Atlanta ShowGuide Fall 2021

Fall 2021

ALLIANCE THEATRE RETURNS

TO THE COCA-COLA STAGE AND HERTZ STAGE FOR IN-PERSON PERFORMANCES

The Atlanta Opera Returns to Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Discover a Season of Eclectic Offerings by The Atlanta Opera Heathers: The Musical Headlines Oglethorpe University’s Stage The Rialto Center for the Arts Presents the Season of Mastery!

Rediscover the Michael C. Carlos Museum!

Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker Debuts at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Rick Dildine Celebrates Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s 50th Anniversary Fall for Decatur!

Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Goes Black to the Future of Theatre

Choral Music Continues to Connect with The Michael O’Neal Singers Roswell Dance Theatre: Rediscover the Magic of The Nutcracker Aris Goes Full Steampunk Ahead with The Importance of Being Earnest Kennesaw State University College of the Arts 2021-2022 Season

Atlanta ShowGuide Spotlights • Performance Guide

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSIT Y

COLLEGE of the

ARTS 2021-2022 SEASON

BE

transformed

ArtsKSU.com

contents

wabe.org/calendar

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The Atlanta Opera Returns to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

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Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Goes Black to the Future of Theatre

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Alliance Theatre Returns to the CocaCola Stage and Hertz Stage

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Choral Music Continues to Connect with The Michael O’Neal Singers

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The Atlanta Opera Offers a Season of Eclectic Offerings By Holley Calmes

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Roswell Dance Theatre: Rediscover the Magic of The Nutcracker

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Heathers: The Musical Headlines on Stage at Oglethorpe University

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Aris Goes Full Steampunk Ahead with The Importance of Being Earnest

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The Rialto Center for the Arts Presents the Season of Mastery!

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Kennesaw State University College of the Arts 2021-2022 Season

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Rediscover Michael C. Carlos Museum!

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Atlanta ShowGuide Spotlights

Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker Debuts at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

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Atlanta ShowGuide Performance Guide

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Rick Dildine Celebrates Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s 50th Anniversary

By Holley Calmes

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Fall for Decatur!

On the Cover: Alliance Theatre, 2017, The Prom, World Premiere, & 7 Tony Awards winner including Best Musical, Photo by Dori Berinstein.

Visit us online at www.atlantashowguide.com. Like us on facebook.com/ATLshowGuideMagazine. Contact us at gregg.atlantashowguide@gmail.com or 770-559-1591.

The Carlos Family in honor of Thalia N. Carlos Presents

returns to live performances at a new venue!

December 4–29, 2021 | For tickets visit atlantaballet.com or call

at 800.982.2787.

Groups of 10+, email groupsales@atlantaballet.com

Sponsors

Figaro (Jonathan Beyer) makes his entrance with the famous aria “Largo al factotum” Photos by Kelly and Massa

The Atlanta Opera Returns to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for 2021-22 with Programming Embracing Optimism, Inspiration, and Escapism

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fter a year of innovative, imaginative, and acclaimed performances under the Big Tent, The Atlanta Opera celebrates its triumphant return to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre with a season of escapist mainstage productions.

“The tent gave us the opportunity to take incredible artistic risks. We really had a chance to break rules, experiment, innovate, and let our creativity take us to new places,” said Tomer Zvulun, the Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General and Artistic Director at The Atlanta Opera. “We have emerged from the 2020-21 season with incredible momentum and excitement for what we can do in the future. It is now time for us to harness the innovations we created during the pandemic, toward the most uplifting season in recent memory.”

The company will return to Cobb Energy Centre in November with four colorful, uplifting productions. The Mainstage season features Handel’s Julius Caesar, never before staged by The Atlanta Opera, plus Rossini’s beloved The Barber of Seville, the rollicking return of The Pirates of Penzance, and the Southeastern premiere of Grammy award-winning The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.

The Discoveries series will also be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, at least two of the innovations necessitated by the pandemic prove their staying power: The Big Tent series will continue the momentum of the current season in the fall while easing audiences back into the indoor venue, and the company’s commitment to streaming opera productions is now a permanent feature of its operations. Not only will select mainstage and Discoveries productions be filmed, but digital-only shorts and features will also be created, with all the new content streamed on the Spotlight Media platform. Far from languishing during the challenges of the past year, The Atlanta Opera emphatically rose and continues to rise to the occasion, only reinforcing its reputation as “one of the most exciting opera companies in America” (Opera Wire).

At the same time, health and safety remains a priority for The Atlanta Opera. The company will continue to rely on the advice and direction of its health and safety team led by Emory University’s Dr. Carlos del Rio in setting those standards for each production.

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COMING SOON TO T HE A L L I A NCE For fans of HADES TOW N

SEP 8 – OC T 3 A haunting new musical inspired by Appalachian lore featuring music by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush.

OC T 8 – 31 A powerful depiction of what it means to be Black in America.

N E W S TA G I N G !

N O V 12 – DE C 2 4 Returning to the Coca-Cola Stage with stunning new costumes and a dazzlingly reimagined set!

T IC K E T S O N S A L E N O W 404.733.4600 // alliancetheatre.org 2 0 2 1 / 2 2 SEASON

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Alliance Theatre Returns to the Coca-Cola Stage and Hertz Stage for In-person Performances

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he Alliance Theatre will kick-off its 53rd season this fall on the CocaCola Stage with DARLIN’ CORY, a haunting new musical by playwright & novelist Phillip DePoy (EDWARD FOOTE) and Grammy Award winner Kristian Bush (TROUBADOUR). In a tiny mountain town with no road in — and no road out — a community carries secrets of all sizes. But when a young woman with ambition and intelligence collides with a pastor deeply committed to preserving the status quo, cracks begin to appear in the town’s well-constructed façade. And when a stranger appears with a mysterious backstory and the best moonshine anyone’s ever tasted — some of those secrets threaten to spill. With an original folkcountry score, this modern-day myth inspired by local lore promises to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Up next on the Hertz Stage, HANDS UP depicts the realities of Black America

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from the perspective of varying genders, sexual orientations, skin tones, and socioeconomic backgrounds across seven monologues written by seven Black playwrights. The play was originally commissioned in 2015 by the New Black Fest in response to a police officer fatally shooting an unarmed Black teenager, Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. The themes and stories it tells still ring true today. HANDS UP is produced in association with Spelman College.

Finally, Atlanta’s favorite holiday tradition of A CHRISTMAS CAROL will return to the Coca-Cola Stage with an exciting new adaption, including a completely reimagined set design and stunning new costumes.

Audiences will be transported to the streets of London to revisit the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to redemption, told with beautiful live music and an all-star cast.. Tickets for the upcoming season are on sale now at www.alliancetheatre.org/season.

Sat, Nov 6, 2021 // 8 PM

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE Grammy-Nominated Horn Blower, Singer, Songwriter

Master of New SupaFunkRock

FREE

PARKING for the Rialto Series Shows in the 100 Peachtree Parking Garage on Fairlie Street

We’re Back!

Our 2021-2022 rialto Series season opens with Trombone Shorty & Orleans avenue.

Join us for a “funky good time!”

Subscriptions and Tickets // rialto.GSU.edu // 404.413.9TIX (9849)

The Atlanta Opera

Tomer Zvulun, Photo by Jeff Roffman

Offers a Season of Conflicted Characters, Atlanta Debuts, and Hummable Favorites

by Holley Calmes

“I

like all of the offerings this season,” says the Atlanta Opera’s Tomer Zvulun. “They are like different flavors.”

From the crowd-favorite Pirates of Penzance to operatic depictions of Steve Jobs and Julius Caesar, audience members can return home whistling melodies or pondering political fantasies.

“I am very energized with the two shows that bookend the season,” Zvulun explains about the first and last productions. Julius Caesar is making its Atlanta debut and is a co-production with the Israeli Opera. Then, composer Mason Bates has figured out a musical way to tell the story of Steve Jobs, a conflicted icon, in a propulsive, mesmerizing way.”

For lighter fare, opera-goers can feast on the melodic marvels of the Pirates of Penzance in January and The Barber of Seville in March.

“Audience members will instantly recognize some of the music and will probably hum the tunes on the drive home,” says Zvulun. “ All productions are performed at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

The season begins with Julius Caesar in November.

“Julius Caesar is one of the most famous Baroque Operas,” Zvulun says. “Baroque Opera is such a pure musical form.

It is all about the sound of the instruments and the beauty of the human voice. From a storytelling point of view, Julius Caesar has all the makings of a political fantasy like House of Cards. It’s a mix of ambition, sex, betrayal and intrigue.”

After the upbeat Pirates of Penzance and Barber of Seville, audiences will be presented with a new operatic experience, an “electro-acoustic soundscape,” with the (R)evolution of Steve Jobs in April/May. “Mason Bates is a contemporary composer who loves to incorporate technology and takes inspiration from a wide range of sources, like techno and electronica,” explains Zvulun. “What is remarkable about his work is the contrast between the infectious, propulsive rhythms and the lyrical classical moments that penetrate the soul of the characters.”

“Jobs is a truly iconic modern hero taken straight from Greek mythology. He is the classic tragic, tortured yet triumphant hero. He was as much a hippie as a tech guru, an executive as an artist. He is operatic to say the least.”

Zvulun sums up the new season with positivity much needed in the post-Covid environment. He states, “I feel this season is all about healing and emerging from the valley that COVID brought us to. The season is full of delight, laughter and adventure.”

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SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 17, 2021

BY LUCAS HNATH DIRECTED BY FREDDIE ASHLEY

A co-production of Actor’s Express and Oglethorpe University On stage at Oglethorpe’s Conant Performing Arts Center

Tickets on sale at www.actors-express.com

Heathers: The Musical Headlines Oglethorpe University’s Return to the Stage this Fall

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iscover Oglethorpe University’s thriving arts community! At Oglethorpe, it’s all about the experience — for our students and our audiences.

Our premier venue, the Conant Performing Arts Center, stages student theatre productions and music performances throughout the year.

This fall, Oglethorpe University partners with Atlanta theatre company Actor’s Express to co-produce the off-Broadway sensation, Heathers: The Musical.

Based on the 1989 cult classic film starring Winona Ryder, Heathers is a dark comedy musical that explores bullying, sexual assault, violence, and teen suicide in high school. The story follows 17-yearold Veronica, who is finally assimilated into the vain female clique that runs the school, “The Heathers.” It’s not long, however, until she realizes that their reign thrives on manipulation, degradation, and bullying. It is mysterious newcomer J.D. who gives Veronica an opportunity to not only take down the Heathers, but to dismantle the cruel social hierarchy of high school altogether.

The show will run September 29 through October 17 in Oglethorpe’s Conant Performing Arts Center and features OU Theatre students alongside professional

actors in both lead and supporting roles.

Raw, edgy, and timeless, Heathers is a bold and triumphant return for live theatre at Oglethorpe.

Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.actors-express.com for details.

On October 29 at 8 p.m., Oglethorpe’s student music groups will make their return to stage for a Fall Music Gala, featuring the Oglethorpe University Symphony, Oglethorpe University Singers, Oglethorpe Chorale and the Oglethorpe University jazz ensemble, “The Jazzy Petrels.” The Fall Music Gala will also feature Ms. Lianna Williams, Oglethorpe’s new affiliate artist in voice, as guest soloist.

“I am looking forward to getting back to live performances on campus this fall, and I know the students are excited to do so as well,” says Oglethorpe’s Director of Music Brent Runnels. “It is something we have all missed, what we strive for, and what provides the most satisfaction after the hard work is done.”

The Fall Music Gala is free for all to attend.

View Oglethorpe University’s full calendar of performing arts events, plus museum exhibitions, lectures, book and poetry readings, and more at www.connect.oglethorpe.edu.

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The Rialto Center for the Arts Presents the Season of Mastery!

AIM, An Untitled Love Promo Javon Jones, Rakeem Hardy, Donovan Reed Photo by Carrie Schneider Donovan

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fter being closed for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University, known for its signature Rialto Series performances by jazz greats, leading contemporary dance companies and groundbreaking musicians, reopens this fall with its 2021-2022 Season of Mastery, featuring incomparable artists who are masters of their art forms.

“We have all faced incredibly challenging times the past year,” said Lee Foster, the Rialto’s executive director, “but we remain hopeful as we are now turning the corner. With health and safety protocols in place, we are ready to light up the marquee, open our doors and welcome you back! We are proud to present the Season of Mastery as we explore the depth and breadth of mastery in the arts.”

The season opens in celebratory style with Grammy-nominated horn blower, singer/songwriter, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, masters of “SupaFunkRock”! The season continues with Christmas with Calabria Foti and Bob McChesney, masters of vocals, violin, and trombone.

The Rialto brings in the new year with music: trumpet masters Wayne Bergeron

with special guest David Pastor, with the Georgia State Jazz Band and master of International Music and four-time Grammy winner, Angélique Kidjo. The season heats up with the Grammy-winning Latin groove masters, the Pacific Mambo Orchestra; Grammy-nominated master of Jazz saxophone, Miguel Zenón, in concert with the Georgia State Jazz Band, and 10-time Grammy-winning masters of harmonic vocalese The Manhattan Transfer! The Rialto will host its 2nd Annual Gala, complete with red carpet and “Phony Awards”, presented by the masters of musical improvisation Broadway’s Next Hit Musical!

Ground-breaking dance performances

by Syncopated Ladies: Live, the all-female masters of step and tap performing to today’s cutting-edge music featuring choreographer Chloé Arnold, discovered by renowned choreographer Debbie Allen; and A.I.M by Kyle Abraham with their latest evening-length work An Untitled Love, set to the music of D’Angelo, will close out the season.

Free (validated) parking is provided for all Rialto Series shows at the 100 Peachtree Parking Garage on Fairlie Street.

Subscriptions and single tickets are available at www.rialto.gsu.edu or 404-413-9849.

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A VOICES OF NOTE Production Season Sponsor:

PHOENIX RISING

The Atlanta Women’s Chorus makes an exciting return to live performance with Phoenix Rising. This unique concert traverses Atlanta’s past to shed light on the continued struggle for equality and celebrate our rich diversity.

Featuring music from the Sacred Harp repertoire, songs of the Underground Railroad, Civil Rights anthems, and modern pop and hip hop, this show will certainly be an experience you won’t want to miss.

SEP 30 @ 8PM THE MABLE HOUSE BARNES AMPHITHEATRE | TICKETS START AT $25 DR. MELISSA ARASI, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR | 2021-2022 SEASON

Tickets and more at: AWCHORUS.ORG

Marie Watt (Seneca), Butterfly, Courtesey of Marie Watt

Rediscover the Michael C. Carlos Museum!

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Above: Cannupa Hanska Luger, Every One, Image courtesy of Marie Walsh Sharpe Gallery

his fall at the Carlos explore two stunning new exhibitions and visit the newly-renovated Asian Art gallery!

After being renovated and reconfigured, our Asian Art Gallery is reopening on August 28. This complete renovation increases the museum’s capacity to display a wider variety of Asian art. This additional space permits larger audiences into the gallery, allows several Buddhist sculptures to be brought out of storage for display, and creates a better viewing experience to display sculptures in the round such as the four-faced Shiva lingam.

For more details, visit https://carlos.emory. edu/asian-gallery-reopening.

Opening at the end of August is Resonance: Recent Acquisitions in Photography, an exhibition that explores the act of interpretation through the seemingly opposing themes of isolation and togetherness, loss and shared joy, and fear and courage, among others. The photographs seen here, all from recent gifts to the collection, are intended to resonate in some way with the unprecedented realities and profound emotions experienced by many during 2020. They are on view through December 5, 2021. For more information visit, https://carlos.emory.edu/ exhibition/resonance.

The Carlos is proud to present, Each/ Other: Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger, the first exhibition to feature together the work of these two leading Indigenous

Cannupa Hanska Luger, “ Each/Other”, Photo Denver Art Museum contemporary artists whose processes focus on collaborative artmaking. Exploring the collective process of creation, Each/ Other will feature over two dozen mixedmedia sculptures, wall hangings, and large-scale installation works by Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger, along with a new monumental artist-guided community artwork. This exhibition will be on display in our level three special exhibition galleries from September 25 through December 12, 2021. For more about this exhibition, visit https://carlos.emory.edu/exhibition/ eachother.

Visit on Saturday, September 18, and receive free admission in honor of Smithsonian Museum Day. For more information about our collection, free public tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. For more details or a full list of upcoming programs, visit www.carlos.emory.edu.

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DO DINNER AND DRINKS

BEFORE THE SHOW

IN DECATUR White Bull

Revival No. 246

Brush Sushi Izakaya

VISITORS CENTER 113 Clairemont Ave., Decatur 30030 | visitdecaturga.com

An Atlanta Holiday Favorite, The Nutcracker,

Debuts at Cobb Energy Performig Arts Centre as Atlanta Ballet Returns to LIVE Performances

Atlanta Ballet, Nutcracker, Photo by Gene Schiavone

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ne year past its intended Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre debut, Atlanta Ballet will make its longanticipated return to the theatre stage to present Yuri Possokhov’s The Nutcracker.

As one of the top major performing arts facilities in the metro Atlanta Area, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is the perfect fit to present this ultra-high-tech production.

Described as “one of the most entertaining [Nutcrackers] out there” by The Washington Post following the Company’s 2019 Washington D.C. debut at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, this innovative production features largerthan-life sets and bold costumes enhanced by striking video projections, created by a world-class creative team that includes Tony Award-winning and -nominated designers.

In addition to offering audiences a spectacular theatre experience, performing at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre allows Atlanta Ballet to extend the number of Nutcracker performances, giving local Atlantans and tourists alike more opportunities to escape from reality and enter the enchanting dream world that is The Nutcracker.

Join us for a thrilling journey through space and time, where

everyday objects grow in extraordinary size and the pages of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story come alive before your very eyes.

Add some splendor, magic and mystery to your family’s holiday at Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker, with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.

Enjoy Atlanta Ballet’s awe-inspiring production of The Nutcracker this holiday season. Performed by Atlanta Ballet company dancers and students of Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education, including Atlanta Ballet 2, Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker runs from December 4-29, 2021.

For more information about Atlanta Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.atlantaballet.com/nutcracker or call Ticketmaster at 800.982.2787. Performance tickets start as low as $35 and are on sale now.

Atlanta Ballet, Nutcracker, Photo by Gene Schiavone

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Roswell Dance Theatre invites you to

2021 SHOWS

Nov 26 - Dec 5

Roswell Dance Theatre

rediscover the magic with us this season

Resident Company at the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance

770-998-0259

Performances at the Byers Theater

CREATE SANDY SPRINGS

1 Galambos Way | Sandy Springs, GA 30328

BOX OFFICE: 770-206-2022

Photo by Kim Kenney

Performance & Ticket Info: RoswellNutcracker.com

Rick Dildine Celebrates

Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s 50th Anniversary with Inspired and “Muscular” Productions

by Holley Calmes

“I

think programming is our destiny,” says Rick Dildine, Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Artistic Director. “We have a lot of communities to serve, so our team has focused on creating a selection of shows that respond to the moment we find ourselves.”

The moment for ASF is their 50th Anniversary of bringing The Bard and more to a wide audience. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, ASF has attracted theatre goers from a large region, Atlanta included.

Of great importance this season are three plays focusing on African-American characters and culture beginning with the world premiere Shoebox Picnic Road Side: Route One September 16th – 26th.

“We heard from many artists and community members that celebrating Black Joy in America is vital,” says Dildine. Launching the season, Shoebox Picnic, takes audiences back to 1955 as they “share a journey and a meal with this fictional family caravanning from Harlem to North Carolina,” explains Dildine.

Freedom Rider, another world premiere, runs April 8th – 24th, overlapping with Until the Flood performed from April 14th through May 1st.

“Like the Civil Rights movement itself, Freedom Rider is a collaboration of many voices and perspectives,” says Dildine. “Written by five playwrights, it’s a large cast that tracks the journey of these people.

Until the Flood was created in response to the 2014 killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. “It is one of the most balanced, most insightful pieces of theatre on stage today,” Dildine remarks. “This will be running at the same time as Freedom Rider and will give us the opportunity to look at these two significant events side by side.”

According to Dildine, “the season is definitely ‘maximalist’. Macbeth sports a large cast, live music, and lots of action. Little Shop of Horrors is in ASF’s intimate Octagon space. “People are going to go crazy being that close!” says Dildine, who also promises that Christmas Carol will be full of theatrical magic.

There’s also crowd-pleasing musical fare: a singing Cinderella, 1950’s favorites and an all-girl Mariachi band.

The magic is only beginning in Montgomery.

“Over the next five to seven years, we will commission nearly two dozen new plays about transformative moments in the South,” says Dildine.

“I want ASF to be the home for Southern stories as we create a new ‘Southern canon’ of work.”

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THE MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM WELCOMES YOU BACK AND PRESENTS

EACH / OTHER MARIE WATT

CANNUPA HANSKA LUGER 09.25.21 – 12 .12.21

CA R LOS .EM ORY.ED U

Organized by the Denver Art Museum and presented with the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Robert Lehman Foundation, Stelo, and Native Arts and Culture Foundation. In Atlanta, this exhibition has been made possible with generous support from the Charles S. Ackerman Fund, the Carlos Museum’s National Leadership Board, Lauren Giles, Gail and Clark Goodwin, the Grace W. Blanton Lecture Fund, the LUBO Fund, and Sarah Hill.

Dining at Ponko Chicken

Farm Burger Music

Fall For Decatur!

Shopping at Little-Shop of Stories

East Court Square Shopping

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s temperatures cool and Atlanta’s arts scene heats up, choose Decatur for dinner and drinks before showtime!

Or make it a stay at our upscale hotels near the downtown square.

Little Shop of Stories (books for all ages) and Worthmore Jewelers. Around the corner find Olive Branch (organic beauty products), HomeGrown (local arts and crafts), and Kismet (fine jewelry).

Destination Dining Foodies in the know head for Decatur’s chef-driven menus and acclaimed cocktail programs, including Ford Fry’s No. 246, Kevin Gillespie’s Revival, Jason Liang’s Brush Sushi Izakaya, and Pat Pascarella’s The White Bull.

Be sure to try the offerings of Chef Terry Koval at The Deer and the Dove, Chef Andy Gonzales at Steinbeck’s, Chef Crystal Hoang at Scout, and Chef Phillipe Roussel at Café Alsace. And, sample the specialties at Brickstore Pub, Leon’s Full Service, and Kimball House.

Live performances are back at Eddie’s Attic, a cozy music venue with rooftop pub.

Enjoy special live music evenings with your dinner at Ponko Chicken, The Marlay House, and Farm Burger. (Check social media for schedules.)

Treat your sweet tooth to gelato from Cremalosa, recently named Georgia’s best ice cream by Food and Wine Magazine.

Take a Stroll and Feed Your Soul Along with new murals on the square and all around Decatur, the Artway series has 10 sculptures installed downtown and in Oakhurst Village south of the square. Details are at www.decaturartway.com.

We Still Have a Festival for That Check Decatur’s listing for details about free concerts, an artists market, and an abbreviated Book Festival (free, but ticket reservations required).

Make it a Stay Book a room at the Hampton Inn and Suites or the Marriott Courtyard Decatur. Both are just north of the square. Start the morning with breakfast or brunch a short stroll from your hotel.

Know Before You Go Get the latest details at visitdecaturga.com, and connect with us on Instagram (@visitdecaturga), Facebook.com/VisitDecaturGa and Twitter (@DecaturTourism).

Browse Around the Square Shop live (screen-free) at Squash Blossom (women’s fashion), Sq/Ft (whimsical wares), Wild Oats and Billy Goats (folk and fine art),

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Presented by

Photos by Francesca Lowe Left: Crowns Right: Harriet

In its 10th Year, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Goes Black to the Future of Theatre

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ho gets to define good American Theatre? Historically speaking, caste systems, capitalism, and colonialism, albeit powerful and influential, rooted in British elitisms and false assumptions about other cultures have taken the privilege. Enter stage right, the emergence of the 2020 paradigm shifts symbolized by #WeSeeYouWAT. Here the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF), an arts and cultural phenom that’s setting the stage on its own terms, lands right in place.

“We must tell our stories and our story doesn’t begin with slavery.” asserts Toni Simmons Henson, ABTF Producing Director and Co-founder. “I believe that the last decade has shown the world moreover that Black people are not a monolith. We are a richly textured, highly complex, rarely celebrated but an often-imitated group of resilient people. And we’re taking back our narrative.” she continues.

The ABTF launched in 2012 at the 14th Street Playhouse (now the SCAD Show).

Over its 10-year history, more than 150 playwrights and 3,000 artists have found a place to present original works at the annual festival. The ABTF has made its footprint around the globe having been named among the five “Top theatre festivals to visit around the world.” by TopTenZilla.com in 2018. The festival has

attracted tens of thousands of performing arts enthusiasts from England, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Jamaica, Panama, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and the United States.

“The ABTF has carved out a space for authentic storytelling. We’re revealing the truth about our culture, challenges, and triumphs. Theatre is a very powerful tool.

It reminds us that we are all human.” says Henson.

The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a festive line up of staged readings, panels, talkbacks, and parties at the Hilton Atlanta hotel on Friday, 10/29/21. Live music and award-winning performances will be presented at the Mable House Barnes Outdoor Amphitheatre on Saturday, 10/30/21. Seating is limited and protocols will be in place in accordance CDC guidelines. More information can be found at www.AtlantaBTF.org.

A Mile in My Shoes

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Photo courtesy of The Michael O’Neal Singers

Through Uncharted Territory, Choral Music Continues to Connect

“Sing from the depths of hop and love...forever music.”

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—Susan Boersma

ince its inception 33 years ago, The Michael O’Neal Singers organization (MOS), based in Roswell, has provided a unique opportunity to the north Atlanta community to experience musical presentations of engaging variety and artistic excellence. After hosting a year of successful online interactive programs for choral singers, the 110-voice auditioned MOS chorus returns to in-person programming this autumn.

On October 17, MOS will present a concert entitled Forever Music, an exploration of how music sustains us and enriches our lives, and how it has been especially effective at accomplishing that during the pandemic. The program includes works by well-known choral composers including John Rutter, Eric Whitacre, Elaine Hagenberg, and Mark Hayes, among others.

But this season, the MOS choral experience will involve two categories of singers: those in person, and those who participate at home through the MOS ONLINE program.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, choruses and choirs all over the world ceased activities. Through its unique online choral experience that included YouTube video rehearsals and real-time Zoom social

interaction, MOS filled a void in the lives of many singers as the organization found new and creative ways to fulfill its mission of serving its community through choral music that engages, educates and enriches.

In the 2020-2021 season, MOS ONLINE programs drew over 1,500 participants worldwide, welcoming singers from 36 states and from 15 countries.

In 2021-2022, the in-person and ONLINE choruses of MOS will rehearse virtually side-by-side, preparing the same repertoire and experiencing together a culminating concert. The in-person chorus is auditioned; the ONLINE choral experience is open to all interested singers, whether near or far, seasoned or beginner.

This dual choral programming is new territory for MOS, but has evolved naturally from the community formed by singers in the throes of pandemic isolation. From Susan Boersma’s poem Forever Music, that will be sung by MOS on October 17, “Together let your voices blend in hope, in love, in peace. Forever music!”

Visit MOS on the web at www.mosingers.com or call 770.594.7974 for information on our 2021-2022 season programming.

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Richard Calmes Photography Capturing Bursts of Beauty

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Dancer, Amelia Snyder Photo by Richard Calmes

The art of award winning Dance Photographer Richard Calmes captures the beauty, magic, and great skill of dance with artistry for all to enjoy!

www.richardcalmes.com

Photo by Eric Yap

Roswell Dance Theatre: Rediscover the Magic of The Nutcracker this Holiday Season

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he Nutcracker ballet has been a holiday tradition for more than 125 years! Both children and adults enjoy this magical performance, for the catchy songs, the dreamy dancing, the glittering costumes, the fantastical story, and the memories that surround the annual tradition.

Join us as we return to the beautiful Byers Theatre at City Springs as Artistic Directors Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz and Mary Lynn Taylor, along with the Roswell Dance Theatre, present their rendition of this holiday classic. With more than 350 performers, this Nutcracker is the largest and oldest in North Atlanta. This spellbinding production invites you inside the imaginative dreams of young Clara as she journeys with her Nutcracker Prince to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. Set to Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement, The Nutcracker is an adventure for all who believe the holiday enchantment.

The cast includes world-class artists who have danced nationally and internationally and as well as aspiring young professionals from the Roswell Dance Theatre, the performing company of the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance. The company dancers begin rehearsals in August for opening night in November but planning and production work occur year-round!

The 10-performance run opens Friday, November 26, 2021 and continues through Sunday, December 5, 2021. Special performance opportunities feature three Character Meet & Greets with autographs and photos, dance alumni and Girl Scout troop events. Stop by the extensive Nutcracker-themed gift boutique to find the perfect souvenir to commemorate the performance.

Rediscover the magic of the season with the ones you love at The Nutcracker!

Tickets on sale now at www.RoswellNutcracker.com Ticket prices: $27-$40, Byers Theatre, Create City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs GA 30328.

Photo by Kim Kenney

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Aris Goes Full Steampunk Ahead with a Fresh Take on a Beloved Classic:

The Importance of Being Earnest arrives in November!

(L to R) Tamil Periasamy as Gregory, Erin Greenway as Elena in The Friel Deal: The Bear by Brian Friel, Photo by Marcus Geduld

S

ince their inception in 2013, Arís, and director, has re-envisioned this classic Atlanta’s stage for Celtic culture, has play in ways that will astonish and delight! become known for their daring forays Oscar Wilde subtitled this play “A Trivial into contemporary Irish, Scottish, and Welsh Comedy for Serious People”, marking it as theatre. They are bringing some of the most not only a farce, but a satire; indeed, the exciting new plays from the British Isles to play doesn’t shy away from skewering the Atlanta; past productions include The New frivolousness of modern Victorian society.

Electric Ballroom by Enda Walsh and Woman It follows the exploits of John Worthing and and Scarecrow by Marina Carr. They have Algernon Moncrief as they pursue freedom earned a reputation from the constraints of for their deft handling their family obligations of beloved gems like by inventing alter egos Philadelphia, Here I who provide an escape Come! by Brian Friel, from boring family and The Playboy of the and social obligations.

Western World by J.M. Everything works (L to R) Ryan LaMotte as Death, William Webber as Murdo in Lazybed by Synge. And they know perfectly until John Iain Crichton Smith, Photo by Judy Thomas how to throw a good declares his desire party! Their annual Burns Night celebration is to marry the intoxicating Gwendolyn, and a rollicking evening of music and poetry that Algernon becomes a bit too interested in is not to be missed!

John’s clever and charming ward, Cecily!

Coming this fall, Arís is excited to mount Director Kathleen McManus’ adaptation one of the greatest farces in the English is imbued with a steampunk ethos — the language, The Importance of Being Earnest marriage of Victorian art-nouveau design

by Oscar Wilde! and anachronistic technologies that creates a This production will be like no Earnest fresh, energetic take on the beloved classic. you’ve ever seen. Kathleen McManus, coMore information and tickets at founder of Arís and veteran actor, producer, www.aristheatre.org.

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Kennesaw State University College of the Arts Announces 2021-2022 Season

Forces Of Grace, Jewel Ellis,

by Lauren Liz Photo

Over 100 concerts and performances return to the stage to welcome live audiences

T

he College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University is pleased to announce its 2021-2022 ArtsKSU Season featuring over 100 exhibitions, performances, and concerts.

Exposure,” featuring the work of acclaimed artists Omar Román de Jesús and Annalee Traylor, made possible by The Eleo Pomare/ Glen Connor Summer Residency Program.

Don’t miss “Forces of Grace,” featuring four original dance works, including one by Israel-based choreographer Ido Gidron.

Live Audiences Welcome Harrison Long, Interim Dean of the College of the Arts, said, “We look forward to welcoming the public back to our elegant venues: the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center, Dance Theater, Onyx Theater, Stillwell Theater, and Zuckerman Museum of Art. Our 2021-2022 season is one of joy and renewal, exploring the boundaries of knowledge, possibility, and imagination.”

Beautiful Music The Bailey School of Music students, faculty, and guest artists will present a wide variety of music this season.

Buy your tickets early for the touching September 11 Memorial Concert featuring the KSU Wind Ensemble, Chamber Singers, and Symphony Orchestra.

Thought-provoking Art The School of Art and Design has planned numerous exhibitions, events, and programs at the Zuckerman Museum of Art (ZMA). Plan to attend the free opening reception on August 28 from 4-6 p.m. for This Mortal Coil and The Labor of Remembrance at the ZMA. Visit www.arts.kennesaw.edu to learn more. KSU continues to closely monitor evolving pandemic conditions. Based on guidance from the University System of Georgia, all vaccinated and unvaccinated patrons are encouraged to wear a face covering while attending ArtsKSU events.

Engaging Theatre Imagination is apparent in the diverse season of plays, musicals, spoken word performances, and more in the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. Highlights this fall include “Wondrous Strange,” a collage of short plays inspired by Kentucky ghost tales, and the Atlanta-area premiere of “Everybody,” live theatre that directly engages the audience every step of the way.

Cutting-Edge Dance The Department of Dance will engage audiences with “Double

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Alliance Theatre, 2018, A Christmas Carol Photo by Greg Mooney

ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE SPOTLIGHTS Registration is Open Now for Alliance Theatre’s Fall Acting Classes

Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker Returns to LIVE Performances at Its New Venue

Alliance Theatre’s Education program is back with a stage for every age. Get 25% off fall classes for youth, teens, and adults in screenwriting, voice-over, improv, acting, musical theatre, and more with early bird pricing August 6-27 (no promo code needed). Looking for something a little more corporate-oriented for the business professional? With Alliance@work, learn to tell the story you want to tell and walk away with results every time. Enhanced safety protocols will be in place for in-person classes including masking and social distancing. Visit www.alliancetheatre.org/education for more info on both.

As one of the top major performing arts facilities in the metro Atlanta Area, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is the perfect fit to present this ultra-high-tech production of The Nutcracker. Described as “one of the most entertaining [Nutcrackers] out there” by The Washington Post following the Company’s 2019 Washington D.C. debut at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, this innovative production features larger-than-life sets and bold costumes enhanced by striking video projections, created by a world-class creative team that includes Tony Award-winning and -nominated designers. For tickets visit atlantaballet.com or call Ticketmaster at 800.982.2787.

Aris presents The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

10th Anniversary Celebration for The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival

One of the greatest farces in the English language. It follows the exploits of John Worthing and Algernon Moncrief as they pursue freedom from the constraints of family obligations by inventing alter egos who provide an escape from boring social obligations. Everything works perfectly until John declares his desire to marry the intoxicating Gwendolyn, and Algernon becomes a bit too interested in John’s ward, Cecily!

Director Kathleen McManus’ adaptation is imbued with a steampunk ethos — the marriage of Victorian art-nouveau design and anachronistic technologies that creates a fresh, energetic take on the beloved classic. www.aristheatre.org

The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a festive lineup of staged readings, panels, talkbacks, and parties at the Hilton Atlanta hotel on Friday, 10/29/21. Live music and award-winning performances will be presented at the Mable House Barnes Outdoor Amphitheatre on Saturday, 10/30/21. Tickets/passes for each day are sold separately. Seating is limited and protocols will be in place in accordance CDC guidelines. More information can be found at www.AtlantaBTF.org.

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ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE SPOTLIGHTS Atlanta Master Chorale celebrates its return with This Amazing Day

the present, Herb Snitzer and Waverly T. Lucas II, who have fused photography, dance and music to celebrate their mutual loves of jazz music and their mutual admiration for some of the most iconic Jazz musicians who ever lived.

The Breman Museum and Ballethnic present A Jazz Memoir with photography by 89-year-old photo journalist Herb Snitzer and choreography by Ballethnic co-founder Waverly T. Lucas II. The choreography will reflect the music and images of Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington. The exhibit can be seen at www.thebreman. org/Exhibitions/Now-on-View/A-JazzMemoir-Photography-by-Herb-Snitzer

Nineteen months! Our last performance was nineteen months ago and it is impossible to overstate how much we have missed singing. We eagerly anticipate the moment when we will step onto the stage of the Schwartz Center and hear the sound of singing in that fabulous space — rather than through our earbuds or computer speakers. The season premiere concert is aptly named, This Amazing Day, and will be a beautiful and emotionfilled concert to celebrate our return. We will experience the beauty, once again of live, inperson choral music. It will be an amazing day, filled with music of joy and gratitude. www.AtlantaMasterChorale.org

The Atlanta Opera Returns to the Big Tent this Season

Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Golden Anniversary Delivers Serious Art and Pure Camp

The Atlanta Opera’s Discoveries series, dedicated to mounting adventurous new productions in alternative spaces — that provided the inspiration for the widely praised Big Tent performances — returns to the Big Tent this season for the Discoveries Series’ Come as You Are festival (June 2–19), comprising a new production of the blockbuster musical Cabaret performed in repertory with the critically-acclaimed chamber opera As One. Tickets start at $50 and $25 respectively. Performed in English with English supertitles. www.atlantaopera. org.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s 50th season explores nine stories of contemporary culture, heroic activists, everyday people in extraordinary times, and lots of music. ASF continues its mission of building community with captivating stories that speak to and represent all people in the South. This golden anniversary season spans real life to fairy tale, celebrating families and heritage, from Medieval Scotland to modern day Middle America.

With world premieres and some classics that never get old, audiences will find serious art and some pure campy moments. Catch every moment of exceptional storytelling — from Cinderella to Freedom Rider and more — with ASF’s subscription packages designed for every budget. Learn more by calling 334271-5353 or online at www.ASF.net.

The Breman Museum and Ballethnic Present Jazz, Photography and Dance Don’t miss the match of groundbreaking pioneers from different eras, the 50s and

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Rediscover the Michael C. Carlos Museum!

This fall at the Carlos explore two stunning new exhibitions and visit the newlyrenovated Asian Art gallery!

This September explore Each/ Other: Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger, the first exhibition to feature two leading Indigenous contemporary artists whose processes focus on collaborative artmaking. Each/Other will feature over two dozen mixed-media sculptures, wall hangings, and large-scale installation works

by Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger.

On view September 25 through December 12, 2021. For more about this exhibition, visit https://carlos.emory.edu/exhibition/ eachother. To learn more about our other exhibition, the gallery reopening or for a full list upcoming programs, visit www.carlos.emory.edu.

City Springs Theatre Company opens its 4th Season City Springs Theatre Company opens its 4th Season with The Sound of Music September 10 at The Byers Theatre in Sandy Springs. The Sound of Music is the final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein and was destined to become the world’s most-beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars for the feature film version. The beloved musical will be directed by Tony Award winner Shuler

Hensley and choreographed by Cindy Mora Reiser. Visit City Springs Theatre Company www.cityspringstheatre.com for ticket information.

Celebrate Performing Arts at Oglethorpe Visit Oglethorpe’s small, historic campus for theatre, concerts, and visual arts on a different scale. Oglethorpe’s 550-seat Conant Performing Arts Center is home to productions by the university’s acclaimed music and theatre programs, as well as student-led theatre and improv shows, guest lecturers and local artist exhibitions. Top Atlanta arts organizations also grace our stages throughout the year, including Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Capitol City Opera and, coming this fall, Actor’s Express. A teaching museum with a growing permanent collection, the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art hosts world-class exhibitions, lectures, and concerts. More information at www.oglethorpe.edu/arts.

It’s Greater in Decatur Get dinner and drinks before the show at award-winning chefdriven dining spots. Restaurant hopping?

Take your drink along within our designated entertainment zones. Browse your way around shops on the square offering everything from folk art to fashion to fine jewelry. Or stretch your legs and take in our Artway sculpture series, and new murals all around downtown and Oakhurst Village.

Make it a stay at one of our hotels near our downtown square, and start the morning with a delicious brunch and coffee (or mimosas!), just a short stroll away.

Three colors: Turquoise PMS 326, Red-orange PMS 173, Purple PMS 242

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ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE SPOTLIGHTS DanceMax Dancewear One Stop, Customized Dance Shop

Become an ArtsKSU Founding Member Kennesaw State University’s College of the Arts is pleased to announce its 2021-2022 ArtsKSU Season, welcoming live audiences back to campus.

Show your support by becoming an ArtsKSU Founding Member, starting at $25.

The 2021-2022 ArtsKSU season features a wide range of art exhibitions, concerts, dance performances, musical theatre, plays, and research presentations.

Enjoy a variety of benefits, including ticket discounts and free exchanges through 5/31/22, and an invitation to a member-only event in Spring 2022. The first 100 ArtsKSU Founding Members will receive a limited-edition, commemorative lapel pin indicating your support. Join now. https://arts.kennesaw.edu/

DanceMax Dancewear is the preferred dance retailer in the South.

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33 Years of The Michael O’Neal Singers Aspiring opera vocalist to perform with the Georgia Symphony

The Michael O’Neal Singers (MOS) organization is celebrating its 33rd concert season.

Composed of a symphonic chorus of 110 auditioned voices and the Kaleidoscope vocal ensemble of 36, MOS provides a unique opportunity to the north metropolitan Atlanta community to experience choral presentations of artistic excellence and programmatic variety. Our 2021-2022 season will open with Forever Music, a postshutdown concert full of choral selections celebrating the power music has to comfort and unite us. This performance will take place Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Roswell UMC in Historic Roswell, Georgia, and will be streamed as well. Visit www.mosingers. com for more information about The Michael O’Neal Singers.

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra is helping vocalist Lainie Ewers take a big step toward realizing her dream of singing opera professionally one day. As the winner of the GSO’s Virtual to Center Stage statewide talent competition, she will be a featured soloist at the GSO’s Holiday Pops concert on Dec. 4, 2021, at the Marietta Performing Arts Center.

Ewers’ winning performance is featured in the VTCS competition final results show.

Season subscriptions and individual tickets to Holiday Pops and all 2021-2022 season concerts may be purchased online at www.georgiasymphony.org/events.

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The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University The Rialto Center, known for presenting diverse and spectacular entertainment, reopens this fall with the 2021-2022 Rialto Series Season of Mastery, featuring artistic mastery in Jazz, Dance, International Music and more! Mastery, one of the Rialto’s core values, lies where precision and expression meet, constituting the pinnacle of artistic and professional excellence. The season opens November 6, with Master of “SupaFunkRock” Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue! The Rialto observes the COVID guidelines and protocols issued by the CDC and the University System of Georgia to ensure the health and safety of its patrons. Tickets and information are available at www.rialto.gsu.edu.

Rediscover the Magic of The Nutcracker this Holiday Season!

This beloved production is the premiere Nutcracker for North Atlanta families year after year. The beautiful Byers Theatre at City Springs is the perfect

place to rediscover the magic this season with the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker led by Clara and her Prince as they enter the Land of Snow.

The two-week run features 10 performances with matinees, evenings and special events. Join us to kick off your holiday season with the Gingerbread, Candy Canes, Arabian and more beginning Friday November 26th thru Sunday December 5th. Tickets at www.RoswellNutcracker. com Roswell Dance Theatre 770-998-0259

The Atlanta Women’s Chorus Sings Our City’s History After a year of fabulous virtual concerts, the Atlanta Women’s Chorus makes an exciting return to live performance with “Phoenix Rising”. This unique show traverses Atlanta’s complicated past to shed light on the continued struggle for equality and celebrate our rich history. Originally slated for April 2020, “Phoenix Rising” has only grown more relevant as our nation tries to recover from a pandemic and simultaneously create a more just society for our BIPOC citizens. Featuring music from the Sacred Harp repertoire, songs of the Underground Railroad, Civil Rights anthems, and modern pop and hip hop, this concert will certainly be an experience you won’t want to miss. www.voicesofnote.org/awc

Photo courtesy of Alliance Theatre

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ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE FALL Performance guide courtesy of WABE.org/calendar As of press time the following events are scheduled, but may be subject to change

KIDS SHOWS MOTHER GOOSE 8/18-9/ 26/21 Price: $15 Center for Puppetry Arts TIX: 404-873-3391 https://puppet.org/programs/mother-goose/ VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE (KIDS) PUPPET PLAYDATE: THE LITTLE RED HEN & THE GRAIN OF WHEAT 9/18/21 | 1pm EDT Price: $8 Center for Puppetry Arts TIX: 404-873-3391 https://puppet.org/programs/the-little-red-henthe-grain-of-wheat-2/ IN-PERSON PERFORMANCE (ADULT) THE GHASTLY DREADFULS 10/13-30/21 Price: Varies Center for Puppetry Arts TIX: 404-873-3391 https://puppet.org/programs/the-ghastly-dreadfuls/ IN-PERSON PERFORMANCE (KIDS) EVERYBODY LOVES PIRATES 10/15-24/21 Price: $22 Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers Center for Puppetry Arts TIX: 404-873-3391 https://puppet.org/programs/the-ugly-ducking/ IN-PERSON PERFORMANCE (KIDS) THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN OF SLEEPY SILLY HOLLOW 10/29-Nov 7/21 Price: $22 Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers Center for Puppetry Arts TIX: 404-873-3391 https://puppet.org/programs/the-headlesshorseman-of-sleepy-silly-hollow/s

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA 11/27/21–1/ 2/22 Price: $25–$64 Alabama Shakespeare Festival One Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL, 36117 TIX: 334-271-5353 www.ASF.net

MUSICAL THEATRE BLIPPI THE MUSICAL 9/4/21 Price: $31.00-$71.00 Gas South District Gas South Arena TIX: 770-626-2464 www.GasSouthDistrict.com THE SOUND OF MUSIC 9/10 - 26/21 Price: $40- $77 ($100/ Box Seats) City Springs Theatre Company Byers Theatre 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 303281 Galambos Way TIX: 404-477-4365 https://www.cityspringstheatre. com THE LYRIC’S BRIGHT NIGHTS 9/11-11/20/21 Price: $25 Atlanta Lyric Theatre 548 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, 30060 TIX: 404-377-9948 www.atlantalyrictheatre.com SHOEBOX PICNIC ROAD SIDE: ROUTE ONE (WORLD PREMIERE) 9/16–26/21 Price: $25–$64 Alabama Shakespeare Festival One Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL, 36117 TIX: 334-271-5353 www.ASF.net

Stay informed and in touch at AtlantaShowGuide.com and facebook.com/ ATLShowGuideMagazine

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ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE FALL THEATRE

HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL 9/ 29 –10/ 17/21 Price: $25 - $35 Oglethorpe University and Actor’s Express Conant Performing Arts Center TIX: 404-607-7469 www.actors-express.com

ATLANTA SHAKESPEARE COMPANY The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse 499 Peachtree St NE Atlanta GA 30308 TIX: 404-874-5299 x 0 www.ShakespeareTavern.com

THE ADDAMS FAMILY 10/27/21 Price: $38-$58 Atlanta Lyric Theatre 548 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, 30060 TIX: 404-377-9948 www.atlantalyrictheatre.com

DARLIN’ CORY 9/8-10/3/21 Price: $10-$78 Alliance Theatre 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30309 TIX: 404-733-4650 www.alliancetheatre.org

JULIUS CAESAR 11/6, 9, 12, 14/21Price: Tickets starting @$45 The Atlanta Opera Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre TIX: 404-881-8885 www.atlantaopera.org

AN ILIAD 9/15 - 10/10/21 Price: $15 - $50 Theatrical Outfit Balzer Theatre At Herren’s TIX: 678-528-1500 www.theatricaloutfit.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 11/12 - 12/24/21 Price: $25-$78 Alliance Theatre Coca-Cola Stage TIX: allianceinfo@alliancetheatre.org, 404.733.4600 www.alliancetheatre.org

WONDROUS STRANGE 10/5-7/21 @ 7:30 p.m., 10/ 8 @ 8:00 p.m., 10/9 @ 2 & 8 p.m., 10/10/21@ 3:00 p.m. Price: $5-12 9TH ANNUAL COMING-OUT MONOLOGUES 10/ 14@ 7:30 p.m., 10/15 @ 8:00 p.m. Price: $5 Department of Theatre and Performance Studies Onyx Theater TIX: 470-578-6650 www.arts.kennesaw.edu/theatre

Stay informed and in touch at AtlantaShowGuide.com and facebook.com/ ATLShowGuideMagazine

Alliance Theatre’s Working: A Musical Photo by Greg Mooney

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Joe Knezevich and Courtney Patterson in the Alliance Theatre’s 2018/19 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Atlanta Botanical Garden Photo by Greg Mooney

EVERYBODY 10/ 26-28 @ 7:30 p.m., 10/29-30 @ 8:00 p.m., 10/31 @ 3:00 p.m. Price: $5-10 KSU Colors Showcase 11/ 6 @8:00 p.m. Price: $5 Department of Theatre and Performance Studies Stillwell Theater TIX 470-578-6650 www.arts.kennesaw.edu/theatre HANDS UP 10/8 - 10/31/21 Price: $25-$78 Alliance Theatre Hertz Stage TIX: allianceinfo@alliancetheatre.org, 404.733.4600 www.alliancetheatre.org

JEANNE ROBERTSON 10/16/21 Price: $20-$99 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com RICKEY SMILEY 10/23/21 Price: $44-$80 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com

BERT KREISCHER 10/10/21 Price: $35.75-$55.75 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com

ABTF 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UNDER THE STARS! 10/29 -10/30 Price: $45-$71 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Hilton Atlanta and Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 255 Courtland St. NE Atlanta & 5239 Floyd Rd. SW Mableton, GA TIX: www.AtlantaBTF.org

BILL BUR 10/14/21 Price: $40.50-$49.50 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST 11/ 5 -21/21 (Preview Nov 4) Price: $15 - $25 Arís Theatre, 7 Stages Theatre Back Stage 1105 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30307 TIX: 404-692-0053 www.aristheatre.org

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ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE FALL CONCERTS

COLORS OF AUTUMN: A CHORAL CONCERT 11/ 2/21 @ 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 KSU WIND ENSEMBLES 11/3/21 @ 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 Bailey School of Music Bailey Performance Center TIX: 470-578-6650 www.arts.kennesaw.edu/music

9/11, 20TH YEAR MEMORIAL CONCERT 9/11/21 8:00 p.m. Price: $5-10 KSU JAZZ ENSEMBLE I 9/23/21 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 NEW BEGINNINGS: A CHORAL CONCERT 9/28/21@ 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 KSU WIND ENSEMBLE 9/29/21 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 KSU WIND SYMPHONY 10/4/21 @ 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 KSU BRASS FACULTY PERFORMANCE 10/7/21 @ 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 ARTSKSU PRESENTS: REGINALD SMITH JR. 10/ 9/21 @ 8:00 p.m. Price: $5-10 KSU UNIVERSITY BAND & KSU PHILHARMONIC 10/11/21 @ 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 KSU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 10/21/21 @ 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 CONCERTO COMPETITION 10/ 25/21 @ 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10 KSU JAZZ ENSEMBLE II & III 10/26/21 @ 7:30 p.m. Price: $5-10

WORD, MUSIC, MEMORY: (RE)PRESENTING VOICES FROM THE HOLOCAUST 9/19/21 @ 3:00 p.m. Price: FREE Bailey School of Music Music Building 109 TIX: No reservation required www.arts.kennesaw.edu/music FEED YOUR SENSES VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE FEATURING MYRNA CLAYTON 9/15/21,12 PM Price: FREE Rialto Center for the Arts Facebook and YouTube Pages @RialtoCenter https://www.facebook.com/ RialtoCenter and https://www.youtube.com/user/ RialtoCenter TIX: www.rialto.gsu.edu

Alliance Theatre, Max Makes a Million Photo by Greg Mooney

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Alliance Theatre, Tent Series, Working: A Musical Photo by Greg Mooney

BLAKE SHELTON FRIENDS AND HEROES 2021 9/18/21 Price: $59.00-$119.00 Gas South District Gas South Arena TIX: 770-626-2464 www.GasSouthDistrict.com

MERCYME 10/10/21 Price: $33.25-$172.50 Gas South District Gas South Arena TIX: 770-626-2464 www.GasSouthDistrict.com

ERIC CLAPTON 9/23/21 Price: $69.00-$354.00 Gas South District Gas South Arena TIX: 770-626-2464 www.GasSouthDistrict.com

THIS AMAZING DAY 10/15 & 16/21 @8 PM Price: Individual - $35 Five concert Subscription - $124 Atlanta Master Chorale Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307 TIX: 404-727-5050 www.AtlantaMasterChorale.org

PHOENIX RISING 9/30/21, 8 pm Price: $25 General Admission The Atlanta Women’s Chorus Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre 5239 Floyd Rd SW, Mableton, GA 30126 TIX: 404-320-1205 www.voicesofnote.org/phoenix PEPE AGUILAR 10/8/21 Price: $40.50-$200 Gas South District Gas South Arena TIX: 770-626-2464 www.GasSouthDistrict.com CHESS IN CONCERT 10/9/2021 Price: $20 Jennie T. Anderson Theatre TIX: 770-528-8490 www.andersontheatre.org

FOREVER MUSIC 10/17/21 Price: $15 - $25 The Michael O’Neal Singers Roswell UMC 814 Mimosa Blvd.; Roswell GA 30075 TIX: 770.594.7974 www.mosingers.com FEED YOUR SENSES VIRTUAL PEFORMANCE FEATURING KINGS OF MARYLAND 10/20/2021, 12 PM Price: FREE Rialto Center for the Arts Facebook and YouTube Pages @RialtoCenter https://www.facebook.com/RialtoCenter and https://www.youtube.com/user/RialtoCenter TIX: www.rialto.gsu.edu

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ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE FALL JUSTIN MOORE & TRACEY LAWRENCE 10/21/21 Price: $44.50-$69.50 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com GILBERTO SANTA ROSA 10/24/21 Price: $49-$199 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com FALL MUSIC GALA 10/29/21 Price: Free Oglethorpe University Conant Performing Arts Center TIX: 404-364-8555 www.connect.oglethorpe.edu/events

Stay informed and in touch at AtlantaShowGuide.com and facebook.com/ ATLShowGuideMagazine

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE (RIALTO SERIES SEASON OPENER) 11/06/2021, 8 PM Price $52 to $101 Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University 80 Forsyth St, NW Atlanta (FREE/Validated Parking at 100 Peachtree Garage) TIX: 404-413-9849 www.rialto.gsu.edu JEFFERY OSBORNE, PEABO BRYSON & TONY TERRY 11/19/21 Price: $55-$125 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com 24TH ANNUAL GALA HOLIDAY CONCERT PRESENTED

BY GSU SCHOOL OF MUSIC 12/05/2021, 3 PM Price $17 to $36 Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University 80 Forsyth St, NW Atlanta (FREE/Validated Parking at 100 Peachtree Garage) TIX: 404-413-9849 www.rialto.gsu.edu

Alliance Theatre’s presentation of Becoming Nancy Photo by Greg Mooney

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CHRISTMAS WITH CALABRIA FOTI & BOB MCCHESNEY 12/11/2021, 8 PM Price: $46 to $81 Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University 80 Forsyth St, NW Atlanta (FREE/Validated Parking at 100 Peachtree Garage) TIX: 404-413-9849 www.rialto.gsu.edu

DANCE JAZZING: MEMOIRS IN JAZZ A Creative Collaboration Between Ballethnic Dance Company, Photo journalist Herb Snitzer, and The Breman Museum Streaming 8/16-9/8/21 Price: Recommended Donation $20+ Ballethnic and The Breman Museum Filmed at Southwest Arts Center TIX: https://jazzing.eventbrite.com https://www. thebreman.org/ https://www.ballethnic.org GWINNETT BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM DIRECTOR’S GALA 9/11/21 Price: $85 - $150 Gwinnett Ballet Theatre and Sugarloaf Youth Ballet The Sugarloaf Performing Arts Center 1070 Northbrook Parkway Suwanee, GA 30024 TIX: www.gwinnettballet.org FORCES OF GRACE 11/ 12 & 13/21 @ 8:00 p.m. Price: $15-20 Department of Dance Marietta Dance Theater TIX: 470-578-6650 www.arts.kennesaw.edu/dance ROSWELL DANCE THEATRE’S THE NUTCRACKER 11/ 26 - 12/5/21 Price: $27 - $40 Roswell Dance Theatre Byers Theatre at City Springs 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs GA 30328 TIX: 770-206-2022 www.RoswellNutcacker.com

THE NUTCRACKER 12/4-29/21 Price: $35+ Atlanta Ballet Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 TIX: 770.916.2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com

EXHIBITIONS MASTERPIECE OF PUPPETRY: JIM HENSON’S THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE Now thru 10/31/21 Price: $15 Center for Puppetry Arts TIX: 404-873-3391 https://puppet.org/programs/worlds-of-puppetrymuseum/ RESONANCE: RECENT ACQUISITIONS IN PHOTOGRAPHY 8/21- 12/ 5/21 Price: $8 /Adults, $6/ Seniors, students,& children The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University 571 South Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322 TIX: 404-727-4282 https://carlos.emory.edu/exhibition/resonancerecent-acquisitions-photography.

THE ASIAN GALLERY AT THE CARLOS MUSEUM REOPENING 8/28/21 Price: $8 /Adults, $6/ Seniors, students, & children.

The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University 571 South Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322 TIX: 404-727-4282 https://carlos.emory.edu/asian-gallery-reopening SEPTEMBER HIGH FREQUENCY FRIDAY 9/3/21 Price: $20 ,Members: FREE SEPTEMBER FRIDAY JAZZ 9/17/21 Price: $25 ,Members: FREE OCTOBER HIGH FREQUENCY FRIDAY CELEBRATING ATLANTA PRIDE MONTH 10/1/21 Price: $20, Members: FREE OCTOBER FRIDAY JAZZ Oct. 15 /21 Price: $25 Members: FREE

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ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE FALL NOVEMBER HIGH FREQUENCY FRIDAY 11/5/21 Price: $20 Members: FREE High Museum of Art TIX: www.High.org/event EACH/OTHER: MARIE WATT AND CANNUPA HANSKA LUGER 9/ 25- 12/12, 2021 Price: $8 /Adults, $6 /Seniors, students, & children The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University 571 South Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322 TIX: 404-727-4282 https://carlos.emory.edu/exhibition/eachothermarie-watt-and-cannupa-hanska-luger

FESTIVALS & MORE ATHLETA PRESENTS GOLD OVER AMERICA TOUR STARRING SIMONE BILES 10 26/21 Price: $26.50-$171.50 Gas South District, Gas South Arena TIX: 770-626-2464 www.GasSouthDistrict.com

CATCH THE DECATUR GROOVE! All are welcome. Most events free!

Events: It’s a triple arts weekend! Artist Market, October 2-3. Amplify Decatur Concerts, Oct. 1, free concert; Oct. 2 – ticketed event, headlined by the Indigo Girls. AJC Decatur Book Festival, October 2. Most events free.

More: www.decaturartsalliance.org, www. amplifydecatur.com, www.decaturbookfestival.com Concerts: Old Depot District ODD Ball, Sept. 11.

Salsa on the Square and La Choloteca After Party, Sept. 18. West Ponce Music Stroll, Sept. 25. Free.

More: www.oddindecatur.com, www.gowestponce.com, www.visitdecaturga.com Exhibits: Book As Art, view by appointment at Decatur Library, Aug. 13-Oct. 3.

Emerging Latinx Artist Exhibit, Decatur Arts Alliance Gallery, October. Free.

More: www.bookasart.com, www.decaturartsalliance.org Ongoing: Decatur Artway outdoor sculptures, new murals, #lookupdecatur street signs, signal box paintings, buskers. Free.

More: www.decaturartway.com, www.decaturartsalliance.org For more information: visitdecaturga.com Instagram: @visitdecaturga Facebook.com/VisitDecaturGa Twitter: @ DecaturTourism

Terry Burrell, Alexandra Schoeny and Aaron Blake, Alliance Theatre’s 2017 Candide with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & ASO Chorus Photo by Greg Mooney

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Venues & More 7 Stages Actor’s Express Alliance Theatre Atlanta Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Center For Puppetry Arts Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Conant Performing Arts Center Ferst Center @ Ga Tech High Museum of Art Horizon Theatre Gas South Theatre (formerly Infinite Energy Center) Jennie T. Anderson Theatre Judy Jacobs Gallery

Rialto Center for the Arts Atlanta Symphony Hall Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance Roswell Cultural Arts Center Porter Sanford Arts Center Explore Gwinnett Southwest Arts Center Syncronicity Theatre Tula Gallery Woodruff Arts Center King Plow Arts Center Out Front Theatre

wabe.org/calendar

Greater Atlanta’s Performing Arts Magazine In print and online at www.atlantashowguide.com

Contact us at gregg.atlantashowguide@gmail.com or 770-559-1591

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CABARET

BOOK JOE MASTEROFF | MUSIC JOHN KANDER | LYRICS FRED EBB BASED ON THE PLAY BY JOHN VAN DRUTEN | STORIES BY CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD

JUNE 2-19, 2022 @ THE BIG TENT

THE 2021-22 SEASON

THE

THE

THE

JAN 2022 COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

MAR 2022 COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

APR & MAY 2022 COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

JULIUS PIRATES OF BARBER OF (R)EVOLUTION CAESAR PENZANCE SEVILLE OF STEVE JOBS NOV 2021 COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

CABARET AS ONE JUN 2022 THE BIG TENT

JUN 2022 THE BIG TENT

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