Atlanta ShowGuide Summer 2018 by Atlanta ShowGuide

Summer 2018

Alliance Theatre 50th Anniversary Season Kicks Off in the Atlanta Botanical Garden Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre: From Edgy to Elegant Experience the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Under the Stars! City Springs Theatre Company 2018 – 2019 Inaugural Season Third Annual Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival Takes the Stage Shakespeare in the City Atlanta’s Dance Community Honors Jonnie Kelley’s Memory The Michael O’Neal Singers: 30 Years of Engaging, Educating and Enriching Through Song A Family of Dancers World-Class Actors Perform in Private Homes ShowGuide Spotlights | Performance Listings July – August 2018 | ShowGuide Venues

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July 4 Celebration on the Square

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

Ben Thorpe and Allan Edwards in the Alliance Theatre’s 2017/18 production of Hand to God at Dad’s Garage.

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Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre: From Edgy to Elegant

Alliance Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season Kicks Off in the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Experience the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Under the Stars!

City Springs Theatre Company 2018 – 2019 Inaugural Season

Third Annual Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival Takes the Stage By Julie Herron Carson

Shakespeare in the City

Atlanta’s Dance Community Honors Jonnie Kelley’s Memory By Holley Calmes

The Michael O’Neal Singers: 30 Years of Engaging, Educating and Enriching Through Song

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A Family of Dancers

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World-Class Actors Perform in Private Homes Atlanta ShowGuide Spotlights Performance Listings July - August, 2018 Atlanta ShowGuide Venues and More

On the Cover: Benjamin DeWitt Sims and Ameenah Kaplan in Alliance Theatre’s 2017/18 world premiere production The Dancing Granny. Photo by Greg Mooney. Visit us online at www.atlantashowguide.com Like us on facebook.com/ATLshowGuideMagazine Contact us at sales@atlantashowguide.com or 770-559-1591

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Launches its Signature Series: From Edgy to Elegant

obb Energy Performing Arts Centre is pleased to announce its inaugural Signature Series for the 2018-2019 season. With the tagline “From Edgy to Elegant,” the series offers a variety of performances from September 2018 to June 2019. Flex packages are on sale now at www. cobbenergycentre.com. A minimum of four of the six shows are required to build a flex package that include discounted tickets, preferred parking and Cobb Energy Centre gift cards. Series buyers can select their own seats based on pricing and location preference. Four show packages start at just $181.00 plus applicable fees. “After celebrating the Centre’s 10th anniversary in 2017, the time was right to launch our next decade with the Signature Series of diverse performances over the course of the next year,” said Sandie Aaron, managing director of the Centre. “Broadway, off Broadway, Dance Theatre of Harlem

dance, American standards and Motown favorites offer something for everyone.” “The Centre has been able to bring world-class performances to Atlanta for over a decade. Michael Feinstein performed at Cobb Energy Centre’s grand opening in 2007 and we are thrilled to welcome him back to kick off the Signature Series,” said Michele Swann, general manager of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority. The 2018-2019 season includes: Shaken & Stirred – Feinstein & Friends with special guest Storm Large – September 6, 2018 Dance Theatre of Harlem – October 13 & 14, 2018 The Sound of Music – November 23 & 24, 2018 An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth – March 29, 2019 The Temptations & The Four Tops – March 30, 2019 The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – June 7-9, 2019

Chris McCarrell

Kristin Chenoweth

This summer... an adventure is going to happen! From the classic, endearing stories of A. A. Milne comes a charming and joyful musical journey through the Hundred Acre Wood.

JUN 7 – JUL 8 family series dramatized by L E C L A N C H É D U R A N D music by A L L A N J . F R I E D M A N lyrics by A . A . M I L N E A N D K R I S T I N S E R G E L additional lyrics by L E C L A N C H É D U R A N D directed by L E O R A M O R R I S

A L L I A N C E S E R I E S on the Coca-Cola Stage

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season tickets for as low as

J A N 15 – F E B 17, 2 0 19

$68

M A R 2 0 – A P R 14 , 2 0 19

M AY 1 – 2 6 , 2 0 19

season ticket office 404.733.4600 alliancetheatre.org/seasontickets 12 8 0 PE ACH T REE S T NE / / AT L A N TA , G A 3 0 3 0 9

Alliance Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season Kicks Off with A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Atlanta Botanical Garden Terry Burrell, Alexandra Schoeny and Aaron Blake in the Alliance Theatre’s 2017/18 production of Candide with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and ASO Chorus. Photo by Greg Mooney.

lliance Theatre’s 50th anniversary lineup includes five world premieres, regional premieres of two celebrated musicals, and new works by acclaimed writers. 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 APPROVAL JUNKIE, by and starring Faith Salie. A comedian and Emmy Awardwinning 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. Season tickets are on sale now and offer the best seats and the best prices. Purchase season tickets at www.alliancetheatre. org/seasontickets. Tickets for individual productions will go on sale August 8, 2018.

2018-2019

JUL 12-21, 2019

MAR 8-17, 2019 SEP 14-23, 2018

DEC 7-16, 2018

MAY 3-12, 2019

CALL TODAY TO SELECT YOUR SEATS!

404-477-4365 ALL PERFORMANCES AT

THE BYERS THEATRE

At the NEW Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center!

www.CitySpringsTheatre.com

Experience the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Under the Stars!

A Performance in the Park on June 23, 2016. Photo by Jeff Roffman

his summer, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra takes to the outdoors for two must-see concerts! Come enjoy a beautiful evening, while delighting in the sights and sounds of the world-class Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. In keeping with tradition, the ASO will return to Piedmont Park for the highlyanticipated free Performance in the Park presented by Bank of America on Thursday, June 14. Led by Assistant Conductor Stephen Mulligan, the ASO continues their two-seasonlong celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s centenary. The program includes Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Overture to Candide as well as favorites by Tchaikovsky, including Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations.

The Orchestra’s history at the park dates back to the first performances in 1976 led by conductor Robert Shaw. Over the years, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has performed more than 100 concerts in the park, delighting audiences with free live symphonic music. To close out the summer, the ASO will travel to Verizon Amphitheatre to perform 4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince on Saturday, September 15. The first and only estate-approved Prince celebration, 4U will present the music of Prince like never before, with a full symphony orchestra. Throughout the course of the evening Prince’s extensive musical catalog will be represented, featuring his greatest hits as well as some of his lesser known gems. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will be joined by world class musicians and vocalists, who will together create a truly unique performance of Prince’s iconic music. 4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince will also feature state-of-the-art production elements, as well as photo and video content provided by The Prince Estate. For full show details and ticketing information, visit www. aso.org.

The MUSIC of Dan Forrest

Featuring “Requiem for the Living”

City Springs Theatre Company 2018 – 2019 Inaugural Season

ity Springs Theatre Company is thrilled to begin its inaugural season this fall in the brand-new Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center! In its first year, City Springs Theatre Company will produce five full-scale Broadway musicals chosen to entertain and inspire audiences, while creating a sense of place through the experience of live theatrical production. In addition to entertainment, City Springs Theatre Company will create and produce arts education programming and community enrichment activities, serving students and educators preK through college. The company’s diverse program offerings will engage the educational community through a student matinee series, hands-on training, and summer programming highlighting all disciplines of the arts. The 2018–2019 season will kick off September 14th through the 23rd with the Tony Award-winning 42nd Street. Featuring a score of standards such as “We’re in the Money,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” and “42nd Street,” this splashy Broadway musical will have you tapping in the aisles and humming right along! Holiday cheer will be in the air when Elf the Musical comes to life December 7-16. Based on the beloved holiday film, this

hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. In 2019, audiences will be treated to South Pacific (March 8-17), Billy Elliot the Musical (May 3-12), and Hairspray (July 12-21). City Springs Theatre Company was formed in 2017 by Sandy Springs residents Jan Collins, Steven Hauser, and Peggy and Jerry Stapleton in response to the needs and desires for high quality musical theatre produced locally and highlighting regional talent. Through its affiliation with the brand-new Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, City Springs Theatre Company is committed to artistic excellence, community engagement, and educational initiatives for all ages. The Company is led by an amazing team which includes Brandt Blocker (executive/artistic director), Tony Awardwinner Shuler Hensley (associate artistic director), and Natalie Barrow (managing director). City Springs Theatre Company performances will take place at the brandnew Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Byers Theatre, located in the heart of the new City Springs development. For more information visit www.CitySpringsTheatre. com or call 404-477-4365.

Photo by Casey Gardner Photography

Third Annual Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival Takes the Stage

By Julie Herron Carson

hose of us of a certain age fondly remember the wonderful MGM musicals where some adorable child would say to his or her equally-adorable friends, “Let’s put on a show”. That’s the spirit behind the innovative Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival, now launching its third season. Executive Artistic Director Benjamin Taylor Davis founded the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival to give locally-based artists motivation and opportunity to write new musicals and shepherd them into production. Artists submit their works, which are then reviewed by an independent panel of local theatre artists. The 2018 Official Selections are: • Red – A Crayon’s Musical, Music & Lyrics by John Burke, Book by Ben Thorpe • Sundays at Four, Music & Lyrics by Jamie Walker and Jonathan Peacock, Book by Brittani Minnieweather • The Fairy Hoax, Book & Lyrics by Tom Diggs, Music by Jay D’Amico • Wonder Women, Book, Music & Lyrics by Greg Becker

Out Front Theatre, 999 Brady Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318. Tickets range from $10-$18 and may be purchased at www.OutFrontTheatre.com. Due to the success of the previous seasons, this year’s performances will be expanded over two weekends, giving twice as many patrons the opportunity to experience them. www.TheAMTF.com “It has been a thrill to see how the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival has grown in just three short years,” said Davis. “Over our first two seasons, we have connected over 200 artists and provided them with the resources they need to present seven new musicals to more than 700 patrons. The Festival encourages national and local artists to create their own opportunities and support and learn from each other. Once a show is selected, our goals are for the piece to grow and evolve, and for other theatre professionals and patrons to become interested in the work as well as in the creative team presenting it. Our mission is to use our cooperative process to cultivate the next generation of theatre artists through mentoring talent, propelling new musicals forward and celebrating the performing arts community in a supportive, nurturing and creative environment.”

The selected works will be performed for the public Aug. 6-7 and Aug. 13-14 at 8 p.m. at

Shakespeare in the City The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Photo by Jeff Watkins

and Superheroes Sidekick Camp. To learn more about our educational offerings all year long, visit www.shakespearetavern.com At The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, we have an inside joke: Shakespeare tragedies are way funnier than the comedies. You will get a chance to see if our theory holds water this June through August. First up: the tragedy. Shakespeare is most famous for throwing a mirror up to humanity. His brilliance lies in how fitting the themes he explored while writing The Life and Death of King John over four hundred years ago are seen in our society today. King John is the story of a country questioning how its leaders are chosen, a country at the end of a period of prosperity and strong leadership facing an uncertain future with an uncertain leader. It is a story that questions the reason for and the price of war. It might not seem like a barrel of laughs, but we promise you will be on the edge of your seat, especially when a young Prince Arthur shows up. After all of that political and religious unrest, we unwind with a jaunt into the woods with A Midsummer Night’s Dream followed by a trip through all of Shakespeare’s plays (and the Sonnets!) with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) before ending our journey telling saucy tales on the way to Canterbury in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. It’s the best Stay-cation we can imagine.

Summer Camps and Serious Laughs. It’s the best Stay-cation we can imagine.

t’s summertime at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, and that means two things: Summer Camps and Serious Laughs. Our main stage might be full of kings, fairies, woods, confused lovers and epic stories at night, but during the day we’ve got swarms of tweens, teens and toddlers speaking Shakespeare. First up: our Shakespeare Intensive for Teens Acting Program kicks into full gear. Talented Georgia teens gather for three weeks to learn about performing Original Practice Shakespeare before putting on a fulllength play for the community to enjoy. In addition to that, this year we are offering four different kinds of summer camps for little ones: Stage Combat Camp, Musical Theatre Camp, Shakespeare Superheroes,

Andrew Houchins, Troy Willis, Joshua Goodridge, The Life and Death of King John, Photo by Daniel Parvis

Atlanta’s Dance Community Honors Jonnie Kelley’s Memory with Glowing Recollections of Love and Dedication By Holley Calmes In 1970 she opened her first dance studio in Atlanta which became The Dancer’s Studio/Backstage in John’s Creek where it still thrives today. In 1981, Kelley founded the preprofessional Atlanta Dance Theatre. She was also active in the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association. “Jonnie was one of the people who paved the way for so many choreographers, teachers, directors and dancers. Her legacy will live on for many decades to come,” states Roswell Dance Theatre’s Nancy Tolbert. “It seems like I have known her my entire career. All the way back to when I danced at Southern Ballet with Pittman Corry over 40 years ago.” Katherine Ricardo and Victoria Leigh, instructors at Dancer’s Studio/Backstage, remember her warmly. “From the day I walked into her studio, Jonnie made me part of her close-knit family of teachers. I felt like I had found a true home,” says Ricardo. “In my very long lifetime in ballet, Jonnie Kelley is one of only two people I have worked for, and with, who possessed the incredible energy, passion, and compassion that made everyone love her,” explains Victoria Leigh. “I will never forget her, nor the things I learned from her that went way beyond teaching ballet.”

onnie Kelley always said that she wanted to die with her tutu and tap shoes on, and she almost did just that. Still a constant presence at her beloved dance school, The Dancer’s Studio/Backstage, Jonnie passed away at the age of 80 on May 2nd. Memories of her long life dedicated to sharing dance come from her personal family and from her “family of dance,” an enormous collection of lives that she touched. Perhaps her unique influence is best summed up by Rebecca Gordon, her studio’s Business Manager. “You came into our lives through dance and stayed because of friendship.” “She was the energizer bunny,” continues Gordon. “Sweet friend, giggle buddy, true mentor, a nutritional expert, independent, an explainer of all dance terminology, a crazy calculator hater, super strong and super stubborn, a first-class act all around.” Kelley was one of a group of individuals who molded the Atlanta dance community over the past 50 years. Trained in Atlanta, New York City, and the National Ballet of Canada, Kelley performed on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour and was a part of the Ruth Mitchell Dance Company.

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SUMMER PERFORMANCES

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King John June 14-July 1

A Midsummer Night’s Dream July 5-29

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) August 2-19

ShakespeareTavern.com

The Michael O’Neal Singers: 30 Years of Engaging, Educating and Enriching Through Song

he Michael O’Neal Singers organization (MOS), based in Roswell, turns 30 this year! The 150-member symphonic chorus, known for its agility and variety, celebrates this milestone season with concerts of favorites from popular genres of choral music, including well-known Christmas music, African-American spirituals, popular excerpts from choral-orchestral masterpieces and vocal music from movies and cinema. Special guest artists this season include the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet, the Tyrone Jackson Trio and Georgia Philharmonic, among others. Since its inception in 1989, MOS has provided a unique opportunity to the north metropolitan Atlanta community to experience musical presentations of engaging variety and artistic excellence. Recent concerts have included Poulenc and Duruflé masterworks, Broadway hits, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed Irish program, jazzy favorites from the Great American songbook, opera choruses, bluegrass and gospel music and Beatles ballads. Dr. Michael O’Neal, founder and artistic director, guides the organization with his vision for attaining the highest standards of choral excellence. O’Neal’s work with Robert Shaw evoked the following from the late Mr. Shaw: “Michael…always manages

to see that the music comes first.” Committed to musical outreach, The Michael O’Neal Singers organization has produced a CD entitled MOS Remembers, and distributes this recording at no charge to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or agerelated dementia. MOS also live-streams many of its concerts in order that those who are no longer able to attend live choral performances may still experience the power and healing that choral song provides. MOS recognizes the power vocal music has to connect and heal, and so offers choral opportunities to the community at large by hosting an annual December Messiah Sing-Along and a non-auditioned Summer Singers program. In addition, MOS provides opportunities at many of its concerts for the audience to become part of the music-making and sing along with the chorus. The full chorus now has 18 recordings to its credit, including recent releases Amazing Grace: Bluegrass, Spirituals and Gospel and Christmas Through the Ages. Visit MOS on the web at www.mosingers.com or call 770.594.7974 to learn more about these CDs, the MOS Remembers project, and the MOS 30th season.

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SATUrDAY, JUlY 14, 2018 • 7 o’clock iN The eveNiNg Fl ou rish, 3 143 M a p l e D r ive N e, at l a N ta , G a 3 0 3 0 5 The NBAF GAlA is The premier eveNT oF The summer sociAl seAsoN. The hallmarks of the annual gala are lively entertainment and great performances, a silent auction of unique items presented in a spectacular venue where hundreds of our supporters and fun-loving patrons come together to celebrate and to sustain NBAF’s operations, programs and rich cultural legacy. The gala sells out quickly! early reservations are encouraged. Thank you for your support and your investment in NBAF’s future as we celebrate NBAF at 30 in 2018!

NBAF.org For reservatioNs or spoNsorship iNForMatioN nbaf.org, 404.730.6369 or 404.372.4572. NBAF_Gala18_ShouwGuide_Ad.indd 1

6/6/18 6:20 AM

Kikora Franklin

teacher. Ajile’s training and professional experience has continued through decades locally, nationally and internationally. Proudly teaching over 2,000 students, Ajile has also been the primary teacher for her family members who are now professional dancers. Dawn Axam, Ajile’s youngest sister, is the director of her own company, Axam Dance Theatre Experience. Dawn’s first dance teacher was Ajile. Dawn Axam received her B.F.A in dance theatre from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and an M.Ed from Lesley University in arts and education. Ajile’s daughter, Terri Ajile Kikora Franklin, beAxam gan dancing at three years old under her mother’s tutelage. Kikora is an Associate Professor of the Dance Theatre Department at Penn State University where she is also program director. Other family members trained by Ajile include her niece, Yasmine Axam, director of her own company, Trio Kollective. Heather Benson, Ajile’s cousin, received her training from Ajile’s Total Dance for four years prior to attending Florida State University. Heather is now a professional dancer living in London, England. Adrienne Abdus-Salam, an extended family member, started with Ajile at the age of seven and continued training at Total Dance until she graduated and attended Philadelphia School of the Arts. She teaches dance at New Manchester High School of Dance. Afi and Khari Franklin, Ajile’s grandchildren, are dancers with Roots of Life. Autumn Axam and Dalaijah Axam, her great nieces, are now training under Ajile and Total Dance. All of the dancers bring their uniqueness to their world of dance.

A Family of Dancers

he Axam family has been a part of the Atlanta community for over 70 years. George W. Axam, who is now 93 years old, was recognized by the Atlanta Journal and Constitution in 2011 as the oldest known African-American barber in Atlanta. In 1993, George and Dorimell Axam and family (Tony, Terrie, Gailya, Andre’, Chermaine and Dawn) were recognized as “Special Honorees” for family values by the Turner Broadcasting Trumpet Awards. If you take a look at the Axam family, there are doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, artist and dancers. The late Dorimell Borders Axam, matriarch of the Axam family, was a philanthropist for Total Dance/Dancical productions, Inc. and a true artist herself. She was a costume designer, singer and dancer. Her dance career began at the age of five in Daytona Beach, Florida on the boardwalk. Terrie Ajile Axam, Founder/Artistic Director of Total Dance/ Dancical Productions, Inc., began dancing at three years old with her mother, Dorimell Axam, being her first dance

World-Class Actors Perform in Private Homes

Magic Needle Reaction

ach fall, Out of Hand Theater produces intimate performances in living rooms all over Atlanta. Hosts welcome 30 people into their homes for light hors d’oeuvres and drinks, a one-hour performance by a superb Minka Wiltz Atlanta actor, and great conversation. This Fall, accomplished actor/singer/ playwright Minka Wiltz, who recently performed the title role in Black Pearl Sings at San Diego Rep, will premiere her solo show, Shaking the Wind, directed by Tom Jones II with music direction by S. Renee Clarke. Shaking the Wind is a true story of a black girl, the daughter of a pharmacist mother and an artist father, who can’t bear to sell a painting. When her father abandons the family, Minka’s mother leaves her profession and sinks her family into poverty to preach on the street corner of Alabama and Peachtree, across from Underground Atlanta. Minka and her mother move into the government projects of McDaniel Glenn. As Minka approaches puberty, she models her dress and behavior on her fundamentalist mother, while becoming friends with the most affluent families in

Atlanta at the Westminster Schools. Minka’s journey of self discovery is lonely and hilariously awkward, and as she sits by her mother’s deathbed, she wrestles with the question, how do we forgive the wrongs inflicted on us by our closest loved ones? Last year, Co-Artistic Director Adam Fristoe (The Walking Dead, NCIS New Orleans, True Detective) performed Dogs of Rwanda, a story of love, loss and reconciliation that Arts ATL hailed “a gripping story, masterfully told.” Other home shows have included The Magic Chamber, a whimsical close-up magic and storytelling performance by Matt Felten, longtime favorite at the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, and White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, which was performed by a new actor every night, including a who’s who of Atlanta stars. Shaking the Wind performances will take place every Friday and Saturday between September 21 and November 17, in a new home each night. Tickets, locations, and all the information you need to find a performance near you will be available at outofhandtheater.com.

ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE SPOTLIGHTS Africa Umoja Oct. 30-Nov. 8, 2018 The global sensation Africa Umoja is coming to metro Atlanta Oct. 30– Nov. 8, 2018 as part of its worldwide tour celebrating the 100th birthday year of the late South African President Nelson Mandela (www.africaumojausatour.com). The high-energy musical tells the story of South Africa through song, storytelling, dance and drama, performed by a youthful, all-South African cast. Performances will be held at DeKalb’s Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center. Tickets are $30-$60, and available at www.ticketalternative.com or (877) 725-8849. Africa Umoja is presented by International Arts Foundation (www. internationalartsfoundation.com) and International Arts Solutions, and sponsored by South African Airlines.

and more. This collaboration is the High and the Alliance’s fourth in a series of exhibition and theatre productions based on the work of children’s book authors and artists. Learn more at www.alliancetheatre.org/ pooh 3rd Annual Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival set to run August 6th-14th. The Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival will present its third season Aug. 6-7 and Aug. 13-14 at 8 p.m. at Out Front Theatre, 999 Brady Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318. Tickets range from $10-$18 and may be purchased at www.OutFrontTheatre. com. Founded by Executive Artistic Director Benjamin Taylor Davis, the Festival offers local artists the opportunity to write new musicals and shepherd them into production. Artists submit their works, which are then reviewed by an independent panel of local theatre artists. The 2018 Official Selections are: Red – A Crayon’s Musical, Sundays at Four, The Fairy Hoax and Wonder Women. www.TheAMTF.com

Winnie-the-Pooh, June 7-July 8, 2018 From the classic, endearing stories of A. A. Milne comes a charming and joyful journey through the Hundred Acre Wood. Join the beloved Pooh Bear and friends Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, and even Owl as one adventure turns into another. And another. And another! Through all the surprises, hilarity, and challenges, they discover that friendship is the greatest gift and simplicity a virtue beyond measure. Featuring a series of delightful songs, this play promises to remind you that “a little thought for others makes all the difference.” Winnie-the-Pooh is produced in collaboration with the High Museum of Art’s Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic exhibition (June 3 – September 2) with more than 200 works including original illustrations, manuscripts, letters, photographs,

Movies in Concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Looking for the ultimate cinematic experience? The Movies in Concert series continues its successful run of events, bringing highly beloved films to the giant 40-foot screen in Symphony Hall as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs the film scores live! The current lineup of upcoming movies consists of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™, Love Actually, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Jaws and Casablanca. These concerts attract a wide audience of fans filled with both symphonic aficionados and those experiencing the orchestra live for the first time. Whether

ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE SPOTLIGHTS it’s a date night, family outing, or friend’s night out, the Movies in Concert series is a must for anyone looking for a unique entertainment experience. For full show details and ticketing information on the Movies in Concert series, visit aso.org/movies.

credits. The curriculum includes classes in Mojah (Modern African), Horton, Ballet, Pointe, Hip-Hop & West African dance technique. Workshops are presented in acting, singing, college prep, sign language and more. For more information please visit www. dancicalproductions.com

Total Dance Summer Intensive 2018 Total Dance/Dancical Productions, Inc. under the direction of Terrie Ajile Axam announces its 31st summer intensive season. Part of the mission is to give personalized attention to every student leading to a transformation in their technical level as well as their personal development. The five-week program is designed for students’ ages 10 years to professional. The artistic staff consists of highly skilled professionals with worldwide

Eat, Drink, 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. ShakespeareTavern.com

City Springs Theatre Company performances will take place at the brand-new Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Byers Theatre, located in the heart of the new City Springs development. For more information visit us at www. CitySpringsTheatre.com

42nd Street Opens The City Springs Theatre Company’s Inaugural Year The City Springs Theatre Company is excited to announce its 2018 -2019 Inaugural Season, which will open September 14 with the Tony Award-winning 42nd Street. Holiday cheer will be in the air when Elf the Musical comes to life December 7-16. In 2019 audiences will be entertained with South Pacific (March 8–17), Billy Elliot (May 3–12), and Hairspray (July 12–21).

Celebrating 30 Years with The Michael O’Neal Singers The Michael O’Neal Singers (MOS) organization has established itself as one of the premier community choruses in the area and is now celebrating its 30th concert season. Composed of a symphonic chorus of over 155 auditioned voices and the Kaleidoscope vocal ensemble of 40, MOS provides a unique opportunity to the north metropolitan Atlanta community to experience choral presentations of artistic

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www.covpresatlanta.org 2461 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 237-0363

ATLANTA SHOWGUIDE SPOTLIGHTS excellence and programmatic variety. The milestone MOS season kicks off with a concert by the 14th annual Michael O’Neal Summer Singers, entitled The Music of Dan Forrest, featuring Forrest’s Requiem for the Living, in Roswell on August 5th. Visit www.mosingers. com for more information about The Michael O’Neal Singers.

over class in the British mining community and high society art circles; I Love to Eat, James Still’s culinary voyage starring William S. Murphey as chef James Beard; Five Guys Named Moe, a musical overflowing with hit songs by R&B pioneer Louis Jordan. For information: TheatricalOutfit.org Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company This summer, strong Book and Lyrics by female charactersBrian Crawley Music by lead the charge forAndrew Lippa awareness and activism at True Colors Theatre. In July, Kenny Leon directs Dot by Colman Domingo, a play that brings awareness to mental health, giving the audience a comedic look at aging, mid-life crises, and the strength of family. This September, True Colors will produce Christina Ham’s Nina Simone: Four Women. The play brings to life the four women of her 1966 song, telling a story of Black struggle and perseverance. Michele Shay, Tony-Award nominated actress, director and producer, will direct. Tickets and more at www. truecolorstheatre.org.

Making Memories with Out of Hand Theater Since 2001 Out of Hand Theater has made original shows and immersive games that create unforgettable memories. They also apply their theatre making skills to corporate and civic problem solving, including employee engagement, recruitment, community building, meeting facilitation and creativity training. Out of Hand has helped businesses, attractions, museums, neighborhoods and festivals create unique, branded experiences. Currently, Out of Hand is helping the World of Coca-Cola entertain guests on busy days and creating immersive games for Georgia Tech to introduce new students to the culture and Trueon Facebook layout of campus. Get social character and Twitter @OutofHandATL.

comes from A Season of Beauty at Theatrical Outfit within.

Andrew Benator and Joanna Daniels in the Alliance Theatre’s 2017/18 production of Crossing Delancey at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Photo by Greg Mooney.

Theatrical Outfit announces its 2018-2019 Season of Beauty: The Book DECEMBER of Will, Lauren Gunderson’s love letter to theatre’s timeless superstar, Will Shakespeare; The Royale, Marco Ramirez’s theatrical look at the high stakes, segregated world of boxing at the turn of the twentieth-century; Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon; Lee Hall’s The Pitmen Painters, a humorous tale of character

3 - 27, 2015

TheatricalOutfit.org 678.528.1500

ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE SUMMER Performance guide courtesy of atlantaplanit.com

KIDS SHOWS

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 7/7-7/29/18 Price: $15 to $42 Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308 TIX: 404-874-5299 shakespearetavern.com

PETER PAN 5/31-8/26/2018 Price:$13 to $30 Serenbe Playhouse 9110 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, 30268 TIX: 770-463-1110 serenbeplayhouse.com

DOG SEES GOD: CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE BLOCKHEAD 7/12-15/2018 Prices: $15 Out Front Theatre Company 999 Brady AVE Atlanta GA 30318 TIX: 404-448-2755 outfronttheatre.com

WINNIE-THE-POOH 6/7-7/8/2018 Price: Free to $15 Alliance Theatre @ Woodruff’s Rich Theatre 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30309 TIX: 404-733-5000 alliancetheatre.org

DOT 7/17-8/12/2018 Price:$20 to $35 True Colors Theatre Company, Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Rd. SW, Atlanta, 30331 TIX: 404-532-1901 truecolorstheatre.org

ROSWELL SUMMER PUPPET SERIES PRESENTS: PETER AND THE WOLF 7/2-7/7/2018 Price:$5 Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forest St., Roswell, 30075 TIX: 770-594-6232 roswellgov.com

THE LAST FIVE YEARS 7/26-8/5/2018 Prices (range): $30 per ticket The Performer’s Warehouse, Black Box Theatre 390 Winkler Drive Suite D; Alpharetta GA 30004 TIX: 678.648.6771 www.PerformersWH.com

ROSWELL SUMMER PUPPET SERIES PRESENTS: THE RELUCTANT DRAGON 7/9-7/14/2018 Price: $5 Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forest St., Roswell, 30075 TIX: 770-594-6232 roswellgov.com

ANNIE 7/28-29/ 2018 Price: $15-$30 AGAPE Players, Infinite Energy Center 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097 TIX: 770-813-7500 www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com

ROSWELL SUMMER PUPPET SERIES PRESENTS: CARDBOARD EXPLOSION! 7/16-7/21/2018 Price: $5 Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forest St., Roswell, 30075 TIX: 770-594-6232 roswellgov.com

THEATER

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) 8/4-8/19/2018 Price:$15 to $42 Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308 TIX: 404-874-5299 shakespearetavern.com

ANNIE 7/4-15/ 2018 Price: $36-$70 Alabama Shakespeare Festival One Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 TIX: 800-841-4273 www.asf.net

THE BOOK OF WILL 8/15-9/9/2018 Price: $26 to $51 Theatrical Outfit, Balzer Theatre at Herren’s 84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, 30303 TIX: 678-528-1500 theatricaloutfit.org

ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE SUMMER GEOFFREY CHAUCER’S THE CANTERBURY TALES 8/25-9/9/2018 Price:$25 to $42 Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308 TIX: 404-874-5299 shakespearetavern.com SYNCHRONICITY THEATRE 21ST ANNIVERSARY SEASON Starting 9/2018 Price:$16- $26+ Synchronicity Theatre 1545 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 TIX: 404-484-8636 synchrotheatre.com 42ND STREET 9/14-9/23/2018 Price: $30 - $62 (plus fees) City Springs Theatre Company Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Byers Theatre 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 TIX: 404-477-4365 www.CitySpringsTheatre.com SHAKING THE WIND 9/21/2018 - 11/17/2018 Prices (range): $20 - 45 Out of Hand Theater Living Rooms and other intimate spaces all over Atlanta TIX: 404-452-5970 outofhandtheater.com

MUSICAL THEATER 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 30318 TIX: 404-607-7469 actors-express.com TITANIC THE MUSICAL 7/11-8/12/2018 Price:$30 to $60 Serenbe Playhouse at Serenbe Community 9110 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, 30268 TIX: 770-463-1110 serenbeplayhouse.com THE BOOK OF MORMON 7/17-7/22/2018 Price:$34 to $139 Broadway in Atlanta at the Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308 TIX: 404-873-4300 atlanta.broadway.com MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 8/25-9/16/2018 Price: $36-$61 Alabama Shakespeare Festival One Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 TIX: 800-841-4273 www.asf.net

Thomas Neal Antwon Ghant and January LaVoy in the Alliance Theatre’s 2018 production of Native Guard. Photo by Greg Mooney.

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CONCERTS LUDOVICO EINAUDI: ESSENTIAL EINAUDI 7/11/2018 Price:$29 to $99 Atlanta Symphony Hall 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30309 TIX: 404-733-5000 atlantasymphony.org NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND 7/13/2018 Price:$29 to $89 Atlanta Symphony Hall 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30309 TIX: 404-733-5000 atlantasymphony.org TONY BENNETT LIVE IN CONCERT 7/24/2018 Price:$59 to $200 Atlanta Symphony Hall 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30309 TIX: 404-733-5000 atlantasymphony.org MONSTA X 7/25/2018 Price:$55 to $195 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 cobbenergycentre.com

BOWZER’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PARTY 7/27/2018 Price:$35 to $65 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 cobbenergycentre.com DAN FORREST’S “REQUIEM FOR THE LIVING” 8/5/2018 at 3 p.m. Price:$15/advance; $17 @door The Michael O’Neal Summer Singers Roswell United Methodist Church 814 Mimosa Blvd in Roswell, GA 30075 TIX: 770.594.7974 www.mosingers.com ABBA THE CONCERT 8/16/2018 Price:$36 to $79 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, 30339 TIX: 770-916-2800 cobbenergycentre.com MARISELA Y AMANDA MIGUEL 8/17/2018 Price:$50 to $155 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, TIX: 770-916-2800 cobbenergycentre.com

Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Terry Burrell in the Alliance Theatre’s 2017/18 production of Pointing at the Moon. Photo by James Barker.

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ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE SUMMER DANCE “I AM SOMEBODY” 6/7/2018 Price: $15-$20 Total Dance/Dancical Productions, Inc. Southwest Arts Center 915 New Hope Rd Atlanta, GA 30331 TIX: 770-256- 6400 www.dancicalproductions.com

FESTIVALS NBAF GALA: WHAT BECOMES A LEGEND 7/14/2018 Price:$500 and up National Black Arts Festival, Flourish 3143 Maple Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 TIX: nbaf.org

John Skelley, Amanda Drinkall, Lee Osorio, and Park Krausen in the Alliance Theatre’s 2018/19 world premiere of Sheltered. Photo by Greg Mooney.

ESSENTIAL THEATRE PLAY FESTIVAL 7/27-8/26/2018 Price:$35 to $140 Essential Theatre West End Performing Arts Center 945 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta, 30310 TIX: 404-212-0815 essentialtheatre.com ATLANTA MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL 8/6,7,13,14/2018 Price: $10-$18 Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival Out front Theatre 999 Brady Ave. ATL Ga 30318 TIX: outfronttheatre.com

AFRICA UMOJA 10/30-11/ 8/2018 Price: $60 / $30 Student Matinee International Arts Foundation Porter Sanford lll Performing Arts and Community Center , 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur GA 30034 TIX: 877 725 8745 africaumojausa.com DECATUR HAS THE ART, MUSIC AND SUMMER FUN! Last Call artist reception at Agnes Scott Dalton Gallery, June 10, free. Summer in the City – Where Beach Meets the Street, June 15, free Pied Piper Parade, concert & fireworks, July 4, free The Book As Art juried exhibition opens Aug. 10, free Decatur Book Festival, Labor Day weekend, free Exhibits: Arts Alliance Gallery shows, Different Trains Galleries 1 and 2, Galleria Regina, Aimée Jewelry and Fine Art, Dalton Gallery at Agnes Scott College. Ongoing: #lookupdecatur street art, secretdoorsdecatur.com, buskers, Milagros MARTA Bridge Mural, Decatur Artway outdoor sculptures, City of Decatur Visitors Center / Arts Alliance Gallery, 113 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA For more information: 678-615-0915 VisitDecaturGeorgia.com

Bethany Anne Lind and Joe Knezevich in the Alliance Theatre’s 2017/18 production of Shakespeare in Love at the Conant Performing Arts Center. Photo by Greg Mooney.

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

Find each issue online with links to advertisers and arts venues at www.AtlantaShowGuide.com. Like us on Facebook (http://facebook.com/ATLShowGuideMagazine) to keep up with Atlanta’s latest performing arts news! Contact us at: sales@atlantashowguide.com or (770) 559-1591

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

2018

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