Aurora Theatre Opens LOMBARDI Tonight

The Brand Signature Series at Aurora Theatre continues with Lombardi by Eric Simonson, based on the book When Pride Still Mattered - A Life of Vince Lombardi written by David Maraniss. The show runs tonight, January 16 through February 9, 2014.

Although football's Super Bowl trophy is named for him, few know the real story of Vince Lombardi - his inspirations, his passions and his ability to drive people to achieve what they never thought possible. In the play, a diligent young reporter named Michael McCormick takes us inside the life of this legendary icon. Lombardi ran on Broadway in 2010-2011 coinciding with Green Bay's championship run which culminated with the Packers being awarded the Lombardi trophy for their victory in Super Bowl XLV.

Starring in the title role is Bart Hansard (The Drowsy Chaperone, Clyde 'n Bonnie: A Folktale, Gray Area, Aurora Theatre) one of Atlanta's busiest actors on stage and screen and an Aurora audience favorite. Making her Aurora Theatre debut as Vince Lombardi's wife Marie will be Carolyn Cook, the winner of the 2013 Suzi Bass Award for Leading Actress in a play and one of Atlanta's most accomplished leading ladies. Taking on the roles of the legendary Packer players Jim Taylor, Paul Hornung and Dave Robinson are Jacob York (The Fox on the Fairway, Aurora Theatre), Brody Wellmaker (Judas Kiss, Actors Express) and John Stewart (The Whipping Man, ALLIANCE THEATRE). Rounding out the stellar cast is Chris Moses (Floyd Collins, Aurora Theatre) as Michael McCormick, the journalist tasked with figuring out what makes the legendary coach tick. The production team is also full of award-winning talent including Justin Anderson, the 2013 Suzi Bass award-winning director of LES MISERABLES. The award winning design team includes, Thom Jenkins (sound design), Andre C. Allen (lighting Design) and Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay (set and costume design.)

Aurora Theare is also hosting a Tailgate Party - the best part of attending a live football game. On Saturday, February 1, Aurora brings that game-day atmosphere to the theatre parking lot. Grab a hot dog and join us starting at 5:00 - 7:30pm between our Saturday shows.

Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez talks about Lombardi, "For many guys, the thought of an evening at the theatre does not sound like much fun. But this show is about an NFL legend. We intentionally planned the run of the show to coincide with the Super Bowl as a living history lesson. What I loved about the play is it is so much more than a man's play. Behind every great man is a strong woman and Marie Lombardi held her own with a legend. I love the fact that actress Judith Light was nominated for the Tony Award for her performance of the role in the Broadway production."

Programming in Aurora Theatre's 18th Season Brand Signature Series is possible through generous support from BrandBank and BrandMortgage. Lombardi is sponsored by Georgia Gwinnett College.

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