Looking for something cultural to do in the next week or so? Here’s a select list of our recommendations (in alphabetical order). Pictured: Kate Donadio (bottom, from left) and Jo Howarth. Top, from left: Scott DePoy, Tess Malis Kincaid, Tony Larkin, Weston Manders and Suehyla El-Attar in Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s “Swell Party.” Photo: R. Todd Fleeman.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. WORLD PREMIERE. Principal clarinetist Laura Ardan debuts “The Nature of a Light,” a piece written for her by Michael Gandolfi, one of the ASO’s Atlanta School of Composers. Finland’s Juho Pohjonen performs Prokofiev’s final Piano Concerto (No. 5). Also on the program: Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Robert Spano conducts. $23-$67. 8 p.m. Jan. 10-12. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.733.5000.
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. OPENS JAN. 12 (previews sooner). This sexy explosion of theater and music re-imagines our nation’s seventh president as a rock god maverick who fights for the common man, wrestles the country away from Native Americans and looks hot in skinny jeans. $26-$47. See it early and pay less: Pay-what-you-can “Director’s Rough Cut” performance (new this season) at 8 p.m. Jan. 9; previews ($15) at 8 p.m. Jan. 10-11. Through Feb. 17. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Actor’s Express, 887 West Marietta St. Details, tickets HERE (tix are cheapest when bought online) or at 404.607.7469. For discounts, visit PoshDealz.com.
Brother Coyote and Sister Fox. In this bilingual Mexican folktale, Brother Coyote conspires to eat Doña Conchita’s plump chickens. But quick-witted Sister Fox stays one step ahead of him! In Spanish and English, and perhaps some chicken-speak. This comes to the Center for Puppetry Arts from Thistle Theatre of Seattle. Recommended for ages 4+. $16.50. Jan. 8-27. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 3 p.m. Sundays. 1404 Spring St. N.W. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.873.3391.
Cinderella. FINAL WEEKEND. Atlanta Ballet tells the tale in this hourlong version for families. $10-$43. 2 and 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Details, tickets HERE or at 770.813.7500. (Performed Feb. 16-17 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.)
Harabel. ONE WEEKEND ONLY. Because it’s only two performances in two days, we’re getting the word out early on this one. Jonida Beqo (right) best known locally as a costume designer, is known on the international slam and performance poetry scene as Gypsee Yo. The autobiographical Harabel, told in a series of poetic snapshots, follows the journey of one brave girl from her home in war-torn Albania to the American South, and her transition from stranger to American. Justin Anderson directs. $22-$44. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11-12. Theatrical Outfit, 84 Luckie St. N.W. Details, tickets HERE or at 1.877.725.8849. For discounts, visit PoshDealz.com.
Swell Party. WORLD PREMIERE. The ubiquitous Atlanta playwright Topher Payne brings us this brand-spanking-new comedy centered around a tobacco heir; his new wife, a Northerner; a wild wedding party; and the mystery it produces. Payne sets out to prove that for Southerners, the truth isn’t nearly as important as a good story. With a first-rate cast of Atlanta actors, including Kate Donadio, Suehyla El-Attar, Tess Malis Kincaid and Tony Larkin. $23-$33. Jan. 10-27. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Additional shows at 4 p.m. Jan. 19 and Jan. 26. Georgia Ensemble Theatre at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., Roswell. Details, tickets HERE or at 770.641.1260.
The Tempest. A famous shipwreck follows a violent storm, with the survivors stranded on an enchanted isle controlled by the magician Prospero (Maurice Ralston, left). Laura Cole directs. $15-$36 ($15 preview at 7:30 tonight). Through Jan. 27. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. A post-show chat follows the show on Sunday, Jan. 13. New American Shakespeare Tavern, 499 Peachtree St. N.E. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.874.5299.
Waiting for Balloon. Recommended for ages 18 months to 5 years. Two childlike hobo-clowns wait near railroad tracks for “balloon,” but neither knows exactly what “balloon” is. Directed by Rosemary Newcott as part of the Alliance Theatre‘s acclaimed Theatre for the Very Young. $10. 9:30 and 11 a.m. today-Sunday, Jan. 12 and 19. Black Box Theatre (third floor), Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Details HERE or at 404.733.4702.
The World Is My Home: The Life of Paul Robeson. Actor Stogie Kenyatta (right) portrays actor, singer and political activist Paul Robeson (1898-1976), who sacrificed career success for his beliefs. “Nations may go to war,” he said, “but it is arts and culture that unites us.” The show has been performed in Los Angeles, where Kenyatta is based, nationwide and around the world. $20. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 5 p.m. Sunday. Academy Theatre, 119 Center St., Avondale Estates. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.474.8332.
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Kathy Janich, Encore Atlanta’s managing editor, has been seeing, covering or working in the performing arts for most of her life. Please email: kathy@encoreatlanta.com.
