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There is a local gem hidden in the thriving Marietta Square that offers an intimate setting with perfect views of local talent. Founder of the Marietta Theatre Company, Blaine Clotfelter joins Atlanta Real Estate Forum on today’s Around Atlanta show to talk about the upcoming season and prove that not all musicals and live theater performances are the same.
As an Atlanta native, Clotfelter has witnessed first-hand the amazing local talent that emerges from the area. His passion for theater evolved in middle school and since he has spent many years as a performer and now a producer and director. Clotfelter received a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University, and an MBA from Emory University and is a MAT award nominated Director from his first production in 2014.
Marietta Theatre Company is a nonprofit organization established in 2017 to entertain the Marietta and Greater Atlanta community through memorable, live-performance experiences. “Part of our goal is to give the audience a more intimate experience and to make it feel different for them,” stated Clotfelter. The company was founded after a friend asked Clotfelter to direct the hit show in 2014, The Great American Trailer Park Musical. “The show was so much fun and a huge success, that the stage family and I came together and eventually formed a company where people can watch hilarious and fun stage performances in one amazing, thriving place,” explained Clotfelter. “One aspect that makes this company different is that our core people love working together and are extremely dependable. We are a theater company with no drama!”
Since their first performance, the stage family has brought several musicals to life such as 9 to 5, Forever Plaid, The Last 5 Years, First Date, The Marvelous Wonderettes and [title of the show]. They have also been nominated for 19 Metropolitan Atlanta Theater Awards to honor our first season of performances. A new show making its way to the stage on October 19 is Toxic Avenger. This funny rock musical follows the story of Melvin Ferd III, a nerdy guy bullied by the cool kids, who wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey. When he is thrown into radioactive waste, Melvin reemerges as The Toxic Avenger, Jersey’s first superhero.
The day of the show, audience members can also indulge in dinner at Piastra Restaurant. “For $40 you get a ticket to our show and a $20 voucher to the amazing Italian restaurant on the square,” stated Clotfelter. There are also fantastic date night specials planned for the upcoming season. The theaters first Valentine’s Day show, First Date, showed an incredible amount of local support so this year the show I Love You Because is expected to bring in even more members. “The show this year is about the dating scene in New York. It’s a spin on Pride and Prejudice with funny songs and a hilarious dialog where actors are making fun of the dating scene,” explained Clotfelter. “On Valentine’s night, we clear out the seats and dates will have a table just for themselves with two glasses of wine, appetizers and desserts.”
Other shows planned for the upcoming 2019 season are You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Altar Boyz. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a nostalgic throwback to the hit production of Charlie Brown. The audience will have a front-row seat of all the things we remember and love about Charlie Brown. The season will wrap up with Altar Boyz, a show based on a Christian boy band featuring Matthew, Mark, Luke and Won. “We have a very well-rounded season ahead and we try to appeal to as many people as possible,” said Clotfelter.
Located at Lyric Studio on the Square, Marietta Theatre Company runs on talent, funding and sponsorships. According to Clotfelter, it takes approximately $100k a year to put on shows at the theater, not including the effort and time of the actors and actresses. The perfectly priced concessions and tickets also go toward the theater productions to help make the best possible show. Volunteers also play a huge part in productions. Marietta Theater Company offers a unique way for anyone and everyone to play a part in the show. Tune into the podcast with the link above to find out how you can support the theater, purchase tickets for shows, and even act on stage. Visit http://mariettatheatre.com for additional information.
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