Though now commonplace, acting was condemned in colonial times as "public lying," with offenders being yanked off the streets with novelty-sized shepherd's crooks. Embrace vaudevilliany with today's Groupon: for $16, you get one ticket to see John Mercurio and Andrew Kato’s musical Academy at Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville (up to a $38.10 value). Seating for each performance is based on availability, and tickets must be reserved via phone before your performance of choice.

Taking its cue from Goethe's Faust, Academy is a pop-chamber musical about two prep-school seniors who make a seemingly harmless bet over a naïve freshman, only to suffer its disastrous consequences, like taking candy from a hypoglycemic baby. The musical originally dazzled audiences and critics at the New York Musical Theater Festival in 2009, and is now set to sweep the intimate main stage of Aurora Theatre in a new production directed by Freddie Ashley.

Voted 2010's Best Theater Company in Atlanta by Creative Loafing, this playhouse sets its stage ablaze with entertaining, adventurous works and prop-laden jetpacks. Currently celebrating it’s 15th season, the 248-seat main stage springs open its doors for Academy every Thursday through Sunday from March 17 until April 10. Catch an evening show at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, or check out weekend matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Aurora Theatre has scheduled a preview performance and one discount matinee with reduced ticket prices; however, this Groupon represents the best deal available for all regular performances.

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