Atlanta Lyric has partnered with the Strand to become the sole producer of musical theatre productions at the venue located on Marietta Square.

For the next five years, the Lyric has committed to producing 6-8 musical productions at the Strand. The 2008-2009 season, which commences in December, will inaugurate the Lyric's residence at the newly restored Art Deco venue.

"This is a match made in heaven," said Brandt Blocker, artistic director and general manager of the Lyric. "Combining the Lyric's 28-year history of excellence in musical theatre with the fabulous historic Strand in the heart of Marietta's Square is a win-win situation for our organizations and for the Atlanta arts scene."

The inaugural production will be Disney's Beauty and the Beast, running Dec. 5-21. Following will be the Leiber and Stoller revue Smokey Joe's Café (Jan. 16-Feb. 1, 2009), The It Girl (March 6-22, 2009), Pirates of Penzance (April 24-May 10, 2009) and Chicago (June 12-28, 2009).

The Lyric will also present its youth company, the Atlanta Junior Lyric, in a production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (March 4 and 21, 2009). Tickets and season packages are currently available by phoning (404) 377-9948 or by visiting AtlantaLyricTheatre.