Speakeysie News Desk – February 28, 2023

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (February 28, 2023) – Aurora Theatre welcomes the start of spring with an unbeatable March programming line-up. Audiences are invited to experience the sounds salsa, classic rock and Celtic folk songs with a concert schedule that includes The BorderCollies, Club Babalú: Noche de Salseros and The Mad Hatters: A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Meanwhile, Carlos Rodriguez, Grease parody VAPE The Musical, Blacktop Playground: Improv For Kids, Funny Folktales and Silly Stories and the one-woman show Don’t Reach in the Bag bring a line-up of laughs that will suit all ages and preferences. For those looking for an educational experience, guest speakers present their insights at two informative and engaging events: The Era of Empowered Women Panel and Footsteps into the Past: Discover Georgia’s Native History with Joey Jordan. Children 10 – 18 can learn real Broadway choreography as Aurora Theatre and Dance Canvas collaborate for World Day of Theatre Day for Children & Young People 2023.

LAWRENCEVILLE ARTS CENTER LIMITED ENGAGEMENTVAPE The Musical
March 3 – 4 at 7 p.m.
$20 advanced tickets, $25 at door
Bartow & Leslie Morgan CabaretJoin Sandy, Danny, the Pink Squad and the T-Bros as they navigate a year at Rydell High! The 2018 winner of BroadwayWorld Atlanta’s Best New Work (non-professional), VAPE The Musical takes a modern, comedic look at the classic musical Greaseby parodying its abrupt plot points and outdated themes. The creators of Grease tried to stop VAPE The Musical with a court order, but a U.S. District Court found in favor of the parody and said the show must go on!The BorderCollies in Concert
Saturday, March 18 at 8 p.m.
Bartow & Leslie Morgan CabaretThis St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, audiences can enjoy a celebration of music and dance that will transport them to the emerald isle. Lively tunes from The BorderCollies, a contemporary Celtic band, will set the tone with their unique blend of traditional Celtic and folk influenced music. They will be joined by special guests Atlanta Irish Dance by Burke Connolly, the premiere Irish Dance Academy in Georgia and one of the top Irish Dance Companies in the United States.

Dulcé Sloan Presents: Don’t Reach in the Bag
Saturday, March 25 at 8 p.m.
Bartow & Leslie Morgan CabaretThis one-woman show written by and starring comedian Shalewa Sharpe is the autobiographical story of a woman who applied for a job at an adult video store because “she figured the dress code would be lax,” and proceeded to work there for six years. Funny, informative and relatable, Don’t Reach in the Bag gives Shalewa the stage to share her stories about the people who consume porn and the folks brave enough to sell it to them. This Brooklyn-based comedian and writer has been featured on HBO’s 2 Dope Queens, The New Negroes on Comedy Central and The Tonight Show. The show is produced by The Daily Show correspondent and TV personality Dulcé Sloan.

The Mad Hatters: A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m.
Clyde & Sandra Strickland Grand StageIn late 2020 The Mad Hatters were formed in Atlanta. With extensive touring since then, they have quickly become the premier Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers tribute act. Comprised of rock veterans from the Georgia Satellites and other popular touring acts, The Mad Hatters delivers a pulse pounding sound and stage show that could only be matched by Tom Petty himself.Come early for the VIP Mad Tea Party! With a ticket upgrade, audience members can participate in a meet and greet with the band before the show. The VIP ticket includes photos with the band, a complementary drink ticket and exclusive discounts on merchandise. VIP access is limited.

AURORA COMEDY NIGHTS AT LACCarlos Rodriguez
Friday, March 10 – Saturday, March 11 at 8 p.m.
Bartow & Leslie Morgan CabaretLocal audiences will recognize Navy veteran Carlos Rodriguez from his frequent performances at Aurora Theatre and Punchline Comedy Club. After 23 years as a dental hygienist, as a comedian he still loves making people smile, opening for luminary talents like Jon Reep, John Heffron, Josh Blue and Pablo Francisco. He comes to the Lawrenceville Arts Center fresh off of recording a comedy special at the famous Dry Bar in Provo, Utah.

LAC GLOBALThe Era of Empowered Women Panel
Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m.
Metro Waterproofing MainstageAurora Theatre invites the community to join them in honoring Women’s History Month with The Era of Empowered Women Panel. This conversational panel will shine a spotlight on five women of influence who work in fields such as content creation and marketing, education and theatre around the Atlanta Metro area.

World Day of Theatre Day for Children & Young People
Saturday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m. – noon
Border’s Rehearsal HallIn celebration of World Children’s Theater Day, Aurora Theatre is partnering with Dance Canvas for a special day of dance, music and theater! For this “2023 Theatre Dance Day” the two Metro Atlanta arts companies invite children ages 10-18 to learn choreography from the upcoming Aurora Theatre production of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome.

Footsteps into the Past: Discover Georgia’s Native History with Joey Jordan
Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m.
This event is FREE
LAC’s CabaretAs part of a continued commitment to honor and celebrate the Native communities in Georgia, Aurora Theatre presents Footsteps into the Past: Discover Georgia’s Native History with Joey Jordan. In this historical journey, Joey Jordan, a member of the Snipe Clan Meherrin Nation, will engage the audience through stories, music and visuals.

AURORA CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSEBlacktop Playground: Improv For Kids
Saturday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $7
Metro Waterproofing Main StageWhat happens when a T-Rex tries to fly an airplane? If you skip dessert, does your cupcake cry because it misses you? With quick wit and imagination, Blacktop Improv is known for instantly creating hilarious scenes using suggestions from the crowd. At this special show from Blacktop, all of the suggestions will come from children—with funny and creative results.

Funny Folktales and Silly Stories
Saturday, March 25 at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $7
Bartow & Leslie Morgan CabaretSome sneaky, some clever, some greedy, some wise, the characters in these tales are like birds of a feather whose stories flock together. Children will join Storyteller Chester Galloway as he presents a high-impact storytelling program with energy, animation and audience participation.

TEATRO AURORAClub Babalú: Noche de Salseros
Friday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 through March 5, $25 March 6 – March 16, $30 at door
LAC’s CabaretAurora favorite Club Babalú returns with an unforgettable performance from Edwin Lebrón and the Atlanta Salsa All-Stars. Noche de Salseros is a tribute to the biggest names in salsa, featuring music from legends like Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, Rubén Blades, y Gilberto Santarosa. on a night you won’t want to forget.

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
Thursday, March 16 – Sunday, April 9
Tickets start at $21
Metro Waterproofing Main StageThe electrifying “Queen of Disco” shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. A 5-time Grammy Award-winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend, Donna Summer is known for mega-hits like Hot Stuff, Bad Girls and No More Tears (Enough Is Enough). Less well-known is what it took to get there. In this jukebox musical, audiences discover the story of Donna Summer risking it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.

TICKETSTickets for all March events may be purchased online at my.lvilleartscenter.com or by calling the Box Office at 678.226.6222.