Creating Artistic Opportunities is the Ballethnic Way!
This Balanchine Classic Returns to Atlanta
Elevating the Arts with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre
56th Season of the Alliance Theatre
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center to Host Two-Time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer
The Journey of a Hero(ine) at The Atlanta Opera
City Springs Theatre Company Mounts Ragtime
Roswell Dance Theatre Presents The Little Mermaid
Jazz Legends Visit the Rialto Center for the Arts
Finding Our Way: A Musical Journey Through Life’s Paths
Summer Arts Intensives Offered at Kennesaw State’s Geer College of the Arts
New South Festival Singers Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Angelique Kidjo Brings Her African Symphony to Atlanta
Voices of Note Presents: This Is Me — Celebrating Every Body Through Music and Identity
Oglethorpe University Lights Up the Stage with Marie Antoinette and Xanadu
Timeless Beauty of Mozart’s Requiem and Heydn’s Te Deum with The Michael O’Neal Singers
Creating Artistic Opportunities is the Ballethnic Way!
Ballethnic Dance Company, founded in 1990, laid its roots in a quiet corner of East Point, GA 35 years ago. As the oldest black-led professional ballet company in the South, this Southern Cultural Treasure, as designated by South Arts, has achieved international acclaim for its remarkable contribution to the community and the arts.
Ballethnic’s 35th Birthday
Photo by Gregory Kerns
ing artistic opportunities through the Ballethnic Dance Company, Ballethnic Academy of Dance, the Ballethnic Youth Ensemble (pre-professional training program), and the Danseur Development Project (the young men’s training program). Their methodology of disciplined lives, sound bodies, and focused minds has launched careers on Broadway, Hollywood, and renowned arts institutions around the world! Nena Gilreath states, “It’s wonderful that Waverly and I continue to realize our vision by seeing the street name reflect our methodology. Many dreams have been discovered on this street. We look forward to expanding our dream by renovating our building and developing the Ballethnic campus”.
‘Dance is really just an excuse to infuse this curriculum; Ballethnic is really an incubator for students to discover who they are, delivering a process for shaping leaders, especially ascending kids who just seem to know how to act and what to expect.’
~ Ballethnic Academy of Dance Parent
Last year, East Point leaders recognized the organization’s many decades of service by renaming their street, Ballethnic Way! This was the first step towards a newly renovated home for future generations to learn, grow, serve, and inspire!
The organization’s founders, Nena Gilreath, and Waverly T. Lucas II, have changed the landscape of classical ballet by increas-
The Campus will be the attractive destination that the organization deserves, one that is accessible and adaptive, where community is key and the mission and methodology is inherent. Through dance, the organization will continue to give back to the community, especially youth and those that are financially disadvantaged. Ballethnic’s cultural legacy will continue to offer a nurturing environment for creative expression and instill lifelong values.
If you’re interested in training the Ballethnic Way, donating to the capital campaign, or learning more, visit Ballethnic.org or call (404) 762-1416!
FEB 13–MAR 16 2025
World Premiere
For fans of FX’s
It’s not only hell that breaks loose in this ground-breaking, formdefying, laugh-out-loud new drama.
By ZORA HOWARD
Directed by LILEANA
BLAIN-CRUZ
A Co-Production with Goodman Theatre
Produced in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, Khaliah Neal and Thomas Swayne
MAY 9–JUN 15 2025
World Premiere/Musical
A million dollars is a windfall. A family is a fortune.
Book by BOB MARTIN Music & Lyrics by ADAM GUETTEL
Based on the novel and screenplay by FRANK COTTRELL BOYCE
Directed by BARTLETT SHER
Produced by arrangement with Sonia Friedman Productions and Franco Productions
This Balanchine Classic Returns to Atlanta
For the first time in over twenty years, Atlanta Ballet will present George Balanchine’s Coppélia, the witty fairytale classic featuring original choreography by George Balanchine and Alexandra Danilova. Complete with the music of Léo Delibes, under the baton of Ari Pelto with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, this classical ballet comedy is sure to be a treat for the whole family!
This delightfully twisting narrative tells the story of inventor Dr. Coppelius and his daughter, Coppélia, who spends her days reading a book and watching the townsfolk below.
She catches the eye of Franz, much to the dismay of his betrothed, Swanhilda. However, Dr. Coppelius is hiding a terrible secret. Coppelia is actually a lifeless automaton, but the inventor has plans to infuse her with the soul of a living human: Franz’s soul. This
Atlanta Ballet Dancer
Madison Penney as Coppelia.
Photo by Rachel Neville
timeless mystery is complete with comedy, danger, mistaken identity and a “love conquers all” theme.
Balanchine’s 1974 Coppélia revival, a rare full-length narrative in his repertoire, honored the 1884 Petipa original and cemented its place as a beloved classic. Atlanta Ballet brings this treasured work to Atlanta, continuing its tradition of presenting Balanchine’s masterpieces.
Experience the enchanting tale of Coppélia the way it was meant to be seen and heard: brought to life by a full, live orchestra. Guest conductor Ari Pelto, returning from The Nutcracker, leads the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra to provide a truly immersive and moving experience. Their performance will perfectly complement the stunning performances of the Atlanta Ballet company dancers and children’s cast from the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. Tickets at atlantaballet.com.
A New Chapter: Elevating the Arts with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre
From its humble beginnings as a local dance studio that has enriched Gwinnett County for over 40 years, a deep well of passion and creativity eventually blossomed into a groundbreaking vision — one that would celebrate the region’s steadfast commitment to the arts. In 2020, Artistic Director Lori Zamzow-Wire boldly launched Gwinnett Ballet Theatre (GBT) as a professional ballet company with paid contracts for dancers for a full performance season, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey against the odds. The journey to professional status was not without its challenges. Shortly after its inception, GBT faced formidable obstacles, including a global pandemic, limited funding, and a scarcity of sponsorships. Many questioned whether the community could rally enough support to sustain a professional ballet company. However, the unwavering commitment of the artistic team, dancers, and supporters transformed uncertainty into opportunity. By attracting exceptional talent from across the country while nurturing gifted local artists, GBT steadily built a reputation for excellence and resilience. Now, as the company embarks on its sixth season, GBT proudly calls the Gas South
District Theatre its home — a prestigious venue that reflects both its storied past and its bright future. This milestone stands as a testament to the relentless spirit of GBT’s founders and the generosity of dedicated volunteers, loyal donors, and visionary corporate sponsors whose support has been essential in overcoming adversity.
As we step into our sixth season, we celebrate a new beginning built on five years of hard work and growth. We’ve overcome challenges, hired exceptional dancers, developed a full performance season, and cultivated a dedicated audience. Every performance now stands as a testament to our journey and the transformative power of art. We invite you to be a part of this next chapter. Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, or community partner, your support is essential to our continued success and expansion. Join us as we turn the page toward a future where passion, creativity, and community come together to elevate the arts even further. Together, we can nurture this dream and ensure that Gwinnett Ballet Theatre continues to inspire and enrich our cultural landscape.
Sign up to receive additional information at gwinnettballet.org/contact.
The 56th Season of the Alliance Theatre Continues with Two World Premiere Productions
Following enthusiastic responses from audiences when it was presented in staged readings as part of the 2023/24 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition and Denver Performing Arts Center’s 2023 Colorado New Play Summit, THE RESERVOIR by Jake Brasch opens on the Hertz Stage March 29 and runs through May 4.
In THE RESERVOIR, Josh has returned home from college to get his life together but can’t manage to stay sober. Desperate for camaraderie, he decides to bring his four loveable grandparents on his road to recovery. Served up with outrageous humor and truth, THE RESERVOIR reminds us that sometimes the path forward isn’t the one we expect.
The season will close on The CocaCola Stage with the world premiere musical, MILLIONS. Inspired by Frank
Cottrell Boyce’s beloved novel and film, MILLIONS will run May 9 through June 15. Created by a team of Tony Award winners, MILLIONS is a hilarious and heartwarming new musical that proves true wealth has nothing to do with money.
With a book by Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone, The Prom), an extraordinary score by Adam Guettel (Floyd Collins, The Light in the Piazza, Days of Wine and Roses), and direction by Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, To Kill a Mockingbird), MILLIONS is an imaginative and unpredictable adventure. With soaring music and a story full of surprises, MILLIONS is a modernday fable that will enchant and entertain the entire family. MILLIONS is produced by arrangement with Sonia Friedman Productions and Franco Productions. For more visit alliancetheatre.org.
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center to Host Two-Time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer
Legendary artist Graham Nash, as a founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, is a twotime Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
An extraordinary GRAMMY Award® winning Renaissance artist — and self-described “simple man” — Nash was inducted twice into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, for his work with CSN and his work as a solo artist. Nash will appear at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center April 6, in Byers Theatre.
Nash will be joined on stage by Todd Caldwell (keyboards and vocals), Adam Minkoff (bass, drums, guitars, and vocals), and Zach Djanikian (guitars, mandolin, drums, and vocals), performing favorites from across his sixty-year career. Tickets and information at sandyspringspac.com.
The Journey of a Hero(ine) at The Atlanta Opera
Love and Consequences at The Atlanta Opera! Presenting two captivating productions in the upcoming months, the Opera draws on mythology and stories of relationships between gods and mortals in Richard Wagner’s Siegfried and George Frideric Handel’s Semele. Both operas will be staged at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, offering audiences a chance to experience these timeless masterpieces.
Siegfried – An arts experience like no other!
Scheduled from April 26 to May 4, 2025, Siegfried is the third opera in Wagner’s monumental four-part cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen. This epic five-hour opera weaves together narratives from Das Rheingold and Die Walküre, culminating in a vision where love, courage, and wisdom triumph over the allure of unchecked power. Performances will offer audiences a full experience including a progressive dinner along with the musical saga. In a new Tomer Zvulun production, Siegfried features international singing stars Greer Grimsley, Stefan Vinke, Lise Lindstrom, and Zachary Nelson.
Semele – A Rare Jewel
From June 7 to June 15, 2025, the company will present Handel’s Semele, a
Baroque masterpiece steaming with themes of sensuality, ambition, and jealousy. The narrative centers on Princess Semele, who becomes entangled in a passionate affair with Jupiter, the king of the gods, only to face the wrath of his vengeful wife, Juno. The opera showcases some of Handel’s most exquisite arias and choruses, bringing to life a love triangle that is both timeless and tragic. This production marks a company premiere, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience this moving work. Lauren Snouffer, an acclaimed soprano in the music of the Baroque era, carries the title role. She is joined by Nils Wanderer, renowned countertenor, who is hailed for his “beautiful, dark, well-developed and amber colored voice…”.
Both productions will be presented at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, located at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. Tickets are available for purchase through The Atlanta Opera’s official website atlantaopera.org
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness these operatic masterpieces brought to life by The Atlanta Opera’s talented cast and creative team. Secure your tickets today and immerse yourself in the drama, music, and spectacle that define these timeless stories.
TAO Semele, Photo credit “Avi Loud”
Madison Penney and Denys Nedak.
Photo by Rachel Neville.
City Springs Theatre Company Mounts
Broadway’s Epic, Heart-soaring Musical Ragtime
When Ragtime The Musical opened on Broadway in 1998, it was often overshadowed by it’s chief box office rival, the Disney juggernaut The Lion King, and by its infamous spotlightstealing producer Garth Drabinsky. Still, the show’s artistic merits were universally lauded by critics and audiences, and is today beloved for its emotion-filled story and for its sweeping, Tony Award-winning score by the team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Anastasia, Once On This Island).
When City Springs Theatre Company decided to include the musical in its seventh season, they embraced the challenge. “Its a big show, but it’s a very delicate show that requires a great deal of respect and empathy from every artist involved,” said the company’s Executive Director Natalie DeLancey. “We’re all keenly aware how powerful and moving a show like Ragtime can be and we want our audiences to have the same reaction we had the first time we experienced it.”
Based on the best-selling novel by E.L.
Doctorow, Ragtime weaves together the stories of three families, each in search of the American dream at the beginning of the 20th century. In a way, Ragtime is itself the last great musical of that century — decidedly contemporary, but reflective of classic, grand, musical dramas like South Pacific and The Sound of Music. Like the novel, the musical is historical fiction, with real-life persons such as Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan, and Booker T. Washington interacting with the story’s primary characters.
The City Springs Theatre Company production (running March 14-30) will be directed and choreographed by Todd L. Underwood, with music direction by Miles Plant, and will star Jonathan Christopher (Broadway’s Sweeney Todd) as Coalhouse Walker Jr. and Kristine Reese (Broadway’s Les Misérables) as Mother. Ragtime The Musical runs March 14-30 at the Byers Theatre in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at CitySpringsTheatre.com/ragtime.
Roswell Dance Theatre is thrilled to present The Little Mermaid!
Join Ariel, our mermaid princess, on her journey to land and life above the sea. Surrounded by her sea friends, she marvels at the treasures dropped by humans to the ocean floor and swims just to the edge of the water to glimpse the exciting world of ships crossing overhead. After making a deal with the sea witch Ursula, Ariel has to overcome many challenges as she struggles to win the heart of Prince Eric and find the life she longs for in the sunshine.
The entire family will delight as the cast of The Little Mermaid brings magic to the stage in this vibrant production. Join us at one of four enchanting performances in the beautiful Byers Theatre April 4-5. Our youngest guests will enjoy two very special “Prince and Princess” Meet & Greet performances on Saturday, April 5. Come dressed in your favorite prince or princess costume and meet The Little Mermaid cast members! Dancers will sign autographs and pose for pictures one hour prior to curtain.
Roswell Dance Theatre is the resident performing company of the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance. Founder and Director Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz has been pursuing excellence for her students for more than 45 years. From its humble beginnings in a house on Canton Street, to today’s 27,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art facility, Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance is where dancers come to dance. The school offers 130+ classes for students ages 2 and up. Class offerings include everything from Ballet, Modern and Contemporary, to Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and so much more! Visit tysod.com for more information and programming details. Celebrate sunshine, spring and the world of possibilities at The Little Mermaid. Community groups welcome. Contact the box office for group sales.
Ticket: SpringBalletConcert.com
Ticket prices: $25
Byers Theatre at City Springs 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Mary Poppins, photo by JBP Photography
Aladdin photo by Gene Granados
TJazz Legends Visit the Rialto Center for the Arts
he Rialto Center for the Arts is excited to host a spectacular lineup that highlights exceptional talent in the jazz scene. As part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS Production, we are honored to feature the immensely talented pianist Luther S. Allison, joined by the captivating vocalists Quiana Lynell and Milton Suggs, who will take the stage on March 8. This concert promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the vibrant soul of New Orleans and the diverse, rich essence of jazz music, showcasing a range of renowned compositions and inspiring songs that have shaped the genre, including iconic figures such as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Ellis Marsalis, and James Black.
Following this extraordinary performance, the Rialto Center for the Arts welcomes the legendary Dee Dee Bridgewater on March 29. A two-time Grammy Award winner and Tony Award recipient, Bridgewater is renowned for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Ever the fearless voyager, explorer, pioneer and keeper of tradition, she has worked with the legendary Thad
Jones/Mel Louis Big Band, and performed with such jazz notables as Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Dizzy Gillespie. Her performance will highlight her unique interpretations of jazz standards and pay homage to the greats of the genre. Audiences can look forward to an evening filled with unforgettable melodies, heartfelt storytelling, and a deep connection to the roots of jazz.
Whether you’re a devoted jazz aficionado or simply seeking a night of musical enchantment, the Rialto Center for the Arts offers a perfect setting to experience the magic of live performances. The venue’s commitment to bringing world-class artists to the stage ensures that each concert is an opportunity to witness the evolution of jazz, from its storied past to its exciting future. These performances are not to be missed, as they promise to bring together the essence of jazz and the spirit of New Orleans resonating with longtime fans and new listeners. Be sure to secure your place for an enriching experience that celebrates the heart and soul of jazz music! Tickets for these shows are available at rialto.gsu.edu.
Dee Dee Bridgewater
IFinding Our Way: A Musical Journey Through Life’s Paths
n Atlanta, where GPS rerouting has become as routine as morning coffee, the question “Is there another way to get there?” echoes through countless commutes. But beyond the concrete ribbons of highways and byways lies a deeper reflection on life’s various paths and the choices we make along them.
Atlanta Master Chorale’s Pathways concerts on March 14 and 15 explore this universal theme through a carefully curated collection of choral works. The program opens with Antognini’s Jubilate Deo, celebrating the joy of beginning new journeys, before traveling through both sacred and secular musical landscapes that contemplate our various paths through life.
The repertoire thoughtfully includes Eric William Barnum’s Dawn, which musically paints the beginning of a new day — and symbolically, new beginnings. The traditional Down in the River to Pray,
arranged by Eric Nelson, represents spiritual pathways, while Don Macdonald’s When the Earth Stands Still offers moments of contemplation about our place in the natural world.
Our concert features several works that specifically address life’s journeys, including Stephen Paulus’s The Road Home, which draws from the American shapenote tradition with its adaptation of the tune Prospect. Similarly, Susan LaBarr’s arrangement of Rise, My Soul and Shawn Kirchner’s I’ll Be On My Way speak to both physical and spiritual journeys.
Just as Robert Frost pondered The Road Not Taken, this musical journey invites listeners to contemplate their own paths — whether they’re the well-worn routes of tradition represented in folk songs like O Whistle and I’ll Come Back to Ye, or the wide-open possibilities suggested in Sarah Quartel’s Wide Open Spaces.
Through this diverse program, we’re reminded that while we may not always know where our paths will lead, the journey itself — with all its twists and turns — shapes who we become. Sometimes, taking the alternate route leads to the most meaningful destinations. For more information, tickets and livestream, visit AtlantaMasterChorale.org/ concerts.
Summer Arts Intensives Offered at Kennesaw State’s
Geer College of the Arts
Kennesaw State University’s College of the Arts is pleased to offer high school students and rising college freshmen an opportunity to experience the arts on a collegiate level in summer 2025. In this year’s Summer Arts Intensive programs, students may choose from acting, dance, design tech, music, musical theatre, or the visual arts.
Choral, Dance and Theatre students may choose to stay overnight in a residence hall on the Kennesaw campus for the week. The overnight option deadline is March 1, 2025, or until filled.
The Bailey School of Music will offer half-day intensives in Brass, Choral, Percussion, Piano, or Strings. The School is also offering a full week’s program in Choral Singers, including the new overnight option. Also new this year is the Marching Band Drum Major Leadership intensive.
The School of Art and Design will bring back its popular lineup of art-centric classes plus a new intensive. Students may select digital animation, comics, and characters, including 3D Digital Modeling and Character Development, Creature Design and Scientific Illustration, Original Character Design, Basic Patternmaking & Construction in Textile Design and Visual
Storytelling in Comics and Sequential Art. Theatre buffs may choose from Acting, Musical Theatre, or Design/Tech from the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies on the Kennesaw Campus. The Acting Intensive includes core acting work, technique, and casting insights. The Musical Theatre Intensives features acting, dance, and vocal skills workshops led by KSU faculty and local professionals. The Theatre Design and Technology Intensive covers different aspects of working backstage, including scenic, costume, lighting, props, and sound.
The Dance Intensive offers intermediate to advanced level dance students the opportunity for technical and artistic growth in dance in a supportive and creative environment. Held on the Kennesaw campus, the Dance Intensive allows dancers to participate in a myriad of dance classes, such as modern, ballet, African, jazz, as well as choreography and dance history, all led by KSU Department of Dance faculty.
Interested students should register as early as possible to secure their desired intensive options.
Learn more about the College of the Arts at www.kennesaw.edu/arts.
WBFSA c. 1997 Spivey Hall
New South Festival Singers - Lynn Swanson
New South Festival Singers Celebrates 40th Anniversary
On February 26, 1985, William Baker assembled a choir of 21 voices in the basement of a Norcross church for the first rehearsal of the Gwinnett Festival Singers. With ambitious projects throughout the 1980s, including a performance at England’s Canterbury Cathedral and the first of 35 years of annual performances at Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Festival Singers quickly became a regional sensation.
In 1998, the choir became the William Baker Festival Singers Atlanta and was led by its founder through its 30th concert season. The choir became the original ensemble of the William Baker Choral Foundation, now a national arts organization that sponsors twelve performing ensembles in four states, involving hundreds of participants, two educational institutions operating internationally, and one of the largest music libraries in the nation. The choir became known as New South Festival Singers in 2017.
In 2015, Lynn Swanson, who had
served for a decade as associate director, was named Music Director & Conductor. Ms. Swanson has announced her retirement at the end of the 2024-2025 concert season. All remaining events of the current season will be a celebration of Lynn Swanson’s career as one of Atlanta’s consequential choral leaders.
On February 23, 4 PM, at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, William Baker will return to Join New South for a gala concert celebrating their 40 years. On March 23, at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Decatur, the New South Festival Singers & Chamber Orchestra will perform the Requiem of John Rutter and the Mystical Songs of Vaughan Williams. On Sunday, May 4, at the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Lynn Swanson will lead the Festival Singers in her final concert as Music Director. The Festival Singers’ 2024-2025 season will conclude with their annual performance on Memorial Day, May 26, at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC.
NewSouthFestivalSingers.org
WBFS at Canterbury Cathedral
Angelique Kidjo Brings Her African Symphony To Atlanta
OAngelique Kidjo, a beacon of African musical excellence, curates an extraordinary program that includes her own influential songs, which have inspired the current generation of African musicians.
n Sunday, March 30, embark on a captivating musical journey with the legendary five-time Grammy award winner, Angelique Kidjo, as she unveils her latest symphonic project, African Symphony. The concert will take place at Atlanta Symphony Hall as Kidjo performs with the illustrious Atlanta Pops Orchestra. Kidjo collaborates with acclaimed arranger Derrick Hodge (Robert Glasper, Common, Jill Scott) to present a unique symphonic show that pays homage to the rich tapestry of African musical heritage.
African Symphony showcases a collection of timeless songs that have not only resonated across the African continent but have also left an indelible mark on the global stage. From the iconic sounds of legends such as Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, and Youssou N’Dour to the contemporary brilliance of artists like Rema and Burna Boy, this symphonic project celebrates the profound impact of African music on the world.
Angelique Kidjo, a beacon of African musical excellence, curates an extraordinary program that includes her own influential songs, which have inspired the current generation of African musicians. African Symphony is where the past, present, and future of African music converge in a breathtaking symphonic experience.
Tickets for this event can be found at ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit aso.org.
Angelique Kidjo
Voices of Note Presents: This Is Me — Celebrating Every Body Through Music and Identity
This March, Voices of Note proudly presents This Is Me, a powerful celebration of individuality, resilience, and community. This transformative performance will unite over 250 singers from the Atlanta Women’s Chorus (AWC) and the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus (AGMC) for the first time in a decade. Held at the historic Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University, the performance promises to be an uplifting testament to the unifying power of music. Stigma is a key driver of health disparities, particularly weight stigma, which marginalizes individuals who do not conform to societal body norms. According to the CDC, weight stigma contributes to negative health outcomes such as increased stress, anxiety, and poor body image. There is also growing research that highlights its psychological toll, linking it to depression and lower self-esteem. Body positivity serves as a counterforce, promoting selfacceptance and challenging harmful beauty standards.
Under the leadership of Artistic Directors Dr. Melissa Arasi and Donald Milton III, This Is Me will showcase a dynamic repertoire celebrating self-
acceptance and connection. Voices of Note remains dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and the transformative impact of the arts.
“This concert is more than a performance,” said Dr. Arasi. “It’s about meeting people where they are and celebrating the beauty of being uniquely yourself. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire audiences to embrace their stories with pride.”
Set in the warm and inclusive atmosphere of Glenn Memorial, the performance highlights the strength found in both harmony and individuality. Voices of Note’s mission to foster connection and uplift marginalized voices resonates through every note, creating a space where all stories are valued.
Proceeds from This Is Me will support local queer arts organizations, amplifying Atlanta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ artistic community. Voices of Note invites audiences to witness this extraordinary event — a celebration of courage, diversity, and unity.
Don’t miss this transformative experience — This Is Me is more than a concert; it’s a call to celebrate what makes each of us unique. For tickets and details, visit www.voicesofnote.org.
Mojah Dance Theatre
This photo is inspired by the phrase, “I Can Fly Like a Bird In the Sky,” from the poem “Ego Tripping,” by Nikki Giovanni.
The photo was taken at the Annual Mojah Dance Festival and Conference. Pictures were taken for the Mojah Instructional Publication.
Oglethorpe University Lights Up the Stage with
Marie Antoinette and Xanadu
Discover Oglethorpe University’s thriving arts community! Here, it’s all about the experience — for our students and our audiences.
Conant Performing Arts Center, the university’s premier venue, stages both student and professional theatre productions and music performances throughout the year.
First on the lineup is Marie Antoinette, a dark comedy that puts a modern spin on the infamous French queen. Presented as the fourth consecutive co-production between Oglethorpe University and renowned Atlanta theatre company Actor’s Express, this production brings Oglethorpe students and professional actors together for a unique theatrical experience.
The play, written by Tony-awardwinning playwright David Adjmi, explores the opulence, excess, and downfall of one of history’s most notorious “it girls” with biting humor and contemporary relevance. The partnership between Oglethorpe and Actor’s Express offers students invaluable hands-on experience, both on stage and behind the scenes, working alongside industry professionals to create a polished
and compelling performance.
Next up is Xanadu, a high-energy, feel-good musical packed with ‘80s glitz, glam, and, of course, roller skates. This jukebox musical, inspired by the 1980 cult film, follows the story of a Greek muse who descends from Mount Olympus to inspire a struggling artist to create the world’s first roller disco. With its upbeat soundtrack featuring hits from Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John, Xanadu delivers a fun and nostalgic theatrical experience. Oglethorpe’s production promises dazzling costumes, infectious music, and a night of pure joy for audiences of all ages.
Both performances will take place at the Conant Performing Arts Center, a venue known for showcasing exceptional student and professional talent in an intimate and engaging setting. Whether you’re drawn to the satirical wit of Marie Antoinette or the lighthearted, dance-filled spectacle of Xanadu, Oglethorpe University’s spring theatre season is not to be missed.
View Oglethorpe’s full calendar of performing arts events, plus museum exhibitions, lectures, book and poetry readings, and more at oglethorpe.edu/arts.
Timeless Beauty of Mozart’s Requiem and Heydn’s Te Deum with The Michael O’Neal Singers
Music lovers in the Atlanta area are in for a remarkable afternoon of choral and orchestral brilliance as The Michael O’Neal Singers present an inspiring performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, K. 626, and Joseph Haydn’s Te Deum in C Major. The concert will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, at Roswell United Methodist Church.
The Michael O’Neal Singers, a distinguished 130-voice chorus, will be joined by an exceptional lineup of soloists: soprano Talise Trevigne; mezzo-soprano Maria McDaniel; tenor Richard Clement; and bass John LaForge. Accompanying them will be a 35-piece orchestra, ensuring a rich and immersive musical experience.
Mozart’s Requiem remains one of the most celebrated and enigmatic
compositions in the classical repertoire. Left incomplete at the time of his death in 1791, the piece was later finished by his student Franz Xaver Süssmayr, based on Mozart’s notes and sketches. The Requiem is renowned for its hauntingly beautiful melodies, profound emotional depth, and stirring contrasts between darkness and light. Highlights of the work include the dramatic ‘Dies Irae’, the poignant ‘Lacrimosa’, and the transcendent ‘Lux Aeterna’. With its intricate choral harmonies and powerful orchestration, this masterpiece continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Opening the concert will be Haydn’s Te Deum in C Major, a jubilant and majestic choral work composed in 1799. This uplifting piece begins with a bold and energetic choral declaration, followed by a lyrical, expressive section and culminating in a triumphant finale. Haydn’s signature mastery of counterpoint and harmonic brilliance shines throughout, making Te Deum a fitting prelude to the grandeur of Mozart’s Requiem.
This extraordinary concert promises an afternoon of breathtaking choral and orchestral artistry, offering audiences an opportunity to experience two of the classical era’s most revered compositions. Don’t miss this chance to witness a stirring performance by The Michael O’Neal Singers and their accomplished musical collaborators. For complete concert and ticket information, visit www.mosingers.com or call 770.594.7974.
Michael O’Neal
ATLANTA SPOTLIGHTS DANCE
Camps, Classes, and Theater for the Young
The Tony Awardwinning Alliance Theatre has something to offer for all ages. From classes, ages 12 months through adult. To plays developed specifically for children newborn to five and through the Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young. To summer camps where young actors can build character, grow confidence, and exercise imagination through a variety of theater camps for rising grades K-12 at locations all around metro Atlanta. Visit alliancetheatre.org to learn more.
Atlanta Ballet brings together art and artists from across the globe and from our own backyard
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premiere dance companies in the country and the official State Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. Opened in 1996, the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education provides classes for students from age 2 to adult at three convenient studio locations. After 95 years, Atlanta Ballet continues to bring together art and artists from across the globe and from our own backyard to create inspiring dance and dance education for the city of Atlanta. To learn more, go to atlantaballet.com.
The Atlanta Chamber Players continue their 24-25 Season with an exciting program at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta.
A new commission by Allen McCullough, funded by the Halle Foundation, will be performed along with Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 8 and Serenade in D major for Flute, Violin, and Viola. Musicians for this concert include Elizabeth Pridgen, piano, Todd Skitch, flute,
Justin Bruns, violin, and Catherine Lynn, viola. Now in our 49th Season, the ACP continues to shine with unique and virtuosic programming. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our mailing list through our website to learn more. www.atlantachamberplayers.com
The Atlanta Opera Presents Siegfried and Semele
The Atlanta Opera presents two spectacular productions: Richard Wagner’s Siegfried (April 26–May 4, 2025) and G.F. Handel’s Semele (June 7–15, 2025) at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Siegfried, part of Wagner’s Ring cycle, follows a hero’s journey of self-discovery and destiny. Semele, a Baroque masterpiece, tells a tale of love, ambition, and divine jealousy. Both operas feature exquisite music and compelling storytelling. Don’t miss these unforgettable performances — secure your tickets today at atlantaopera.org
Atlanta Master Chorale Presents Pathways
The question “Is there another way to get there?” resonates deeply with us all whether on Atlanta’s busy roadways to life’s meandering paths. AMC’s spring Pathways concert explores our search for direction through a vibrant tapestry of choral works. The program weaves together traditional spirituals, contemporary compositions, and folk songs that contemplate our various journeys — both physical and spiritual. From the dawning of new beginnings to the comfort of returning home, these musical selections remind us that while destinations matter, it’s often the path we choose that shapes our story. Join us March 14 & 15 (8 PM) at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. AtlantaMasterChorale.org/concerts
ATLANTA SPOTLIGHTS DANCE
All The Way Live II fuses enthralling live performance and music into a celebratory extravaganza!
The audience is urged to join in as active participants to move and groove with the cast. The dance and musical components of the production share the authentic Ballethnic style of blending ballet and African dance concepts with a musicality that explores fusion and traditional elements. This production features a live band, African drummers, a chorus of singers, a New Orleans second line, and the soulful voice of Adam L. McKnight. To purchase tickets visit, https:// www.eventbrite.com/cc/all-the-waylive-2-3971673 or call (404) 762-1416!
anniversary of that ground-breaking musical. The evening will feature fullscale musical numbers interspersed with appearances by Broadway legends Baayork Lee, Kelly Bishop and Priscilla Lopez who will share their unique perspectives on the show and its creation. Tickets ($89-$264) are available at CitySpringsTheatre.com/gala, CitySpringsTheatre.com!
Center for Puppetry Arts Presents Rainforest Adventures, Now - March 2
Dive into the vibrant world of the rainforest with Rainforest Adventures at the Center for Puppetry Arts!
This colorful, family-friendly show brings the wonders of the tropics to life through enchanting puppetry. Follow the journey of an adventurous monkey, a sleepy sloth, and a curious toucan as they explore their lush jungle home. Featuring catchy music and eye-catching puppets, this interactive performance introduces young audiences to the fascinating creatures and natural beauty of the rainforest. Perfect for kids of all ages, Rainforest Adventures offers an engaging, fun, and educational experience for the whole family! Purchase tickets at puppet.org/programs/rainforest-adventures.
City Springs Theatre Company Celebrates Inaugural Encore Gala
On February 16th, three of the original stars of Broadway’s A Chorus Line will join City Springs Theatre Company’s inaugural Encore Gala, celebrating the 50th
Conant Performing Arts Center stages productions by the university’s acclaimed music and theatre programs. Visit Oglethorpe’s small, historic campus for theatre, concerts, and visual arts on a different scale. Oglethorpe’s 550-seat Conant Performing Arts Center stages productions by the university’s acclaimed music and theatre programs, as well as guest lecturers and student-led theatre and art exhibitions. Oglethorpe students receive hands-on experiences both on stage and behind the scenes, equipping them with valuable professional experience before graduating. Top Atlanta arts organizations also grace our stage! Atlanta theatre company Actor’s Express annually partners with Oglethorpe University to co-produce a production featuring professional and student performers. Details about upcoming events at oglethorpe.edu/arts
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Mojah Dance Theatre Presents “Let Freedom Ring”
Mojah Dance Theatre formerly called Total Dance Company will perform a trilogy: a three-part series of Black Box Theater productions at Southwest Arts Center. Saturday, February 23rd at 7 pm “Let Freedom Ring” will be featured in celebration of Black History Month. Sunday, March 22 at 5 pm excerpts from “Women Hold Up Half the Sky”, A Tribute to the African American Woman will be presented in celebration of Women’s History Month. Sunday, April 27th at 5 pm, “ Ajile Talk, Mojah Talk, Drum Talk” will be presented in memory of philanthropist, Dorimell Borders Axam. Mojah dancers will perform with purpose and passion. www.dancicalproductions.com
An Unkindness of Ravens, an Exploration by Full Radius Dance
World Premiere of “Requiem Americano” by Georgia Symphony Orchestra
Join the Georgia Symphony Orchestra on May 17, 2025 for their seventy-fourth season finale, We the People, a meaningful exploration of different perspectives on American Life. Experience the world premiere of “Requiem Americano,” by GSO Music Director and Conductor Timothy Verville, using the music of America to address pressing societal issues such as anti-immigration sentiment, hypercommercialism, gun violence, social isolation, and disproportionate incarceration. Enhancing this powerful performance, the GSO will be joined by tenor Timothy Miller, the Atlanta Boy Choir, and the GSO Chorus. www.georgiasymphony.org/event/we-thepeople.
Experience the enchantment of The Firebird by Gwinnett Ballet Theatre at Gas South Theater in Duluth, GA on March
1 & 2, 2025.
An exploration, through dance, of the complex symbolism of the raven — loss, death, prophecy, insight, & connecting the material world to the spirit world. Come experience Full Radius Dance in a new work directed by Artistic Director Douglas Scott, premiering March 7-9, 2025 at 7 Stages Theatre Mainstage. Full Radius Dance is Atlanta’s physically integrated dance (dancers with and without disabilities) company. With 30 years of experience in the field, the company is widely recognized as a pioneer in the art of dance. For more information: fullradiusdance.org/ravens
This timeless ballet fuses magic, myth, and artistry, reimagining the legendary tale of a mystical creature and the struggle between light and darkness. Captivating choreography, dazzling costumes, and dynamic staging complement a stirring musical score. Prepare to be mesmerized by every graceful leap and passionate turn, as tradition meets innovation in this magical reinterpretation. Witness a celebration of transformation, courage, and the enduring power of imagination. Don’t miss this extraordinary, unforgettable performance. Tickets and information at GwinnettBallet.org
ATLANTA SPOTLIGHTS DANCE
Kennesaw State’s Dance Department to host Terminus Modern’s Duality
Kennesaw State University Department of Dance will host Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre for its 2025 Spring Season opener, Duality, March 7-9 at the KSU Dance Theater on the Marietta campus. In pursuit of embodying classical ballet’s elegance and harnessing the vibrant energy of contemporary dance, the performance showcases two dance works. One of the works is a highly anticipated world premiere by esteemed choreographer Frank Chaves. The extraordinary dancers of Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre are known for their technical prowess and artist expression. Tickets are now available for you to experience an interconnected world where mind, body, and spirit converge. For tickets visit https://calendar.kennesaw.edu/ event/duality.
Mozart Requiem and Haydn Te Deum with The Michael O’Neal Singers
Experience an unforgettable afternoon as The Michael O’Neal Singers perform Mozart’s Requiem and Haydn’s Te Deum. Mozart’s Requiem, his final masterpiece, is a powerful and deeply moving work filled with drama and profound beauty. Haydn’s Te Deum, a jubilant and triumphant hymn of praise, contrasts with its energetic and celebratory spirit. Together, these works create a powerful musical experience that will inspire and captivate.
Joining the 130-voice MOS chorus will be soloists Talise Trevigne, Maria McDaniel, Richard Clement, John LaForge, and a 35-piece orchestra.
For complete concert and ticket information, visit www.mosingers.com or call 770.594.7974.
New South Festival Singers Celebrates English Composers
On Sunday, March 23, 4:00 PM, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 515 East Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur, the New South Festival Singers present their 40th annual Andrew Cain Masterworks Concert. The program will include works that are steeped in Festival Singers’ history, John Rutter’s Requiem , and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Mystical Songs. The Vaughan Williams was on the Festival Singers very first concert on May 20, 1985. The Festival Singers’ recording of the Rutter was lauded in The American Record Guide. Lynn Swanson will conduct soloists Sue Lawton and Scott Smith, with chamber orchestra and organist Will Buthod. FestivalSingers.org/concerts
Out Front Theatre Company Brings the Laughs with Immediate Family
In the Bryant family’s Hyde Park home,
prodigal son Jesse shows up for a family wedding with his new Swedish boyfriend and turns the family reunion into a family showdown. “Modern Family” meets “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” as the Bryant siblings try to bridge their differences with a little help from God, card games and their Immediate Family. Tickets can be purchased at www.OutFrontTheatre.com
The Rialto Center for the Arts is thrilled to showcase A Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS Production
The Rialto Center for the Arts is thrilled to showcase A Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS Production, featuring Luther S. Allison, Quiana Lynell and Milton Suggs on March 8, followed by the legendary twotime Grammy and Tony Award winner Dee Dee Bridgewater on March 29. These
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ATLANTA SPOTLIGHTS DANCE
performances celebrate the vibrant soul of New Orleans and the rich essence of jazz with renowned compositions and inspiring songs.
Enjoy Jazz at Lincoln Center’s melodies from jazz greats like Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Ellis Marsalis or come see Dee Dee’s distinctive interpretation of jazz standards. Tickets are available at www.rialto.gsu.edu.
Roswell
Dance Theatre presents The Little Mermaid!
UGA Dance Company Celebrates Black History Month
Join mermaid princess Ariel on her journey to land and life above the sea. Surrounded by her sea friends, she marvels at the treasures dropped by humans to the ocean floor and swims just to the edge of the water to glimpse the world of ships crossing overhead. After making a deal with the sea witch Ursula, Ariel has to overcome many challenges as she struggles to win the heart of Prince Eric and find the life she longs for in the sunshine.
The Little Mermaid is a delight for the entire family and includes two special Meet & Greet events! Tickets are available at SpringBalletConcert.com, Roswell Dance Theatre, 770-998-0259.
Sandy Springs PAC’s New Website
The University of Georgia Department of Dance Spring 2025 performances will include GRACE: Celebrating Black History Through Performance and the UGA Dance Company Spring Faculty Concert. The performances will be held in February and April on the UGA campus at the New Dance Theatre in the Dance Building between Soule and Green Streets (off Sanford Drive). Please visit https://dance.uga. edu/events/all for more info and show times. Tickets can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center and Tate Center box offices, by phone at 706-542-4400, and online at https://ugapac.evenue.net/events/ DD. Dance major and minor, teaching certificate and other programs are offered, visit dance.uga.edu.
Voices of Note Explores the Issue of Self-Acceptance
You can always count on Sandy Spring PAC for a lively variety of shows! Now we have a brand new website that celebrates the theatre as the crown jewel of the City Springs District and is focused on ticket sales and your customer experience, from the moment that you think about what show to attend, to your experience when you visit Byers Theatre or Studio Theatre for a performance. Visit sandyspringspac.com and look around for a bit!
Who hasn’t at some point in their lives been troubled by some aspect of their appearance? This reaction is a human one that most people share. This Is Me! musically looks at this issue of self-acceptance from many angles and perspectives. A newly commissioned work is the impetus behind the theme and has been expanded to include many other songs that speak to the personal struggles that individuals, regardless of ethnicity or gender, may encounter through life. Songs include selections by Mary Lambert, India Irie, Sia, and Pink. As the Atlanta Women’s Chorus and the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus unite forces for this show it is an opportunity for a shared focus on supporting people where they are! Songs from many genres will captivate you as we speak from the heart about our own insecurities and triumphs! You will leave celebrating yourself just as you are! For more info visit www.voicesofnote.org
GEORGIA-PACIFIC
ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE DANCE
As of press time the following events are scheduled, but may be subject to change
KIDS
RAINFOREST ADVENTURES
Family Performance Now - 3/2/25
Prices: $20.50-$22.75
Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St NW at 18th
TIX: 404-873-3391 EXT 0 puppet.org
GALAPAGOS GEORGE
Family Performance 3/5-3/16
Prices: Included with Museum Entry ($20.50$22.75)
Barefoot Puppets of Richmond, VA
Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St NW
TIX: 404-873-3391 puppet.org
MILO THE MAGNIFICENT
Family Performance 3/19-3/30
Prices: $20.50-$22.75
Alex and Olmsted of Baltimore, Maryland
Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St NW
TIX: 404-873-3391 puppet.org
DR. SEUSS’S CAT IN THE HAT
Family Performance 4/8-5/25
Prices: $20.50-$22.75
Music Theater International Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St NW
TIX: 404-873-3391 puppet.org
THEATRE
MARIE ANTOINETTE
2/14 - 23/25 Prices: $20-$50
Actor’s Express & Oglethorpe University
Conant Performing Arts Center
4484 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30319
TIX: 404-607-7469 https://actors-express.com/
MAROONED
Adult Performance (13+) 3/6-3/16
Prices: $25.95-$30.50
Alex and Olmsted of Takoma Park, MD Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St NW
TIX: 404-873-3391 puppet.org
THE INVADERS-BRITISH INVASION TRIBUTE BAND
3/8th /25 Prices: $39.00
The Holly Theater 69 W Main Street, Dahlonega GA 30533
TIX #:706-530-5162
Info@hollytheater.com
CARLYLE BROWN’S THE AFRICAN COMPANY PRESENTS RICHARD III
