Category Archives: Earth Love

Artistic Director Lisa Adler announces the cast for the final show of Horizon Theatre’s 2017 mainstage season, the gritty and gripping play inspired by a real-life story PROJECT DAWN, beginning performances on September 22, with a press opening on September 29.

The powerhouse, all female cast will include Lane Carlock (Stupid F**ing Bird at ACTOR’S EXPRESS, My Name is Asher Lev at THEATRICAL OUTFIT), Carolyn Cook (The City of Conversation and Time Stands Still at HORIZON, Lombardi at AURORA, August: Osage County at ALLIANCE), Bobbi Lynne Scott, Marianne Fraulo (The Perfect Prayer at HORIZON, Wit at AURORA THEATRE), Maria Sager (Grand Concourse and The Book Club Play at HORIZON, In the Heights at THEATRICAL OUTFIT), Christy Clark (Blackberry Daze at HORIZON), and Brooke Owens (Anne Boleyn at SYNCHRONICITY, James and the Giant Peach at GEORGIA ENSEMBLE THEATRE).

Gritty, gripping, and shockingly funny, go behind the bench in this inspired-by-real-life story of the women on both sides of the law in Project Dawn, an innovative court designed to transform the lives of women in the sex trade. In this daring and vital tour de force, seven actresses double as victims/participants and Court staff. Whether you are to the left or the right, Project Dawn will gnaw at your heart and open your eyes to see clearly what’s happening in your own backyard.

PROJECT DAWN will begin performances September 22, open September 29 and play until October 29. PROJECT DAWN features a script by Karen Hartman (Goldie, Max and Milk and Going Gone) and will be directed by Lisa Adler (Horizon Co-Artistic Producing Director; Night Blooms, The Perfect Prayer, and The Waffle Palace and Charm School at HORIZON).

PROJECT DAWN is a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere where it kicked off its first production at PEOPLE’S LIGHT in Philadelphia earlier this summer, now HORIZON will be the second theatre to produce and continue development of this timely and powerful play.

Horizon Theatre’s Blackberry Daze Shows How Great Prose Inspires Music

July 18, 2017

Horizon Theatre’s current production, “Blackberry Daze,” takes its audience to small town Virginia at the end of World War I. There, Mae Lou, her daughter Carrie, and blues singer Pearl under the spell of gambler Herman Camm. To get an idea of his character, the story foreshadows his death, and no one is particularly interested in figuring out who did it.

The musical is based on Ruth P. Watson’s 2012 novel “Blackberry Days of Summer.” She adapted the play with Thomas W. Jones II, who had the idea to turn the story into a musical

Jones and actor TC Carson spoke with “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes about the production, which is now on stage at Horizon Theatre through Aug. 27.

To listen to the full interview click here.

#UPFRONT feat. casts of ‘Girls Trip,’ ‘Blackberry Daze’ + Anita Wilson + Synergy Awards

July 22, 2017

Today’s edition of #UPFRONT Inside Atlanta’s Entertainment Industry was full of Black star power. I got a chance to talk to the ladies of “Girls Trip,” which opens in theaters nationwide this weekend. Jada Pinkett Smith and Regina Hall dish about their roles while the film’s producer—Will Packer—weighs in on why this particular film is so important. Mayor Kasim Reed also talked about his desire for Atlanta to make this film #1 at the box office.

#UPFRONT also catches up with gospel music sensation Anita Wilson and her new album, Sunday Song. The Billboard chart topping performer also opened up about the importance of voting and getting involved in your local community elections.

#UPFRONT also goes to AAFCA’s Synergy Awards as they honor director, producer and iconic filmmaker Rob Hardy. The creator of BET’s “The Quad” was exciting to be this year’s award recipient and encouraged all of us to continue pursuing our dreams.

We closed out the show with the cast of Horizon Theatre’s new musical, “Blackberry Daze.” Actresses Brittany Inge and Ayana Reed discussed their roles in the show as well as working with the great Tom Jones.

Click here to listen to full interview.

#UPFRONT Inside Atlanta Entertainment Industry is 30-minute radio magazine that features one-on-one interviews with all of the major players and behind-the-scenes superstars that make Georgia the new “Entertainment Capital.” It airs every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. on Jazz 91.9 WCLK and his hosted by yours truly, Ray Cornelius.

Follow us now on Instagram: @UPFRONTtheSHOW

10 Reasons to See “Nobody Loves You” in the Park

Horizon Theatre‘s production of “Nobody Loves You” is coming to Piedmont Park!

For the third consecutive year, Horizon is sharing one of its super-popular musical comedies at the Park’s Promenade. This year’s show—one of the theatre’s mainstage plays earlier this year—has been met with hilarity, fantastic acting, super-fun musical numbers, and awesome reviews.

With only four performances, Wednesday through Saturday, June 14-17, this is a can’t miss-show. In no particular order, here are 10 awesome reasons why…

1.) It’s free! 

That’s right. Horizon Theatre is giving away thousands of free tickets to see the four-day run of Nobody Loves You in Piedmont Park. There’s also reserved seating for a nominal fee, closer to the stage, and if you’re not a fan of sitting on the grass, there are tables available, too!

How awesome is it that Horizon brings free theatre to our local community and many others visiting our fair city. Thank you, Horizon Theatre!

2.) The cast is phenomenal!

If you’re an Atlanta theatre regular, you’ll recognize names and faces of many of the cast, several of them multiple Suzi Bass award nominees and winners!

Pictured above are the stars of the show. Patrick Wade (Jeff) plays a skeptic of the reality television show Nobody Loves You and he’s taking action to blow their cover…to prove that they’re not really making love connections, but it’s all just a sham. Hilarity ensues.

Jeanette Illidge (Jenny) plays a producer of Nobody Loves You and the love interest of Jeff, whose secondary objective of joining the show was to win back his ex. You’re laughing already, aren’t you?

3.) It’s in Piedmont Park, “Atlanta’s Favorite Greenspace”!

This is the third year that Horizon Theatre has brought one of their mainstage shows to Piedmont Park, which is in the heart of Midtown and easy to get to! The Promenade is near the Atlanta Botanical Garden—accessible from the Garden’s entry road—and the Sage Parking Deck, accessible from Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive.

I’ve attended the last two Horizon Theatre shows in Piedmont Park and can personally attest to their being great fun…the shows and seeing them in the Park! [2015] [2016]

4.) It’s a show-within-a-show!

If you’re a fan of reality television, this one is on steroids, but has an actual plot.

“The game of love is on! Tune into ‘Nobody Loves You,’ the TV show-within-the-show that follows attractive singles pairing up to find love…Take a behind-the-scenes ride through this hilarious musical comedy about the intimate and gut-wrenching quest for love while millions of viewers watch!”

5.) You get to meet the cast and take photos with them!

In the wonderful Horizon Theatre tradition, after the show you’ll get to meet the cast and take photos with them! Being the celebrity-spotter I am, this perk is a huge one for me and I love seeing so many other theatre-goers talking with the cast, congratulating them on their performances and getting to know them a little more.

If you saw Nobody Loves You at Horizon Theatre in Little Five Points earlier this year, you’ll notice a cast change in the Piedmont Park show. Pictured above from the earlier show is Austin Tijerina, who played Evan, a hilarious character being played by Leo Thomasian in the Piedmont Park show.

And the lovely young lady in the red jacket is the totally awesome Leslie Bellair (Samantha) who will be the only actress to have performed in all three Horizon Theatre productions in Piedmont Park. I’m a huge fan of her work!

6.) It’s sexy!

It’s a story about people falling in love, and yes…there is sex. Or at least the innuendo of perhaps, maybe that happening. Okay, maybe there’s only some sexy dancing and sexy outfits, and maybe a shirt comes off and maybe there’s some crushing, and some flirting and kissing, and…well, let me just say that it’s one of the sexiest musicals you’ll see this year.

7.) There will be food and drinks!

You’re going to get hungry and thirsty, right? Of course you will!

The grounds will open at 6:00 p.m. (show starts at 7:30 p.m.), so bring a picnic and enjoy. NOTE: Feel free to bring your own food, water and soft-drinks, but no alcohol and no glass, please.

There will be food trucks and concessions, as well as beer, wine, water and soft-drinks available for purchase. [more info]

Remember, the earlier you arrive the closer you can get to the stage! But it’s such a big show, they’re all great seats.

8.) The set is awesome!

Twin sisters and Suzi Bass award winners Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay have done it again! The above photo is of the in-theatre set, which isn’t as static as you might think. I can only imagine how much more spectacular the set will be when it’s up in Piedmont Park. We’re talking lots more real estate…more possibilities!

9.) You’re going to laugh!

Yes, it’s a musical. Yes, it’s about a reality television show. Yes, it’s about the drama of people falling in love. And it’s all incredibly funny! From the lyrics of the songs (listen closely so you don’t miss this fun!) to the “off camera” shenanigans, to the plot twists and turns, prepare to have your funny bone tickled all night long!

10.) Horizon Theatre loves YOU for your support!

Lisa Adler, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic/Producing Director, shares every opening night of every show that ticket sales make up for only about half of what it takes to run the theatre. Not everyone can see a show at the theatre, but most everyone can go to a free show…and then tell friends and family how great it was!

I can’t speak for the theatre, but I’m certain that Horizon is grateful for your support, whether in ticket purchases, subscriptions and/or sharing how much you enjoyed your theatre experience with friends and family.

There you go…10 great reasons to come to Piedmont Park to see Horizon Theatre‘s production of Nobody Loves You. I think you’re going to love it!

Link to original post: http://www.wanderlustatlanta.com/2017/06/10-reasons-to-see-nobody-loves-you-in.html

By Manning Harris
April 6, 2017

Horizon Theatre is presenting a quirky, perky little musical comedy for the digital, reality television age called “Nobody Loves You,” directed by Heidi McKerley, running through April 30.

When I say “little,” I do not mean that in any pejorative sense; quite the reverse. It’s refreshing to see a musical play that is not in any way ponderous or pretentious, yet manages to challenge your thinking while being hugely entertaining.

Let’s plop ourselves in the middle of TV’s notoriously addictive (for some folks) competitive reality shows such as “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette.”

When creators Itamar Moses and Gaby Alter premiered their show in 2012 in San Diego, they couldn’t know for sure that reality TV and social media would have such a delicious marriage.

But then a phrase entered the Zeitgeist: “You’re fired,” spoken with an accusatory finger point by the current U.S. President. Here that phrase has been replaced by “Nobody loves you,” the catchphrase (and name of the show) that tells a contestant she/he is out, kaput, and still lovelorn. Worse still, they are off television, which is the only thing that gives legitimacy to their existence.

Sound extreme? We’re just getting started.

We have an attractive young man named Jeff (Patrick Wade) whose girlfriend Tanya (Wendy Melkonian) is obsessed with the show and wants to be a contestant. Jeff, on the other hand, wants to write his philosophy dissertation on the show’s vacuousness. But when Tanya leaves him to audition, he decides to follow, and lo and behold, the TV people love his caustic denunciation (“People can either connect or perform; but not at the same time”). They select Jeff and reject Tanya!

The plot thickens, and I shall not tell all, of course. There are other contestants: a devout Christian named Christian (Ben Thorpe) is paired with a sexy, uninhibited girl named Megan (Jennifer Alice Acker), and they wind up in a hot tub. Bear in mind that every bit of these goings-on is being filmed; even when they’re supposedly off camera, they’re on (does this sound familiar?).

Another lovelorn type is Samantha (Leslie Bellair), who’s paired with Dominic (Austin Tijerina), who’s looking for “a chick who’s stable.” Good luck in this joint.

The smoothtalking Byron (Brad Raymond) is the TV host and is given wacky lines like (“Like scales falling from the hides of ancient lizards, 15 contestants have dwindled to the final six”). He’s a snake-oil charmer who also sings extremely well (or Mr. Raymond does). But then this is a multi-talented cast full of award-winning performers; an excellent reason to see this show.

I must mention that Mr. Tijerina does double duty and also plays uber-fan Evan. He announces to the world that he’ll be tweeting live (“Hashtag: so excited!”), and he gleefully careens around the stage in his swiveling chair (shades of Barbra Streisand’s first Broadway appearance as Miss Marmelstein—yes, I can work her into any discussion). Mr. Tijerina is a stage animal who brightens any stage he’s on.

Our original hero, Jeff, has found a “forbidden” romance with attractive TV staffer Jenny (Jeanette Illidge). Funny thing is—Jeff himself has fallen into the hypnotic, addictive allure of being on camera; it’s a real love/hate relationship.

It occurs to me that Andy Warhol would love this show; he’d say that the TV life is life, not a spoof. And everyone’s getting his/her 15 minutes of fame—sometimes more.

The music director/keyboardist is Alli Lingenfelter; the musicians are Dan Bauman, Lorenzo Sanford, and Bennett Walton. I haven’t mentioned the songs; I’ll let you discover them: “So Much to Hate,” “People Are Stupid,” and other witty numbers.

Speaking of wit, scenic and costume designers Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay have had lots of fun conjuring up an absurdly colorful TV set; and it’s perfect. Ms. McKerley’s direction is likewise fun and seamless.

“Nobody Loves You” had its Off-Broadway premiere in 2013. Artistic Director Lisa Adler mentioned that Moses (book and lyrics) and Alter (music and lyrics) have continued to fine tune their show, and the Horizon’s production is the first in the nation with the authors’ changes.

Horizon’s intimate theatre is just right for this show; I had a fine, fun time and so will you. Who knows—you might wind up on camera; isn’t that what we all want?

For tickets and information, visit horizontheatre.com.

http://atlantaintownpaper.com/2017/04/theatre-review-nobody-loves-horizon/

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NOBODY LOVES YOU
March 17-April 30

The game of love is on! Tune into “Nobody Loves You,” the show in which cluelessly self-obsessed contestants compete for love and adoring fans. When Jeff, a philosophy grad student, snags a spot on this reality dating show in trying to win back his ex, he breaks all the rules and attempts to expose its “authenticity.” That is until he unexpectedly falls into an onset love connection with Jenny, an enticingly prickly producer. Take a behind-the-scenes ride through this hilarious musical comedy about the intimate and gut-wrenching quest for love while millions of viewers watch.

HOW TO USE A KNIFE
May 19 – June 25

In the chaotic hustle and bustle of a Wall Street restaurant, George – a down-on-his-luck master chef – is facing his last chance to turn his life around. His United-Nations-of-a-kitchen sizzles with two rowdy Guatemalan line cooks, a nosy busboy, and a mysteriously dignified African dishwasher. Set during busy dinner shifts, HOW TO USE A KNIFE bursts with grinding suspense, crackling energy, and piercing surprise as secrets from the past come to a boil.

BLACKBERRY DAZE
July 14 – August 20

It is the end of The Great War, and a small Virginia town is rocked by secrets and seduction as Herman Camm, a provocative gambler, weaves his magic on the lives of three unsuspecting women, Mae Lou and her daughter Carrie, and Pearl, a blues singer at the local juke joint. Award-winning writer/director Thomas W. Jones II is back with his musical adaptation of the novel Blackberry Days of Summer. Don’t miss this murder romance in the key of blues.

PROJECT DAWN
September – October

Gritty, gripping, and shockingly funny, go behind the bench in this inspired-by-real-life story of the women on both sides of the law in Project Dawn, an innovative court designed to transform the lives of women in the sex trade. In this daring and vital tour de force, seven actresses double as victims/participants and Court staff. Whether you are to the left or the right, Project Dawn will gnaw at your heart and open your eyes to see clearly what’s happening in your own backyard.

Keely Herrick

Is there anyone in America who couldn’t use a few hours of deliciously silly, frothy fun right now? If you have a love-hate or love-to-hate-watch relationship with reality TV shows like “The Bachelor,” then you won’t want to miss Horizon Theatre’s goofy good time of a musical, “Nobody Loves You.” Running through April 30, 2017, the lovable cast makes this one-act romp perfect for a date night or a get-together with friends.

The premise of the show is similar to the Lifetime drama “Unreal,” in that it goes behind the scenes of a reality television dating show. In this instance, Jeff (Patrick Wade) is decidedly not a fan of the genre, but when his girlfriend dumps him to try and find her real love on the show, he follows her to try to win her back. Of course, she does not make the cut, but his curmudgeonly attitude makes him an unlikely star. Along the way, he falls for a producer of the show, and they both struggle to avoid getting drawn in to the televised drama.

It’s hard to imagine a more committed cast, whether it’s the femme fatale Megan (Jennifer Alice Acker) trying to seduce the uptight Christian (Ben Thorpe) in a heart-shaped hot tub, or the superfan Evan (Austin Tijerina), delivering a frenzied Twitter song from a fuzzy rolling chair. The host of the show, Byron (Brad Raymond), centers the production with his lush voice and strong comedic timing. Of course, if the central love story doesn’t work, then the show wouldn’t be very effective, but it’s easy to believe that Jeff is quickly smitten with the gorgeous Jenny (Jeanette Illidge), and their duets (“So Much to Hate” and “People Are Stupid”) are believable and funny.
It’s also always impressive to see what set designers do with the intimate space at Horizon, and this brightly-colored confection by Moriah Curley-Clay and Isabel Curley-Clay is like another delightful character in the show.

A good time delivered by some of the city’s most talented comedic actors and singers — everybody can love that.

Nobody Loves You
through April 30, 2017
Horizon Theatre

This yet-to-get-to-Broadway musical has been a delight to audiences wherever it has played. Gaby Alter and Itamar Moses are life-long friends who got together to create this book, score and lyrics, and they did a really fine job. The Horizon is one of the very first regional houses to have the privilege to present the work; and the creators came here to get it just right before it goes nationally.

The story is kinky. Imagine a TV show named Nobody Loves You. They bring on selected people who are searching for the Mr/Ms right for them. They have little control over anything once they sign on for the show. Everything seems to be under control of the emcee and the producers.

Brad Raymond is the show emcee, and he is spot-on for such a role. A young nerdish type, Jeff (Patrick Wade) is hardly enamored of the show. But, when he believes his significant other has tried to get into the show, he wants to do so as well, in hopes that the riffs between them may be resolved. Little problem, in that his lady isn’t in the show.

But, the contestants include Samantha (Leslie Bellair) and Dominic (Austin Tijerina) who may or may not make it to the final cut. Austin also is a laugh riot when he comes on as Evan, and wheels in to do his numbers. Then we also meet up with Christian (Ben Thorpe) and Megan (Jennifer Alice Acker) who become the object of attraction, but maybe not necessarily to each other.

Jeanette Illidge is Jenny part of the production staff, while Wendy Melkonian comes on both as Tanya (the one who dumped Jeff) and Nina who is the show’s director. As the show goes on, the contestants are to chose their roomies, run through various tests and exercises, and discover others faults, lies and high points..

Heidi McKerley directed the production which features 19 numbers, done with great aplomb and with a live band backing them up with Alli Lingenfelter on the keys and conducting. The show is fast moving, both funny and sometimes pretty sexy. It isn’t one for the tots, but if you think that so much TV is tripe, then this is one you have to see. It will make one reflect on some celebrities and politicians when you hear some of the lines.

More info and tickets at HorizonTheatre.com