Tag Archive for: horizon theatre company

MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS RETURNS TO THE HORIZON THEATRE, DEC 7-31

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/24/24

Little Five Points theatre continues beloved holiday tradition with family-favorite performance

 Madeline’s Christmas returns to Horizon Theatre for its 14th enchanting season from Dec. 7 – 31, 2024! A cherished holiday tradition, this joyful musical adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved children’s book is produced by Horizon Theatre in collaboration with Atlanta Children’s Theatre. Featuring 24 talented local girls (8-13 years old) from all over Metro Atlanta performing alongside professional actors on a beautiful set, this magical production promises to delight both children and adults. ​

“It’s such a treat to once again bring back Madeline’s Christmas— a heartwarming show that has brought joy to countless families for many years now,” says Horizon’s Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “Our intimate 160-seat theatre brings children and adults close to the action. ​ And the audience is invited to meet the cast, take photos and get autographs after every show. ​ We’re grateful that so many in our community have made the show a beloved holiday tradition.”

Over the past 14 seasons, more than 330 local girls have fulfilled their dreams of performing with a professional theatre company. This year’s cast includes students from 4 metro Atlanta counties and more than 25 schools, highlighting the diverse talent across the region. ​

Based on one of the most popular children’s books of all time, this musical play follows Madeline and friends on a holiday adventure unlike any other. After a trip to the zoo on a December day, “achoo” echoes in the halls of “the old house in Paris.” All but Madeline have caught the flu! Will the girls be able to go home for Christmas? ​ It’s Madeline to the rescue! With the help of a mysterious stranger, the “twelve little girls in two straight lines” end up with a magical and memorable holiday beyond their wildest dreams! ​ A holiday treat for the whole family.

Madeline’s Christmas will run Dec. 7 – 31. Performances are weekends at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. with additional 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on select dates. Weekday performances will take place Dec. 19 – 20 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 23, 26 – 27, 30 – 31 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. School day matinees will be at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 11 and 12. Tickets are $15 for youth (ages 21 and under) and $20 for adults. ​ For School day matinees, tickets are $10 for school and home school groups. The play is 70-minutes long and appropriate for ages 3 and up. ​ Concessions and Madeline Merchandise are available at the show. Purchases of $10 Star Wands benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. ​ Tickets and information are available at horizontheatre.com or 404-584-7450.
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PROFESSIONAL CAST

Harsha Connor Kocks, Nathan Kiliany

Miss Clavel Ciara Pysczynski, Courtney Locke

Mrs. Murphy Kymberli Green ​

ARE MADELINE AND HER FRIENDS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

Atlanta, Fulton County

Adele Chastain, 4th Grade at Virginia Highland Elementary

Amelia Williams, 5th Grade at St Mary’s Academy

Beatrice Choi, 4th Grade at Moonrise Home School

Ellie Hegeman, 6th Grade at The Galloway School

Harper Byrd, 6th Grade at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School

Hattie McSherry, 3rd Grade at Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School

Hazel Yu, 5th Grade at Benteen Elementary

Lucy Long, 5th Grade at E. Rivers Elementary School

Penelope Bayalis, 5th Grade at Burgess Peterson Elementary

Railey Maxwell, 4th Grade at Resurgence Hall State Charter School

Skylar Palakshappa, 7th Grade at Woodward Academy

Dekalb County

Anari Vasser, 5th Grade at Dekalb Arts Academy

Brooklynn Long, 5th Grade at Toomer Elementary

Joi Jackson, 4th Grade at Princeton Elementary

Jubilee Garrant, 4th Grade at Wadsworth Magnet Elementary

Louisa Kometer, 5th Grade at Homeschool in Candler Park

Maefaire Rogovin, 7th Grade at The Paideia School

Maya Fredrick, 4th Grade at Brookhaven Innovation Academy

Megan Morris, 7th Grade at Waldorf School

Savannah Irby (understudy), 5th Grade at The Museum School of Avondale Estates

Selma Hedin, 3rd Grade at Mary Lin Elementary

Vivian Walker, 5th Grade at The GLOBE Academy

Gwinnett County

Dawson Hutchens, 6th Grade at Pinckeyville Middle School

Nalani Cook, 5th Grade at Head Elementary School

Cobb County

Gabrielle Wood, 9th Grade at Pebblebrook High School

PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE TEAM

Based on the book Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans

Book and lyrics Jennifer Kirkeby

Music Shirley Mier

Director Spring Mason, Atlanta Children’s Theatre

Musical Director Joshua Martinez

Choreographer Estef Martin

Asst Choreographer ​ Michelle Stover

Scenic and Puppet Designers Isabel & Moriah Curley-Clay

Lighting Designer Shelby Witt ​

Costume Coordinator Abby Bowers

Stage Managers ​ ​ Ann Richmond

Asst. Stage Manager/Mouse Eden Mew

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances of Madeline’s Christmas will run Dec. 7 – 31, 2024.

WEEKEND PERFORMANCES – Dec. 7 – 29

Saturdays and Sundays, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
​Additional showings on Dec. 14, Dec. 15 and Dec. 21 at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
​Additional showings on Dec. 22 and Sat. Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.

WEEKDAY PERFORMANCES – Dec 19 – 31

Dec. 19 – 20 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
​Dec. 23, 26 – 27, 30 – 31 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

SCHOOL DAY MATINEES – Dec 11-12

Wednesday and Thursday Dec. 11 – 12 at 10:30 a.m.

TICKETING INFORMATION

General admission tickets for Madeline’s Christmas are $15 for youth (21 and under) and $20 for adults.

Madeline Club Sponsors ($250-$1,000) receive VIP tickets that include reserved seats, concessions and Madeline toys/books. Tickets may be ordered by phone at 404-584-7450 or online at horizontheatre.com. Ticket prices are subject to change. ​ Sales tax added to all orders. ​ Internet convenience fee added to all online orders. No refunds, exchanges or late seating.

GROUP RATES

For select performances, special deals are available for school groups, Girl Scout Troops, and Boy Scout Troops. ​ Contact boxoffice@horizontheatre.com or 404-523-1477 for more information.

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HORIZON THEATRE COMPANY BRINGS AMELIE: THE MUSICAL TO LIFE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/20/24

Inman Park theater shines with a captivating musical hit from London, based on the popular French film

A captivating, critically acclaimed musical from London’s West End based on the beloved French film Amélie comes to Horizon Theatre, October 4 – November 10 (Press Opening October 11). Amélie is a shy and imaginative young woman living in Paris. With a heart as big as her city, Amelie secretly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy to those around her. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Audiences are invited to join Amélie as she discovers the extraordinary in the ordinary, touching hearts and inspiring dreams along the way in this enchanting new musical.

“Audiences worldwide fell in love with Amélie as a movie, and now it’s been adapted into a delightful, quirky, romantic and funny musical. We were in Paris for the Olympics this summer, and now we are bringing Paris to life on the Horizon stage this fall. ​ It’s a story about finding beauty in the small moments and understanding that even the smallest gestures can have a significant impact on the world,” said Horizon Theatre Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “We’re excited to share this magical tale and its message of hope, love and the power of human connection with our audience. ​ And we’re thrilled that it will be led by the team that created our hit musical last season, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812.”

Horizon’s production of Amélie will see many returning cast and creative team members from last season’s smash-hit Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, which was recently nominated for 15 Suzi Bass Awards and is set to return for another run later this season. Director and Horizon Artistic Associate Heidi McKerley returns to the helm as director of Amélie. In addition to Great Comet, Heidi has directed more than 35 Horizon projects over the past three decades to great acclaim. Other returning creative team members include Scenic Designers Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay, Music Director Holt McCarley, Assistant Music Director Bethany Irby, and Costume Designer Carrie Giglio. Returning Great Comet cast members include Anna Dvorak (Sonia) in the lead role of Amélie, joined by Daniel Burns (Pierre), Jordan Patrick (Anatole), Jeff McKerley (The Prince), Skyler Brown (Balaga), Eric Nabeth (Ensemble/Accordion), Miro Gomez (Ensemble/Cello) and Eden Mew (Ensemble) who all play supporting roles in Amelie, with most once again doubling on musical instruments.

Amélie playwright Craig Lucas is an acclaimed American playwright, screenwriter and director known for his diverse body of work that includes the Tony Award-nominated play Prelude to a Kiss and the film Longtime Companion. Amélie found its greatest success in London, where it charmed audiences and critics alike with its imaginative staging, enchanting score and a heartfelt portrayal of its titular character. The London production, praised for its innovative and intimate approach, won three Olivier Awards in 2020, including Best New Musical,solidifying its place as a modern theatrical gem.

Amélie tells the story of Amélie (Anna Dvorak, Horizon’s Great Comet), an extraordinary young French woman who lives quietly in the world, but loudly in her mind. After surviving a childhood with two neurotic parents who did not know how to show her their love, Raphael (Marcus Hopkins-Turner, Horizon’s Support Group for Men) and Amandine (Bethany Irby, Aurora Theatre’s Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and only a goldfish—Fluffy for company, Amélie heads off to Paris on her own. She approaches her journey in the big city with joy, making friends with nearly everyone she meets. As a waitress at a café in Montmartre she has a quiet, happy life, spending time with her three co-workers: Suzanne (Chelcy Cutwright, Steel Magnolias, Springer Opera House), the café’s owner and a past circus performer; Georgette (Jennifer Alice Acker, Horizon’s The Game, Roe, Freaky Friday), a hypochondriac; and Gina (Jessica Miesel, Fox TV’s The Resident, Aurora’s Hands on A Hard Body), who obsessively rereads love letters from her late husband. ​ Some of Amélie’s quirky customers include Joseph (Daniel Burns, Horizon’s Great Comet), a tough-on-the-outside customer who’s in love with Gina; Hipolito (Cameron Smith, Aurora Theatre’s Christmas Canteen), a poet; and Philomene (Kylie Dickinson), an airline hostess. When Amélie finds a child’s box of treasures in the floorboard of her house, she becomes determined to return it to its owner. With help from Dufayel (Jeff McKerley), a shut-in artist who’s obsessed with painting the same scene over and over, she returns it to Bretodeau (Marcus Hopkins-Turner, playing dual roles) who lived in her home as a child. ​ After seeing the joy it brings him, Amélie resolves to do good for those around her in small, anonymous ways. But when Amélie meets young Nino (Jordan Patrick, Horizon’s Great Comet), she takes the biggest risk of her life – learning to love on her own. The cast of charming characters– both real and imaginary– who play a part in Amélie’s journey also includes the Gnome (Eric Nabeth ​ Horizon’s Great Comet), Elton John (Miro Gomez, Horizon’s Great Comet) and Collignon (Skyler Brown, Horizon’s Great Comet), the local grocer

Performances begin Friday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m., with a Press Opening on Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Performances are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m., running through Nov. 10. Seating is general admission with a reserved seating section for subscribers. ​ General admission tickets start at $40 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $45 for all weekend performances. Prices rise as performances fill up, so patrons are encouraged to order early for the best prices and availability. ​ Full-time students under 25 can get $20 tickets with valid student ID by calling the box office or at the door if tickets are available. ​ There is limited accessible seating for those needing mobility accommodation, and it must be reserved by phone. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450.

HORIZON THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS WILD WITH HAPPY AUG 16 – SEPT 15

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/24

A wild ride of love, loss and laughs from award-winning actor and playwright Colman Domingo

“Wonderfully joyous, sweet, funny adventure” -Broadway World

 Horizon Theatre continues its spectacular 40th season with the outrageously funny and immensely touching comedy Wild With Happy, playing Aug. 16 – Sept. 15 (press opening August 23). ​ This Off-Broadway hit from Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo follows the adventures of Gil, a man on a mission to find the perfect resting place for his mother. ​ When Gil’s beloved mom passes way, Gil returns home and decides to have her cremated – despite his opinionated Aunt Glo’s demands for a traditional funeral. Then his high-spirited best friend takes him on an unexpected road trip with his mother’s ashes as a furious Aunt Glo follows in hot pursuit with the sensitive funeral director in tow. ​ With bold twists and turns, an amazing Atlanta cast and a journey that might just lead to the happiest place on earth, Wild With Happy is a wild ride full of love, loss and lots of laughs.

“We’re so thrilled we get to bring Wild With Happy to Atlanta audiences.” said Horizon Theatre Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “This comedy runs the gamut of emotions – joy, hilarity, grief, absurdity – and takes audience members on a whirlwind journey right along with the characters. ​ It’s deeply profound and impactful while also being absurdly funny.”

Wild With Happy tells the story of Gil (Enoch King, Horizon’s The Light, Suzi Award winner for Alliance’s Toni Stone), the Yale-educated, loving son, who’s just lost his beloved mother, Adelaide (Tonia Jackson, Horizon’s Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, Theatrical Outfit Clyde’s), a joyous spirit who clings to hope and happy endings. ​ Gil returns home to Philadelphia with the intention of finding the right send-off for his mom on their limited budget, and not yet dealing with his loss. ​ A series of hilarious detours takes Gil and his flamboyant best friend Mo (Brad Raymond, Horizon’s Nobody Loves You, Alliance’s The Preacher’s Wife) on a multi-state escapade with an urn of ashes to bring his mother to her final resting place: the one place on earth that made her “wild with happy.”With Adelaide’s outrageous, strong-willed sister, Aunt Glo, (also played by Tonia Jackson, who takes a turn as both sisters), insisting on a proper burial and church service, she and Terry (Markell Williams, Horizon’s Sweet Water Taste), the charming funeral director who has fallen for Gil, chase after the getaway car, leading to an uproarious, deeply touching journey. ​ Along the way, Gil learns to embrace his grief, celebrate his mother’s memory and find his own path to happiness. ​ Wild With Happy is a joyful, whimsical tale that reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there’s always room for laughter, love and a bit of magic.

Based loosely around his own experiences, Wild With Happy is playwright and actor Colman Domingo’s fourth work. ​ It premiered at the Public Theatre in the NYC, was produced at regional theatres throughout the country and was recently released as an Audible podcast, performed by a cast including Colman himself and Oprah Winfrey. ​ Although best known as a Broadway and film actor, Oscar-nominated for his work in the title role of Rustin, his writing career has blossomed. ​ His plays and musicals include Dot (published by Samuel French), Wild with Happy (published by Dramatist Play Service), A Boy and His Soul (published by Oberon Books), the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and Geffen Playhouse’s groundbreaking musical Light’s Out: Nat King Cole. His plays have been produced by The Public Theater, Vineyard, La Jolla Playhouse, Humana Festival of New American Plays, New York Stage and Film, A.C.T, The Tricycle Theater in London and Brisbane Powerhouse in Australia, among others.

Back again for the 20th year is the award-winning director Thomas W. Jones II who has been at the helm of some of Horizon’s best-loved shows, including The House That Will Not Stand, Blackberry Daze, Da Kink in My Hair, Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery and so many more. Here, he assembles a cast of his favorite actors, all veterans of Horizon and other Atlanta stages, and now also all over the screen in the many TV series shooting in Atlanta. ​ Resident scenic designers Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay, projection and sound designer Matt Reynolds (Actor’s Express’ Cabaret), co-lighting designers Mary Parker (Horizon resident designer) and Mike Morin (MFA in Lighting Design, U of Alabama), and long-time Horizon costume designer L. Nyrobi Moss (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812) use their theatrical magic to move audiences swiftly and evocatively through the many locations.

Performances begin Aug. 16 at 8pm, with a Press Opening on Aug. 23 at 8pm. Performances are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. ​ The play runs through Sept. 15. ​ No matinee on Aug 17.Seating is general admission with a reserved seating section for subscribers. ​ General admission tickets start at $30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $35 for all weekend performances. Prices rise as performances fill up, so patrons are encouraged to order early for the best prices and availability. ​ Full-time students under 25 can get $20 tickets with valid student ID by calling the box office or purchase Student Rush Tickets 30 minutes before show time if seats are available. There is limited accessible seating for those needing mobility accommodation, and it must be reserved by phone. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450.

Horizon Theatre’s 40th season continues after Wild With Happy! The rest of the season line-up includes the critically acclaimed West End musical Amélie, the 2024 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award-nominated I Carry Your Heart With Me and the caper-telenovela Laughs in Spanish. Also to come this season are the returns of Madeline’s Christmas during the holiday season and Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 in January 2025. More information on the 24/25 Season can be found at horizontheatre.com/plays/mainstage. Season Subscriptions are on sale now, with 5 and 6-Show Packages starting at $80. Subscriptions can be purchased by filling out the online form and mailing or e-mailing it in (boxoffice@horizontheatre.com), or by calling the Box Office at 404.584-7450 x100. More information on subscriptions can be found at horizontheatre.com/tickets/subscriptions.

HORIZON THEATRE COMPANY OPENS 40TH SEASON WITH THE ATLANTA PREMIERE OF THE GAME

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/20/24

New play from The Notebook musical writer brings humor and heart to Inman Park theatre

Performances begin Friday, 6/28

Horizon Theatre kicks off its spectacular 40th season of the best in contemporary theatre with the new comedy The Game, playing June 28 – July 28. Alyssa and Homer are in a marriage that’s hit a glitch. And it’s all due to the massively engrossing online game that’s wreaking havoc on the lives of couples everywhere. When she puts together a support group for other women in a similar situation, the game enters a new level where all’s fair in love and war. Bekah Brunstetter’s (Horizon’s The Cake, NBC’s This is Us, and Broadway’s The Notebook) hilarious and heartfelt comedy brings technology and community together in the most unexpected ways.

“The Game is a perfect introduction to our 40th season,” said Horizon Theatre Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “We looked all over the country for plays that we loved by amazing writers whose stories that would matter to our audiences. We were delighted to find this new, up-to-the-minute comedy by the author of our hit The Cake. ​ It’s funny, warm and all about re-discovering the spark in your marriage and the power of friends. ​ It’s the perfect summer comedy for fun with friends or partners!”

The Game tells the story of Alyssa (Jennifer Alice Acker, Horizon’s Roe, Nobody Loves You), whose husband Homer (Chris Hecke, Horizon’sCompleteness) has become obsessed with playing The Game, a popular online video game, to the detriment of their marriage. ​ In a last-ditch effort to get him back, Alyssa recruits fellow “gaming widows” on Facebook to join together to find a solution. This eclectic support group includes out-going, Poshmark-loving mom Rhonda (Marcie Millard, Horizon’s The Cake); sweet, elderly Myra (Shannon Eubanks*) who shares crockpot recipes and wisdom; Jen (Michelle Pokopac*, Horizon’s The Wolves), a war photographer whose female partner is going through a tough time; and Cleo (Hope Clayborne, Atlanta Shakespeare school tour) a young pregnant military wife who is new in town. The women bond together to find ways to woo their partners away from the screen and back to their side. ​ In the process, they win new friends and discover new paths in their lives.

The Game was commissioned by PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill, North Carolina under Producing Artistic Director Vivienne Benesch. The show received its first public performance on April 10, 2024. ​ The commission project invited playwright Brunstetter to imagine a new comedy inspired by the ancient Greek play Lysistrata in which women go on a sex strike to convince their husbands to stop a war.

With titles like NBC’s This is Us and Broadway’s The Notebook in her repertoire, Bekah Brunstetter is well-versed in storytelling that mixes comedy and drama and tugs at the heartstrings. ​ Her hit play The Cake at Horizon Theatre (starring Marcie Millard, who also appears in The Game) chronicled a Southern baker wrestling with the decision of baking the cake for and attending the wedding of her best friend’s daughter who is marrying a woman. The playwright is well-versed in video games via her husband, from which she drew inspiration for the play. As Brunstetter told BroadwayWorld, “I’ve had to really come to understand why he loves them and the purpose they serve in his life. So, I just thought it would be a great adaptation of Lysistrata because obviously there’s a real war happening in our world right now, but we’ve also got a lot of video games that have brought the concept of war into our domestic spaces.” The result is a play that touches on universal themes of community, friendship and love in the face of ever-evolving technology that can divide.

The set and lights are by Horizon resident designers Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay and Mary Parker, joined by April Carwell on costumes, Cori Williams on props and Amy Levin on sound and projections.

Performances begin June 28, with a Press Opening on July 5 at 8pm. Performances are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. ​ Seating is general admission with a reserved seating section for subscribers. ​ General admission tickets starts at $30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $35 on Friday nights, Saturday nights and weekend matinees. There will be no matinee on Saturday, June 28 and no performance on Thursday, July 4. Prices rise as performances fill up, so patrons are encouraged to order early for the best prices and availability. ​ Students under 25 can get $20 tickets with valid student ID by calling the box office or purchase Student Rush Tickets 30 minutes before show time if seats are available. There is limited accessible seating for those needing mobility accommodations, and it must be reserved by phone. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450.

Horizon Theatre’s 40th season is set to feature thrilling Atlanta premieres, returning favorites and, above all, stories that inspire connection, hope and positive change. After The Game takes the stage as the season opener, the rest of the season line-up includes the hilarious, touching Wild with Happy, the critically-acclaimed West End musical Amélie, the 2024 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award-nominated I Carry Your Heart With Meand the caper-telenovela Laughs in Spanish. Also to come this season are the returns of Madeline’s Christmas during the holiday season and Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 in January 2025. More information on the 24/25 Season can be found at horizontheatre.com/plays/mainstage. Season Subscriptions are on sale now, with 5 and 6-Show Packages starting at $80. Subscriptions can be purchased by filling out the online form and mailing or e-mailing it in (boxoffice@horizontheatre.com), or by calling the Box Office at 404.584-7450 x100. More information on subscriptions can be found at horizontheatre.com/tickets/subscriptions.

For full actor and creative team bios visit horizontheatre.com/plays/the-game