Best live theater
There's one more chance to catch the Henry Players, your choice for best live theater in and around Atlanta, this season. The company's final show of its 20th season is "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," which comes to the stage of the Henry County Performing Arts Center June 23-26.
YOUR PICKS
1. The Henry Players
You say, “I think one of the most unrecognized great theatre companies in the metro area is the Henry Players. Located in McDonough, these players are made up of a diverse group of people. While many companies in Atlanta put on great shows, I would expect them too. That’s what they get paid to do. The Players all do their shows out of a love for the arts and the community, and yet still produce some of the highest quality work I have seen in the whole of metro Atlanta.”
2. Alliance Theatre
3. The New American Shakespeare Tavern/Atlanta Shakepeare Company
4. Actor’s Express
5. Atlanta Lyric Theatre
Ryann Redmond as Bridget (left) , Jon Rua as Twig (center) and Gregory Haney as La Cienega (right) in this season's world premiere of "Bring It On: The Musical" at the Alliance Theatre. Photo: Greg Mooney
OUR PICKS
1. Alliance Theatre
Freelance theater critic Wendell Brock says, “The Woodruff Arts Center’s resident playhouse knows how to ‘Bring It On.’ Not that we needed a raucous cheerleader musical to tell us that. Under artistic director Susan V. Booth, Atlanta’s Tony Award winner for regional excellence scores consistently with Broadway-bound material (’Sister Act,’ Twyla Tharp’s ‘Come Fly With Me’) and thoughtful new work by young writers and homegrown talent. Coming next season (fingers crossed): the previously postponed Stephen King-John Mellencamp musical ‘Ghost Brothers of Darkland County.’ Bring on the chill bumps.”
2. Center for Puppetry Arts
3. Georgia Shakespeare
4. Tie: Actor’s Express and Horizon Theatre
5. Theatre in the Square
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83 comments Add your comment
rwmmdj
March 21st, 2011
3:09 pm
The New American Shakespeare Tavern has the best live theater in Atlanta. A great troup of fine actors in a casual environment. The company recently completed Shakespeare’s Canon, (all 39 plays), a first for an American company. Food and beverages are available at a reasonable price and is quite good. Presently, the company is performing “Two Noble Kinsmen” and “Edward III” in reperatory. Although their main focus is Shakespeare the company frequently performs works by other authors as well.
Mary B
March 21st, 2011
3:11 pm
Aliance
Lori
March 21st, 2011
4:08 pm
I agree with the New American Shakespeare Tavern being awesome. I’ve been going their since before the remodel and they had to set out pitchers to catch the leaks when it rained!! But the theater is wonderful now. Every seat in the house is a good one. And they always deliver a fantastic show!
Theater Teacher
March 21st, 2011
5:04 pm
I love the Fabrefaction Theatre Company over by GA Tech. I have seen “Rent” and “Once Upon a Mattress” there and every seat is great. They also offer great theater workshops for all ages, and classes by term for students ranging from elementary school through college. The founders are from NYU and know their stuff. It also doesn’t hurt that the prices are fair and the valet parking is complementary! I’m a customer for life!
JanT
March 21st, 2011
5:05 pm
The Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville. Great shows, great talent.
ej
March 21st, 2011
5:06 pm
Relapse Theatre, one of the top comedy/improv places in America.
phbmg
March 21st, 2011
5:13 pm
Serenbe Playhouse! Brian Clowdus is wonderfully talented as the founder and director. They have productions for both children and adults. The setting is amazing and this year they are premiering an outdoor adaptation of The Ugly Duckling. The actors are going to actually be in and out of the water. You should not miss this season!
Foodie-B
March 21st, 2011
5:15 pm
Alright we get it let’s move along what’s next best acoustics or best popcorn.
Rick
March 21st, 2011
5:36 pm
The New London Theater in Snellville is good for Community Theater. Some plays are better than others. Worth a visit.
Exit Stage Left
March 21st, 2011
5:43 pm
I like Theatrical Outfit the best. It’s just the right fit. Not too huge, like the Alliance; but not too cramped either. The theater space all by itself is cool and comfy, and the shows always seem to have a local flavor – - whether dramas or musicals.
TK
March 21st, 2011
6:05 pm
Without a doubt, The New American Shakespeare Tavern is far and above the best of the best in Atlanta. Not only do they put on world class performances, but their educational outreach and service to the community is second to none. I have friends from the UK who are planning an entire US trip around seeing shows at the Tavern.
KJ
March 21st, 2011
6:13 pm
Actor’s Express and Alliance
ziza
March 21st, 2011
6:15 pm
The Alliance Theatre
Jen
March 21st, 2011
10:23 pm
How about the Ansley Playhouse…Peachtree Battle?
Missy
March 22nd, 2011
12:03 am
I love so many live theatres around Atlanta, but Actor’s Express has recently won my heart. Their current show “See What I Wanna See” is the best local theatre performance I’ve ever seen in my life. Actor’s Express doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and they’re an underdog worth fighting for.
howard
March 22nd, 2011
8:24 am
Shakespeare Tavern and Actor’s Express
MA
March 22nd, 2011
8:52 am
The Fabulous Fox for professional. The Henry Players (Henry County Performing Arts Center – not the best theatre) are by far the best community theatre group around!!!!!! Of course it didn’t ask the best theatre group(troupe) it asked the best theatre.
Gatekeeper
March 22nd, 2011
8:52 am
Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theater Company. Fantastic.
DCS
March 22nd, 2011
9:36 am
Actor’s Express, hands down. I’ve been going to live theater in Atlanta for over 30 years (including season subscriptions to the Alliance for 10) and Actor’s Express is by far the most innovative, challenging and entertaining of them all. They’re in trouble in need our help right now. It would be a huge loss to the Atlanta community if we lose them.
sr citizen dawg
March 22nd, 2011
10:34 am
Best local theatre group: The Henry Players.
Marietta Fan
March 22nd, 2011
10:46 am
Atlanta Lyric Theatre has the best local talent by far!
Bob Dotson
March 22nd, 2011
11:42 am
There is NO QUESTION ABOUT IT!!!
It’s THE HENRY PLAYERS!!
If you want proof, go see THE PRODUCERS on March 31, April 1,2 and 3 @ the Henry County Schools Performing Arts Center. YOU WILL BE AMAZED!
Tickets are available @ http://www.henryplayers.com
Concertgoer
March 22nd, 2011
1:20 pm
Horizon?
Dad’s Garage?
Seven Stages?
Push Push?
Theatre in the Square?
You guys should have broken this into two contests – best live theatre ITP and best live theatre OTP. There are too many good ones to choose from.
TheatreGirl
March 22nd, 2011
1:51 pm
Actor’s Express – hands down! The Alliance does great shows but uses little to no local talents – so I feel it barely counts as an “Atlanta” theatre
Katie
March 22nd, 2011
2:01 pm
Atlanta has so much great theater opportunities! Atlanta Lyric continually offers exceptional quality musical theater productions at the Strand in Marietta. As Atlanta’s only professional musical theater company, Atlanta Lyric cannot be beat!
Nicholas
March 22nd, 2011
7:08 pm
For best live theatre exhibiting Atlanta’s own theatrical talent, my vote goes to the always-engaging button-pushers at Actor’s Express. The future existence of theatre relies upon one thing: Relevance. Is theatre asking the important questions? Ask yourself: Did the last show you saw make you think about your own relation to the world? If not, try the Express. They get it right.
Gordon Carter
March 22nd, 2011
7:11 pm
Actor’s Express if by far the best theater in Atlanta.
Stage Light Center Right
March 23rd, 2011
1:25 am
The Henry Players do it right every single time. Some of the best performers and performances in Georgia. And they are ALL volunteer and All Local!!!
Maya
March 23rd, 2011
1:30 am
Theatrical Outfit
JH
March 23rd, 2011
7:12 am
The Henry Players
A Theatre Director
March 23rd, 2011
7:22 am
I have seen a lot of great theatre in the area! I have to say for professional – easily The Shakespeare Tavern is the best.
For community theatre that you would swear was professional – hands down it goes to The Henry Players.
Rebecca
March 23rd, 2011
7:23 am
The Henry Players
MomofOne
March 23rd, 2011
7:27 am
The Henry Players will knock your socks off…affordable & beyond belief great theatre! They just turned 20…so they have been around for a while. And, they continue to show as a favorite amongst the MetroAtlanta Theare Awards scene.
Debbie W
March 23rd, 2011
8:32 am
You can’t beat the Henry Players productions of Les Miserables and Sweeney Todd– I am so looking forward to The Producers hitting the stage soon!
Mary Ellen
March 23rd, 2011
8:34 am
The Henry Players- a wonderful community theatre both onstage and off. They’re the best-kept secret on the southside and less than ten minutes from I -75. Come see The Producers and it will make a believer out of you!
Lisa
March 23rd, 2011
8:46 am
The Henry Players have been putting on wonderful shows for years.
Teresa M.
March 23rd, 2011
8:47 am
I have been amazed at the talent and the productions of The Henry Players. Everyone is a volunteer and there is more talent in this one area that blows my mind. I have not seen a show yet that could not be performed at the Fox!! That is how great the productions are and you should come check them out!!! Henry Performing Arts Center in McDonough, Ga. and you can check out their website for information. http://www.henryplayers.com
KK
March 23rd, 2011
8:55 am
Actor’s Express and Horizon
Jeremy
March 23rd, 2011
9:25 am
THE HENRY PLAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Randy
March 23rd, 2011
9:26 am
Despite not having a theater of their own THE HENRY PLAYERS consistently provide EXCELLENT live theater for the residents of Atlanta’s south side. Based in McDonough, The Henry Players put on five shows per year. The next two include “The Producers,” (March 31 – April 3) and “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.” (June 23 – June 26) If you’re looking for high-caliber, live and local entertainment, a night with this group of thespians is always a rewarding experience! Tickets, pricing, and additional information about this troupe can be found @ http://henryplayers.com/
Emily
March 23rd, 2011
9:28 am
I think one of the most unrecognized great theatre companies in the metro area is the Henry Players! Located in McDonough, these players are made up of a diverse group of people. While many companies in Atlanta put on great shows, I would expect them too. That’s what they get paid to do. The Players all do their shows out of a love for the arts and the community, and yet still produce some of the highest quality work I have seen in the whole of metro-Atlanta. They all hold regular jobs, and come together each night to build sets, learn choreography and lines, make costumes, do promotional events, give out arts scholarships, and put on a show. They put on up to 6 shows a season, how crazy is that! And every member of that team is a volunteer! Supporting the arts and art education starts in your own community. Support the Henry Players!
http://www.henryplayers.com
Dexter
March 23rd, 2011
9:33 am
THE HENRY PLAYERS hands down. So much diversity, so much talent! Everyone is a diamond in the rough. Every show is broadway worthy. Atlanta’s hot and it’s even HOTTER on the Southside!
kcm
March 23rd, 2011
10:21 am
The Henry Players puts on amazing shows with broadway theater sets and talent. It is great to have a local theater that cares about putting on fantastic shows and brings there audiences and broadway style show on a low budget price. You get more than you pay for when you see one of The Henry Players shows!!! Come and check out The Henry Players in the next show The Producers running from March 31 – April 3 you will not be disapointed!!
Robin LaGrow
March 23rd, 2011
10:34 am
I love Henry Players! Not only are the shows affordable, they are immensely entertaining! If I forget where I am, it’s as if I’m sitting in a true Broadway Shoe! The costumes, the characters, the talent…all amazing! (I am especially partial to Keith Mitcham, who I have seen in many shows!) Keep up the good work – Henry Players are amazing!!
Jmw
March 23rd, 2011
10:43 am
I would have to agree with many of the folks above. I have seen many other theaters perform and hands down the Henry Players bring a professional, high quality performance to the stage. Worth the trip to McDonough to experience this group.
Amanda
March 23rd, 2011
11:39 am
Best kept secret of the south is the Henry Players!! Their next show is “The Producers” March 31 – April 3..
Renee
March 23rd, 2011
11:40 am
The Henry Players are a dedicated and very talented group of performers! Their next show is The Producers, and I can’t wait to see this fun show brought to the stage!
Denise
March 23rd, 2011
12:14 pm
The Henry Players are by far the best community theater around and the great thing is it is all volunteer and NO one is paid!! If you need proof just come out and see The Producers Mar. 31-Apr 3 at the Henry County Performing Arts Center! The dedication and talent is phenomenal!! You will be amazed!!!
Kim Decker
March 23rd, 2011
12:28 pm
THE HENRY PLAYERS is without a doubt the most amazing community theatre group in the state. Their talent pool is unbelievable. Their sets are out of this world. Their productions are better than many professional productions I’ve seen. You will not regret going to see them on stage.
If you want proof, go see THE PRODUCERS on March 31, April 1,2 and 3 @ the Henry County Schools Performing Arts Center. YOU WILL BE AMAZED!
Tickets are available @ http://www.henryplayers.com
William
March 23rd, 2011
1:09 pm
THE HENRY PLAYERS! SIMPLY THE BEST COMMUNITY THEATRE AND HAS BEEN FOR YEARS! JUST BEEN IGNORED BY THE ATLANTA MEDIA!
Philip Trossarello
March 23rd, 2011
2:24 pm
Henry county players, bar none, HENRY COUNTY PLAYERS!!!!
ClareM
March 23rd, 2011
3:46 pm
An absolute jewel on the southside! I came all the way from Marietta to see the Henry Player’s production of Sweeny Todd and Jesus Chris Superstar and I was absolutely blown away. Incredible talent and production. I will definitely be headed to their version of The Producers! I heard they were close to selling out. Is this true?
FlygirlKC
March 23rd, 2011
4:06 pm
THE HENRY PLAYERS! The shows that The Henry Players put on are amazing! Just saw “To Kill a Mockingbird” and can not wait to see “The Producers”!! It is a beautiful theater. The casts are always top notch. Some of the performers I have also seen at other theaters in Marietta and around Atlanta. I am a bid theater / play buff and I love going to see shows. Shows I have seen by The Henry Players are so good they remind me of shows I have seen at the Fox!! So excited about The Producers!!! Check is out … http://www.henryplayers.com
Danny
March 23rd, 2011
4:26 pm
The HENRY PLAYERS hands down! The best shows, cast, directors, choreography, costumes, you name it! The Henry Players put on a variety of shows ranging from Les Miserables to Papa’s Angels to Sweeney Todd! If you haven’t had a chance to witness it for yourself then i suggest that you take the time to see their shows!!! The next show is The Producers, which will be performed at the Henry County Performing Arts Center March 31st – April 3rd.
Ren
March 23rd, 2011
5:03 pm
The Henry Players! Real Broadway quality…they’re not afraid to go big and they always deliver.
See for yourself….The Producers is showing on March 31, April 1, 2, 3 at the Henry County Performing Arts Center.
LM
March 23rd, 2011
5:04 pm
I’ve always been impressed with the HENRY PLAYERS.
Brittney
March 23rd, 2011
5:38 pm
The Henry Players!!! Best theatre in Atlanta.
Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Yonsen Tallen Hallen Svaden Svanson
March 23rd, 2011
6:52 pm
The Henry Players ia absolutely the best theatre group in Atlanta. Come out and see The Producers March 31 and April 1,2,3. Ticket Information at http://www.henryplayers.com .
Cheryl Beckham
March 23rd, 2011
7:31 pm
Try the Atlanta Lyric Theatre at the Strand on the Square in Marietta. They have the most wonderful musicals. Its hard to believe that most of the talent is local because it is so professional. Just delightful!!!
Mom
March 23rd, 2011
8:47 pm
Best Community Theatre: Henry Players
Best Professional Theatre: Lyric, Actor’s Express
Steve
March 23rd, 2011
10:24 pm
The Henry Players Community Theatre is in my opinion one of the best. Come on down to McDonough to see The Producers – four shows – opening night is March 31. http://www.henryplayers.com
Ellen
March 24th, 2011
9:10 am
Have had season tickets to Henry Players for several years and they are great. Thank you for all you do to have good entertainment for the Southern Crescent.
Sophia
March 24th, 2011
11:20 am
I have performed in live theatre for over 6 years and with various companies. THE HENRY PLAYERS is by far the best theatre troupe. Their productions rival that of any professional company. They are passionate, talented, dedicated and professional. Their shows are more than affordable and their venue is an easy drive for all of metro Atlanta. Go see a show, you won’t be disappointed. http://www.henryplayers.com
Ben
March 24th, 2011
2:22 pm
The Henry Players were established in 1991 when a small group of community theatre buffs realized their dream of forming a thriving community theatre close to home. The Players’ first production, Hello Dolly was performed in the spring of 1992. It was a huge success.
At the 4th Annual – 2010 Metropolitan AtlantaTheater Awards (MAT)The Henry Players took home awards in the following categories:
Best Overall Performance – Sweeney Todd
Leading Actress – Sarah Anne Pummer “Mrs. Lovett” – Sweeney Todd
Minor Supporting Actor – Jacob McKee “Tobias” – Sweeney Todd
Minor Supporting Actress – Kathryn Durham “Beggar Woman” – Sweeney Todd
Youth Award – Abbey Middlebrook “Little Mary” – The Women
Set Design – Rebecca Dingbaum Sweeney Todd
Lighting Design – Rebecca Dingbaum Sweeney Todd
This is closest you will come to professional theatre in metro Atlanta. It’s well worth the bargain ticket prices and a short drive from downtown. You will not be disappointed. Amazing cast, amazing crew, fabulous sets and top notch producers and directors.
http://www.henryplayers.com
RD
March 25th, 2011
6:17 am
The Henry Players
T&B
March 25th, 2011
6:19 am
Professional – Shakespeare Tavern
Non-Professional – The Henry Players in McDonough…seriously do some great work
Philip Trossarello
March 25th, 2011
7:35 am
Henry players, best in all th land, they ride amongst kings on mighty steeds, Henry players!!!
iago
March 25th, 2011
8:27 am
When I think about local theaters the only one that comes to mind are the Henry Players in Mcdonough. What they put on the stage – with tiny budget- is absolutely invigorating. Can’t wait for opening night of their next show….
Kat
March 25th, 2011
10:07 am
The Henry Players is definitely one of the most unrecognized theatre groups in metro Atlanta. Their productions are phenomenal in every aspect: the sets, the costumes, the choreography, and especially the talent. What makes the Henry Players even more amazing is that although the productions are of professional quality, the entire cast and crew are comprised of volunteers. Their last production, To Kill a Mockingbird, was superb and I’m sure their upcoming performance of Mel Brooks’ The Producers will be no different!
Stephen
March 25th, 2011
10:22 am
Definitely the Henry Players!!!!
Terry B Gardner
March 25th, 2011
11:12 am
The Henry Players is one of the best theater groups I have ever seen. When that rigged barber chair actually worked and slid the victims down below in Sweeney Todd, I was amazed and delighted. Exactly what live theater should do. I have payed way more for way less on Broadway.
karen L.
March 25th, 2011
5:16 pm
Henry County Players!! great venue great shows!
atheresa
March 25th, 2011
5:49 pm
The Shakespeare Tavern is awesome. I never knew I liked Shakespeare and now I love it. The actors are incredible and the shows are always great.
Mr. Obvious
March 26th, 2011
9:50 am
Wow.
What a large number of Henry Players cast members posting on this blog.
Mikefalcon63
March 26th, 2011
11:02 am
All the above are great theaters, however, look no further than Dad’s Garage in Inman Park, for the best in Atlanta. All plays are original and extremely funny. As a bonus, they even let you have buckets of beer during performances.
Too Far
March 26th, 2011
12:18 pm
Henry Players need to relocate to some place more relevant, like in or near the city. Haven’t you heard, gas prices are above $3.30.
Thespian 3
March 26th, 2011
1:07 pm
There’s nothing like the Fox. However, the parking, fees, and location have become unbearable! Cobb Energy Centre is a nice place. Great location, intimate seating, and above all, low parking fees!
Debbi
March 26th, 2011
1:52 pm
The Gypsy Theatre Company. They perform at The Cumming Playhouse – but, beware, not all shows at this playhouse are Gypsy productions. Gypsy is beyond a “community” theater company. All productions are professional, with attention to the even smallest detail. Recently Gypsy prodauced The Graduate and Dearly Beloved. Currently, they are in rehearsal for M*A*S*H, and coming this fall, be sure to catch The Miracle Worker.
Enough Already
March 26th, 2011
2:01 pm
The Henry Players INVENTED Theatre!!!!!!! Shakespeare called them “the greatest, most ginormously talented group of suburban thespians ever assembled” and only wished he could have lived to see them perform the four hundredth local production of “The Producers”!!!!!!!!!!! They have won Oscars and Tonys for their INCREDIBLE acting abilities, which are only surpassed by their use of social media to ask everyone who has ever heard of them to come to this site to sing their praises!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeesh. Fine. You win the award for most responses.
As for me, I split my vote for three really challenging (and, unfortunately, financially challenged) troupes: Actor’s Express, Theatrical Outfit and True Colors.
Jayanticris
March 26th, 2011
3:04 pm
The best I’ve seen since I’ve been here, and I have seen a lot of shows from Macon to Gainesville, GA and for some freaking awesome talent and directed shows, The Gypsy Company’s productions is the one you need to see! Truly awesome, good, genuine, true to character talent!!!! Whether you want to venture out of Atlanta or stay away from Atlanta and close to home, Go to Cumming, Georgia where it’s at!!! Their next production I hear is “M.A.S.H.”. Talk about some hot guys in uniforms!!!! Sweet!!!
Robert
March 26th, 2011
6:33 pm
Always a classy, fun,and enjoyable performance-The Henry Players of course. Never saw a performance of theirs that wasn’t totally awesome.
Bluetail
March 26th, 2011
8:43 pm
I’ve got to say that when it comes to live theater, nothing beats the Gypsy Theatre Company. everything from the sets to the actors always creates a genuinely incredible show.
Geege
March 27th, 2011
11:32 pm
Looks like the Henry Players are stuffing the ballot box. I’ve been fortunate to see shows at many theaters in Atlanta so my vote(s) goes to Actor’s Express, Theatre in the Square and Horizon Theatre. Synchronicity does a good job as well.