Boy at Theatrical Outfit

Fall Arts Preview: LGBT themes, actors, more on Atlanta stages this season

Fall is here – already! – and with it brings a new crop of theatrical offerings, much of it with a LGBT theme or angle. Some are premieres and others are popular staples. Here are some of the prime offerings.

Out Front Theatre Company, off of a successful first season as Atlanta’s LGBT theater, has a production of the beloved cult musical “The Rocky Horror Show.” Artistic director Paul Conroy promises fun and audience participation. Out Front is also collaborating with ART Station on the one-man show “Buyer & Cellar” this weekend.

Theatrical Outfit has two shows with LGBT themes in its 2017-2018 season. This fall, “Boy” debuts. Based on a true story that was covered by the BBC as well as Oprah Winfrey, it’s about a set of parents who are convinced by a doctor to raise their male son as a female. It’s directed by the openly gay Melissa Foulger and stars out actor Clifton Guterman.

Atlanta audiences will get two chances to see work by gay playwright Topher Payne. His “Perfect Arrangement” will get a Theatrical Outfit staging in 2018, but first up is his world premiere “Morningside” at Georgia Ensemble Theatre. It’s set – appropriately – in the Morningside section of Atlanta and features a “baby shower, nine women with secrets and a case of champagne.” Expect laughs and finely-drawn characters.

While not necessarily gay-themed, “The Christians” at Actor’s Express looks promising, following a pastor at a megachurch who shares a new belief with his followers and shakes everything up considerably. It’s directed by Freddie Ashley and features a live choir. Not gay-themed either, but with a gay playwright behind it – Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa – Aurora Theatre’s “Abigail/1702” is a sequel to the classic “The Crucible,” taking place a decade after the Salem witch trials. With a terrific cast, it’s one of the most anticipated productions of the fall.

Finally, the lauded musical “The Color Purple” – which debuted at the Alliance Theatre – is back courtesy of Broadway Across America, following a Tony Award-winning revival. Its story and score will resonate.

“The Christians”
Sept. 16 – Oct. 15
Actor’s Express
887 West Marietta St. N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30318
www.actorsexspress.com

“Abigail/1702”
Sept. 21 – Oct. 15
Aurora Theatre
128 East Pike St.
Lawrenceville, GA, 30046
www.auroratheatre.com

“Boy”
Sept. 28 – Oct. 15
Theatrical Outfit
The Balzer Theatre at Herren’s
84 Luckie St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303
www.theatricaloutfit.org

“The Rocky Horror Show”
Oct. 19 – Nov. 5
Out Front Theatre Company
999 Brady Ave., Atlanta GA 30318
www.outfronttheatre.com

“The Color Purple”
Oct. 24 – 29
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308
www.broadwayacrossamerica.com

“Morningside”
Oct. 26 – Nov. 12
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
950 Forrest St.
Roswell, GA 30075
www.get.org