Tootse: FOX Theatre Atlanta January 2022

FOX THEATRE

JANUARY 2022

encoreatlanta.com

JA N UA RY

2 0 2 2

C U R TA I N

C A L L

Featuring A New Tootsie.

S H OW

5

I N FO R M AT I O N

Production Notes. .

W H AT ’ S Overview.

. . . . . . . . . . .

|3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

N E X T

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28

D E PA R T M E N T S Etiquette.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

34

For Your Information. .

Friends of the Fox. Fox Fun Facts.

30

Drew Becker tells how he fills some big high-heels as star of the national tour of Tootsie.

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encoreatlanta.com

|5

The cast of the National Tour of Tootsie. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

A NEW TOOTSIE FOR A NEW TOUR Drew Becker on His Journey From Seeing Tootsie on Broadway to Leading the National Tour STORY BY

Sally Henry Fuller

W

hen performance venues closed abruptly in 2020, Drew Becker faced the challenge many actors faced as the cruise he was currently performing on had to take an extended intermission.

But he wasn’t idle for long.

“I was in the ensemble and covering the lead in a musical called We Will Rock You on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and then the pandemic hit,” Becker recalled. He went right to work submitting audition self-tapes to line up a gig for whenever theatre might resume. “When I saw that [the Tootsie tour was]

6 | encore looking for people and that they were accepting submissions, I was like, ‘Well, why not? You know, it sounds like it would be a fun thing to do after [theatres reopen]!’”

Over the next year, he kept being called back to audition for Tootsie the 2018 musical based on the popular 1982 movie comedy about a struggling actor who disguises himself as a woman to get more work. “It was intense — but I’ll tell you what: It gave me a lot to do over the course of the pandemic, you know? The further we got into the process, the more excited I got!”

After being cast, in the cross-dressing leading role of Michael Dorsey/ Dorothy Michaels, played in the film by Dustin Hoffman and on Broadway by Santino Fontana, he found out the experience would be much more handson than he had expected, with the creative team coming in to update the piece.

“We’ve had a lot of rewrites that we did in the room rehearsing for the national tour version,” he said. “Nine times out of ten with these types of things, the show that goes out on tour is the show that happened on Broadway, but we also are dealing with some sensitive subject matter.

And there are things that we want to be aware of with having a man in a dress be at the center of the story. So we’ve worked with GLAAD, a trans organization, on how to be sensitive to those topics. And I think that that’s incredible of the writers, wanting to continue to listen and to continue to adapt our story to keep up with the current social climate that we’re in today.”

The biggest blessing Becker said that throughout the experience the creative team also consistently collaborated with the actors to form the new version together to fit not only this time and place, but the new actors, too.

“I’m so lucky because the creative team has really allowed me to come into rehearsal and really make this my own,” Becker said. “What was so nice was that none of the creatives would even talk about what they did before. It was all picking our brains about moments within the scenes, about certain pieces of dialogue that we had.”

The team in the rehearsal room included tour director Dave Solomon, TonyAward-winning writer Robert Horn and choreographer Dennis Jones, with songwriter David Yazbek sending in newly revised music remotely.

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

8 | encore

The cast of the National Tour of Tootsie. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

“We were getting new pages all the time! [The creative team], myself, and Ashley Alexandra [who plays Julie] have talked so many times about the end of our show,” Becker explained. “And we’ve changed it so many times too, to find what the period is on the end of the story. And how do we do that with us? What is the period on this story with Drew and Ashley playing these characters instead of [Broadway leads] Santino [Fontana] and Lilli [Cooper] playing these characters?”

The team’s collaborative posture really capped off this experience in Becker’s mind. “That’s just been the biggest blessing, having a creative team that supports your ideas and has been nothing but 100 percent open to hearing everything that we have to say,” he said. “I’ve been having the absolute time of my life.”

Landing a lead in a major national tour is a coup for any actor, but even moreso right now for Becker, who shared that this is only his second professional role ever. His first was the aforementioned ensemble track on the cruise.

“It’s kind of crazy, I know!” he gushed. “This is a dream come true for me.

I’m with a company of creatives and actors who are just the best kind of

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encoreatlanta.com

|9

10 | encore people to be around, and we get to do this incredible show, making people laugh all across the country after what has probably been a couple of darkish years with the pandemic and everything.”

Spreading laughter To Becker, Tootsie is uniquely special in and of itself because it is a comedy. “I feel incredibly fortunate that that is the type of show that we get to be a part of! I feel like there are very few musical comedies that are out on the road right now, traveling the country. And we are very lucky to be one of the few that get to spread laughter everywhere.”

Drew Becker as Michael Dorsey in the National Tour of Tootsie.

Ultimately, he said he believes the laughter makes this a unifying musical that can not only be enjoyed by all kinds of people, but it can bring us together too.

“One thing that’s cool with our show is no matter what your background is, no matter your politics, your perspective on life, we can all gather into a theatre and all laugh at the same joke and be united in that way. And I think that that’s really something special that we have going on with our story.”

Sally Henry Fuller is a theatre nerd, performing arts journalist, and podcaster in Atlanta. You can find more of her work on EncoreAtlanta.com and find her in a local coffee shop.

The cast of the National Tour of Tootsie. Photo

by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT LLC ALDEN BADWAY JOHNSTON

TERRY COOK

LARRY J. KROLL

Music and Lyrics by

STELLA LARUE

VASI LAURENCE

LAWRENCE TOPPALL

2 J’S AND AN A, INC.

Book by

DAVID YAZBEK ROBERT HORN Based on the story by DON McGUIRE and LARRY GELBART and the COLUMBIA PICTURES motion picture produced

by PUNCH PRODUCTIONS and starring DUSTIN HOFFMAN DREW BECKER ASHLEY ALEXANDRA PAYTON REILLY LUKAS JAMES MILLER JARED DAVID MICHAEL GRANT KATHY HALENDA STEVE BRUSTIEN ADAM DU PLESSIS LEYLA ALI

CONNOR ALLSTON DARIUS AUSHAY LEXI BALDACHINO MICHAEL BINGHAM KYRA CHRISTOPHER DELANEY GOLD MAVERICK HIU DOMINIQUE KEMPF ASHTON LAMBERT MARQUEZ LINDER LUCY PANUSH ALEC RUIZ STEFANIE RENEE SALYERS

14 | encore CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE) Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels.............................................................DREW BECKER Julie Nichols..........................................................................................ASHLEY ALEXANDRA Sandy Lester......................................................................................................PAYTON REILLY Max Van Horn......................................................................................LUKAS JAMES MILLER Jeff Slater.........................................................................JARED DAVID MICHAEL GRANTRita Marshall.................................................................................................KATHY HALENDA Stan Fields......................................................................................................STEVE BRUSTIEN Ron Carlisle ...............................................................................................ADAM DU PLESSISCarl..................................................................................................................................ALEC RUIZ Stuart...........................................................................................................CONNOR ALLSTON Suzie............................................................................................................DOMINIQUE KEMPF Gone Female Trio.......................LEYLA ALI, DELANEY GOLD, DOMINIQUE KEMPF Ensemble.......................................LEYLA ALI, CONNOR ALLSTON, DARIUS AUSHAY, MICHAEL BINGHAM, KYRA CHRISTOPHER, DELANEY GOLD, MAVERICK HIU, DOMINIQUE KEMPF, MARQUEZ LINDER, LUCY PANUSH, ALEC RUIZ, STEFANIE RENEE SALYERS SETTING NEW YORK. PRESENT DAY. UNDERSTUDIES Understudies never substitute for listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the appearance.

For Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels— CONNOR ALLSTON, ALEC RUIZ for Julie Nichols — LEYLA ALI, DOMINIQUE KEMPF for Sandy Lester — DELANEY GOLD, LUCY PANUSH for Max Van Horn — MAVERICK HIU, MARQUEZ LINDER for Jeff Slater — MARQUEZ LINDER, ALEC RUIZ for Stan Fields/Ron Carlisle — MICHAEL BINGHAM, ALEC RUIZ for Rita Marshall— KYRA CHRISTOPHER, LUCY PANUSH SWINGS LEXI BALDACHINO, ASHTON LAMBERT DANCE CAPTAIN LEXI BALDACHINO ASSISTANT DANCE CAPTAIN ASHTON LAMBERT

THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION.

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encoreatlanta.com

| 15

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I “Overture”.......................................................................................................................Orchestra “Opening Number”.....................................................................................Ensemble, Michael “Whaddya Do”....................................................................................................................Michael “What’s Gonna Happen”...................................................................................................Sandy “Whaddya Do” (Reprise)...............................................................................................Michael “I Won’t Let You Down”.................................................................................................Dorothy “I’m Alive” ...................................................................Julie, Ron, Max, Dorothy, Ensemble “There Was John”................................................................................................Julie, Dorothy “I Like What She’s Doing”..................................................Rita, Julie, Stuart, Suzie, Ron, Max, Dorothy, Ensemble “Who Are You?” ...................................................................................................Michael, Julie “What’s Gonna Happen” (Reprise)...............................................................................Sandy “Unstoppable”.......................................................................... Michael/Dorothy, Ensemble ACT II “Entr’acte”.......................................................................................................................Orchestra “Jeff Sums It Up”.....................................................................................................Jeff, Michael “Gone, Gone, Gone”.....................................................................................Julie, Female Trio “Who Are You?” (Reprise) ................................................................................................Julie “This Thing” ..............................................................................................................................Max “Whaddya Do” (Reprise).....................................................................................Jeff, Michael “The Most Important Night Of My Life”.............................................Max, Suzie, Stuart, Rita, Ron, Ensemble “Talk To Me Dorothy”......................................................................................................Michael “Arrivederci!”.........................................................................Dorothy, Julie, Max, Ensemble “What’s Gonna Happen” (Reprise)...............................................................................Sandy “Thank You” (“Talk To Me Dorothy” Reprise) ........................................................Michael ORCHESTRA Conductor, Keyboard 2: Andrew David Sotomayor Associate Conductor, Keyboard 1: Josh Ceballos Drums, Percussion— Taurus Lovely; Bass— Bobby Brennan; Guitar— Gabriel Wareing; Reed 1— Curtis Holtgrefe; Reed 2— Dave Stambaugh; Trumpet 1, Flugelhorn— Steve Hawk; Trumpet 2— Yael Cohen; Trombone— Megan O’Malley; Band Tech— Josh Ceballos.

Music Supervisor: Dean Sharenow Supervising Music Director: Andrea Grody Music Coordinator: Talitha Fehr Electronic Music Design: Billy Jay Stein and Hiro Iida for Strange Cranium Productions, Inc.

16 | encore

OLD AD FROM LAST ISSUE

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encoreatlanta.com

DREW BECKER (Michael Dorsey/ Dorothy Michaels) is thrilled be a part of the 1st National Tour of Tootsie alongside such a fantastic cast and creative team. He thanks his family, friends, and management for their endless love and support. BFA: Shenandoah Conservatory. Social Media: @drewbecker Enjoy the show!”

ASHLEY ALEXANDRA (Julie Nichols) is so grateful for this opportunity to see the country and do what she loves. Thanks to her parents, Troy, and Craig for their continued support. Credits: Into The Woods (Florinda); Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal); Celebrity Cruises; touring with singer/songwriter Tara Vaughn.”

PAYTON REILLY (Sandy Lester).

Off Broadway:Wild Women of Planet Wongo. Regional: Kinky Boots; Mamma Mia! The Great American Trailer Park Musical; Grease; Cabaret.

Many thanks to the cast and crew, Dave Secor, Binder Casting, Troika, her family and fiancé Matt for their constant love and support! paytonreilly.com LUKAS JAMES MILLER (Max Van Horn). National Tour: Cinderella (Prince Topher). Regional: Girlfriend at Signature Theatre; The Little Mermaid at The Arrow Rock Lyceum; Freaky Friday and Mamma Mia! at Virginia Musical Theatre; 1776 and The Addams Family at Cortland Repertory Theatre. James Madison University ‘17. Thanks to my Fianceé, Jillian.

JARED DAVID MICHAEL GRANT (Jeff Slater) attended Columbia College Chicago 2012 Musical Theatre Major. He has performed all over Chicago with various theatre companies. He was last seen on the

| 17

4th Season of “The Chi” on Showtime as Man Man. KATHY HALENDA (Rita Marshall).

Eighteen National Tours including Rose in Gypsy; Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, Mae West in Ziegfeld; Ms. Lynch in Grease; Norwegian Cruise Lines [Havana]; Ringmaster of Big Apple Circus; National Anthem at Madison Square Garden and hundreds of roles in Regional Theatre.

STEVE BRUSTIEN (Stan Fields) is a Long Island guy, who loves to laugh, and make others do the same. Previous credits include: The Producers (Franz Liebkind); The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho); Young Frankenstein (Monster); Don’t Drink The Water (Walter Hollander).

SteveBru.com ADAM DU PLESSIS (Ron Carlisle).

Originally from South Africa. Adam’s credits include Macbeth; Phantom of the Opera; Annie; Kinky Boots (Troika); Jesus Christ Superstar; The Last 5 Years; Fiddler on the Roof; Beauty and the Beast; Cats; Rock of Ages; Boys in the Photograph.

LEYLA ALI (Ensemble). Originally from Melbourne, Australia. Leyla has performed in Japan, Singapore, and on the high seas. Since relocating to New York, her first U.S. national tour was R&H’s Cinderella. Leyla is thrilled to return to the stage with Tootsie and tour more of this beautiful country! IG: @leyla_likes2move CONNOR ALLSTON (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his return to live theatre in Tootsie! National tour: Charlie Price in Kinky Boots (dir. DB Bonds); Regional: Clifford Bradshaw in Cabaret (JET). Special thanks to Troika Ent., the Tootsie team, Marissa, Mom and Dad.

TRANSCEND THE EVERYDAY

OLD AD FROM LAST ISSUE

with GPB’s new classical music station streaming 24/7 at

gpb.org/classical

Now Available on Alexa Just say, “Alexa, open GPB Classical.”

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encoreatlanta.com

| 19

DARIUS AUSHAY (Ensemble) is a Nashville native now based in New York. National Tour: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Regional: The African Company Presents: Richard III (Titan Theatre); Charlotte’s Web (NCT). BFA: Millikin University ’18.

Darius is proudly represented by Kreativ Artists and Vamos Talento.

IG: darius.aushay

MAVERICK HIU (Ensemble). How many auditions does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie stage?

Other credits include: National Tours: An American in Paris (Ensemble/ Jerry Mulligan u/s). Regional: Mamma Mia! (Eddie); Chicago (Fred Casely/Ensemble); Newsies (Finch); Saturday Night Fever (Ensemble).

LEXI BALDACHINO (Dance Captain, Swing) is thrilled to be touring with this amazing company! Regional credits: Cassie in A Chorus Line; Alex Owens in Flashdance; Holly in The Wedding Singer. Huge thanks to her team at BWA and to everyone that has supported her on her journey!

IG: @lexichino

DOMINIQUE KEMPF (Ensemble) is from Buffalo and a SUNY Fredonia alumni. Recent credits include: Ragtime (Sarah *Artie Award Winner); West Side Story (Maria); Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette); First Date (Alison/Lauren/Ens.).

Dominique would like to thank her friends, family, and God for her continued success.

MICHAEL BINGHAM (Ensemble).

Grateful to be back! National Tour: Bandstand (Swing, u/s Nick, Wayne, Davy). Regional: Shakespeare Theater Company; Fulton Theater; Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival; Central Piedmont; GLOW Lyric; Dollywood; Smoky Mountain Opry.

Originally from Hawaii! BFA Elon University IG: @bingbongbingham KYRA CHRISTOPHER (Ensemble) is giddy to return to theatre! Credits: Cabaret National Tour (Frenchie/ Alto Sax); A Chorus Line (Cape Playhouse). Kyra also runs her own Barre Fitness company. BFA: CCM. Endless thanks to CTG, Mom and Dad. kyrachristopher.com @killed.by.kiki DELANEY GOLD (Ensemble).

Credits include: Newsies, Hairspray, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 7 Brides...

Brothers (Music Theatre Wichita), Evita; Grease, Spamalot (Studio Tenn), West Side Story (AD Players).

Delaney dedicates this performance to her father, Kent Gold, who always encouraged her to pursue her dreams! Isaiah 40:31.

Website: delaneygold.com.

Instagram: @laneygold7

ASHTON LAMBERT (Asst. Dance Captain, Swing). Touring Debut!

Otterbein University BFA MT and Dance (2022). UFOMT: WSS (Baby John); Newsies (Henry). Reagle MT: A Chorus Line (Mike). TUTS: Camelot (Tom). Love to Dad, Mom, and Duncan for supporting my dreams. www.ashtonlambert.com Insta: @ashtolambo MARQUEZ LINDER (Ensemble) is overjoyed to be performing in his first national tour. His past credits include performing for Carnival Cruise Lines, Benny in In the Heights, Enjolras in Les Misérables. He thanks his family and friends for their continued support.

LUCY PANUSH (Ensemble) is so excited to be touring with Tootsie!

Originally from NYC, she graduated from Northwestern University in 2020 — virtually, no less! All the gratitude to her family, mentors, friends, and loved ones. For more Lucy, follow @lupaswebsite on Instagram.

20 | encore ALEC RUIZ (Ensemble) is excited to join Tootsie! Originally from Florida, Alec attended Florida State University, where he received his BA in Theatre. Regional: Mamma Mia! (Axelrod PAC). TV: “Modern Love” (Amazon). He dedicates this show to his Abuelito. alecruiz.com Instagram: @alecricardo95 STEFANIE RENEE SALYERS (Ensemble) National tour debut!

Credits: A Crossing (Barrington Stage); Dance Captain/Swing in On Your Feet!; Francisca in West Side Story; Cha-Cha/us Frenchy in Grease.

Thank you to my family and friends who have supported me through it all! @StefanieReneeSalyers DAVID YAZBEK (Music and Lyrics).

Broadway: The Band’s Visit; The Full Monty; Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; Women on the Verge... TV/film: “Late Night with David Letterman” (writer); “Boardwalk Empire” (score); “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” (theme); hundreds of other scripts, scores and songs.

Music: five solo albums. Upcoming: Dead Outlaw, a New Musical. 1 Tony Award, 5 Tony Noms, an Emmy, a Grammy, 4 Grammy noms, an Obie, 5 Drama Desk Awards and none of it helps his self-esteem. What is that about? He can fold contour sheets, at least that’s something.

ROBERT HORN (Book). Winner of the 2019 Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and New York Drama Critic’s Circle Awards for his work on Tootsie. Additional theatre credits include the books for 13 The Musical [soon to be an original movie for Netflix]; Moonshine: The Musical; Shucked; Lone Star Love; Dame Edna: Back With A Vengeance. He’s written, created or produced such series as “Designing Women;” “Living

Single;” “High Society;” “Partners.”

He has contributed to large scale events such as Bette Midler’s Divine Intervention tour; and has had production deals at Warner Brothers, Sony and ABC Studios. Films include Teen Beach Movie’s 1 & 2; Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure; Wildlife; Good Advice. Dedicated to my Mom, husband John, and twin sister Nancy, who I know is guiding my pen.

DAVE SOLOMON (Director) Broadway (as Associate Director): Tootsie; Side Show; Mystery of Edwin Drood; 9 to 5; Pal Joey; Sunday in the Park with George; The Ritz; Curtains.

Film/TV: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2017); Mr. Holmes; “Christmas Story Live!”. He will be directing the upcoming world premiere production of the new musical Pump Up The Volume at the Citadel Theater. Other directing credits include: The Dodgers; Marrying Meg; Ordinary Days. He wrote and directed the award-winning short film Photo Op, starring Randy Harrison, and his play, Margaret and Craig, was seen at NYStage&Film directed by Sheryl Kaller and starring Mario Cantone. Member of SDC. Graduate of Vassar College.

SCOTT ELLIS (Original Broadway Director). Broadway credits include his Tony-nominated direction of Tootsie; Kiss Me, Kate; She Loves Me; You Can’t Take It With You; On the 20th Century; Elephant Man; Edwin Drood; Harvey; Curtains; Twelve Angry Men; 1776; Company; Steel Pier; Month in the Country; Picnic.

Off-Broadway: Amy and the Orphans, Dada Woof Papa Hot, Streamers. TV: “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Divorce,” “Weeds,” “30 Rock” (Emmy nom.).

Nominated for nine Tony Awards.

Associate Artistic Director of Roundabout Theatre Company.

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

5 40

22 | encore DENIS JONES (Broadway Choreography). Broadway: Tootsie (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics nominations); Holiday Inn (Tony, Drama Critics, Outer Circle nominations); Honeymoon in Vegas.

Other recent credits: Eurydice (Metropolitan Opera); Chicago (The MUNY);A Chorus Line (Signature); Chasing Rainbows (Paper Mill Playhouse); Call Me Madam (City Center Encores!); How To Succeed (Kennedy Center); The Tempest (NY Shakespeare Festival); Flamingo Kid (Hartford Stage). denisjonesonline.com

SIMON HALE (Orchestrations).

Theatre: Girl From The North Country (West End/Broadway); Olivier/ Drama Desk nominations); Tootsie (Broadway; Tony nomination); Bedknobs & Broomsticks (UK Tour); Spring Awakening (Broadway/ West End); Women on the Verge…

(Broadway/West End; Drama Desk nomination); Get Up, Stand Up (West End). Film as orchestrator: Spectre — The Writing’s on the Wall. Recording as arranger/orchestrator: Björk, Jamiroquai, George Michael, Oasis, Simply Red and Sam Smith (Grammy nomination).

ANDREA GRODY (Supervising Music Director, Vocal & Incidental Arrangements). Broadway: The Band’s Visit; Tootsie. Upcoming: Suffs. Off-Broadway/regional: Assassins (Yale Rep); The Band’s Visit (Atlantic Theater Company); Public Works’ As You Like It; The Fortress of Solitude, The Great Immensity, Love’s Labour’s Lost and Venice (The Public Theater); Robin Hood as composer/MD and Unknown Soldier (Williamstown Theatre Festival). As writer/composer: Strange Faces. BA Princeton University, MA Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

DAVID ROCKWELL (Original Scenic Design for Broadway). Broadway: Tootsie; Kiss Me, Kate; Lobby Hero; She Loves Me (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Awards); On the Twentieth Century (Tony nomination); You Can’t Take It With You (Tony nomination); Kinky Boots (Tony nomination); Lucky Guy (Tony nomination); Hairspray (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations). Off-Broadway: The Seven Deadly Sins; Soundtrack of America; the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. Television: the 81st, 82nd, 93rd Oscars (2010 Emmy Award). Founder and president of Rockwell Group, an architecture and design firm.

DAVID CHASE (Dance Arrangements) 40 Broadway productions as dance arranger and/or music director/supervisor.

Upcoming: revivals of The Music Man; 1776; Beauty and the Beast.

Many arrangements/orchestrations for the Boston Pops; Kennedy Center Honors; Radio City; “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”; “Schmigadoon!”; “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” Choral works at Hal Leonard. Two Emmy® nominations for music direction for NBC Live! musicals, plus a Grammy® nomination.

CHRISTINE PETERS (Tour Scenic Design). Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tour; Tootsie Tour; 2012/ 2018 Elf Tour; 1st Date; Mickey & Minnie’s Doorway to Magic; Noel Tour. Broadway (associate designer): King Kong Alive on Broadway; Miss Saigon; 1984; Paramour; Les Misérables; Testament of Mary; Jekyll & Hyde; The Book of Mormon; Newsies The Musical; The Addams Family; Elf; Bonnie and Clyde; The House of Blue Leaves; Elling; Enron;

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encoreatlanta.com

Mary Stuart; The American Plan; Cyrano de Bergerac.

WILLIAM IVEY LONG (Costume Design). Mr. Long designs for opera, ballet, modern dance, theatre, television, and film. He has 76 Broadway credits and has been nominated for 17 Tony Awards, winning 6 times. He was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in January 2006. www.williamiveylong.com CHRISTOPHER VERGARA (Costume Coordinator).

Recent credits: Survivor’s Odyssey (White Snake); Bodas de Sangre (Phoenix); Once (VinWonders); bulljean stories; Unfuckwithable (Drama League); References to Salvador…

(Juilliard); Macbeth (Lewis Center); In the Heights (Orlando Shakes); Kidnap Road (La Mama); The Golem of Havana (Miami New Drama); Texas in Paris (York); La Traviata (Brevard); Harlequinade; Walpurgisnacht (Trockadero). Broadway associate credits include: Eclipsed, The Color Purple, and Once on This Island.

DONALD HOLDER (Lighting Design).

Broadway: Over 50 productions, 2 Tony awards (The Lion King; South Pacific) and 13 Tony noms. Recent projects include Kiss Me, Kate; My Fair Lady; Oslo; Anastasia; She Loves Me; Fiddler on the Roof; The King and I; The Bridges of Madison County; Golden Boy; Spider-Man; many others.

BRIAN RONAN (Sound Design).

Over 40 Broadway designs. He is the recipient of Obie, Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Olivier and Tony awards. Some recent shows: Mrs. Doubtfire; Kiss Me, Kate; The Prom; Springsteen on Broadway; Mean

| 23

Girls; Escape to Margaritaville; The Last Ship; Beautiful; The Book of Mormon; American Idiot; Next to Normal; Spring Awakening; Cabaret; Anything Goes.

PAUL HUNTLEY (Hair & Wig Design). London-born. Has worked hundreds of Broadway shows, most memorably the original productions of Cats, Evita, The Producers, Hairspray. A recipient of Drama Desk and Tony awards, he has also worked with the most legendary leading ladies of the cinema, including Bette Davis and Marlene Dietrich.

ANGELINA AVALLONE (Make-Up Design). Broadway: Diana; Company (Patti LuPone); War Paint; The Prince of Broadway; Cabaret; Disgraced; Big Fish; Cinderella; Nice Work...; Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; Chaplin; The Addams Family; Young Frankenstein; Dreamgirls; West Side Story; Memphis; Rock of Ages; Sweeney Todd; The Color Purple; A Little Night Music; Anything Goes; Company; Gypsy; The Little Mermaid.

BINDER CASTING (Casting) was founded by Jay Binder nearly 40 years ago and has been a part of RWS Entertainment Group since 2016. The office has cast 150+ Broadway, Off-Broadway, and National Touring productions, in addition to countless national and international projects spanning both stage and screen. Binder was featured prominently in the Broadway documentary, Every Little Step, and is a proud twelve-time recipient of the Artios Award for Excellence in Casting.

The office infuses its work with both a deep respect for our roots and a commitment to growth. www.bindercasting.com

24 | encore DEAN SHARENOW (Music Supervisor). Grammywinning record producer/engineer.

Broadway: Girl From the North Country; Tootsie; The Cher Show; The Band’s Visit; Amélie; The Last Ship; Women on the Verge… OffBroadway: Twelfth Night; The Total Bent; Fortress of Solitude (all Public Theater). Album producer/engineer: Girl From the North Country; Unknown Soldier; Tootsie; The Band’s Visit; The Great Comet…; Women on the Verge…, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson; Shaina Taub; David Sanborn; Stephen Lynch; David Yazbek.

TALITHA FEHR (Music Coordinator) has worked on over 70 national and international tours and productions.

Highlights include: Sister Act; Mamma Mia!; School of Rock; Come Fly Away; Love Never Dies; the Vancouver Olympic Ceremonies 2010. She dedicates her work on CATS to the memory of her mentor, Sam Lutfiyya.

ANDREW TERLIZZI (Company Manager) is currently in his ninth season with Troika Entertainment, having previously worked on the national tours of Escape to Margaritaville; Kinky Boots; Bodyguard the Musical; Cheers Live on Stage; The Wizard of Oz; Sister Act the Musical; Ghost: the Musical; Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Prior to joining TROIKA, he was Assistant Company Manager for the first National Tour of West Side Story.

He has also company managed for Williamstown Theatre Festival and The Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C. He holds a BFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

SUZAYN MACKENZIE-ROY (Production Stage Manager).

Favorite touring credits with Troika include Escape to Margaritaville (1st National); Annie (National and International); Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth; Fiddler on the Roof. Knathan and Sosuke– liily!

BRIANNA THOMPSON (Assistant Stage Manager and Assistant Company Manager) is a recent graduate of Loyola University of New Orleans and is a fresh face to Troika.

Her past credits include working as an Assistant Stage Manager for Mother Courage, and her Children at Southern Rep Theatre; The Three Musketeers at The NOLA Project.

ANDREW DAVID SOTOMAYOR (Music Director). Previous credits include the First National Tour of Escape to Margaritaville; the OffBroadway premiere of Curvy Widow; Some Enchanted Evening (Paper Mill Playhouse); West Side Story (Maltz Jupiter Theatre); among others.

He is a proud graduate of Stetson University, Florida, and loving husband to Bart. For more, visit Soto.fun.

BRIAN SCHRADER (General Manager) is beginning his tenth season with TROIKA Entertainment. GM Tour Credits: Tootsie; Cats; School of Rock; The Bodyguard; Escape to Margaritaville; Kinky Boots; The Color Purple; Annie.

Select Associate GM Credits: An American In Paris; 42nd Street; Annie (US, Jakarta, Singapore); Bring It On (US, Japan); Ghost; Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth; Priscilla; West Side Story; Catch Me If You Can. Graduate of Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Theatre Arts and Business Administration. Member of ATPAM.

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encoreatlanta.com

HEATHER CHOCKLEY (Production Management) joined the Troika team after having toured, both nationally and internationally, for 15 years.

After that lifetime on the road she finds she likes not living out of a suitcase the whole time. Now based in the DC metro area, she also does a bit of political event work, and shares the crew member recruiting responsibilities at Troika.

ALLIED GLOBAL MARKETING (Tour Marketing & Press) is an integrated marketing agency working with the world’s largest entertainment, sports, consumer, and lifestyle brands, including 75+ Broadway shows over two decades. Current tours: Ain’t Too Proud, Charlieand the Chocolate Factory, Hadestown, Mean Girls, The Play That Goes Wrong, Pretty Woman, RENT. THE BOOKING GROUP (Tour Booking Agency) has represented 26 Tony Award® winning Best Musicals and Plays. Current touring productions include: Hamilton; Dear Evan Hansen; Come From Away; The Book of Mormon; To Kill a Mockingbird; Hadestown; Mean Girls; My Fair Lady; Tootsie; Anastasia; Chicago; Fiddler on the Roof; Hairspray; Rent; Waitress. Future productions include: 1776; MJ; Six; Tina; West Side Story.

NEURO TOUR (Physical Therapy).

Carolyn Lawson Physical Therapist, founder and CEO of NEURO TOUR and Neurosport, leaders in performing arts medicine.

We are honored to be part of Tootsie. Broadway: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; The Cher Show. Tours: On Your Feet!; Hamilton; and Cats.

| 25

TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT (Producer & Tour Management) has been an innovator in touring musical theater for over three decades. TROIKA Entertainment brings the Broadway experience to communities around the world; uniting, inspiring and celebrating our audiences, our employees, and our partners through the magic and energy of live theater. Current productions include Cats; The Phantom of the Opera; Escape to Margaritaville; Tootsie; My Fair Lady; Annie; Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Please visit us at www.troika.com MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI) (Licensing) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser, and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle schoolaged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students. MTI maintains its global

26 | encore headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).

ALDEN BADWAY JOHNSTON (Co-Producer) Michael A. Alden, Dale Badway, Karen Johnston: multiple Tony, Emmy, Olivier Award winners.

Broadway: Pippin, Porgy & Bess, An American In Paris (NY/ Paris/ London), On The Town, Bonnie and Clyde, Groundhog Day, Tootsie (EPIC Theatricals).

TERRY COOK (Co-Producer) Founder/CEO Parcion Private Wealth, which partners with business owners, entrepreneurs, and their families to provide planning, advocacy, and investment management. A supporter of the arts himself, Parcion also supports the passions and causes of the families they serve.

LARRY J. KROLL (Co-Producer) A Tony-nominated producer who began working in theater with Andrew Lloyd Weber. Broadway: If /Then, The Encounter, Tootsie, Come From Away (plus international

tours). In negotiations with the BBC for the rights to two films.

VASI LAURENCE (Co-Producer) Theater/Film: Passing Strange (Tony Award, Drama Desk Award/ Best Musical) and made into a film directed by Spike Lee. Other credits: How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, several Off Broadway shows and film projects.

LAWRENCE TOPPALL (Co-Producer) Yiddish theater in So. Florida. Broadway credits: The Gathering, Say Goodnight, Gracie; Burn The Floor; Looped, On Your Feet; Beautiful, The Carole King Musical; Come From Away.

2 JS & A, INC. (Co-Producer) is helmed by film Industry veteran Phillip B. Goldfine & media entrepreneurs Kevin Weisberg & Lou Paik. They produce film & television in 50+ countries and on 100+ channels.

encoreatlanta.com TOOTSIE TOUR STAFF _______________________________________________ EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Kori Prior _______________________________________________ GENERAL MANAGEMENT & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Troika Entertainment GENERAL MANAGER Brian Schrader Associate General Manager……………Madeline McCluskey PRODUCTION MANAGER Heather Chockley TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Dave Burch _______________________________________________ COMPANY MANAGER Andrew Terlizzi _______________________________________________ TOUR MARKETING AND PRESS Allied Global Marketing Andrew Damer Jennifer Gallagher Scott Praefke Hayden Anderson Jessica Cary Amenkha Sembenu alliedglobalmarketing.com _______________________________________________ TOUR BOOKING AGENCY THE BOOKING GROUP Meredith Blair Kara Gebhart Laura Kolarik Stephanie Ditman thebookinggroup.com _______________________________________________ CASTING BINDER CASTING Jay Binder, CSA, Mark Brandon, CSA Justin Bohon, CSA, Chad Eric Murnane, CSA Kyle Coker, Anthonoy Pichette, Jarrett Reiche Part of RWS Entertainment Group Ryan Stana CEO, Bruston Manuel, COO _______________________________________________ PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER.....SUZAYN MACKENZIE-ROY Assistant Stage/Company Manager..................Brianna Thompson Assistant Director.................................................. Augustine Ubannwa Associate Choreographer................................................... Chip Abbott Associate Lighting Designer.............................Coby Chasman-Beck Assistant Lighting Designer....................................... Colleen Doherty Assistant Costume Coordinator .....................Meredith Prouty-Due Assistant Wig & Hair Designer ................................... Loryn Pretorius Moving Light Programmer............................................Jesse Cogswell Production Electrician..........................................................Ron Schwier Associate Sound Designer..............................................Cody Spencer Production Sound...................................................................Tylor Foster MainBrain Programming ........................................................ Chris Petti Dance Captain................................................................. Lexi Baldachino Assistant Dance Captain............................................ Ashton Lambert Rehearsal Piano............................................Andrew Michael Peterson Copyist ...........................................................................................Erin Reifle Dialect Coach...................................................................Elizabeth Hayes Production Assistant................................................ John N. Fortunato _______________________________________________ HEAD CARPENTER................................................. MARK COMITO Assistant Carpenter.................................................. Johnathan Rogers Flyman.....................................................................................Austin Phillips Head of Props.........................................................................Cailin Kucera Head Electrician...................................................................... Chris Simko Assistant Electrician ............................................................... Jack Lewis Head of Audio........................................................................... Lewis Rose Assistant Audio................................................................... Olivia Girdano Head of Wardrobe.........................................................Cecilia Gutierrez Assistant Wardrobe........................................................ Erika Erlenbach Star Dresser............................................................................... Emily Stein Head of Hair & Makeup..................................................Tyree Robinson Assistant Hair & Makeup..................................................... Marcia Baird

| 27

Crew Swing.................................................................... Adriana Aguilera Physical Therapy................... NEURO TOUR, Physical Therapy, Inc. Physical Therapist.............................................Alexis Alcaraz, PT, DPT Payroll Services............................... Marisa Geropoulos, PEOPLE Inc. Insurance......................................... The Arts Insurance Program, LLC Creative Services........................ Tricia Kelly, Anderson Kelly Studio Website & Social Media..Brian Dratch, Yoanna Nikolova, SpotCo Production Photographer...Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade Merchandise................................... Creative Goods Merchandise LLC Merchandise Manager.......................................................... Brett Comer _______________________________________________ For TROIKA Entertainment Chief Executive Officer................................................... Angela Rowles Chief Operating Officer.............................................................Kori Prior General Manager............................................................... Brian Schrader Associate General Managers..Madeline McCluskey, Tegan Meyer Production Managers............... Heather Chockley, Gregg Damanti Technical Director....................................................................Dave Burch Production Coordinator..................................................... Drew Neitzey Director of Engagements............................................Barrett Newman Director of Marketing............................................Michael Yuen-Killick Director of Finance................................................................. Brian Jacob Production Accounting Manager.................................... Sheila Lewis Accounting Clerk................................................................Electra Walker Director of Operations..................................................... Melanie Cahill Office Manager/Executive Assistant................... Shaquille Stewart _______________________________________________ CREDITS Scenery ....................................................Empire Technical Fabrication Lighting, Motors & Automation Equipment................Christie Lites Drum Equipment ...........Treehouse Drums, Aquarian Drumheads,

Vic Firth Sticks, Sabian Cymbals Sound Equipment....................................................... Sound Associates Costumes.................Tricorne Inc., John Kristiansen New York Inc.,

Bethany Joy Costumes, Giliberto Designs,

Jeff Fender Studio, Steppenwolf Costume Shop

Custom shoes by T. O. Dey.

Shoes by LaDuca and Worldtone Shoes.

Undergarments provided by BraTenders.

Trucking.................................................................................... JANCO, LTD. Production Travel & Housing by ROAD REBEL ENTERTAINMENT GLOBAL, San Diego, CA _______________________________________________ SPECIAL THANKS Jay Johnson, Zoe Szczotka, Maeve Talbot _______________________________________________ Rehearsed at the Red House Center in Syracuse, NY _______________________________________ ________

Technical Rehearsals and Previews held at SHEA’S PERFORMING ARTS CENTER in Buffalo, NY

28 | encore

ENCORE’S EXCITED FOR… FOR THOSE OF YOU SHOUTING, “ENCORE!” AT THE END OF TONIGHT’S PERFORMANCE, WE’VE ROUNDED UP EVEN MORE SHOWS TO SEE AROUND ATLANTA! COMPILED BY

Sally Henry Fuller

SHEN YUN The Cobb Energy Centre January 11-15 Shen Yun invites all to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. It performs classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dance, and storybased dance, with orchestral accompaniment and solo performers. Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, established in New York in 2006. Shen Yun, can be translated as: “The beauty of divine beings dancing.”

Visit CobbEnergyCentre.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

DREAM HOU$E Alliance Theatre January 22-February 13 on the Hertz Stage Dream Hou$e follows two Latina sisters on an HGTV-style reality show who are selling their family home, hoping to capitalize on the gentrification in their “changing neighborhood.” As they perform for the camera, one sister grapples with turmoil in the family’s ancestral past while the other learns how much she’s willing to sacrifice for the family’s future.

Written by Eliana Pipes, Dream Hou$e is the winner of the 2021/22 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition. Visit AllianceTheatre.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encoreatlanta.com

| 29

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE The Cobb Energy Centre January 22-30 The iconic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta kicks off Atlanta Opera’s year at the Cobb Energy Centre. In The Pirates of Penzance, as Frederic enters the rank of full pirate at the end of his apprenticeship, he and his fellow pirates court the daughters of MajorGeneral Stanley. A hilarious course of events ensues.

It is a rollicking show featuring famous tunes, including the “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General,” “Poor Wandering One” and “With Cat-Like Tread.” Visit AtlantaOpera.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

TONI STONE Alliance Theatre February 10-27 on the Coca-Cola Stage The Alliance presents Toni Stone, Lydia R. Diamond’s play based on the true story of the first female athlete to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues. Against all odds, Toni blazes a path in the male-dominated sports world, breaking through the limitations others placed on her, and creating her own set of rules. Toni Stone is a heartwarming and fascinating story of race, gender and ambition.

Visit AllianceTheatre.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS The Fox Theater March 8-13 Featuring Grammy® winning songs and Tony® winning moves, Ain’t Too Proud is the electrifying new musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and so many more.

Visit FoxTheatre.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Visit EncoreAtlanta.com for even more performing arts happenings in Atlanta!

encore 30 | etiquette 1. Please arrive early. Latecomers may not be seated until intermission.

2. T ake care of personal needs (water, restroom use) before the performance begins.

3. P lease silence or turn off all electronic devices, including cellphones, beepers and watch alarms. We encourage you to share your experience via social media but please refrain from doing so or texting during performances. The glow from your device is distracting.

4. M ost shows do not allow photography of any kind. Flash photography inside the theater is never allowed. It distracts those around you and endangers the performers.

5. T he overture is part of the performance.

Please cease talking at this point.

6. D ear lovebirds, when you lean your heads together, you block the view of those behind you. Please consider those seated behind you when choosing whether to wear a hat or what hairstyle you choose.

7. Please refrain from talking, humming or singing along with the show, except when encouraged to do so by the artists or show.

THE FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree Street, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30308 404.881.2100 • www.foxtheatre.org

STAFF Allan C. Vella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President & C.E.O. William Renshaw. . . . . . . . . . Vice President & C.F.O. Jamie Vosmeier. . . . . . . . . . . VP of Sales and Marketing Steve Moore. . . . . . . . . . . Director of Special Events Lucy Lawler-Freas . . . . . . Director of Programming Shelly Kleppsattel. . . Booking & Contract Manager Faustina Brooks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Finance Rachel Bomeli . . . . . . . . . Sr. Director of Operations David Simpson. . Director of Ticket Sales & Service Aly Knight Grubb . . . . . . . . . . Director of Marketing Leigh Burns . . . . . Director of Fox Theatre Institute Milissia Johnston. . . . . . . . . . Marquee Club Manager Craig Phillips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of F&B Amy Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Production Lisa Marie Malovoz. . . . . . . . . . Production Manager Gary Hardaway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Carpenter Scott Hardin. . . . . . . . . . . . Head Props/Projectionist Rodney Amos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Audio

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Edward L. White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman Keith O Cowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice Chairman Mark C. Adams, Latanza Adjei, Clara Axam, Robyn Barkin, Renee Dye, Ryan Halpern, Larry Hanson, John Holder, Doug Hooker, Walt Huntley, Edward Hutchison, Craig Jones, Dr. Richard Kannwischer, Lauren Koontz, Sonjui Kumar, Jay Myers, Glen Romm, Howard Smith, Scott Taylor

EMERITUS MEMBERS Tony Aeck, John Busby Jr., Beauchamp Carr, Rodney Cook, Ada Lee Correll, Richard Courts, Jere Drummond, Richard Flinn, Julia Grumbles, Sheffield Hale, Steve Koonin, Charles Lawson, Starr Moore, Joseph Myers, Edgar Neiss, Carl Patton,Sylvia Russell, Nancy Simms, Preston Stevens, Clyde Tuggle, Carolyn Wills

8. P lease wait for an appropriate moment to dig something out of your pocket or bag.

9. G o easy with the perfume and cologne, many people are highly allergic.

10. I f you need assistance during the show, please go to your nearest volunteer usher. If additional assistance is needed, the usher will get the appropriate person to further help you.

11. Y es, the parking lot gets busy and public transportation is tricky, but leaving while the show is in progress or before the actors have taken their final bows is discourteous. Please wait until the bows are over and exit with the rest of the audience.

Official Beverage of the Fox

Official Energy Partner of the Fox

Official Hotel and Restaurant of the Fox

Official Beer of the Fox

Official Energy Partner of the Fox

Official Bank of the Fox

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encore 32 | foryourinformation THE THEATER A fully restored 1929 “movie palace,” the Fox Theatre, with 4,665 seats, is a multipurpose facility, housing Broadway shows, ballets, comedies, concerts, movies and private corporate events.

PRIVATE EVENTS The Fox Theatre has three private rental spaces, accommodating 25 to 1,200 guests. Our Egyptian Ballroom and Grand Salon are beautifully decorated and can be set up to your specifications. The Landmarks Lounge is adjacent to the lobby and is perfect for a small pre-show and intermission event. To book your “Fabulous Fox” evening, please call 404-881-2057 or send an email to affairsatthefox@affairs.com.

TICKET OFFICE HOURS Ticket Office hours are Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. The ticket office will open approximately 3 hours before doors on show days. Doors to the Fox Theatre open one hour before showtime.

Tickets for all performances may be purchased online at www.foxtheatre.org, or by calling 855-285-8499, or visiting the Fox Theatre Ticket Office during the times listed above.

GROUP SALES The Fox Theatre Group Sales Department offers discounts to groups for most Broadway shows. It is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 404-881-2000 or email sales@foxtheatre.org CONCESSIONS Concession stands are located in the Spanish Room, main lobby and on the mezzanine lobby level.

RESTROOMS Restrooms are located off the main lobby (downstairs), mezzanine lobby levels and the Gallery level. Accessible restroom facilities are in the Spanish Room; accessible/ Family restrooms are located through the office door in the main lobby.

TOURS Tour schedules vary – please visit the Fox Theatre website for updated information regarding tour dates at www.foxtheatre.org.

LOST AND FOUND Lost and found items are turned in to the event staff’s office. To check on lost items, please call 404-881-2119.

Lost and found items will be retained for 30 days.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION In the event of an emergency, and for your safety, please follow the directions provided by the Fox Theatre staff.

SMOKING In accordance with the Fulton County Clean Air Ordinance, the Fox Theatre is a smoke-free facility.

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY The Fox Theatre strives to make events accessible to all guests. If you need assistance during your visit please ask for one of our Event Staff members. The Fox Theatre offers the use of wheelchairs, listening devices and booster seats at no additional charge. Our ambassadors will assist you to special restroom accommodations.

Note: Steep steps lead to all seats on the upper levels.

For assistance or more information, please call the Event Staff’s office at: 404-881-2100.

ACCESSIBLE TICKETS To purchase accessible seating at the Fox Theatre please call 404-881-2016 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MondayFriday or 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. A Ticket Office associate will be happy to help you. Ticket buyers may also visit the ticketing site at www.foxtheatre.org.

ELEVATORS Elevators are at the north end of each lobby and are available during all performances. They make it possible to access each lobby without using the stairs. Patrons should be aware that access to upper seating areas do involve stairs.

PARKING Parking is available within a four-block radius in all directions of the Fox Theatre. Advanced reserved parking is available for sale at the Fox Ticket Office or by calling 855-285-8499. The Fox Theatre assumes no responsibility for vehicles parked in any of the privately owned lots operating in the Fox Theatre district.

PERFORMANCE NOTES All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to be admitted to the theater. Not all events are suitable for children. Infants will not be admitted to adult programs/ performances. Parents will be asked to remove children who create a disturbance.

•L atecomers will be seated at the discretion of management in conjunction with the wishes of the producers.

• Please turn off all pagers and cellphones before each performance.

• Camera and recording devices are strictly prohibited.

Backstage employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.) MARQUEE CLUB PRESENTED BY LEXUS A stunning 10,000 square feet of exclusive space located on the northeast side of the theatre, the Marquee Club has access to the fabulous rooftop terrace overlooking the iconic Fox marquee and Peachtree Street. The Marquee Club is the perfect way to elevate your experience at the Fox. The club can be accessed through one of the annual membership options or on a per-event basis, as space allows. Entry to the club must accompany a ticket to the proceeding performance. For more information on club access, visit foxtheatre.org/MarqueeClub or call 404-881-2024.

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

encoreatlanta.com

FRIENDS OF THE FOX

| 33

Members of the Fox Theatre’s Friends of the Fox program help support the Fox Theatre Institute, the theater’s community engagement arm.

The Fox Theatre’s legend lives on through their generosity, supporting the theater, the city of Atlanta and communities across Georgia. To learn more about the Friends of the Fox membership program, please visit www.foxtheatre.org/support-us, email membership@foxtheatre.org, or call 404.881.2023.

The Fox Theatre would like to thank the following Friends of the Fox who have given at the Legend ($10,000), Marquee ($5,000), Encore ($2,500) and Entourage ($1,000) levels: LEGEND The Allard Family Drew Eckl & Farnham

Gary Martin Hays & Sheri Hays Ripple IT

Diana Blank Michelle Love & Matt Chambless Michael Crew Jamie Medalie Longhurst

MARQUEE Lowery & Associates Land Surveying Joseph McLaughlin Margaret Ross

ENCORE Melinda & Christopher Barber Budget Rent a Car of Atlanta Mary Ann & John Busby George E. Butler II Michael & Brad Colasso Colgate Crib Mattress Ira & Talmer Curry, Jr.

Susan Atkinson Gregory Adam Malone Carole Cole Musarra Renee Dye & Shyam Reddy Janet & Jarel Rush F. Rush Nicole & Allan Vella ZIBEX, Inc.

ENTOURAGE Latanza & Solomon Adjei Dr. Laura Braswell DDS Joy & Ritchie Dickey Cindy & Steve Ensor David M. Green Holder Properties

Harold Brody & Donald Smith Patricia Phelan Anita Sprayberry Susan Starr Douglas Walker Dorothy B. Ziemer

34 | encore FOX FUN FACTS

FOG DELAYED STONES, BETTE MIDLER’S GHOST AND TURNING THE STAGE INTO AN ICE RINK

•T he Rolling Stones have performed at the Fox twice, to date. In June 1978, the show was first billed as “the Cockroaches,” so as not to reveal too early the true identity of the performers.

•T he Stones next appeared Oct. 26, 1981, playing for a standingroom-only crowd. As history has it, the bandmates traveled to Savannah for a day-trip and, due to dense fog in Atlanta, their return flight was rerouted to Macon. The show began 90 minutes late.

•B ette Midler was scheduled for a three-night gig in February 1983.

According to longtime Atlanta concert promoter Alex Cooley

(who died in 2016), when she reached her dressing room she claimed that someone had died there, that it was haunted and she would not perform. The Divine Miss M was moved to another dressing room and, apparently content enough, agreed to go onstage.

• On New Year’s Day 2005, Broadway on Ice ice-skating pros Nancy Kerrigan and Rudy Galindo took to the stage, along with Broadway’s Leslie Uggams (a Tony Award winner for Hallelujah, Baby!). Creating an impromptu ice rink was an overnight process that called for spraying the stage with water and quickly freezing it.

Again and again and again.

Atlanta’s Historic Fox Theatre | foxtheatre.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOX THEATRE ARCHIVES

Atlanta’s Fox Theatre has played host to many world-renowned artists, from the Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd, to Bette Midler and Widespread Panic. In July 1976, in fact, Lynyrd Skynyrd performed for three consecutive nights, recording the album One More From the Road and donating $5,000 toward the Save the Fox campaign. In February 1993, the band played another three nights, one of which was broadcast on pay-per-view television. Here are a few other rockin’ fun facts: