Stage Door Theatre’s ‘Cry It Out’ debuts Feb. 1 in Atlanta

Lauren Morris, the director of “Cry It Out,” which opens at Stage Door Theatre Feb. 1, said the play about the power of friendship will resonate with everyone.

The play, which was written by Mollie Smith Metzler, and made its debut at Actors Theatre of Louisville in 2017, tells the story of three parents experiencing the isolation and chaos that a new baby brings.

 “Two new moms and a new dad find each other and company over strong coffee and conversation – that is until the reality of the haves versus the have-nots changes these new-found friendships,” according to Stage Door Theatre’s description of “Cry it Out.”

Morris called the play “very much an ensemble piece” with only four actors. Jennifer Brown, Amer-Maria Woods, Cara Mantilla, and Matt Baum star in the one-act play, which runs about 90 minutes.

“It’s a magnificent cast with talented and hard-working actors,” Morris said. “It has been such a pleasure to work with them, and with all the people at Stage Door.”

Morris is no stranger to SDT. She directed “Peter and the Stargazer” in 2023, and as a freelance theatre artist, has been a part of other productions around Atlanta, including The Alliance Theatre, Actor’s Express, Synchronicity Theatre, and Horizon Theatre. She also self-produces new play workshops for playwrights, and recently directed a new opera. 

She lauded Stage Door and Justin Ball, its producing artistic director for expanding offerings to the community since he took the reins in 2021. 

“This small but mighty organization keeps growing and changing, which is remarkable,” Morris said. 

SDT offers 10 weeks of summer camp for children from ages 5-12, which has had impressive growth. The first year, 50 campers attended, followed by 207 the following year, and 358 in 2023. In 2024, enrollee numbers topped 500. 

In addition, SDT has formed partnerships with local elementary schools like Dunwoody Elementary and Montgomery Elementary schools to bring workshops onsite. 

SDT also offers classes for students in grades 1-5, 6-8 and 9-12, and “Play in a Day,” which is offered on school holidays. The next session will be held March 7. 

Stage Door Theatre, located at 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in the Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center, debuts “Cry it Out” on Feb. 1, with performances running for the next two weekends. More information on the play and how to buy tickets can be found on the organization’s website.