FOX ENCORE :: JANUARY 2018 :: "The Lion King" + "Sleeping Beauty"

T H E F OX T H E AT R E | J A N UA RY 2 0 1 8

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CONTENT

THE LION KING | JANUARY 2018

ENCOREATLANTA.COM AMP SALES PUBLISHER Tom Casey tomcasey@encoreatlanta.com

6 FEATURES 6Peek behind The Lion King’s mighty masks and puppetcombo costumes with the show’s puppet master and its new Nala, Norcross-born Nia Holloway.

By Julie Bookman

34 Wild Things

Rub noses with a camel or cozy up to a Fennec fox. You can feel the love at any number of Georgia wildlife centers and sanctuaries.

By Therra Catherine Gwyn Jaramillo

42 Food for Thought

Atlanta remains bullish on Italian, Forsyth County’s Halcyon adds four more eateries and Ford Fry trades tattoos for Tex-Mex.

By David Danzig

56 Fox Fun Facts

VICE PRESIDENT Ginger Roberts ginger.roberts@encoreatlanta.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA Stephanie Smith stephanie.smith@encoreatlanta.com AMP CREATIVE EDITOR Kathy Janich kathy@encoreatlanta.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Mark F Baxter mark.baxter@encoreatlanta.com DIGITAL MANAGER Ian Carson ian.carson@encoreatlanta.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Bookman, David Danzig, Therra Catherine Gwyn Jaramillo ENCORE ATLANTA is published monthly by American Media Products Inc. PRESIDENT Tom Casey CHAIRPERSON Diane Casey TREASURY Kristi Casey Sanders SECRETARY Evan Casey CONTROLLER Suzzie Gilham

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THE NO.1 SHOW IN THE WORLD.”

—Kenn Wells, former lead dancer of the English National Ballet

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“ I’ve reviewed about 4,000 shows.

None can compare to what I saw tonight.”

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“Demonstrating the highest realm in arts. arts.”

—Chi Cao, principal dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet

“Absolutely the greatest of the great!

It must be experienced.”

—Christine Walevska, “goddess of the cello”, watched Shen Yun 5 times

“This is the highest and best of what humans can produce.”

—Oleva Brown-Klahn, singer and musician

“Awe-Inspiring!” “A MUST-SEE!” —

—Broadway World

“The 8th wonder of the world. People have no idea what they're missing until they come here and see the show.”

—Joe Heard, former White House photographer, watched Shen Yun 6 times

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Nia Holloway, who plays the grown-up Nala, says the princess is “a fierce symbol of strength and girl power.” Holloway grew up in Norcross and played on a state championship basketball team there.

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–STILL–

ROARING

Peek behind The Lion King’s mighty masks and puppet-combo costumes with its puppet master and its new Nala — Norcross’ Nia Holloway

By Julie Bookman

F

or Nia Holloway, it was a childhood highlight: the family gathering by the TV to watch Disney’s The Lion King, the 1994 animated movie that won two Oscars and two Golden Globe awards.

“We would get a whole bucket of ice cream, and Mom would let us eat it,” she says. “I knew that movie front to back.”

The movie, which takes place in a kingdom of African lions, was influenced by Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It, in turn, influenced Holloway. By age 4, she’d sing for anyone: “I was never that kid who was too shy.” She favored Erykah Badu’s “Bag Lady” or anything by Destiny’s Child.

At 9, she auditioned to play young Nala for a tour of The Lion King stage musical, a dream done in by her height: already 5-feet-6. In Act 1 of the show, children play Nala and Simba, her intended mate.

At 11, Holloway was 5-feet-9. Growing up in Norcross, the eldest of three sisters, she topped out at 5-feet-10 and played on the 2013 Norcross High School team that won a state basketball championship.

Then she auditioned for another Lion King tour. The Atlanta casting call was for age 18 and older. Holloway was 17 “but something told me to just step out and take a chance.” She sang her go-to audition song, Beyonce’s “Listen.” She heard nothing for a month, then emailed the casting director.

“I was determined,” she says.

She became the grown-up Nala. Since she was not yet of legal age, her dad joined her on tour. She finished high school online, with tutors in every city. That was almost five years ago.

She’s done Nala across North America ever since. Now 22, Holloway will play her 2,000th performance later this year.

“I still get chills at the top of Pride Rock,” she says. “Even now, every time the curtain goes down, tired or not, I’m still like, ‘Wow, can you believe it, you’re in The Lion King!’”

She’s also happy to be coming home.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION

7

© DISNEY. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

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“I get to sleep in my own room, in my own bed. And I’ll get my mom’s cooking. And my sisters.” Sisters Audrey and Naomi are studying law, but music is a family tradition.

Grandmother Loleatta Holloway sang disco (“Hit and Run,” “Love Sensation”); great-grandmother Sylvia Shemwell sang backup for Elvis.

Holloway gets emotional talking about her parents, who were teenagers when they married and had her. “People told them they were nothing and that their baby — me — would be nothing. But they’re strong, resilient and amazing. I love them so much for believing in me, and I owe them everything.”

Leaving home at age 17 makes it easier for her to relate to Nala, she says, calling the princess a “very strong and dynamic, yet vulnerable, character. She’s a young warrior but also just a teenager thrown into a situation where she must find help and discover her own journey. She’s a fierce symbol of strength and girl power. All of those things relate to me.”

The wildly creative masks and puppet-combo costumes that Holloway and her 47 castmates wear started on Broadway with director Julie Taymor and designer Michael Curry. They didn’t want actors stuck in animal suits unable to express emotion with their eyes and faces.

The costumes — human and animal at the same time — allowed the animated story to be told onstage.

“It’s a certain kind of magic,” says Michael Reilly, this tour’s puppet master. “You experience what the animal is feeling through the human.”

SELENA MOSHEL

Puppet supervisor Michael Reilly has been doing Lion King upkeep for 15 years. His mission: making sure Tonywinning director Julie Taymor’s vision lives and works just as well as it did on Day 1.

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The original, now in its 21st year on Broadway, was named the best musical of 1998 and won Tony awards for its scenic, costume and lighting designs; choreography; and direction, as well.

Holloway wears Nala’s mask-face as a headpiece. It’s made of a super-strong but lightweight carbon fiber. Her Balinese movements, Reilly says, help the mask move in different ways. “When she stretches, or ducks her head, she’s able to articulate her body to make the mask look like it’s alive.”

Other beastly puppet-costumes are more cumbersome or complex, says Reilly, who oversees repair and maintenance of 230 handmade puppets, ranging in size from Scar’s pet mouse (5 inches long) to a 13-foot-long elephant.

Pumbaa, the warthog, is the heaviest puppet, at 43 pounds. The actor playing Zazu, the hornbill, has a lot of buttons and levers. They move his mouth and eyes, flap his wings, or extend or retract his neck. The actor playing the villainous Scar must operate hand controls while moving and speaking.

“Using his finger controls, Scar can drop his mechanical mask in front of his face and become more lion-like,” Reilly says, “or he can put it on top of his head and be more human-like. He can work with those two parameters to tell us how angry he is at the moment.”

© DISNEY. PHOTO BY DEEN VAN MEER

The Lion King, now in its 21st season on Broadway, won six Tony awards, including best musical. On this North American tour, Gerald Caesar is Simba, the lion who would be king.

SELENA MOSHELL

12 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

Reilly’s been doing Lion King upkeep for 15 years and says he’d sign on for the next tour, too. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a jubilant atmosphere.”

His favorite costume is Mufasa’s. “I love that his mask represents the sun and the circle of life. It’s beautiful but so hard to fix.”

Mufasa’s mane is made of lightweight wood pieces that are “always breaking, so we are constantly gluing and painting.”

Reilly’s chief mission is to keep Taymor’s vision alive “so that it not only looks as good as it did on Day 1, it all operates like it’s Day 1, too.”

As long as he has zip ties and gaffer tape, The Lion King will go on. And on, and on, and on it seems.

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Rafiki (Buyi Zama) brings The Lion King to life in Act 1, summoning the animals to celebrate the “Circle of Life.”

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Welcome to the Atlanta return of Disney’s The Lion King here at the Fox Theatre! Celebrating its 20th Anniversary on Broadway, Disney’s The Lion King still holds its place atop the Broadway throne. The show remains the most successful productions in Broadway history, and has been performed in 19 countries around the world!

Broadway in Atlanta will announce the 2018/2019 season on February 15th. Interested in becoming a season ticket holder? Join our waitlist at www.BroadwayInAtlanta.com/Season to be first in line when new subscriptions become available.

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Music & Lyrics by

ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE Additional Music & Lyrics by

LEBO M, MARK MANCINA, JAY RIFKIN, JULIE TAYMOR, HANS ZIMMER Book by

ROGER ALLERS & IRENE MECCHI Starring MARK CAMPBELL GERALD RAMSEY BUYI ZAMA NICK CORDILEONE GREG JACKSON BEN LIPITZ GERALD CAESAR NIA HOLLOWAY KEITH BENNETT MARTINA SYKES ROBBIE SWIFT DANIELLE W. JALADE JOZIYAH JEAN-FELIX GLORIA MANNING RAMON REED DEREK ADAMS KAYLA ROSE AIMABLE ANDREW ARRINGTON WILLIAM JOHN AUSTIN ERIC BEAN JR. THABANI BUTHELEZI SASHA CAICEDO KYLE ROBERT CARTER THEMBELIHLE CELE ERYNN MARIE DICKERSON TONY FREEMAN MUKELISIWE GOBA DEIDREA HALLEY JALEN HARRIS WILLIAM JAMES JR. KOLIN JERRON JANE KING GREGORY MANNING II CHRISTOPHER L. Mc KENZIE JR. NHLANHLA NDLOVU AARON NELSON SELLOANE NKHELA PHYLICIA PEARL CHRISTOPHER SAMS JORDAN SAMUELS MPUME SIKAKANE SADÉ SIMMONS KIMBER SPRAWL KEVIN TATE JENNIFER THERIOT COURTNEY THOMAS SHACURA WADE ZOLA WILLIAMS KRYSTAL WORRELL

Adapted from the screenplay by IRENE MECCHI & JONATHAN ROBERTS & LINDA WOOLVERTON Produced by

PETER SCHNEIDER & THOMAS SCHUMACHER Scenic Design

Costume Design

RICHARD HUDSON

JULIE TAYMOR

Sound Design

JOHN STEFANIUK

General Manager

Technical Director

Music Directors

Associate Music Producer

JULIE TAYMOR & MICHAEL CURRY ANNE QUART

MICHAEL WARD

Associate Director

CLEMENT ISHMAEL

Mask & Puppet Design

Co-Producer

Hair & Makeup Design

STEVE CANYON KENNEDY Music Supervisor

Lighting Design

DONALD HOLDER

Associate Choreographer

MAREY GRIFFITH

Production Stage Manager

THOMAS SCHLENK MICHAEL CAREY M. WILLIAM SHINER JAMIE SCHMIDT JAMES DODGSON Music Produced for the Stage & Additional Score by

MARK MANCINA

ROBERT ELHAI

Additional Vocal Score, Vocal Arrangements & Choral Director

LEBO M

Music Coordinator

Production Supervisor

DOC ZORTHIAN Fight Director

MICHAEL KELLER RICK SORDELET Orchestrators

Casting

ROBERT ELHAI BINDER CASTING/ DAVID METZGER MARK BRANDON, CSA

Choreography by

© Disney

GARTH FAGAN Directed by

JULIE TAYMOR ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 15

CAST IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE RAFIKI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buyi Zama MUFASA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Ramsey SARABI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kimber Sprawl ZAZU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Jackson SCAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Campbell YOUNG SIMBA (at certain performances) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joziyah Jean-Felix, Ramon Reed YOUNG NALA (at certain performances) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danielle W. Jalade, Gloria Manning SHENZI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martina Sykes BANZAI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Bennett ED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robbie Swift TIMON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nick Cordileone PUMBAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Lipitz SIMBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Caesar NALA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nia Holloway ENSEMBLE SINGERS . . . . . . . Derek Adams, Thabani Buthelezi, Thembelihle Cele, Mukelisiwe Goba, Jalen Harris, William James Jr., Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Aaron Nelson, Selloane Nkhela, Christopher Sams, Mpume Sikakane, Kimber Sprawl, Jennifer Theriot ENSEMBLE DANCERS . . . . . . . . . . . . Kayla Rose Aimable, Eric Bean, Jr., Sasha Caicedo, Erynn Marie Dickerson, Jane King, Gregory Manning II, Jordan Samuels, Sadé Simmons, Kevin Tate, Courtney Thomas, Shacura Wade STANDBYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCAR: William John Austin, Tony Freeman; ZAZU: Tony Freeman; TIMON: Tony Freeman; PUMBAA: William John Austin, Tony Freeman UNDERSTUDIES (Understudies never substitute for listed players unless announced at the time of the performance) Rafiki — Thembelihle Cele, Mukelisiwe Goba, Selloane Nkhela, Mpume Sikakane; Mufasa — Kyle Robert Carter, William James Jr., Christopher Sams; Sarabi — Selloane Nkhela, Jennifer Theriot, Krystal Worrell; Zazu — Robbie Swift; Shenzi — Phylicia Pearl, Krystal Worrell; Banzai — Derek Adams, Andrew Arrington; Ed — Andrew Arrington, William James Jr., Jordan Samuels; Timon — Robbie Swift; Pumba — Robbie Swift; Simba — Jalen Harris, Aaron Nelson; Nala — Thembelihle Cele, Kimber Sprawl, Jennifer Theriot.

SWINGS Andrew Arrington, Kyle Robert Carter, Deidrea Halley, Kolin Jerron, Christopher L. Mc Kenzie Jr., Phylicia Pearl, Zola Williams, Krystal Worrell DANCE CAPTAINS Deidrea Halley, Christopher L. Mc Kenzie Jr. SPECIALTIES Circle of Life Vocals — Thabani Buthelezi, Nhlanhla Ndlovu; Mouse Shadow Puppet — Thabani Buthelezi; Ant Hill Lady — Jane King; Guinea Fowl — Eric Bean Jr.; Buzzard Pole — Gregory Manning II; Gazelle Wheel — Sadé Simmons; Gazelles — Eric Bean Jr.; Kevin Tate; Lioness Chant Vocal — Thabani Buthelezi; Acrobatic Trickster — Jordan Samuels; Giraffe Shadow Puppets — Jalen Harris, William James Jr.; Cheetah — Sasha Caicedo; Stilt Giraffe — Courtney Thomas; Scar Shadow Puppet — Jalen Harris, William James Jr., Christopher Sams; Simba Shadow Puppet — Derek Adams, Thabani Buthelezi, Aaron Nelson; One By One Vocal — Thabani Buthelezi; One By One Dance — Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Christopher Sams; Fireflies — Jane King; Pumbaa Pole Puppet — Gregory Manning II; Nala Pole Puppet — Sasha Caicedo; Lioness/Hyena Shadow Puppets — Thembelihle Cele, Mukelisiwe Goba, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Selloane Nkhela, Mpume Sikakane, Jennifer Theriot.

Thabani Buthelezi, Thembelihle Cele, Mukelisiwe Goba, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Mpume Sikakane and Buyi Zama are appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association.

TOURING ORCHESTRA Conductors–Jamie Schmidt, James Dodgson Associate Conductor–Danny White; Keyboard 1 — Chris Neville; Keyboard 2/Asst. Conductor — Paul McCaffrey; Guitar — Robert Tye; Bass — Michael Brown; Drums — Phil Martin; Marimba — Mike Faue; Percussion — Stefan Monssen, Reuven Weizberg; Flutes — Darlene Drew; French Horn — Tim Riley.

Music Coordinator — Michael Keller

Based on the Disney film

Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff; Produced by Don Hahn Special thanks to all the artists and staff of Walt Disney Feature Animation

SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERS Scene 1

Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 5 Scene 6

Scene 7

Scene 8

Scene 9

Scene 10 Scene 11

Scene 12 Scene 13

ACT ONE Pride Rock “Circle of Life” with “Nants’ Ingonyama” �����������������������������������������������������������Rafiki, Ensemble Scar’s Cave Rafiki’s Tree The Pridelands Scar’s Cave The Pridelands “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” �������������������������������Young Simba, Young Nala, Zazu, Ensemble Elephant Graveyard “Chow Down” �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Shenzi, Banzai, Ed Under the Stars “They Live in You” ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Mufasa, Ensemble Elephant Graveyard “Be Prepared” ����������������������������������������������������������������������������Scar, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed, Ensemble The Gorge Pride Rock “Be Prepared” (Reprise) ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Scar, Ensemble “Nao Tse Tsa” ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Rafiki, Sarabi, Young Nala Rafiki’s Tree The Desert/The Jungle “Hakuna Matata” ������������������������������������������Timon, Pumbaa, Young Simba, Simba, Ensemble

ACT TWO Entr’acte “One by One” ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Ensemble Scene 1 Scar’s Cave

“The Madness of King Scar” ������������������������������������������������Scar, Zazu, Banzai, Shenzi, Ed, Nala Scene 2 The Pridelands “Shadowland” ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Nala, Rafiki, Ensemble Scene 3 The Jungle Scene 4 Under the Stars

“Endless Night” �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Simba, Ensemble Scene 5 Rafiki’s Tree Scene 6 The Jungle

“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” ������������������������������ Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, Nala, Ensemble

“He Lives in You” (Reprise) ��������������������������������������������������������������������� Rafiki, Simba, Ensemble Scene 7 Pride Rock

“King of Pride Rock”/“Circle of Life” (Reprise) ������������������������������������������������������������ Ensemble THERE WILL BE ONE 15 -MINUTE INTERMISSION

SONG CREDITS All songs by Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics) except as follows: “Circle of Life” by Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics) with “Nants’ Ingonyama” by Hans Zimmer and Lebo M; “He Lives in You” (“They Live in You”) music and lyrics by Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Lebo M; “Nao Tse Tsa” music and lyrics by Jacques Loubelo; “One by One” music and lyrics by Lebo M; “Shadowland” music by Lebo M and Hans Zimmer, lyrics by Mark Mancina and Lebo M; “Endless Night” music by Lebo M, Hans Zimmer and Jay Rifkin, lyrics by Julie Taymor; “King of Pride Rock” music by Hans Zimmer, lyrics by Lebo M ADDITIONAL SCORE Grasslands chant and Lioness chant by Lebo M; Rafiki’s chants by Tsidii Le Loka.

WARNING The photographing or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device for such photo­graphing or sound recording inside the theatre, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Offenders may be ejected and liable for damages and other lawful remedies.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 17

BIOS MARK CAMPBELL (Scar) is honored to reprise the role of Scar after closing the legendary Gazelle Tour.

He was recently seen in the world premiere musical Josephine opposite Deborah Cox. National tour credits include Mamma Mia!, Guys and Dolls and the original Phantom in the 25th anniversary tour. He has performed in countless regional theaters around the country and can occasionally be seen as George Washington on the Fox show “Sleepy Hollow.” Love to his shockingly supportive family; both biological and handpicked. Find him at www.markcampbellactor.com, instagram @markcampbellactor or twitter @MarkCampbellact.

GERALD RAMSEY (Mufasa) is humbled to join The Lion King. Proud graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Originally from the island of Aunu’u in American Samoa, also raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Credits: lead performer Ha: The Breath of Life; lead dancer in Te Here; dancer in Rainbows of Paradise & Ali’i Luau; lead role in My Name Is Gary Cooper. All of these blessings are completely credited to the village of family and friends who raised him. Alofa atu.

BUYI ZAMA (Rafiki). Birthplace: Kwa-Mashu, Durban, South Africa. Theater: The Lion King (Broadway, West End, Las Vegas, Taipei, Johannesburg, Shanghai, Sydney, Melbourne, U.S. national tour). Other: Hans Zimmer Live European tour 2016, awarded the 2004 MO Award for female musical performer of the year and nominated for the 2004 best female actor Helpmann Award. Session singer and backing vocalist for international artists.

Tweet her @BuyiZama.

NICK CORDILEONE (Timon). Off-Broadway: Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd (Mint Theater), Hamlet (Theatre by the Blind). Regional: The Alchemist (Shakespeare Theatre Company); Lobby Hero (The Old Globe); Crime and Punishment (Cincinnati Playhouse and Actors Theatre); Henry VI, Richard III (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); Comedy of Errors, Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey). Film: Step Up 2. LOVE: Amy and Hero.

GREG JACKSON (Zazu) enjoyed a thrilling Broadway run in the Tony Award-winner best musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, covering Jefferson Mays’ mammoth role(s) as the many-(dis) membered D’Ysquith family. Off-B’way: The 39 Steps, Duet! Go-Go Kitty, GO! Regional: Cleveland Playhouse, Barrington Stage, Geva, Cape Playhouse, Dorset Theatre Festival, Weston Playhouse, St. Louis Rep, Triad Stage, Portland Center Stage, Pioneer Theatre, 18 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, Orlando Shakespeare, Alabama Shakespeare, Tantrum Theater, Theatre Squared. NYU grad, acting alum. Love to Gail.

BEN LIPITZ (Pumbaa). More than 5,000 performances as Pumbaa in Broadway/national tour of The Lion King. Stage: God of Carnage; The Producers (Walnut St. Theatre); Red, Hot and Blue (Goodspeed Opera, Papermill Playhouse); Just So (Goodspeed Opera); Art; Dirty Blonde; Laughter on the 23rd Floor. TV: “Law & Order: SVU,” “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order,” “100 Centre Street,” “Homicide.” Film: The Giraffe and Find Me Guilty (with Vin Diesel). Member of the Actors Studio. Love and kisses to Rosalie, Matthew and Mikaela. CalArts alumnus.

GERALD CAESAR (Simba) is elated to join the cast of The Lion King. National tour debut. Broadway: A Bronx Tale. Regional: The MUNY, Pittsburgh CLO, Virginia Stage Company, Connecticut Repertory Theatre. B.F.A. Elon University MT16. Gerald thanks his family and friends for their support, DGRW, Jay Binder Casting and all of the incredible teachers that have filled his toolbox. Instagram: @gcaesar1 NIA HOLLOWAY (Nala) is ecstatic to join the cast of The Lion King. As an actress, vocalist and dancer, Nia has appeared at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, on the Hub Network show “Majors and Minors” and at various other venues as a live performer. She thanks God and her family and friends for all of their love and support. www.niaholloway.com.

KEITH BENNETT (Banzai). Broadway credits include Richie in A Chorus Line, BJ in Oh, Kay!, Wonder Boy in The High Rollers, Horace in Olympus on My Mind, Banzai in The Lion King. Tours include Dancin’, The Tap Dance Kid, Sophisticated Ladies, Five Guys Named Moe. Regional: Stand-Up Tragedy, Betsey Brown, Kiss Me Kate, Bo Bo’s, A Son Come Home. Show dedicated to wife Deidre and his lovely daughters Tyler and Jordan. Big shout-out to my Lord God. MARTINA SYKES (Shenzi) is elated to join the Pridelands! She is a native of St. Petersburg, Fla. and a University of Florida graduate. Favorite credits: Motown the Musical (Broadway and first national tour), Raindogs, Rent and Hairspray. She thanks God and her family and friends for their unconditional love and support. Ephesians 3:20. Instagram: Ladysykes1 www.theheARTmission.org.

BIOS ROBBIE SWIFT (Ed/Understudy Pumbaa, Timon & Zazu) is honored and excited to return to The Lion King family. Stage credits include Snoopy!, Rumbles, One Red Flower, Water Children, Our Town, Godspell. Film/ television: On the Run (Hyperboy), “Fastlane” (Fox), “Urban Graffiti” (Fox), “Scrubs” (NBC). Many thanks to God, Mom, Dad, the Starting Five, family and friends. Special thanks to Barry, Karen and Lois Yvonne. Robbie is a proud member of AEA, SAG and ASCAP. He dedicates this show to his beautiful wife, Lisa — his heart, life,and inspiration. Thanks for marrying me.

DANIELLE W. JALADE (Young Nala at certain performances) is a 10-year-old actress who lives in Los Angeles with her family. She’s in the fifth grade and her favorite subjects are English and science. Danielle began training at Amazing Grace Conservatory. She loves meeting new people, chocolate and improvisation. Instagram: @chocolatesuperstar.

JOZIYAH JEAN-FELIX (Young Simba at certain performances) is a 12-year-old Brooklyn native. He is an actor, dancer and overall entertainer who loves all things Broadway. Joziyah is ecstatic to work alongside his new Lion King family. Instagram: @jobanksjo.

GLORIA MANNING (Young Nala at certain performances) is a 9-year-old honor student from the Bronx and thrilled to make her Broadway tour debut.

She’s grateful to God for Mom, Dad, and sisters Victoria and Olivia. She thanks her Grace Church family, PS36X, DMPA, Bonnie, YPC.org and Peggy at www.square peggroupinc.com. Recent work: Sprout TV, Nickelodeon. vogea.org Instagram: @glow_glow3.

RAMON REED (Young Simba at certain performances) is a Charlotte, N.C., native who loves video games, riding his hoverboard and joking with his family.

Ramon began acting at age 5 and is extremely thankful to Disney for this opportunity. Amir (his middle name) means prince. Ramon is excited to now truly be prince of the Serengeti! Instagram: @iamramon.reed.

Purple, West Coast Black Theater Troupe; Hairspray, Royal Caribbean. She thanks God, family and mentors for their love and support. Psalm 23.

KAYLA ROSE AIMABLE (Ensemble). Glory!

Theater: The Wiz, Arkansas Repertory; The Color Purple, West Coast Black Theater Troupe; Hairspray, Royal Caribbean. She would like to Thank God, family, and mentors for all of their love and support.

Psalm 23.

ANDREW ARRINGTON (Swing/Understudy Banzai and Ed). Regional premiere of Kander & Ebb’s Scottsboro Boys. The Lion King Las Vegas. National tours: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. New York: Show Boat (Carnegie Hall), Godspell (workshop), Disney’s High School Musical 2, Respect (NYSAF). TV: CBS’ “My Broadway Debut.”

University of Michigan.

WILLIAM JOHN AUSTIN (Standby Scar & Pumbaa) is thrilled to join The Lion King family. New York theater: Measure for Measure, On the Verge. Regional: Trinity Rep, Hartford Stage. M.F.A. from Brown/ Trinity Rep. A voice-over artist, most recently as Nigel, the Xyzal Owl. WilliamJohnAustin.com.

ERIC BEAN JR. (Ensemble) is from Bermuda and attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, receiving his B.F.A. in dance education/choreography.

Credits include Koresh Dance Company, Don Arden’s Jubilee!, Viking Cruises & various guest roles. Visit www.ebjdance.com for more info.

THABANI BUTHELEZI (Ensemble) is from Durban, South Africa. He’s an energetic and athletic singer, actor and African dancer. Previous work includes Africa Umoja, Afrika! Afrika! and The Lion King in Germany (Simba cover). In love with happiness.

SASHA CAICEDO (Ensemble) was born and raised in Miami and trained at New World School of the Arts for both the high school and B.F.A. program.

Sasha has performed at the San Francisco Opera House, Adrienne Arsht Center, the Fillmore, Perez Art Museum and Lincoln Theater. She’s excited to be DEREK ADAMS (Ensemble/Understudy Banzai) is from doing her first Broadway tour.

Connecticut, and thrilled to join the cast of The Lion King. Favorite credits include starring in VEGAS! The KYLE ROBERT CARTER (Swing/Understudy Show at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas. Regional: Sister Mufasa). National tour: In the Heights (Benny) Regional: Act, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors and the world Rent (Benny), Pajama Game (Prez), Cubamor (Renato), premiere of Disney’s When You Wish.

Paint Your Wagon (Wesley). Off-Broadway: Storyville @derekadamsmusic.

(Butch “Cobra” Brown), NYC readings/showcase: Illa (Gary), The Wild Party (Eddie), Sweetie (Cat Jones).

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 19

BIOS THEMBELIHLE CELE (Ensemble/Understudy Nala & Rafiki) was born in Durban, South Africa. Credits include The Nat & Natalie Show with Colin Penn, Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, The Lion King (U.K., Ireland tour and U.S. national tour), #D23EXPO 2017. Trained with the Flatfoot Dance Company. TV Appearance: “ETV Popstars 2010.” She thanks God and family.

Instagram: lihlecele91 Twitter: cele_lihle.

ERYNN MARIE DICKERSON (Ensemble) began her artistic studies at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, where she was cast in a variety of musical theater productions at the Freud and Geffen Playhouse. She graduated from Fordham University and the Alvin Ailey School with a B.F.A. and a minor in communications. She has appeared in various print ads, TV shows,commercials, music videos, and films.

TONY FREEMAN (Standby for Scar, Zazu, Timon and Pumbaa) played Zazu on Broadway and across the country for more than 3,000 performances. He loves also getting to play Scar, Timon, and Pumbaa. He did Tony Kushner’s musical Caroline, or Change in Los Angeles and San Francisco with the original Broadway cast. Tony has had guest roles on “Law and Order” (twice) and “Law and Order: SVU.” MUKELISIWE GOBA (Ensemble/Understudy Rafiki) was born in Durban, South Africa. Training: Mbongeni Ngema’s Academy. Credits: K-Cap, Umoja, and The Lion King (Madrid and Broadway). Television: “Code Black,” “Telethon” (France) and “40 Principals” (Madrid). She was a backup vocalist for South African gospel singer Rebecca Malope. Mukelisiwe thanks her family for their constant support.

WILLIAM JAMES JR. (Ensemble/Understudy Ed & Mufasa) is a singer, songwriter, blogger and activist from Chicago’s Southside. His credits nclude The Lion King (first national tour & Las Vegas) and workshops of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. Will feels blessed to help share The Lion King’s transcendent story of community, love, struggle, healing and hope — a story needed now more than ever before. Follow him on instagram @billydsings. Forever love to God, Mom, Dad, Mike, Grandpapa and Dee. KOLIN JERRON (Swing) is a St. Louis native who has performed in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York and with Royal Caribbean overseas. Glory to God! To his family and No. 1 fan, his mom, love you always.

Grateful to be joining The Lion King family!

JANE KING (Ensemble) is an Atlanta native who danced for The Metropolitan Opera and Lustig Dance Theatre. Scholarships: the Ailey School, Atlanta Dance and Music Academy. Pictured in The Ballerina’s Little Black Book. Thanks, Pamela!

GREGORY MANNING II (Ensemble) began training in classical ballet and modern dance at age 11.

He has trained in Indianapolis, Chicago and New York, graduating from the Ailey School. He has performed with Alvin Ailey, Philadanco!, Dance Kaleidoscope and the Radio City Rockettes, and was a Las Vegas showboy in Jubilee. Recipient of the 2009 NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Academic Cultural Technological & Scientific Olympics) National Gold Medal in Dance.

CHRISTOPHER L. MC KENZIE JR. (Swing/Dance Captain) is a Miami native who studied at the New World School of the Arts College. Training: the Ailey DEIDREA HALLEY (Swing/Dance Captain) is proud School. Professional credits: Dallas Black Dance to be from Toronto. Favorite theater credits include Theatre, the Las Vegas Contemporary, Festival of The The Lion King (first national tour, Broadway, Las Vegas, Lion King, The Lion King Gazelle Tour. Thanks to family West End and Toronto companies); We Will Rock You & friends for support.

(Mirvish); Cabaret (Stratford Festival); and Chicago (Stage West). Endless thanks to her family and fiancé NHLANHLA NDLOVU (Ensemble) was born in William. Continuous gratitude to God always.

Durban and owes the world. He’s relatively new to theater, getting his big break when he joined The Lion JALEN HARRIS (Ensemble/Understudy Simba). is from King’s production in Spain in 2016. Ideal: Faith.

Memphis, Tenn., and an accomplished fashion & Humility. Hard work. All glory belongs to God. print model for such clients as Dillards, Abercrombie & Fitch, Topman and Simon Malls. He has appeared AARON NELSON (Ensemble/Understudy Simba). in TV commercials, PSA’s, “American Idol” (dinalist), Proud Chicagoan. B.A. in arts management from multiple stage plays and recently made his debut in Columbia College Chicago. Regional theater credits the feature film Fist Fight. Jalen’s first studio album is include columbinus 2.0 (ATC), Rent (ATC) and out this month (January 2018.

Dreamgirls (Theater 47). TV credits include “Chicago 20 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

BIOS Fire” (NBC), “Unforgettable” (CBS), “The Breaks” (VH1). Love to his wife, son, daughter, parents and family. He dedicates this performance to his uncle Dr. Larry E. Ross.

SELLOANE NKHELA (Ensemble/Understudy Rafiki & Sarabi) is excited to return to The Lion King after performing with Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba in Orlando, Fla. She’s the owner of Ubuntu Power Yoga in Kissimmee, Fla., and was born in South Africa.

Selloane is grateful to her family and friends for their support.

PHYLICIA PEARL (Swing/Understudy Shenzi) is from Silver Spring, Md., and a proud graduate of Elon University (Long live Elon!). She is beyond ecstatic to be part of this amazing company. Previous credits include Parade, Ragtime, All Shook Up, Rent Much love and thanks to God, MT15, LT10 Team Legacy, her agents, and ALL friends and family who have supported her dreams! Ma Talamaku, this is for you!

BetoBayayi! IG/Twitter:@thatssophylicia #thelionswing.

CHRISTOPHER SAMS (Ensemble/Understudy Mufasa) is honored to share in this legacy. National tours: Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr.), Rock of Ages (Mayor/Ja’Keith), The Color Purple (Ensemble/Buster).

Regional: Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Drury Lane Theater).

Many thanks to Shirley Hamilton Talent and the ever-endearing Lowery-Harts.

JORDAN SAMUELS (Ensemble/Understudy Ed).

Broadway: Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

First national tour of Newsies. Dance: Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance. Thanks to The Lion King creative team, Disney, Binder Casting, Barry Kolker and family for love and support.

MPUME SIKAKANE (Ensemble/Understudy Rafiki) has worked with writer, producer, director M’bongeni Ngema since 1989. Toured internationally with The Zulu and released album Babaka Mdudu in 2002. Love and thanks to God, Simon, Thandekile and family.

SADÉ SIMMONS (Ensemble) is overjoyed to be in the Pride. NYC/Regional: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall), My Fair Lady (Arena Stage), and Seussical! (The Muny). B.F.A.: The University of the Arts. Love to rhe Trifecta and Aaron. Proud member of AEA. @sadedancefit.

KIMBER SPRAWL (Sarabi/Understudy Nala) is elated to make her tour debut in The Lion King! Broadway: Beautiful the Carole King Musical. Regional: Felicia in Memphis at Walnut Street Theatre. Much love to her family, friends, CCM, DGRW and Pierre. For Granny. @kimber_elayne.

KEVIN TATE (Ensemble) is from Washington, D.C., and was raised in Brooklyn. PPAS HS & UNCSA, B.F.A. Originated the role of Jackie Thibodeaux in Caroline, or Change. Kyle Abraham, Complexions Contemporary Ballet & Collage Dance Collective.

Thank you, God, Ben Harney, Lamont O’Neil, Jamel Gaines & MSA. He owes everything to his Nana, Carolyn Flowers. @KevinRTate.

JENNIFER THERIOT (Ensemble/Understudy Nala and Sarabi). Jennifer is overjoyed to join this production.

She attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. Regional credits: Tarzan; Dreamgirls; Hairspray; Little Shop; nternational Beauty and the Beast tour and Disney Cruise Line. She thanks her family and friends for their constant and overflowing prayers and support!!

COURTNEY THOMAS (Ensemble) is incredibly humbled to rejoin The Lion King national tour. He was born in Atlanta and began dancing at North Atlanta High School at age 16 under the direction of Tracy Vogt and immediately fell in love with arts. He studied dance at AREA (Atlanta’s Resource for Entertainment and Arts) under the direction of Jai Jones and is humbled that The Lion King is his first professional work as a dancer.

SHACURA WADE (Ensemble) is from St. Louis and very excited to join The Lion King. She has a B.F.A. in dance performance and choreography from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her credits include the Opera Theatre St. Louis, Kambre Contemporary Dance Company, the Ailey School, the Center of Creative Arts, Storling Dance Theatre, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance and the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey.

ZOLA WILLIAMS (Swing) is from Bowie, Md., and has a B.F.A. from the University of the Arts. Credits: Marvel’s Black Panther, Ted 2, The Lion King (Las Vegas 2009), “Dancing With the Stars,” 37th annual Daytime Emmy Awards. Certified Pilates instructor.

BIOS KRYSTAL WORRELL (Swing/Understudy Sarabi & Shenzi) is thrilled to join this cast on the road! Other credits: Seussical! at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Charlotte’s Web at Drury Lane, American Idiot with The Hypocrites, The Hammer Trinity and The Nutcracker at the House Theatre in Chicago.

JULIE TAYMOR (Director, Costume Design, Mask/ Puppet Co-Design, Additional Lyrics) won the 1998 Tony Award for best direction of a musical and best costumes for The Lion King. The show also won Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League awards for her direction; three Moliere awards, including best musical and best costumes; and myriad awards for her original costume, mask and puppet designs. Taymor made her Broadway debut in 1996 with Juan Darien: A Carnival Mask (Lincoln Center), which was nominated for five Tony awards. Other theater credits include The Green Bird (New Victory Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, the Cort Theater on Broadway); Titus Andronicus; The Tempest; The Taming of the Shrew (Theatre for a New Audience); The Transposed Heads (Lincoln Center and American Music Theatre Festival); Liberty’s Taken (Castle Hill Festival); and Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark (Hilton Theatre on Broadway). Her opera credits include Pulitzer finalist Grendel, composed by Elliot Goldenthal (Los Angeles Opera and the Lincoln Center Festival); Mozart’s Die Zauberflote, in repertory at the Metropolitan Opera since 2004; and Oedipus Rex with Jessye Norman, conducted by Seiji Ozawa, for which she earned the International Classical Music Award for best opera production and an Emmy Award for a subsequent film version. Her first film, “Fool’s Fire,” was an adaptation of an Edgar Allan Poe short story that aired on PBS in 1992. Her feature films include Titus, with Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange; Frida, with Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina (six 2002 Academy Award nominations, two wins); Across the Universe (2008 Golden Globe nomination for best musical/ comedy); and The Tempest with Helen Mirren. Taymor recently directed the play Grounded with Anne Hathaway at the Public Theater and completed a cinematic version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, filmed during her stage production at Theatre for a New Audience’s new home in Brooklyn.

Taymor has received a MacArthur “genius” Grant, a Guggenheim Fellowship, two Obie awards and the first Dorothy B. Chandler Award in Theater, among many others. A book about her career, titled Julie Taymor: Playing With Fire, is available from Abrams.

She recently directed the Broadway revival of M. Butterfly. Its limited run is to end this month.

ELTON JOHN (Music). The monumental career of international singer/songwriter and performer has spanned more than three decades. Since launching his first tour in 1970, Elton has more than 4,000 performances in 80-plus countries. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, and more than 300 million records sold worldwide. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has awarded him multiple Grammy awards, including the Legend Award. In the early 1990s, Elton collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice on the score for The Lion King, which won an Academy Award. The album produced two top-selling, award-winning singles: “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” The Tony Award-winning Broadway productions of The Lion King and Aida won Grammys for best musical show album. Billy Elliot was nominated for a record-tying 15 Tonys and won 10, including best musical. In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is one of the leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. In 1998, the Queen of England knighted him Sir Elton John, CBE. In 2004, he received the Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to American culture and excellence through the performing arts. In 2013, Elton was honored as the first recipient of the prestigious BRITs Icon Award.

TIM RICE (Lyrics) has worked in music, theater and film since 1965, when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, another struggling songwriter. Rice wanted to write rock or pop songs, but they turned their attention to musical theater, Lloyd Webber’s obsession. Their first collaboration was the unsuccessful The Likes of Us, based on the life of Dr. Barnardo, a Victorian philanthropist. Their next three projects were much more successful — Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Rice also has worked with Elton John (The Lion King, Aida); Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast); Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess); and Stuart Brayson (From Here to Eternity). He has won several awards (Oscars, Tonys, etc.) mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up.

LEBO M (Additional Music & Lyrics, Vocal Score, Vocal Arrangements, Choral Director) is known as the voice and spirit of The Lion King. The onetime teenage singer in Soweto became a Grammy winner and Tony nominee. His music brings audiences to tears with inspiring African rhythms and melodies. Lebo’s

BIOS talents have been praised by the press worldwide with superlatives that might describe the most delightfully poetic of musical deities. In America, Lebo has attracted such music industry giants as Quincy Jones, Jimmy Cliff and Hans Zimmer as mentors, allies and collaborators. He has performed and produced four albums — Rhythm of the Pride Lands (Disney), Deeper Meaning (Gallo) and The Lion King (Japanese and Hamburg cast recordings). Other credits include The Power of One, Back on the Block and Listen Up With Quincy Jones; the feature films Outbreak (Warner Bros.), Congo (Warner Bros.) and Born to Be Wild (Paramount).

He is the composer and co-producer of the Legend of Tarzan theme song, “Opar,” and the Disney TV special “People.” He has performed at the Academy Awards and the Essence Awards, and with Vanessa Redgrave in Kthimi — The Return in Kosovo. He also has been honored by Artists for a Free South Africa.

animated short. Mecchi shares a screenplay credit on Disney’s animated features The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Hercules. She and coauthor Roger Allers received a 1998 Tony nomination for the The Lion King book. She also wrote the teleplay for ABC’s “Annie” and shares a writing credit on Disney Pixar’s Brave, which won the 2013 Academy Award for best animated feature.

Other credits include the teleplay for NBC’s “Peter Pan Live!” and, recently, developing TV projects with NBC Universal and Netflix. She’s also working on a stage musical for Universal Stage Productions. She thanks the cast, crew, creative team and executives who keep The Lion King roaring ’round the world.

ROGER ALLERS (Book) made his Broadway debut with co-author Irene Mecchi with this Tonynominated book, adapted from the animated feature film that he co-directed. Allers has helped shape the structure and dialogue for Disney animated features since 1988, including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Oliver and Company, Rescuers Down Under and the first CGI movie, Tron. He directed the Academy Award-nominated short The Little Matchgirl for Disney and co-directed the 2006 animated feature Open Season for Sony Studios. Previously, he created animation on children’s programs and features for studios in Boston, Toronto and Tokyo. Allers wrote and directed the 2015 animated adaptation of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, a book of philosophical poetry.

He’s now at work writing an original stage musical.

GARTH FAGAN (Choreographer) received the 1998 Tony Award, the 2000 Laurence Olivier Award (London) and the 2004 Helpmann Award (Australia) for best choreography in a musical for The Lion King.

His work also won Drama Desk, Astaire and Outer Critics Circle awards. Fagan was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where he received the Prime Minister’s Award and a special Gold Musgrave Medal for his contribution to the world of dance and dance theater.

In 2001, he received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander. For more than 47 years he has toured the world with Garth Fagan Dance. The company has been seen on TV’s “Great Performances,” “The Tonight Show” and the Academy Awards. Fagan forged his own dance language and technique from Afro-Caribbean, ballet and postmodern dance, and has choreographed for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Jose Limon Company, the New York City Ballet and others. He choreographed Joseph Papp’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and directed and choreographed the Duke Ellington street opera Queenie Pie at the Kennedy Center. Fagan is a Chancellor’s Award-winning distinguished university professor emeritus of the State University of New York, with honors that include the 2001 Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award, a Bessie Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Fulbright 50th Anniversary Distinguished Fellow.

In 2001 he received a Golden Plate Award and was inducted into the American Academy of Achievement. In 2012, the Dance Heritage Coalition named him an “Irreplaceable Dance Treasure.” In 2017, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Dance Guild.​

IRENE MECCHI (Book) began her association with Disney in March 1992, when she wrote Recycle Rex, the 1994 Environmental Media Award-winning

RICHARD HUDSON (Scenic Design) was born in Zimbabwe and educated in Zimbabwe and England. In 1988 he won a Laurence Olivier Award

MARK MANCINA (Additional Music & Lyrics, Music Produced for the Stage, Additional Score) is a Tony nominee and multiplatinum, three-time Grammy Award-winning composer. He produced songs for Disney’s animated feature film and produced the music for the stage production of The Lion King. The 1994 film’s critical and box-office success led to the album Rhythm of the Pride Lands, for which Mancina co-wrote and produced multiple tracks. These include “He Lives in You” and “Shadowland,” both in the stage production. Mancina is a seasoned film composer, with credits that include Moana, Training Day, Speed, Twister, Bad Boys, Tarzan and August Rush, among others.

BIOS for designing a seven-play season at the Old Vic Theatre in London. His set designs for The Lion King have won numerous awards, including a 1998 Tony.

He is a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI). In 2003 he won the gold medal for set design at the Prague Quadriennale and, in 2005, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Surrey. He has designed sets and costumes for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, the Young Vic and the Gate in London. He has worked at the Royal Opera, English National Opera, La Scala Milan, The Metropolitan Opera New York, Opera National de Paris, Lyric Opera Chicago, Staatsoper Vienna, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and in Zurich, Munich, Amsterdam, Venice, Florence, Turin, Bregenz, Houston and Washington, D.C. He designed American Ballet Theatre’s productions of The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty; Romeo and Juliet for National Ballet of Canada; and La Bayadère and Le Coq D’or for Royal Danish Ballet.

DONALD HOLDER (Lighting Design) received 1998 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for The Lion King as well as the Moliere Award (Paris). Broadway: More than 50 productions, including Anastasia; She Loves Me (2016 revival); The King and I (2015 revival); The Bridges of Madison County; Golden Boy; and South Pacific (2008 Tony Award). He also designed the Tony-nominated productions of Oslo, Ragtime, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, A Streetcar Named Desire, Gem of the Ocean, Movin’ Out and Juan Darien. Other Broadway credits: On the Twentieth Century; You Can’t Take It With You; Spiderman-Turn Off the Dark; Promises, Promises; Annie (2012 revival); Arcadia; Come Fly Away; Cyrano de Bergerac; The Little Dog Laughed; Thoroughly Modern Millie; and The Boy From Oz, among many others.

Television: “Smash” seasons 1 and 2, NBC/ DreamWorks. Education: Yale School of Drama.

Head of lighting design, Rutgers University.

MICHAEL CURRY (Mask & Puppet Co-Design) has worked as a visual and concept designer for more than 25 years. He’s done projects for Disney theme parks and theatrical productions, Cirque du Soleil, The Metropolitan Opera, seven Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies and Universal Studios theme parks, among many others. He collaborates regularly with visionary directors and producers and has won awards for his work on Broadway, Olympic ceremonies and innovations in scenic visual effects and puppetry design. In the music industry, he’s known for his innovative designs for Michael 24 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

Jackson, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and countless others.

Michael Curry Design Inc. comprises 50 innovative designers and fabricators who conceive and produce state-of-the-art creations for live entertainment. His studio is in Portland, Ore.​ MICHAEL WARD (Hair & Makeup Design) designs for opera and theater. For Disney: The Lion King (Broadway and others) and Der Glöckner von Notre Dame (Berlin). His other work has been seen around the country and in Britain, the Netherlands, France, Japan, Israel and Portugal. He also works as a garden and landscape designer.

STEVE CANYON KENNEDY (Sound Design) was the production engineer on such Broadway shows as Cats, Starlight Express, Song and Dance, The Phantom of the Opera, Carrie and Aspects of Love. Broadway sound design credits include On Your Feet, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (Tony Award), Hands on a Hardbody (Drama Desk Award), Jesus Christ Superstar, Catch Me If You Can, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Jersey Boys (Drama Desk Award), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, Hairspray, The Producers, Aida, Titanic, Big, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Carousel and The Who’s Tommy (Drama Desk Award).​ HANS ZIMMER (Additional Music & Lyrics) received the Oscar®, Golden Globe® and two GRAMMY® Awards for his original film score for the film version of The Lion King. Zimmer has scored more than 120 films and television shows. Most recently, Zimmer composed the score for Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed film Dunkirk. Other notable scores of Zimmer’s include Gladiator, The Thin Red Line, As Good as It Gets, Rain Man, The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Thelma and Louise, Black Hawk Down and The Last Samurai. This summer, Zimmer completed a highly successful, critically acclaimed tour across Europe and the U.S. JAY RIFKIN (Additional Music & Lyrics). The Grammy Award-winning producer, with producing and composing partner Hans Zimmer, created Media Ventures, an entertainment group that includes music, new media, film and television.

Their partnership has earned numerous awards and nominations, including Academy Award nominations for the film scores of Driving Miss Daisy, Rain Man and The Lion King. Following the success of The Lion King, Rifkin conceived and produced the gold-selling follow-up album Rhythm of the Pride

BIOS Lands. He is chairman of Media Revolution and a founder of the film production company Media Ventures Pictures.

JOHN STEFANIUK (Associate Director) is from Toronto and studied theater at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. After leaving school, he worked as an actor and voice-over artist in Canada and the United Kingdom. He is the voice of the Cartoon Network and can be heard frequently in cartoons and commercials. Stefaniuk has taught, directed and guest-lectured for theater schools and colleges in Toronto, New York and London, including the Royal Academy of Music, Sylvia Young Theatre School and Duke University. For three years, he was artistic director of Stagedoor Manor in New York, directing such productions as Side Show, Sweeney Todd and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (with Natalie Portman and Bryce Howard).

Stefaniuk has worked as resident director for Cameron Macintosh and JAR Productions on Hey, Mr. Producer! and for Disney’s The Lion King at London’s Lyceum Theatre and the American national tour. He’s thrilled to continue working with this incredible company.​ MAREY GRIFFITH (Associate Choreographer) is a native New Yorker who has toured worldwide as a featured dancer/soloist with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She’s had guest appearances with Déjà vu Dance Theatre and at the Spoleto Festival in Italy. Griffith worked as co-choreographer on the concert staging of The Wizard of Oz at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall with Nathan Lane, Joel Grey, Jewel and Natalie Cole. She has appeared in soap operas and commercials and does voice-overs.

Since joining The Lion King creative team in August 2000, she has been mounting and maintaining numerous productions worldwide. She’s incredibly honored to work with choreographer Garth Fagan.​ CLEMENT ISHMAEL (Music Supervisor) is a conductor, composer and arranger. He graduated from the University of Toronto and Royal Conservatory of Music, where he specialized in composition and conducting and sang with Joyce Britten. He was associate conductor of the Royal Conservatory of Music Choirs under the tutelage of Denise Nacisse-Mair. After graduating, he continued his studies in conducting and composition at London’s Guildhall School of Music.

Conducting credits include Abbey Players Opera Company, Ad Astra Chorus, Addison Jazz Ensemble and West London Gospel Choir. He also

conducted the ballet Awakening at Sadlers Wells.

West End credits include Five Guys Named Moe, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Smokey Joe’s Cafe and Soul Train. He has directed and arranged music for Sweet Lorraine, Up Against the Wall, The Amen Corner, The Grape Vine, The Cavalcaders and Gem of the Ocean at the Tricycle Theatre. His classical compositions and arrangements have been performed worldwide and have been broadcast by BBC Television and Radio.

His first opera, Looking at the Sun, was done at Battersea Arts Centre; his opera Grazyna was done at the Royal Opera House’s Lindbury Studio.

Ishmael’s latest commission, for the London Piano Trio, debuted at the Capri Music Festival in Italy. He has performed music from his album Poetry in Song in concert at Toronto’s Glenn Gould Studio. Further performances are planned in London, Paris and New York. His next major composition is his third opera, Antigone, with Canadian librettist Mel Coop.

ROBERT ELHAI (Associate Music Producer, Orchestrator) is a Tony and Drama Desk nominee who has arranged and orchestrated Oscar, Grammy and Emmy-winning music for composers Elliot Goldenthal (Juan Darien, Frida); Alan Menken (“Galavant”); Brian Tyler (Iron Man 3, Fast and Furious series); and many others. His compositions have been heard at theaters and in concerts worldwide. robertelhai.com.

DAVID METZGER (Orchestrator) was a Tony and Drama Desk nominee for his work on the The Lion King. He’s now orchestrating the Broadway production of Frozen, which plans a March opening. He is, perhaps, best known for his film work, having arranged and orchestrated more than 60 movies, including Frozen, Moana, Tarzan, The Avengers, How to Train Your Dragon (1 and 2), August Rush and Planes (1 and 2). davemetzgermusic.com.

MICHAEL KELLER (Music Coordinator) has been a musician for more than 35 years. He was a conductor/ drummer for Marvin Hamlisch and has coordinated music for Taboo, Wicked, The Boy From Oz, Avenue Q, Gypsy, Andrea Bocelli tours, Mamma Mia!, Aida, Imaginary Friends, Man of La Mancha, Dance of the Vampires, Sweet Smell of Success, Cinderella, The Wild Party (MTC), Marlene, The Gershwins’ Fascinating Rhythm, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Barbra Streisand concerts (1994 & 2001) and The Goodbye Girl.

JAMIE SCHMIDT (Music Director/Conductor). His credits include the Kennedy Center; Ford’s Theatre; Longwharf Theatre; Radio City Christmas Spectacular’s ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 25

BIOS first national arena tour; American Girl Place Theater.

Broadway: Ragtime, The Light in the Piazza, Les Miserables, Sunday in the Park With George, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, The Little Mermaid, A Chorus Line, Grinch, Bombay Dreams. Conductor: Dallas, St. Louis, San Diego and Indianapolis symphony orchestras.

Music director: American delegations to the Pyongyang Arts Festival. Artist-in-residence: Banff Centre for the Arts, Holland Music Sessions.

Conductor for Liza Minnelli, music director for the New York Drama League gala honoring Angela Lansbury. Touring with The Lion King is the best thing yet. M.M. in opera conducting and vocal coaching from the University of Wisconsin.

JAMES DODGSON (Music Director/Conductor) is based in New York and has worked on productions throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Brazil, Australia and in London’s West End. Theater: Newsies (US tour and film at the Pantages Theatre Hollywood), Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, Chicago, Miss Saigon, The Phantom of the Opera, The Secret Garden, On a Clear Day, Peter Pan (conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra). Royal National Theatre: Oh What a Lovely War & The Villains Opera.

Music Director on over 45 productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Love to Dad & Vanessa.

CHRISTOPH BUSKIES (Electronic Music Programming) has used KeyComp, his revolutionary music system, in Disney’s The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, and Stage Entertainment’s Sister Act. KeyComp is said to generate the best live sound in modern musicals.

More information at www.keycomp.com.

DODD LOOMIS (Resident Director). Broadway: SpiderMan: Turn Off the Dark (assistant director). OffBroadway: The Rap Guide to Evolution (director, Drama Desk nomination); Luck (director & co-writer, Little Gem Award); Mabou Mines Dollhouse (associate director & puppetry supervisor, Obie Award).

National tour: The Lion King first national (resident director). International tour: The Aluminum Show (co-director & co-writer); The Gospel at Colonus (associate director, Pulitzer Prize nomination). NYU Tisch School of the Arts — directing.

GEOFF MYERS (Resident Dance Supervisor) has been on Broadway or on tour with The Lion King since 2003.

He has been an ensemble dancer, a dance swing, fight and dance captain and, most recently, did a four-year stint as resident dance supervisor for The Lion King Gazelle Tour. The Lion King Rafiki Tour marks Myers’ 26 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

fifth Lion King company. Before The Lion King, he had a long and successful career with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Myers has worked with some of the dance world’s most renown choreographers: Twyla Tharp, Nacho Duato, Ohad Naharin, David Parsons and Danny Ezralow, among them. He brings more than 20 years of dance-performance experience to his role as resident dance supervisor.

M. WILLIAM SHINER (Production Stage Manager).

Disney’s The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Jungle Book. International: RSC, Franco Dragone’s House of Dancing Water. New York: The 39 Steps, Stew and Heidi Rodewald’s The Total Bent and Family Album, Measure for Measure and As You Like It (Shakespeare in the Park), Public Theater. Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, La Jolla Playhouse, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Dallas Theater Center. Shiner also is associate director and associate production supervisor for the international productions of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. www.stagemanager.nyc.

BETH BORNSTEIN (Stage Manager). National tours: The Lion King (since 2004), Bring in ’da Noise ...; Cinderella; Jekyll & Hyde; Annie 20th anniversary.

Broadway: Damn Yankees!, Arcadia, The Red Shoes, A Christmas Carol, Annie (ACM), Jekyll & Hyde (ACM), Off-Broadway: Cowgirls. Proud member of AEA & IATSE. Love to Molly & Rebecca.

BRIAN HASAL (Assistant Stage Manager) is proud to be back with The Lion King. Credits include Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular (ASM), JabbaWockeeZ: Prism (PSM), Lion King — Los Angeles & Cheetah (ASM).

Love to his family for their support, and thanks to Stan for the lesson in responsibility.

IZELL O. BLUNT (Assistant Stage Manager) is from Jacksonville, Fla., and has a B.F.A.in dance from SMU. Blunt has performed in the Broadway, national tour and Las Vegas productions of The Lion King, and with Cirque du Soleil in its “One Drop” event. Blunt was an associate choreographer for the feature film The Thief.

LYNN R. CAMILO (Assistant Stage Manager) Credits: Broadway, National Tours & Las Vegas.

Highlights: Curious Incident of a Dog In Night-Time, The Lion King, Miss Saigon, The Vagina Monologues, The Producers, Le Reve, Rock of Ages, BAZ-Star Crossed Love, Amy’s View, Closer, Blue Room and Cirque Du Soleil.

BIOS CAROLYN M. LAWSON (Physical Therapy) is founder and CEO of Neurosport & NEURO TOUR, leaders in performing arts medicine. They are honored to be part of this amazing Rafiki Tour.

BINDER CASTING/MARK BRANDON, CSA (Casting) has cast more than 70 Broadway shows including the Tony Award-winning best musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder; In Transit; Dames at Sea; Nice Work If You Can Get It; Born Yesterday; The Miracle Worker; Finian’s Rainbow; Brighton Beach Memoirs; A Chorus Line; Gypsy; 39 Steps; White Christmas; Is He Dead?; Inherit the Wind; Journey’s End; Butley; Virginia Woolf; Sweet Charity; Wonderful Town; Movin’ Out; 42nd Street; Music Man; The Iceman Cometh; Charlie Brown; Sound of Music; Beauty & the Beast; Last Night of Ballyhoo; Chicago; The King & I; Damn Yankees; Lost in Yonkers; Jerome Robbins’ Broadway; The Goodbye Girl; and every City Center Encores! production since its inception in 1994. Film/TV/other: Carousel (NY Philharmonic/ PBS), “Six by Sondheim” (HBO), “So You Think You Can Dance,” West Side Story (San Francisco Symphony), Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Chicago, Nine.

Twelve–time Artios Award winner. Part of RWS Entertainment Group.

CHRIS MONTAN (Executive Music Producer) joined Disney in 1984 and is now president of Walt Disney Music. Under his guidance, soundtracks from nine theatrical releases (Cocktail, Beaches, The Little Mermaid, Pretty Woman, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas and Tarzan) were certified multiplatinum. Additionally, the Studio received Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award recognition for much of its work. Most recently, Montan was executive producer of the “Wonderful World of Disney’s” production of Annie, as well as a producer with the TV production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which was nominated for seven Emmy awards.

been produced in 37 countries. The Lion King opened in November 1997 and won six 1998 Tony awards, including best musical. After 20 years on Broadway, Disney Theatricals has welcomed more than 90 million visitors to date and its shows can be seen in nine productions worldwide. The Lion King has played 19 countries and every continent except Antarctica.

Its worldwide gross now exceeds that of any movie, Broadway show or other entertainment title in boxoffice history. Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, which won four 2000 Tony awards, was followed by Mary Poppins, a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh.

It opened in London in 2004 and had a six-year Tonywinning Broadway run. Tarzan opened on Broadway in 2006 and is in its eighth year in Germany. In January 2008, The Little Mermaid opened on Broadway and became the No. 1-selling new musical of the year.

Disney Theatricals opened two critically acclaimed productions on Broadway in 2012, receiving seven Tony awards for Peter and the Starcatcher, which had a two-year New York run, and Newsies, which concluded its North America tour in 2016. A cinema release followed and became Fathom Events’ top-grossing Broadway title. ­Aladdin, Disney Theatrical’s most recent Broadway show, has a global footprint that includes a North American tour and productions in Tokyo; London; Hamburg, Germany; and Melbourne, Australia. Other successful stage ventures include the Olivier-nominated Shakespeare in Love; High School Musical, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame in Berlin and King David in concert. DTP has collaborated with the country’s leading regional theaters to develop new stage titles, including The Jungle Book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Freaky Friday. Its new musical, Frozen, is scheduled to open on Broadway in March 2018.

DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS, a division of Walt Disney Studios, was formed in 1994 and operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher. Its nine Broadway titles have been seen by more than 160 million theatergoers worldwide and have been nominated for 59 Tony awards, winning Broadway’s highest honor 20 times. With more than 20 productions produced or licensed, a Disney musical is being performed professionally somewhere on the planet virtually every hour of the day. The company’s inaugural production, Beauty and the Beast, opened in 1994, had a 13-year Broadway run and has ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 27

STAFF & CREDITS Opening Night - January 11, 2018 Staff for THE LION KING Worldwide Co-Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anne Quart Production Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doc Zorthian General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Schlenk Associate General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Height Associate Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Stefaniuk Associate Choreographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marey Griffith Music Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clement Ishmael Dance Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celise Hicks Supervising Resident Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthony Lyn Associate Music Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Kreppel Technical Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Carey Associate Scenic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Eastman Associate Costume Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Nemecek Peterson Associate Mask & Puppet Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Louis Troisi Assistant Mask & Puppet Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Grimm Associate Sound Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Shivers Associate Sound Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hugh Sweeney Associate Hair & Makeup Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rowena Hume Assistant Hair & Makeup Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ute Mai Associate Lighting Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn Wong Lighting Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeanne Koenig Assistant Lighting Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marty Vreeland Automated Lighting Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aland Henderson Production Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christina Huschle SENIOR PUBLICIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DENNIS CROWLEY NATIONAL PRESS REPRESENTATIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ERICA JACOBSON Staff for THE LION KING COMPANY MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHRIS DANNER Production Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. William Shiner Resident Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dodd Loomis Resident Dance Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Geoff Myers Musical Director/ Conductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Schmidt Assistant Company Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth Rublein Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth Bornstein Assistant Stage Managers . . . . Izell O. Blunt, Lynn R. Camillo, Brian Hasal Dance Captains . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher L. Mc Kenzie, Jr., Deidrea Halley Fight Captains . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher L. Mc Kenzie, Jr., Deidrea Halley Assistant Choreographers . . . . . . Norwood J. Pennewell, Natalie Rogers Adapted Choreography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aubrey Lynch II Physical Movement Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorenzo Pisoni Production Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Sullivan Production Electrician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jimmy Maloney Production Wardrobe Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kjeld Andersen Production Hair & Make Up Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl V. Thomas Production Mask & Puppet Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antje Gern Head Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noah Kern Automation Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shaun Altman Flyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Bogdan Carpenters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eamon Keane, Lindsey Roller Flying Supervision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Hearn Head Electrician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Sump Front Light Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June Abernathy Moving Light Programmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad Gray Conventional Light Programmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melissa Shippers Moving Light Tracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brandon Bagwell Production Prop Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Hagenbarth Head Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonnie Goertz Assistant Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Lohrer Sound Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Madden Assistant Sound Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Kallaher Advance Sound Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Huggins Wardrobe Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gregory Young Assistant Costume Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicole Ferrigno Advance Wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Wilson Wardrobe Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debbie Burkman-Margolies, Gretchen Heidenreich Puppet Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Reilly Puppet Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Hennessy, Bruce Paul Reik Hair & Make Up Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Hughes Hair & Make Up Assistants . . . . . . . Raven Lafontant, Tami Lee Thompson Crew Swings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry Bradford, Steve Templeton Advance Carpenters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tony Ward, Dan Sheehan Advance Electricians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Ferree, James Sample Music Copyist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anixter Rice Music Service Electronic Music Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christoph Buskies Personal Assistant to Elton John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Haley Assistant to Tim Rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eileen Heinink Assistant to Mark Mancina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marlon EspinoProduction Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan Marcus, Deen van Meer, Matt Murphy Casting . . . . . . . . . BINDER CASTING: Jay Binder, CSA; Jack Bowdan, CSA; Mark Brandon, CSA, Justin Bohon, Heather Washburn, An RWS & Associates company, Ryan Stana CEO, Bruston Manuel COO Corporate Immigration Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Rosenfeld

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Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neuro Tour Physical Therapy, Elyssia Primus, PT, DPT; Emory Orthopedics and Spine Center, Ken R. Mautner, M.D. Children’s Teaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On Location Education Tutor/Wrangler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Swift Production Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Road Rebel Executive Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Arnao, Patt McRory Web Design Consultant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Noah Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Serino Coyne, Inc. Production Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brittany Halberstadt Rehearsal Production Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nia Arrington-Seward, Nasir Campbell, John Fortunato, Molly Jane Goldberg, Karon Haynes, Rebecca Hoi, David Jackson, Sam Leicht, Shayna Penn, Katrina Miyuki Roen Special Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert W. Johnson, Lynn Beckemeyer, Karen Bailey, Fabricio Lopez

CREDITS

Costumes executed by Parsons-Meares Ltd, Donna Langman, Eric Winterling Inc., Jan Parran, and Timberlake Studios Inc. Millinery by Monica Viani and Jack C Schmitz. Craftwork by Ilya Vett, Arlene LindWatson, and Daniel Muro. Shibori dyeing by Joan Morris. Custom dyeing and painting by Joni Johns, Gene Mignola, Nicola Killeen Textiles, Mary Macy, and Parsons-Meares. Knitwear by Mark Lauer and Donna Doiron.

Footwear by Steppin Out, Jitterbug Boy, Sara Mullins, and Onstage Dance.

Additional crafts by Jeffrey Colton, Noelle Rasco and Deirdre Morgan.

Costume development by Constance Hoffman. Additional research and development by Patricia Fistes-Adams. Wigs by Samantha Fletcher at the Wig Workshop UK, Cheetah skins and Make-up stamps made by Mike Defeo in the USA, Specialists brushes made by Joseph Beagley, Makeup supplied by MAC, Make-up Forever Professional Make-up, Alcone, Skin Care By Kiehl’s. Lighting supplied by PRG; Automated lighting by Philips Vari*Lite and Showline, Clay Paky, and ETC/High End Systems.

Custom Accessories by City Theatrical. Lighting Props by Technical Artistry. Custom Templates by Wyatt Enever Studio. Puppets and Props

by Michael Curry Design, Inc., The Paragon Innovation Group Inc., and The Rabbit’s Choice. Automation and mechanized scenery by Hudson Scenic Studios, additional scenery by Proof Productions, Scenic Arts Studios, Rose Brand, Gerriets International, I Weiss & Sons, Flying by Foy, Hands On Rigging Inc, Airworxx, Sigma Services; Custom trusses by Tyler Truss, Tomcat USA; trucking by Clark Transfer. Sound equipment

by Masque Sound and Recording. Instruments by Jeff Whittier; Patrick Olwell; Tim Liu; Lark in the Morning; Beverly Pan Flutes; Bass equipment

by Eden Electronics; Marimbas by Marimba One, Traditional Percussion Instruments by Bernard Woma, Motherland Music, and Wula Drums.

Cymbals by Istanbul-Agop. Other percussion provided by Steve Weiss Music.

This production is produced in collaboration with our professional, union-represented employees.

The Lion King originally premiered at the Orpheum Theater, Minneapolis, MN Disney’s The Lion King is a registered trademark owned by The Walt Disney Company and used under special license

by Disney Theatrical Productions.

Visit The Lion King website on the World Wide Web at: www.disneyonbroadway.com

The Lion King National Tour proudly participates in Touring Green. We transport our theatrical equipment on a carbon neutral basis with Clark Transfer in association with NativeEnergy.com. For more information on this program, please visit www.clarktransfer.com/green.

The actors and stage managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Stagehands, Wardrobe, Makeup and Hair employees in this production are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

United Scenic Artists • Local USA 829 of the I.A.T.S.E. represents the Designers & Scenic Artists for the American Theatre T he Musicians, Conductors, Music Preparation Personnel and Librarians employed in this production are members of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.

The Press Agents and Company Managers employed in this production are represented by the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers.

This production is produced by a member of The Broadway League in collaboration with our professional union-represented employees.

SONG EXCERPTS (used by permission): “Let It Go” written by Kristen AndersonLopez and Robert Lopez; “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue” written by Sam Lewis, Joe Young, and Ray Henderson; “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” written by Hugo Peretti, George David Weiss, Luigi Creatore andSolomon Linda; “Nao Tse Tsa” written by Jacques Loubelo;“Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai)” written

by Johnny Noble, Ralph Freed and Leleiohaku.

CREATIVE DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS

President & Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Schumacher

Creative & Production

Executive Music Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Montan SVP, Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anne Quart VP, Creative Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Famiglietti Director, Creative Development . . . . . . . . . . Jane Abramson Director, Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mimi Intagliata Director, Labor Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Kardel Director, Production Development . . . . . . . Seth Marquette Director, Education and Audience Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Mitchell Associate Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Lee Senior Production Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . Clifford Schwartz Dramaturg & Literary Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Cerniglia Sr. Manager, Labor Relations . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Cheek General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Myriah Bash Manager, Teaching & Learning/ Resident Teaching Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Chapman Manager, Physical Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Garner Manager, Education & Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Kenny General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Randy Meyer General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Schlenk Associate General Manager . . . . . . . . . . Carly DiFulvio Allen Associate General Manager . . . . . Kerry McGrath Cornman Associate General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Height Asst Manager, Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zach Baer Asst Manager, Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth Boulger Asst. Manager, Creative Development Colleen McCormack Asst. Manager, Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeffrey Metzler

Marketing, Sales & Publicity

SVP, Strategy, Marketing & Revenue . . . . . . . Andrew Flatt VP, Sales and Analytics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nick Falzon VP, Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin Wyatt Director, Worldwide Publicity & Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Cohen Director, Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Daghini Director, Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Khalilah Elliott Director, Marketing Licensed Brands . . . . . . . . . . Gary Kane Sr. Manager, Publicity & Communications . Lindsay Braverman Sr. Manager, Content Marketing & Community Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Josken Sr. Manager, Sales & Ticketing . . . . . . . . . . . Jenifer Thomas Manager, Sales and Ticketing . . . . . . . . Simon de Carvalho Manager, Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael DeiCas Manager, Creative Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Emch Sales Manager, Groups & Tourism . . . . . . Nicholas Faranda Manager, Sales and Ticketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Rutlin Manager, Digital Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Tulba Video Content Producer & Editor . . . . . . . . . . Brandon Fake Asst. Manager, Group Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . Suzanne Gregory Asst. Manager, Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chantal Lopez Asst. Manager, CRM and Consumer Insights . . . Janey Sherlock

Domestic

VP, Domestic Touring & Regional Engagements Jack Eldon Director, Domestic Touring . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Buchanan Director, Regional Engagements . . . . . Scott A. Hemerling Director, Regional Engagements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelli Palan Director, Theatrical Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . David R. Scott Manager, Domestic Touring & Planning . . . . . . . . Liz Botros Asst. Manager, Domestic Touring . . . . . . . . . . Caitlin Mullins

International

SVP, International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Kollen VP, International, Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fiona Thomas Director, International Production . . . . . . . . . Felipe Gamba Manager, International Production . . . . . . . . . . . . Lee Taglin

Business Affairs & Legal Counsel Senior Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonathan Olson Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seth Stuhl Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naila McKenzie Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica White Senior Paralegal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin Browne

Finance & Operations VP, Finance, Operations & Technology . . . . Mario Iannetta VP, Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dana Amendola Director, Financial Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . Brigitte Pascual Senior Manager, Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mikhail Medvedev Manager, Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer August Manager, Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin Clark Manager, Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Ekizian Manager, Technical Services & Support . Michael Figliulo Manager, Financial Accounting . . . . . Adrineh Ghoukassian Manager, Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Martucci Manager, Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arlene Smith Senior Production Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . Angela DiSanti Senior Technical Support Engineer . . . . . Kevin A. McGuire Senior Business Analyst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noel Moore Jr. Production Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samantha Sorin Assistant Production Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . Isander Rojas

Strategy and Business Development Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clive Chang Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Gershman Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Schoppe

Human Resources Director, Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . Marie-Pierre Varin Manager, Human Resources & Labor Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valerie Vanga Specialist, Human Resources . . . . . . . . Jennifer F. Vaughan

Administrative Staff Caitlin Baird, Marissa Bendit, Caley Beretta, Gregory Boilard, Hunter Chancellor, Ariel Charnowitz, Brian DeCaluwe, Danielle DeMatteo, Adam Dworkin, Jon Farber, Meghan Flaim, Qadir Forbes, Phil Grippe, Matt Hagmeier Curtis, Frankie Harvey, Julie Haverkate, Andrew Hill, Pearl Hodiwala, Chad Hornberger, Sarah Howell, Christina Huschle, Becca Levenson, Arianna LiCalzi, Timothy Maynes, Sunny Ng, Connor Norton, Kelly Perez, Jessica Petschauer, Matt Quinones, Chris Rollins, Mark Shultz, Bri Silva, Ariel Stein, Corey Steinfast, James Teal, Henry Tisch, Angela Voelker, Lisa Weiner Wilk

DISNEY THEATRICAL MERCHANDISE, L.L.C. VP, Licensed Brands & Merchandising . . Steven Downing Director, Merchandise & Sales Operations Alyssa Somers Corp. Sales & Product Development Manager . . . . . . . . . . . Ellete Poulin Buyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Violeta Lin Assistant Manager, Merchandise Projects . . . . Max Garvin On-Site Retail Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Flowers On-Site Assistant Retail Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon Hensley Disney Theatrical Productions dtg.guestservices@disney.com

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 29

FOR YOUR INFORMATION THE THEATER A fully restored 1929 “Movie Palace,” the Fox Theatre, with 4,665 seats, is a multiple-purpose facility, housing Broadway shows, ballet, symphonies, concerts, movies, and private corporate events.

PRIVATE EVENTS The Fox Theatre has three private rental spaces, with accommodations for 25 to 1,200 guests. Our Egyptian Ballroom and Grand Salon are beautifully decorated and can be set up to your specifications. The Landmarks Lounge is adjacent to the lobby and is perfect for a small pre-show and intermission event. To book your “Fabulous Fox” evening, please call 404.881.2100 or visit us at www.foxtheatre.org.

TICKET OFFICE The Fox Theatre Ticket Office is located in the arcade entrance to the theatre. The Ticket Office is open for walkup ticket sales Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., and Saturday,10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Fox Theatre Ticket Office is not open on Sundays unless there is a performance. On event days, the Ticket Office opens two hours prior to show time. Doors to the Fox open one hour prior to show time.

Tickets for all performances at the Fox may be purchased online at www.FoxTheatre.org, all Ticket Alternative outlets and all Atlanta-area Whole Foods Markets, by calling 855-285-8499, or by visiting the Fox Theatre Ticket Office in person during regular Box Office hours.

GROUP SALES The Fox Theatre Group Sales Department offers discounts to Groups for most Broadway shows. The Group Sales office is open Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. Call 404 881-2000 or email foxgroup@foxtheatre.org.

CONCESSIONS Concession stands are located in the Spanish Room, main lobby, and on the mezzanine lobby level.

RESTROOMS Restrooms are located off the Main Lobby (downstairs), Mezzanine Lobby levels, and the Gallery level. Accessible restroom facilities are located in the Spanish Room and Accessible/Family restrooms are located through the Office door in the main lobby.

GIFT SHOP The Fox Theatre operates a gift shop selling history books, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and an assortment of other theatre-related merchandise. The gift shop is located in the Spanish Room.

TOURS Fox Theatre Tours are conducted Mondays and Thursdays at 10 AM, 11 AM, noon and 1 PM. Saturday tours are offered at 10 AM and 11 AM. Fox Theatre Tours are guided by Fox employees well-versed in the Fox’s history, current events, awards, and upcoming shows.

Tickets for Fox Theatre Tours are available at the Fox Theatre Ticket Office or online at www.foxtheatre.org.

Special Tours can range from backstage to architectural to a school or college group. Please contact the Fox Theatre by calling 404.881.2100 to schedule your group tour.

LOST AND FOUND Lost and found items are turned in to the Event Staff’s office.

To check on lost items, please call 404-881-2119. Lost and found items will be retained for 30 days.

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EMERGENCY INFORMATION In the event of an emergency, and for your safety, please follow the directions provided by the Fox Theatre staff.

SMOKING In accordance with the Fulton County Clean Air Ordinance, the Fox Theatre is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY The Fox Theatre strives to make events accessible to all guests.

If you require assistance during your visit to the Fox Theatre please seek out or ask for one of our Accessible Ambassadors.

These staff members are attired in the traditional Fox Theatre uniform however also have gold braid and white gloves to make them easier to see. The Fox Theatre offers the use of wheelchairs, listening devices and booster seats at no additional charge. Our Ambassadors will assist you to special restroom accommodations.

Note: Steep Steps lead to all seats on the upper levels. For assistance needed or additional information on programs, please contact the Event Staff’s office at: 404-881-2119.

TICKETS To purchase accessible seating at the Fox Theatre please call: 404-881-2016 Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM or on Saturday, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. A Fox Theatre Ticket Office Associate will be happy to help you. Ticket buyers may also visit the ticketing site at www.foxtheatre.org.

PROGRAMS PROVIDED Opened Captioning Performance Sponsored in partnership through TDF (Theatre Development Fund).

ELEVATORS Elevators are located at the north end of each lobby. The elevators are available during all performances and make it possible to access each lobby without the use of stairs. Patrons should be aware that access to upper seating areas do involve stairs.

PARKING Parking is available within a four-block radius in all directions of the Fox Theatre. Advanced reserved parking is available for sale at the Fox Ticket Office or by calling 855-285-8499. The Fox Theatre assumes no responsibility for vehicles parked in any of the privately owned parking lots operating in the Fox Theatre district.

PERFORMANCE NOTES All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket in order to be admitted to the theatre. Not all events are suitable for children.

Infants will not be admitted to adult programs/performances. Parents will be asked to remove children who create a disturbance.

Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the management, in conjunction with the wishes of the producers.

Please turn off all pagers and cell phones prior to the beginning of each performance.

Camera and recording devices are strictly prohibited.

Backstage employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.)

HollywoodStars

International Management, Inc.

PRESENTS

THE STATE BALLET THEATRE of Russia

P. Tchaikovsky

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY BALLET-FEERIE IN TWO ACTS WITH A PROLOGUE AND APOTHEOSIS Libretto by Ivan Vsevolozhsky Choreography by Marius Petipa Production by Anatoly Emelianov

NIKOLAY ANOKHIN, General Director of the Theatre ANATOLY EMELIANOV, Artistic Director of the Ballet

Season 2017-2018

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION I-1

Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky Composer

Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky was the author of some of the most popular themes in all of classical music. He founded no school, struck out no new paths or compositional methods, and sought few innovations in his works. Yet the power of his best music elevates it to classic status. It was Tchaikovsky’s unique melodic charm that could, whether in his Piano Concerto No. 1 or in his ballet The Nutcracker or in his tragic last symphony, make the music sound familiar on first hearing.

Tchaikovsky was born into a family of five brothers and one sister. He began taking piano lessons at age four and showed remarkable talent, eventually surpassing his own teacher’s abilities. By age nine, he exhibited severe nervous problems, not least because of his overly sensitive nature. The following year, he was sent to St. Petersburg to study at the School of Jurisprudence. The loss of his mother in 1854 dealt a crushing blow to the young Tchaikovsky. In 1859, he took a position in the Ministry of Justice, but longed for a career in music, attending concerts and operas at every opportunity.

He finally began study in harmony with Zaremba in 1861, and enrolled at the St. Petersburg Conservatory the following year, eventually studying composition with Anton Rubinstein.

In 1866, the composer relocated to Moscow, accepting a professorship of harmony at the new conservatory, and shortly afterward turned out his First Symphony, suffering, however, a nervous breakdown during its composition. His opera The Voyevoda came in 1867-1868 and he began another, The Oprichnik, in 1870, completing it two years later. In 1869 Tchaikovsky entered into a working relationship with composer Mily Balakirev, leader of The Five; the result was Tchaikovsky’s first recognized masterpiece, the fantasy-overture Romeo and Juliet. Other works were appearing during this time, as well, including the First String Quartet (1871), the Second Symphony (1873), and the ballet Swan Lake (1875).

In 1876, Tchaikovsky traveled to Paris with his brother, Modest, and then visited Bayreuth, where he met Liszt. By 1877, Tchaikovsky was an established composer. This was the year of Swan Lake’s premiere and the time he began work on the Fourth Symphony (1877-1878). It was also a time when he married Antonina Milyukova, an obsessed admirer, their disastrous union lasting just months. The composer even attempted suicide. Near the end of that year, Nadezhda von Meck, a woman he would never meet, became his patron and frequent correspondent. The period of subsidy by Mme. von Meck was abundantly productive for Tchaikovsky with a spate of outstanding compositions, including the Serenade for Strings (1881), 1812 Overture (1882), and the Fifth Symphony (1888). In both 1888 and 1889, Tchaikovsky went on European tours as a conductor, meeting Brahms, Grieg, Dvŏrak, Gounod, and other notable musical figures. Sleeping Beauty was premiered in 1890, and The Nutcracker in 1892, both with success.

Throughout Tchaikovsky’s last years, he was continually plagued by anxiety and depression. In 1893 he finished his Sixth Symphony (Pathetique) and it was successfully premiered in October the same year. Ten days after the first performance of the new work Tchaikovsky died of cholera in St. Petersburg on 6th November 1893.

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BIOS P. Tchaikovsky

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY BALLET-FEERIE IN TWO ACTS WITH A PROLOGUE AND APOTHEOSIS Libretto by Ivan Vsevolozhsky Choreography by Marius Petipa Production by Anatoly Emelianov Princess Aurora Daria Demchenko (Badykova) Prince Désiré Valeriy Tselichshev King Florestan XIV Alexey Burakov The Queen Diana Smirnova Duchess Viktoriya Yarovaya Princes seeking Alexey Gerasimov, Domenico Napolitano Aurora’s hand in marriage Andrey Badykov, Ivan Nesterov Maids of Honor Alina Zhantieva, Elizaveta Kolmychenko, Elena Zhadan, Airi Watanabe, Elena Danilina, Kristina Lobodina, Aldina Yakhina, Sanda Lungu, Yelena Zerkovska Master of ceremonies Catalabutte Vladislav Tolopilo Galifron, the Tutor Stanislav Faktulin The Wicked Fairy Carabosse Natalia Gubanova Lilac Fairy Anastasia Efremova Candid Fairy (Tenderness Fairy) Elena Zhadan Playfulness Fairy (Twittering canary) Aldina Yakhina Generosity Fairy Kristina Lobodina (Breadcrumb scattering Fairy) Fleur de Farine Fairy Tamara Fokina (Carelessness Fairy) Violent Fairy (Audacity Fairy) Elizaveta Kolmychenko Princess Florine Tamara Fokina Blue Bird Alexey Gerasimov Little Red Riding Hood Aldina Yakhina Grey Wolf Ilya Smirnov White Cat Kristina Lobodina Puss in boots Domenico Napolitano Waltz Corps De Ballet

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION I-3

SYNOPSIS Prologue In the palace of King Florestan XIV the birth of his daughter, Princess Aurora, is being celebrated. Master of Ceremonies Catalabutte is checking the invitation list. The Lilac Fair and Good Fairies appear among the courtiers and the guests coming to honor the Princess. They present to the newborn infant the finest of worldly gifts. Suddenly, a great noise is heard. The evil and powerful Carabosse Fairy drives into the ballroom with her repulsive followers. The King had forgotten to invite her to the celebration. An irate Carabosse predicts that Aurora will die young from pricking her finger with a knitting spindle. But the Lilac Fairy intervenes.

She predicts that the forces of good will minimize that sinister spell. With a peremptory gesture, she forces Carabosse to leave the palace.

Act I It is Princess Aurora’s sixteenth birthday. Four foreign princes have come to ask for her hand.

At the height of the festivities, an old woman with a knitting spindle appears at the Princess’s side. Trustful Aurora takes it and continues to dance. Suddenly, she stops dancing and looks with horror at her finger which she has accidentally pricked with the spindle. Overcome by deadly cold, Aurora falls to the ground. The unknown old woman throws off her hood — it is the Carabosse Fairy! Her curse has come to pass. Whirling around maliciously, she disappears with a cackle. But the Lilac Fairy appears on the scene — she has the power to mitigate the evil spell. Aurora is not dead — she has fallen asleep. She will be brought back to life by the passionate kiss of a handsome Prince. The Lilac Fairy plunges the whole kingdom into a deep sleep.

ACT II Scene 1 Surrounded by grandees, Prince Désiré is whiling away the time in the royal park.

He is overcome by melancholy. And, as if in answer to his call, the Lilac Fairy appears before him. She summons up a vision of Aurora, surrounded by divine beings — the Nereids. The enchanted Prince hurries after the beautiful image but, at the wave of the Lilac Fairy’s wand, it vanishes. Désiré implores the Lilac Fairy to search for the beautiful maiden. And the Lilac Fairy invites the Prince to sail in her magic craft to the bewitched castle.

Scene 2 Gloom and desolation reign in the sleeping kingdom. It is guarded by the evil Carabosse Fairy.

The Lilac Fairy and Prince Désiré rapidly approach the castle. The wicked old woman and her followers try to conceal Aurora, but in vain - the Prince catches sight of the sleeping beauty.

Completely won over by her charm, the Prince tenderly kisses the Princess - and the evil spell is broken! Carabosse and her followers vanish. Aurora wakes up and the royal kingdom comes to life, too. As soon as the Princess sets eyes on her deliverer, her heart fills with love. Désiré asks the King and Queen for their daughter’s hand in marriage.

Apotheosis Fairy-tale characters have come to Aurora and Désiré’s wedding: Princess Florine and Blue Bird, The White Cat and Puss in Boots, Little Red Riding Hood and The Gray Wolf, Cinderella and Prince Fortuné. The Prince and Princess dance in a harmonious and solemn duet. The Lilac Fairy and her suite bless the happy couple.

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BIOS Nikolay ANOKHIN General Director of the Theatre

Nikolay Anokhin (General Director of the Theatre) was born on January 30, 1957, in the city of Voronezh, Russia. He graduated in 1974 from The Voronezh Choreographic School in the class of Valentine Slyhanov. Later, he graduated from the State Cultural Art Institute in the class of director Anatoly Borzov. He began his professional career in 1975 as ballet dancer in the dance and a song company “Russ” of the Vladimir Philharmonic Society. He was then a member of the ensemble “Donskiye Kazaki” in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. In 1977, Anokhin joined the world-famous the Moiseyev Dance Company and the following year became a Principal Dancer in the company. He was a prize winner in the all Union ballet masters competition in 1989.

He began his career as a director in 1990 as Artistic Director of the theater-show company “Intersonus” in Warsaw Poland. In 1992, he was producer, director, and organizer of the anniversary concerts of the legendary ballet dancer Maya Plisetskaya. From 1994 through 2005, Anokhin was one of organizers of the Ballet Festival in Mikkeli, Finland.

Mr. Anokhin has produced many ballet projects with international stars such as Patrick Dupon, Vladimir Malakhov, Diana Vishneva, Julia Kent, Farukh Ruzimatov, Alexey Rapmansky, and many others. As an impresario, Anokhin has organized and conducted more than 300 ballet performances and concerts in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the Baltic countries.

He has coordinated and conducted in the tours of numerous international companies, including the Flamenco Theater of Thomas de Madrid of Madrid, Spain; the National Ballet of Argentina, “Criolyo,” from Buenos Aires; the Jazz Step Ensemble from Los Angeles; Tango “Tiero-A-Tiero” from Buenos Aires; the Antonio Gades Company of Madrid; the National Ballet of Korea from Seoul, Korea; and the Strauss Festival Orchestra of Vienna, Austria.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION I-5

BIOS Anatoly EMELIANOV Artistic Director of the Ballet

Anatoly Emelianov (Artistic Director of the Ballet) is a Knight of Second Diaghilev Order for his “Contributions to Russian Culture.” Mr. Emelianov graduated from Perm State Choreography College in 1991. In 2001, he also earned a degree at the Faculty of Choreography of The Russian Academy of Theater Art. His career began at the Nizhny Novgorod Opera and Ballet Theatre and continued at the Moscow Children’s Music Theater directed by Natalia Sats, at the Festival Theater directed by Sergei Radchenko, and the Moscow City Ballet by Victor Smirnov-Golovanov. At present he is a star of the Metropolitan Classical Ballet directed by A. Vetrov in Arlington, Texas, in the United States. He is Artistic Director and choreographer at The Crown of Russian Ballet Theater, and he became Artistic Director of The State Ballet Theatre of Russia in 2009.

Mr. Emelianov’s repertory includes leading roles in Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Spartacus, Petit Prince, Scarlet Sails, Juno and Avos, Daylight Leaves the Earth, Blue Bird, Gypsy Motives, Esenin and Aysedora, Carmen, Prodigal Son, Tristan and Isolde, Kursk Song, The Time, Daphnis et Chloé, and Vasilisa.

Among Mr. Emelianov’s ballet productions are Romeo and Juliet and Daylight Leaves the Earth set to music by Tchaikovsky; the original versions of The Nutcracker and Cinderella; Carmen to music by Bizet and Schedrin; Cross Winds to music by Chopin; Gypsy Motives based on folk songs; Juno and Avos to the music of the Russian rock opera by Alexey Rybnikov; Esenin and Aysedora to pieces by Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Schnittke, and Prokofiev; Martin Luther to music by Bach and Handel; Kursk Songs to music of Sviridov and Stravinsky; Tristan and Isolde to pieces

by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Mahler, and Barber; and Vasilisa to music by Rachmaninov.

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BIOS Anastasia EMELIANOVA Soloist, Ballet Master, Coach

Anastasia Emelianova was born in the city of Odessa, Ukraine in 1988. She graduated from the Natalia Trishina and Yuly Medvedev School of Classic Dance in 2004.

Anastasia is a Laureate of the Rosse International Ballet Competition.

Ms. Emelianova has danced with the following ballet companies: Moscow City Ballet, Imperial Ballet, The Crown of Russian Ballet.

Her repertoire includes The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Carmen, Sleeping Beauty, Tristan and Isolde, Vasilisa, Romeo and Juliet, Time, Don Quixote, Cross Winds, etc.

Anastasia Emelianova worked as a Ballet Master and Coach for many classical ballet productions such as C. Pugni - Pas de Quatre; S. Prokofiev - Cinderella, The Stone Flower; P. Tchaikovsky - Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

Ms. Emelianova performed on tour in many countries, including Poland, Hungary, Romania, Germany, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Canada, and the United States of America.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION I-7

BIOS Darya DEMCHENKO Artistic Director of the Ballet

Darya Demchenko has graduated from the Tchaikovsky’s Perm State Choreographic College, class of E. Bystritskaya, 2005. Since her graduation Darya has performed as a Soloist, Prima Ballerina with the Chelyabinsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.

From 2009 to 2010 Ms. Demchenko also performed with the Moscow Theatre of Classical Ballet.

Her repertoire includes: Paquita (Paquita), The Golden Age of Russian Imperial Ballet (the Queen of Waters), The Sleeping Beauty (Princes Aurora, the Lilac Fairy), Giselle (Mirta), Swan Lake (Odette / Odile, Pas de Trois, Brides, Big Swans), Esmeralda (Fleur de Lys), The Servant of Two Masters (Beatrice), Don Quixote (Kitri, Street Dancer, the Queen of the Dryads), The Nutcracker (Masha, the Spanish Dance, the Russian Dance), La Bayadere (Gamzatti).

Darya is a winner of multiple International Ballet Competitions. She took part in numerous international ballet tours.

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BIOS Tamara FOKINA Prima Ballerina

Tamara Fokina has graduated from the Bashkir Chorographic College, City of Ufa, Russia in 2009. She furthered her education at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory, in the class of Professor Nikita Dolgushin. While in school Tamara joined The St. Petersburg Ballet Theater named after P. Tchaikovsky.

Tamara’s repertoire includes The Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Don Quixote, Le Corsair, Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet and many other classical productions.

Ms. Fokina is the Laureate of the Varna (Bulgaria) International Ballet Competition in 2012 and the Laureate of the Helsinki International Ballet Competition in 2014.

Tamara Fokina has performed on tour in many countries, including Germany, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Israel, Canada, and the United States of America.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION I-9

BIOS Valeriy TSELISCHEV Principal Dancer

In 2009 Valeriy Tselischev has graduated from the Novosibirsk State Choreographic College.

The same year he joined The Chelyabinsk State Opera and Ballet Theater.

His repertoire includes the Swan Lake (Benno, Pas de Trois, Siegfried), Giselle (Pas de Trois), El Mundo de Goya (Chico), Paquita (Pas de Trios), The Nutcracker (Harlequin, Nutcracker, Nutcracker prince), Romeo and Juliet (Benvolio, Romeo), Nayada and the Fisherman (two fishermen), Firebird (Kaschei), Esmeralda (Phoebus), Don Quixote (Basil), Flames of Paris (Pas de Deux).

He is the Laureate of the Krasnoyarsk Ballet Competition in 2010 and the Laureate of the “Arabesk� Ballet Competition in the City of Perm, Russia in 2012.

Valeriy Tselischev has performed on tour in many countries, including China, Germany, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Israel, Canada, United States of America and France.

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BIOS Evgeniy KUCHVAR Principal Dancer

Evgeniy Kuchvar was born in 1990 in the city of Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. In 2000 he was admitted to the Dnepropetrovsk State Choreographic School of the Dnepropetrovsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, in the class of Professor V. Volkova. He graduated from Dnepropetrovsk State Choreographic School in 2008.

Evgeniy made his first debut on stage in 2004. In 2011 he joined the B. Eifman State Ballet Theater of St. Petersburg, Russia. Presently Evgeniy performs as a principal dancer of the Dnepropetrovsk State Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Evgeniy’s repertoire includes The Swan Lake (Pas de Trois, Siegfried, Rothbart), The Nutcracker (the Prince, Mouse King, Spanish Dance), The Sleeping Beauty (Prince Desire, Wolfe, the Blue bird), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo, Tybalt), Christmas Eve (Vakula), Junior and Karlson (Rulle), That Tango in June (Odessa Nipper), Carmina Burana (Tempter), The Lady of the Camellias (ballet), Arabian Nights (Shakhriyar), Olga (Prince Svyatoslav, Prince Igor), Le Corsaire (Conrad), Cinderella (Prince), Don Quixote (Basilio), Jesus (Jesus), Carmen Suite (Jose).

Mr. Kuchvar has performed on tour in many countries, including Germany, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Israel, Canada, and the United States of America.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION I-11

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TWO PERFORMANCES ADDED!

FEBRUARY 20-28 FoxTheatre.org/Rent

ETIQUETTE 1. Please arrive early. Latecomers may not be

THE FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree Street, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30308 404.881.2100 • Www.foxtheatre.org

seated until intermission.

2. Take care of personal needs (drinks of water or restroom) before the performance begins.

3.

Please silence or turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones, beepers, and watch alarms. We encourage you to share your experience at the Fox via social media, but please refrain from doing so or texting during performances; the glow from your device is distracting.

4. Most shows do not allow photography of any kind. Flash photography inside the theatre is never allowed as it is a distraction to those around you and a danger to the performers.

5. The overture is part of the performance.

Please cease talking at this point.

6.

Dear Lovebirds, when you lean your heads together, you block the view of the people behind you. Please consider the people that will be seated behind you when choosing whether or not to wear a hat or what hair style you choose.

7. Please refrain from talking, humming, or singing along with the show, except when encouraged to do so by the artist or show.

8. Please wait for an appropriate moment to dig something out of your pocket or bag.

9. Go easy with the perfume and cologne, many people are highly allergic.

10. If you need assistance during the show, please go to your nearest volunteer usher. If additional assistance is needed the usher will get the appropriate person to further help you.

11. Yes, the parking lot gets busy and public transportation is tricky, but leaving while the show is in progress or before the actors have taken their final bows is discourteous. Wait until it is over and then exit with the rest of the audience.

32 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

STAFF Allan C. Vella. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President & C.E.O. Adina Alford Erwin . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President & C.O.O. Jeff Quesenberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President & C.F.O. Jamie Vosmeier. . . . . . Senior Director, Sales and Marketing Shannon Caudill. . . Director of Operations & Public Safety Lester Andrews. . . . . . Director of Information Systems Nancy Lutz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Special Events Lucy Lawler-Freas. . . . . . . . . . Director of Programming Shelly Kleppsattel. . . . . . . Booking & Contract Manager William Renshaw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Finance Rachel Bomeli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Events Erick Jimerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ticket Office Manager Jon Cooper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest Services Manager Shelby Moody. . . . . . . . Corporate Group Sales Manager Aly Knight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marketing Manager Laura Zimbrick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Partnership Premium Seating Manager Jimmy McConico. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security Manager Jerome Carter. . . . . . . . . Facilities Operations Supervisor Amy Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Production Gary Hardaway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Carpenter Larry Watson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Flyman Scott Hardin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Props/Projectionist Ray T. Haynie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Electrician Cary Oldknow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Electrician Rodney Amos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Audio

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Edward L. White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman Keith O Cowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice Chairman Clara Axam, Robyn Barkin, Beauchamp Carr, Renee Dye, Sheffield Hale, John Holder, Edward Hutchison, Walt Huntley, Craig Jones, Jay Myers, Glen Romm

EMERITUS MEMBERS John Busby Jr., Anne Cox Chambers, Pat Connell, Rodney Cook, Ada Lee Correll, Richard Courts, Jere Drummond, Richard Flinn, Julia Grumbles, Steve Koonin, Charles Lawson, Robert Minnear, Starr Moore, Joseph Myers, Edward Negri, Edgar Neiss, Joe Patten, Carl Patton, Sylvia Russell, Nancy Simms, Preston Stevens, Alan Thomas, Clyde Tuggle, Carolyn Wills Official Beverage of the Fox

Official Vehicle of the Fox

Official Hotel and Restaurant of the Fox

Official Energy Partner of the Fox

Official Beer of the Fox

Official Bank of the Fox

Official Healthcare Partner of the Fox

Official Grocer of the Fox

ARTFULLY YOURS Whether it’s music from the movies or the classical masters with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, a classic ballet at the Lafayette Society for the Performing Arts, or your favorite Broadway-style production onstage at LaGrange College’s Price Theatre, you can enjoy a full season of performing arts in our community.

Just a short drive from Atlanta, visit LaGrange where you can escape the humdrum of everyday life. Plan your journey our way at

visitlagrange.com 706.884.8671

Wild Things Rub noses with a camel or cozy up to a Fennec fox.

You can feel the love at any number of Georgia wildlife centers and sanctuaries.

By Therra Catherine Gwyn Jaramillo

W

hat if we told you that lions, tigers and bears (oh, my) are your neighbors? Don’t look for them at your block party, but you can visit and explore your own animal nature almost anytime at the wildlife habitats, sanctuaries, 34 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

zoos and environmental education centers around Georgia. Many sites offer a triple bonus: They’re entertaining, economical and educational. In some cases, you’re even supporting conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

WILDLIFE SAFARI

If your idea of a natural encounter is letting bison eat from your hand or seeing majestic giraffes roam freely, you’re in the right state of mind (and place). Here are five spots, arranged alphabetically, to start you walking on the wild side. No animals were harmed in the making of this story.

CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY The center in Statesboro, a 12-acre wetland preserve with a beaver lodge and walking paths, includes the Lamar Q. Ball Jr. Raptor Center. Its mission is to support the university’s environmental education programs and provide wildlife encounters for humans.

Watch eagles scrape the clouds. See the habits and habitats of raptors, mammals,

amphibians and reptiles. Learn about native species like alligators, and invasive ones like the coypu, “marsh dog” or nutria (they look like beavers but don’t build dams.

Choose a self-guided tour, see skunks and bunnies, follow the Children’s Discovery Trail or take in a raptor flight/ demonstration. Spend the night in the campground (tent rentals available), hike after dark and learn from staff members about nocturnal animals.

Feeling brave? Sure you are. Pet the center’s pal, Monty the python. $2; $1 age 3-11 and military with ID. Hours: 9 a.m-4:45 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1-4:45 p.m.

Saturday (closed Saturdays in June-August and holidays). 1 Southern Drive, Statesboro.

912.478.0831. academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ wildlife.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 35

36 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

weather permitting. 469 Old Dahlonega Highway, Dahlonega. 678.859.6820. chestateewildlife.com.

NOAH’S ARK ANIMAL SANCTUARY This 250-acre nonprofit sanctuary in Locust Grove, 45 minutes south of Atlanta, heals and houses wild things rescued by the Department of Natural Resources or transported from zoos and learning centers.

Noah’s Ark is home to more than 100 species and 1,500 critters. Residents range from monkeys and macaws to white tigers and wolves. Hundreds more furred and feathered creatures find their way here for rehabilitation each year. If an animal cannot be safely returned to the wild, then hakuna matata (no worries), it stays for life.

Allow at least an hour for a free, selfguided tour. Animal encounters are available for a fee. Get ultimate access as a “Keeper for a Day” — working and lunching with a zookeeper.

Caring for the animals costs the Ark $33,000 a month, so donations of cash, food and supplies are always welcome. Check online for a wish list and ways to help.

Self-guided tours free. Noon-3 p.m. Tuesday-

CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

CHESTATEE WILDLIFE PRESERVE & ZOO Get cozy with emus (flightless birds), elk, zebras, lions, grizzlies and Foxie, a super-cute Fennec fox with really big ears. The smallish 20-acre Chestatee preserve in Dahlonega is home to some 100 exotic species and domestic animals, many of them rescues.

It brings humans and beasts together through education, observation and interaction. Pack a picnic and watch the wild things play. Take a selfie with a hedgehog or hold a corn snake during a private smallanimal encounter. Breakfasting with the big cats is a mane event here, a chance to help zookeepers feed lions, tigers and leopards, and then toss a treat or three to bears, zebras and horses. You’d be wise to book your visit at least a week in advance.

Chestatee is a nonprofit, staffed mostly by volunteers. Your new friends will roar and grant in appreciation if you can donate fresh veggies or canned food (peaches, pears, green beans, peanut butter). $10; $5 age 11 and under. Small-animal encounter $100 (per family or group). Breakfast with big cats $250 per person. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.,

OATLAND ISLAND WILDLIFE CENTER OF SAVANNAH The beauty and delicate eco-balance of coastal Georgia is highlighted in the compact, zoo-like Oatland Island preserve, surrounded by a hundred acres of maritime forest.

Conservation and education are a priority at this Savannah area facility. See cougars and bobcats as you walk, plus a regal bald eagle, a ghostly barn owl and hawks at the Birds of Prey sanctuary.

The elusive gray wolf is found in the Wolf Wilderness section, along with the Southern flying squirrel and other Deep South forest dwellers. Visit goats, turkeys and donkeys in the Barnyard and end your tour with the bison.

Educational events focus on such activities as open-fire cooking and beekeeping. Summer camps available for kindergarteners through eighth-graders. $5; $3 kids, military, age 65 and up. Hours: 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah. 912.395.1500. oatlandisland.org.

38 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

WILD ANIMAL SAFARI Here in Pine Mountain, you drive on the wild side to see hundreds of roaming camels, zebras, American bison, giraffes, Watusi cattle, water buffalo and more.

You’ll be far from any traffic jams on this 3.5-mile route but don’t be surprised if someone lumbers to your car to say hello. You haven’t really lived until a camel pulls you over.

If you’d rather not use your own ride, rent a park zebra van or take the tour bus (not available year-round; bus schedules are posted at the park entrance).

Your admission includes entry to the Animal Walkabout where, in a more zoo-like setting, you’ll meet lemurs, alpacas, monkeys, exotic birds and Athena the white tiger.

Plan on at least two hours to explore both sections of the park. $26.95; $23.95 ages 3-12 and age 65-plus. AAA, military and emergency- responder discounts available. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. 1300 Oak Grove Road, Pine Mountain. 706.663.8744. animalsafari.com.

WILDLIFE SAFARI

Saturday. $75-$500 Keeper for a Day tours booked in advance. 712 LG Griffin Road, Locust Grove.

770.957.0888. noahs-ark.org.

By Ken Ludwig

The Madcap Screwball Follow-up to the Smash Hit Lend Me A Tenor!

MARCH 1 - 18, 2018 The stage is set for the concert of the century - as long as producer Henry Saunders can keep Italian superstar Tito Merelli and his hot-blooded wife Maria from causing runaway chaos. An uproarious ride, full of mistaken identities, bedroom hijinks, and crackling mayhem.

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BLESS THESE BEASTS, TOO Wild adventures can also be found from Albany, Athens and Cleveland, to Quitman and Valdosta. If you don’t want to do a day trip or overnighter, Zoo Atlanta (404.624.9453, zooatlanta.org) is in your backyard. Read on to learn more.

NORTH GEORGIA ZOO & FARM Come to Cleveland for hands-on exhibits, tours and a petting zoo (donkeys, pigs, llamas young and old). The disparate “family” includes cougars, lynx, New Guinea singing dogs, lemurs, marmosets, any number of birds, plus reptiles, amphibians, insects and hoofstock (camels, donkeys and such). Various encounters available. $23; $21 age 2-11 (infants free). Petting Farm only is $8; $6 children. Farm tours are $19; $15 for children. Encounters are priced separately. Hours vary by day of week. Details: 706.348.7279 or northgeorgiazoo.com.

TIGER STRIPES EXOTIC ANIMAL SANCTUARY This Quitman nonprofit rescues exotic and farm animals, providing a permanent home in which they’re cared for and protected for life.

It also provides educational tours and has a petting zoo. $10; $5 age 10 and under. Open 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m. every third Thursday (but check ahead). Details: 229.506.9099 or 220.263.6805, tigerstripes.org or facebook.com/Tiger-Stripes-355534910416.

WILD ADVENTURES THEME PARK This zoological park in Valdosta reopens March 10 for a season that runs weekends40 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

only until June 1. Its animal kingdom includes African cranes and parrots, alpacas, gators, Asian elephants, Asian water buffalo, pygmy goats, a black bear, an India black buck, snakes, desert lynx, giraffes, giant zebras, the greater one-horned rhino, hedgehogs and meerkats, tortoises and much more. The park includes rides, games and creature talks. $39-$60. Includes admission to Splash Island Waterpark in season. Hours vary. Details: 229.219.7080 or wildadventures.com.

ZOO OF CHEHAW PARK The Wild Animal Park in Albany was designed by naturalist Jim Fowler of TV’s “Wild Kingdom.” Chehaw, with more than 700 acres of conservation land and animal habitats, calls itself “nature’s playground.”

It’s home to more than 200 animals of more than 125 species — cheetahs, black rhinos, meerkats, black bears, monkeys, camels, emus and tortoises, among many others. The zoo, founded on conservation, preservation and education, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Park only: $3 age 13 and up; $2 age 4-12, age 62 and up, and military. Zoo only: $8.20 age 13 and up; $7.20 age 62 and up; $5.30 age 4-12 and military; under 3 free. Park open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. MondaySunday. Zoo open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. MondaySunday. Details: 229.430.5275 or chehaw.org.

CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

BEAR HOLLOW ZOO This Athens spot is home to non-releasable wildlife that faced physical or behavioral challenges and will live out their lives as species ambassadors. Meet a bald eagle named Honovi; assorted owls; a red-tailed hawk named Ohoopee; wild turkeys; a turkey vulture; black bears named DJ, Athena and Yonah; a bobcat named Katie; an American alligator, various snakes, gopher frogs and gopher tortoises, among others.

Free. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Exhibit hall open 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Details: 706.613.3580 or athensclarkecounty.com/2757/Bear-Hollow-Zoo.

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Food for Thought JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Atlanta remains bullish on Italian, Forsyth County’s Halcyon adds 4 more eateries and Ford Fry trades tattoos for Tex-Mex.

By David Danzig

W

WELL DONE That waft of smoldering hickory you smell near downtown’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium comes from 4 Rivers Smokehouse, a Florida export from pit master John Rivers. Rivers retired as president of a multibillion-dollar health-care company to perfect his love of Texas-style brisket.

With 13 locations now running in Florida, Atlanta gets its own version, in a refurbished 1915 firehouse on the West Side.

The smoker produces brisket, chicken, St. Louis ribs, burnt ends and even brontosaurus-size beef ribs. The sides — sweet potato casserole, fried okra, baked cheese grits and Brunswick stew — 42 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

DAVID DANZIG

ith this column, we salute brilliant brisket and new brews news, take a look at former strip-club/dive-bar the Clermont Lounge and its plans to go upscale (!!!), and report the brick-andmortar demise of corn dogs and boozy milkshakes in Avondale Estates.

are bona-fide barbecue stuff. For dessert: banana dream pudding made with Nilla wafers, Sandwiches like the Texas Destroyer (made with brisket), barbecue brisket tacos and a smokehouse Cuban sandwich show that 4 Rivers can crank out the meats and put them together in amazing ways. …

Suburbanites continue to demand restaurant excellence and get it. The latest example: From the Earth Brewing Co., a smart new brewpub in Roswell that pairs house-brewed craft beers with a menu of sophisticated yet approachable comfort food in a cozy but hip environment.

You’ll probably want to begin with a flight of house drafts from brewmaster Jamie Parker. Golden ale, hefeweizen, IPA and double IPA, imperial stout and Belgian tripel are among Parkers’ creations. Good news: The brews also are available to-go.

The one-page menu changes often but generally includes a house-made pretzel, crispy Brussels sprouts, a double-stack cheeseburger, barbecue brisket tacos, fried chicken, seared

Thank you, Florida.

A bounty of barbecue — brisket, chicken, St. Louis ribs, burnt ends and brontosaurussize beef ribs — is now being served at 4 Rivers Smokehouse near Mercedes-Benz Stadium downtown.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 43

salmon and an iron-skillet pork chop. All are simple plates served beautifully with locally sourced ingredients. Owner Tim Stephens has an impressive intown restaurant pedigree and is now on his own on Holcomb Bridge Road. …

44 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

SIMMERING Big names keep bubbling onto Atlanta’s culinary stage. Now comes international Japanese superstar Nobu Matsushisa, who’s building on the rubble of the old Belk store at Phipps Plaza. The project includes a Nobu Hotel and a restaurant called Nobu Atlanta Restaurant. Look also for Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink by well-known Miami-based chef Michael Schwartz. …

DAVID DANZIG

At Donetto in West Midtown, an omelet (top) is made with trout roe, mascarpone and chives. Cheer your plate with its “Netspritz and Chill,” made with house limonata, rosemary, aperol, prosecco and lemon.

A bull named Donetto has charged into Westt Midtown. The gorgeous Italian restaurant is named for the heaviest Italian Chianina bull ever weighed (3,800 pounds). Chef Michael Perez makes fresh melt-in-your-mouth pasta like tagliatelle with clams, fusilli with smoked fish, or ripiena stuffed with quail.

A 45-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye, a half-smoked chicken and octopus plated with white beans pair nicely with inventive cocktails. The “Netspritz and Chill” is made with house limonata, rosemary, aperol, prosecco and lemon; the “Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder” is made with 229 gin, honey and absinthe.

Donetto, on Brady Avenue, holds its own nicely in a neighborhood chock-full of heavy-hitters, award winners and a city brimming with standout Italian cuisine.

Ins I st on makI ng a t o a s t.

Enjo y l I f E t o t hE f ul l E s t thEr E arE no drE ss rE h Ea r s a l s . hav E y our st E ak and E at I t, t o o .

F ou r AtlAntA restAur Ants to s e rv e Y o u Alpharetta · Buckhead · Centennial olympic Park · Kennesaw For location details, visit RuthsChris.net

A new steakhouse named Arnette’s Chop Shop joins Apple Valley Brookhaven, a 70,000sq. ft. mixed-use complex a bit father north on Peachtree Road. Arnette’s comes from Michael Arnette, who runs Haven Restaurant and Bar (New American), Valenza (Southern Italian) and Vero Pizzeria, all on Dresden Drive. Look for an opening by Valentine’s Day. …

Restaurant mogul Ford Fry has commandeered an old tattoo parlor at Piedmont and Cheshire Bridge roads, and is working on a new Tex-Mex concept (not an El Felix or Superica). Fry says it will be a “super-casual joint with wood-roasted ‘chicken al carbon’ at its core.” Plan on breakfast tacos, a Texas staple, to be prominent as well. The 3,500-sq. ft. space should open in the summer. …

And finally, if only the walls could talk. The Clermont Lounge, one of Atlanta’s more infamous landmarks, is being reborn. Look for the 1920s building, the longtime home of

46 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

DVAID SANZIG

From the Earth Brewing Co. adorns crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon and blue cheese (top) and makes barbecue brisket tacos with Korean sauce and slaw. Fill up at the new spot on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell.

Four more eateries have signed on to Halcyon, the 135-acre mixed-use development in Forsyth County: MidiCi Neapolitan Pizza, Cocina & Taqueria, Pita Mediterranean Street Food and poke restaurant Sweet Tuna, as reported by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

They join Gu’s Dumplings, Tacayo, Butcher & Brew and Co-Op Community Kitchen & Table. Expect openings throughout 2018. …

gordon biersch brewery restaurant

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6 miles north of the Fox Theatre 404.264.0253

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Turning the Clermont Lounge from a strip club/dive bar into the Hotel Clermont and Tiny Lou’s restaurant are (from left) Alan Rae, chef Jeb Aldrich and NickHassiotis.

a strip club/dive bar, to re-emerge in the spring as Hotel Clermont, a fancy boutique hotel with an all-new restaurant called Tiny Lou’s.

It’s named for the 1950s stripper who pranced in the Gypsy Room, as it was called at the time. According to legend, Lou was notorious as “the girl who refused to dance with Hitler.” The in-house restaurant will be an American-French brasserie led by executive chef Jeb Aldrich, who plans a French-American menu with Southern accents.

TOAST It survived the Great Recession, but Buckhead’s BrickTop’s did not survive 2017. The steak-seafood-sandwich spot shuttered on New Year’s Eve. It opened in late 2007 in the Terminus 100 development on Peachtree Road — along with several other high-profile pre-recession openings — and outlasted most of them. It’s moving to Birmingham. Other BrickTop’s remain in North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Missouri. …

The deep-fried and delightfully kitschy Pallookaville Fine Foods has battered its last corn dog and poured its last boozy milkshake in Avondale Estates. Happily, the food-truck edition of the carnival food emporium lives on.

Food for Thought, Encore Atlanta’s bimonthly dining column, keeps you up to date on openings, closings and what chefs are up to in one of three categories — well done (reasons for praise), simmering (what’s in the works) and toast (what’s closed, etc.). Email kathy@encoreatlanta.com.

48 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

HEIDI GELDHAUSER

Midtown’s Gordon Biersch said danke shoen and auf Wiedersehen and closed in mid-November. The 18-year-old restaurant opened before development in the neighborhood spiked. The Buckhead location remains open. …

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 49

THE ENCORE ATLANTA

DINING GUIDE

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Try one of

these local restaurants before or after the show. For dinner-and-show packages, visit encoreatlanta.com/offers.

AMERICAN LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT AND BAR — It’s hard to beat the location (across from the Fox Theatre in the Georgian Terrace), and diners get complimentary parking, but the main attraction is the glamour of the main dining room, which has hosted the likes of Clark Gable, and the al fresco seating area.

659 Peachtree St. NE, 404.897.5000, livingstonatlanta.com. M LOBBY — The much-praised Lobby Bar and Bistro is a stylish yet casual modern American bistro that entices guests with its tempting aromas and alluring atmosphere..

361 17th St. NE, 404.961.7370, lobbyattwelve.com, M ONE. MIDTOWN KITCHEN — This oneof-a-kind concept, located in a renovated urban warehouse, offers approachable, high-energy American cuisine. Whether it is small plates or a three-course meal, ONE adds gourmet flair using the freshest seasonal ingredients. 559 Dutch Valley Road, 404.892.4111, onemidtownkitchen.com. M 50 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

PACES & VINE — Located in The Vinings Jubilee with classic American comfort food crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Shared plates, fish, steaks. Winecentric bar with craft cocktails. Weekday lunch, weekend brunch and dinner menus led by Atlanta Chef Kyle Schmidt who comes to Paces & Vine after eight years in Atlanta kitchens King and Duke, JCT Kitchen and No. 246, among others. Lunch, dinner, Saturday and Sunday brunch.

4300 Paces Ferry Road, 404.205.8255, pacesandvine.com. V

NEIGHBORHOOD CODES A Alpharetta M Midtown BR Brookhaven NA North Atlanta BW Brookwood OFW Old Fourth Ward B Buckhead P Perimeter Mall D Downtown SS Sandy Springs DK DeKalb V Vinings DW Dunwoody VH Virginia Highland IP Inman Park W Westside

LET’S BE FRIENDS

At Encore Atlanta, we love our fans.

That’s why we frequently give away tickets, share special 50% off deals and the best Atlanta has to offer every day. So connect with Encore Atlanta on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Pinterest!

Don’t forget to download the free Encore Atlanta+ app for your mobile device to unlock bonus content in our show programs (and this ad).

THE ENCORE ATLANTA DINING GUIDE PARISH — Unique people, delicious food and good-for-the-Earth goods all come together at this brasserie and neighborhood café. Step off the BeltLine and join the vibrant culture of Inman Park. Whether you go upstairs to the brasserie or head downstairs to the café, expect inspired familiar American food, inventive beverages and warm hospitality.

240 North Highland Ave. NE, 404.681.4434, parishatl.com. OFW

TWO URBAN LICKS — Heats up the Atlanta restaurant scene with its fiery American cooking. The experience available at TWO urban licks has made it one of the city’s busiest restaurants on a nightly basis. 820 Ralph McGill Blvd., 404.522.4622, twourbanlicks.com. M AMERICAN/STEAKHOUSE ROOM AT TWELVE — Go to this modern American steakhouse for drinks, steaks and sushi. You’ll find it on West Peachtree Street in the boutique TWELVE Hotel, Centennial Park. Room is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call or visit for reservations and more.

400 Peachtree St NW, #12, 404.418.1250. roomattwelve.com, D RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE — A favorite local steakhouse with multiple locations near shopping and entertainment hot spots. Sides are generous, and the quality of the steaks and seafood is excellent. Four locations: Alpharetta, 11655 Haynes Bridge Road, 770.777.1500; Buckhead, 3285 Peachtree Road NE, 404.365.0660; Centennial Olympic Park, 267 Marietta St. NW, 404.223.6500; Kennesaw, 620 Chastain Road NW, 770.420.1985; ruthschris.com. A, B, D

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SOHO’s Painted Hills short rib tacos, black pepper mustard, caramelized onions, cilantro sauce in a potato chip shell.

SOUTH CITY KITCHEN — With a stylish, Southern-contemporary menu, this DiRoNA restaurant helped make grits hip for the business crowd. Three locations: Buckhead: 3350 Peachtree Rd #175, 404.815-6677; Midtown: 1144 Crescent Ave., 404.873.7358; Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway, 770.435.0700, southcitykitchen.com. B, M, V STK ATLANTA — STK blends a chic lounge and a dynamic fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. Midtown: 1075 Peachtree St., NE (at 12th St.); 404.793.0144, togrp.com/venue/ stk-atlanta. M BREW PUB/GOURMET PUB FARE GORDON BIERSCH — Fresh-brewed beers are a tasty accent to this brewery-restaurant’s hearty pizzas, salads and sandwiches.

242 Peachtree Road NE, 404.264.0253, gordonbiersch.com. B THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN — This Southern-inspired gastropub located in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta “celebrates every aspect of what it means to be from the South,” using locally sourced ingredients in their fresh, modern take on traditional dishes. Beverages? Your choices run from barrel-aged cocktails to bottled libations

NARKFBAXTER

SOHO — American-style bistro offers fish and seafood, beef, game and poultry, with gluten-free lunch and dinner options, plus their specially-priced Cobb Energy Centre theater menu will get you in and out with plenty of time to make the performance; just show your tickets to your server. Different weekly “wine and tapas” flights debut each Wednesday night.

Vinings Jubilee, 4300 Paces Ferry Road, 770.801.0069, sohoatlanta.com. V

at M A OF AT RCUS JCC LANTA

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Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award ®

The Flying dutchman Wagner

November 4-12, 2017 Cobb Energy Centre Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award ®

JACLYN RAINEY, Horn

OCT 2017

AUG 30 – SEP 24, 2017 Shakespeare_ALL1708_1-48-mfb-8-8-17.indd 1

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AN EVENING WITH TRAVIS TRITT OCT. 13

April 29, May 2, 5, 7, 2017 Cobb Energy Centre Nov. 25–Dec. 24, 2016 discover us. discover you.

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DO YOU WANT TO REACH MORE THAN 4 MILLION ACTIVE, ENGAGED AND CONNECTED PEOPLE THIS YEAR?

ADVERTISE IN ENCORE ATLANTA! To find out about advertising with Encore Atlanta contact Tom Casey by phone, 678–837–4032, or by email, tomcasey@encoreatlanta.com, today!

OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF

DISCOVERIES SERIES SPONSORED BY

The Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

T H E F OX T H E AT R E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

THE FOX THEATRE

Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®

MOZART’S

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ET PAGE TAO SECR

GARDENER Atlanta Botanical Garden May 19 & 20, 2017

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Sept. 3–Oct. 5, 2014

Winter 2017 FOXTHEATRE .ORG

JANUARY 2014 | WWW.FOXTHEATRE.ORG | WWW.ENCOREATLANTA.COM

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®

2017/18

SEASON OPENING

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Robert Spano Music Director

SEPT. 20 & 21

SEP 2017

Robert Spano Music Director

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THE ENCORE ATLANTA DINING GUIDE to adult beverages on tap, along with New World wines and craft beers and the “perfect” mint julep. 3035 Peachtree Rd., NE, Suite A208, 404.939.9845, thesoutherngentlemanatl.com. B BREW PUB/GOURMET PUB FARE TAP –A GASTROPUB — The spot for seasonally driven, innovative comfort food. An extensive international beer list and innovative barrel wine program make TAP a convivial place to have a pint. 1180 Peachtree St. NE, 404.347.2220, tapat1180.com. M CREOLE/CAJUN COPELAND’S OF NEW ORLEANS — Bayou fare, plus steak, chicken, pasta and sandwiches. Fresh desserts and pastries from the Cheesecake Bakery. Live Jazz Sunday brunch buffet. A favorite gathering spot for Saints fans. Libations include the “Pontchartrain Beach” martini. Lunch, brunch, dinner. Takeout available. 3101 Cobb Parkway, 770.612.3311, copelandsatlanta. com. V DINNER THEATER LIPS-ATLANTA — Part cocktail bar, part restaurant, part wa-a-ay over-the-top dinner theater in Brookhaven. The only things padded here are the waitresses.

Open Wed.-Sun. only. Reservations required for dinner shows (not for the bar).

Complimentary on-site valet parking. See website for more important information.

3011 Buford Hwy, 404.315.7711, atldragshow.com, BH EUROPEAN FUSION ECCO — Esquire Magazine named this casual, European-influenced bistro a best new restaurant in America. It’s received raves for its wine list, wood-fired pizzas, and impressive meat and cheese menus. 40 7th St. NE, 404.347.9555, ecco-atlanta.com. M

come together with other Latin American flavors in vibrant dishes that feel familiar and new all at once. 191 Peachtree St. NE, 404.968.9662, alma-atlanta.com. D EL TACO — An eco-friendly watering hole serving fresh Mexican food made with all-natural meats and tasty margaritas.

1186 North Highland Ave. NE, 404.873.4656, eltaco-atlanta.com.VH SPANISH/IBERIAN FUSION GYPSY KITCHEN — The culinary riches of Spain, influenced by Moroccan and Indian cuisines; sharable Spanish snacks and plates served in a stylish modern atmosphere in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. 3035 Peachtree Rd., NE, Suite A209, 404.939.9840, gypsykitchenatl.com. B SEAFOOD/SUSHI LURE — A modern interpretation of a classic fish house with a focus on seasonality and freshness. 1106 Crescent Ave., 404.817.3650. lure-atlanta.com. M VEGAN HERBAN FIX — With a mission to share the best fusion vegan cuisine with local residents, businesses and visitors, Herban Fix offers a fusion vegan menu to let you experience the most iconic food throughout different parts of Asia. Taking inspiration from various cuisines, the menu at Herban Fix is carefully crafted and plated and all the dishes are designed for sharing. Ingredients are premium select, organic, fresh and aimed at good health as well as great taste. 565-A Peachtree Street NE, 404.815.8787. M

ITALIAN LA TAVOLA — Neighborhood hub for classic Italian comfort food has a cozy, exposed-brick interior & a back patio.

992 Virginia Ave. NE, 404.873.5430, latavolatrattoria.com. M MEXICAN ALMA — A refreshing approach to contemporary Mexican cuisine. Bright, fresh ingredients and traditional regional influences 54 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

HERBAN FIX’s sweet pea ravioli in curry jus with leeks and assorted mushrooms.

READ ENCORE ATLANTA ONLINE

MA RQ UEE

M OF OFFICIAL PROGRA DISCOVERIES SERIES SPONSORE D BY

The Molly Blank of the Arthur Fund M. Family Foundat Blank ion

UNE 2017 H E AT R E | J T H E F OX T Tony Award

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS

®

#Rialto100

Theatre Recipient of the Regional

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GARDENER Atlanta Botanica l Garden May 19 & 20, 2017

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Find out what you need to know before the show. Read the current and past Encore Atlanta programs for the Fox Theatre; Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre at Woodruff Arts Center; The Atlanta Opera; Rialto Center for the Arts and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre online at encoreatlanta.com/currentissuses

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 55

FRIENDS OF THE FOX Members of the Fox Theatre’s Friends of the Fox program help support the Fox Theatre Institute, the theater’s community engagement arm.

The Fox Theatre’s legend lives on through their generosity, supporting the theater, the city of Atlanta and communities across Georgia.

The Fox Theatre would like to thank the following Friends of the Fox who have given at the Legend ($10,000), Marquee ($5,000), Encore ($2,500) and Entourage ($1,000) levels:

Legend

Royce & Jessica Pedersen Janice & Gary Sloan

Marquee

Diana Blank Teresa Dau & Amanda McMillan Mr. & Mrs. Gary Martin Hays Jamie Medalie Longhurst Margaret Ross

Encore

John R. Adams Alliance Fire Protection Services, LLC Blake’s on the Park John & Mary Anne Busby Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Borenstein Cathy & Mayson Callaway Matt Chambless & Michelle Love Citizen Lanier Holdings Colgate Crib Mattress Concierge Services of Atlanta Michael Crew

Entourage

Allied Integrated Marketing Collins Project Management, Inc. Drew Eckl & Farnham Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Musarra II 56 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

Ira & Talmer Curry, Jr. Dynamics AX Consulting Roger Gelder George Kuhn Adam Malone Paycor Jerel & Janet Rush Allan & Nicole Vella Woody & Jenny White Fred Wilhite

Repro Products Jill Anne von Grey ZIBEX, Inc.

FOX FUN FACTS

Get to know the nearly one-of-a-kind ‘Mighty Mo’ organ More than 7,000 theater organs were installed in American movie houses from 1915 to 1933. Today, fewer than 40 of those remain in their original homes. Even fewer are operational, making the Fox Theatre’s “Mighty Mo” all the more exceptional. Here are a few fun facts about that majestic maker of music.

• The Fox Möller Opus 5566 Theatre Organ is the second-largest such instrument in the United States, trailing only the one at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. It has four manuals (keyboards), 42 ranks (set of pipes producing the same timbre for each note) and 3,622 pipes.

• The “box seats” on either side of the Fox Theatre stage disguise the four organ chambers that house Mighty Mo’s pipes and instruments.

• The Fox’s Mighty Mo was custom-built in 1928/29

by M.P. Möller Inc. in Hagerstown, Md.

• The chambers hold the instruments used to make dozens of sound effects — songbirds, sirens, a Ford horn, Ludwig snare drums, bass drums, sleigh bells, Zildgian cymbals and a bell from a 1928 railroad locomotive, among others.

58 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

• The term “theater organ” first referred to pipe organs designed to imitate an orchestra and accompany silent films, but as the instrument evolved, new designs and sounds were added.

FOX THEATRE ARCHIVES

• M.P. Möller emigrated from the Danish island of Bornholm to the United States in 1872 and, in 1875, founded the M.P. Möller Pipe Organ Co. in Greencastle, Pa. Folks in the city of Hagerstown, Md., took notice of his early success and, in 1881, convinced him to move his business there.

• Seven miles of electrical wire connect Mo to its various instruments.

Worlds of Puppetry Museum Featuring works from The Lion King and the largest collection of Jim Henson Puppets in the world!

Live Performances • Workshops Special Exhibits

PUPPET.ORG ∞ 404.873.3391 1404 SPRING STREET NW, ATLANTA, GA 30309 Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible • Arts Center Station Advance purchase is highly recommended as many shows and events sell out quickly.

emoryhealthcare.org/voicecenter 288

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 59

What do a popsicle duo, a swinger, and Humpty Dumpty’s doppelganger have in common?

n suwanee

Vibrant, thriving communities across the country share a common bond: a strong commitment to public art.

Join us in Town Center Park to meet the 20-or-so new Suwanee residents that make up our fifth Suwanee SculpTour temporary sculpture exhibition, joining the 16 pieces of art in the city’s permanent collection.

suwanee.com

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