Holiday-Themed Offerings Take Center Stage at AAT

For more information, contact Dylan Rios at drios@auroraartstheatre.com.

HOLIDAY-THEMED OFFERINGS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT AURORA ARTS THEATRE

“The Rocky Horror Show” final performance on Halloween; tryouts this week for “A Christmas Story”

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Sept. 14, 2022) — Aurora Arts Theatre is kicking things into high gear for their annual holiday performances, including its production of Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show,” and Jean Sheppard’s “A Christmas Story, the Musical.”

Auditions for the musical version of “A Christmas Story,” a holiday fan favorite since its debut on the big screen in 1983, are this Sunday, Sept. 18, at 4 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 19, beginning at 6 p.m., at AAT, located at 5635 Everhart Road in Corpus Christi. The auditions are open to anyone in the community and no formal experience is required. More information is available at auroraartstheatre.com/auditions.

AAT will be auditioning for all roles with a varied range of ages, including the beloved Ralphie, brother Randy, and other parts for young actors, as well as adult roles such as Ralphie’s mother and his “Old Man.” Those planning to try out should be prepared to sing a selection from the show, perform readings selected by the director, and learn a short dance directed by the show’s choreographer. All necessary items will be provided onsite for the audition and comfortable clothing is recommended for the dance portion of the audition. Those auditioning should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out an audition form.

Directed by Debra Aguilar, choreographed by Alexandra Shaw, with vocal direction by Peter Lopez, this musical version of Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder BB Gun will run at AAT Nov. 18 through Jan. 7, 2023, with three performances each weekend: Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee show at 2:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, AAT is doing the “time warp” again live and in person leading up to Halloween with the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Show,” Sept. 21–Oct. 31. The shows — interactive with audience participation, including shoutouts and props — are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in September, with 7:30 p.m. Friday shows and 7 and 11 p.m. Saturday “double feature” shows in October.

Prop bags are available for purchase for $5, containing newspaper, a noise maker, playing cards, a glow stick, confetti and a squirt gun. 13 of the 20 shows are already sold out with less than 50 tickets remaining for each of the remaining performances.

Directed by Laurie Guajardo, choreographed by Sarah Juarez, with vocal direction by Peter Lopez, the story follows innocent Brad and Janet, finding themselves seeking shelter at a mysterious old castle on a dark and stormy night, where they encounter an assortment of other crazy creatures.

And as always, AAT features a live band under the direction of Tanya Stegall for all productions.

“We always look forward to the holidays and are so happy to be bringing back these two great shows that are becoming annual traditions for so many in the Coastal Bend,” said Dylan Rios, marketing director for Aurora Arts Theater. “’The Rocky Horror Show’ has been performed every year since 2010, with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic, and this is our third year to produce ‘A Christmas Story.’ It’s been great to see audiences returning for live theater performances once again.”

Tickets are $20 for all available shows and can be purchased online at auroraartstheatre.com, through the theater box office at 5635 Everhart Road in Corpus Christi, or by calling (361) 851-9700. Box office hours are 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Wednesday through Friday. Patrons requiring special accommodations are urged to notify the Box Office in advance.