TWELFTH NIGHT: The Classic City Shakespeare Co. will present its first production in the Arcadia Garden at Town & Gown Players with one of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies. However, before the show is a free festival in celebration of this inaugural event with lawn games, face painting and photo opportunities. The Athens Fencing Club will be in attendance, along with local artists. The fun begins at 2 p.m., and will take place up until showtime. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, as only lawn seating will be available. This new organization seeks to bring Shakespeare’s works to life and make them accessible to everyone. Aug. 27, 6 p.m. FREE! classiccityshakespeare.org
CLUE: In a classic case of “whodunnit?,” a production of Clue, based on the classic board game, will be brought to life at Elbert Theatre. The cast of color-coordinated characters is invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host, who then blackmails everyone into either paying their extortionist double or killing the innocent butler. This slapstick evening full of murder, mystery and laughs is rated PG. Sept. 9–10, 16–17 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 11, 18 at 2 p.m. $11 (adv.), $16. tking@cityofelberton.net
SISTER ACT: Not everyone would describe their experience with nuns as a “feel-good musical comedy,” but this play based on the 1992 film will leave the audience feeling inspired and moved by the power of friendship. Featuring powerful gospel music and outrageous dance numbers, this musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Take in the experience at Town & Gown Players. Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 6–8 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 2, 9 at 2 p.m. $20. townandgownplayers.org
TORCH SONG: Set in the 1970s, this play follows Arnold Beckoff on an odyssey to find happiness in New York. Seeking love as a queer, Jewish drag queen, our hero gets caught up in finding themself through relationships with other people. This production takes place in the Cellar Theatre of the Fine Arts Building as part of the UGA Theatre’s season of events exploring identity. Torch Song kicks off the series diving into how we define ourselves in relation to partners, families, mistakes and jobs. Sept. 29–Oct. 1, 5–7 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 2, 9 at 2:30 p.m. $12, $8 for students. ugatheatre.com
TOOTSIE: The Classic Center will be opening its 25th Anniversary Broadway Entertainment Series with the musical comedy Tootsie. It tells the story of talented but difficult actor Michael Dorsey whose last-straw, show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. The audience can expect a nationally touring play packed with punchlines that also boasts a Tony Award-winning book and musical score. Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. classiccenter.com
ANASTASIA: After the Classic Center’s humorous Broadway production, the dazzling and gorgeous Anastasia will take the stage, inspired by the well known animated films. The audience will be whisked away from the Russian Empire to the euphoria of 1920s Paris, following a young woman on a journey to discover her mysterious past. The epic adventure explores home, love and family through a familiar story made larger than life with breathtaking sets and costumes. Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. classiccenter.com
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: In this Shakespearean play, the comedic trope of twins separated at birth goes awry in a “double double toil and trouble” situation—there are TWO sets of identical twins separated at birth searching for their lost siblings. Mayhem and misunderstanding ensue, with plenty of puns and slapstick comedy to keep the audience laughing. Travel in time to the Greek city of Ephesus to explore family loyalties, persistence and identity. Nov. 10–12, 16–19 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. $16, $12 for students. ugatheatre.com
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