The Underground Theatre
presents
MARY, MARY
A Witty Romantic Comedy
By
JEAN KERR
Directed by
DANTE SANTACROCE
Thursdays-Saturdays, March 8-17, 2012, 8:10 p.m.
Tickets go on sale Sunday, February 12.
The Underground Theatre presents the Broadway hit comedy Mary, Mary, a warm and witty portrayal of a marriage gone hilariously awry. In this sparkling romantic comedy by Jean Kerr, a nearly-divorced couple meet over taxes, and sparks fly all over again.
Marriage, divorce, taxes, health and fitness, sex — all are subjects of fun in this irreverent comedy by on of America’s most celebrated twentieth century humorists. Cast members Daniel VanHiel, Bob Winstead, Stephanie Keating, Richard Dillon and Jessica Thompson bring warmth and laughter to this comic tour de force.
Tickets: Adults: $13-$15; Students: $10 (except Sat. March 17)
Opening Night Spaghetti Supper: Thurs. March 8, 6:30pm, $6
Sandwich Cafe: Thurs. March 15, 6:30pm, $5
Free childcare (Fri. March 9 & 16) must be reserved
at least a week in advance.
NEW! Group rates: $1 off, groups of 10-19: $2 off, groups of 20 or more
(Identify your group when you buy your tickets. If your group reaches 10 or 20,
you’ll be reimbursed for the amount of your discount at the door.)
Location: The Underground Theatre is located downstairs at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta (UUCA), 1911 Cliff Valley Way, NE on the northbound 1-85 access road between North Druid Hills and Clairmont Roads. The parking lot can be accessed only from the access road, not from Cliff Valley Way. Click here for directions.
About UUCA’s Underground Theatre
Now in its 42nd Season, The Underground is Atlanta’s oldest avocational theatre. Under the direction of Underground founder Dante Santacroce, the theatre presents significant comedies and dramas which enlighten as they entertain. These outstanding plays are performed twice a year, in fall and spring, for two weekends only, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:10 p.m. The theatre’s cozy underground venue, sporting just under 100 seats, creates an intimate setting for highly accessible performances of quality plays—usually revivals of Broadway’s “golden oldies.” Recent exceptions have been David Auburn’s Proof, winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play, Edward Albee’s modern classic A Delicate Balance, and acclaimed contemporary writer A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters. Mary, Mary is The Underground’s 81st production.
About Underground Director Dante Santacroce
Dante Santacroce is the founder and director of The Underground Theatre. In addition to occasional appearances in Underground plays, he has performed with the Academy Theatre, Theatre Atlanta and DramaTech, where his interest in theatre began. Mr. Santacroce last performed with The Underground in the 2006 hit production of Sidney Kingsley’s Detective Story. When not directing or acting, he is a consultant architect who enjoys sculpting in clay and limestone and sketching in pen and ink.
Underground Theatre History:
Just four years after the opening of the UUCA building on Cliff Valley Way, then Senior Minister Eugene Pickett approached Mary Nell and Dante Santacroce about starting a theatre in the church. Dante agreed to direct the first play, the Clifford Odets classic, “Waiting for Lefty.” Because the only available space for the theatre was below ground level, Mary Nell suggested it be called “The Underground Theatre.” Fred Dixon constructed the light board, using four household dimmers at a total cost of under $45. With that magical box, a few par 150 lights, miles of extension cords and some nervous would-be-actors, the first show was born. As the last scene closed on opening night, the thunderous applause assured Dante that the show was a success.
Now, after more than forty years of producing provocative, entertaining plays in the church’s intimate downstairs space, Dante is presenting his 81st Underground show. Every show has been a challenge. With a little help, Dante himself has selected every script, cast every show, directed nearly every show, built the sets, hung the lights, recorded the sound and sold the tickets, giving all of the net proceeds to UUCA for a 41-year total of well over $100,000.
Applause to Dante and everyone who has helped make The Underground a lasting success: the actors, stage managers, technicians, set and prop donors, salespeople, refreshment servers, spaghetti supper chefs, ministers and office staffs, and especially those who have supported the theatre over so many years.
About auditioning or volunteering for The Underground Theatre:
To audition for Underground plays, please call Director Dante Santacroce: 404-874-7070. Plays are generally performed in November and March, and most rehearsals are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
To work backstage or help with publicity or refreshments, please e-mail maryannechew@att.net .
