Georgia Ensemble Theatre to Open Season with US Premiere of CALENDAR GIRLS

Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET), North Fulton's only professional theatre company, is launching the Company's exciting 2015-2016 season with the highly anticipated play, Calendar Girls by Tim Firth. The international smash hit Calendar Girls is making its Southeastern premiere right here on the GET stage, with popular Atlanta director Heidi Cline McKerley at the helm. Calendar Girls is generously co-sponsored by long-time GET sponsor Macy's and new sponsor Piedmont Cancer.

About the Play

Nine friends from a local women's club find their bonds put to the test when their altruistic efforts for a local hospital are thrust into the international spotlight. After the death of the beloved husband of one of the friends, the ladies rally to create an "alternative" (but artistic and tasteful) calendar to raise money for the cancer wing. This heartfelt comedy is perfect for the Steel Magnolias fan who feels that "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!"

Based on the true story of eleven women's club members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund, Calendar Girls opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre and has since become the fastest selling play in British theatre history.

Giving Back to Beat Cancer

"Shop for a Cause" with The Calendar Girls at Macy's: Macy's Department Stores at Perimeter Mall and Town Center Cobb have partnered with GET for their Saturday, August 29th Shop for a Cause day. These Macy's locations are providing a special space in their cosmetics department areas just for our Calendar Girls. Cast members will be on site from 1:00-3:30 pm to sign the 2016 Calendar Girls calendars created specifically for this production. A large portion of the proceeds from the sale of all calendars goes directly to Piedmont Cancer and The Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont.

In addition to calendar sales at the event, Macy's will be providing makeovers, and representatives from The Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont will provide mini-massages as well as cooking demonstrations and nutrition ideas.

Other Metro-Wide Special Events for Calendar Girls

GET's metro-wide celebration of this production will include many special events during the run of the play. These efforts will honor the tradition of the original Calendar Girls by raising money and awareness for cancer treatment and support right here in Georgia.

Calendars: Georgia Ensemble Theatre has produced its own 2016 Calendar Girls calendar, to be sold through the run of this production. The calendar is available immediately at the box office. Atlanta photographer BreeAnne Clowdus worked with GET to create beautiful and fun photographs of eight actresses from the show that are featured in the calendar. A portion of the proceeds from calendar sales will go to support The Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont. This commemorative calendar is sure to be a hugely popular item for patrons and fans of the movie and play. "Photographer BreeAnne Clowdus and her talent have brought this dream of our own calendar to life! We couldn't be more proud that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these $25 keepsake calendars is going to support Piedmont Cancer and The Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont," said GET Artistic Director Bob Farley. He added, "This is more than just professional entertainment - it's providing a way for Atlantans to help the many of us who have been touched by cancer in some way." To purchase a calendar, call the Theatre at 770-641-1260 (shipping available within the U.S.)

Post-Show Discussion: Piedmont Cancer will provide medical expert panelists for a post-show discussion on cancer on the first Sunday matinee of the production on September 13th. Both patrons seeing the play and the general public are invited to come to the Theatre right after the show (at approximately 4:30pm) for this free and informative panel. Piedmont Cancer will also provide materials for patrons on cancer screening locations and on how to take advantage of their fantastic services for cancer patients at The Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont, a free and open service for all.

The Ensemble:

A stellar ensemble of Atlanta actors have been assembled for this historic event. The cast includes actresses Courtenay Collins, Jennifer Levison, Meg Gillentine, Alex Bond, Bethany Irby Okie, Vicki Ellis Gray, Joanna Daniel, Stephanie M. Wilkinson, Kathy Kuczka, and Maggie Birgel. There are four talented gentlemen joining the ladies in this production: Robin Bloodworth, Kevin Stillwell, Ptah Garvin, and Ty Autry.

Tickets:

Ticket prices for Calendar Girls start at $30 for Wednesdays, Thursdays and matinees; Friday nights start from $37, and Saturday nights start from $40. Book early for best prices. (Senior/Student discounts available for select performances). Tickets are available now online at www.get.org, or by calling the Box Office at 770-641-1260.