Looking for something cultural to do in the next week or so? Here’s our select list of recommendations. Pictured: Adam Fristoe and Veronika Duerr in “Venus in Fur” at Actor’s Express. Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus.
RECOMMENDED
Harmony. THROUGH OCT. 6. The writing team of Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman have found a home at the Alliance Theatre for their musical about the first sensational boy band: six talented young men in 1920s Germany. The Comedian Harmonists took the world by storm — until Hitler came to power. $30-$75. 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. 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.733.5000.
Venus in Fur. THROUGH OCT. 6. David Ives’ Broadway hit opens the season at Actor’s Express. The sexy (at times, kinky) comedy concerns a young actress late for an audition. The play-within-the-play is based on a classic erotic novel. Expect a steamy study of sex and power. The cast: Veronika Duerr and Adam Fristoe. David Crowe (last season’s Equus) directs. Previews at 8 tonight-Friday ($15). Opens at 8 p.m. Saturday ($40, includes post-show reception). Regularly $26-$45 plus fees (cheaper when purchased online). 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 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. Discounts at PoshDealz.com.
LAST CHANCE
Les Misérables. THROUGH SUNDAY. Technically, this season opener at Aurora Theatre is completely and totally sold, but you can get on a waiting list for tickets by calling (678.226.6222) or emailing the box office. Then come to the theater the night of the show. Unused tickets (cancellations and such) will be sold, subject to availability. The critics: “A victory for the ambitious Aurora Theatre” (Wendell Brock, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution); “Stunning” (Kenny Norton, AtlantaTheaterFans.com). $30-$40. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. Free, attached parking deck at 153 Crogan St. Read more about Kevin Harry, who plays Javert, in this Encore SNAPSHOT.
OPENING THIS WEEKEND
Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America. THROUGH SEPT. 22. “A winning musical revue!” So said Variety in describing this show, the season opener at Georgia Ensemble Theatre. It celebrates songs — 29 of them — written and inspired by the celebrated troubadour, including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” “Calypso” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” The cast: Dolph Amick, Mary Nye Bennett, Chris Damiano, Scott DePoy and Jeremy Wood. $15-$39. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., Roswell. Details HERE or at 770.641.1260.Get discounted tickets at PoshDealz.com.
Song of the Living Dead. THROUGH SEPT. 28. The we’ll-never-grow-up bunch at Dad’s Garage Theatre Company brings us another musical. This one is a classic love story, told in a horrifically gory, action-packed way. Remember, Dad’s is now in residence at 7 Stages in Little Five Points. $10-$29 (cheaper when purchased online). 1105 Euclid Ave. N.E. Tickets, details HERE or at 404.523.3141.
Twelfth Night | Troilus and Cressida. FRIDAY-SEPT. 29. The New American Shakespeare Tavern goes for laughs and the gut with this two-show repertory. The comic Twelfth Night features a shipwreck, separated identical twins, mistaken identities and romance. With the tragedy Troilus and Cressida, Shakespeare tackles Homer, Virgil and Chaucer. Twelfth Night: Sept. 7, 13, 15, 19, 21, 27 and 29. Troilus and Cressida: Sept. 6-12, 14, 20, 22, 26 and 28. The Tavern has a pub menu and tasty adult beverages. $15-$32. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 6:30 p.m. Sunday. 499 Peachtree St. N.E. Details, tickets HERE or at 404.874.5299.
THIS WEEKEND ONLY
La bohème. FRIDAY-SUNDAY. Capitol City Opera Company, which champions local artists, stages one of the most popular operas ever created, a love story about penniless young artists in Paris. It became, of course, the inspiration for the Broadway musical Rent.$40; $30 senior citizens and students. 8 p.m. Friday; 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday. At the Conant Center for the Performing Arts on the Oglethorpe University campus. 4484 Peachtree Road N.E. Details: HERE or 404.504.1473.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Guys. OPENS SEPT. 11 | RUNS THROUGH OCT. 6. Theatrical Outfit’s season opener is based on the experiences of playwright Anne Nelson. The plot: Joan, an editor, receives an unexpected phone call from Nick, a fire captain. He wants her help on composing eulogies he’ll deliver at memorial services for men he lost on 9/11. Together they navigate the emotional landscape of grief. Cast: Jasmine Guy and Brian Kurlander (pictured). $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, tickets HERE or at 678.528.1500.
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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.
