City Springs Theatre Announces New Season at Gala

The City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) Encore Gala was held at the Coca Cola Roxy in Cobb County because City Springs itself couldn’t accommodate the full 350 fans.

On Feb. 12, patrons came to revel in 14 rousing songs representing past seasons, plus the big reveal, season nine’s four-show lineup. Sponsor Mickey Katz, president of the Axelrod Charitable Foundation, told the AJT, “CSTC is unique and excels at … bringing joy to theatre goers, participation with the community, and training future stars in their classes. As president of the Axelrod Foundation, I knew this was exactly the type of organization that they would want me to support.”

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul shared how Sandy Springs stands out because of the singing, drama, and fine arts all brought by “The Company,” as it heads into its ninth season. He said, “In a year-and-a-half, we will celebrate 10 years. And note that the people in this room are the ones with money, and Baby Boomers don’t live forever; thus, we are working hard to grow the next generation through education.”

The CSTC has a tremendous effect on the community at-large. When a production is active, local restaurant sales increase by 26 percent. Last year, 600 people had jobs related to CSTC which has sought long-term and practical investments, like spending $300,000 on microphones that would last eight to 10 years vs. $120,000 a year on rentals per Natalie DeLancey, executive director. Artistic Director Shuler Hensley will continue front and center with his many talents.

Songs at the gala included pieces from “Hairspray,” “South Pacific,” “42nd Street,” “Mary Poppins,” “Into the Woods,” “Sound of Music,” “West Side Story,” “The Music Man,” “Beautiful,” “Mama Mia,” “Gentleman’s Guide,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Brian Wittenberg, who was featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times (Dec. 11,2024), sang a compelling “Miracle of Miracles” from “Fiddler on the Roof.” This group ended in a rousing medley from “Jersey Boys,” the bestselling musical in the history of CSTC. Another highlight was CSTC Conservatory students performing a “Guys and Dolls” preview.

No gem shines brighter than Atlanta native and Julliard graduate, Courtenay Collins, who performed “Practically Perfect” earlier and made for an upbeat auctioneer, strutting about the stage cracking delicious off-the-cuff jokes and encouraging fundraising bids on a few choice items: a walk-on role in “Mean Girls, The Musical”, a diamond tennis bracelet and necklace from D. Geller, a three-night stay at a Lake Nantahala home, and dinner for 10 with a live “Jersey Boys” performance. Clever on her toes, Collins engaged such enthusiasm that she offered multiples of some of the auctioned items.

CSTC has served more than 330,000 patrons and 155,000 students through its mainstage musicals and educational programs. For more info, please visit www.CitySpringsTheatre.com.

CSTC 2026-27 Season Lineup

Les Misérables (Sept. 11-27)
Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, “Les Misérables” first premiered in London in 1985. Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life as he is relentlessly pursued by police. “Les Misérables” has been seen by more than 70 million globally. Interesting note, Israeli DuDu Fisher starred (of many) as Valjean on Broadway.

Anastasia (Dec. 11-27)
This musical spans the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past.

Dear Evan Hansen (March 5-21, 2027)
A modern classic featuring teenaged Evan Hansen who has felt invisible his entire life. When tragedy shocks his community and thrusts him into the center of controversy, he’s given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to be somebody else. His web of well-intentioned lies unravels.

Grease (April 30-May 16, 2027)
Evoking the1950s, “Grease” is a rollicking, crowd-pleasing nostalgic trip. Head greaser, Danny, and Sandy are unexpectedly reunited after a whirlwind summer romance. The soundtrack to the 1978 film version placed Grease among the world’s most popular musicals.