a celebration of our muses and the forces that pull us to be who we are. Told with vibrant music and daring imagination, this new family musical inspires us to dream big when it matters most.
“This play is about all young dreamers who vision themselves in flight yet feel like their feet are nailed to the earth. It is a love letter to our ancestors, and embracing the best of what they pass on to us,” said Playwright Idris Goodwin. “I write to expand upon the narrow lens of Black experience in American art. While not a Hendrix bio play, I certainly hope people will go learn more about the Seattle icon. His legacy and impact on American Music is undeniable and under-heralded.”
The cast features Aishé Keita as Donna, Cedric Lamar as J Sonic, Brandon L. Smith as The Boy, and Adam Washington as Mel, with Deborah Bowman, Alexandria Joy, and Mike Spee as Shapeshifters/Feedback. Understudies include Allison Dixon, Jason Hamlet, Brandin Jay, Cameron Smith, Paris Weeden, and Ja’Siah Young.
The creative team includes Director Tim Bond, Playwright Idris Goodwin, Choreographer Sonia Dawkins, Composer and Music Director Eugene H. Russell IV, Composer Divinity Roxx, Scenic Designer Carey Wong, Costume Designer Alan Yeong, Lighting Designer Connie Yun, Sound Designer Chris Lane, Projection Designer Miko Simmons, and Wig Designer Joyce Degenfelder. The band will include Markeith Black (Guitar), JLatoiya (Conductor/Drums), and Xavier Jones (Bass). Brandon Thomas serves as the rehearsal guitarist.
Additional production support is provided by Stage Manager R. Lamar Williams, Assistant Stage Manager Kacie Pimentel, Stage Management Production Assistant Samantha Honeycutt, Line Producer Christopher Moses, COVID Coordinator Haylee Scott, Assistant Lighting Designer Amber Lynne Parker, and Projections Programmer Colby Nordberg.
“The Boy Who Kissed The Sky is the best kind of collaboration,” continued Goodwin. “It brings together two cities, Seattle and Atlanta, and also brings together multi-generations of culturally and regionally diverse genius. There are simply not enough letters in the English alphabet to express my gratitude for the designers, performers, musicians, artisans and technicians. This is just the beginning. I intend to create even more works with this squad. I believe with my whole being that this show will carry on for a long time.”
Find more information about The Boy Who Kissed The Sky here.
What would you change if you could go back in time?
For the titular character of the Alliance Theatre’s THE MANY WONDROUS REALITIES OF JASMINE STARR-KIDD, our 2023 Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, the answer was simple – convincing her parents to get back together.
And did she try!
It is a fair question. We all, if we are willing to admit it or not, daydream about the possibility. We all have that thing, whether it’s one thing or a dozen, we want to change if given the opportunity. Maybe it’s more time with a loved one. Maybe it’s changing the outcome of a mistake. Maybe, just maybe, it’s trying to convince those closest to us to take a different path.
We all, or at least most of us, have something we would go back in time to change.
As part of the show’s run, we prompted showgoers to share what they would change if given the chance to go back in time. As the show closes, we wanted to share a few of the ones that stood out to us most.
If you could travel back in time and change one thing, what would you change?
I would…
…trust my gut instinct, every single time.
Take more action. Lead more.
Fix a lot of my bad mistakes.
Start my career earlier.
Play sports.
Be nicer to my family.
Change many of my overall life decisions that have led me down the wrong path.
Save MLK and Robert Kennedy.
I would stop…
Slavery
World wars
Ignoring red flags.
The 2016 election.
The United States from meddling in foreign affairs.
I would fix…
My relationship with my sister.
NOTHING! Everything happens for a reason. You learn through your experiences.
The 2023/24 season features musicals, award-winners, and world premieres
ATLANTA, March 29, 2023 — Atlanta’s nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre, BOLD Associate Artistic Director Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, Dan Reardon Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director Christopher Moses, and Managing Director Mike Schleifer, are pleased to announce the productions of the Alliance’s 55th season. The new season will feature award-winning plays, exciting world premieres, a blockbuster musical, and groundbreaking works developed for youth and families.
“We selected a variety of stories that honor the diverse and aspirational quality of this extraordinary city – new stories from new voices, familiar stories told in new & surprising ways, and new partnerships with local and national arts organizations,” said Christopher Moses, Dan Reardon Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director. “It’s a season tied together by the promise of hope – hope that this art form remains essential, hope that our community sees itself on our stage, and most of all, the increased sense of hope that comes from experiencing powerful stories created by our country’s finest artists.”
“We are so excited to celebrate theater’s transformative power to strengthen human connection through stories that reflect the cultural vibrancy and rich diversity of Atlanta. Stories that are equally harrowing, hilarious and hopeful!” said Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, BOLD Associate Artistic Director. “Led by globally recognized artists channeling their vibrant and fearless spirits, we believe audiences will journey with us into imaginative experiences of self-actualizing, family legacy, and communal empowerment.”
The 55th season will begin with a remounted production of the Alliance’s acclaimed new musical for youth and families, THE INCREDIBLE BOOK EATING BOY, playing at Kennesaw State University, July 1 – 23, 2023. Inspired by the hilarious book by author & illustrator Oliver Jeffers, THE INCREDIBLE BOOK EATING BOY celebrates the joy of reading and the insatiable appetite for knowledge.
In the fall, the Alliance will produce the Atlanta premiere of the Off-Broadway hit, ENGLISH, a heartfelt and humorous play awarded the 2023 Obie for Best New Play. Described as “a buoyant comedy and probing exploration of what it means to speak and feel understood” by New York Theatre Guide, ENGLISH examines what opportunities are gained and identities lost when assimilating into a new culture.
In September, Alliance Theatre and The Atlanta Opera will collaborate to produce Stephen King’s iconic thriller, THE SHINING, theatrically adapted as a riveting opera. THE SHINING will have a limited engagement on The Coca-Cola Stage, September 15 – October 1, 2023.
The Alliance will then produce the world premiere of INTO THE BURROW: A PETER RABBIT™ TALE, October 14 – December 23, on the Hertz Stage. Featuring beloved characters from the classic Beatrix Potter tales and a variety of original songs, this new tale encourages audiences to acknowledge fears and work together to overcome challenges. INTO THE BURROW: A PETER RABBIT™ TALE is presented by special arrangement with Penguin Ventures, on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co Ltd and in partnership with the High Museum of Art’s exhibition, Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature, on display October 13 – January 7, 2024.
For the holidays, the Alliance will present the timeless Dickens story, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, for the third year featuring its new production design and staging. It will run on The Coca-Cola Stage, November 11 – December 24. The new adaptation was described in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as “high art of the season… a nostalgic feast for the eyes.” And ArtsATL encouraged audiences to, “bring your kids, bring your friends, bring a rapacious billionaire if you know one…it’s certain they’ll enjoy the Alliance’s production.”
Following on the Hertz Stage, the Alliance will produce the world premiere of the 20th winner of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, FURLOUGH’S PARADISE, by a.k. payne of the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. FURLOUGH’S PARADISE is a poignant new play examining the dynamics that shape our lives and lead us to where we make our home. 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 for Best Picture, Moonlight; Mike Lew (Tiger Style!), 2018 winner of the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award for an Emerging American Playwright; and Jiréh Breon Holder, whose winning play Too Heavy For Your Pocket received multiple productions including an Off-Broadway run in 2017.
Following on The Coca-Cola Stage, the Alliance will produce a world premiere adaptation of A TALE OF TWO CITIES, adapted by Brendan Pelsue. This radical reimagining of Charles Dickens’s classic tale of the French Revolution forces us to ask: Am I who I am because of my actions or the circumstances of my birth? Do I control my destiny? And where do we begin if we want to right the wrongs of history?
In the Spring, the Alliance will produce the Atlanta premiere of FAT HAM. The deliciously funny, Pulitzer Prize-winning new play will run on the Hertz Stage. Playwright James Ijames has reinvented Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Hamlet, creating what The New York Times calls “a hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy.” FAT HAM follows the story of Juicy, a queer, Southern college kid, already grappling with some serious questions of identity, when the ghost of his father shows up at their backyard barbecue, demanding that Juicy avenge his murder.
The season will close on The Coca-Cola Stage with the world premiere musical, THE PREACHER’S WIFE. Inspired by the beloved blockbuster film, THE PREACHER’S WIFE is a stirring new musical about the power of hope. Featuring an original, gospel-infused score by actor, comedian, and writer Tituss Burgess (TV’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and a book by Burgess and actress, producer, and writer Azie Dungey (TV’s Harlem), THE PREACHER’S WIFE is a can’t-miss theatrical celebration of family and faith.
The Alliance Theatre’s Kathy & Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young will produce three plays developed specifically for children who are ages newborn through five and their caregivers. These productions include the world premiere, OODLES OF DOODLES, about a young boy who loves to doodle and the power of imagination; the holiday celebration (KNOCK, KNOCK), discovering the mix of holiday traditions of the residents of the same apartment building; and the world premiere, THE CURIOUS CARDINAL, an exploration of the changing seasons in a Georgia forest.
The Alliance will also present two limited-engagement productions as part of its Alliance Presents series. The series will feature Ballethnic Dance Company’s JAZZING: MEMOIRS IN JAZZ, A SERIES OF DANCES – a new collection of dances inspired by The Breman Museum’s exhibition A Jazz Memoir: The Photography of Herb Snitzer; and SOMETHING MOVING: A MEDITATION ON MAYNARD – a new play by Pearl Cleage written for the 50th anniversary of the landmark election of Maynard Jackson as Atlanta’s first Black mayor.
NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT
The Alliance will continue its important work developing new plays through its Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition and its Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab.
The Alliance is pleased to announce the finalists of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition. These plays will receive developmental workshops and staged readings as part of the Alliance/Kendeda Week celebrating news works in 2024. The finalists of the 2023/24 season are:
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The Agency by Lia Romeo, The Juilliard School
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The Reservoir by Jake Brasch, The Juilliard School
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littleboy/littleman by Rudi Goblen, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale
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Sävë thë Whälës, etc. by David L. Caruso, Boston University
The Alliance will also present the projects from Round 8 of the Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab in May, 2023. These projects have received resources for further development, as well as access to the Alliance’s artistic, education, and production staffs, and rehearsal spaces. The lab projects will be presented in free performances in the Spring of 2023. The projects and presentation dates are:
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May 11, 6:00 pm – Daughter House 5, Artists: Jeff Mather, Marquetta Johnson, and John Edward Doyle, Jr.
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May 13, 2:00 pm – Man of Wood, Man of Fire, Artists: Dwight Andrews, Louis Massiah, and Ben Polite
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May 13, 6:00 pm – Malicious Compliance, Artists: Frankie Mulinix, Humlao Evans, and Jordyn King
Projects for Round 9 of the Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab are being accepted for consideration now. Project proposals can be submitted here www.alliancetheatre.org/reiserlab.
Memberships for the Alliance’s 55th season are on sale now. For more information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/memberships.
Single tickets for individual productions and events will go on sale in July 2023.
SPONSORS
The 2023/24 Alliance Series on The Coca-Cola Stage is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company. The 2023/24 Youth & Family Series is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Inc. The Alliance’s production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented by Chick-fil-A.
2023/24 SEASON BY SERIES
THE COCA-COLA STAGE SERIES
THE SHINING
September 15 – October 1, 2023
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
Co-production with The Atlanta Opera
Composer Paul Moravec
Librettist Mark Campbell
Alliance Theatre and The Atlanta Opera present Stephen King’s iconic, supernatural tale of possession and murder. Jack Torrance, a father with a troubled past, finds new employment as the winter caretaker for the Overlook Hotel. But as the family settles into their new accommodations, demonic spirits from the hotel’s past begin to take hold of Jack as he becomes a vessel for their murderous intents. Composer Paul Moravec and librettist Mark Campbell masterfully adapt this riveting story as an opera that will keep you on the edge of your seats from start to finish. For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/shining.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES (World Premiere Adaptation)
February 21 – March 17, 2024
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Brendan Pelsue
It’s the best of times and the worst of times. The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. The oppressed call for revolution. The world is on the brink of global war. Sound familiar? It’s Paris and London, 1787, a powder keg of spies, lovers, madmen, and unexpected look-alikes. This radical reimagining of Charles Dickens’s classic tale of the French Revolution forces us to ask: am I who I am because of my actions or the circumstances of my birth? Do I control my destiny? And where do we begin if we want to right the wrongs of history? For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/twocities.
THE PREACHER’S WIFE (World premiere; Musical)
May 11 – June 9, 2024
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
Book by Tituss Burgess & Azie Dungey
Music & Lyrics by Tituss Burgess
Inspired by the beloved blockbuster film, THE PREACHER’S WIFE is a stirring new musical about the power of hope. In their fast-gentrifying Harlem neighborhood, Preacher Henry and his wife Julia struggle to keep their congregation going in the face of development. When all seems lost, Henry asks God for help, and receives it in the form of an angel. But will this mysterious newcomer really help or make matters worse? Through it all, Julia must find her voice and the strength to lead their congregation through the crisis, reminding them that a church is not a building, but the people who inhabit it and the love they share. Featuring an original, gospel-infused score by actor, comedian, and writer Tituss Burgess (TV’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and a book by Burgess and actress, producer, and writer Azie Dungey (TV’s Harlem), THE PREACHER’S WIFE is a can’t-miss theatrical celebration of family and faith. For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/preacherswife.
HERTZ STAGE SERIES
ENGLISH (Obie Award Winner – Best New Play)
August 16 – September 17, 2023
The Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
By Sanaz Toossi
“English Only” is the mantra that rules one Iranian classroom where four adults are learning English in preparation for the TOEFL — the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Passing the test might be the key to better opportunities — a green card, medical school admission, or family reunification. Playing out in awkward lessons of word games and mistranslations, ENGLISH is both a comedy of miscommunication and a look at the ways speaking a new language can expand your world and limit your identity. A hit in its 2021 New York premiere, ENGLISH was described as, “a rich new play, both contemplative and comic” by The New York Times and was awarded the 2023 Obie Award for Best New Play staged Off-Broadway over the last two years. New York Theatre Guide called it, “a buoyant comedy and probing exploration of what it means to speak and feel understood.” For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/english.
FURLOUGH’S PARADISE (World Premiere, Winner of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition)
January 31 – March 3, 2024
Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
By a.k. payne
Winner of the 20th annual Alliance/Kendeda National Graduation Playwriting Competition, FURLOUGH’S PARADISE is a poignant new play examining the dynamics that shape our lives and lead us to where we make our homes. Cousins Sade and Mina, raised like sisters but now leading very different lives, return to their childhood town for the funeral of their mother and aunt. While Sade is on a three-day furlough from prison and Mina experiences a brief reprieve from her career and life on the West Coast, the two try to make sense of grief, home, love, and kinship. But traumas and resentments from the past, both real and surreal, threaten to pull them apart, all as time ticks towards the correctional officer’s arrival. For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/furloughsparadise.
FAT HAM (Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama)
April 3 – May 12, 2024
Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
By James Ijames
FAT HAM, the deliciously funny, Pulitzer Prize-winning new play, makes its Atlanta debut at Alliance Theatre following its critically acclaimed Broadway run. Playwright James Ijames has reinvented Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Hamlet, creating what The New York Times calls “a hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy.” Juicy is a queer, Southern college kid, already grappling with some serious questions of identity, when the ghost of his father shows up at their backyard barbecue, demanding that Juicy avenge his murder. But here’s the rub! Revenge doesn’t come easy to Juicy, a sensitive and self-aware young Black man in search of his own happiness and liberation. From an uproarious family cookout emerges a compelling examination of love, loss, masculinity, pain and joy. For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/fatham.
YOUTH AND FAMILY SERIES
THE INCREDIBLE BOOK EATING BOY (Musical)
July 1 – 23, 2023
Howard Logan Stillwell Theatre at Kennesaw State University
Book by Madhuri Shekar
Music by Christian Magby
Lyrics by Christian Albright
Inspired by the book The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers
Henry loves books. But he hates reading them. Because books are so full of… words! Annoying, complicated, indecipherable words! Then one day he discovers the most amazing alternative to reading – eating the books whole. By chowing down, chomping, and literally digesting the contents of whole libraries, Henry gets smarter, and smarter and smarter… until his tummy doesn’t feel so good. A story about literally biting off more than you can chew, this musical celebrates the joy of reading and the insatiable appetite for knowledge. Inspired by award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers’ hilarious book, The Incredible Book Eating Boy promises to leave you full! For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/bookeatingboy.
INTO THE BURROW: A PETER RABBIT™ TALE (World premiere, Musical)
October 14 – December 23, 2023
Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
Written by Mark Valdez
Inspired by the stories of Beatrix Potter
Journey down the rabbit hole for a delightful musical adventure. All the unneighborly forest animals have gathered in the rabbit’s den (under Mr. McGregor’s garden) to throw a surprise party for Peter. And the biggest surprise of all – for the first time ever, they’ve invited you to join them! But the animals soon realize Mr. McGregor has terrible plans for the land around Peter’s burrow. Peter must face his fears and, together with his friends, gather a community to help save his home. Featuring beloved characters from the classic Beatrix Potter tales, and a variety of original songs, this new tale encourages us to acknowledge our fears and work together to overcome challenges. INTO THE BURROW: A PETER RABBIT™ TALE is presented by special arrangement with Penguin Ventures, on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co Ltd and in partnership with the High Museum of Art’s exhibition, Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature, on display October 13 – January 7, 2024 For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/intotheburrow.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 11 – December 24, 2023
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by David H. Bell
The Alliance Theatre’s beloved production A CHRISTMAS CAROL returns to The Coca-Cola Stage with its stunning new adaptation, featuring a brilliantly reimagined set design and striking new costumes. Described as “high art of the season…a nostalgic feast for the eyes,” by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, audiences will be transported to the streets of London to revisit the timeless redemption story of Ebenezer Scrooge, told with beautiful live music and an all-star cast. Join the Alliance Theatre for one of Atlanta’s most treasured holiday traditions. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented by Chick-Fil-A. For tickets and info, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/carol.
ROOB & NOOB
February 8 – 18, 2024
Rich Theatre at Alliance Theatre
Originally Created by Andy Gaukel
Meet Roob and Noob: two overly curious scientists who love nothing more than discovering something new. Join them on an interactive adventure, as they build machines from simple objects and explore the wonder and sensations of each of the four seasons. Inspired by Rube Goldberg’s magical machines, this unique theatrical performance combines science and the arts, proving that sometimes the most profound discoveries are achieved by simply playing. For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/roobandnoob.
KATHY & KEN BERNHARDT THEATRE FOR THE VERY YOUNG
OODLES OF DOODLES (World Premiere)
October 4 – 29, 2023
Selig Family Black Box at Alliance Theatre
Created by Ricardo Aponte
Young Doodle loves to doodle. When emotions run high, he doodles. When he dreams, he doodles. When words fail, he doodles. So just imagine his excitement when he receives his first sketch pad! Join us on this journey through the secret pathways of creativity. Filled with live music, movement, imaginative drawings, and engaging storytelling, OODLES OF DOODLES is the perfect show for early learners learning to express themselves. Unleash your inner artist and the possibilities are endless! For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/oodles.
KNOCK, KNOCK
November 10 – December 23, 2023
Selig Family Black Box at Alliance Theatre
Created by Olivia Aston Bosworth & Samantha Provenzano
Come in from out of the cold and celebrate community, family, and warmth this holiday season! Welcome to The Apartment Building. Below us, above us, and beside us, the residents are preparing for the holidays and trying to stay warm. Join us on a floor-to-floor adventure, meeting and celebrating with a variety of friends who all call The Apartment Building home. Surprises hide behind each door — all you need to do is (Knock, Knock). For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/knock.
THE CURIOUS CARDINAL (World Premiere)
March 8 – April 28, 2024
Selig Family Black Box at Alliance Theatre
Based on the animated short and book THE CURIOUS CARDINAL by Mark Valdez and illustrated by Nicole Kang Ahn
As the seasons come and go in this Georgia forest, so too do all of the varied wildlife. Except, of course, for the curious cardinal, who stays put the entire year, curiously exploring all of the changes that the seasons bring. Join our cardinal as he bickers with the blue jays in spring, outwits the mischievous squirrels in summer, and bids a fond farewell to the friendly otters in the fall. For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/cardinal.
ALLIANCE THEATRE PRESENTS
JAZZING: MEMOIRS IN JAZZ, A SERIES OF DANCES
August 25 – 27, 2023
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
The Breman Museum in conjunction with the Ballethnic Dance Company has commissioned a series of dances based on the works of the prominent artists featured in the Breman’s exhibition, A Jazz Memoir: The Photography of Herb Snitzer. The Alliance is excited to partner to present this performance for three nights on The Coca-Cola Stage. Jazzing: Memoirs in Jazz is inspired by the photo exhibition and discussions with Herb about his experience, particularly with Jazz artists and navigating through life with these musical geniuses during racial inequity and the Civil Rights Movement. The Ballethnic Dance company is one of only 3 black ballet companies in the US, and the founders, Waverly T. Lucas II and Nena Gilreath, were dancers with the original Black ballet company, Dance Theatre of Harlem. For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/jazzing.
SOMETHING MOVING: A MEDITATION ON MAYNARD
January 5 – 7, 2024
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
By Pearl Cleage
Award-winning author and playwright Pearl Cleage explores the election of Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor, from the vantage point of a historian and insider – Cleage served as Jackson’s press secretary during and following his campaign. In choosing to tell the story of the 1973 landmark election and Jackson’s legacy, we are introduced to everyday citizens of Atlanta as they recollect the significance of the election. By reflecting back to this transformative moment in our city’s past, Cleage invites us to dream about the future we want to build. For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/somethingmoving.
2023 REISER ATLANTA ARTISTS LAB FESTIVAL
DAUGHTER HOUSE 5
Thursday, May 11, 6:00 pm
Selig Family Black Box Theatre at Alliance Theatre
Reiser Lab Artists: Jeff Mather, Marquetta Johnson, and John Edward Doyle, Jr.
This multi-media performance follows one Black man’s journey through time as he examines the trauma and joy that has formed his personal and collective history. Using layers of quilts — both actual textiles and video mapping projections — and percussion-based storytelling, this performance will take audiences on a sensory journey through time and space.
MAN OF WOOD, MAN OF FIRE
Saturday, May 13, 2:00 pm
Al Hamacher Movement Studio at Alliance Theatre
Reiser Lab Artists: Dwight Andrews, Louis Massiah, and Ben Polite. With support from Ria T. DiLullo.
Man of Wood, Man of Fire is a musical theater work on the life of Dr. William Edward Du Bois. It focuses on the intellectual titan’s final years in Ghana as he reflects on his long life and strives to finish the Encyclopedia Africana. Du Bois is a true native son—a “man of wood.” He is also a man of passion, a lightning rod for his enemies a man not afraid of a fight—a “man of fire.”
MALICIOUS COMPLIANCE
Saturday, May 13, 6:00 pm
Selig Family Black Box Theatre at Alliance Theatre
Reiser Lab Artists: Frankie Mulinix, Humalo Evans, and Jordyn King.
Malicious Compliance is a primal scream, an elegy, a challenge, a dismantled classic, a call to action that asks if and how in this world of economic uncertainty, institutional collapse, and increasing violence, the most vulnerable can write their own story.
Information at www.alliancetheatre.org/resierlab.
SPRING IS HERE which means metro area schools will soon be locking their doors and school buses will soon be parking temporarily for spring break vacation.
And while there are countless offerings made available throughout the metro area for families choosing to not travel or traveling to the city, figuring out what to do to keep your children fulfilled and entertained during the break can be daunting.
Fret not. We thought it a nice idea to provide a short and inexhaustive guide to provide friends and patrons of the Alliance Theatre with options of what to do while on spring break.
Here you’ll find a carefully curated selection of suggestions for you and your family this spring break.
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE
The magic of theatre is that it can transport us to places we could have never imagined. And this season we have several productions available for families and young audiences designed to inspire creativity and catapult us into experiences of the unknown.
Opening April 1, THE BOY WHO KISSED THE SKY, our next Youth & Family show on the Coca-Cola Stage, is the story of a young Boy who learns to find harmony inside the challenging noises of his life. Sponsored by the Zeist Foundation, Atlanta Public Schools families can see the show for free during spring break, April 2-8 (limit 6 tickets per family). *
And running through April 30, LIZARD & EL SOL, our bilingual TVY show performing in the Black Box Theatre, is an interactive adventure based on a famous Mexican folktale about a time when El Sol (the Sun) disappeared from the sky.
We also have offerings available for streaming as part of our Alliance Theatre Anywhere initiative. Join two overly curious scientists, ROOB & NOOB, who love nothing more than discovering something new on an interactive adventure as they build machines from simple objects and explore the wonder and sensations of each of the four seasons.
And of course, SIT-IN, written by Atlanta’s bestselling author, playwright, and Civil Rights Activist, Pearl Cleage (Blues for An Alabama Sky, In My Granny’s Garden, Tell Me My Dream) this original animated short celebrates the power of youth to change history. We meet three friends as they learn about the sit-ins of the Civil Rights era, and powerfully apply those lessons to issues they – and we all – face today.
CAMPS
Maybe you have a child who commands everyone’s attention when they are in a room, or a family friend who has always wanted to perform but never quite had the courage or confidence. Spring Break Camp is available for kids aged four to grade 8 during the week as a way of encouraging your child to express their creative side.
Spring break offerings are about more than just entertainment. Spring break offerings at the Alliance Theatre are committed to inspiration through creating memorable experiences and transformative opportunities. To learn more, visit https://www.alliancetheatre.org/.
*APS BOY WHO KISSED THE SKY Promo Codes: BESTCSK, CARVER, DOUGLASS, JACKSON, MAYS, MIDTOWN, NORTHATL, SOUTHATL, THERRELL, WASHINGTON
L to R (top to bottom): Stan Brown, Joe De Paul, Bryan Fenkart, Sara Gettelfinger, Harry Groener,
Isabelle McCalla, Wade McCollum, and Ryan Vasquez.
The Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce the cast and creative team of its world premiere musical, Water for Elephants. Based on the critically acclaimed and best-selling novel by Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants takes audiences on an adventure filled with romance, deception, and a little bit of magic. This moving story of finding where you belong will have its world premiere on The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre June 7 – July 9, 2023.
“Water for Elephants is a story about fragility, resilience and love; all set amidst a depression era traveling circus,” said Director Jessica Stone. “What excites me most about the production is the opportunity to, quite literally, get it off the page and into the air. We have gathered an incredible group of storytellers, from circus artists to puppeteers, to do just that. We can’t wait to see you, Atlanta!”
The cast of Water for Elephants includes Stan Brown as Camel, Joe De Paul as Walter, Bryan Fenkart (Waitress) as August, Sara Gettelfinger (A Free Man of Color, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) as Barbara, Tony Award nominee Harry Groener (Crazy for You, Spamalot) as Mr. Jankowski, Isabelle McCalla (The Prom, Aladdin) as Marlena, Wade McCollum (Wicked, My Fair Lady) as Wade, and Ryan Vasquez (Hamilton, The Wrong Man) as Jacob.
The ensemble includes Brandon Block, Antoine Boissereau, Paul Castree, Taylor Colleton, Isabella Luisa Diaz, Gabrielle Elisabeth, Keaton Hentoff-Killian, Nicolas Jelmoni, Caroline Kane, Joel Malkoff, Michael Mendez, Jo’Nathan Michael, Gabriel Olivera De Paula Costa, Samuel Renaud, Marissa Rosen, Alexandra Gaelle Royer, Sean Stack, Matthew Varvar, and Michelle West.
The Water for Elephants creative team is led by Director Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo). The musical’s book is by three-time Tony Award nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), with music & lyrics by the groundbreaking theater-makers, PigPen Theatre Co. (The Tale of Despereaux).
Water for Elephants will feature circus design by Shana Carroll (Cirque du Soleil Paramour), choreography by Jesse Robb (Miss Saigon) and Shana Carroll, scenic design by Takeshi Kata (Clyde’s), costume design by David Israel Reynoso (Sleep No More), lighting design by Tony Award winner Bradley King (Flying Over Sunset, Hadestown, Fat Ham), sound design by Tony Award winner Jessica Paz (A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Hadestown), projections by David Bengali (1776, Beetlejuice), puppetry design by Camille Labarre (Into the Woods), rigging design by Danny Zen, music supervision and arrangements by Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Some Like It Hot, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Prom) and Benedict Braxton-Smith (Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls), music direction by Matt Hinkley (Bandstand), orchestrations by Daryl Waters (Memphis), associate direction by Ryan Emmons (Kimberly Akimbo), production stage management by Timothy R. Semon (Company) and casting in association with Tara Rubin Casting.
Find more information about Water for Elephants here.
In The Many Wondrous Realities of Jasmine Starr-Kidd, it is normal to see a young woman who excels in math, science, and programming. However, in our reality, girls are rarely offered the same opportunities to succeed in tech fields as their male counterparts.
Around the world, women are greatly underrepresented in tech, making up only 28% of the global tech workforce. The situation is even more dire for women of color. According to Command Shift Coalition – a U.S. based network dedicated to increasing diversity in tech – women of color make up only 5% of the 4.7 million tech workers in the United States, despite accounting for 20% of the country’s population.
Fortunately, there are many leaders and organizations doing ground-breaking work to combat these barriers. This exhibit highlights six women-led programs increasing women and girls’ access and opportunity in the tech industry. Some programs provide training and development while others focus on advancement and networking. All of them are creating a reality where women and girls are the norm in tech.
What is coding?
According to UC Berkeley, “coding is the process of translating instructions from our language to the computer’s language. Specifically, machine language is written in binary terms (0s and 1s), so coders write their word-based instructions into an applicable format that the computer understands.”
Computer programming has existed as a concept for over 200 years. In 1821, Charles Babbage invented the difference engine, which was the first automatic mathematical calculator. Then, in 1842, Ada Lovelace proposed that Babbage’s Analytic Engine could do more than simple calculations. She theorized that the machine could carry out more complicated algorithms. For her research into these algorithms, she is considered the first computer programmer.
In the 20th century, computer programming and coding saw rapid developments through innovations by pioneers such as Alan Turing, John Backus, and Katherine Johnson.
Today, there are almost 9,000 coding languages in existence. But don’t let that intimidate you! Only a handful are used widely for personal and professional programming. It’s easier than ever to learn how to code, and there are plenty of online resources to learn from the comfort of your own home.
Online Resources to Learn More
Black Girls Code // Kimberly Bryant (TED Talk)
How I taught myself to code // Litha Soyizwapi (TED Talk)
Don’t Just Learn To Code, Learn To Create // Justin Richards (TED Talk)
“How to Learn Programming – The Guide I Wish I Had When I Started Learning to Code” by Jacob Stopak (Article)
CodeAcademy (Training Resource)
W3School (Training Resource)
Harvard’s CS50 Introduction to Computer Science (Training Resource)
Free Code Camp (Training Resource)
Learn more about The Many Wondrous Realities of Jasmine Starr-Kidd.
The Alliance’s very own Christopher Moses, the Dan Reardon Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director, was honored today with the Governor’s Award for Arts & Humanities, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Georgia in these fields.
Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp today announced the recipients of the 11th annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Georgia in these fields. The awards are presented in partnership with the Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities.
“I want to congratulate all those who earned this year’s Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities and thank them for their contributions to our state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Talented Georgians have a meaningful impact on both our communities and our economy. They are an important part of our state’s cultural fabric, and we appreciate what they do to enrich the lives of others.”
“It’s an honor to celebrate these gifted recipients and all they have done to make Georgia a vibrant place to live,” said First Lady Marty Kemp. “The arts and humanities are essential to our children’s education and provide a needed outlet for Georgians of all ages. We are thankful for the work of these talented individuals and organizations.”
Following a competitive nominations process, 10 members of the arts and humanities communities from across Georgia were awarded with this year’s honor. The recipients represent a diverse group of individuals and organizations that have contributed to, and supported the growth of, Georgia’s thriving creative industries through community involvement, pioneering programs, and long-term financial commitment, including the Alliance’s very own Christopher Moses.
Over the last 22 years, Chris Moses, Dan Reardon Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director, has created world-class theatre at the Alliance Theatre for Georgia’s children and teens. Under his leadership, the Alliance’s education department has more than doubled its annual outreach, serving more than 100,000 children, from newborns to teenagers, annually.