By Jody Tuso-Key: Managing Editor

Lawrenceville – For those of you who haven’t heard, I’ve traded in my Gainesville digs and am now a proud resident of Lawrenceville as of two weeks ago. The move was strategic–a literal rising from the ashes, but that’s a story for another article. I am now closer to one of my all time favorites, Aurora Theatre, and have better opportunities for my side job as an Uber Driver. So here’s a new local’s humble opinion: after you enjoy the Atlanta Christkindl Market on the Lawrenceville Lawn, and eat dinner at one of the great establishments on The Lawrenceville Square, head on over to The Aurora Theater for their 30th annual CHRISTMAS CANTEEN.   

I can think of three reasons why this year‘s CANTEEN is super special right off the top of my head. First of all, it’s the 30th anniversary, second of all it includes all of my fan favorites on one stage, finally, it’s the end of an era as Ann-Carrol Pence heads up her last Christmas Canteen. Don’t worry! AC isn’t going anywhere; you’ll still see her at the theater. She deserves to spend some time going to the holiday parties she’s missed the last 30 years.

CANTEEN 2025 transports audiences to a jazz club complete with an orchestra section with horns–an amazing special treat. After the opening number, don’t be afraid to raise your hand and volunteer. You’ll be one of four people invited on stage to sit in the jazz club, and it’s a whole lot of fun to see the show from that perspective. This year’s show is full of all our Holiday favorites as well as the clever parodies for which CANTEEN is known.  One of my favorite aspects of the show is the Armed Forces tribute–being a military brat, I know my career Air Force Daddy would’ve loved it. I’m sure he’s smiling down from heaven as he has a reserved virtual seat beside me every year. The cast always does such a dignified, respectful, and fun tribute.

Speaking of this year’s cast, talk about a star-studded event! So many Atlanta favorites all on one stage.  First of all, there’s the dynamic duo of India Tyree and Galen Crawley as your hosts. You remember Galen as Mary Poppins and in CINDERELLA as the most hilarious ugly stepsister. I absolutely adore India, who played Cinderella and has been a fixture on the Aurora stage in the past. For the past three years, she’s also been playing the role of mom. It’s so good to see her on the Aurora stage again. Her voice has become richer, fuller and more amazing as (according to science) she carries around the DNA of her sweet daughter.

Greg Hunter introduced me to Aurora Theatre back 10 years ago when he was an apprentice with MARY POPPINS. He’s been a good friend and personal favorite ever since I saw him way back at GTA playing Seaweed in HAIRSPRAY. He’s still got the moves, and his vocals have so many ranges and textures. My favorite are his sultry baritone/bass tones. Then there’s choreographer and performer extraordinaire Keri Twyman. One of my first Speakeysie articles was a profile of her senior project at GTA. Her choreography is unmatched, the dancing is spectacular, and the vocal numbers picked out for her in CANTEEN showcase her lyrical soprano voice. Another GTA alum, Cole Ferguson, graces the Aurora stage once again and offers his impeccable comedic timing to the production. He’s another one who has a multi-textured voice, and I do believe he would make a great Beetlejuice someday (hint, hint, AC)!

Asher Patten is back and has written an original piece entitled ‘A Beautiful Sound’, performed by the entire cast with Asher in the lead. The song includes some of the richest harmonies I’ve ever heard. Luckily for us, Asher taking hiatus from performing on cruise ships to come back so we can enjoy his amazing vocals and fun stage presence. Victoria Rose Reyes comes to the ATL from Texas A&M and to her I’d like to give a hearty welcome!! We are so glad you’ve joined our ATL theater family. 

Last, but certainly not least, there are the Aurora Apprentice Company newcomers. They get to learn from the former apprentices on stage and this year’s crop is thick with talent.  I saw Joel Harlan-Ledbetter back in Spelling Bee at GTA last year, and I’m so glad that Aurora discovered his gifts. Jenna Ritchey stole my heart, is cute as a button, and her high soprano notes are absolutely amazing. Xavier Shepherd filled in for Michael Stiggers, and has an especially amazing falsetto. While we didn’t see Rose Seton that evening, but I’ve seen her in BEAUTIFUL and THE COLOR PURPLE, and I’m sure she’s spectacular.  

So be sure and add CHRISTMAS CANTEEN to your Christmas list this year, you’ll be glad you did! I heard Patrons saying things like, “This is the best one I’ve ever seen.” Just a few seats down from me was a couple that has seen all 30 and they were discussing the show is ure to sell out, so get your tickets as soon as you can.

As always, thanks for your readership and peace be with you!