Ann-Carol Pence Archives

Aurora Theatre to stage three musicals, revive hit show for 2019–20 season

Kelundra SmithApril 3, 2019

Aurora Theatre has announced its 24th season, which will mark its final season before moving into a new $31 million performing arts center on the square in down...

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Aurora Theatre’s Men With Money suffers from empty pockets

Kelundra SmithMarch 13, 2019

It’s 1952 in Manhattan, and it’s raining men with money -- unless you’re Louis (Sean Doherty), Max (Marcello Audino) and Sonny (Kenny Tran). These three pals ar...

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Men With Money at Aurora Theatre

Kelundra SmithMarch 11, 2019

Marcello Audino, Sean Doherty and Kenny Tran are the stars of "Men With Money." (Photo by Chris Bartelski) Adrianna Trachell, Candy McLellan and Daniel Wis...

Theater

Aurora Theatre’s expansion creates new possibilities for Lawrenceville and Georgia

Jim FarmerMarch 1, 2019

At first, it was just a fantasy. As Anthony Rodriguez, artistic director and cofounder of Aurora Theatre, looked out of his office, he saw empty space and wonde...

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Review: “Newsies” is an old-fashioned musical that hits all the right notes

Jim FarmerJuly 25, 2018

When word broke that Disney was planning a Broadway version of the 1992 movie Newsies, reactions seemed to be mixed, especially from purists who longed for orig...

TheaterTheater - Criticism

Remembrance: Actress Valerie Payton brought her kindness and joy to every stage

Jim FarmerApril 19, 2018

She was known for her hugs, her warmth and her charisma, as well as her musical prowess and onstage presence. Valerie Denise Payton, a popular local actress and...

Theater

Review: The winner takes it all in Aurora’s fun-packed version of “Mamma Mia!”

Jim FarmerMarch 14, 2018

It may not be profound, but it’s hard to think of a production as eager to please as the jukebox musical Mamma Mia! Based on the hits of ABBA -- with a book by ...

Theater

News: Aurora’s “Madison County,” WABE’s Lois Reitzes receive Suzi Bass Awards

Jim FarmerNovember 7, 2017

When the Suzi Bass Awards -- recognizing excellence in local theater -- were handed out last night, the evening’s big winner was Aurora Theatre’s The Bridges of...

Theater

News: City of Lawrenceville to build new $26 million arts complex next to Aurora Theatre

Scott FreemanSeptember 8, 2017

The City of Lawrenceville has hired a design team for a $26 million arts complex in downtown that will expand the home of the Aurora Theatre with a new 500-seat...

Theater

Review: Despite some hits and misses, “Memphis” finds the beat with timeliness and meaning

Kelundra SmithJuly 29, 2015

Travis Smith and Naima Carter Russell in Delray's juke joint in Memphis. (Photo by Chris Bartelski) It’s 1951 and Delray’s juke joint is the hottest place to ...

Theater