ABOUT TOWN: Outrageous productions abound
Dad’s Garage is just one of the local theaters doing something completely different
Dad’s Garage, founded in 1995, has become something of a comedy powerhouse in Atlanta and now participates in festivals and events around the world. The award-winning theater company brings in more than 30,000 people a year at its Ezzard Street location in the Old Fourth Ward. The nonprofit “serves a younger demographic not typically served by traditional arts organizations,” administrators say in their official mission statement. “We introduce them to other arts organizations like The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Opera, and Atlanta Ballet through strategic programming collaborations. We’ve established ourselves as a ‘Gateway Drug to the Arts’ and are dedicated to building a new generation of arts consumers.” On top of their “outrageous” original productions, Dad’s Garage “produces improv comedy shows year-round, educates young improvisers in a high school outreach program, and facilitates classes and workshops for the general public.”
As the school year winds down, the company is inviting third through twelfth graders to join Dad’s Garage Summer Camp. Students will learn a wide range of new skills, including the basics of improvisation, collaborative storytelling, and finding confidence in communication. “Post-pandemic, kids and teens need to find ways to connect with each other more than ever,” says Amanda Lee Williams, Director of Community and Youth Programs. “Improv teaches children how to build deeper connections, build confidence, and can even reduce anxiety by building focus and teaching students how to stay in the moment. We’re happy to give class clowns throughout the metro area a renewed sense of purpose, and also thrilled to bring shy students out of their shells.”
Details about the theater’s latest production, Reversible Lane, are below, as are facts and figures on other shows and events worth checking out this month.
Ongoing
Immersive Disney Animation, Armour Yards — Further mesmeric adventures are now available in Atlanta from the company that created the popular Immersive Van Gogh. The Disney show is presented in a 44,000-square-foot warehouse space in the Armour-Ottley Loop and is “a combination of an art exhibit and movie theater,” according to Oscar-winning producer J. Miles Dale (The Shape of Water). The production celebrates the 100 years since the groundbreaking film studio first began putting animated characters on the silver screen. Scenes from Frozen, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Big Hero 6, Encanto and others are depicted in all their projected digital splendor. “We have opened Immersive Disney Animation in eight cities so far,” Corey Ross, producer and founder of Lighthouse Immersive Studios, says in a press release. “And while we expected a positive reception, we have really been blown away by just how incredibly excited audiences are with this experience — a testament to the timeless legacy of Disney Animation’s worlds, stories and characters. We can’t wait to share this very special presentation with Atlanta audiences.”
See website for ticket info. Armour Yards, 159 Armour Drive, Atlanta 30324 tickets.lighthouseimmersive.com/atlanta
Ongoing
Museum of Illusions, Atlantic Station — The largest chain of privately-owned museums in the world already has locations in Paris, Dubai, Madrid and Rome, as well as New York, Dallas, Chicago and now Atlanta. The attraction boasts more than 80 exhibits of optical illusions, gravity-defying spaces and mind-bending puzzles, some of which are making their debut in the city. “Guests will experience a collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images and learn that nothing is ever quite as it seems,” the hype claims. “After much anticipation, the Museum of Illusions is opening in Atlanta… giving both locals and visitors an unforgettable experience unlike any other,” says Jonathan Benjamin, CEO and longtime local resident. “This vibrant city is the perfect location due to its diverse population of families and its easy accessibility from across the region. Our commitment to Atlanta also extends beyond the Museum experience, as it will also serve as the North American headquarters for our company.”
$29 for adults, $26 for seniors and military, and $24 for children ages 5 to 12. Atlantic Station, 264 19th Street, Atlanta 30363. info@moiatlanta.com moiatlanta.com
Now through Sat., Jun. 10
Reversible Lane, Dad’s Garage — A new improvisational comedy show based around the notorious reversible lane that runs for six miles down the center of DeKalb Avenue. The subject of longtime community fury and the scene of many accidents and close calls over the decades, the pothole-strewn stretch of road is at last being adjusted and renovated, and its opprobrious central hazard will be no more. “Reversible Lane finds the humor in driving down the middle of DeKalb Avenue in a way that only Dad’s Garage can,” says Artistic Director Tim Stoltenberg in a pithy statement. The show stars Karen Cassady, Shay Dominguez, George Faughnan, Perry Frost, Justin Geer, Z Gillispie, and Swift Rice.
$16.50. Dad’s Garage, 569 Ezzard Street, Atlanta 30312. Parking is free. dadsgarage.my.salesforce-sites.com
Now through Sun., Jun. 18
The Play That Goes Wrong, Aurora Theatre — Hapless thespians can’t seem to get out of their own way in The Play That Goes Wrong, a big hit in London since 2012 and winner of Best New Comedy at the 2015 Laurence Olivier Awards. Its original cast transferred to Broadway in 2017 under a production by acclaimed filmmaker J.J. Abrams, earning him his sole theater credit. Plaudits ensued from the likes of Variety, which deemed it “comic gold,” and from The New York Times, whose critic Ben Brantley observed, “The audience roared as loudly as the crowd at any wrestling match.”
Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields of Mischief Theatre Company, the hectic farce has more pratfalls and errant props than a Buster Keaton movie, and ends up with the entire set pretty much demolished. “It’s always a joy when we get to bring the best of Broadway to Lawrenceville — and this show is set to be one of our most joyful so far,” says Ann-Carol Pence, Aurora Theatre’s co-founder and artistic director. “The Play That Goes Wrong showcases the kind of creativity, energy and absolute hilarity that makes theater such an enjoyable medium for storytelling.” The Aurora’s content advisory says the show is recommended for most audiences, even though it “contains innuendo and comedic violence.”
Ticket info online. Lawrenceville Arts Center, 125 North Clayton Street, Lawrenceville 30046. 678-226-6222. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more by emailing groups@auroratheatre.com lvilleartscenter.com
Now Through Sat., Jun. 24
The Bachelor: A Double Date with Death, Petite Violette — This dinner show at Petite Violette, part of its “Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem” series, was extended by two months, due to popular demand, and will now end Saturday, June 24. Written by Marc Farley and Katie Kneeland, the spoof starts out innocently enough, with a gaggle of ladies hankering for the affections of eligible millionaire Smokin’ Underhill. The synopsis describes the anxious gals thusly: “There’s the sassy one, the confident one, the quiet one, and of course, the insane one. Seriously. She’s nuts.” So which one will receive that coveted final rose? It’s not that simple, though. Things go awry as a mysterious stranger starts killing contestants, hosts, and maybe even the dude himself. Audience participation is welcomed but not required, and your life will be spared regardless. The shows are designed for adults and recommended for those aged 10 and over.
$75. 7:30 p.m. Fri., and Sat. Petite Violette Restaurant, 2948 Clairmont Road, Atlanta 30329. 404-634-6268 petitevioletterestaurant.com
Now through Sun., Jun. 25
The Humans, Balzer Theater at Herren’s — Named the Best Play of 2016 by NPR and Time Out , Stephen Karam’s The Humans takes a “hopeful, heartbreaking, and humorous” look at the decline of the middle class. Artistic Director Matt Torney says the story resonates deeply with audiences, and the sometimes surreal atmosphere of the play “leaves us with powerful images of both loneliness and familial love. It reminds us that we do not face our struggles alone and can find hope and resilience in our humanity.” The premise is familiar: a family gathers for Thanksgiving at their youngest daughter’s new apartment in Chinatown, and as the night wears on, tensions build and secrets are revealed that cause them to question much about their lives and relationships. Torney adds that Karam’s brilliance “elevates a familiar story into a powerful and tender exploration of life in 21st century America, as many familiar institutions decline, and all the characters face uncertainty and anxiety about the future.”
$15 - $25 - $45. The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie Street, Atlanta 30303. 678-528-1500 theatricaloutfit.org
June 7 - July 9
Water For Elephants, Alliance Theatre — Director Jessica Stone describes Water For Elephants as a story about fragility, cruelty, resilience and love — all set amidst a traveling circus in depression era America. This world premiere musical is based on the best-selling novel by Sara Gruen. The cast includes Stan Brown as Camel; Joe De Paul as Walter; Bryan Fenkart as August; Sara Gettelfinger as Barbara; Harry Groener as Mr. Jankowski; Isabelle McCalla as Marlena; Wade McCollum as Wade; and Ryan Vasquez as Jacob. The musical’s book is by three-time Tony Award nominee Rick Elice ( Jersey Boys ), with music and lyrics by the PigPen Theatre Company ( The Tale of Despereaux ). “What excites me most about the production is the opportunity to, quite literally, get it off the page and into the air,” Stone adds. “We have gathered an incredible group of storytellers, from circus artists to puppeteers, to do just that.”
See website for tickets and times. The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, Memorial Arts Building, 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309. 404.733.4600 allianceinfo@alliancetheatre.org my.alliancetheatre.org
Thu., Jun. 8 - Sun., Jul. 2
Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, Actor’s Express — Angel Cruz is a young Puerto Rican inmate at Rikers Island convicted of shooting a religious hustler in the ass; his victim later dies due to medical malpractice, so the charge is upped to murder. Cruz meets serial killer Lucius Jenkins in the exercise yard; Jenkins is now a Jesus freak and aims to convert Cruz. Add to the mix a sadistic guard and a jaded public defender. This powerful play by Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis first saw the light of day in 2000 in a New York production directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman, followed by a London stint that was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best New Play of 2003. “Guirgis’ benchmark prison drama about faith and humanity remains as potent as ever in the two decades since its premiere, surely earning its place among great American classic plays,” commented Artistic Director Freddie Ashley. “He weaves vivid language with muscular storytelling, creating plays that pack a huge emotional wallop.” Making their Actor’s Express debuts are Sekou Laidlow in the role of Jenkins and Cristian Gonzalez playing Cruz. This production is directed by Eric J. Little, who called the play a “raw and visceral exploration of redemption.”
$25 - $40. Student tickets are always $20. Discounts for seniors 65+, groups and active or retired military. King Plow Arts Center, 887 West Marietta Street, Suite J-107, Atlanta 30318. 404-607-7469 tickets at actorsexpress.com actors-express.com
Sat., Jun. 10 - Sun., Sep. 4
Survival of the Slowest, Fernbank Museum — Fernbank has announced it is launching a live animal exhibit that explores some of nature’s frequently overlooked weaker species and how they use their perceived disadvantages to help them survive in a world where size and speed matter. This presentation, a partnership with Little Ray’s Nature Centres, involves 17 different habitats and focuses on how fundamental survival for animals depends on individual traits. Similarities and differences in species’ habits can be analyzed as well as how these attributes impact their survival strategy. For example, the nocturnal sloth avoids its main predator, the Harpy Eagle, who conversely operates only during daytime. Other living creatures featured include a boa constrictor, green iguana, hedgehog, and bearded dragon. “Visitors come face-to-face with some of nature’s most ‘counterintuitively’ biologically fit creatures and explore the amazing adaptations that help them survive and thrive,” Fernbank educator Miranda Shealy says. Additionally, knowledge of animals can be tested with hands-on interactive components.
$25.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors, $23.95 for children ages 3-12, free for children ages 2 and younger, and for museum members. 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta 30307 fernbankmuseum.org
Mon., Jun. 12
Atlanta Opera Competition Finalists’ Showcase, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center — Five teams of librettists and composers selected from this year’s 96-Hour Opera Project will present their 10-minute creations in a free showcase at Morehouse College June 12, and a winner will be declared by a panel of judges. The contestants are Jorge Sosa, Alejandra Martinez, Omar Najmi, Catherine Yu, Dave Ragland, Selda Sahin, Edward Shilts, Laura Barati, Nathan Felix and Anita Gonzalez, and one pair will be chosen to receive a $10,000 prize and an Atlanta Opera commission for a new work to be produced and performed in an upcoming season. All other participating artists are guaranteed a $1,000 honorarium. The contest caters specifically to entrants from historically underrepresented communities, and is only open to those who identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, Arab-American, Latin-American or other communities of color. “All these up-and-coming composers and librettists have unique talents and voices that we need to hear,” notes Atlanta Opera’s Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun in a press release. “Our 96-Hour Project is our way to serve the future of opera by shining a spotlight on these creators. They are inspiring us all.”
$free, but tickets are required for entry. 7 p.m. Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, Morehouse College, 900 West End Avenue, Atlanta 30310. 404-881-8885. atlantaopera.org/competition
Sun., Jun. 14 - Sun. Jun. 25
The Legend of Finn McCool, Academy Theatre — Billing itself as “Atlanta’s Stage for Celtic Culture,” the Aris Theatre company is presenting an original work this month by co-founder Rob Shaw-Smith, to be staged at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville. The new, family-friendly musical tells the story of an Irish giant, McCool, who challenges his nemesis, a Scottish giant named Benandonner, to a slanging match at which much invective will be hurled. To fulfill the deed and confront his adversary, McCool must first build a path across the Irish Sea in order to reach Scotland. “What follows next is the stuff of legend and laughter,” the producers tell us. “Shaw-Smith has taken something ancient and legendary, and dolled it up with music and humor that will have audiences tapping their toes and splitting their sides.” Zac Phelps, Marietta Theatre Company’s founding artistic director, plays McCool; Benandonner is played by Jordan Mitchell; Rivka Levin, Elizabeth Hammontree, and Faina Khibkin are in supporting roles.
$10 - $30 (Discount for seniors, students, educators and military). Academy Theatre, 99 North Central Avenue, Hapeville 30354 aristheatre.org tix.com/ticket-sales @ArisTheatre @academytheatrega
Thu., Jun. 22
Seth Meyers, Atlanta Symphony Hall — Meyers has hosted his Late Night show on NBC for nine years — featuring the popular segment A Closer Look — and prior to that was a cast member on Saturday Night Live, appearing in 253 episodes while serving as head writer and anchor of its Weekend Update news parody. In addition, Meyers was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2014. He has hosted multiple award shows, winning quite a few trophies himself. Meyers is doing a few of these rare live appearances while the writers’ strike drags on, keeping his show off the air.
$39.75 - $250. 7:30 p.m. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309. 404-733-4800 Ticketmaster.com aso.org