Tickets are on sale now for the Gainesville Theatre Alliance’s 2023-24 season. The season features four shows – two plays and two musicals – and an add-on performance.
“We in the Brenau University Theatre Department, in collaboration with the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, are thrilled about the upcoming production season,” Department Chair and Associate Professor of Theater Pamela Workman said. “Our goal is to rekindle our audiences’ excitement for theater and sense of magic. We hope you walk away feeling uplifted, inquisitive and with renewed perspective after enjoying one or several of the shows our students have put so much effort into.”
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will kick off the season. WonderQuest presents the classic Narnia tale on Oct. 7, 8 and 14, in Pearce Auditorium on the historic Gainesville campus. The popular children’s book by C.S. Lewis created a unique world for children to enjoy surprise and adventure. This show is recommended for all ages.
Nov. 10-18, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella will open at the Hosch Theatre in the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts on the historic Gainesville campus. Modern steampunk elements give this classic fairytale a new twist. GTA will put on the new book version of the musical by Douglas Carter Beane, who updated the original book by Oscar Hammerstein II for its 2013 run on Broadway.
An Actor’s Carol was added to the lineup during the holiday season. The show runs from Dec. 1-3 at Ed Cabell Theatre at the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus. Performed by David Weber, this kinetic production of Charles Dickens’ cautionary tale is amplified with elements of clown, mime and vaudeville techniques. An Actor’s Carol is an add-on performance, and is ineligible for package discounts.
The Arthur Miller classic The Crucible will open Feb. 16 at Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre. This captivating drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. The play will close Feb. 24.
Closing the season is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This musical will run from April 12-20 at the Ed Cabell Theatre at the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.
Season packages are back for the 2023-24 season. Those interested in purchasing season tickets can call 678-717-3624 or visit the box office website.
GTA welcomes those in new roles at Brenau this year, including Workman as the new chair of the theater department.
“As we continue to grow our department, so are there continued changes in faculty,” Workman said. “I celebrate the return of Rick Gomez and Nathan Dingess, as well as the new additions of Ste Clough and Greg Geffrard! As I step into my new role as chair, I am eager to begin this year of new experiences, exciting growth and forward collaboration.”
