Atlanta ShowGuide Spring 2018

Spring 2018

41 Years of FREE Jazz in Piedmont Park, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival is just getting warmed up!

Creative Process: City Springs Theatre Company’s Inaugural Season Let the Rain Come — A Spring Heatwave Downtown Synchronicity: Small But Mighty and Changing the World, One Community at a Time.

Season Tickets are on Sale now for the Alliance Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season Serenbe Playhouse VOYAGES On! Sordid Lives Takes Life Like NEVER Before!

Delta Atlanta Symphony Hall LIVE Brings The Heat This Summer “Shakespeare Kennesaw” Under the Stars Featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream Moments Make the Movement: True Colors Theatre Company’s New Season More than 200 Reasons to Go East of the BeltLine and Discover Decatur

ShowGuide Spotlights | Performance Listings May – June 2018 | ShowGuide Venues

SYCAMORE STREET DECATUR ARTS FESTIVAL

SQUASH BLOSSOM BOUTIQUE

SQ / FT

FIND YOUR

Fun family events, destination dining, local shopping, and warm welcomes!

Visitors Center 113 Clairemont Ave. 30030 visitdecaturga.com |

Randy Weston of Randy Weston’s African Rhythms Quintet , Photo by Matt Alexandre Photography

contents

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Creative Process: City Springs Theatre Company’s Inaugural Season By Holley Calmes

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Let the Rain Come — A Spring Heatwave Downtown

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Synchronicity: Small But Mighty and Changing the World, One Community at a Time.

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Season Tickets are on Sale now for the Alliance Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season Serenbe Playhouse VOYAGES On! Sordid Lives Takes Life Like NEVER Before!

Delta Atlanta Symphony Hall LIVE Brings The Heat This Summer

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“Shakespeare Kennesaw” Under the Stars Featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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41 Years of FREE Jazz in Piedmont Park, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival is just getting warmed up!

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Moments Make the Movement: True Colors Theatre Company’s New Season

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More than 200 Reasons to Go East of the BeltLine and Discover Decatur

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Atlanta ShowGuide Spotlights Performance Listings May – June, 2018 Atlanta ShowGuide Venues and More On the Cover: 2017 Atlanta Jazz Festival/ Piedmont Park, Photo by Matt Alexandre

CREATIVE PROCESS:

Brandt Blocker will ‘Raise The Rafters’ with City Springs Theatre Company’s Inaugural Season

By Holley Calmes

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he buzz is picking up volume in Sandy Springs over the new Performing Arts Center and its resident City Springs Theatre Company. Executive/Artistic Director Brandt Blocker is ready to “give the audience what they want.”

“One of the things I learned over the years is to give the audience what they want,” Blocker says as he awaits the debut of this state of the art complex. “Listen to your audience, engage with them, and be responsive.”

Blocker learned this sage approach to successful theatrical presentation as the director of Atlanta Lyric Theatre. Now he puts his wisdom to work as the City Springs Theatre opens with a line-up of blockbusters that will reward Sandy Springs citizens for their enthusiasm and generosity. “Civic pride runs deep here,” Blocker explains. “The support of the Sandy Springs community has been overwhelming. I look forward to presenting them with extraordinary experiences.”

Blocker will be working with friend and colleague Shuler Hensley, the company’s Associate Artistic Director. “Shuler is a consummate professional,” says Blocker. “He wants this company to represent the very best standards, to achieve the highest in professional performance expectations. I love working alongside him.”

The new 1,070-seat Byers Theatre, with other amenities of the new complex such as the studio theatre and educational facilities,

(L-R) Executive/Artistic Director Brandt Blocker, Associate Artistic Director Shuler Hensley, and Managing Director Natalie Barrow. Photo by Kathleen McCook

ushers in a whole new era of theatre to this progressive North Atlanta city.

The first season will be rich with musical theatre opportunities. “I’m very excited to open our season with ‘42nd Street,’” enthuses Blocker, “the perfect ‘theatre’ show to open a perfect new venue.”

The company will also score with its December offering. “Being the first local company to present ‘Elf, the Musical’ will be a joy, a wonderful holiday show for the family.”

Then comes another coup, having TonyAward winner Baayork Lee direct “South Pacific.”

“Let’s not forget we will also be the first local company to produce one of the most successful musicals of all time, ‘Billy Elliot the Musical.’ And ‘Hairspray’ will be a fun, uplifting way to raise the rafters and bring a close to our first season.”

“We’re opening with a bang for sure,” Blocker enthuses. “But you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet! Get ready for City Springs Theatre Company to make its impact on our theatrical community in a big, bold and professional way!”

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50 TH ANNIVERSARY 2 018 /19 SE ASON A L L I A N C E S E R I E S on the Coca-Cola Stage

S E P 5 – O C T 2 1, 2 0 18

J A N 19 – F E B 17, 2 0 19

M A R 2 0 – A P R 14 , 2 0 19

M AY 1 – 2 6 , 2 0 19

HER T Z SERIES

S E P 2 9 – O C T 2 8 , 2 0 18

N O V 9 – D E C 2 , 2 0 18

F E B 16 – M A R 10 , 2 0 19

A P R 5 – 2 8 , 2 0 19

F A M I LY S E R I E S

J U N 7 – J U L 8 , 2 0 18

O C T 6 – 13 , 2 0 18

D E C 12 – 2 4 , 2 0 18

M A R 9 – A P R 14 , 2 0 19

K AT H Y & K E N B E R N H A R D T T H E AT R E F O R T H E V E R Y Y O U N G

J U N 9 – J U L 15 , 2 0 18

season tickets for as low as

O C T 2 – N O V 4 , 2 0 18

$68

J A N 15 – F E B 17, 2 0 19

M A R 9 – A P R I L 7, 2 0 19

season ticket office 404.733.4600 alliancetheatre.org/seasontickets

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

Let the Rain Come — A Spring Heatwave Downtown

Terry Burrell in LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL, Photo by Christopher Bartelski

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heatrical Outfit’s production of 110 in the Shade, Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s (The Fantastics) songfilled adaptation of the timeless play The Rainmaker, has been called “one of the most organic, finely-grained musicals ever” by The New York Times. Directed by The Outfit’s Artistic Director Tom Key with musical direction by frequent collaborator S. Renee Clark (Big Fish and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill), this homespun classic settles in at The Balzer Theater at Herren’s May 31 – June 24.

“I had the great pleasure of working on the 2007 Broadway revival cast recording of 110 in the Shade starring Audra McDonald,” says Clifton Guterman, Theatrical Outfit’s Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director. “We are thrilled to produce this longloved musical gem here at home, which will feature a stellar Atlanta cast who mirror our city’s beautifully diversity and heart.”

Travel back with Theatrical Outfit to July 4th, 1936 in Three Point, Texas. In the middle of a heat wave, while locals are desperate for rain, Lizzie Curry daydreams away fears

of becoming a spinster in a tiny, dusty town.

Her wit, intelligence and lauded homemaking skills don’t seem to guarantee a romantic future, and even the reserved town sheriff, File, won’t take a chance on the plain girl next door. But, when a charismatic rainmaker named Starbuck sweeps into town promising more than just atmospheric relief, Lizzie’s world is suddenly larger than she imagined possible, and choice and clarity arrive like a cleansing summer storm.

Tom Key and Clifton Guterman in BOY, Photo by David Woolf Photography

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atlantafestivals.com dian ne reeve s j o n bati ste wi th t he da p-k i ngs the bad plus j az zme i a hor n & m any m ore

may 26 & 27

memorial day weekend

piedmont park

Synchronicity: Small But Mighty How this tiny theatre company is changing the world, one community at a time.

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he name of their game is Smart. Gutsy.

Bold theatre, and they are officially on the map after bringing home 5 Suzi Bass Awards for last season’s production of Eclipsed. Although, the bread and butter of any performance organization are the shows they produce, Synchronicity Theatre is so much more than a night out with friends and family.

What many Atlanta theatregoers don’t realize is that Synchronicity runs several outreach programs geared towards uplifting young women, making theatre accessible to members of all communities and cultural backgrounds, and investing in the future of arts and culture in Atlanta. As we approach the end of their 20th Anniversary Season, we wanted to shine the spotlight on how this tiny theatre company is changing the world one community at a time.

In 2004, Synchronicity officially launched Playmaking for Girls. Arguably, their most meaningful and impactful program, PFG allows for female artists to work with teen girls detained at a Regional Youth Detention Center where they explore the power of storytelling and the different aspects of writing a play.

Together they share their stories, write a script, design sets and costumes, and each June perform their original work for the public. This year’s PFG public performance will be held at Agnes Scott College’s Winter Theatre on June 16th. The performance takes place at 6 p.m. with a post-show reception and talk-back opportunity. Tickets are free.

This summer, Synchronicity Theatre is teaming up with AMIS School to offer a one of a kind Playmaking for Kids summer camp.

Normally an afterschool program, kids ages 6-12 will explore movement, playwriting and so much more during this exciting two-week camp. Registration has begun!

Synchronicity’s Playmaking for Kids and Playmaking for Girls are just two ways they are making a difference in your community. To purchase tickets, and learn more about the other ways they are investing in the future of arts and culture, and the cultivation of female playwrights in Atlanta, check out SynchroTheatre.com, or call 404-484-8636.

Don’t miss their season finale, The Taming by Lauren Gunderson, running June 1 – 24, 2018.

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2018 INAUGURAL SEASON

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Presents

r e m m Midsu s Night M A E R D

espeare k a h S m a li

by Wil ombardo kL

Ric Directed by

JUNE 13-16, JUNE 20-23, 2018 8 p.m. | Legacy Gazebo Amphitheatre - $10-27 on the Kennesaw campus of Kennesaw State University 470.578.6650 | ticketing.kennesaw.edu

shakespearekennesaw.com

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Season Tickets are on Sale now for the Alliance Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season

tlanta’s nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce the productions of the Theater’s 50th anniversary season. The Alliance’s anniversary lineup includes five world premieres, regional premieres of two celebrated musicals, and new works by acclaimed writers Pearl Cleage, Phillip DePoy, Mary Lynn Owen, and Faith Salie.

The Alliance Series on the Coca-Cola Stage features four productions starting with A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This world premiere adaptation has been developed specifically to showcase the beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. In January 2019 the Alliance will open the new Coca-Cola Stage with the regional premiere of EVER AFTER, a captivating new musical based on the hit film. EVER AFTER celebrates the true magic at the heart of the beloved Cinderella tale — the strength of the human spirit. Also this season — ANGRY, RAUCOUS AND SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS, an exciting world premiere by Atlanta-based writer and playwright, Pearl Cleage, and RIDE THE CYCLONE, the critically-acclaimed musical described by The New York Times as “high spirited and just plain fun from start to finish.”

The Hertz series includes four world premieres, starting with NICK’S FLAMINGO GRILL by playwright and songwriter, Phillip DePoy. Inspired by the true story of the first integrated nightclub in Atlanta, NICK’S FLAMINGO GRILL is a story of hope and brotherly love. The second premiere is KNEAD, written and performed by Mary Lynn Owen. KNEAD is a journey through memory and accepting the unpredictability of life. The Hertz Series also includes the winner of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, GOODNIGHT, TYLER, by B.J. Tindal. In GOODNIGHT, TYLER, Tyler Evans haunts his best friend in a desperate attempt to control the contradicting narratives of his untimely passing. The final production on the Hertz Stage is the world premiere of APPROVAL JUNKIE, by and starring Faith Salie. A comedian and Emmy Award-winning journalist best known for her roles on NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! and CBS News Sunday Morning, Salie returns home to Georgia to adapt her memoir into a heartfelt (and disturbingly hilarious) one-woman show.

For season tickets information, visit www. alliancetheatre.org/seasontickets.

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SPRING PERFORMANCES

Love’s Labour’s Lost Through April 22

2018 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award Winners

Richard II April 26-May 13

As You Like It May 17-June 10

King John June 14-July 1

ShakespeareTavern.com

Rachel Graf Evans Built to Float

July 27-August 26, 2018 West End Performing Arts Center www.EssentialTheatre.com

110 IN THE

SHADE

Directed by Tom Key Musical Direction by S. Renee Clark Choreography by Angela Harris.

Book by N. Richard Nash Music by Harvey Schmidt Lyrics by Tom Jones Orchestration by Jonathan Tunick Based on the play The Rainmaker by N. Richard Nash

TheatricalOutfit.org / 678.528.1500

Avery Sharpe Woke

Transform passionately.

MAY 31-JUNE 24, 2018

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Serenbe Playhouse VOYAGES On! Atlanta’s two favorite holiday traditions — The Sleepy Hollow Experience and The Snow Queen.

All autumn long the Headless Horseman will haunt the woods of Serenbe for his 6th year followed by a chill as the Snow Queen returns for her 5th year! 2018 is sure to be a VOYAGE of epic proportions at Serenbe Playhouse, and you have a first-class ticket!

For more info please visit us at www. serenbeplayhouse.com.

re you ready to go on the VOYAGE of a lifetime? Serenbe Playhouse has officially taken to the water for its epic 9th season, and you are invited to come along. Fresh off of a sold-out run of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, the Playhouse is taking us on a journey to a brand-new Neverland! We all know the classic tale, but now it is time to find out what happens after the Lost Boys take over the famous pirate ship and Captain Hook returns for revenge. This brand-new adaptation will set audiences on Hook’s pirate ship for an adventure like no other that the whole family will enjoy! From there, the Playhouse will take on its largest production to date as they invite audiences to set sail with Titanic: The Musical.

In only the way Serenbe Playhouse can, a ship in the middle of the Serenbe lake will sink nightly as this haunting tale comes to life like never before. Featuring a cast of 40 top Atlanta stars and directed by visionary Brian Clowdus, this production is sure to leave you breathless. From the sails of the Titanic, The Playhouse will enter into the classic world of Chekhov for an edgy adaptation of The Seagull. The famous love triangle will take to the woods to make for one not to be missed, crazy, Russian party complete with a fresh European folk score! And, of course, no year is complete without the return of

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Atlanta's LGBTQIA+ Theatre Company Del Shores'

Sordid Lives

May 3 - 20, 2018

Special Talk Back Performances with the author May 19 & 20!

outfronttheatre.com

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Sordid Lives Takes Life Like NEVER Before!

el Shores’ Sordid Lives is a Southern comedy classic; there is no denying that. It has been produced countless times, turned into a cult movie and even spawned a tv series. But when Out Front Theatre Company (Atlanta’s LGBTQIA+ theatre) decided to stage it, they knew they wanted to do something different that reflected the times that we live in, while maintaining the humor that everyone has come to love.

For the first time ever, all of the performers portraying the family members in Sordid Lives will be played by African- American actors.

“When I was asked permission by Out Front to cast Sordid Lives diversely, I didn’t say “yes”, I said “hell yes”! I gave them my blessing, along with a couple of line changes. I cannot wait to see this production!”

In Sordid Lives, Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover’s wooden legs in a motel room, and chaos erupts in Winters,

Texas. Peggy’s family must face their own demons while preparing for what could be an embarrassing funeral. Through its many incarnations, Sordid Lives has starred Leslie Jordan, Rue McClanahan, Olivia Newton John, Delta Burke, Beau Bridges and Caroline Rhea.

“This play at its core is about a family trying to learn how to love each other and co-exist with each other, which is a universal feeling in all types of families,” says director Jacob Demlow. “This play has such a strong following, it would be impossible to follow what has been done before, so I wanted our production to be completely different. I thought about how we could do that — then I thought about the city we live in. If you look around Atlanta, it is a beautiful and diverse city. I wanted us to showcase that diversity and have the family in Sordid Lives represent it.”

During the final weekend of Sordid Lives, Del Shores will attend two special talk-back performances on May 19th and 20th, as well as present his new one-person show “Six Characters in Search of an Author” on May 20th.

Del Shores Photo by Jason Grindle

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Grit & Grace June 2, 2018 Out Front Theatre

Broadway & Peachtree June 29 & 30, 2018 Out Front Theatre

Tickets and more at: www.voicesofnote.org

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC You’ll join about 400 students in the school’s degree programs, which range from composition and performance to technology and management.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

BACHELOR OF MUSIC Composition Jazz Studies Music Education Music Technology (recording) Performance BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Music Management

MASTER OF MUSIC Conducting–Choral, Orchestra, or Wind Band Composition

In the heart of Atlanta.

Jazz Studies Music Education Performance Piano Pedagogy

NON-DEGREE PROGRAM FOR TEACHER LICENSURE IN MUSIC K-12 DOCTOR OF EDUCATION – Ed.D Concentration in Music Education DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY – Ph.D. Music Education

For more information and a complete listing of concerts please visit our website.

music.gsu.edu•404.413.5900

Amos Lee with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on 11/3/17 Photo by Chris Eason

Delta Atlanta Symphony Hall LIVE Brings The Heat This Summer

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ummer is rapidly approaching and the Delta Atlanta Symphony Hall LIVE series is filled with a variety of shows guaranteed to provide new and fun experiences for all ages all summer long. First up are Stephen Stills and Judy Collins, who will take the Symphony Hall stage on June 13. Stills and Collins will be sharing warm and intimate stories from their journeys and debuting songs from their new collaborative album, ‘Everybody Knows’. Later that week, the multi-talented performer, Matthew Morrison, will be visiting for a night full of Broadway Hits at Symphony Hall on June 16. Known for his starring role in Glee and numerous TV and movie appearances including Grey’s Anatomy, Hairspray, and more, he’ll be showcasing his many talents for a memorable experience you won’t want to miss. Also in June, Manhattan Transfer will be blowing the house down with their breathtaking acapella vocals. Their amazing versatility and ability to incorporate pop, Jazz, R&B, rock and roll, swing and symphonic have won 10 Grammy Awards. Lucky for Atlanta,

Manhattan Transfer will be bringing their talents to Symphony Hall on June 22.

The following week, you’ll be able to rock out with Derek Smalls on June 29! In a unique twist, Smalls, Formerly of Spinal Tap, will perform alongside the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to debut songs off his new album, ‘Smalls Change’. On July 24, come witness the 19-time Grammy Award-winning legend, Tony Bennett performing live as he’s joined by his daughter Antonia Bennett! A few days later, you can join Atlanta Symphony Hall in welcoming one of the biggest progressive rock bands and pioneers, YES, to the stage. July 28.

They’ll be celebrating and wrapping up their 50th Anniversary tour by performing many of their classic songs you know and love! In August, TOTO will make a special stop to the Hall to support their 50th Anniversary. Regarded as one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world, few bands have been able to leave such a huge stamp on pop culture like TOTO. For these and many other great shows, visit aso.org/live for more information.

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COME AND CELEBRATE

70th Spring Concert of the Decatur Civic Chorus

Sunday, June 3rd 3:00 P.M.

Travel in Time, 1815 to Present “Schubert to My Shot” First Baptist Church Decatur 308 Clairemont Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 More Info: 770-722-3769

Free & Open to the Public for All Ages

“Shakespeare Kennesaw” Under the Stars

Featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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ennesaw State University is proud to announce a new summer Shakespeare company developed by the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies: “Shakespeare Kennesaw.” The first play, scheduled for mid-June, is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to be performed under the stars at the outdoor Legacy Gazebo Amphitheatre on the Kennesaw campus. The Gazebo will be transformed into an Elizabethan outdoor playhouse for the production, one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays.

Directed by Rick Lombardo, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, the play portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons. These events include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of six amateur actors, who are controlled and manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest.

A Shakespeare scholar will deliver a nightly pre-show introduction to the play at the venue at 7:30 p.m. Patrons may purchase VIP tickets close to the stage with tables and chairs provided or may purchase general admission tickets to sit on the tiered lawn

on blankets or low-backed beach chairs.

Picnicking is highly encouraged.

“An outdoor, summer professional Shakespeare theatre substantially adds to the cultural life of the region, and we are thrilled that KSU is a cultural center for our friends and neighbors in the community. ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is one of Shakespeare’s happiest comedies, featuring crossed loves, fairy spells and strange transformations. I hope that patrons will bring family and friends and enjoy a spectacular evening,” said Patty Poulter, Dean of the College of the Arts.

Lombardo said, “We developed ‘Shakespeare Kennesaw’ to bring powerful and engaging outdoor, professional productions of William Shakespeare’s work to metro Atlanta.”

The play will be performed June 1316 and June 20-23, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, performances will move indoors to the Stillwell Theater, or patrons may exchange their ticket(s) for a different outdoor performance date. Tickets will be available March 1; prices range from $10 to $27 and may be purchased at ticketing.kennesaw.edu or by calling 470-578-6650.

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© Richard Calmes Photography

by Lauren Gunderson

Will a Miss America contestant, a liberal blogger, and a conservative senatorial staffer successfully rewrite the Constitution and resolve partisan politics? Worth a shot, right?

June 1 - 24, 2018

Celebrating 20 Years of SMART. GUTSY. BOLD. THEATRE.

Tickets: 404-484-8636 • Syncrotheatre.com 1545 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

41 Years of FREE Jazz in Piedmont Park, and Atlanta Jazz Festival is just getting warmed up!

Photos by Matt Alexandre Photography

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Charles Lloyd of the Charles Lloyd Sky Trio

Atlanta Jazz Festival patrons

he 41st annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, one of the country’s largest and longest-running free jazz festivals, invites music lovers from around the region to be immersed in jazz music culture for two days over Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, in Piedmont Park. Founded to promote the south’s original art form, the Atlanta Jazz Festival is known for celebrating both jazz legends and giving a platform to upand-coming performers.

This year’s lineup includes a variety of jazz sounds and stylings presented on three stages: The Legends Stage, The Contemporary Stage and The Next Gen Stage. Artist highlights for this year’s festival include John Batiste with The Dap-Kings, Dianne Reeves, The Bad Plus, Jazzmeia Horn and Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles. For the first time in the event’s history, Saturday will feature a special lineup of all-female jazz headliners.

If two days of free jazz isn’t quite enough, jazz lovers can purchase tickets to the Late Night Jazz Jam featuring the Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra, happening after Saturday’s Festival lineup, May 26 at 10 p.m. at Park Tavern.

Additionally, festivalgoers will have the option to purchase tickets to the Bud Light Lounge, which includes a premium view of the Legends Stage, private seating, cash bars and VIP restroom access. The Bud Light Lounge also features a complimentary Bloody Mary bar from 1 – 3 p.m. on both Festival days.

Along with the Festival on Memorial Day Weekend, the City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs will host 31 Days of Jazz events throughout metro Atlanta beginning on May 1. Most of the events are free and will occur all over Metro Atlanta, including at various MARTA stations, the Loews Hotel, Atlantic Station, Suite Jazz Lounge, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and more. The Neighborhood Jazz Series will take place on weekends in May in various Atlanta city parks.

More information can be found on AtlantaFestivals.com. Fans also can access information on the go by visiting ATLJazzFest. com, from their smart device. Follow along on Twitter (@AtlantaJazzFest), Facebook (@AtlantaJazzFestival) and Instagram (@ AtlantaJazzFestival)

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The art of award winning Dance Photographer

Richard Calmes is available in his first book DANCE MAGIC Visit www.richardcalmes.com for ordering information

“Memory is a funny thing.”

By Colman Domingo Directed by Kenny Leon Southwest Arts Center

July 17 - Aug 12 BUY TICKETS 1-877-725-8849

Moments Make the Movement: True Colors Theatre Company’s New Season

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his summer, celebrate Christmas in July with E. Roger Mitchell, Tonia Jackson, Thomas Neal True Colors Theatre ComAntwon Ghant. Photo by The Horne Brothers pany and the Shealy family as they gather with more than the holiday spirit woven together by a thread of radical change in mind. Dot by Colman Domingo addresses at the societal, organizational, and familial mental health in the Black community, as seen levels. The season opens in September with through the eyes of Dotty, the widowed matriNina Simone: Four Women by Christina Ham. arch of the Shealy family and her three grown, This “play with music” explores Nina Simone’s and very different, children. As Dotty struggles shift from popular R&B singer to vocal activist, to hold onto her failing memory — a result of following the bombing of Birmingham’s late-onset Alzheimer’s — her children must Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in 1963. fight to balance care for their mother and care The First Noel by Lelund Durond Thompfor themselves. Crackling with humor, this son and Jason Michael Webb returns for its “dramedy” grapples with aging parents, midlife second year for a December run. The musical, crises, and the heart of an urban west Philly directed by True Colors’ Associate Artistic neighborhood.

Director Jamil Jude, follows a family as they As we wrap up our 2017 – 2018 season, reach across generations to heal from a devKenny Leon and True Colors Theatre Company astating loss during the holidays that plunged are excited to announce our 2018 – 2019 a wedge into their lives. At its Atlanta debut in season, themed “Moments Make the Movement.”

2017, The First Noel received high praise for its The four productions of this 16th season are uplifting music and powerful message.

The work of Dominique Morisseau returns to True Colors’ stage in February 2019 with Skeleton Crew, directed by Jamil Jude, which is about the closing of the last auto plant in Detroit and its impact on the people that work there. The season will close with the July 2019 production of Eugene Lee’s East Texas Hot Links, directed by the playwright.

To purchase tickets for Dot, or our Eddie Bradley Jr., Thomas Neal Antwon Ghant, Tiffany upcoming season, visit www.truecolorstheatre.

Denise Hobbs, Tonia Jackson, Photo by The Horne Brothers org or call 877-725-8849.

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Designing beautiful, inviting and sustainable communities, buildings and greenspaces that lift the spirit and fire the imagination.

More than 200 Reasons to Go East of the BeltLine and Discover Decatur

Community Lantern Parade

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ust east of the BeltLine, the city of Decatur is four square miles packed with more than 200 great reasons to visit. Shop at “indie” boutiques, galleries, and salons, or nibble and sip at acclaimed restaurants and pubs. Preview some of our top dining spots at decaturrestaurant-tour.com. Make the afterhours scene here for live music, comedy, handcrafted cocktails and small plates.

an all-star Americana line-up. Throughout May (and September) make your way to the community bandstand Wednesdays at noon for Blue Sky Concerts, and every Saturday evening at 7 p.m. for Concerts on the Square with everything from soul to bluegrass, jazz, Americana and more. Free!

It’s a date to stay up late May 11 when the magical Community Lantern Parade winds its way through downtown Decatur kicking off Arts Month here, leading up to the Decatur Arts Festival. Get the arty started on Friday night, May 25, with ArtWalk all around downtown Decatur. Come back bright and early Saturday and Sunday for two full days of live music, interactive art experiences, the juried fine arts exhibition, theater, dance and comedy. Shop the spectacular artists market for that perfect piece to add to your collection.

Get the details at decaturartsfestival.com.

Get here! Hop on MARTA for a quick train ride to the Decatur station at our downtown square to access it all. Check out all the delightful details online. Or stop by the Visitors Center for friendly tips and pocket-size guides to all of the best that Decatur has to offer.

Arts abound year-round!

Stroll our walkable downtown and enjoy our Artway public art series, with five new sculptures installed around downtown and five on view in Oakhurst Village south of the square. Check out the newly acquired sculpture “Something We Had to Go Through” on Church Street (#decaturga for those Instagram selfies). The new mural by Milagros Collective covers the MARTA overpass on the west side of the city to create a colorful and welcoming gateway. New this year: Decatur streets come alive with buskers bringing music, magic, dancing and fun.

Concert season begins in April with Oakhurst Jazz Nights every Thursday evening, free. Amplify Decatur returns April 14 with

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ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE SPOTLIGHTS Alliance Announces Exciting Productions for Youth and Families In 2018/19 The Alliance will produce four productions for Youth and Families during its 50th anniversary season including, WINNIE-THEPOOH, a delightful journey through the Hundred Acre Wood; PAIGE IN FULL, written and choreographed by Paige Hernandez as one multicultural girl’s journey through hip-hop to self-discovery; the Alliance’s 29th annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (performed for the second year at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre); and THE WIZARD OF OZ, a family-friendly adaptation featuring iconic songs from the original movie score.

Family series season tickets include two or more productions. Learn more at www. alliancetheatre.org/familyseries

your calendar for Saturday, June 16, 2018, and get ready to experience this multi-talented performer, known for his extensive Broadway experience and starring role in the musical comedy series “Glee”. During his prolific career, Matthew Morrison has been nominated for Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.

Tickets for Matthew Morrison with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are on sale now at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office and online at Ticketmaster.com 3rd Annual Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival set to run August 6th – 14th.

Now in its third year, the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival is becoming the premiere musical theatre festival in the Southeast. In just two years, AMTF has connected more than 200 artists and provided them with the resources they need to develop new musicals here in Atlanta. The AMTF seeks to “cultivate the next generation of theatre artists by mentoring talent, propelling new musicals forward, and celebrating the community in a supportive, nurturing, and creative environment.” Join us! For more information and tickets, visit www.TheAMTF.com.

Atlanta Jazz Festival Highlights John Batiste with The DapKings, Dianne Reeves, The Bad Plus and Jazzmeia Horn are just a few of the incredible artists you’ll hear at the 41st annual Atlanta Jazz Festival.

The country’s longest running free jazz festival will take place for two days over Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, in Piedmont Park. For the first time in the event’s history, Saturday will feature a special lineup of all-female jazz headliners. For more details, visit AtlantaFestivals.com. Fans also can access information on the go by visiting ATLJazzFest.com, from their smart device.

ARÍS presents Lazybed by Iain Crichton Smith Murdo is having a metaphysical crisis; he’s taken to his bed, and his mother doesn’t know what to do with him! While he malingers, he is visited by his brother, his gossipy neighbor, his girlfriend, an insurance salesman, a minister, a medical specialist, Immanuel Kant, and Death — who keeps stopping by for a chat.

This quirky Scottish comedy is a meditation on life, death, love, and the meaningfulness of the things we all hold dear.

April 26 - May 13, 2018. Thurs, Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2:30pm, visit www.aristheatre.org.

Matthew Morrison with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra This summer, American actor, dancer and singersongwriter Matthew Morrison brings his act to Symphony Hall for a special performance with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Mark

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ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE SPOTLIGHTS Eat, Drink, and Nourish the Soul at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is a unique theatre experience. It is a place out of time; a place of live music, hand-crafted period costumes, outrageous sword fights with the entire experience centered on the passion and poetry of the spoken word. With a Ready To Eat Café-Style Menu and a broad selection of ales and premium brews available before each performance, the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is a place to eat, drink, and nourish the soul. The Atlanta Shakespeare Company is a bright and talented group of professionals who interpret, direct, produce and perform the works of William Shakespeare.

Spring in to Summer at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Spring in to Summer at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, located in Montgomery’s beautiful 300-acre Blount Cultural Park. April 27-29 and May 4-6 see 3 plays in one weekend: Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night and William Gibson’s The Miracle Worker. Beginning July 4, join us for “one of the best family musicals ever”, Annie. Visit charming and historic Montgomery, Alabama, and when not seeing shows at the theatre be sure to visit other top tourist attraction including Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, the Rosa Parks Museum, and the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and Center for Peace & Justice, opening April 26, 2018. www.asf.net

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Decatur Civic Chorus Delights Every Taste of Music Come Celebrate with one of America’s Longest Continuous Choral Groups for thier 70th Spring Concert as we travel from 1815 to the present in “Schubert to My Shot,” a collection of Classical to Modern Music for everyone’s enjoyment and taste. Join us on Sunday, June 3rd, at 3:00 p.m., at Decatur First Baptist Church, 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA 30030. The Decatur Civic Chorus is known for its velvet sound and delicate delivery; you will experience an enjoyable afternoon of music.

For more information, contact Scott Keesey, Director, at 770-722-3769. Free and Open to the Public. Visit us at www.DecaturCivicChorus.org.

premiere the work of two brand-new talents: Avery Sharpe’s WOKE (a funny and moving story of two friends navigating the racial divide between them) and Rachel Graf Evans’ BUILT TO FLOAT (a surreal drama about sisters haunted by the legacy of their troubled family).

The Festival will run from July 27 – August 26.

Find a performance schedule and other details at www.EssentialTheatre.com.

Decatur Has Arts in Full Bloom Take your pick!

Free outdoor concerts throughout April and May. Buskers bring music, art, magic and fun to the streets. A lantern parade lights up downtown May 11. The Decatur Arts Festival – 30 years young – happens over Memorial Day weekend.

Browse shop-tastic deals at Storefront Saturday April 28. Springtime-worthy outdoor seating at the Universal Joint, Wahoo, The Imperial and Scout to relax and recharge. Luxe lounge comfort at the Pinewood after hours. It’s all just minutes away via MARTA. Stop by the Visitors Center at 113 Clairemont Ave. for local tips and pocket-size guides.

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Essential Theatre Festival Celebrates 20 Years For 20 years the Essential Theatre Festival has been giving Georgia playwrights a voice, producing 30 World Premieres and helping to launch the careers of nationwide successes like Topher Payne and Lauren Gunderson. The 2018 Festival will

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Georgia State University School of Music Georgia State University School of Music enrolls over 400 students representing 6 countries and 21 states.

Approximately 360 of the students are in bachelor’s degree programs, 70 in master’s degrees, and the remainder in other programs, including a Ph.D. program in music education.

Forty full-time and 30 part-time faculty serve students in concentrations including performance, music education, music management, music recording and technology, composition, and jazz studies. Studying music in Atlanta gives you opportunities you can’t get anywhere else. You’ll learn from faculty who are members of the Atlanta Symphony, Opera and Ballet orchestras as well as Grammy award winners. You will receive world-class musical training unparalleled in the Southeastern United States.music.gsu.edu “Shakespeare Kennesaw” at Kennesaw State University Kennesaw State University is proud to announce a new summer Shakespeare company developed by the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies: “Shakespeare Kennesaw.” This summer’s offering is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to be performed under the stars at the outdoor Legacy Gazebo Amphitheatre on the Kennesaw campus.

ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE SPOTLIGHTS The Gazebo will be transformed into an Elizabethan outdoor playhouse for the production, one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. The play will be performed June 13-16 and June 20-23 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10 to $27 and may be purchased at www.ticketing.kennesaw.edu or by calling 470-578-6650.

Out Front Theatre Presents Sordid Lives and Six Characters in Search of a Play When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover’s wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas. Del Shores’ classic cult comedy gets a revolutionary treatment in Out Front’s production with non-traditional casting and world premiere rewrites by the author himself! See Sordid Lives

like NEVER before! Join Del for two special talk back performances on May 19 and 20, and check out the Atlanta premiere of his new one person show Six Characters in Search of a Play for one performance only on May 20.

Outfrontheatre.com This spring, Roswell Cultural Arts Center presents two outstanding performances for children and adults!

On May 11 and 12, 2018 join us for Lollipops for Breakfast, a marvelous concoction of friendship and adventure! Blending puppetry, dance, and physical theatre, this magical tale features giant candy machines and pop-up cookbooks!

We close our season June 9 with the thrilling acoustic blues ensemble, Davina & the Vagabonds! With a sound that has been compared to Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse,

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True Colors Tackles Aging & Caregiving in Book and Lyrics by Dot Brian Crawley Music by In the Shealy house, Christmas means Andrew Lippa a time for family gatherings. Only this holiday, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than the holiday spirit in mind. As Dotty Struggles to hold on to her failing memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. Crackling with humor, this lucid comedy grapples with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of an urban West Philly neighborhood. www.truecolorstheatre.org

and Etta James, the band draws from 100 years of American music!

Tickets: roswellcac.com or 770-594-6232!

Synchronicity Theatre presents The Taming THE TAMING ,

by Lauren Gunderson, June 1 – 24, 2018 Will a Miss America contestant, a liberal blogger, and a conservative senatorial staffer successfully re-write the Constitution and resolve partisan politics? Worth a shot, right? American Politics gets delightfully absurd in this outrageous political farce with laughs for both sides of the aisle. America’s most popular playwright is at it again with THE TAMING, June 1 – 24. Tickets start at $26!

Call 404-484-8636 or visit SynchroTheatre.com to learn more. Show Times: Wed True– Sat, 8pm.

Sun, 5pm. Every Friday ischaracter Free Drink Friday! comes For tickets; 404-484-8636 www.synchrotheatre. from com

Voices Presents “Grit and Grace” along with “Broadway & Peachtree” The Atlanta Women’s Chorus invites you to celebrate the resilience and strength of women at “Grit & Grace” on June 2nd at Out Front Theatre. Come enjoy music by strong women, about strong within. women! From Broadway to International, Pop Theatrical Outfit presents the musical, 110 to Classical, this show is guaranteed to have DECEMBER - 27, 2015 IN THE SHADE you 3 grooving!

TheatricalOutfit.org 1936. July 4th.

The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus brings 678.528.1500 Three Point, Texas.

Broadway to Atlanta! “Broadway & Peachtree” In the middle of a heat wave, while locals opens at Out Front Theater, June 29 and 30. are desperate for rain, Lizzie daydreams Featuring favorites from Broadway revivals like away fears of becoming a spinster in a tiny, HAIRSPRAY and FALSETTOS to the greatest hits dusty town. Her wit, intelligence and lauded from current shows, including KINKY BOOTS, homemaking skills don’t seem to guarantee and DEAR EVAN HANSEN, the chorus will bring a romantic future. But, when a charismatic you one of the things it does best: Broadway! rainmaker named Starbuck sweeps into town, Tickets for both groups available at www.

Lizzie’s world is suddenly larger than she voicesofnote.org/upcoming-events/ imagined possible. This production is directed

by Theatrical Outfit Artistic Director Tom Key with musical direction by S. Renee Clark and choreography by Angela Harris. www. theatricaloutfit.org

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Freddy Cole, Photo by Matt Alexandre Photography

Ojeda Penn of The Ojeda Penn Experience, Photo by Matt Alexandre Photography

Macy Gray, Photo by Matt Alexandre Photography

Alex Blake of Randy Weston’s African Rhythms Quintet, Photo by Matt Alexandre Photography

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ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE SPRING Performance guide courtesy of atlantaplanit.com

KIDS SHOWS

THEATER

DR. SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT 3/20-5/13/2018 Price: $11.25 to $19.50 Center for Puppetry Arts 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta TIX:404-873-3391, www.puppet.org

TWELFTH NIGHT BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 4/20 – 5/5/2018 Price: $31 - $61 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Festival Stage, One Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL TIX: 800.841.4273 www.asf.net

LOLLIPOPS FOR BREAKFAST 5/11 & 12, 2018, Price: $7 Roswell Family Series, Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest Street, Roswell TIX: 770-594-6232, www.roswellcac.com ROSWELL SUMMER PUPPET SERIES PRESENTS: THE WIZARD OF OZ 6/4 – 9/2018 @10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. matinees Wed. & Fri. Price: $5 ages 2 & up Frisch Marionettes, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell TIX: 770-594-6232, www.roswellcac.com ROSWELL SUMMER PUPPET SERIES PRESENTS: WIND IN THE WILLOWS 6/11 – 16/2018 @10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. matinees Wed. & Friday Price: $5 ages 2 & up StoneLion Puppet Theatre, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell TIX: 770-594-6232, www.RoswellCAC.com ROSWELL SUMMER PUPPET SERIES PRESENTS: CINDERELLA 6/18 – 23/2018 @ 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. matinees Wed. & Fri. Price: $5 ages 2 & up Tanglewood Marionettes, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell TIX:770-594-6232, www.RoswellCAC.com ROSWELL SUMMER PUPPET SERIES PRESENTS: THE BIG BAD LITTLE RED PIG SHOW 6/25 – 30/2018 @10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. matinees Wed. & Fri. Price: $5 ages 2 and up Lee Bryan, “That Puppet Guy”, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell TIX: 770-594-6232, www.RoswellCAC.com

THE FLOWER ROOM 4/21-5-13/2018 Price: $20 to $37 Actor’s Express at King Plow Arts Center, 887 W. Marietta St., Suite J-107, Atlanta TIX:404-607-7469 www.actors-express.com MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 4/25 – 5/6/2018 Price: $31 - $61 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Octagon Stage, One Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 TX: 800.841.4273 www.asf.net Casey Benjamin of the Robert Glasper Experiment, Photo

by Matt Alexandre Photography

ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE SPRING REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN. 4/26-5/13/2018 Price: $22-28 7 Stages, 1105 Euclid Ave, Atlanta TIX: 404.523.0913, www.7stages.org LAZYBED BY IAIN CRICHTON SMITH 4/26 - 5/13/2018 Price: $18 - $28 Arís, 7 Stages Theatre Back Stage, 1105 Euclid Avenue NE, Atlanta TIX:404-692-0053, www.aristheatre.org MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE! 4/27/2018, Price: $50.00 Emery Entertainment, Infinite Energy Center 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth TIX: 770-813-7600 www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com

THE LIFE AND DEATH OF RICHARD THE SECOND 4/28-5/15/2018 Price: $15 to $42 Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX: 404-874-5299 www.shakespearetavern.com SORDID LIVES 5/3-5/20/2018 Price: $15 to $25 Out Front Theatre Company, 999 Brady Ave. NW, Atlanta TIX: 404-448-2755 www.outfronttheatre.com THE NAKED TRUTH W STANISLAV SADALSKIY & TATYANA VASILYEVA 5/9/2018 Price: $52-$92 Red Stars International, Inc., Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth TIX: 770-813-7600 www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com

THE MIRACLE WORKER BY WILLIAM GIBSON 4/27 – 5/6/2018 Price: $31 - $61 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Festival Stage, One Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL TIX: 800.841.4273 www.asf.net

XPERIMENTAL PUPPETRY THEATER 5/12-5/13/2018 Price: $15 Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta TIX:404-873-3391 www.puppet.org

CARMEN 4/28-5/6/2018 Price: $35 to $141 Atlanta Opera at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta TIX: 404-881- 8885 www.atlantaopera.org

AS YOU LIKE IT 5/19-6/10/2018 Price: $15 to $42 Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX:404-874-5299 www.shakespearetavern.com

Pedrito Martinez of The Pedrito Martinez Group, Photo by Matt Alexandre Photography

Nik West and Hubie Wang of Nik West, Photo by Matt Alexandre Photography

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DEL SHORES’ SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF A PLAY 5/20/2018 at 7 pm Prices (range): $35 - $70 Out Front Theatre Company, Out Front Theatre Company, 999 Brady Avenue Atlanta TIX: 404-448-2755 www.outfronttheatre.com PETER PAN 5/31-8/26/2018 Price: $10 to $30 Serenbe Playhouse at Serenbe Community, 9110 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills TIX:770-463-1110 www.serenbeplayhouse.com THE TAMING 6/1-6/24/2018 Price: $23 to $36 Synchronicity Theatre 1545 Peachtree St., Atlanta TIX:404-484-8636 www.synchrotheatre.com SWEENY TODD 6/9-6/17/2018 Price: $35 to $131 Atlanta Opera at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta TIX:404-881- 8885 www.atlantaopera.org A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 6/13-16, 6/20-23 Prices (range): $15 to 27 Kennesaw State University, Outdoor Gazebo next to English building, 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw TIX: 470-578-6650 www.ShakespeareKennesaw. com THE LIFE AND DEATH OF KING JOHN 6/16-7/1/2018 Price: $15 to $42 Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308 TIX:404-874-5299 www.shakespearetavern.com WAILING IN THE WATERS 6/17/2018 Price: $32.50 Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth TIX:770-813-7600 www.infiniteenergycenter.com DOT 7/17 – 8/12/2018 Price: $20 - $35 Fulton County Southwest Arts Center 915 New Hope Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 TIX 877-725-8849 www.truecolorstheatre.org

VILLAGE THEATRE IMPROV Every Thursday - Sunday Prices (range): $5 - $10 The Village Theatre, 349 Decatur Street, Atlanta TIX: 404-688-8858 www.VillageComedy.com

MUSICAL THEATER FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUSICAL THEATRE SHOWCASE 4/29, 2018, 6 p.m. Prices (range): FREE Kennesaw State University, Stillwell, 71 Bartow Avenue NW Kennesaw TIX: 470-578-6650 www.KSUTheatre.com CANDIDE 5/9-20/2018 Price: Starting @ $20 Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Hall in the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta TIX: 404.733.5000 www.AllianceTheatre.org/ Candide

HAMILTON 5/22-6/10/2018 Price:TBA Broadway In Atlanta at The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX:855-285- 8499 www.foxtheatre.org 110 IN THE SHADE 5/31-6/24/2018 Price: $20.50 to $51 Theatrical Outfit at Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta TIX: 678-528-1500 www.theatricaloutfit.org THE COLOR PURPLE 6/16-7/29/2018 Price: $21.60 to $43.20 Actor’s Express At the King Plow Arts Center, 887 West Marietta St. NW, Atlanta TIX: 404-607-7469 www.actors-express.com ANNIE, THE BROADWAY MUSICAL 7/4-7/22/2018 Price: $36 - $71 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Festival Stage, One Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL TX: 800.841.4273 www.asf.net

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ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE SPRING Lee Harper Named P ioneer of Atlanta Dance

By Julie Herron Carson | Photo by Dinny Addison

Dancer, choreographer and teacher Lee Harper will receive the 2018 Pioneer of Atlanta Dance Award on Saturday, May 12 as part of the Modern Atlanta Dance (MAD) Festival. The prestigious award was established by Full Radius Dance, under the direction of Douglas Scott, to honor artists and educators who have made pivotal contributions to the field of dance in the heart of Georgia.

Miss Harper, founding director of Lee Harper & Dancers, and current Artist-in-Residence for The Westminster Schools, is one of Atlanta’s most influential and inspirational arts leaders. For more than four decades, she has inspired and taught thousands of children, choreographed productions for some of the premier arts organizations in the Southeast, directed her talented group of professional dancers and dazzled audiences with her one-woman shows.

She attended the Juilliard School of Music and graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance.

She performed professionally with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the Pearl Lang Dance Theater, the All Nations Dance Company and the Atlanta Contemporary Dance Company.

Previous Pioneer of Atlanta Dance Award recipients include: Ruth Mitchell (2015) Mozell Spriggs (2016) Robert and Virginia Barnett (2017) TITANIC THE MUSICAL 7/11-8/12/2018 Price: $30 to $60 Serenbe Playhouse at Serenbe Community, 9110 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills TIX: 770-463-1110 www.serenbeplayhouse.com ATLANTA MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL 8/6th, 7th, 13th, & 14th Price: $15 - $45 Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival, Out Front Theatre, 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta TIX 404-448-2755 www.TheAMTF.com

CONCERTS GSU SCHOOL OF MUSIC CONCERTS WIND ORCHESTRA AND CONCERT BAND 4/17/2018 @ 7:30pm Price: Free SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE 4/19/2018 @ 7:30pm Price: Free

GSU JAZZ BAND WITH RENÉ MARIE 4/0/2018@ 8:00pm Price: $20-52 Georgia State University, Rialto Center for the Arts TIX: 404-413-9849 events.rialtocenter.org/Online GSU SCHOOL OF MUSIC CONCERTS RIALTO YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA BIG BAND 4/23/2018 @7:30pm Price: Free RIALTO YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA COMBOS 4/25, 30, & 5/2/2018 @7:30pm Price: Free Georgia State University, Kopleff Recital Hall, 15 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta TIX: 404-413-5900 www.calendar.gsu.edu/event BLACK VIOLIN WITH ATLANTA SYMPHONY HALL LIVE 4/22/2018 Price: $64.50, $47.50, $34.50, $22.50 Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX:404-733-5000 www.atlantasymphony.org

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MUSIC AND THE CIVIL WAR 5/5/2018 @ 8:00 PM Price: $10-$30 Atlanta Master Chorale, Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 North Decatur Rd., Atlanta TIX: 404.727.5050 www.AtlantaMasterChorale.org

DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS 6/9/2018 Price: $25-$30 Live! In Roswell Concert Series, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell TIX: 770-594-6232 www.roswellcac.com

JOE BONAMASSA 5/4-5/5/2018 Price: $89 to $179 Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX:855-285-8499 www.foxtheatre.org

HARRY STYLES 6/11/2018 Price: TBA Infinite Energy Center 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth TIX:770-813-7600 www.infiniteenergycenter.com

THE FRENCH CONNECTION: SAINT-SAËNS “ORGAN SYMPHONY,” DURUFLE MOTETS, AND POULENC GLORIA 5/6/2018 at 3 p.m. Price: $20-27 The Michael O’Neal Singers with Georgia Philharmonic, Roswell UMC, 814 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell GA 30075 TIX:770.594.7974 www.mosingers.com

STEPHEN STILLS AND JUDY COLLINS 6/13/2018 Price: $23 - $152 Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX:404-733-5000 www.atlantasymphony.org

YO-YO MA 5/5/2018 Price: TBA Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX:404-733-5000 www. atlantasymphony.org SHAKY KNEES MUSIC FESTIVAL 5/4-5/6/2018 Price: $99 to $189 Central Park, 400 Merritts Ave NE, Atlanta TIX: www.centralparkatlanta.org GREGORY PORTER TRIBUTE TO NAT KING COLE 6/1 Price: $30 to $135 Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX:404-733-5000 www.atlantasymphony.org GRIT AND GRACE 6/2/2018, 2 PM and 8PM Price: $25-$35 Atlanta Women’s Chorus Out Front Theatre, 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta TIX: 404-320-1030 www.voicesofnote.org

MATTHEW MORRISON 6/16/2018 Price: $29.50 to $89 Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX:404-733-5000 www.atlantasymphony.org THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER 6/22/2018 Price: $29.50 to $89 Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta TIX:404-733-5000 www.atlantasymphony.org DEREK SMALLS WITH THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 6/29/2018 Price: $39.50 to $149.50 Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE TIX:404-733-5000 www.atlantasymphony.org BROADWAY AND PEACHTREE 6/29/2018, 8 PM, 6/30/2018, 2 PM & 8PM Price: $25-$35 Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Out Front Theatre, 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 TIX: 404-320-1030 www.voicesofnote.org

70TH SPRING CONCERT-SHUBERT TO MY SHOT 6/3/2018, .Price: Free & Open to the Public Decatur Civic Chorus, First Baptist Church Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave, Decatur TIX: 770-722-3769 www.decaturcivicchorus.org

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ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE SPRING DANCE

THE VERTICAL 5/25-6/3/2018 Price: $20 to $50 Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre at Serenbe Community 9110 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, TIX: www.terminus-serenbe.com

AZADI – FREEDOM THROUGH DANCE 4/29/2018 Price: $25 Presented by Chandra Dance Academy, Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth TIX: 770-813-7600 www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com

FESTIVALS

DANCING LION KING 5/5-6/2018 Price: $15 Buford School of Ballet, Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth TIX: 770-813-7600 www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com

20TH ESSENTIAL THEATRE PLAY FESTIVAL 7/27-8/262018 Price: $20-25 Essential Theatre, Inc, West End Performing Arts Center, 945 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta TIX: www.EssentialTheatre.com or www.

EssentialTheatre.Tix.com

THE NAKED TRUTH WITH STANISLAV SADALSKIY & TATYANA VASILYEVA 5/9/2018 Price: $52-$92 Red Stars International, Inc., Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth TIX: 770-813-7600 www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com

ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL 5/26 – 5/27/2018 Prices (range): Free City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Piedmont Park, Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street NE, Atlanta TIX: www.atlantafestivals.com

BACH TO BROADWAY 5/11-5/13/2018 Price: $20 to $129 Atlanta Ballet at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta TIX:404-892-3303 www.atlantaballet.com

DECATUR HAS EVERY ARTSY THING YOU NEED FOR SPRING! Concerts: Thursday Jazz Nights in Oakhurst Village, April. Amplify My Community, April (tickets $45 and $155). Wednesdays and Saturdays, community bandstand on the square, May. Events: Lantern Parade, Decatur Arts Festival, May. Exhibits: Arts Alliance Gallery shows, Different Trains Gallery, Galleria Regina, Dalton Gallery at Agnes Scott College. Ongoing: Buskers, Milagros MARTA Bridge Mural, Decatur Artway outdoor sculptures, Signal Box Paintings Info: City of Decatur Visitors Center / Arts Alliance Gallery, 113 Clairemont Ave., Decatur 678-615-0915, VisitDecaturGeorgia.com

THE MODERN ATLANTA DANCE FESTIVAL 5/11-12/2018 Price: $25/Adults,$20/Children 12 & under, Seniors, & Working Artists Full Radius Dance, The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie Street NW, Atlanta TIX: 404-724-9663 www.fullradiusdance.org/mad LA LA LAND 5/12/2018 Price: $20-$24 All Stars Performing Arts, Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth TIX: 770-813-7600 www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com COPPELIA 5/18-20/2018 Price: $16-$21 Northeast Atlanta Ballet, Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth TIX: 770-813-7600 www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com

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ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE VENUES & MORE 7Stages

Georgia Ensemble Theatre

Serenbe Playhouse

Actor’s Express

High Museum of Art

Southwest Arts Center

Alliance Theater

Horizon Theatre

Synchronicity Theatre

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Infinite Energy Center

Symphony Hall

Judy Jacobs Gallery

Theatrical Outfit

King Plow Arts Ctr

Tula Gallery

Cobb Energy Centre

Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square

The Shakespeare Tavern

Decatur Visitor Center

Out Front Theatre Company

Explore Gwinnett

Porter Sanford Arts Center

Ferst Center @ Ga Tech

Rialto Center for the Arts

The Fox Theatre

Roswell Cultural Arts Center

Atlantix Half Price Tickets Center for Puppetry Arts

Woodruff Arts Center

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2018

2018 PART OF THE HARRY POTTER™ FILM CONCERT SERIES BROUGHT TO YOU BY CINECONCERTS HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17)

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