Don’t be fooled by its Southern locale.
Broadway in Atlanta presents theater that is as substantial as anything you’d see on the famed street in New York—if not more so. “We hear all the time from people who have seen both the national touring and the Broadway productions, that many times they prefer the national touring cast,” says Russ Belin, vice president of the local chapter of Broadway Across America. “Regardless, we just want to bring the biggest hits direct from Broadway to Peachtree Street. We’re kind of the middlemen between the producers and the venue. So our role is really to find the best season and the shows that are really going to resonate with Atlanta audiences.”
The company is in the midst of celebrating its 35th year in Atlanta, proving it is indeed resonating with the city’s theatergoing community. “We have subscribers that go back the 35 years with us,” Belin says.
The 36th season, which was recently announced, is sure to continue to please audiences. “We’re bringing 12 titles to Atlanta next year—the most we’ve ever done—and seven of them on season,” Belin says. Titles include “The Illusionists,” “Matilda the Musical,” Roundabout Theatre Company’s “Cabaret,” “An American in Paris,” “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” “The Bodyguard,” and “Finding Neverland,” in addition to returning audience favorites “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Riverdance,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Annie,” and “Mamma Mia!”
While Belin says he is excited about each production in the lineup, he does admit some favoritism for “Finding Neverland.” “I saw it in New York. The music is phenomenal. I love those prequel-type stories, and the movie I really enjoyed. But then how they transformed it to the stage, I think, will really impress audiences. And it’s really family-friendly. I’m always a fan when we have an opportunity to present a really good title that is family-friendly and gives everyone a chance to get into the Fox [Theatre] and really enjoy the magic.”
Broadway Across America is the biggest tenant at the Fox Theatre, bringing in over 250,000 guests each year. But their presence has an even larger effect on the entire community. “I feel our role is to bring the best of Broadway, direct from New York, to the Fox Theatre. It’s more commercial, but has a prominent role in boosting the arts in Atlanta, because a lot of these titles are more recognizable,” Belin says. “Audiences see a show like ‘Wicked’ or ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ which we’ll bring in next year, and something really resonates. Then they start to maybe branch out and figure out that the regional theaters also do phenomenal productions and start to support them as well.”
As it turns out, some of the actors in national touring casts got their starts at Atlanta’s regional houses, such as the Alliance Theatre. “And if it wasn’t the Alliance, it was their Alliance in Cleveland, or Chicago or wherever,” Belin says. “They are high-caliber actors at the top of the profession, and the experience, I believe, is the same experience you’ll get in New York—without the travel.”
His advice for early career actors hoping to one day make it into a touring cast? Start somewhere. “I think it just comes down to going for it and making sure you’re getting as much exposure as you can.”
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