Cobb Energy Centre Encore :: Summer 2017

MARQUEE COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

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SUMMER 2017

TRAVIS WALL’S MATTHEW MURPHHY

SHAPING SOUND AFTER THE CURTAIN JUNE 14

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MARQUEE SUMMER 2017

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6 A Decade in the Spotlight*

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA Stephanie Smith stephanie.smith@encoreatlanta.com

22 Arts Education*

AMP CREATIVE

Making a difference and creating the future.

By Judith Schonbak

EDITOR Kathy Janich kathy@encoreatlanta.com

COMING SHOWS

PRODUCTION MANAGER Mark F. Baxter mark.baxter@encoreatlanta.com

It takes a village. | By Judith Schonbak

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10 Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound: After the Curtain June 14 | 8 p.m.

12 Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson: The Cosmic Perspective June 15 | 7:30 p.m.

14 DanTDM On Tour June 16 | 7 p.m.

16 Jazz: Gregory Porter with Kandace Springs

DIGITAL MANAGER Ian Carson ian.carson@encoreatlanta.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER Judith Schonbak MARQUEE is published by American Media Products Inc. PRESIDENT Tom Casey CHAIRPERSON Diane Casey TREASURY Kristi Casey Sanders SECRETARY Evan Casey CONTROLLER Suzzie Gilham

June 23 | 8 p.m.

18 A.D. Smith presents Uncle Curly’s Classroom the Stage Play July 8 | 2 and 7:30 p.m.

20 #Imomsohard July 25 | 8 p.m.

DEPARTMENTS

4 Welcome 13 Theater Information 25 ArtsBridge donors 28 Venue Staff | ArtsBridge Foundation Staff Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority Leadership | ArtsBridge Foundation

American Media Products Inc. 8920 Eves Road, #769479 Roswell, GA 30076 Phone 678.837.4004 Fax 678.837.4066 Copyright 2017 AMP Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Encore Atlanta is a registered publication of AMP Inc. The publisher shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical errors or errors in publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication.

2 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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IFC Vital Life Centers for Optimum Health & Performance 1 Southern Lexus Dealer Association 5 Tennessee Valley Railroad –Summerville Steam Special 15 PACES & VINE 17 Fifth Group – SOUTH CITY KITCHEN VININGS 17 CINCO – Mexican food with an attitude 19 COPELAND’S OF NEW ORLEANS 19 SOHO American Bistro 21 CANOE 21 CRISPINA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA IBC Circus Camp BC WellStar

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

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WELCOME

TO COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

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he excitement keeps building as we celebrate our 10th anniversary year — A Decade in the Spotlight. As we reflect on these successful years and look forward to a bright future, we have you to thank for supporting Cobb Energy Centre in so many ways.

In this summer issue of Marquee, we feature the outstanding work of ArtsBridge Foundation, the arts education outreach arm of Cobb Energy Centre as we highlight its popular Family Series and the nationally recognized Education Series.

Also featured is the CEPAC family of employees and our invaluable legion of volunteers. It takes a village to operate this beautiful world-class facility and to execute hundreds of events of all kinds every year.

Fill your summer with top performances at Cobb Energy Centre: Emmy Award-winning choreographer Travis Wall brings his new show, Shaping Sound, After the Curtain to Atlanta. It is a moving and, ultimately, uplifting dance show that will stay in your heart.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D., renowned astrophysicist, shares The Cosmic Perspective as he engages and ignites audience members’ imaginations in an exploration of humanity’s quest for understanding.

All generations of the family can experience the place where reality and virtual reality meet. DanTDM on Tour features the international YouTube personality and his digital friends in the kind of adventure only he can create.

For an evening of smooth soulful jazz vocals don’t miss Gregory Porter, who is joined by vocalist and pianist Kandace Springs in a benefit concert for WCLK-FM (Jazz 91.9), which celebrates its 43rd anniversary with a salute to jazz and soul sounds.

Most families have an Uncle Curly. So it should be fun for all when we meet him in A.D. Smith presents Uncle Curly’s Classroom the Stage Play. Wear your sunglasses, Uncle Curly’s outfits are super bright and sparkly.

Join in the silly and the straight talk with #Imomsohard as Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley of Facebook and Web series renown take to the tour bus and share their candid thoughts and views about momhood and life.

There’s much more to come this summer, so please visit our website often to see what shows we’ve added.

This past spring, we welcomed our new neighbors, the Atlanta Braves, and their new home at SunTrust Park. The buzz was all about the incredible field and The Battery Atlanta. Join us for game day on Sept. 10, Cobb Energy Centre’s 10th anniversary outing, as we partner with SunTrust Park for a special day with Cobb Energy Centre patrons.

Stay tuned for details on our grand 10th anniversary gala in September — our official anniversary month! Meanwhile, celebrate with us as we continue to bring you outstanding entertainment.

See you at the theater!

Sandie Aaron Managing Director

4 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

“It truly takes a village to operate the facility and to execute the many events in the theater and the ballroom, along with corporate meetings and conferences.”

Sandie Aaron Cobb Energy Centre Managing Director

A

DECADE SPOTLIGHT It takes a village

By Judith Schonbak

6 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

educational outreach and ensure that our audience is all-inclusive, reflecting the diversity of the community.”

The ongoing success is a team effort including management, a dedicated officially turns 10 in staff and a parade of September, but the volunteers. “It truly takes a celebrations have been village to operate the facility underway for some time.

From conception and design and to execute the many events in the theater and to completion, the facility the ballroom, along with has followed the vision of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum corporate meetings and & Exhibit Hall Authority. That conferences,” says Cobb Energy Centre Managing vision, says Michele Swann, Director Sandie Aaron. the Authority’s general Aaron, who’s spent her manager and CEO, “is to career managing venues, present the best in a broad says she’s found the CEPAC range of programming and

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

“I love the interaction with the patrons and seeing the excitement on their faces as they share how special the event they are attending is to them. I have encountered patrons I have not seen in years and have developed personal friendships among fellow volunteers and staff that have been a highlight of volunteering.”

Cyndi Hinesley Volunteer

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

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The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre includes a range of facilities — the 2,750-seat John A. Williams Theatre, the 10,000 sq. ft. Kessel D. Stelling Jr. Ballroom, a Terrace space, 1,000 parking spaces and fullservice food-and-beverage capabilities. Other pluses: easy access and a beautiful, functional interior.

LYNN MARIE HARRISON VOLUNTEER

staff one of the most professional she’s ever worked with.

Donn Jennings of DJ Promotions calls the CEPAC staff the most professional he’s been around. “It is rare,” he says, “to find people that care about their jobs these days and take pride in doing the job right.”

Cobb Energy Centre has grown both its theater side and its events business, and has the industry distinction of operating with a profit during its first decade. Its list of performers includes many return acts. The building, its amenities and its smooth

8 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

operation have made it popular with artists and audiences alike.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR VOLUNTEERS No venue can run without its volunteers — Cobb Energy Centre has nearly 500 — and they, too, play a large part of the venue’s first decade of success.

House manager Richard Stevens volunteered as soon as CEPAC opened, and soon joined the staff to recruit and train ticket takers and ushers. The job requires expertise in deployment, logistics, quick thinking and

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

“Having lived in Atlanta for the past 43 years, I know how important culture and performing arts are to the heartbeat of this city.

CEPAC has expanded the accessibility of this Southern heritage and made it more available to people living outside the city.”

A SALUTE TO THE PIONEERS These six Cobb Energy Centre staff members have been with the venue for 10 years: • Beryl Bernier, receptionist Cobb Energy Centre runs with the help of nearly 500 volunteers, often the first people patrons encounter when they walk in the doors.

The unpaid jobs require quick thinking and first-rate customer service.

first-rate customer service.

The volunteers deal with thousands of theatergoers, including schoolchildren who participate in CEPAC’s ArtsBridge Foundation education programs.

Stevens, who wants to grow the volunteer pool to 600, holds two orientation sessions each year. Each session typically draws 35 to 40 people.

They often join the CEPAC family at the urging of friends. Many are also attracted by the perk of being able to see entertainment of all kinds.

“In 2006 as I watched

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre come up out of the ground, I was excited about the possibilities of having an excellent performing arts center closer to my home,” says floor captain Bob Snider, who says he’s at CEPAC four to eight times each month.

“Each time a patron steps through the front doors and they look around in amazement,” he says, “I think, ‘That is how I felt the first time I stepped through those doors’ and still do today.”

• Ramin Djaved, food & beverage manager • Lorena Dominguez, human resources specialist • Barbara Kiss, executive assistant • Tom Rowland, director of marketing & sponsorships • Carol Willis, box office manager

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

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Shaping Sound | June 14, 2017, 8 p.m.

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HAPING SOUND was born in Los Angeles in 2012 with a focus on contemporary dance and choreographic artistry.

The group was created by Emmy Award winner Travis Wall along with partners Teddy Forance, Nick Lazzarini and Kyle Robinson.

Wall won the 2015 Emmy for outstanding choreography on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” and is a six-time nominee.

The company’s diverse artists see them themselves as “visual musicians,” using dance to give shape and form to sound.

They use an original fusion of jazz modern and hip-hop choreography.

After the Curtain is Shaping Sound’s second show, following Dance Reimagined, which toured North America for four years.

After the Curtain, which Wall conceived and choreographed, tells the story of a man fighting to find his creative voice after the death of his true love. It’s described as both heartwrenching and breathtaking.

DanceInforma.com calls it a “tale in motion and music about love, loss and the perseverance of the creative spirit.”

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In Dance Reimagined, the music featured individuals songs by several artists. For After the Curtain, all the music was created by Ryan Lott of the pop/rock/rap band Son Lux. “Shaping Sound has a lot to teach about where dance is going in the 21st century,” says Canada’s Calgary Herald, “and often with stunning originality.”

Dance Magazine calls Shaping Sound “fierce, volcanic and eclectic,” while BroadwayWorld.com calls its performances “electrifying and stunning.”

Wall and his co-founders first grabbed the public eye as four young dancers on the reality-TV series All the Right Moves. The Oxygen channel show followed them as they tried to create and launch their dance company.

Since then, they’ve been showcased on prime-time dance, awards, entertainment and music shows, including “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dancing With the Stars,” “Glee” and the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards.

They were featured in Carrie Underwood’s Grammy Award-winning music video “Something in the Water,” and are frequent guests on TV talk shows.

10 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MATTHEW MURPHHY

TRAVIS WALL’S SHAPING SOUND AFTER THE CURTAIN

COBB ENERGY CENTRE JOINS ENCORE ATLANTA’S DIGITAL/PRINT FAMILY

C

obb Energy Performing Arts Centre and Encore Atlanta became partners in June, when Encore began publishing the Cobb Energy Centre’s Marquee programs.

Encore, which is owned by Roswellbased American Media Products, already creates print and digital content for Fox Theatre performances, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concerts, both stages at the Alliance Theatre, The Atlanta Opera’s mainstage productions and Discoveries series, the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University and the Woodruff Arts Center’s Create ATL program for families. That content reaches more than 4 million patrons each year.

As you may know, the 2,750-seat Cobb Energy Centre is home to The Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet and has, in its 10-year history, hosted such acts as Harry Connick Jr., Annie Lennox, Billy Crystal, Bill Maher and Bill O’Reilly as well as Broadway shows and the Radio City Rockettes.

The venue books a diverse blend of

comedians as well as jazz, pop, country, classic rock and R&B artists, and acts that are harder to categorize. It’s comparable to downtown Atlanta’s Tabernacle in size but is fully seated.

Summer season performances at Cobb Energy Centre feature Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound, After the Curtain; and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D.; YouTube sensation and Minecraft expert DanTDM; jazz vocalists Gregory Porter and Kandace Springs; the merry mayhem of Uncle Curly’s Classroom the Stage Play; the comedy duo #Imomsohard; and more.

This holiday season, visit the Cobb Energy Centre for the Alliance Theatre’s annual A Christmas Carol, a new site this year while the Midtown Atlanta space is renovated.

Atlanta Ballet returns in February 2018 with Don Quixote, with music by Ludwig Minkus and choreography by Yuri Possokhov.

The Atlanta Opera returns in November with Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman.

Encore Atlanta’s Partner Venues

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

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Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson | June 15, 2017, 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: THE COSMIC PERSPECTIVE

N

eil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D., is an American astrophysicist, cosmologist, author and science communicator, sharing his knowledge in a congenial and entertaining way. He is a tour guide, too, using the ship of the imagination to take us on unexpected journeys.

He’s led us inside the nucleus of an atom and to the farthest reaches of the universe — all in an exciting, approachable way — inviting us to join him as he explores humankind’s quest for understanding.

In “The Cosmic Perspective,” Dr. Tyson talks about seeing Earth as a planet in a vast empty universe and how doing so influences what we think and feel about science, culture, politics and life itself. The family-friendly event features a multimedia presentation that brings the far reaches of modern science to audience members, and then engages them in a question-and-answer session. In previous sessions, Tyson has been asked about his everything from his TV appearances and space elevators to parenting.

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Dr. Tyson, a New York City native, became interested in science at age 9 after visiting the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History (where he has been director since 1996).

At the Bronx High School, he edited the Physical Science Journey. At his high school’s 20-year reunion in 1996, he was voted the graduate with the “coolest job.”

His professional research interests are broad and include star formation, exploding stars, dwarf galaxies and the structure of the Milky Way. “We are part of this universe, we are in this universe,” he says, “but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the universe is in us.”

In addition to Dr. Tyson’s research and job at the Hayden Planetarium, he hosts StarTalk Radio (www.startalkradio. net) and Fox’s “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.” He is a New York Times bestselling author, with 10 titles to his name, and a frequent guest on such talk shows as “Late Night With Stephen Colbert. Dr. Tyson has received 18 honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to nongovernment citizens. haydenplanetarium.org/tyson

12 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THEATER INFORMATION ATM: An ATM is located in the Grand Lobby.

Concessions: Concession stands are located in the center of the lobbies.

Coat Check: Coat check is available at the concierge desk.

Emergency Information: In the event of an emergency, please locate the nearest usher who will direct you to the appropriate exit.

Elevators: Elevators are located on each side of the lobbies on all levels.

Lost and Found: Lost and Found items are turned into the concierge desk on the day of a performance. To inquire about a lost item, please call Public Safety at 770-916-2911.

Parking: PRE-PAY PARKING AVAILABLE AT COBB ENERGY CENTRE! Cobb Energy Centre is offering pre-paid parking for performances. On each performance page on the Cobb Energy Centre website there is now a button to purchase parking in advance for $12.00. Day-of parking will still be available for $10.00 (cash or credit).

There are 1,000 on-site parking spaces;

700 in a four-level deck and 300 more in a surface lot. Valet parking is available for The Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet only. $10 day of park fee/$12 pre-pay option/$15 valet (cash or credit card).

Restrooms: Restrooms are located on house right and house left of all three lobbies. Family restrooms are also located on house right of all three lobbies. Mobilityimpaired patrons may use any of our restrooms.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside the building. Please use the terrace exit to step outside and smoke.

Special Assistance: Persons requiring access assistance are asked to contact the box office at 770-916-2850 for advance arrangements. Audio clarification devices are available to our hearing-impaired guests at no charge. This is on a first come–first served basis. A limited number of booster seats are also available. Wheelchairs are available upon request. All items require a form of identification to be held until the item is returned.

COBB ENERGY CENTRE REQUESTS: • All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket in order to be admitted to the performance. Please be aware that not all events are suitable for children. Infants will not be admitted to adult programs.

Parents will be asked to remove children who create a disturbance.

• Please turn off all cell phones prior to the beginning of each performance. Please limit conversation during the performance.

• Audio & video recording devices are strictly prohibited at all times.

• Leaving while the show is in progress is discourteous, and we ask that you refrain from doing so.

• Please unwrap all candies and cough drops before the performance.

• We know that patrons make every effort to be on time for events out of respect for the performers and other theatergoers; however, there are times when traffic or weather problems cause late arrivals.

Latecomers may watch the beginning of a show on flat-screen TVs in our lobby until the theatre has re-opened to allow guests into the auditorium. In addition, touring companies set the policy for allowing those who arrive past curtain time into the theatre. We ask those patrons to wait until the approved time to re-open the theatre doors. Please plan ahead to arrive early and relax before the performance begins.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 13

DanTDM | June 16, 2017, 7 p.m.

DanTDM ON TOUR

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f you play Minecraft, Rocket League, Tomodachi Life or any number of other video games, you probably know the handle DanTDM, aka The Diamond Minecart. His parents just call him Dan Middleton.

Middleton is a British YouTube personality and professional gamer whose channel, at last count, had more than 14.8 million subscribers and some 9.7 billion views. Those numbers make his one of the top YouTube channels in all of the United Kingdom, even bigger than the BBC, he boasts.

DanTDM, who is in the midst of an extended North American tour, his first, is only 25, but already has several awards: • Guinness World Records for most goals score in a game of Rocket League (team of two & team of three).

• Guinness World Record for most views of a dedicated Minecraft video channel.

• Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice awards for favorite U.K. tipster in 2015 and 2016.

In an interview with The Big Issue, a website and street newspaper in the

U.K., Japan, Kenya and six other countries, Middleton described his video-making process. He wakes up about 9 a.m. and starts working on the video by 10. He checks for Minecraft updates, edits the videos in the afternoon, and uploads the finished product at 8:30 p.m. Then he checks for comments.

“There isn’t another game where free content comes out every day made by fans, and some of it is mindblowing,” he said.

On weekends, he prepares videos in advance.

In addition to Let’s Play videos, he makes SCAN THIS SYMBOL mini-films WITH THE E+ APP that involve TO BUY TICKETS! original

14 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

characters and videos of himself and wife Jemma (in one, she smacks him with an egg for every wrong answer to a list of 10) and their pugs, Ellie and Darcy.

In October Middleton released a graphic novel called DanTDM: Trayaurus and the Enchanted Crystal.

It features characters from his YouTube shows, including DanTDM and his dog, Grim; the scientist Dr. Trayaurus; evil lab boss Denton and sidekick Fin. Middleton married Jemma in March 2013. She, too, enjoys Minecraft. “We spend a lot of time gaming together,” he says, “and I bounce ideas off her as well.” thediamondminecart.com

4300 Paces Ferry Road S.E. Atlanta, GA 30339

call for reservations (404)205-8255 | www.pacesandvine.com

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ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 15

Gregory Porter with Kandace Springs | June 23, 2017, 8 p.m.

JAZZ: GREGORY PORTER with KANDACE SPRINGS

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Laws Remembers the Unforgettable Nat “King” Cole. Laws’ sister helped get Porter cast in the musical It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, which had a Broadway run in 19902000.

Porter has unloosed his gravelly bass vocals on five albums to date: His debut, Water, in 2010; Be Good in 2012; Liquid Spirit in 2014; Take Me to the Alley in early 2016; and Live in Berlin, also in 2016.

Liquid Spirit, on the Blue Note label, won the 2014 Grammy Award for best jazz vocal album and became the most streamed jazz album of all time, with more than 20 million streams.

He’s also famous for his hat, which he calls “a jazz secret I’ll never tell.” Then adds: “I can’t sing without SCAN THIS SYMBOL it.”

WITH THE E+ APP Porter TO BUY TICKETS! is joined by

inger, songwriter and actor Gregory Porter was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Bakersfield, Calif., where his mother was a minister. The Grammy Award-winning jazz, soul and gospel artist fell under the spell of his mother’s Nat King Cole records as a boy but soon turned his attention to sports.

He won a football scholarship to San Diego State University but an injury sent him to the jazz clubs, where he performed, and met saxophonistcomposer-pianist Kamu Kenyatta, who became something of a mentor.

Porter next met flutist Hubert Laws who used a Porter vocal on a track of his 1998 album, Hubert

16 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Nashville-based singersongwriter-pianist Kandace Springs, who channels legendary influencers in a fresh voice. She counts such song stylists as Ella Fitzgerald, Roberta Flack, Billie Holiday, Norah Jones and Nina Simone as her heroes. But Soul Eyes mimics none of them.

Springs uses her alto voice to touch upon soul, jazz and pop that makes the sounds she admires entirely her own.

“The artists who have inspired me the most all sang so naturally,” she says.

“That helped me find my own sound.”

This concert is a benefit celebrating the 43rd anniversary of WCLK-FM Jazz 91.9. The nonprofit public radio station relies on listener support to provide jazz programming, news, and community engagement events. gregoryporter.com kandacesprings.com

COME SEE US BEFORE OR AFTER THE SHOW! 1675 CUMBERLAND PKWY SMYRNA, GA 30080 770.435.0700 vinings.southcitykitchen.com @SCKVinings

PRESENT YOUR TICKET STUB FOR 10% OFF YOUR MEAL! A Fifth Group Restaurants Concept

Join us before or after the show.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 17

Uncle Curly’s Classroom the Stage Play | July 8, 2017, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

A.D. SMITH PRESENTS UNCLE CURLY’S CLASSROOM THE STAGE PLAY!

M

ost families have an Uncle Curly, the relative no one wants to claim. In A.D. Smith III’s Uncle Curly’s Classroom the Stage Play!, Uncle Curly tries his hand at taming today’s unruly kids — by becoming a substitute teacher in a really rough school.

The school he finds needs a little “attitude adjustment,” and Uncle Curly quickly realizes he may be in over his head. The play also focuses on the issue of bullying, Smith said in an interview with Divine Magazine. It tries to show both sides of the epidemic — from the bully to the bully’s victim — and tries to provide strategy and insight and tell a message in a humorous, entertaining way.

Helping Uncle Curly lay down the law are Tony Grant (Phillip in the Tyler Perry TV series “Love Thy Neighbor” on the Oprah Winfrey Network) and — in his first stage show — Tyler Lepley (Benny Young on Perry’s “The Haves and the Have Nots,” also on OWN).

The multifaceted, Memphisbased A.D. Smith III — owner of 33rd Productions, author, playwright, director, actor, minister, musician, hubby and dad — is the man and musculature behind (and

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the brain of) Uncle Curly.

Other titles in his canon include Locked Up, But Not Locked Out; Greed; Ain’t Nothing Like Family; Opera de Cruxifixion; and Uncle Curly’s Family Dinner.

Curly’s origin story goes something like this.

First came a grandma named Madea, then a father named Brown. Curly Seymour takes up the uncle mantle. He was once a world-renowned, award-winning quartet singer and guitarist, whose signature moves were swiped by some of the biggest names of our time, Michael Jackson and Beyonce among them.

His group, Curly Seymour & the Curlinaires found fame until his archrival, Rufus von Holloway, stole the group out from under him. More or less undaunted, Curly has freshened his Jheri-curled ‘do (“Look at it, don’t touch it!”) and flamboyant wardrobe to tackle new worlds. Including the classroom, and anyone who will laugh along with his broad and friendly sense of humor.

Be prepared to laugh, cry, sing and shout because there’s no telling what may happen when Uncle Curly is in the house.

And don’t let all the glitter get in your eyes. adsmith.org

18 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

FRESH, SEASONAL FOOD IN VININGS VILLAGE Join us before or after the show! Theater menu available.

4300 Paces Ferry Road • 770.801.0089 • www.SOHOatlanta.com ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 19 Soho_TAO1511 hp.indd 1

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#Imomsohard | July 25, 2017, 8 p.m.

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#IMOMSOHARD

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his summer, Jen and Kristin from #Imomsohard are taking their show out of the playroom and onto the road. But this time, they’re bringing the kids. And a tour bus (you didn’t think they’d leave them with their husbands, did you?).

There’s no one making moms feel as uncomfortably normal as Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley, the hilarious oh-so-real women behind #IMomSoHard. With over

SCAN THIS SYMBOL WITH THE E+ APP TO BUY TICKETS!

675,000 Facebook fans, and more than 55 million views of their web series, Jen and Kristin’s blend of honesty and humor offer the kinds of levity most of us only get from our therapist, proving that if we weren’t all laughing, we’d be crying, right? Right!?

Sure to deliver the kind of straight talk you can only get from discussing body hair in the kids’ playroom while sipping mimosas, Kristin and Jen prove you can’t make this sh*t up.

It’s like an evening with two of your besties. But funnier. And probably with more drinking. Definitely more drinking.

20 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Crispina Ristorante & Pizzeria Neapolitan Style Italian LOCALLY OWNED X GLOBALLY INSPIRED HOURS M-F 11:30a-2:30 M-Th 4:30p-10p F-Sa 4p-11p Su 4p-10p

LOCATION 3300 COBB PARKWAY SE UNIT 208 ATLANTA, GA 30339 (678) 426-7149

CrispinaAtlanta.com ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

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ArtsBridge Foundation, the arts-education-outreach arm of Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, reaches tens of thousands of K-12 students, educators and families every year with a many-faceted program that has made it a vital arts education resource throughout the Southeast.

Since its beginning in 2007, ArtsBridge has collaborated with regional and national arts organizations to share the wonder and power of the arts with more than 300,000 students and educators. It does this through field trips, its Family Performance Series, 22 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

professional development for fine arts educators, master classes, the Performing and Visual Arts College Fair, and the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Shuler Hensley Awards.

FIELD TRIPS Kids of all ages discover the magic of live theater at Cobb Energy Centre through ArtsBridge field trips, which typically provide more than just fun and wonder. “We work with teachers to tie performances into their curricula, including science, math, social studies

CHRIS SAVIS

and literature,” says Natalie Barrow, ArtsBridge’s director of education and community outreach. No one is left behind either: ArtsBridge offers financial aid to schools for both tickets and transportation.

FAMILY SERIES In 2016, ArtsBridge introduced its Family Performance Series, intended to introduce youngsters and their families to live theater. The shows last about an hour and often feature characters familiar from such animated TV shows as “Wild Kratts” (PBS) and “Octonauts” (Disney Junior).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The three-day-long Director’s Bootcamp, which began in 2016, happens each June for K-12 educators. It’s led by such industry professionals as Atlanta-based Tony Award winner Shuler Hensley. The bootcamps offer in-depth workshops in musical theater production and count as a professional learning PLU credits.

Field trips are just one part of the ArtsBridge Foundation’s education mission. “We work with teachers to tie performances into their curricula, including science, math, social studies and literature,” says Natalie Barrow, ArtsBridge’s director of education and community outreach.

MASTER CLASSES These began in 2013 and are designed for aspiring musical theater artists in acting, dancing, singing, technical

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 23

onstage, backstage and in the audience with a simple goal in mind: planting seeds so that the live-performance experience can create future audiences, future arts professionals and everyday folks who turn to creativity in their daily lives.

training and audition techniques. The small classes are led by experienced performers, directors, choreographers and production managers from the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Lyric Theatre and such Fox Theatre touring shows as Matilda the Musical, Cabaret, Finding Neverland and Mamma Mia! COLLEGE FAIR ArtsBridge holds its third annual — and free — Performing and Visual Arts College Fair in early October.

It gives college-bound students a chance to meet with admissions representatives from more than 100 performing/visual arts colleges, universities and conservatories. The 2016 fair attracted more than 1,000 students.

ArtsBridge’s mantra, “Creating the Future Through Arts Education,”

24 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

is true whether the liveperformance seed yields future audiences, arts professionals or everyday folks who use creativity to think outside whatever boxes they encounter. :: For more, please visit artsbridgega.org.

BEN ROSE | CARA SHARENKO | CHRIS SAVIS

ArtsBridge puts students

Travis Reed Six Flags Over Georgia David and Michele Swann The Vinings Rotary Charities The Weather Channel Joanne Truffelman Tull Charitable Foundation

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS! PLATINUM Anonymous Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre The Georgia Lottery Walton Communities John A. Williams DIAMOND The Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Steve & Debbie Palm Family The Zeist Foundation GOLD Bennett Thrasher Jimmy and Helen Carlos Cobb County Government Cobb Community Foundation Delta Community Credit Union Bruce and Sylvia Dick Ed Voyles Automotive/Kia Motors America Genuine Parts Company NEA Artworks Regions Bank The Martha and Wilton Looney Foundation, Inc SILVER Audrey B. Morgan Foundation M. Bobbie Bailey Foundation Bank of North Georgia Bennett Thrasher Foundation Terry Chandler Lynn Cochran-Schroder Drew Horner John and Mary Franklin Foundation Georgia Power Georgia State University Greenberg Traurig Lockheed Martin Dr. Jeffrey Marcus Jerry and Cheryl Nix William A. Parker, Jr. Jenny Pruit John and Karen Spiegel Synovus Foundation Valery Voyles Jack and Jean Ward Wells Fargo Foundation Yardy and Barbara Williams BRONZE Atlanta Braves BB &T Rene and Barbarella Diaz Larry Dingle Fred and Lynna Hanna Margaret Kleiman Pope & Land Enterprises Larry and Sandra Prince Publix Super Markets Charities

STAR Suzanne & Matt Alea Anonymous Will & Catherine Areu Robert and Susan Arko Julie Arnold Charlie and Yetty Arp Atlantic Capital Bank Gordon T. Austin Garrett Bakeman Todd and Ann Ballantine Susan Bixler Bill & Mary Brantley Ron and Gayle Breakstone Charles and Ginny Brewer Carole Brooks Anne Camery Ned and Betty Case Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Bruce and Mary Clayton Michael J. Coles Jan Collins Winn Crump D. Geller & Son George & Bonnie Daneker Joan Davey Jack & Shirley Demarest Sondra Dillon Jeff Elliot Howard and Ellen Feinsand Tom Gallagher Gil Garrison Neal Glomb Paul and Morria Goggin Johnny Gresham Patricia Griner Grub Burger Patricia T. Henssler Audrey Hoffman Pamela Hubby Mark and Rhonda Jacobson Peter and Ronnie Kessenich, Sr. Fred R. Keith James C. Kincaid Kenneth Kingery Shelly Kleppsatel Mike Knowles Barbara Kornblit Howard Krone Peter and Michele Lami Emily Lembeck Diane Levere Susan M. Levy Bill and Debra Liss Don & Patsy Mabry Walter W. McBridge Christopher McCarthy Leslie McLeod James R. Miller Gary and Leslie Myerson David Nadler Michael and April Orcutt Sam & Lisa Olens Stephanie Owens Richard & Karen Parker Robert Parris Alex Paulson Boyd Petit Ben and Christine Phelps Bill Pinto

Emma Pollard Mark Popkin Larry and Sandra Prince Brenda Rhodes James L. Rhoden , Jr. Nigel and Clare Richardson Kathleen E. Rios Joel Robinson Dena Rodrigues Barkley Russell Laura Schilling Janice Scott Jonathan Shapero Bennie Shaw Benjamin Sillins Smallwood Reynolds Stewart & Stewart Earl & Rachel Smith Ken and Caryl Smith Linda J. Smith Andi Stein Sara Stephens Michael Stogner Michael Taormina The Fox Theatre Terri Theisen Ticketmaster Ramon and Carol Tome James Tyson Jim and Joanne Van Duys Percy Vaughn The Velardi Family Foundation Gordon and Donna Via Juliana Vincenzino James B. Voyles James and Cindy Widner Wall Pam Whitacre Wilmington Trust Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center Camille Yow

VENUE SPONSORS

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 25

OUR MISSION IS TO

GEORGIA’S YOUTH THROUGH THE ARTS. ArtsBridge Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, provides quality arts education and community engagement programming designed to inspire creativity and foster the next generation of artists and arts supporters. Since its inception in 2007, ArtsBridge has served over 300,000 students and educators from 57 Georgia counties and neighboring southeast states through Field Trips, Master Classes, Family Series, the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, Professional Development, and other educational opportunities.

Call (770) 916-2805 or email education@cobbenergycentre.com for more information about these programs.

DONATE TODAY! Visit us at ArtsBridgeGA.org to find out how you can support arts education at Cobb Energy Centre.

2017-2018 ARTSBRIDGE SEASON

Stay tuned to ArtsBridgeGA.org for our Field Trip and Family Series season announcement!

MASTER CLASSES Giving students the opportunity to train with professionals.

June 17, 2017

August 19, 2017 Fine arts educators and community directors are invited to attend workshops led by industry professionals in topics such as set design, sound design, lighting June 6-8, 2017 design, costume design, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and direction.

Registration for the 2017-18 Shuler Program begins August 2, 2017!

September 25, 2017

Celebrating excellence in high school musical theatre.

Preparing aspiring performers and visual artists for further training.

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COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM VENUE STAFF MANAGING DIRECTOR Sandie Aaron EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Barbara Kiss DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SPONSORSHIPS Tom Rowland MARKETING COORDINATOR Leah Valentine DIRECTOR OF FACILITY SERVICES Mike Cronin RECEPTIONIST Beryl Bernier BOX OFFICE MANAGER Carol Willis ASSISTANT BOX OFFICE MANAGER Russel Kennedy HOUSE MANAGER Richard Stevens DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & SECURITY Larry Green PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGER Artimesa Evans PUBLIC SAFETY SUPERVISOR Jamie Wheeler CULINARY DIRECTOR/ EXECUTIVE CHEF Nicholas Walker

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST Lorena Dominguez TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Ben Tilley PRODUCTION MANAGER Jessica Cole HEAD ELECTRICIAN Mike Wolmer HEAD AUDIO ENGINEER Jon Summers HEAD CARPENTER/RIGGER Mark Newman DIRECTOR OF FACILITY SERVICES Arthur McDowell

VICE-CHAIR A. Max Bacon | Post 2 SECRETARY Johnny Gresham | Post 4 Mike Boyce | Post 5 Tricia Pridemore | Post 7 Steve “Thunder” Tumlin | Post 1 Robert P. Voyles | Post 3 GENERAL MANAGER & CEO Michele L. Swann

CHIEF ENGINEER Marty Taylor

ARTSBRIDGE FOUNDATION

LEAD ENGINEER Madjid Lakhdari

PRESIDENT Jack Ward

DIRECTOR EMERITUS Barbara E. Williams

LEAD ENGINEER Victor Sgobba

VICE PRESIDENT Joanne Truffelman

DIRECTOR EMERITUS John A. Williams

ARTSBRIDGE FOUNDATION STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Dobbs Hill DIRECTOR OF ARTS EDUCATION & COMMUNITY OUTREACH Natalie Barrow

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER Ramin Djaved

ARTS EDUCATION COORDINATOR Laura Gronek

BANQUET MANAGER Abol Ghoreishi

SHULER PROGRAM COORDINATOR Cara Sharenko

HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER Jeri Wallis

CHAIRMAN Jerry Nix | Post 6

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING Joe Green

SOUS CHEF Camilo Arguirre

BEVERAGE & CONCESSION MANAGER Fernando Quintero

COBB-MARIETTA COLISEUM & EXHIBIT HALL AUTHORITY

SECRETARY/TREASURER Larry M. Dingle DIRECTOR Helen Carlos DIRECTOR Barbarella Diaz DIRECTOR Jerry Nix DIRECTOR Sam Olens DIRECTOR Clare Richardson DIRECTOR Kessel D. Stelling DIRECTOR Percy Vaughn DIRECTOR Valery Voyles

28 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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