The arts are alive in Atlanta, and Encore Atlanta has your guide to what shows will go on through the end of the year. While most companies are streaming performances, there are multiple opportunities to soak in theatre in Atlanta in 2020.
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Alliance Theatre
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience (Virtual)
Dates: Oct. 23 to Nov. 3
This all-ages musical rescheduled its March 2020 production and pivoted to a virtual rock experience, which was recorded before the Alliance Theatre paused all shows. Wilbur, the beloved, bedazzled mole rat in the titular role, brings Mo Willems’ children’s series to life in an amped up streaming event.
A Very Terry Christmas
Dates: Nov. 27 to Dec. 31
In this love letter to Atlanta, Broadway icon Terry Burrell’s prerecorded holiday show promises to bring classic songs and warm greetings via streaming. Join in as Terry shows you her favorite destinations in Atlanta, sings festive jingles, shares personal stories and entertains your family from the comfort of your home.
A Christmas Carol: The Live Radio Play (Drive-in)
Dates: Dec. 4 to Dec. 23
See the classic Dickens tale come to life from the comfort of your car. The drive-in performances of A Christmas Carol sound even better as foley artists dramatize jingle bells, clanking chains and Victorian life in the style of radio plays, and the interactive elements of the show will keep the whole car entertained. Bring your own decorations!
Atlanta Ballet
The Nutcracker (virtual and drive-in)
The Atlanta Ballet’s critically acclaimed rendition of The Nutcracker was going to have a pivotal transition to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, but, like many things in the world of theatre in Atlanta in 2020, the changes were even greater than anticipated. While it won’t be live this year, it can still be a part of your seasonal traditions.
The Atlanta Ballet filmed a performance last year at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and the forethought makes it unlike most of the virtual shows available in 2020. Viewers who want to watch at home can purchase a viewing link from the Ballet. Each link you purchase is live for 72 hours, and links will be available Nov. 17 to Dec. 27 on the company’s site.
Want to see sugar plum fairies dance across the big screen? The drive-in experience might be the best way to kick off your holiday celebrations.
For five nights in December, you can park your family and friends into a spot at the drive-in to see the virtual experience, peruse the holiday marketplace, and pick up themed souvenir and snack packages. Purchase Nutcracker tickets for your car here.
The Atlanta Opera
Molly Blank Big Tent Series (Drive-in)
Dates: Oct. 22 to Nov. 15
The venue is ready, and the Atlanta Opera’s Big Tent Series is prepping for productions of Pagliacci, The Kaiser of Atlantis and some special one-night performances, all taking place under a dramatic tented stage.
The Opera worked with Oglethorpe University to set up dozens of pods for safe event viewing, and this is one of the best ways to witness how innovative Atlanta theatre has become throughout COVID-19.
Our pro tip? Upgrade your package so that a bottle of wine is waiting for you in your socially distant pod.
All remaining performances of the 2020 season have been pushed to the 2021-2022 season, and you can find more information on the Opera’s website.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Pull in and tailgate while the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra rocks on during the Live From the Drive-In concert series. Set against the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, the Symphony takes on a new artist for each show that it plays, kicking off with a Led Zeppelin tribute (Oct. 19).
Each car is limited to four people, and the passenger side space is designated for socially distant tailgating.
Fox Theatre
“The Women of Broadway” streaming experience brings Patti Lupone (Oct. 24), Laura Benanti (Nov. 14) and Vanessa Williams (Dec. 5) into your home.
Tickets for each stream start at $30, and on-demand viewing is available for 72 hours after the event.
Other theatre in Atlanta in 2020
Keep an eye on our blog posts for other ways theatres are crafting together shows in 2020, such as the Virtual Downstage Series, The Downtown Dialouges and more.
How have you seen theatre in Atlanta in 2020? Let us know who else is creating safe and socially responsible space for live art through COVID.
