Looking for something cultural to do in the next week or so? Here’s our select list of recommendations. Pictured: Jonida Beqo in her one-woman “Harabel: A Sparrow Over a Minefield” at Theatrical Outfit. Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus.
RECOMMENDED
Harabel: A Sparrow Over a Minefield. THROUGH NOV. 10. This one-woman triumph received its world premiere in a two-night run at Theatrical Outfit last winter and is back for a well-deserved three weeks. The autobiographical piece is written and performed in stunning fashion by Jonida Beqo (Yo-NEE-duh BAY-chow). It’s told in poetic snapshots that follow her journey from Albanian refugee to American citizen. Talkbacks follow Nov. 1-2 and 8-9 shows. $20-$50. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. 84 Luckie St. N.W. Details HERE or at 678.528.1500.
Pluto. OPENS SATURDAY | THROUGH NOV. 24. Playwright Steve Yockey … Actor’s Express … world premiere! This is some kind of fun! Atlanta-bred, Los Angeles-based Yockey, who brought Wolves to the Express last season and Octopus a few years back, turns his dark and twisty imagination to a mother and son, who, in the wake of a tragedy, try to jump-start their relationship across the breakfast table. It’s simply a stunning piece of work. Pluto reunites Wolves‘ actor Joe Sykes and director Melissa Foulger. Also in the cast: Wyatt Fenner, Stephanie Friedman, Alison Hastings and Express regular Kathleen Wattis. Previews at 8 tonight and Friday ($15); opens at 8 p.m. Saturday ($40 with reception); regular performances 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. $26-$45 plus fees (buy online, save money). 887 W. Marietta St. Note: The King Plow Arts Center parking lot is under construction. Alternate parking options HERE. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.607.SHOW. Ticket discounts at PoshDealz.com. (Pictured: Kathleen Wattis)
THIS WEEKEND ONLY
24-Hour Opera Project. 8 P.M. SATURDAY. This third annual competition, sponsored by the Atlanta Opera, shows what happens when Verdi meets reality TV. Composers and lyricists who’ve applied to take part are randomly paired, then given 12 hours to create an opera scene. The pieces then go to directors, who draft singers, and get eight hours to rehearse before performance time. The final showcase will be webcast. Free. 14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th St. N.E. (at Juniper Street). Details HERE or at 404.591.2931 or at education@atlantaopera.org.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY; 2 P.M. SUNDAY. Guest conductor James Gaffigan leads the ASO in a program titled The Height of Emotion. It features Stravinsky’s Petrushka and Copland’s intricate Short Symphony. Guest pianist Stephen Hough joins the orchestra for Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.733.5000.
First Fridays. 6:30 P.M. FRIDAY. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra launches a happy-hour series of performances — at an earlier time and cheaper price. Maestro Robert Spano leads the ASO in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Guest pianist Stephen Hough solos on Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. $25. Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.733.5000.
Soundstage. 5 P.M.-MIDNIGHT FRIDAY. The Woodruff Arts Center’s new pop-up nightlife venue debuts with food, drink and live entertainment. Scheduled: the Peachtree String Quartet and improv from Dad’s Garage Theatre Company. Free, except for food and drink purchased. No ticket required. 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Details HERE or at 404.733.5000. For more details, see this Encore STORY.
OPENING THIS WEEKEND
Dad’s Does the Burbs. FRIDAY, NOV. 8-9. The improvisors of Dad’s Garage Theatre Company visit Aurora Theatre with their fast-paced comedy scenes and made-up games. These will be interactive performances, so be prepared. $10. 7:15 and 9:15 p.m. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. Free, attached, covered parking at 153 Crogan St. Details, tickets HERE or at 678.226.6222.
Warrior Class. THROUGH NOV. 17. This critically acclaimed political drama by Kenneth Lin follows the fortunes of a rising Asian-American Republican. He has a sparkling reputation, Obama-like charisma and seems unstoppable — until an ex-girlfriend enters the picture. Lin, the winner of the 2006 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, returns to celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary. $33-$38. 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Alliance Theatre, Hertz Stage, Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Details HERE or at 404.733.5000. For more on playwright Ken Lin, see this Encore FEATURE. (Pictured: Moses Villarama as the candidate and Carrie Walrond Hood as his ex-girlfriend. Photo by Greg Mooney)
CLOSING THIS WEEKEND
The Dragon King. THROUGH SUNDAY. Tanglewood Marionettes of Ware, Mass., deal with drought in this story about a Dragon King who’s holding back China’s precious rain and the Grandmother willing to go to the bottom of the sea to find out why. Recommended for ages 4 and up. 10 and 11:30 a.m. today-Friday; 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday. $16.50; under 2 free. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. N.W. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.873.3391.
STILL PLAYING
Salome. THROUGH NOV. 16. Out of Hand Theater stages a contemporary, one-woman piece about the biblical Salome, exploring sex, pleasure, manipulation, violence and discovering who one is. The playwright is Charles L. Mee (Big Love). The cast is Out of Hand co-founder Maia Knispel. The concept is irresistible. The 45-minute piece is performed in private homes throughout metro Atlanta, accompanied by tea and a post-show wine-and-nibbles reception. Tickets still available for shows this Saturday and Nov. 8, 15-16. Performances likely will be added. $25 plus fees. Ticket buyers choose their performance, the exact address is emailed the night before. Details, tickets HERE. For more, see this Encore FEATURE.
LOOKING AHEAD
Macbeth. OPENS NOV. 7 | THROUGH NOV. 17. The Fern Theatre promises an “all-female, even more dangerous” take on Shakespeare’s tragedy. The female cast, a first in Atlanta, is worth checking out. Seven actors play 26 roles. Mary Russell is Macbeth, with Bryn Striepe as Lady Macbeth. The rest of the cast: Lynne Jensen, Kristin Kalbli, Jenny Lamourt, Christen Orr and Kristin Storla. $15 plus fees. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. At 7 Stages, 1105 Euclid Ave. N.E. Details, tickets HERE.
::
Kathy Janich, Encore Atlanta’s managing editor, has been seeing, working in or covering the performing arts for most of her life. Please email: kathy@encoreatlanta.com.
