If you've never checked out local theatre in Atlanta, you've really been missing out!  But this weekend there are lots of chances to get out there and see some great shows.  Below is a list of some local shows that are closing this weekend and a list of a few one-night-only shows.  Ticket prices for some of the shows are very inexpensive, so even if you're on a budget, don't let that stop you!

 

Just click on the links for each show for more information and ticket prices.  And enjoy the shows!

 

Closing this weekend!

- Crimes Against Nature at Sketchworks Theatre - Closing Saturday, August 22

- A Cool Drink A Water at Horizon Theatre - Closing Sunday, August 23

- Dora the Explorer Live! at the Fabulous Fox Theatre - Closing Sunday, August 23

 

One-Night-Only shows!

- Del Shores: My Sordid Life at Onstage Atlanta - Saturday, August 22

- Welcome Back Comedy Show at Georgia State University's Rialto Center - Saturday, August 22

- A Little Bit County, A Little Bit Rock n Roll at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center - Sunday, August 23

- Marietta Magic Comedy Illusion Show at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre - Sunday, August 23

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Halloween is here, and if you still don't have plans for the holiday, below is a list of Halloween-themed events to check out this weekend.  Some are them are family-friendly, and they include live music, theatre, film screenings, and even an art exhibit featuring decorated coffins!

Just click on the names of the events below for more info:


Scary Ride! at Emory's Schwartz Center for the Arts
Mummies and Milkshakes on the Quadrangle at the Michael C. Carlos Museum
A Tour of Southern Ghosts at Stone Mountain Park
Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta
Scream on the Green at Centennial Olympic Park
The Halloweenus Wangdoodle at Dad's Garage Theatre Company
The Ghastly Dreadfuls: Handbook of Practical Hauntings and Other Phantasmagoria at Center for Puppetry Arts
Night of the Living Monkeys at Academy Theatre
Halloweekendz Movies at The Strand Theatre
The Day of the Dead Show at Eyedrum
Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Have a Happy Halloween!

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This Sunday, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre will open its doors for Overture to the Arts, a public arts festival that offers a preview of the upcoming arts season in Atlanta.  The event starts at 11 a.m. and is totally free! 

There will be dance, music and theatre performances on stage throughout the day, and local arts organizations will bring all of their season info too.

It'll be a great opportunity to find out what shows you won't want to miss next season, and lots of organizations with have info about their subscriptions packages and memberships, which usually mean big savings over single ticket prices.

Here a quick list of some of the organizations that will be there on Sunday:

Atlanta Ballet
Center for Puppetry Arts
Emory University
Ferst Center for the Arts
Several Dancers Core
Synchronicity Theatre
The Atlanta Opera

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Halloween is still a week away, but Atlanta's spooky season is certainly in full swing.  Below is a list of just some of the Halloween-themed events that you can take advantage of around town this weekend.  Some are family-friendly, and some are more for the young at heart, but all of them should be great to help get you in the spirit.

Just click on the names of the events below for more info!

Bugs, Bats & Bones Day at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Capturing the Spirit of Oakland - 2009 Halloween Tours at Oakland Cemetery
Goblins in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Halloween Magical Musical Toybox with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Halloweekendz Movies at The Strand Theatre
Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta
"The Ghastley Dreadfuls II: Handbook of Practical Hauntings and Other Phantasmagoria" at the Center for Puppetry Arts
A Tour of Southern Ghosts at Stone Mountain Park

Get out there and have some Halloween fun!  And be sure to check out my blog next week for Halloween Happenings - Volume 2...

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With times as tough as they are, we can all use some laughs whenever we can get them.  With that goal in mind, I thought I'd let you know about some of the shows on stage this weekend that'll definitely tickle your funny bone.   I've split them up into two categories, Plays & Musicals and Improv.  And let me know what you think if you go to any of the shows!

Just click on the name of the show below for more info.

Plays & Musicals:
Arsenic and Old Lace by the Georgia Ensemble Theatre at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center
Hillary Clinton Got Me Pregnant by Synchronicity Theatre at 7 Stages
Once Upon a Mattress at the Rosewater Theatre
Peachtree Battle at Ansley Park Playhouse
Fair Use at Actor's Express
A Tuna Christmas at Theatre in the Square

Improv:
Monster Movie at Dad's Garage
The Second City: Peach Stop, Droll and Roll at the Alliance Theatre
Cineprov! at Relapse Theatre
Whole World Theatre Company Improv at Whole World Theatre

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With your family in town for the Thanksgiving holiday, show them how much you appreciate them and take them out for some fun this weekend.  Below is a list of just some of the family-friendly events you can check out.  Many of them have a Christmas theme (I know…I’m thinking the same thing.  Already?), but I guess it’s never too early to get in the spirit! 
 
I’ve categorized them into Out & About events, Theatre and Museums.  Just click on the name of the event for more info. 
 
Out & About: 
Go All Night and Hands on for the Holidays at the High Museum of Art 
Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park 
Holidays in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden 
Holiday in Lights in Centennial Olympic Park (with outdoor ice skating!) 
Stone Mountain Village Christmas Celebration in the Historic Stone Mountain Village 
Jolley Holiday Trolley Tours through Downtown Atlanta (begin at the National Museum of Patriotism) 
 
Theatre 
Dinosaurs at the Center for Puppetry Arts 
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Starring the Rockettes at the Fabulous Fox 
A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre (pictured)
Babes in Toyland and A Christmas Carol at Kudzu Playhouse 

Museums 
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta 
Storytelling at The Wren’s Nest

Happy Holidays! 

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Now that we’ve thoroughly stuffed our stomachs, it’s time to get serious about getting into the spirit of the season, and the city’s offering no shortage of events to help.  So, I’ve decided to list some concerts, shows and the like that are happening in town this weekend that might get you off the hook from holiday shopping…  Just click on the name of the event for more info. 
 
Classical Music 
Handel’s Messiah and Gospel Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra 
‘Tis the Season: An Evening with Earl Klugh at the Ferst Center for the Arts 
Christmas Gala & Holiday Pops Concert  with the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra at St. Benedict Church 
December Detours with the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus at Kennesaw State University’s Bailey Performance Center
Holiday Concert Honoring Mrs. Coretta Scott King with the Atlanta Boy Choir at Ebenezer Baptist Church 
Holiday Pops! with the Cobb Symphony Orchestra at the Murray Arts Center 
Kingsized Holiday Jubilee at Variety Playhouse 
Gala Holiday Family Concert with the Georgia State University School of Music at the Rialto Center for the Arts 
Holiday Pops! with the Callanwolde Concert Band at Oak Grove United Methodist Church 
Sing! Choirs of Angels with The Michael O’Neal Singers at the Roswell United Methodist Church 
 
Theatre & Dance 
The Full Radius Dance Holiday Spectacular at 7 Stages 
The Nutcracker by The Georgia Ballet at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre 
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Starring the Rockettes at the Fabulous Fox 
An Atlanta Christmas at the Academy Theatre 
 
Out & About 
Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights in Downtown Woodstock 
Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park 
The Marietta Pilgrimage in the Marietta Square 
Annual Family Holiday Celebration at Fernbank Museum of Natural History 
 
Visual Arts 
The Stacks Holiday Lofts and Artists Tour at The Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts 
Holiday Artists’ Market 2009 at Bobbe Gillis Gallery 
Holiday Craft Show at the High Museum of Art 
Dr. Seuss Holiday Show at Ann Jackson Gallery

Enjoy!

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To continue helping you get in the spirit (if all of the music on the radio hasn't already done it!), here's my second installment of weekend holiday happenings around town... Just click on the name of the event for more info.  And let me know what you think if you go to any of these events!

Classical Music
Atlanta Boy Choir and Alumni Christmas Concert at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Christmas with the ASO and ASO Kid's Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
December Detours with the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus at St. Philip's Cathedral
34th Annual Music of the Holidays with the Atlanta Young Callanwolde Singers at The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Big Band Christmas with Joe Gransden at Clayton State University's Spivey Hall
Just Voices Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

Theatre & Dance
Callanwolde Ballet Ensemble's The Nutcracker at St. Pius Catholic School
A Christmas Cactus with the Southside Theatre Guild
Once Upon a Holiday at 7 Stages
The Nutcracker with the Atlanta Festival Ballet at the Henry County Performing Arts Center

Out & About
Candlelight Tour of Roswell's Southern Trilogy
Santa Parade & A Day With Santa in Downtown Kennesaw
Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes
Christmas Tour of Homes & Holiday Market in Avondale Estates

Visual Arts
Design Takes at Holiday! at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Christmas House Arts and Crafts Show at the Mable House Arts Center

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For my final installment of holiday happenings, I'm also going to include events next weekend in case you're looking for something to do while the family's in town.  And again I've categorized my list in the hopes of making your decision easier!  Just click on the name of the event for more info.

I'll be taking a break before returning in the New Year, so, until then, Happy Holidays!

Classical Music:
A Very Merry Holiday Pops! with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir at Peachtree United Methodist Church
Make the Yuletide Gay with the Atlanta Freedom Bands at St. Paul United Methodist Church
Messiah Sing-Along with The Michael O'Neal Singers at Roswell United Methodist Church

Theatre & Dance:
Urban Holiday Soup with the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta at Underground Atlanta
Amahl and the Night Visitors with Theatrical Outfit at Balzer Theater at Herren's
A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre
Black Nativity with True Colors Theatre Company at the Southwest Fulton Arts Center
Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker at the Fabulous Fox Theatre
Sanders Family Christmas and A Tuna Christmas at Theatre in the Square
The Shoemaker & the Elves at the Center for Puppetry Arts
The Santaland Diaries and Madeline's Christmas at Horizon Theatre

Out & About:
Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park
Holidays in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Holiday in Lights at Centennial Olympic Park

Visual Arts:
MudFire Holiday Studio Sale at MudFire Pottery Center
Holiday Art Sale at VSA of Georgia's Arts for All Gallery
Holiday Artists Market at the Spruill Gallery and Gift Shop
Hands on for the Holidays at the High Museum of Art

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If you've ever desired a different type of movie-going experience (or an alternative to shelling out $12+ to see the latest 3-D action flick), then there are three film festivals in town this weekend that just might interest you.

Not only do each of these festivals offer a chance for you to see films that you wouldn't normally on the big screen, they also each provide a look at another culture and/or time.

Ending this weekend is the 10th Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. As the title indicates, the festival is now in its tenth year and is the largest film festival in the city. It showcases an international selection of films, all with a Jewish twist, at three Atlanta area locations: Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station Stadium 16, Lefont Sandy Springs Theater and Regal Cinemas Medlock Crossing Stadium 18. So, there are a couple of options of places to see these films depending on which part of town you frequent.

And in case you hadn't heard, Atlanta's historic Plaza Theatre is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The movie house opened in 1939, and in honor of this milestone, they are presenting The 1939 Film Festival through the end of the month. Films include Jimmy Stewart's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," the Atlanta favorite "Gone With the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz," among others. This festival might be one of your only chances to see some of these great classics on the big screen, so don't miss it.

And also on weekends through the end of the month, the High Museum will present its fifth annual Danish Film Festival. All of the festival's films are critically acclaimed in Denmark, and they include a popular comedy, a dark psychological thriller, a World War II period drama and an Academy Award nominee. And tickets are only $7, so it's a good bit cheaper than going to a regular movie.

I hope you'll get a chance to check out one of the shows this weekend, and please let me know if there's one that's a must see!

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Today the Alliance Theatre opens the winning play of the 2009 Kendeda (pronounced Kin-dee-da) Graduate Playwriting Competition, "Tennis in Nablus" by Ismail Khalidi, which runs through February 21 on the Hertz Stage.

Now in its sixth year, the Kendeda Competition is designed to help transition student playwrights to the world of professional theatre, and each year's grand prize winner gets a fully-staged, professional production of his/her work on the Hertz.

About 30 graduate playwriting programs across the country are invited to have their final-year students submit a play to the competition, and then the plays are judged by an in-house panel of readers at the Alliance. The finalist scripts are then sent to a national panel of three theater artists for judging, and the winner is chosen in conjunction with input from the Alliance.

In addition to the full production of the winning play, the Alliance also presents FREE readings of all of the finalists' plays both in New York and Atlanta.

The Atlanta readings will be at the Alliance next Monday and Tuesday, February 1 and February 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day. Click here for more info about the readings.

You might be familiar with two of the finalist plays from the competition that went on to have full productions at Actor's Express - 2006's "Love Jerry" and this season's "Fair Use."

I'll be checking out one of the readings on Monday, and I highly recommend that you check them out too. They give you a chance to be the first to see work by the nation's top up-and-coming playwrights, and if you've never been to a play reading, it's a really cool way to experience live theatre.

I'll let you know what I think about the play I see on Monday, and please post your own comments and let me know what you think if you go to a reading too.

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The family musical "Free to Be...You and Me" opens at Synchronicity Theatre at 7 Stages in Little Five Points this weekend, and Synchronicity is offering two free tickets to anyone who books a group of 10 or more to see the show!

Sort of like a hostess gift at a Tupperware party, this special offer is in additional to the 20 percent off you get for buying group tickets. Regular ticket prices are $18 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The musical, based on the 1972 album and illustrated book created by Marlo Thomas (of TV's "That Girl" fame), features songs and stories by celebrities including famous author Judy Blume (Blubber, anyone?), and the great poet Shel Silverstein (Where the Sidewalk Ends).

To get the free tickets, include "I'm an Ambassador" in the comments section of the ticket form when you purchase tickets online. Your two free tickets will be available for pick up at the box office on the day of the show.

Hope you'll be able to take all the kids to the show, and stay safe and warm this weekend!

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It's the last weekend of the month - and your last chance to see a lot of shows that will be closing at local theatres. A comedy, a musical and a Shakespearian classic will all end their runs this weekend, so be sure to check them out!

Below is the the list of closing shows.  Just click on the show title for more info.

Griefers at Dad's Garage
101 Humiliating Stories and Zoo Story at PushPush Theater
Baby by Centerstage North Theatre at The Art Place
Frankenstein by Theater at Emory at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts
Pathways at Academy Theatre
Brownie Points at Theatrical Outfit
Romeo and Juliet by Atlanta Shakespeare Company at the New American Shakespeare Tavern

Enjoy!

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I'm guessing you're as happy as I am that spring has FINALLY arrived, and this weekend's forecast definitely calls for out-of-the-house activities. There are a bunch of family-friendly events this weekend, both indoor and outdoor, that you can enjoy that range from an Earth Day-themed festival to a museum pajama party.

Just click the links below to find out more info:

Earth Hour Family Fun Festival at Atlantic Station
First Annual Bluegrass, Old-time Music and Country Dance Festival and Stone Mountain Village Gospel Fest in Historic Stone Mountain Village
Opera Family Day with the Atlanta Opera
Pajama Party '10 at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta
The Egg Hunt 2010 in Marietta's Jim R. Miller Park
Salsa Fest Atlanta at Turner Field

Have fun!

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This Saturday in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, Flux Projects will present a unique art experience titled "Memory Flash" from 5 to 9 p.m.

Flux Projects is a local organization whose mission is to support artists in creating innovative temporary public art throughout Atlanta. Their events reach out far beyond traditional arts venues and are likely to catch you off-guard. (Which of course is part of the fun.)

"Memory Flash" is the first of a series of public interventions by artist collective John Q. Through performance, installation and film projection, John Q will present moments from personal stories and historical events, collected from the Atlanta History Center's "Unspoken Past Oral History Project" and from news reports.

This project is intended to help people who witness these representations to create their own new memories based on Atlanta's LGBTQ past.

The event will begin in the Old Fourth Ward, then move up Ponce de Leon Avenue to the ballparks at Piedmont Park, and finally to Mixx in Ansley Square. As the project moves, the audience will experience a number of moments from Atlanta's LGBTQ past, including what happened when Andy Warhol's film "Lonesome Cowboys" was first screened in Atlanta.

I definitely suggest checking this out on Saturday. And if you do, John Q wants you to take your own photos of the event and post them to the John Q site. And be sure to post them on Lens too!

Tags: arts entertainment theatre theater events fox woodruff center callanwolde fine arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities music theatre theater visual events cultural attractions exhibit performance shows symphony orchestra center puppetry zoo arts entertainment atlanta planit dance music theater theatre visual events cultural attractions performance ballet arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums film music theater theatre events symphony orchestra center puppetry fernbank museum zoo arts entertainment atlanta planit theater theatre events performance shows square woodruff center arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums theater theatre visual events cultural attractions exhibit galleries performance shows center puppetry fox high museum art woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists artist market events cultural attractions exhibit out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center fernbank museum fox high arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists cultural attractions events exhibit exhibition galleries out about performance shows organizations ballet symphony orchestra center puppetry fox high museum art arts entertainment atlanta planit film museums theater theatre events cultural attractions out about shows organizations high museum art woodruff center arts entertainment atlanta planit theater theatre events cultural attractions performance shows organizations woodruff center arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities music theater theatre events tickets cultural attractions performance shows ticket discounts organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit theater theatre events tickets cultural attractions performance shows organizations shakespeare tavern center puppetry arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums music theater theatre artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition opera out about performance organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit film theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition out about performance 

To quote Richard Gere in "Pretty Woman":

"People's reaction to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don't, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul."

If you're one of those people who love opera, or if you'd like to check to see if it just might be your soul mate, there are a few options this weekend that I'd like to recommend.

The Georgia State University Opera Theatre and Symphony Orchestra will present Bizet's "Carmen," arguably the world's most popular opera, this weekend at the Rialto Center for the Arts. The opera follows a strong-willed gypsy caught in a passionate love triangle. A juicy story to say the least.

Also this weekend, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will present Verdi's "Requiem Mass" with the acclaimed ASO Chorus and four featured soloists.

The Atlanta Opera will also open its production of "The Magic Flute" this weekend at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Composed by Mozart in 1791, the opera is about a prince and princess who go through a series of trials and tribulations to find each other, hindered by the efforts of an evil queen.

I hope you get the chance to check out one of these shows this weekend, and if you do, please let me know of you thought it was "better than ‘Pirates of Penzance'" (my apologies for the second "Pretty Woman" reference).

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The month of May has always been a big one for me. My birthday is the 18th, my sister's is the 9th, and my mom's is the 23rd. Not to mention Mother's Day... I know, my poor Dad right?

May is also always when I really feel like spring has arrived, and judging from a lot of the events going on this weekend, seems like I'm not the only one.

Here are just a few of the special springtime events that you can check out this weekend to usher in the season:

Atlanta Jazz Festival - 31 Days of Jazz
pARTy for ART with Dance Canvas
Art in the Afternoon: An Artful Spring in DeKalb's Rail Arts District
May-retta Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Marietta Square
Concerts on the Square in Decatur Square
Georgia Boy Choir Spring Concert

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Even though it's the beginning of June, it's also your last chance to check out some local festivals, theatre shows and visual art exhibits that are closing this weekend.

I figured I'd give you a quick rundown of a couple things that are closing so that you won't miss them. Some of these events have been going on for months, and others just a couple of weeks, but either way they're worth a visit.

ArtSSpring 2010 - A city-wide celebration of the arts in Sandy Springs
Art in the Afternoon: An Artful Spring - A monthly evening art walk through the Rail Arts District in Avondale Estates
Georgia Renaissance Festival - If you don't know what this is, you must be new in town.
Cyberchase: The Chase Is On! - An exhibit at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta based on the PBS Kids math-mystery cartoon
Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story - A musical about the legendary rock icon presented by Georgia Ensemble Theatre at the 14th Street Playhouse
Decatur Arts Festival 2010: Fine Arts Exhibition - Even through the festival had its big event last weekend, this juried multimedia exhibit at Agnes Scott College's Dalton Gallery runs through Sunday.
Stellaluna - A Center for Puppetry Arts show based on the popular children's book
Contract Killings - This visual art exhibit at Beep Beep Gallery closes on Sunday, but you should definitely also check out Beep Beep's Artlantis festival on Saturday at Druid Hills Baptist Church.

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When I saw the forecast calling for temps in the 90s this weekend, I started to think about things to do indoors. Then I thought theatre. Limited movement required, AC guaranteed.

There are a couple of shows opening this weekend (some of which are limited engagement and closing this weekend too), so I thought I'd put together a quick list to help you beat the heat.

A World of Silents (June 11-13) at 7 Stages - This multimedia show by Fly-By Theatre is inspired by the films of the early 20th century.

Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live! (June 11-13) at the Fox Theatre - This live theatrical tour for families features characters from four of the top-rated preschool shows on TV.

The Wonders of the World: Recite (June 11 -13) at Eyedrum - A darkly funny play presented by Twinhead Theatre, it's a Southeastern premiere about a boy and his grandmother who live in a lighthouse at the end of the world.

Don't Stop Believing (June 13) at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre - This one-night only concert features performances by Broadway stars and students from Broadway Dreams Foundation Atlanta.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (opens June 11) at The Strand Theatre - Stephen Sondheim's musical presented by the Atlanta Lyric Theatre combines situations from the ancient comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with classic vaudeville.

Chaim's Love Song (opens June 11) at Kudzu Playhouse - This dramatic comedy tells the story of a homesick teacher from Iowa who meets a retired Jewish mailman from New York on a Brooklyn park bench, and they develop a friendship as he shares his stories of life and love.

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When you're not watching World Cup this weekend (GO USA!), you should take an arts break to check out one of these shows running this weekend only. Don't miss out!

Zoetic Dance Exchange Choreographer's Showcase at 7 Stages - The culmination of Zoetic Dance Exchange's workshop series, this show features some of Georgia's best dance artists.

LawrenceVegas at Aurora Theatre - This Vegas-sized show combines comedy and Big Band music to pay homage to the Rat Pack.

Charlotte's Web at the Henry County Performing Arts Center - The Henry Players present this family show that brings the classic children's book to life on stage.

Lisa and Libby Unplugged at Actor's Express - Lisa Paige joins famous Atlanta singer Libby Whittemore for this cabaret show that includes standards and 60s classics.

Harrower Summer Opera Workshop Scenes Performances at Kopleff Recital Hall - The Georgia State University School of Music's three-week workshop concludes this weekend with performances of famous opera scenes.

Raisin' Cane at the Southwest Fulton Arts Center - This show starring Jasmine Guy is part of the National Black Arts Festival and is inspired by the 1923 novel Cane about the Harlem Renaissance.

Enjoy!

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Of course since it's a holiday, I feel it's only my duty to make a list of the patriotic-themed, fireworks-tastic events going on this weekend. So, just take your pick. And stay safe!

Cobb Symphony Orchestra Concert at Mount Paran North Church of God (includes fireworks display)
Red Wine & Brew at The Strand Theatre
Fourth of July Celebration in Marietta Square
Georgia Independence Day Festival at Nash Farm Park
4th of July at Lenox Square Mall
4th of July Celebration in Centennial Olympic Park
All American Fourth of July Celebration for Children at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta
Celebrate America - with the Callanwolde Concert Band in Decatur Square
July 4th Fireworks and Festivities in Wills Park
Pied Piper Parade, Concert & Fireworks in Decatur Square (see Celebrate America concert above)
Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park
America at MINT Gallery
Summer Concert Series at Kennesaw's The Depot (includes fireworks display)

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This weekend I'd like to encourage you to put your dancing shoes on (or watch as someone else does) and check out some of the dance performances and events happening around town.

While two are strictly performances, the other two events encourage participation, so don't be shy!

Cirque D'Or at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre - The Golden Dragon Acrobats, a premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company, takes the stage with a show that combines acrobatics with traditional dance, spectacular costumes and music.

Friday Night Contra Dance at the Clarkston Community Center - Contra dancing is a high-energy community dance with roots in Europe, accompanied by live music. At this event, each dance is taught and led by a dance caller before the floor opens to couples. But keep in mind - no partner or experience is necessary.

POP! at 7 Stages Theatre - This show by SIDEWAYS Contemporary Dance Company uses contemporary dance, video, rap and pop music to examine society's obsession with power, fame and greed.

Christmas in July at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center - LandingStar Dance performance ensemble presents contemporary dance accompanied by vocalist John Martin performing love songs from the 1930s and 40s. After the show, the audience is invited to dance the night away in Callanwolde's courtyard.

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