Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
many venues around town
through February 27, 2020

Hooray! Now for the 20th year in succession the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is playing all around town. The opening was at Cobb Energy Center on February 10th, and more than 2,000 fans fought their way through some pretty tough weather to join their voices in support of helping others.

The opening film was Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance. The film featured many heroes of note from our history books, newspapers and personal recollections; as we went back to Birmingham, Selma, the Temple bombing, days of Jim Crow and so much more. One special treat was when Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul & Mary, took the stage to belt out Blowin’ in the Wind. And the choirs of Ebenezer Baptist Church and The Temple joined in as did the audience as if we were all at Woodstock.

The films will be shown at Regal Cinemas in Sandy Springs, Tara on Cheshire Bridge, Plaza Theatre on Ponce, Landmark Midtown on Monroe, City Springs, and The Woodruff Center. You can be assured that you’ll find more than one or two of the films that will draw you in. If you go to their website at AJFF.org you can see all the info as to titles, dates and times and even download a full program schedule for free.

This is not just about people of one faith, but about human experiences and how some people feel the power to help others. Enjoy . . .

Heart / Beat
Atlanta Ballet
through February 15, 2020

The Atlanta Ballet might just be the answer to what could be a cool Valentine’s gift this year; for they have two remaining performances at 8pm on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.

These are not Swan Lakes or typical classical ballets. In fact they are quite different and the emphasis is on the choreography, which is no surprise. There are three ballets with two intermissions. First up is Elemental Brubeck which is choreographed by Lar Lubovitch to the music of Dave Brubeck. This work is staged in collaboration with the San Francisco Ballet.

The dancers come back next in Tuplet choreographed by Alexander Ekman to the music of Mikael Karlsson.  Ekman is one who often goes off the standards and this is no exception, as you will note. The six dancers are even providing some drum beats with their own hands as they work through this one.

And the grand finale after the intermission is the world premiere of Sunrise Divine which is choreographed by Dwight Rhoden with about 18 dancers on stage and with a band in the pit led by Dr. Kevin P. Johnson who composed the original music. And upstage on a loft you will see and hear the Spelman College Glee Club and the Golden Gate Singers as they work their way through quite a few updated gospel numbers.

And if you have some children who you think may be intrigued by becoming a ballerina, then the Atlanta Ballet 2, will perform Tchaikovsky’s Swan Princess at the same facility February 13 – 16 at 7pm and 2pm, and it is a one hour presentation for an audience of 12 and younger. But the grandparents might also enjoy it. More info at AtlantaBallet.com

5 Course Love
Marietta Theatre
through February 22, 2020

Forget about the flowers and chocolates for Valentine’s Day. A couple of tickets to this really great show will be far more memorable for all. A really unique cabaret burlesque where you feel as if you are part of the show.

You will be at a restaurant where a single guy hopes to hook up with a woman. Thinks don’t always work out the way we wish, at least not at the start. The restaurant is run by Dean (Alex Eberhart) and he has some management problems. Chris Saltalamacchio shows up as Matt, a very single man; and he runs into Barbie (Lillian Shaw) thinking she is somebody else; but she has the same problem with him. And this is just a start.

The story is really about five different couples in different beaneries. Each player comes back in four more roles. Barbie is also Sofia, Gretchen, Rosalinda and Kitty; while Matt is also Gino, Klaus, Guillermo and Clutch. And Dean is also Carlo, Heimlich, Ernesto and Pops.

As you might guess from the names, the bistro starts off as a BBQ type joint, then Italian, then German, followed by a Latino and finally back to local American joint. What is also incredible about this show is that there is a band of three players onstage, Brian Osborne, Ian Scheffer and Aaron Crowe all of whom are associated with Reinhardt University and they effortlessly move through 31 numbers all in a one act show running about 90 minutes.

This is a thoroughly delightful experience being staged at a small local theatre, but of the quality one might expect from a larger company. Costumes, choreography, music and everything working together for a grand fun time. More info at MariettaTheatre.com

Calendar Girls
Act3 Playhouse
through February 23, 2020

This is a pure delight to everybody in the house. If you like theater and/or films you know the story about a bunch of adult women from Yorkshire who decide to raise some money to help a local cancer hospital. So, instead of baking cupcakes or crocheting table decorations, they decide to go starkers on a calendar. It may have been a bit shocking to some, but it went viral and the gals who hoped to raise maybe 600 quid, raised over £500,000

As you may know they don’t push frontal nudity. The ladies are posed behind fruit bowls, or pies, or other props which delicately conceal certain very private parts of their anatomy while exposing all the rest to supply plenty of eye candy to those who buy their calendars.

The show is a laughter fest, and something we all can enjoy. Directed by Gabby Kellogg, there is a cast of 14 terrific players. The character’s names aren’t a big issue with the possible exception of Lady Cravenshire (Peyton White), the Ms. Prim of the town. We meet the ladies at their meeting of the local Womens’ Institute. The husband of one of them is terminally ill, and they want to do something in his memory and for others.

Mary Claire Klooster, Ginny Slifcak, Avani Lesane, Gloria Szokoly, Carlye McLaughlin, Rebekah Williams, Nancy Jensen, Bernice Grussing and Elizabeth Clements are the other Yorkshire ladies. The gents include Paul Spadafora, James Connor, Patrick Croce and Jason Pure. The guys may keep their clothes on, but they are a real part of the story. For these gals need the photographer, to take the shots once their clothes are off and the light screens are in place.

It is kind of like that little whore house in Texas. There is really nothing dirty going on. No proper lady need be offended, as this deals with womens’ rights. No old geezer is going to get too excited thinking that he’s about to see a stripper waving her boa. What it is, is a very good production of a very wonderful and true story, which provides tons of laughs, and presented with grand enthusiasm by this small local theatre company.

Act3 is very easy to get to just behind Trader Joe’s in Sandy Springs. Free parking, easy view from all seats and a really good deal for all. More info at Act3Productions.org

Camelot
Atlanta Lyric Theatre
through February 23, 2020

It’s 60 years since Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot hit the stage, and it is so spot-on these days when we witness the world around us and search for ways to attain honor, justice and peace for all. For it was King Arthur (Corey James Wright) who, with the help and input from Guenevere (Lyndsay Ricketson) figured out to build a round table where each knight might have an equal seat at the table. Not sure we have one like that in the White House.

The original show didn’t have an easy start, even though it did bring Richard Burton, Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet to stage center and they brought down the house. It is a show that today runs maybe 2.5 hours, but it was once even longer. You will meet Arthur and Guenevere by the tree in the forest, and they do become wed. Arthur is somewhat moved by the magician, Merlyn (Claudio Pestana), and often looks to his old aide, Pellinore (Greg Hunter).

And, you do recall that Sir Lancelot comes to England to become a Knight of the Round Table. Lancelot (J D Myers) and Guenevere have eyes for one another but try to avoid any hanky panky. At least until late in Act II. For it is then that a bastard son of Arthur, Mordred (Daniel Pino) shows up with a plan of his own to disrupt the realm and seize all power. Sound like anything you hear today?

Directed by Mira Hirsh with a live orchestra under the baton of Paul Tate, this is another really Broadway quality production by this local house. They deal with equality, help for the simple folk, peace vs. war, and standing for right not just might. If only it could be made a requirement that anyone running for office read the original story by T.H.White, and sing along with the cast on stage.

More info at AtlantaLyric.com

Once
Horizon Theatre
through March 8, 2020

This is not your usual local theatre musical. The play by Enda Walsh hit the boards in NYC 9 years ago and went to Broadway in 2012 where it won 8 Tony’s. While the play in set in Dublin, it could be anywhere, because the things which move the story along are existing in each of us. An incredible cast of actors-musicians perform in the round in another great set by the sisters Curley-Clay, and Heidi Cline McKerley directed and choreographed this really high energy captivating experience.

It starts off with an unnamed Guy (Chase Peacock) on the streets who is ready to walk away from his guitar and abandon his hopes. He meets an unnamed Girl (Maggie Salley) who is a recent immigrant from eastern Europe. They have little in common other than she likes music, can play a piano and sing; and she is not going to let that Guy walk away from what she feels his life could become.

Eight other players complete this great cast and they know how to belt out numbers as if they were actually in some pub in the auld sod. But, even tough some of the chaps might come on as a big baluba, you gotta be knowing that all comes right in the end and the trip itself is a pure delight. With the band playing to the house, you might wish to think it would be even better were you having a pint or two.

This is a totally wonderful production and a joy in every way. I’ve been told it was an award winning film as well; but hadn’t seen it. But, it couldn’t be any better than what the Horizon has to offer. More info at HorizonTheatre.com

Georgia Symphony Orchestra
America, Volume 6

The GSO continues it’s series of concerts in which America is a focal point in the music and the stories behind them. This production at the Marietta Performing Arts Center was a totally awe inspiring one, unlike any usual concert.

The composers are all Americans. They opened with Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, which is a totally energetic opus in every respect. Then they presented Lowell Liebermann’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra. The composer is comfortable in any genre, be it opera, chamber music, full symphony, and so much more.

His concerto is quite a bit more than you expect, for as it moves through the usual three movements, the final one is pretty upbeat with a lot more than just the strings. Flautist Jeanne Carere was stage center and really carried the audience away.

After a break, the GSO, in collaboration with The Lyric Theatre, presented an unique work by Peter Boyer. His Ellis Island: The Dream of America, premiered in 2003 with the composer conducting the London Philharmonia Orchestra, and has gone on to become a staple today for orchestras around the world. As the orchestra plays the numbers, actors come to the stage as seven different immigrants who came to this country many years ago when they were stowed away on ships that took many days to cross the Atlantic to the Statue of Liberty and the process of gaining access and so often to reunite with family which came before them. In addition to the narratives from Jennifer Alice Acker, Chase Davidson, Cara Mantella and Michael Vine, there are photo backdrops from the archives of Ellis Island. And, if we stop to think about it; while we may not actually know of relatives arriving there, it was the principal port of entry for those emigrating from Europe to seek a better life in the land of opportunity. If you like Aaron Copland’s works, you’ll love this one.

The GSO under the baton of Timothy Verville is an incredible credit to our growing arts community, and it also shines as a first class orchestra with a really impressive number of female players, not all on violins or the harp. Coming up February 8th is the GSO Jazz band and chorus which will perform their America vol. 7 at the Strand Theatre on Marietta Square. More info at GeorgiaSymphony.org

The Hobbit
Synchronicity Theatre
through February 23, 2020

This production derived from the classic story by J.R.R.Tolkien may be something the youngsters may think they know all about, but this presents some parts of the story in a way not before seen. To make it even more accessible for youngsters the theatre time is set for 7pm, so that you’re out of the venue by about 9.

This work by Greg Banks includes music by him and Tom Johnson.  It is directed by Jake Guinn, and has but five players in about 20 roles. Ash Anderson who plays Gandalf stuns the audience as he is on stage wearing jumping stilts. Not something we need to try at home. Brooke Owens comes on as Bilbo Baggins, who gets drafted to help the 13 dwarves find the treasures in the cave.

A wide range of parts are handled by Tennison Barry III, Ryan Vo and Benedetto Robinson. While the stage setting may be unusual in some respects, the truth is that it works quite well for all the incredible acrobatics and prat falls.

The show runs about an hour and 45 minutes, with the first act almost a full hour. When the seats start to fill up you feel as if you are on a Carnival cruise; but the young folks really understand the play is the thing, and they become immersed and quiet.  The Friday evening performance is a Jammy Party night and many of the kids wore their PJs. Thankfully the AARP crowd did not.

They are playing to very filled houses, so you may wish to get your tickets early and get there early as it is open seating. If there is a parking space on the street, the meter cockroaches can’t tag you after 7pm. But, you can also use the garage and the theatre can provide a discounted exit pass for you. They also have plenty of goodies so that nobody, other than a dwarf, has to worry about malnourishment. More info at SynchroTheatre.com

Bull in a China Shop
OutFront Theatre
through February 15, 2020

This all-female show by Bryna Turner is a real-life story being brought to light. For it is set at Mount Holyoke College at the turn of the last century, when it was an all-female seminary. The women’s suffrage movement is an important part of the saga, as are women’s places in society. Mount Holyoke was one of the “7 Sisters” which was the group of prestigious women’s colleges akin to the all male Ivy League. The play is performed in many scenes which are moved in and out of by short violin solos.

The playwright is class of 2012 from the school and she drew the inspiration for this work from papers and memorabilia in the college museum. We meet Mary Woolley (Daryl Lisa Fazio) who is the president. The real Woolley served as president of the school from 1901 to 1936; through one war and almost into another one. She was a woman who felt that there should be no restraints on females, and that included sexual preferences. For she had a long lasting relationship with Professor Jeannette Marks (Alicia Kelley); and like most relationships, not every day was a perfect one.

Mary Woolley often got into the face with Dean Welsh (Dina Shadwell) over personal matters as well as the curriculum. For while Holyoke was educating women for careers and achievements which may extend far beyond the kitchen and bedroom; that was not the normal attitude in those days. A girl was supposed to learn to spell, write, read, cook, sew and marry and procreate. Even in the 1940’s in high schools the boys all took shop to learn how to use tools, and the girls took typing so that perhaps they could land a career as a secretary. But, that was prior to the rise of Rosie the Riveter.

The cast is rounded out by Sofia Palmero, who is a student with issues, and Falashay Pearson who is the house manager at the President’s Manor. This production is being brought to us by the theatre in collaboration with Georgia State University and we should stand and salute them both. Considering the current concerns of society and issues addressed by the Me Too movement and others, the timing is spot on for this one.

The show runs in one act about 80 minutes and you are drawn into the characters and the action from the opening scene. This theatre company is a showcase for/to the LGBTQIA+ community as well as all of we humans with brains. On February 11th they will host a celebration of LGBTQ pioneers in the arts. More info at OutFrontTheatre.com

Maybe Happy Ending
Alliance Theatre
through February 16, 2020

Let’s skip to the bottom line. DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!! It is one of the most spectacular productions, totally unlike anything you’ve see before; and you will LOVE it.

You’ve not thought about a musical coming to Atlanta from Seoul, Korea. And, probably have not thought about robots evolving as almost humans; albeit they would continue to get outdated and disposed of, just as cell phones get tossed and employees have become basic tools of enterprise. You need one, you hire. No longer need one, you fire.

Michael Arden directs this incredible work which has fantastic sets by Dane Laffrey and the best lighting and projections EVER by Sven Ortel and Travis Havenbuch. When the show opens you meet Claire (Cathy Ang) who is a helperbot. She lives in a room across the hall from Oliver (Kenny Tran) who also is a helperbot; although they are not of the same age. One is a model 3 and the other a 5; ergo their batteries and chargers may not always work identically. Each has been let go by their owners, who have moved on up to helperbot 7’s.

There is a full band under the baton of Deborah Abramson, who is on the keyboards. And, Dez Duron is onstage as Gil Brentley, a bandleader and vocalist who is an object of Oliver’s attention, along with loads of other jazz bands. What kind of helperbot would not want a collection of hundreds of old 33’s ?

As the story evolves we find that robots may acquire more than just data from association with humans. And the issue is that while not every relationship has a happy ending; it is important to be aware that life itself may be good and that death can also be a happy ending. What is now may be passe in 2100 A.D., but some things of today shall endure as life goes on.

This is a pure delight and the seating is such that there are good views from each of them, so go online today for more info and tickets. AllianceTheatre.org ENJOY!