December 2015: Elf —The Broadway Musical at the Fox Theatre

TM & © New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. Illustration by Hugh Syme.

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The Broadway Musical

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CONTENT

ELF | DECEMBER 2015

AR EXPERIENCES

12 FEATURES

12 Neighborhoods: Inman,

Candler and Grant Parks

Go for the funky eateries and shops, stay for the deep, shady porches By Stell Simonton

18 Embrace Your Inner Elf

Elf’s Santa, suiting up as St. Nick for the third time, is here to help spread the cheer.

By Julie Bookman

50 Magic in the Making

Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker turns 20 as its creator, artistic director John McFall, steps toward retirement By Julie Bookman

DEPARTMENTS 23 Show Program

46 Information

44 Friends of the Fox

48 Etiquette 60 Fox Fun Facts

CONTESTS Don’t forget, on EncoreAtlanta.com/contests, you can win additional prizes, like show tickets to the Fox Theatre and more!

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Front Cover WellStar The Shops Buckhead Atlanta Publix Cancer Treatment Centers of America Augusta Metro CVB Georgia Aquarium Lure Cirque du Soleil Kurios Neighborhoods Grady Alliance Theatre Embrace Your Inner Elf Chateau Elan High Museum of Art Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits Atlanta Jewish Film Festival LaGrange Troup County Chamber of Commerce Schwartz Center for Performing Arts Fernbank Museum Center for Civil and Human Rights Dancing with the Stars Live Magic in the Making Broadway in Atlanta Concentrics Restaurants Elements Massage Emory Voice Center Gordon Biersch Ruth’s Chris Steak House North Pole Limited Jet Linx Lexus

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Eat sweet and soak in some of Grant Park’s ambience at Little Tart Bake Shop inside Octane coffee. You’ll find it in the back of the jane, a brick loft complex on Memorial Drive.

NEIGHBORHOODS:

Inman, Candler and Grant Parks Go for the funky eateries and shops, stay for the deep, shady porches

By Stell Simonton

T

he neighborhoods of Inman Park and Candler Park stretch like wings on each side of the Little Five Points commercial district east of downtown Atlanta, full of tree-shaded sidewalks, the odd assortment of shops and a sometimes whimsical ethos.

Forty years ago, Inman Park was a ramshackle area, with mansions that had become apartments and boardinghouses.

Today the area is graceful and sought-after.

Candler Park is characterized by brick bungalows, a handful of enticing shops and restaurants, and strollable streets that surround a 55-acre park.

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HISTORY: Built in the 1880s, Inman Park — named for wealthy 19th-century businessman Samuel Inman — was Atlanta’s first planned suburb. Linked by streetcar to downtown, the route was the city’s earliest commute.

In 1922, Coca-Cola’s Asa Candler donated 55 acres near his home. Candler Park, a neighborhood full of brick bungalows, grew up around it. In the 1970s, residents successfully fought to keep a highway to the Carter Center from dissecting their neighborhood.

WHO LIVES HERE: A mix of folks. Single-family houses, interspersed with some apartment buildings, dominated until recently.

WHERE TO FIND IT: EAT

• Bennett’s Market & Deli. 568 Boulevard S.E. 404.849.8467. bennettsmarket.com • Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party.

1645 McLendon Ave NE. 404.474.1402. drbombays.com • Flying Biscuit Cafe. 1655 McLendon Ave. 404.687.8888. flyingbiscuit.com • Folk Art. 465 North Highland Ave. N.E. 404.537.4493 folkartrestaurant.com • Fox Bros. 1238 DeKalb Ave. N.E. 404.577.4030 foxbrosbbq.com • Julianna’s. 775 Lake Ave. N.E. 404.436.1825. atlantacrepes.com • King of Pops. 337 Elizabeth St. N.E., Suite B. 678.732.9321. kingofpops.net • Krog Street Market. 99 Krog St. 770.434.2400. krogstreetmarket.com • Little Tart Bakeshop. In Krog Street Market and in Octane coffee shop. 404.348.4797. littletartatl.com • Octane Grant Park. 437 Memorial Drive S.E. 404.815.9886. octanecoffee.com • Ria’s Bluebird. 421 Memorial Drive S.E. 404.521.3737. riasbluebird.com • Six Feet Under. 437 Memorial Drive S.E. 404.523.6664. sixfeetunderatlanta.com

Look, too, for Atlanta’s best collection of Victorian architecture, with fanciful Queen Anne and Italianate houses. Now high-rise condos line Lake and North Highland avenues, pulling in a young, single and affluent crowd.

WHAT TO SEE: Soak up the ambience at nearby Little Five Points, where suburban kids mingle with their hippie elders along Euclid Avenue. 7 Stages (left-of-center contemporary and world theater) sits next to the Variety Playhouse concert venue and, down the street, is Horizon Theatre, a 32-year-old company in a former school that produces some of the newest work in town. Stroll the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, entering from North Highland Avenue. Want to see art? Take in the Krog Street tunnel, with its graffiti, announcements and colorful murals.

olate-maker (Xoxoatl) and lots of retail shops.

Also worth a look: Nandina, a tony home furnishings store; volumes old and new at A Cappella Books; vintage wedding attire at Kelly’s Closet’s bridal salon.

WHERE TO EAT: For sandwiches, burgers and craft beer, head to Folk Art in Inman Park. Or try Hungarian crepes at Julianna’s. The original Flying Biscuit is here, a neighborhood favorite for muffins, scones and, of course, biscuits.

Or follow the scent to Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q on DeKalb Avenue.

DID YOU KNOW: The world headquarters of King of Pops, the local popsicle sensation, is on a small back alley in Inman Park. That’s where your coconut latte, strawberry lemonade and tangerine basil pops are mixed and frozen. Walk up to the window in the brick wall and knock to buy one straight from the source. At Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party, you can get a proper British high tea along with scones and cakes served on a three-tiered stand.

HIDDEN GEM: The gravel driveway of a large Victorian on Edgewood Avenue is marked with an unobtrusive sign that reads “gallery.” It leads to a carriage house that is now a top-notch art gallery featuring rough brick walls and sophisticated contemporary art. Susan Bridges’ Whitespace Gallery is known for finding and showcasing innovative artists. Even non-art lovers can be won over by the charm of the secluded courtyard hidden in plain sight.

GRANT PARK

Grant Park, south of downtown, is a mixture of homey, offbeat and spiffed-up Victorian architecture. The park itself is a shady spot that includes Zoo Atlanta and a public swimming pool. Its borders? Oakland Cemetery and East Confederate Avenue.

HISTORY: Lemuel P. Grant, a wealthy civil engineer for the Georgia Railroad, owned most of the acreage that is now Grant Park. He lived in a three-story Italianate mansion that, in 1902, was the birthplace of legendary golfer Bobby Jones. Today the building houses the Atlanta Preservation Center.

WHERE TO SHOP: Polly the Potter works in her concrete block building on DeKalb Avenue, creating singularly funky and colorful plates, bowls, cups and coffee mugs. The new Krog Street Market, a 1920s warehouse-turned-covered-market, includes a butcher (Spotted Trotter WHO LIVES HERE: This partly gentrified Charcuterie), a baker (Pannus Bakery) and a choc- area is proudly home to various ages, races and

WHERE TO FIND IT: PLAY

• 7 Stages. 1105 Euclid Ave NE. 404.523.7647.

7stages.org • Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail. Easy access at Lake Avenue / Irwin Street between Krog Street and Auburn Avenue. 404.477.3003 beltline.org/trails/eastside-trail • Grocery on Home. See Facebook page. facebook.com/groceryonhome • Historic Oakland Cemetery. 248 Oakland Ave. S.E. 404-688-2107 oaklandcemetery.com • Horizon Theatre. 1083 Austin Ave. at Euclid Avenue N.E. 404.584.7450. horizontheatre.com • Krog Street Tunnel. Krog Street and DeKalb Avenue. thedailykrog.tumblr.com • Variety Playhouse. 1099 Euclid Ave NE. 404.524.7354 variety-playhouse.com • Whitespace Gallery. 814 Edgewood Ave. N.E. 404.688.1892. whitespace814.com • Zoo Atlanta. 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E. 404.624.5600. zooatlanta.org

incomes. The neighborhood is cohesive even though I-20 split its midsection the 1960s.

WHAT TO SEE: The Grant Park Summer Shade Festival each August has two music stages, food vendors, an artist market, a 5K run and a children’s fun center. Gorillas, pandas, a 122-year-old tortoise, four adult alligators and more creatures great and small reside at Zoo Atlanta. Walking tours at Oakland Cemetery include its history, gardens, architecture and famous residents (Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell, former Mayor Maynard Jackson). It even has a visitors center and gift shop.

WHERE TO SHOP: Artifacts on Boulevard has art and gifts. Try Cake Hag Cake and Dessert Studio for weddings and other big events.

ReStore on Memorial Drive is run by Habitat for Humanity and has all kinds of secondhand appliances, hardware and building materials at discount prices.

WHERE TO EAT: Go sweet at Little Tart Bake Shop inside Octane, a high-ceilinged coffee shop in the back of the Jane, a brick loft complex on Memorial Drive. Six Feet Under, a pub and fish house across from Oakland Cemetery, lures locals with its food and rooftop views. You can’t go wrong at Ria’s Bluebird, across Cherokee Street — all-day breakfast, grilled pimiento cheese sandwiches and more. Yum. Hit Bennett’s 14 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

Graffiti decorates the Krog Street tunnel.

WHERE TO FIND IT: SHOP

• A Cappella Books. 208 Haralson Ave. N.E. 404.681.5128. acappellabooks.com • Artifacts. 465 Boulevard S.E. 404.624.3020. No website.

• Cake Hag. 568 Boulevard S.E. 678.760.6300. cakehag.com • Kelly’s Closet. 1649 McLendon Ave. N.E. 404.377.9923. kellyscloset.net • Nandina Home. 245 North Highland Ave. N.E. 404.521.9303. nandinahome.com • ReStore. 271 Chester Ave. S.E. 404.223.5180 atlantahabitat.org/shop/ • Polly the Potter (Polly Sherrill). 840 DeKalb Ave. 404.524.2016 pollyontheavenue.com

Bright colors and cheery patterns make the work of Polly the Potter stand out in a crowd. She’s on DeKalb Avenue.

Market, south of the interstate, for craft beer and sandwiches.

DID YOU KNOW: GlenCastle, a turreted and columned “castle,” contains 67 price-controlled apartments. It was a notorious Civil War-era prison known as the Atlanta Stockade. Women and children imprisoned there worked in a quarry on-site, breaking rocks for road-building.

HIDDEN GEM: Grocery on Home is the real home of Matt Arnett, and a concert venue. Folk artist/musician Lonnie Holley made his debut here. Guests must engage Arnett on Facebook for an invite to his public-private soirees.

I WOULDN’T BE HERE WITHOUT GRADY. I STARTED FEELING A LITTLE DIZZY. The day after I had my second baby, Valentina, I had a stroke. The doctors found a blood clot on the right side of my brain. I was transferred to Grady in a helicopter. Within hours after the surgery, I was back to life. It was just incredible.

Miracles do happen and we have to thank Grady Hospital. Because of them we are still a family. I can take care of my babies.

PROUD LOCAL SPONSOR OF

Veronica & Valentina Castro Stroke Survivor

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Family series on the alliance stage

series on the alliance stage Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

Caption (cutline) go

Embrace Your

Inner Elf Musical’s Santa, suiting up as Mr. Claus for his third tour, is here to help spread the cheer

By Julie Bookman | Photos By Chris Bennion

W

“

e need a little Christmas, right this very minute …”

So goes a song from a certain show that landed on Broadway nearly 45 years before Elf the Musical, the bright and brassy 2010 show adapted from Will Ferrell’s hit movie.

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Can you name that other show? (See our pop quiz, at the end of this story, to test your knowledge.)

Some things never change, and when a live production revolves around Christmas, it seems the audience appeal lasts as long as November and December.

For Ken Clement, it’s lasted a little longer.

He’s in his third tour of eight shows a week for eight weeks. By the time he welcomes Fox Theatre audiences — as Santa does so to open the show — Clement will have ho-ho-ho’d for some 125 performances.

“I consider myself the opening-act comedian, the way I come out and chat with the audience,” Clement says. “I get to warm them up for all the singing and dancing that’s about to happen.”

To get into character, Clement need only sit in the makeup chair. “They put that white beard on me and, suddenly, I am Santa. It’s so good even up close, it seems real.” He notes, ahem, that he does not require padding beneath his costume.

Santa Claus narrates and bookends Elf, a change from the movie, which was narrated by Bob Newhart’s Papa Elf. Still the role remains secondary to the central action. Like the wizard in Wicked, Santa in Elf is a small, yet essential character.

Could there even be a Christmas musical without a Santa? Maybe, but not when the story follows the naive orphan Buddy, a grownup human raised by elves, who travels from the North Pole to New York City to seek his real father.

Clement, 50, lives in South Florida, where he also spent his childhood and knew one magical Christmas after another. “We didn’t have snow, and I didn’t grow up rich or even well-off. But we would make Christmas very special, and we made it about more than the presents.”

It’s a bit ironic that he’s playing the most famous giver of gifts here, because in his TV and film work, he most often plays the heavy.

As in the bad guy.

His Santa, meanwhile, has sass and acts like a regular Joe. Fans of the 2003 movie might recall Ed Asner’s dry-humored Santa. George Wendt originated the role on Broadway, with Wayne Knight as Santa for a 2012 New York remount. Both sitcom actors wrapped their twinkle in wry.

Of his iteration, Clement says, “He’s more of a beer-and-pizza Santa. My Santa owns 364 Hawaiian shirts. He’s watching football, building toys. He’s kind of like the funny uncle who pulls the quarter from behind your ear.”

New York Times theater critic Charles Isherwood noted that book writers Thomas

OPPOSITE PAGE: Buddy the Elf (Daniel Patrick Smith) spreads Christmas joy as he skates at Rockefeller Center. ABOVE, FROM TOP: Santa (Ken Clement) takes a well-earned break; he and Buddy elf it up at work.

Meehan (Annie) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) stuck to the film’s screenplay but stuffed it with more jokes, like “boosting the fruitcake with extra nuts.”

Their Elf has been referred to a mashup of Shrek, Big and Miracle on 34th Street.

To Clement, that’s a compliment. “All three of those are so sharp and so wonderful — and all have something to say,” as does Elf, which nudges folks to believe in you-know-who and embrace their “inner elf.”

Your inner elf, says Clement, “is that feeling you get at Christmastime. It’s all about love.

Elves love to be happy and love to give. And that shouldn’t be just one day a year.”

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 19

CHRISTMAS SONGS POP QUIZ In Elf the Musical, Buddy the orphan often says that “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” How well do you know the Christmas tunes that come from Broadway musicals? We’ve also included a few from movies. Match the song its source.

SONG ______ 1. “White Christmas” ______ 2. “Twelve Days to Christmas” ______ 3. “Christmas Is All Around” ______ 4. “We Need a Little Christmas” ______ 5. “Christmas Bells” ______ 6. “I Don’t Remember Christmas” ______ 7. “Hard Candy Christmas” ______ 8. “Have Yourself a Merry

Little Christmas” ______ 9. “Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher” ______ 10. “A New Deal for Christmas” SHOW / MOVIE FROM TOP: The touring company of “Elf the Musical.”

Ken Clement, who plays Santa describes this St. Nick “as more of a beer-and-pizza Santa,” who likes football and owns more than 364 Hawaiian shirts.

a) She Loves Me

We had to ask this guy what he most wants for Christmas. Typical of Santa, he rattled off what he wants for the others in his life.

“I’d like my sister and brother-in-law to find the right house for themselves in Florida.

I want my mom’s handicap to drop so that she can improve as a golfer, because that would make her happy. I’d like to book a part as a regular or recurring role on TV, just to make my agent happy.”

Anything just for you, Santa?

“OK, OK. I really want to go see Hamilton on Broadway.”

d) Meet Me in St. Louis

c) Billy Elliott e) The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas f) Holiday Inn g) Mame h) Love Actually i) Annie j) Starting Here, Starting Now

ANSWERS: 1-f; 2-a; 3-h ; 4-g; 5-b; 6-j ; 7-e ; 8-d ; 9-c ; 10-i

20 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

b) Rent

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The Broadway Musical

TM ©

TM & © New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. Illustration by Hugh Syme.

NETworks Presentations LLC presents

Book by

Music by

Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin

Matthew Sklar

Based on the New Line Cinema film written by David Berrenbaum

Lyrics by

Chad Beguelin

Featuring

Daniel Patrick Smith Maggie Anderson Harper Brady Ken Clement Michael Fisher Drew Martin Gabrielle Mirabella Audra Qualley Nicky Torchia D. Scott Withers with

Joseph Fierberg Spencer Glass Shane Hurst Ashleigh Junio Erin Kei Caitlin Lester-Sams Tyler Logan Katie Lombardo Nicole Pavone Emily Jeanne Phillips Benjamin Rivera Brandon Stonestreet Jake Swain Mia Weinberger Scenic Design

Costume Design

Lighting Design

Christine Peters

Gregg Barnes

Hair Design

Associate Costume Designer

Bernie Ardia Music Supervisor/Coordinator

Dance Arrangements

John Mezzio

Music Director

Shannon Slaton

Casting

Flying Effects

Stewart/Whitley

Dana Burkart

Orchestrations

David Chase

Doug Besterman

Conductor

Assistant Director

Nate Patten

Samuel Thorne Bagala

Michael Whitney

Production Manager

Production Stage Manager

Company Manager

Laura Dieli

Lauren Cavanaugh

Executive Producer

Kary M. Walker

Associate Director

Benjamin Shaw

Sound Design

Paul Miller

ZFX, Inc.

Vocal Arrangements

Phil Reno

Assistant Choreographer

Elyse Niederee General Manager

Tim Debo

Bobby T. Maglaughlin

Associate Choreographer

Tour Press and Marketing

Nancy Renee Braun

Allied Live

Choreography by

Connor Gallagher Directed by

Sam Scalamoni Exclusive Tour Direction

The Road Company, 165 West 46th Street, Suite 1101, New York, NY 10036 Originally Produced by

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures in association with Unique Features 24 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

CAST Santa................................................................................................................................ Ken Clement Buddy..................................................................................................................Daniel Patrick Smith Walter.........................................................................................................................D. Scott Withers Emily..................................................................................................................... Gabrielle Mirabella Michael (at some performances)...............................................................................Harper Brady Michael (at some performances)..............................................................................Nicky Torchia Deb.................................................................................................................................Audra Qualley Store Manager..............................................................................................................Michael Fisher Jovie......................................................................................................................... Maggie Anderson Mr. Greenway..................................................................................................................Drew Martin Ensemble.................Joseph Fierberg, Spencer Glass, Shane Hurst, Ashleigh Junio, Erin Kei, Caitlin Lester-Sams, Tyler Logan, Katie Lombardo, , Emily Jeanne Phillips, Benjamin Rivera, Brandon Stonestreet, and Mia Weinberger.

Swings and Understudies

Swing and understudies never substitute for listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performances.

UNDERSTUDIES

For Santa: Shane Hurst for Buddy: Spencer Glass for Walter: Drew Martin for Emily: Caitlin Lester-Sams for Deb: Ashleigh Junio for Store Manager: Shane Hurst for Jovie: Mia Weinberger for Mr. Greenway: Shane Hurst

SWINGS

Nicole Pavone, Jake Swain Dance Captain: Nicole Pavone Assistant Dance Captain: Jake Swain

The use of any recording devices, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, beepers and watches.

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MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE

Overture.........................................................................................................................The Orchestra “Happy All the Time”............................................................................ Santa, Buddy & Company “World’s Greatest Dad”.............................................................................................................Buddy “In the Way”..................................................................Deb, Walter, Emily, Michael & Company “Sparklejollytwinklejingley”................................................Buddy, Store Manager & Company “I’ll Believe in You”.................................................................................................Michael & Emily “In the Way” (Reprise)............................................................................................ Emily & Walter “Just Like Him”..........................................................................................Buddy, Deb & Company “A Christmas Song”................................................................................ Buddy, Jovie & Company “World’s Greatest Dad” (Reprise).................................................................. Buddy & Company

ACT TWO

Entr’acte.........................................................................................................................The Orchestra Prologue: The North Pole — Santa’s Home........................................................ Buddy & Santa “Nobody Cares About Santa”...........................................................Fake Santas, Store Manager, Waitress & Buddy “Never Fall in Love”......................................................................................................................Jovie “There Is a Santa Claus”.........................................................................................Michael & Emily “The Story of Buddy the Elf ”............................................... Buddy, Michael, Walter, Greenway, Emily, Deb & Company “Nobody Cares About Santa” (Reprise).................................................................................Santa “A Christmas Song” (Reprise)................... Jovie, Buddy, Emily, Michael, Walter & Company Finale......................................................................................................................................Company

THE WILL BE ONE 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION MUSICIANS

Conductor — Samuel Thorne Bagala Assistant Conductor — Trevor Pierce Reeds: Josh Plotner, Luke Meyer, Brian Handeland Trumpets: Mike Gillespie, Christopher Bresette Trombone: Andy Jaeger Drums/Percussion: Andrew Gillum

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 27

BIOS DANIEL PATRICK SMITH (Buddy) is beyond excited to be back on the road with Elf! Recent credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Orin and others); Brady vs. Partridge: The Brady Bunch (Greg Brady); The Tempest (Ferdinand); Twelfth Night (Malvolio); Panic!

The Musical (Orson Welles); Honestly Abe (Abraham Lincoln). Training: NYU Tisch School of the Arts — CAP21 and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. A proud future member of Actor’s Equity, Dan would like to thank Paul, Kelso, Sam, Connor, his amazing cast and crew, and the world’s greatest family!

MAGGIE ANDERSON (Jovie) Played the title role of Peter Pan last summer in California and is thrilled to be on tour with Elf for a second year. Recent NYC/L.A. credits include Lysistrata Jones (Lysistrata Jones), Anyone Can Whistle (Fay Apple), Seussical (Gertrude McFuzz), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Bye Bye Birdie (Kim MacAfee), Smokey Joe’s Café (Shimmy Girl). Pace University B.F.A. in musical theater 2014.

Thank you, Jesus!

Tropics (Che Che), Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, Faith Healer (Teddy), Chicago (Amos), The Seafarer (Lockhart), The Diary of a Madman (Poprischin), The Lieutenant of Innishmore (Donny). National tour: Oliver!

(Bumble). TV: “Burn Notice,” “The Glades” and “Magic City.” Film: Sex Drive, Pain and Gain and Catastropical.

MICHAEL FISHER (Store Manager) is beyond thrilled to be apart of this Christmas spectacular! He has a B.F.A. from Mars Hill University and his favorite credits include Dreamgirls (C.C. White), Parade (Jim Conley), Guys and Dolls (Nicely-Nicely), Aida (Mereb), Songs for a New World (Man 1), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Victor) and Hairspray (Duane). Utmost thanks to family and friends for their endless love and support!

DREW MARTIN (Mr. Greenway) is very excited to be joining the tour of Elf! Just finished the national tour of Anything Goes (Captain). Previous roles: Fiddler on the Roof (Rabbi), Phantom (Philippe), South Pacific (Emile), Annie (Warbucks), Secret Garden (Archibald), Chess (Gregor), Company HARPER S. BRADY (Michael at (Larry), Forever Plaid (Sparky). Thanks some performances) is delighted to to God, family & friends, Andrea Zee and be touring with Elf again this holiday NETworks! www.drewmartinlive.com season! National tours: Elf the Musical (Michael); Regional: Lyric Theatre of GABRIELLE MIRABELLA (Emily).

Oklahoma: Billy Elliot (Posh/Tall Boy, u/s Favorite theater credits include First Michael), Les Miserables (u/s Gavroche); Date (Lauren, Hippie and Grandma Ida) Silver Dollar City: Dickens’ A Christmas and Hairspray! (Velma). Last seen on the Carol (Tiny Tim). Favorite hometown credits 2013-14 national tour of Mamma Mia! (Tanya). include Landers Theater: Les Miserables Her favorite Christmas cookie is gingerbread; (Gavroche); Evangel University: Annie her website is www.gabriellemirabella.com.

Get Your Gun (Little Jake), SLT on tour: In loving memory of Matthew A. Smith.

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley (Stanley Lambchop). Many thanks to the Elf AUDRA QUALLEY (Deb) is absolutely creative team and my amazing family! www. delighted to spend another Christmas season with Elf the Musical! You may have harpersbrady.com seen Audra in Deb’s dancing shoes on last KEN CLEMENT (Santa) is quite jolly to year’s East Coast tour. Pittsburgh native, return to Elf for a third tour as Santa! Regional Steelers fan and proud graduate of Point Park theater: Moon Over Buffalo (George), Last University (B.F.A. musical theater). Endless of the Red Hot Lovers (Barney), Bell, Book thanks to our incredible creative team for & Candle (Redlich), Glengarry Glen Ross their guidance and trust, to my parents, and (Aaronow), 1776 (Franklin), Ragtime (J.P. to the entire Elf family past and present, near Morgan), world premiere of Anna in the and far! Merry Christmas!

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BIOS NICKY TORCHIA (Michael at some performances) is thrilled to join Elf! Broadway: Kinky Boots (Young Charlie s/b); Broadway tour: A Christmas Story (Schwartz). FringeNYC: Crack in the Ceiling (David). Regional: Mary Poppins (Michael), Music Man, Really Rosie, more. TV: ABC’s “Forever.” Thanks family, Nancy Carson, Ellyn Marsh, Bob Marks, Janine Molinari, Jen Rudin.

University. Love to my incredible family and friends for their continuous support.

ASHLEIGH JUNIO (Ensemble). Favorite performances: Godspell (Joanne), Parade (Mrs. Phagan), Grease (Jan), Twelfth Night (Maria) and Broadway Sings at Birdland with Laura Benanti. Graduate of the New School and AMDA, pursuing a master’s of music in musical theater/vocal pedagogy at NYU. Thanks to Broadway Artists Alliance, my D. SCOTT WITHERS (Walter Hobbs) is amazing family and friends, Mom, Dad and thrilled to return to the Elf family this season! hubby James. www.ashleighjunio.com National tours: Memphis (Simmons), Catch Me If You Can (1st national — Roger). ERIN KEI (Ensemble) is delighted to return Select regional: Oliver (Fagin — Phoenix to Christmastown! She’s originally from Fort Symphony), Anything Goes (Evelyn — Worth, Texas, and is a graduate of Syracuse Phoenix Theatre), A Year With Frog and University with a B.F.A. in musical theater.

Toad (Frog — Seattle Children’s Theatre), Special thanks to Sam, Connor, Elyse, and Hairspray (Edna – Arkansas Rep), Baby her friends and family who make her feel (Alan — AZ Broadway). B.F.A. in theater Sparklejollytwinklejingley everyday. Enjoy performance from Arizona State. Much love the show! and thanks to AJP and the Withers clan.

CAITLIN LESTER-SAMS (Ensemble) JOSEPH FIERBERG (Ensemble) is jingle- most recently performed with the national tingly to be a part of this sparkle jolly show! tour of Flashdance: The Musical (Ms. National/international tours: Disney’s Beauty Wilde). Previous credits include [Title of and the Beast. Regional: Fulton, Ogunquit, Show] (Heidi), Brigadoon (Meg), The Great MSMT, TBTS, Playhouse on Park, Arizona American Trailer Park Musical (Linoleum), Broadway Theatre. B.F.A. in musical theater They’re Playing Our Song (Sonia) and The from Syracuse University. Many thanks to Full Monty (Pam). She has a B.F.A. from Sam, Connor, Chandon, Michal, NETworks, Western Michigan University. To learn more visit. www.caitlinlestersams.com. and, most of all, my family.

TYLER LOGAN (Ensemble) is ecstatic to return to such a magical show! Tour: Elf the Musical (2014) Regional: West Side Story (Snowboy), 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (Caleb), Once Upon a Mattress (Jester), Music Man, Wizard of Oz, and S’Wonderful. Tyler has worked alongside and choreographed for Broadway’s Jason Robert Brown, Liz Callaway, Eden Espinosa, Krysta Rodriguez, Susan Egan and Matthew Morrison. A huge SHANE HURST (Ensemble) is thrilled to thank you to his family and friends for all of be returning to Christmastown this holiday their love and support! season! National tours: Memphis, Elf the Musical. Regional: Billy Elliot, Legally KATIE LOMBARDO (Ensemble) was Blonde, Into the Woods, The 25th Annual most recently seen in the national tour of Putnam County Spelling Bee, Seussical the Flashdance: The Musical (u/s Alex Owens, Musical. B.A. musical theater, Cornerstone Kiki) and is excited to be back on the road!

SPENCER GLASS (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his national touring debut. Credits: Goodspeed Opera House, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Weston Playhouse and Disney Cruise Line. Thank you to the entire Elf team, Kimberly Vaughn, Daniel Hoff Agency and my unbelievably supportive and patient parents. 2013 Boston Conservatory graduate!

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BIOS B.F.A . in jazz dance from the University of the Arts. All the love & thanks to the creative team, friends and, mostly, Mom, Dad & Emily.

NICOLE PAVONE (Ensemble, Dance Captain) is excited to join her first national tour with Elf. An alumni of SUNY at Buffalo, Nicole has taught contemporary and jazz to students in the Boston area and performed with Boston Company, Urbanity Dance.

Regional credits: Cats (Rumpleteazer, assistant dance captain), Little Mermaid, Wizard of Oz and Joseph ... Dreamcoat (Mrs. Potiphar u/s, swing). Film: Movement One Dance Documentary. Nicole sends thanks to all for the love and support from her family, friends, BLOC NYC, and most importantly, her husband, Jon. www.nicolepavone.com EMILY JEANNE PHILLIPS (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her national tour debut with Elf! Regional credits: West Side Story (Consuelo), A Chorus Line (Cassie), Hairspray (Penny Pingleton), The Producers (Ensemble). TV: Season 9 of “So You Think You Can Dance.” Big thanks to NETworks and the Elf team! Love you Dad and Becca!

Emilyjeannephillips.com

Development Wing’s Broadway Under the Stars. KCACTF 2014 Irene Ryan national finalist. B.F.A. in acting from BYU. Thanks to God, family, bloc and you! www.jakeswain.com MIA WEINBERGER (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to Christmastown for a second season. National tours: Elf, Bring It On: The Musical. Off-Broadway: Tilly the Trickster, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! Other favorites: Legally Blonde, The Wizard of Oz. Love and thanks to Mom, Dad, Ian and the Elf team. www.miaweinberger.com THOMAS MEEHAN (Book) won the 2003 Tony Award for co-writing the book of Hairspray and the 2001 Tony Award for co-writing the book of The Producers. He received his first Tony Award in 1977 for writing the book of Annie, his first Broadway show. He has since written books for the musicals I Remember Mama, Ain’t Broadway Grand, Annie Warbucks and the American version of Bombay Dreams. His most recent works are Annie, Chaplin, Elf, Young Frankenstein, for which he co-wrote the book with Mel Brooks, and Cry-Baby, co-written with Mark O’Donnell.

BOB MARTIN (Book). Broadway: The Drowsy Chaperone (book, Man in Chair), Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Theatre World Award, NY Drama Critics’ Circle Award. Selected regional: The Drowsy Chaperone (L.A., Toronto, London), L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Award, L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award, Olivier nomination; Minsky’s (book, L.A.); Second City Toronto BRANDON STONESTREET (Ensemble) (performer 1994-2000, artistic director 2003is so excited to be spreading some Christmas 2004). Selected TV writing, in Canada: “Slings cheer with Elf the Musical! Recent credits and Arrows” (writer, creative producer), include the international tour of West Side “Michael, Tuesdays and Thursday” (writer, Story (Big Deal) and the national tour of actor), “Made in Canada,” “Twitch City.”

Flashdance: The Musical (swing, assistant dance captain.) Many thanks to NETworks, MATTHEW SKLAR (Music) received a Tony Award nomination (best original score) MSA and, most of all, my family. and a Drama Desk nomination (outstanding JAKE SWAIN (Swing; Assist. Dance music) for The Wedding Singer. He coCaptain) is thrilled to be spending the produced the show’s original Broadway Christmas season with Elf. New York: the cast recording for Sony/BMG Masterworks BENJAMIN RIVERA (Ensemble) is a graduate of Oklahoma City University, has worked for Disney Cruise Line on the Fantasy as dance captain/swing and has performed in the national tour of Anything Goes (swing). Favorite shows include Legally Blonde (Nikos), Mary Poppins (ensemble), and Spamalot (ensemble)

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BIOS Broadway. Matthew received the Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla Musical Theater Award, the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award and the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award. In addition to his work as a composer, Matthew has been a pianist, conductor and/or arranger for more than a dozen Broadway productions including Shrek; Caroline, or Change; Nine; 42nd Street; Titanic; Miss Saigon; and Les Misérables.

He has contributed original music to the Nickelodeon TV series “Wonder Pets.”

original development workshop of Mulan Jr. for Disney Theatrical Productions; workshop presentations of Sense and Sensibility at Playwrights Horizons and Shakespeare & Company; workshops of the musical At the Back of the North Wind at the Players Theatre, the National Arts Club and the Village Theatre; a workshop of The New Picasso at New World Stages; Treaty 321! at the Lucille Lortel; and Fidelity Futurestage at New World Stages for Richard Frankel Productions. Regionally, his recent direction of Les Miserables won the SALT Award for best director of a musical and best musical of the year; for Agatha Christie’s An Unexpected Guest, he won a Broadway World Award as best director of a play. Both were at Cortland Repertory Theatre. Scalamoni is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. For Tricia, Spencer and Mia.

CHAD BEGUELIN (Lyrics) wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the book for The Wedding Singer (Tony Award nominations for best book and best original score, Drama Desk nomination for outstanding lyrics). He also wrote the book and lyrics for Judas & Me (NYMF Award for excellence in lyric writing), the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award, the Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla Musical Theater CONNOR GALLAGHER (Choreographer) Award and the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Recent: Tangled (Disney Cruise Line), The Twelve (Denver Center), The 25th Annual Horizons Award. Much love to Tom. Putnam County Spelling Bee (Bucks County SAM SCALAMONI (Director) is thrilled that Playhouse), Skippyjon Jones Snow What? his critically acclaimed national tours of Elf the (Theatreworks at the Lucille Lortel), The Musical are launching their sixth and seventh Fabulous Lipitones (Goodspeed), Bunnicula companies this year with two tours crossing (Charles Busch adaptation, national tour), the United States, one playing the Theatre Fat Camp (NYMF & Playhouse Square, at Madison Square Garden in December. He best choreography award), Spidermusical directed the national tour of Nickelodeon’s (the Mint), Perez Hilton ... (FringeNYC, Storytime Live! for Broadway Across Barrow Street Theatre, Joe’s Pub), Duck for America, which broke box-office records at President and Junie B. Jones (Theatreworks), Radio City Music Hall, and the national tour Babes in Toyland (Lincoln Center) plus work of The Gazillion Bubble Show. Scalamoni at the York Theatre, Northern Stage, Sharon is the associate director of the national and Playhouse, Riverside Theatre, Revision international tours of Disney’s Beauty and Theatre, Broadway Cares and the Gay Games. the Beast, which he supervised on Broadway Connor has created choreography for Glidden and mounted multiple companies worldwide. Paint, Luxxotica Eyewear, Hanky Panky He also served as associate director for Elton underwear, the Writers Guild awards and the John’s Broadway musical Lestat. He is the HIFA Festival in Zimbabwe. Associate: Into artistic director of Skyline Theatre Company, a the Woods (Public Theatre at the Delecorte); professional nonprofit theater company in New Beauty and the Beast national & international Jersey. In development is a new musical, 1000 tours; Meet Me in St. Louis (Paper Mill).

Robber Bridegroom Faces, based on the life of film legend Lon Upcoming: The Chaney, and a stage adaptation of the MGM (Roundabout Theatre Company, directed musical Summer Stock. Scalamoni’s direction by Alex Timbers). Connor is a graduate of of original works include the two original the Cincinnati Conservatory and made his incarnations of Alan Menken’s Broadway Broadway performing debut in Beauty and the musical Leap of Faith in workshop; the Beast. www.connorgallagher.com ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 33

BIOS CHRISTINE PETERS (Scenic Design) Design credits: 2012/2015 Elf tour, Mickey & Minnie’s Doorway to Magic. Broadway (associate designer): Les Misérables, Testament of Mary, Jekyll & Hyde, The Book of Mormon, Newsies the Musical, The Addams Family, Elf, Bonnie and Clyde, The House of Blue Leaves, Elling, Enron, Mary Stuart, The American Plan, Cyrano de Bergerac, Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life. National tours (associate designer): Waterfall, Aladdin, Newsies, Dirty Dancing, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Wizard of Oz, The Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll and Hyde, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast. Regional (designer): Mary Poppins, Legally Blonde, Cinderella, Cats (Zoni Award, set design) Miss Saigon, Man of La Mancha, My Fair Lady (Zoni Award), The Music Man. Midtown International Theater Festival (designer): Tallish Tales: A Cautionary Fable for Children and Adults (MITF Award, set design).

GREGG BARNES (Costume Design).

Broadway: Something Rotten! (2015 Tony nomination), Aladdin, Kinky Boots (2013 Tony nomination), Follies (2012 Tony and Drama Desk award), Elf, Legally Blonde (2007 Tony nomination), The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Tony and Drama Desk awards), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Flower Drum Song (2003 Tony nomination), Side Show, Bye Bye Birdie.

New York: The Wizard of Oz, Radio City Christmas Spectacula, The Merry Widow (NYC Opera), Pageant (NY and London, Olivier nomination), The Kathy and Mo Show.

Regional: Robin and the Seven Hoods, Mame, Allegro (Helen Hayes Award). TDF Young Master Award.

PAUL MILLER (Lighting Design).

Broadway: Amazing Grace, The Illusionists, Legally Blonde (also West End, Australia & Vienna), Freshly Squeezed, Laughing Room Only, plus Irma La Duce, Where’s Charley, Lost in the Star, Of Thee I Sing and Music in the Air (Encores). Off-Broadway: Lucky Guy, Vanities the Musical, Waiting for Godot (50th anniversary production), Nunsense, Addicted and Balancing Act. On Broadway as 34 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

associate designer: Macbeth, Three Days of Rain, Company, Sweeney Todd, Little Women, Hairspray, The Producers, Life x3, The Music Man, The Price, Saturday Night Fever, The Civil War, On the Town, The Sound of Music and Titanic. Regional: Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Shakespeare, Cleveland Playhouse, Asolo Rep, Riverside Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Baystreet Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare, Goodspeed Playhouse and Paper Mill Playhouse, among others. International: Manila, South Africa, China, Philippines, Canada, Italy, UK. National tours: Shrek, Story Time Live, Wizard of Oz, Legally Blonde, Sweeney Todd, Hairspray, The Producers, Nunsense 20th Anniversary, Scooby Doo in Stage Fright, The Sound of Music. For television: Camelot (“Live From Lincoln Center”), concert appearances

by Lady Gaga, Justin Beiber, Cindy Lauper and others. “Clairol on Broadway” (A&E) and many special events, including lighting director for the televised New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square for the past 15 years.

SHANNON SLATON (Sound Design) has designed such national tours as Shrek, Hairspray, The Producers, Noise/Funk, The Full Monty, Contact, Tap Dogs, Sweeney Todd, Drowsy Chaperone and Wedding Singer. He also has mixed such Broadway shows as Man of La Mancha, Bombay Dreams, Sweet Charity, Jersey Boys, Spring Awakening, Fela!, Anything Goes, Annie and Legally Blonde. He was the production sound designer for Wicked on Broadway and The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and the U.S. national tour.

STEWART/WHITLEY (Casting). Duncan Stewart CSA & Benton Whitley CSA. Broadway/NYC: On the Town; Pippin; Chicago; La Cage aux Folles; Radio City Christmas Spectacular; Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812; The Band Wagon; Carnegie Hall Sings; Pageant. West End/UK: Thriller Live, Menier Chocolate Factory. Tours: Flashdance, Anything Goes, Bullets Over Broadway, Elf, We Will Rock You, Once, The Duck Commander Musical.Upcoming: August Rush, Nerds, Prince of Egypt. Regional:

arts.emory.edu/candler Box Office: 404.727.5050

JULIAN BLISS SEPTET: A TRIBUTE TO BENNY GOODMAN Part of Emory Jazz Fest 2016 FEBRUARY 6, 2016

THE KNIGHTS WITH GIL SHAHAM VIOLIN FEBRUARY 20, 2016

NATHAN GUNN BARITONE MARCH 18, 2016

SCHWARTZ CENTER FOR

PERFORMING ARTS

BIOS American Repertory Theater, Alley Theatre, Bay Street Theater, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Royal Caribbean. Casting Associate, Andrea Zee CSA. stewartwhitley.com BERNIE ARDIA (Hair and Wig Design) has enjoyed a 30-year career, starting in television. He has designed more than 75 productions including NETworks’ tour of Bullets Over Broadway. Highlights include Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Miserables USA and Canada. Ragtime at the Kennedy Center, Kiss of the Spider Woman with Chita Rivera, Starlight Express at the Las Vegas Hilton, and Cinderella with Eartha Kitt and Debbie Gibson. It has been a thrill working with so many talented performers, including, Jeanne Cooper, Toni Tennille, Anita Gillette, Mary Wilson, Mackenzie Phillips, Melody Thomas Scott and Judge Judy! He is excited to be a part of this fourth year of NETworks’ production of Elf the Musical, sinces= Christmastime is his favorite time of year! Ardia is the author of two Streisand books, including Barbra Streisand in New York City.

DOUG BESTERMAN (Orchestrations).

Broadway: Bullets Over Broadway, Rocky, On a Clear Day ..., Elf, How to Succeed ... , Sister Act, Young Frankenstein, Tarzan, Thoroughly Modem Millie (2002 Tony/Drama Desk awards), The Producers (2001 Tony/Drama Desk), Seussical, The Music Man, Fosse (1999 Tony) Big, Damn Yankees and others.

Also: Carrie (off-Broadway), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Guys and Dolls (London).

Film/television: Frozen, Nine, The Producers, Winnie the Pooh (2012), Chicago, Mulan, Anastasia, “Smash,” “Scrubs.” Has arranged for Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Mandy Patinkin, the Boston Pops Orchestra.

Singer. Additionally, Mezzio was associate conductor for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express at the Las Vegas Hilton. He was musical coordinator for several national tours, including Sweet Charity starring Molly Ringwald, Annie starring John Schuck and Mackenzie Phillips, Hairspray, The Producers and Shrek the Musical. He is the musical coordinator for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Elf the Musical.

NATE PATTEN (Music Director).

Broadway: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Catch Me If You Can, Bonnie and Clyde. Kennedy Center: Elf the Musical.

Off-Broadway: Silence! The Musical (also in L.A.), The Toxic Avenger. Tours: Flashdance, We Will Rock You, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Wedding Singer, The Wizard of Oz. Thanks to John, Patrick, Sam, Joey and Hiro. Love to the Pattens, Kempners, Saltzmans and Tripodos.

SAMUEL THORNE BAGALA (Conductor) is thrilled to be returning to the national tour of Elf! Regional credits include Maine State Music Theater (seven seasons) and Ogunquit Playhouse. He is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory. Huge thanks to NETworks, Nate Patten, Trevor Pierce, Mom, Dad, Marcus and Bub! Visit www.samuelbagala. com for more info.

BENJAMIN SHAW (Associate Director) is happy to return to Elf for the third consecutive year. His associate directing credits include the acclaimed Broadway productions of End of the Rainbow and The Glass Menagerie. He has worked regionally at the 5th Avenue Theatre, the Guthrie Theater, the American Repertory Theatre, Theatre Latte Da, PCLO and Front Porch Theatrical. He recently took part in the Lincoln Center’s Directors Lab and is a member of the Society of Directors & Choreographers. Benjamin grew up in Pittsburgh and is a graduate of Muhlenberg College.

JOHN MEZZIO (Musical Supervisor/ Coordinator) has conducted several national tours, including State Fair starring John Davidson, Victor Victoria starring Toni Tennille, Seussical the Musical starring Cathy Rigby, Cinderella starring Eartha Kitt and Deborah Gibson, the Royal NANCY RENÉE BRAUN (Associate Favorite associate National Theatre’s revival of Rodgers and Choreographer).

Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and The Wedding choreographer credits include Disney’s 36 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

BIOS Tangled, The 12 (Denver Center), Robber Bridegroom (Roundabout Theatre workshop), Fat Camp and the 2014 Rainforest Fund Benefit at Carnegie Hall starring Sting, James Taylor and Kevin Spacey. Her own credits include being the resident director/ choreographer for off-Broadway’s Berenstain Bears and Sex Tips for Straight Women From a Gay Man. Nancy performed on Broadway in Patti LuPone’s Gypsy. Northwestern University graduate. Best credit is Mommy to my newborn son Max!

Collection includes “JR.” titles, 60-minute musicals for performance by middle-school children; “KIDS” titles, 30-minute musicals for performance by elementary school children; MTI School Editions, musicals that have been annotated for performance by high school students; and the Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) Collection, 70-minute musicals designed for adults to perform for children. MTI ShowSpace.com is the theater world’s online community, where practitioners and fans from around the world share advice, photos, videos, sets, props, costumes and more LAUREN CAVANAUGH (Production to help bring their next productions to life.

Stage Manager) is thrilled to be on the road once again! National/international tours: ALLIED LIVE (Marketing and Press) is Mamma Mia!, Ailey II. Off-Broadway: Queen a full-service marketing and advertising of the Night NYC. NYC: Anahid Sofian agency representing Broadway shows, Dance Company, Brooklyn Youth Chorus. national tours, performing arts institutions and Regional: Heartless, A Discourse ... Invisible experiential entertainment entities. Current World, Swing!, The Sound of Music. B.F.A. clients include The Book of Mormon, Rodgers stage management from Western Michigan + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Elf, Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia!, Motown the Musical, University. Love and thanks to Adam.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, KARY M. WALKER (Executive Producer). Once and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.

NETworks since 2001. Previously executive Upcoming tours include An American in producer at Chicago’s Marriott Lincolnshire Paris, On the Town, and Something Rotten!

Theatre for two decades. Founding board member of the National Alliance for Musical THE ROAD COMPANY (Tour Booking) Theatre. Vietnam veteran. Walker has been in is a theatrical booking agency founded in show business for 40 years and produced more 1997 by Stephen Lindsay and Brett Sirota. In than 150 shows. He is most delighted to have addition to Elf, it is representing Wicked, The been able to recently marry his partner of 33 Sound of Music, Kinky Boots, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Once, Annie, Dirty Dancing and years, James Morvay.

The Illusionists. The Road Company is made MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL possible by Magaly Barone, Shawn Willett, (MTIShows.com) is one of the world’s leading Jenny Kirlin, Justine Spingler, Didi Perez and dramatic licensing agencies, granting schools Garrett Holtz. as well as amateur and professional theaters from around the world the rights to perform UNIQUE FEATURES (Original Producer). the largest selection of great musicals from In June 2008, Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne Broadway and beyond. MTI works directly departed New Line to form an independent film with the composers, lyricists and book writers company named Unique Features. Noteworthy of these shows to provide official scripts, feature film projects include Screen Gems’ musical materials and dynamic theatrical When the Bough Breaks, starring Regina resources to more than 60,000 theatrical Hall and Morris Chestnut with Jon Cassar to organizations in the United States and direct; Middle Earth, a biography of J.R.R. more than 60 countries. MTI is particularly Tolkien, to be directed by Michael Apted; dedicated to the idea of theater as education Retaliation, the retelling of a classic 1950s and has created special collections for younger Japanese gangster saga in collaboration with performers. The MTI Broadway Junior the Japanese company Nikkatsu and Voltage ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 37

BIOS Pictures; High in the Clouds, an animated feature written by Josh Klausner (Shrek Ever After) and directed by Cody Cameron (Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2), with original songs by Paul McCartney and a score

by Michael Giacchino; and, with Relativity, War Dogs, written by David McKenna (American History X & Blow), with John Moore directing. In television, the company is executive producing with Constantin Film “Shadowhunters,” a series based on the bestselling young adult book franchise Mortal Instruments, being adapted by Ed Decter and in production at ABC Family; at the History Channel, an eight-hour event based on the epic World War II nonfiction best-seller The Liberator by Alex Kershaw; and “Chariots of the Gods,” in development as a series with Sonar Entertainment, based on the book by Erik Von Daniken and with Joe Ahearne attached as writer.

WARNER BROS. THEATRE VENTURES (Original Producer). Continuing Warner Bros.’ mission of presenting the finest entertainment across all media and platforms to global audiences, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures is the company’s live stage play division. It develops and produces plays, musicals and other stage productions, using the company’s expansive catalog. In addition to Elf, WBTV is represented on the West End by the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and on Broadway by The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the 2013 Olivier and 2015 Tony Award best-play winner, and Misery, adapted by Oscar winner Bill Goldman from his 1990 screenplay. WBTV has previously been represented on Broadway by the Tony Award-winning musical The Bridges of Madison County and the holiday hit Elf, which broke box-office records at the Al Hirschfield Theatre during its initial run. The division also co-produced the original musical Secondhand Lions at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre and is readying productions of Dave and Beetlejuice for the stage. WBTV also licenses third-party stage rights to various properties in the studio’s media library, including such productions as The Bodyguard, Top Hat, Singin’ in the Rain, Hairspray, The Wizard of Oz, The Color 38 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

Purple, 42nd Street, Honeymoon in Vegas and the upcoming Broadway musical Diner.

NETWORKS PRESENTATIONS LLC (Producer) from its inception nearly 20 years ago, NETworks has been an industryleading producer and manager of touring musical theater productions, and it remains committed to delivering quality entertainment to audiences worldwide. NETworks has toured more than 60 productions throughout North America and is now expanding its tours in such international markets as South America, Greece, Italy, Turkey and Southeast Asia. Current touring productions include Cameron Mackintosh’s The Phantom of the Opera, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Dirty Dancing, Blue Man Group, Elf the Musical, Bullets Over Broadway, Love Letters, Once the Musical and international tours of Beauty and the Beast and Shrek the Musical. www. networkstours.com

CELEBRATE the Season!

Decorated Trees • Cultural Displays Global Celebrations • Holiday Activities For a complete schedule of programs, visit FernbankMuseum.org/Holidays.

Winter Wonderland is presented by Additional support for cultural learning provided by The Nissan Foundation.

STAFF STAFF FOR Elf the Musical Executive Producer Kary M. Walker General Management Gentry & Associates, Inc. Gregory Vander Ploeg, Bobby T. Maglaughlin, Tyler Soltis, Mary K. Witte Production Management NETworks Presentations LLC Jason Juenker, Hector Guivas, Laura Dieli, Dave Burch Tour Booking The Road Company Stephen Lindsay Brett Sirota 165 West 46th St, Ste 1101 New York, NY 10036 212.3025.5200 voice 212.302.5374 fax www.theroadcompany.com Tour Marketing and Publicity Allied Live Laura Matalon Marya Peters Jackie Smith Anne Waisanen Casting Stewart/Whitley Duncan Stewart CSA, Benton Whitley CSA Andrea Zee CSA, Dale Brown CSA Eric Byrd, Danny Dunitz Company Manager Tim Debo Production Stage Manager . . . . . . Lauren Cavanaugh Associate Scenic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Willis Assistant Costume Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . Anne Steinback Associate Lighting Designer . . . . . . . . Kirk Fitzgerald Assistant Lighting Designer . . . . . . . . . Chris Lundahl Lighting Programmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad Gray Lighting Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wilburn Bonnell Associate Sound Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Platt Assistant Sound Designer . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Goodwin Head Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Apell Asst. Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Fischer Flyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua DiBernardi Head Electrician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joel Bulthuis Asst. Electrician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alex Becker Head Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Rivet Asst. Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Mastromarino Head Props . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Crawford Head Wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elise Packee Wig Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marcus Lopez Rehearsal Conductor & Pianist . . . . . . . Joey Chancey 40 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

Fight Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Whitney Print Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allied Live Radio Spot Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HMS Media Television Spot Design/ Video Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HMS Media Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pitbull Interactive Production Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Bennion Merchandising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Araca Group Accounting . . . . . . . . . NETworks Presentations LLC Tour Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Carey, CLA Legal Services . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Richard Pappas, Esq. HR & Payroll Services . . . . . . Human Resources inc.

Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Morris, Road Concierge Travel Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janice Kessler, Carlson Wagonlit Travel Trucking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clark Transfer For NETworks Presentations Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth Gentry Chief Operating Officer . . . . . . . . . Scott W. Jackson President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orin Wolf Executive Vice President Production . . . . Seth Wenig Executive Assistant/Assoc. GM . . . . . . . Curt Owens Director of Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Kinna Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Gifford Executive Producers . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angela Rowles, Kary Walker, Trinity Wheeler Director of Booking . . . . . . . . . Charmaine McVicker Engagement Manager . . . . . . . . . . Esther Schwarzbauer Director of Marketing/PR . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Hess Senior General Manager . . . . . Gregory Vander Ploeg General Managers . . . . . . . . . . Bobby T. Maglaughlin, Tyler Soltis, Mary K. Witte Senior Production Manager . . . . . . . . . Jason Juenker Production Managers . . . Laura Dieli, Hector Guivas Associate Production Manager . . . . . . . . Dave Burch Assistant Production Manager . . . . . . . Shelby Stark Music Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Mezzio Warehouse Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad Korff Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buddy Piccolino Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Persaud Intern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anne Cape Credits Scenery provided by Hudson Scenic Studios; Sound equipment by Sound Associates; Lighting equipment provided by Christie Lites; Properties by BrenBri Props; Flying Effects provided by ZFX, Inc.; Costumes prepared by Arel Studio; Lynne Mackey Millinery; Tricorne Costumes; Jennifer Chapman; Karl Ruckdeschel; Jess Gersz; Emily Fox; Rodney Gordon; Laduca Shoes; Worldtone Shoes; Lizet Rubinos; Gene Mignola; Diana Belanger.

STAFF Rehearsed at Manhattan Movement and Arts.

Special Thanks to Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts and James Patrick, Executive Director NEUROTOUR-Official provider of Physical Therapy services.

Tax & Financial Consulting, Accounting Services, IT Services CliftonLarsonAllen LLP George Wilson, Linda Rubenstein, Pat Guerieri, Tim Pizza Insurance Broker Services Maury Donnelly & Parr, Inc. Robert B. Middleton, Sr. and Meghan Shriver Financial Services and banking arrangements by SunTrust Bank Stock and Amateur rights for Elf The Musical are represented by Music Theatre International, New York City.

212-541-4684 www.mtishows.com Visit the Elf The Musical tour website at www.ElfTheMusicalOnTour.com Backstage and Front of the House Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.).

United Scenic Artists represents the designers and scenic painters for the American Theatre.

The Director and Choreographer are members of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 41

2970 Clairmont Road, Suite 645 Atlanta, GA 30329 Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

404.873.4300 Russ Belin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President Arnesha Redding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ticketing Manager Marc Finkbeiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regional Sales Operations Manager Kevin Ogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales & Promotions Manager Rik Knopp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales & Promotions Associate Vanessa Webber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales & Promotions Associate David Spry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Regional Marketing Terry Romanoli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Corporate Partnerships For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Walker at BRAVE Public Relations, 404.233.3993.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

FOR INFORMATION regarding corporate partnerships and promotional opportunities with Broadway in Atlanta, please call 404.873.4300.

In celebration of 35 years presenting the best of Broadway to Atlanta audiences, Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta is rolling out the red carpet for another series of blockbuster musicals, Atlanta premieres and returning crowd pleasers for the 2015/16 series at the Fox Theatre. The remaining season lineup will feature Atlanta debuts of the 2013 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical Kinky Boots, Beautiful — The Carole King Musical, If/Then, and stunning new productions of audience favorites The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz. NETworks presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will return as an option to the regular series subscription. By popular demand, The Book of Mormon, which played a record breaking two week run in 2014 also returns to Atlanta for a limited two week engagement. For more information about our series or to read the latest Broadway Buzz, please visit BroadwayInAtlanta.com.

Watch exclusive videos, become a fan, follow us and visit us online: BroadwayAtlanta

@BroadwayAtlanta

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Visit our home page at BroadwayInAtlanta.com

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

Thomas Edwards Affairs to Remember Caterers Georgia Natural Gas The Coca-Cola Company

Marquee

Atlanta Beverage Company Bill Hughey

encore

Active Production and Design, Inc. Alston & Bird Cindy Askounis Diana Blank Douglas Borenstein Kyle Cadman Colgate Crib Mattress Concierge Services of Atlanta Ira Curry & Talmer Curry, Jr. Drew Eckl & Farnham

44 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

Encore Magazine Kevin Foley Roger Gelder The Georgian Terrace Chris Hurst George Kuhn Lanier Parking Holdings National Trust for Insurance Services Sean Oh Ronda Parks Christian Raver Steve Raver Jerel and Janet Rush

Janice and Gary Sloan Jason Stutzman Anthony Tritt David Wilcox

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Atlanta Film Festival Cinema Concepts McKenney’s Inc. Paciolan

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ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 45

FOR YOUR INFORMATION THE THEATRE 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 ROOMS 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 walk up 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.

46 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

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.)

GAC practices a non-discriminatory policy of admissions.

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ETIQUETTE 1. Please arrive early. Latecomers may not be 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.

48 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

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

STAFF Allan C. Vella. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President & C.E.O. Adina Alford Erwin. . . . Vice President & General Manager Jeff Quesenberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President & C.F.O. Jamie Vosmeier. . . . . Senior Director, Sales and Marketing Elton Howze. . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Information Systems Carmie McDonald . . . . . . . . Director, Fox Theatre Institute Joe Quillian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Special Events Shelly Kleppsattel. . . . . . . . . . Booking & Contract Manager Rick Robbins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controller Rachel Bomeli. . . . . . . . . Manager Ticket Sales and Service Jon Cooper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest Services Manager Shelby Moody . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Group Sales Manager Dan Goldberger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-Commerce and Social Media Manager Laura Zimbrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Partnership Premium Seating Manager Amy Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Production Manager Gary Hardaway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master Carpenter Larry Watson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . House Flyman Scott Hardin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property Master Ray T. Haynie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master Electrician Cary Oldknow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Electrician Rodney Amos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Sound Engineer

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 Airline 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

BEYOND THE PERFORMANCE

At Galloway, students (age 3-grade 12) are inspired to be fearless learners, to embrace challenges, and to To learn more and register discover more about themselves for an admissions tour, visit gallowayschool.org/admissions and the world around them.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 49

Dancers of all ages share the stage in Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker, which is set in 1850 Russia.

‘Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker’ turns 20 as its creator, artistic director John McFall, steps toward retirement By Julie Bookman

S

nowflakes and soldiers and rats — oh, my.

Once again, for the 56th time around, Atlanta Ballet is going nuts.

Preparations for Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker begin months in advance. Hundreds of sparkly costume pieces for more than 130 characters

50 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

are hauled from storage in summer.

It then takes about 2,000 hours to ready them for another slate of performances.

This season marks the 20th anniversary of artistic director John McFall’s elaborate storybook version of the holiday classic. Before his arrival, the company staged George

CHARLIE MCCULLERS

John McFall became artistic director of Atlanta Ballet in 1994.

He’s retiring at the end of the season, making this his last Nutcracker with the company.

Balanchine’s traditional version about a girl whose nutcracker doll comes to life, becomes a prince and whisks her away to a magical dreamland.

To embrace the rich colors, themes, textures and mysteries of Russian folklore — as reflected in Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s score — McFall set his production in 1850 St. Petersburg.

The girl at the story’s center is often played by a young ballet student, but McFall made his character a more mature girl named Marya and, for the past six seasons, she’s been danced by an Atlanta Ballet company member.

Tchaikovsky’s music seems to inspire choreographers. Around the world, you’ll find Nutcrackers with

everything from bopping bonbons to twirling giraffes. McFall added evil rats. For a while, the show had a pink pig on inline skates, a wink to Atlanta’s “Ride the Pink Pig” holiday tradition.

Because the production is so large and involved, it takes a team to rehearse it — and a village of others to oversee its many demands.

McFall, who has announced that he’ll retire at the end of this season, relies to a certain extent on Rosemary Miles, Dale Shields and Sarah Hillmer. The three retired dancers are Atlanta Ballet’s ballet mistresses.

Their role is to teach, direct and rehearse the company’s dancers.

Miles has done this the longest, for 19 years, so she’s as familiar with McFall’s Nutcracker as anyone.

The daughter of an English brigadier general, Miles danced with the Royal Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada, among others. She was a soloist with American companies including the National Ballet of Washington and Houston Ballet.

Shields is a former principal with Indianapolis Ballet Theatre. Hilmer, an Atlanta native, performed classic roles with Atlanta Ballet and served as a ballet mistress to contemporary dance great Twyla Tharp.

Miles graciously eked time out from a booked-solid schedule to speak with us about the gargantuan undertaking. Some highlights:

NUTTY NUMBERS • Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker calls for 8 tons of scenery, lighting and props.

• Each performance uses 300,000 watts of electricity (more than enough to light a stadium).

• 20 pounds of “snow” fall at each performance.

• Costume preparation starts in August and takes more than 2,000 hours.

• Mother Matrushka’s costume weighs 75 pounds. The role is always done by a male dancer atop a 15-foothigh platform.

• The Christmas tree grows from 13 feet to 38 feet — as tall as a three-story building.

• A new backdrop for Marya’s trip to the Land of the Sweets was created in 2011 by Atlanta scenic artist Kat Conley. She handpainted the scene, which took more than 120 hours.

— Source: Atlanta Ballet

Question: Looking back on your own career, is there a role that’s a highlight? Perhaps a fond Nutcracker memory?

Answer: I did Carabosse [the wicked fairy godmother] and also Bluebird in Sleeping Beauty. Like most dancers, I’ve done a lot of Nutcrackers – five different productions and many roles. One highlight was dancing the Snow pas de deux as the Snow Queen for Houston Ballet.

The snow scene is always wonderful, the music so glorious.

“What I personally enjoy,” says ballet mistress Rosemary Miles, “is that each year I get to see how much the dancers have improved.”

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 51

Scenes from Nutcrackers past include the evil rats, Marya and her Nutcracker, and the beauty found in classical ballet.

A: As we rehearse and teach, we spend a lot of time with the dancers, so we help identify their individual strengths and weaknesses. It’s our role to nurture and encourage them, and to make sure the dancer realizes that what they are being asked to do is something they can do.

Q: For example?

A: We had a young gentleman cast as the Sugar Plum Cavalier. He felt a bit insecure about it, but we encouraged him and coached him, and because we were very patient, he turned out to be a very gallant cavalier.

Q: Year to year, what’s the best thing about tackling yet another Nutcracker?

A: What I personally enjoy is that each year I get to see how much the dancers have improved. We’re with them all of the time and something they were having a little trouble with last year they are now just getting up and doing beautifully. I find it very

52 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

exciting to see the artistic growth among the company members.

Q: What distinguishes this t from other productions?

A: First of all, John McFall’s party scene has become the most lively and entertaining. That scene is very long and can be a bit slow, but John really keeps this one moving. He tinkers and tinkers with the smallest details to keep it fresh and interesting. He is always thinking about entertaining the children in the audience. I think his Sugar Plum pas de deux is probably the most difficult I’ve ever seen. Technically it is very challenging for the dancers.

Q: You once told an Atlanta Ballet company member to think of dancing as “speaking with your feet.” What does that means?

A: Your feet must speak. They can’t be garbled because there is no articulation, no beauty to it.

It’s probably like a pianist — you are meant to hear each and every note, so you can’t just run through them. Everything has to be enunciated and punctuated so that it is totally correct.

CHARLIE MCCULLERS

Q: How do you help prepare for this Nutcracker every year?

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Lunch | Dinner | Dessert | Weekend Brunch as featured in Zagat’s “The 7 Hottest New Italian Restaurants in Atlanta” Atlanta – Midtown | 77 12th Street NE @ Crescent Avenue 404-709-2058 | princiitalia.com

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 57

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@DaviosAtlanta

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/DaviosAtlanta

Bring us this coupon and get a delicious, complimentary

DAVIO’S

Spring Roll appetizer!

For reservations, please call 404.844.4810 3500 PEACHTREE ROAD, NE | ATLANTA, GA 30326 (PHIPPS PLAZA) Coupon must to redeem.

Cannot LeMacaron_eighth_final.pdf 1 be presented 10/22/15 10:40 PM be combined w/any other offer.

Must be redeemed w/purchase of entrée. One per table. Expires Dec. 31, 2015.

Log on to EncoreAtlanta.com and register to win tickets!

855 Peachtree Street NE • Suite #4 Atlanta, GA 30308 • (678) 656-9969 facebook.com/lemacaronatlanta 58 ENCOREATLANTA.COM LeMacaron_ENC1511 eighth.indd 1

10/22/15 10:52 PM

a

Well Crafted Experience awaits.

2 Atlanta locations 3242 Peachtree Road NE · Buckhead · 404-264-0253 848 Peachtree Street NE · Midtown · 404-870-0805

Bring in this coupon and receive

$$10 5 Off Off

your yourpurchase purchase ofof$20 or or more $20 more

A copy of this offer must be presented to your server in order to qualify for this offer.

Limit one per person per table. Valid only at Buckhead and Midtown locations. Not valid at airport locations. Will not be accepted toward the purchase of merchandise or gift cards. Cannot be used as gratuity or redeemed for cash. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount. Not valid on alcohol where prohibited. Dine-in only. This offer is valid until 12/31/2015.

July 31, 2013.Attn AttnServer: Server:Comp ComptotoENCORE. MKTG$.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION 59

FOX FUN FACTS THEATER, AFFAIRS TO REMEMBER ANNOUNCE SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP The Fox Theatre is often the site of first dates, marriage proposals, weddings, corporate events and life-changing fundraisers. For more than eight decades, it’s been the cornerstone of unique stories and favorite memories. But there’s one story that has yet to be told.

Until now.

The Fox Theatre and Affairs to Remember Caterers are embarking on a partnership — AFFAIRS at the FOX — that creates a distinctive narrative. Millions have shared stories about their own Fox encounters, and now many others will be able to share theirs.

Although Affairs to Remember and the Fox Theatre have worked together for nearly 40 years, that relationship is expanding.

Affairs to Remember will now manage the booking of all events at the Fox’s Egyptian Ballroom, Grand Salon & Terrace, Landmarks Lounge and other special-event areas.

Increased staffing and complete one-stop services for all special event needs — including design, audiovisual and entertainment — is designed to elevate the client experience. Here are a few other details:

AFFAIRS at the FOX menu highlights include: • Peachtree Street Bellini. Peach sorbet and sparkling wine served with a raspberry and basil leaf garnish.

• “Fox-corn.” Popcorn made with pecans, apricots, caramel and Dukkah, an Egyptian spice blend of toasted nuts and seeds.

• Falafel fritters. Served with radish raita and microgreens or house-made pimento cheese-stuffed pickled okra wrapped in bacon.

• Middle Eastern-inspired za’atar crusted tuna. Served over cannellini bean salad with artichokes, soppressata and feta tossed in sumac berry vinaigrette.

For more information or to book your an event, visit www.foxtheatre.org/private-events.

COURTESY OF THE FOX THEATRE

• AFFAIRS at the FOX launched during the summer.

• It features Fox-exclusive menus inspired by the theater’s architecture, Southern location and signature performances.

• Affairs to Remember’s culinary team can design menus tailored to touring Broadway shows.

• Affairs to Remember is the Fox’s preferred caterer, but this is not an exclusive deal, which is rare in the industry.

60 ENCOREATLANTA.COM

Ins Ist on makI ng a t o a s t.

Enjo y l I f E t o t hE f ul lE 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 .

Fou r AtlAntA restA ur Ants to se rv e Y o u Alpharetta 路 Buckhead 路 Centennial olympic Park 路 Kennesaw For location details, visit RuthsChris.net