Looking for something cultural to do in the next week or so? Here’s our select list of recommendations. Pictured: Greg Lockett (left) and Philip Mills (as Diego/Zorro) in the Alliance Theatre’s “Zorro.” Photo by Greg Mooney.
Burundanga. Aurora Theatre’s Teatro del Sol presents this comedy about a poor and pregnant Barcelona woman, her boyfriend and the dangers of telling the truth. In Spanish with English supertitles. “Burundanga,” it turns out, is a powerful truth serum. Cast includes Luis Hernandez and Denise Arribas (Actor’s Express’ The Mother With the Hat), among others. Through April 28. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Details, tickets HERE or at 678.226.6222.
Carmina Burana. THIS WEEKEND ONLY. Atlanta Ballet dances choreographer David Bintley’s modern interpretation of the story, which follows three seminarians who find that the pleasures of the flesh make them question their faith. The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and Georgia State University Singers perform the Carl Orff score. Also on the program: Petal by Helen Pickett, described as a “sunny piece” that explores “the intersection of ballet and modern dance” (Boston.com and The Denver Post). 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. $20-$120. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. Tickets, details HERE or at 404.892.3303.
The Cherry Orchard. FINAL WEEK. Theater Emory, with its mix of professional and student actors, stages this Anton Chekhov classic, written when the physician and playwright (1860-1904) knew he was dying. This moving comedy about the necessity of letting go of what one loves is peopled by childish misfits who live in the past or the future but never the present. The critics: “With so many large things about the production moving in the wrong direction, it’s surprising how many little, innovative details director Tim McDonough and his cast get beautifully right” (Andrew Alexander, ArtsATL.com).Cast includes Janice Akers, Mark Cabus, James Donadio and Clinton Wade Thornton. $20. 7 tonight-Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Mary Gray Munroe Theatre at Dobbs University Center, 605 Asbury Circle, Emory University. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.727.5050
The Drowsy Chaperone. FINAL WEEK. At Aurora Theatre. This hilarious show-within-a-show begins when a die-hard musical theater fan plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called The Drowsy Chaperone, and the musical magically bursts to life in his apartment. Winner of 2006 Tony Awards for best book and best score. The critics: “Within this frothy, nostalgia-dripping entertainment is a delightfully winking commentary on the present-day state of musical theater and the virtues of old-fashioned candy-coated escapism” (Wendell Brock, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution). $16-$35. 8 tonight-Friday; 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. Free parking in attached deck at 153 Crogan St. Details, tickets HERE or at 678.226.6222. For discounts, visit PoshDealz.com. We’ve got two Encore SNAPSHOTS for you: STEVE HUDSON, who plays Man in Chair and CAITLIN SMITH, who plays the ditsy chorine Kitty.
Equus. Some plays are classics because teachers say they are. Others are classics because they never lose the power to thrill, shock and engage an audience. Peter Shaffer’s 1973 Equus, at Actor’s Express, is a roller-coaster drama about a psychiatrist’s attempt to make sense of one young man’s horrifying and brutal crime. Featuring Chris Kayser as the doctor and Kyle Brumley as the young man. Contains nudity. The critics: “A great production of a contemporary classic, easily one of the season’s best bets” (Andrew Alexander, Arts ATL.com); “A wonderful production with great performances and designs that highlight some of Atlanta’s best talent” (Kenny Norton, AtlantaTheaterFans.com). $22-$45 plus fees (book online is cheaper). Through April 21. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. 887 W. Marietta St. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.607.7469. For discounts, visit PoshDealz.com. (Pictured: Kyle Brumley as the disturbed Alan Strang. Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus.)
Julius Caesar. The New American Shakespeare Tavern becomes ancient Rome in this exploration of political intrigue, ambition, betrayal, conspiracy and murder. The Tavern offers a pub menu and adult beverages. $15-$36. Through April 28. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. 499 Peachtree St. N.E. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.874.5299.
Mother Goose. TWO CONCERTS ONLY. Philadelphia’s Enchantment Theatre Company joins the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for a family concert that spins favorite stories from childhood. Performed to music by Ravel, with maestro Jere Flint on the podium. $15-$20. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.733.5000. For discounts, visit PoshDealz.com.
Petite Rouge. A swamp chorus sings backup in Synchronicity Theatre‘s foot-stomping zydeco musical. Imagine a Cajun Red Riding Hood (she’s a duck), with a big, bad gator in the wolf role, and a wild chase through Mardi Gras. From Joan Cushing, the playwright/composer of the Junie B. Jones and Miss Nelson musicals. With plenty of wit, it’s definitely not just for the kids. Back by popular demand. $12-$40. Through April 21. 10 a.m. Tuesday-Wednesday; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday. At Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave. N.E. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.484.8636. For discounts, visit PoshDealz.com. Meet ensemble member Michael Stiggers in this Encore SNAPSHOT. (Pictured: Renita James as Petite Rouge)
The Tranquil Tortoise and the Hoppity Hare. Join the tortoise and the hare at the starting line. The audience is invited into the center of the race track to experience the action all around them. Expect dance, movement, music and storytelling. For ages 6 months to 5 years, and their families. Part of the Alliance’s Theatre for the Very Young. $10 suggested donation. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday. On the grass at the High Museum of Art entrance, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Details HERE.
Zorro. From the American West comes the legend of Zorro, a fighter of corruption and lover of beautiful women. This flamenco extravaganza, which has played Europe and London’s West End, comes to the Alliance Theatre in a new American adaptation featuring songs from the Gipsy Kings. $30-$70. Through May 5. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 and 7 :30 p.m. Sunday. Alliance Theatre mainstage, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.733.5000. For discounts (this Sunday only), visit PoshDealz.com. Read more about the score and the Gipsy Kings in this Encore FEATURE.
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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. Full disclosure: She is affiliated with Synchronicity Theatre mentioned above. Please email: kathy@encoreatlanta.com.
