GTA Blog

(GAINESVILLE, Ga., Jan 30, 2025) Gainesville Theatre Alliance will present Macbeth, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragedy set in a dystopian world shaped by war and power struggles, Feb. 14-22 at Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre.

Part of GTA’s “Monster of a Season,” the production takes place in the year 2150 in the fictional kingdom of CallenFir, where strength is revered, war is constant, and power is always at risk. Directed by Air Force veteran and University of North Georgia theatre faculty member Sheri Wilson, the show examines the psychological toll of battle, depicting Macbeth as a soldier struggling with trauma.

The production blends Shakespeare’s text with high-intensity Kali knife and stick fighting and fog screen projections, enhancing the story’s psychological and supernatural elements.

At the center of the story is a soldier torn between loyalty and survival. “Beneath his valiant exterior, Macbeth wrestles with the trauma of haunting memories from his experiences in battle,” said Wilson. “His days are marred with anxiety and hyper-paranoia, while his nights are troubled with nightmares of bloody war.”

GTA aims to shed light on the psychological challenges soldiers face after war, highlighting the lasting effects of trauma and the struggle to reclaim a sense of self. “Exploring PTSD in Macbeth’s character adds a powerful layer of depth,” said Wilson. “The play is a poignant exploration of mental health, resilience, and the quest for power.”

To further the conversation, GTA is partnering with American Legion Post 7 and AMVETS Post 10. Representatives from these organizations will be in the theatre lobby during the run of the show, providing resources and engaging with audiences. A post-show talkback on Feb. 16 after the matinee performance will offer insight into the mental health challenges faced by service members and how the themes of Macbeth remain relevant today.

An opening night reception will be held in the lobby after the Feb. 14 performance. Tickets for Macbeth can be purchased at GainesvilleTheatreAlliance.org or by calling the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624.

(OCT 29, 2024—GAINESVILLE, GA) Gainesville Theatre Alliance proudly presents A Monster Calls, based on the critically acclaimed novel by Patrick Ness, as the second installment of its 2024-25 Monster of a Season. The production runs November 8-16 at University of North Georgia-Gainesville’s Ed Cabell Theatre.

Directed by UNG Professor of Theatre Elisa Carlson, who will retire at the end of the season after 15 years of teaching, A Monster Calls promises a powerful and visually stunning experience. Carlson, a professional voice and dialect coach who has worked on films such as Selma, First Man, and Baby Driver, and on the hit series Stranger Things, is joined by GTA Guest Artists Jen MacQueen, who choreographs the production, and Johnny Pickett, who is the Flying Director for the show. MacQueen is the owner of Akrosphere Circus Arts in Alpharetta, GA, and Pickett brings over two decades of experience in theatrical flying direction, including Spamalot on Broadway, Wicked in Japan, and flying the musical group Black Eyed Peas at the 2011 Super Bowl.

Set in a world where reality blends with fantasy, A Monster Calls tells the poignant story of 13-year-old Conor, who struggles to cope with his mother’s terminal illness. As he navigates his emotions, he encounters a monstrous yew tree that comes to life, forcing him to confront his deepest fears and truths. “While the book is a favorite in England, it is not as well known in the US,” explains Carlson. “This gives our production the added amount of surprise for many audience members.”

The original production was created at the Old Vic Theatre in London using devised theatre, a collaborative approach where the script is shaped by the ensemble rather than a single playwright. GTA’s ensemble builds on the original script from the Old Vic production. “Our ensemble is fortunate enough to have the pre-devised script that was developed originally at the Old Vic, which they then built on using our circus apparatus and choreography,” says GTA Artistic Director Zechariah Pierce. “It’s an important thing to learn, as a student of theatre, as it allows actors and creatives to explore storytelling from a more physically dynamic and collaborative process.”

One of the standout elements of GTA’s staging is the addition of aerial silks. While the original production used ropes to signify the tree’s presence and movement, GTA’s production will blend the ropes with aerial silks, allowing actors to climb, hang, and fly, while bringing the fantastical elements of the story to life. This creative staging emphasizes the fluidity and emotional intensity of Conor’s journey, while staying true to the original production’s inventive use of physical storytelling.

Throughout the run of A Monster Calls, GTA is proud to host representatives from Camp Braveheart, a grief support program provided by the Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Camp Braveheart offers a free day camp designed for children and youth who have experienced the death of a loved one. Representatives from Camp Braveheart will be available in the lobby during performances to share information about their work and resources for families in need. Additionally, members of the Alpha Epsilon chapter of Tri Delta sorority from Brenau University will be in the lobby to raise awareness for their philanthropy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which provides care and support for children battling cancer.

Tickets for A Monster Calls can be purchased at GainesvilleTheatreAlliance.org or by calling the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624.

(SEP 19, 2024—GAINESVILLE, GA) Gainesville Theatre Alliance is thrilled to present The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, a musical adaptation of the popular children’s story, as part of its 2024-25 Monster of a Season, and its annual Theatre for Young Audiences offering. The show runs October 5-12 at Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium.

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs brings a fresh perspective to the classic tale. When the Big, Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century, he finally gets his say. But whether he’ll get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court is anyone’s guess. Will the pigs’ splashy puppet show make a puppet out of justice, or is the wolf’s catchy song and dance about a sneeze gone wrong all razzle-dazzle? Enter the jury box and decide the wolf’s fate in this musical adaptation of the hit children’s book. The show is recommended for all ages.

Director Kimberly Staples, who recently retired as the Theatre Director for Buford County Schools and now teaches Theatre Education at the University of North Georgia is excited to bring this retelling to life. “One of my mentors has repeatedly said to me that perception is reality. And that is true for this retelling of this childhood favorite,” Staples said. “Which perception is the truth? The pigs? The wolf? You, the audience, get to decide.”

GTA Artistic Director Zechariah Pierce is hoping the Gainesville families will enjoy the show. “It’s been quite some time since our Theatre for Young Audiences offering has produced a musical (perhaps the first ever of this particular kind of musical), so we chose one that is a well-known adaptation of a popular children’s book,” Pierce said.

Audiences are invited to attend the free Ice Cream Social catered by Puzzle Piece Pastries, which takes place after the October 6th 2:30 pm performance. Characters from the show will be in attendance and will be available for pictures.

Tickets for the show range from $8 to $16 and are available for purchase at GainesvilleTheatreAlliance.org or by calling the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624.

(SEP 5, 2024—GAINESVILLE, GA) Gainesville Theatre Alliance proudly announces its 2024-25 season, themed “A Monster of a Season.” This season promises to captivate audiences with four thrilling productions. “We try to showcase, both to our audiences and our students, a wide range of genre, story-telling techniques, cultural foci, historical periods, and technological challenges in producing,” said Artistic Director Zechariah Pierce. “We sold out 3 of the 4 shows of our season last year, so we’re hoping people get their tickets early, so they don’t miss out this time!”

• The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, book & lyrics by Robert Kauzlaric, music by Paul Gilvary & William Rush, based on the book by Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith
  October 5-12, 2024 at Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium
  Recommended for all ages
  When the Big, Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century, he finally gets his say. But whether he’ll get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court is anyone’s guess. Will the pigs’ splashy puppet show make a puppet out of justice, or is the wolf’s catchy song and dance about a sneeze gone wrong all razzle-dazzle? Enter the jury box and decide the wolf’s fate in this musical adaptation of the hit children’s book.
• A Monster Calls, based on the novel by Patrick Ness and inspired by an original idea by Siobhan Dowd, devised by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Company
  November 8-16, 2024 at University of North Georgia-Gainesville’s Ed Cabell Theatre
  Recommended for ages 13+ for intense emotional themes
  Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother fell ill and started treatments that don’t seem to be working. But tonight, there’s a visitor at his window, and it wants the most dangerous thing of all: the truth. This powerful theatrical adaptation, brought to life through inventive staging, explores the complexities of loss and the strength found in confronting the truth.
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare
  February 14-22, 2025 at Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre
  Recommended for ages 13+ for violence and dark psychological themes
  Valiant Scottish general Macbeth meets three witches who predict he will become Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland, igniting in him a desire for power. As Macbeth and his wife seize power through a series of bloody deeds, they are led down a path of murder, madness, and eventual ruin. Shakespeare’s timeless and compelling tragedy dramatizes the effects of political ambition on those who seek power.
• Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, music and lyrics by Mel Brooks
  April 11-19, 2025 at University of North Georgia-Gainesville’s Ed Cabell Theatre
  Recommended for ages 15+ for sexual innuendo and mild language
  From the creators of Broadway sensation, The Producers, comes this monster musical comedy, adapted from the legendary film. Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick and a leggy lab assistant, Frederick brings his own monster to life. Scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment!

Tickets for all performances are on sale now and patrons are encouraged to take advantage of GTA’s season packages, which offer up to 20% off based on the number of shows purchased on the season. Tickets and season packages can be purchased online at GainesvilleTheatreAlliance.org or by contacting the box office at 678-717-3624.

(MAR 12, 2024—GAINESVILLE, GA) Get ready for an uproarious journey into the quirky world of adolescence as Gainesville Theatre Alliance brings The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to life. The musical comedy, directed by GTA alumna Kari Twyman, promises to be an unforgettable experience. The show runs April 12-20, 2024, at University of North Georgia-Gainesville’s Ed Cabell Theatre, located inside the UNG Performing Arts building. Recommended for ages 15 and over.

Kari Twyman, a 2018 graduate of Brenau University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, takes the helm as Director/Choreographer. Twyman is a working actor and choreographer in the Atlanta area and is excited to bring her unique perspective to the production. “In a heightened time of consuming media that is heavily influencing the clothes we buy, the phrases we use, or even how big or small our bodies should be, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee leads the audience back to the basis of being an individually unique kid,” Twyman says. “This show is the ultimate connection between actors and audience, experiencing hilariously relatable situations.”

Adding to the creative mix is Musical Director Dale Grogan, well-known to GTA audiences from past productions including Mary Poppins and Once Upon This Island, and Drama Desk Award-winning Lighting Designer Christian DeAngelis, who is an Assistant Professor of Lighting at the University of Georgia.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Set against the backdrop of a middle school spelling bee, the show introduces a delightful ensemble of characters, each with their own eccentricities and endearing qualities. As the contestants navigate the challenges of spelling seemingly impossible words, the audience is treated to a hilarious exploration of puberty, identity, and the universal desire to fit in.

Tickets for the production range from $18 to $30 and are available for purchase at GainesvilleTheatreAlliance.org or by calling the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624.