The penultimate production in Aurora Theatre’s record-breaking Season 28 is the hilarious Lori Fischer comedy, Greener Pastures. This play will be presented on the Clyde and Sandra Strickland Grand Stage from March 21 – April 14. In a story that’s been lauded as a mix between The Golden Girls and The Odd Couple, forty-eight-year-old Dorothy is mistakenly allowed to take up residence at Greener Pastures Retirement Center. She gladly accepts this loophole, taking her away from her humiliating job as a singing sandwich on a children’s show, much to the chagrin of her new retirement home roommate Maxine. Chaos and hilarity ensue as Dorothy, Maxine, and the retired residents seek to find happiness and solace in the place they call home.
“I love being able to call playwright Lori Fischer a friend. She’s smart, southern, successful…and a WOMAN," said Producing Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence. “Greener Pastures was scheduled as part of the season Covid canceled. Even before the pandemic, we were committed to uplifting female playwrights. I love Lori's style of writing so much, we produced her musical Barbara’s Blue Kitchen as a virtual stage production in 2020. As someone in the throes of caring for my elderly mother, I love that this comedy shines the light on aging in a way we can laugh through our tears."
Greener Pastures is very relatable as the topics of housing and communities for 55+ and the post-pandemic drive for more career satisfaction are on the forefront of the collective conscience. Aurora Theatre’s production stars Gina Rickicki as Dorothy and Ellen McQueen as Maxine. Rounding out the cast are regional favorites Robert Hindsman, David Rucker III, Vanessa J. Roberts, Kelly Criss, and Marguerite Hannah. Greener Pastures is directed by Suzi Bass Award winner and Weird Sisters Theatre Project co-founder Tiffany Porter.
This production is proudly sponsored by Park Place by Highlands, a brand-new 55+ rental community in the heart of Downtown Lawrenceville. The play features the scenic design of award-winning duo Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay, the costume design of Alisha Lawrence, and lighting design of Aurora Theatre’s Head of Lighting, Isaac Burrier.
Regular show times are as follows:
• Thursday–Saturday: 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 2:30 p.m., 8 p.m.
• Sunday 2:30 p.m.
*With a special matinee performance at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27.
Recommended for ages 11 and up, Greener Pastures contains mild language and some adult themes. This production will be presented March 21 – April 14. Tickets start at $28 and may be purchased online at my.lvilleartscenter.com or by calling the Box Office at 678.226.6222.
Under the artistic leadership of Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence and Managing Director Katie Pelkey, now in its 28th Season, Aurora Theatre is resident company and manager of the Lawrenceville Arts Center. Theatrical productions are comprised of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Additionally, Aurora produces concerts, stand-up comedy, children’s programs, metro Atlanta’s top haunted attraction Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, as well as Atlanta’s only professional Spanish language theatre, Teatro Aurora. Nestled on the historic downtown square, Lawrenceville Arts Center has FREE attached covered parking and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Lawrenceville Arts Center (LAC) is a world-class facility with five venues, with the ability to host performances and community events both indoors and outdoors. Aurora Theatre, co-founded by Anthony Rodriguez & Ann-Carol Pence, has garnered numerous accolades that include a 2016 Governor’s Award for the Arts & Humanities, winner of countless Suzi Bass Awards, Georgia Trend Magazine’s “Best Places to Work in Georgia,” Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Best Places to Work,” Atlanta Magazine’s “Best of Atlanta” for Best Inclusive Programming, Gwinnett Chamber’s Inaugural Moxie Award for Outstanding Woman-led Organization, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts, and Gwinnett Chamber’s IMPACT Regional Business Award for Hospitality.
