Atlanta’s fall theater season is big on magic, mystery and ghost tales. Here’s an annotated look at what’s ahead.
"In the Heights." The show that introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda to Broadway before "Hamilton" made him a household name describes a steamy New York barrio on the cusp of change. After a July opening at Aurora Theatre, the beautifully realized musical brings its rap-tino groove downtown. Sept. 8-18. Theatrical Outfit at Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta. 678-528-1500, www.theatricaloutfit.org
"Ghost the Musical." The Eurythmics' Dave Stewart contributed music and lyrics to this British import, based on the 1990 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, about a psychic, a ghost and the young woman they try to save. Chase Peacock, who recently portrayed the love-torn American solider in "Miss Saigon" at Serenbe Playhouse, plays the Swayze role. Sept. 15-Oct. 2. Georgia Ensemble Theatre, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-641-1260, http:\\get.org
"Ugly Lies the Bone." This new play by Lindsey Ferrentino, a two-time finalist for the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, is about a young woman who turns to virtual reality as a panacea for the scars of war. Sept. 16-Oct. 9. Alliance Theatre, Hertz Stage, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-5000, www.alliancetheatre.org
"Freed Spirits." When a tornado rips through Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery, a tour guide and her ragtag gang of sleuths try to solve a mystery in this new comedy by Daryl Lisa Fazio. Sept. 23-Oct. 30. Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-584-7450, www.horizontheatre.com
"The Illusionists: Live from Broadway." This magic show features an escape artist, a mind-reader, a cross-bow shooter and other performers in a glitzy event that plays like a TV talent contest. It opens Broadway in Atlanta's fall season with a tingly, macabre touch. Sept. 27-Oct. 2. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org
"Women in Jeopardy!" Two wine-swilling middle-aged women set out to investigate their friend's new dentist boyfriend. Atlanta screwball Lala Cochran and dry wit Andrew Benator star in playwright Wendy MacLeod's comedic caper. Sept. 29-Oct. 23. Aurora Theatre, 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com
"Moby Dick." Chicago's famed Lookingglass Theatre puts a gymnastic spin on Melville's topsy-turvy whale chase. Adapted and directed by David Catlin ("Lookingglass Alice"). Oct. 12-30. Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-5000, www.alliancetheatre.org
"Proof." Atlanta actor Tess Malis Kincaid directs this African-American treatment of David Auburn's 2001 Pulitzer Prize winner for Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre. Oct. 25-Nov. 20. True Colors Theatre at Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road S.W., Atlanta. 1-877-725-8849, www.truecolorstheatre.org
"Appropriate." Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' dark Southern Gothic centers on an Arkansas clan trying to settle their father's estate. If that seems like a familiar device for an American drama, rest assured, it's completely intentional. Oct. 29-Nov. 20. Actor's Express, 887 W. Marietta St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-607-7469, www.actors-express.com
"Cabaret." Former Atlantan and "Queer as Folk" star Randy Harrison steps into Alan Cumming's role of the Emcee in Roundabout Theatre's production of the Kander and Ebb classic. Directed by Sam Mendes and co-directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall. Nov. 1-6. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org
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