For the fourth year in a row, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance is presenting a Valentine of two productions for North Georgia theater patrons in a February Festival of Theatre.
Theatergoers may see the Tony-award-winning musical “Chicago” on Brenau University’s Hosch Stage and take a walk through Tennessee Williams’ autobiographical memory play, “The Glass Menagerie” at the University of North Georgia Gainesville campus’ Ed Cabell Theatre.
Both productions will treat patrons to performances by professionals and theater majors at the two universities in trademark strength of the “alliance” that was formed in 1979 between the UNG (then Gainesville Junior College), Brenau University, theater professionals and the Northeast Georgia community.
“Chicago” is the gritty story that grew out of 1920s headlines of a series of murders committed by women in the Windy City. When choreographer Bob Fosse got hold of it, it turned into a stylistic romp of tap and jazz satirizing a society that makes celebrities of villains and showcases court proceedings as entertainment. Choreographer Jen MacQueen is adding Cirque-like elements to Fosse’s original choreography for the production, and a 14-piece live band will be on stage to accompany “Chicago’s” collection of dancing female inmates.
Tennessee Williams’ “Glass Menagerie” is the largely autobiographical account of the oppressive home life of Amanda Wingfield, her fragile daughter and son Tom, who dreams of escaping to a different life. It won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and launched the career of the lyric playwright.
“Chicago” performances will be Feb. 11-22. Tickets are $22-24 for adults, $20-22 for seniors and $12-14 for students, depending on seat location.
“The Glass Menagerie” performances will be Feb. 14-22. Tickets are $18-20 for adults, $16-18 seniors or $12-14 for students.
Patrons can select their own seats online at www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org or by calling 678-717-3624 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.