Speakeysie News Desk
Theatergoers invited to Lawrenceville for renowned humor on the mainstage
Native Gardens, a dazzling, light-hearted comedy staged to resonate with teens and young adults, is set to hit Aurora Theatre’s mainstage from May 2 – June 2! Based in a historic Washington D.C. neighborhood, two couples who live next to each other battle for their backyards – each wanting a landscape completely different from the other. This comedic confection is one of the top ten most produced plays in the country, sure to have audiences laughing all the way home!
“Native Gardens is an uproarious comedy that sneaks up on you,” said Director Daniel Jáquez. “Before they can even realize it’s happening, audiences will find themselves identifying with the characters and their desire to create a home as well as the effort required to connect with neighbors who are not like them. As someone once said, ‘truths are better served with comedy.’ Karen Zacarias, with her wonderful sense of humor and gift to create lovable characters, has crafted a joyous comedy about planting native plants in a community known for its manicured gardens – instant neighbor dispute!”
The laugh-out-loud story tells the tale of The Butleys, a middle-aged white couple who spend most of their time perfecting their garden in hopes to relieve stress and win an award from the Potomac Horticultural Society. Next door the Del Valles, a Latinx couple in their early 30s expecting their first child, move in and want to create a native garden in their backyard. A desired fence remodel by the Del Valles sparks controversy over a mismarked property line that threatens to destroy Mr. Butley’s perfectly manicured competition garden. In this dazzling comedy, a war of taste, class and entitlement just might push these two couples over the hedge!
A production of Aurora Theatre’s Peach State Signature Series, Native Gardens features a stunning cast list. Carolyn Cook, founder and producing artistic director for Atlanta’s French-language theater, Théâtre du Rêve, will star as Virginia Butley, with Bart Hansard returning to the Aurora stage as her husband, Frank Butley. Fedra Ramirez-Olivares as Tania Del Valle and Cristian Gonzales in the role of Pablo Del Valle complete the top-notch cast – all under the direction of Daniel Jáquez. The show is the work of Karen Zacarías, one of the most produced playwrights in the nation. Karen is the two-time recipient of the New Voices Award, as well as the National Latino Play Award and the 2010 Steinberg Citation for Best New Play, among others.
Native Gardens will play at Aurora Theatre May 2 – June 2, with discount matinees on Tuesday, May 14 and 21. Tickets are currently on sale; single tickets start at $20 and may be purchased online at bit.ly/ATNativeGardens or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222. For more information on this production or other programming, please visit auroratheatre.com.
Regular show times are as follows:
- Tuesday – Saturday at 8 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
ABOUT AURORA THEATRE
Under the artistic leadership of Co-Founders and Artistic Directors Anthony Rodriguez and Ann-Carol Pence, now in its 23rd Season, Aurora Theatre produces professional live entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. Aurora Theatre is home to over 850 events each year. Two series of theatrical productions, the Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series and the Harvel Lab Series, are comprised of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Additionally, Aurora produces concerts, stand-up comedy, children’s programs, metro Atlanta’s top haunted attraction Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, as well as Atlanta’s only professional Spanish language theatre, Teatro Aurora. Aurora Theatre is a world-class theatrical facility with two performance venues. Nestled on the square in historic downtown Lawrenceville, Aurora has FREE attached covered parking and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Aurora Theatre has garnered numerous accolades highlighted by recent achievements that include a 2016 Governor’s Award for the Arts & Humanities, winner of six 2018 Suzi Bass Awards, Creative Loafing’s “2010 Best Theatre Company,” Georgia Trend Magazine’s “2011 Best Places to Work in Georgia,” Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “2012 Best Places to Work,” Atlanta Magazine’s “Best of Atlanta 2018” for Best Inclusive Programming, Gwinnett Chamber’s 2018 Inaugural Moxie Award for Outstanding Organization, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts, and Gwinnett Chamber’s 2015 IMPACT Regional Business Award for Hospitality.
Aurora Theatre
128 East Pike Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Speakeysie 