Feature: MOTHERWORKS at The Warehouse

Over the last decade, the Atlanta theatre community has blossomed like never before. With an outlandish amount of professional and youth theatres, lots of successful arts education programs, including this being the home of the international non-profit Broadway Dreams, the theatre scene is growing regularly. There is a surplus of talent that is just waiting to get on stage.

With this thought in mind, MArlene Dickinson had the idea to create a show that features mother and daughters from the area for a Mother's Day event unlike any other. Dickinson had been playing around with the idea for years when she mentioned the concept to Tony Award-winning Shuler Hensley ("Sweet Charity," "Oklahoma!" and Georgia-based Shuler Hensley Awards). Dickinson's vision and passion, paired with Shuler's guidance and advice (plus an incredible sponsorship with D. Geller & Son Jewelry), will be brought to life for one weekend only in an incredible showcase known as MOTHERWORKS.

The family-friendly cabaret will headline four mother-daughter collaborations: Debra and Sarah Stipe, Laura and Emerson Steele, Marlene and Lily Dickinson and Jennifer and Sarah Charles Lewis. The four mothers all have a background in theatre, music and film, clearly inspiring their daughters to follow a similar path.

Debra and Sarah Stipe own and run their performing arts academy called Stipe Studios where they teach music and acting for film and stage. Debra plays Dr. Raston on Tyler Perry's "If Loving You Is Wrong" on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Sarah has been in countless musicals throughout the Atlanta and New York areas while currently breaking into the film industry herself.

Laura Steele, in addition to being a former host of "Atlanta Now," can be seen on countless television commercials. She also performed in "Ragtime" at Lincoln Center in 2013. Her daughter Emerson was recently in "Violet" on Broadway as Young Violet with Sutton Foster. Emerson also has been in several showcases at Studio 54.

MArlene Dickinson, in addition to producing, will be performing with her daughter Lily who is currently in "Jekyll and Hyde" at the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport. She was previously in a regional production of "Sister Act," the world premiere of "Bull Durham" at the ALLIANCE THEATRE and the national tour of "Mamma Mia!"

Jennifer Lewis is a life-long musician, having lots of on-stage experience. Her daughter Sarah Charles played Winnie in "Tuck Everlasting" last season on Broadway after originating the role at the ALLIANCE THEATRE. She also made an appearance at BroadwayCon 2017 as a guest star.

Also performing will be various mother-daughter and sister duos from academies and professional companies all over the state including Cici and Chloe Kelley (Dare, Dream, Dance), Margit and Talina Rodriguez (Georgia Ballet), Cara and Bella Mills (Rhythm Dance Center), Ana Llorente and Daniela Avanzini (Atlanta Workshop Players), Allison and Veronica Huber (Gemina Dance Productions, Dance for His Glory), Kara Methven and Nateli Ruiz (Gotta Dance Contemporary), Sami and Indigo Crandell (Orbit Arts Academy), Aline and Maggie O'Neill (Orbit Arts Academy), Hannah and Abi Grace Garmon (The Performer's Warehouse), Mary Caroline and Olivia Owens, Laura Phillips and Betty Mitchell and the Greater Atlanta Girl's Choir.

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MOTHERWORKS, sponsored by D. Geller & Son Jewelry, will have six performances at The Warehouse in Cumming, Georgia. The show times are May 11-12 at 7:00pm, May 13 at 10:00am and 1:00pm, and May 14 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are available here for $30 until May 1, $35 until May 14 and $40 at the door (pending availability). The ticket not only includes a Mother's Day themed cabaret but also a 30-minute meal service prior by ChrisCakes.

This quintessential Mother's Day event will benefit the non-profit Teach One to Lead One™, which mentors at-risk kids through juvenile courts and public schools. There will also be a chance for the audience to additionally support the non-profit's mission at the show.

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