Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Sex With Strangers is soooo HOT!

Yes, yes, you can have sex with strangers in lots of places, but Sex With Strangers at Horizon Theatre is incredibly hot! Especially with Megan and Michael steaming up the stage. 


Sex With Strangers, Horizon Theatre Company, Olivia (Megan Hayes) and Ethan (Michael Shenefelt), Photo: Bradley Hester
Sex With Strangers | Horizon Theatre Company
Ethan (Michael Shenefelt) and Olivia (Megan Hayes) | Photo: Bradley Hester

This is the Atlanta premiere of Sex With Strangers, an engaging play created by House of Cards writer Laura Eason. Its title actually comes from bad boy blogger Ethan (Michael Shenefelt) who is famous for his blog-turned-New-York-Times-best-seller book "Sex With Strangers" and his second book, also a New York Times best-seller, "More Sex With Strangers".

Don't worry...you won't be disappointed. Yes, it's peripherally about a blog, but there's sex, too. Not "actual" sex, but if you haven't figured it out yet, this play "contains mature language and situations", just for the record. Not surprisingly, it's one of the most produced plays in America for the 2015-2016 theatre season! Thank you, Horizon Theatre, for bringing it to Atlanta!


Sex With Strangers | Horizon Theatre Company
Ethan (Michael Shenefelt) and Olivia (Megan Hayes) | Photo: Bradley Hester

Olivia (Megan Hayes) is a brilliant writer, idolized by Ethan, but an unknown entity to cyberspace, and social media is light years from being on her radar. 

When Ethan appears, at a mutual friend's snowed-in cabin, Olivia is at first riddled with trepidation about the stranger who has arrived to stay the night at the writers getaway—and food and wine come into play almost immediately. Fascinated with Ethan's Internet popularity—which he can't prove because the Internet is down at the cabin—and his flirtations, garments begin to fall away.


Sex With Strangers | Horizon Theatre Company
Ethan (Michael Shenefelt) and Olivia (Megan Hayes) | Photo: Bradley Hester

From the sensuous beginning (who am I kidding...it's sensuous throughout) to the raised eyebrow, life-is-short mischievous curled lips at the climax, this play is a story that sets the stage with fame, cyber identity and huge ambition, begging the question, "What would you do, and who would you become, to get what you want?"

As a blogger and want-to-be writer, I totally identify with Ethan. As someone who has a glimmer of talent and wishes more people would notice, I totally identify with Olivia. Both of these characters speak to me, as a person with ambition and as someone who loves to write. As far as the steamy parts go, no admissions here, but...


Sex With Strangers | Horizon Theatre Company
Olivia (Megan Hayes) and Ethan (Michael Shenefelt) | Photo: Bradley Hester

"Cyber vs. real identity is at the core of the very contemporary story of love and ambition.  Expect a fiery emotional and intellectual ride in our intimate space with plenty of heat between these two talented, charismatic actors and Eason's crackling writing," says Co-Artistic Director Lisa Adler.

I absolutely love Lisa's in-person introductions to new plays at Horizon Theatre. She does so fearlessly, without seeking sensationalism, but with gusto and gumption. You have to love a woman with gumption...and a woman who courageously brings so much spectacular contemporary theatre to Atlanta!  


Sex With Strangers, Horizon Theatre Company, Ethan (Michael Shenefelt) and Olivia (Megan Hayes), Photo: Bradley Hester
Sex With Strangers | Horizon Theatre Company
Ethan (Michael Shenefelt) and Olivia (Megan Hayes) | Photo: Bradley Hester

I love the Horizon Theatre tradition of getting to meet and greet and make photos with the cast after performances. On Opening Night, after Megan and Michael had a chance to freshen up, we got to meet them at the Opening Night Reception, just down the street.

I immediately fell in love with Megan. She's totally engaging and incredibly sweet...and wait until you see her resume! Among her many, many accomplishments, she was in one of the Hunger Games movies. Her range is beyond impressive. I just wish she lived here! "Thank you, Megan!" for coming back to Atlanta to bring us Sex With Strangers.

Michael, too, is engaging and quite charming. On my way out of the Opening Night reception, I interrupted (trying to do so politely) his table conversation to share with him how much I enjoyed the performance, and to let him know that I also am a blogger (knowing that he's not, but his character is) and he was genuinely interested. I can't tell when actors are acting, but "Thank you, Michael!" for taking an interest...and thank you for your Horizon debut performance—you are magnificent! 

I briefly chatted with Megan and Michael after seeing the play a second time and they were just as charming and delightful as they were the first time. If I see them listed in the cast of anything else in town, I'll be there!  


El Bandido Mex Mex Grill | $5 Off Coupon
El Bandido Mex Mex Grill | $5 Off Coupon

When I found out that El Bandido Mex Mex Grill would be hosting the Opening Night reception, I was so excited! I started dining there about a week after the restaurant opened and have since been...oh, approximately 10 times, or more! It's that good! The food is consistently delicious, the service is consistently remarkable (Xavier, Christian, Chilango...all awesome!), and the atmosphere is festive. Clip the above coupon and give them a try!

Date Night? Sure! Girls Night Out? Sure! For a hot, steamy evening on the town? Absolutely! Do not miss this show...go see Sex With Strangers at Horizon Theatre by Sunday, May 1, 2016.

Be sure to subscribe to Horizon Theatre's social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) to be sure you don't miss a single event! Of course, a subscription is best way to ensure you hear about and see everything!

Coming up at Horizon...

The City of Conversation, May 20 - June 26: Being a former resident of our nation's capital, this D.C. politics-centric comedy promises to be as hilarious and entertaining as this year's presidential debates! 

The Toxic Avenger, June 9-12: That's right! Toxie, Sarah and the Mayor of Tromaville (who I saw FOUR times earlier this year) are back for a three-day run in Piedmont Park. General Admission will be free, the reserved section (near the stage) is only $15, and tables will be available for $30.

'Da Kink in My Hair, July 15 - August 28: Set in a salon where women are getting their hair done for dates, jobs and upkeep, there's more than hairdos going on here!

Freed Spirits, September 23 - October 30: Just in time for Halloween, this world-premiere mystery-comedy is set in Atlanta's own stunning Historic Oakland Cemetery (performed on stage at Horizon).

There you go...a whole season of magnificent theatre! 

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Upcoming at the Atlanta Botanical Garden...

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and there's a lot to celebrate! I'd like to share a few highly anticipated upcoming exhibitions and events, and I hope you'll enjoy these recent photos I made at the Garden during its Atlanta Blooms! exhibition.


Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Chihuly in the Garden opens next weekend with approximately 20 installations throughout the Garden, and it will be the largest outdoor exhibition by Dale Chihuly yet! 

I was living in D.C. when the 2004 Chihuly in the Garden exhibition was here, but I've since come to believe that that was the exhibition that sealed Mary Pat Matheson's legacy as the greatest Executive Director (now President & CEO) the Atlanta Botanical Garden has ever seen. Witnessing all the changes that have happened since I returned to Atlanta in 2010, I can only imagine what she has in store for us next! 

Chihuly in the Garden will be open during the day Tuesday-Sunday, and separately during evenings Wednesday-Sunday. The Garden is closed on Mondays.


Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Dwarf Peach | Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Linton's in the Garden opens April 28! I've had the honor of meeting Chef Linton Hopkins on a number of occasions. I admire his food philosophy and commitment to fresh, local ingredients. And I've watched the construction of the new restaurant, from the ground up...it's magnificent! I can hardly wait to dine on the open-air rooftop in company with the Garden's tree canopy and Atlanta's magnificent skyline.


Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Concerts in the Garden opens soon for its 14th season! In this year's line up I'm most looking forward to Phillip Phillips. And the Gainesville location has a concert series, too. In their line up I'm most looking forward to Loretta Lynn, a surprise to many—given my punk rock history and love of dance music—but I grew up listening to Country music and Loretta was always a favorite.


Ladybug | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Ladybug | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour has been on my to-do list every year, and hopefully I'll make it this year. Even without having been, this is something that I highly recommend for all garden/gardening enthusiasts and I think it'd make a lovely Mother's Day gift, too. You'll get to explore 10 private gardens over Saturday-Sunday, May 7-8, something you don't get to do every day!


Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

The 2016 Atlanta Rose Show is Saturday-Sunday, May 7-8, a wonderful outing for Mother's Day! 

The Garden hosts quite a few flower and plant shows throughout the year. Keep an eye on their calendar for a show featuring one of your favorites!


Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I've not yet visited the Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville, but friends of mine who have are saying wonderful things. And they've already had some pretty awesome programming—exhibitions, events, concerts, etc.!


Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden


Alston Lectures are free to the public, a wonderful offering from the Garden. The next Alston Lecture, on Tuesday, May 3, is being given by Andrea Wulf, titled, "The Invention of Nature. Alexander von Humboldt's New World", followed by a book signing. 

I've attended a number of Alston Lectures and every one of them has been fascinating!


Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Cherry Tree Blossoms | Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Free, docent-led Garden Tours are offered Tuesday-Friday at 1:30 p.m. I was a volunteer docent at Atlanta Botanical Garden for a number of years and still know many of the tour guides. They're a wonderful group of people and each is passionate about the Garden. Treat yourself to this free tour (free with Garden admission) of one of Atlanta's top attractions! 


Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

New for the 2016 Olmsted Plein Air Invitational, a gathering and competition of 36 of the world's greatest plein air artists, visitors to the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29 can see artists in action, painting scenes in our beloved Garden

I attended the kick-off party at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlantic Station and can attest that this is going to be a magnificent 6-day event...go to as many of their events as you can and definitely stop by the Garden on the 28th and 29th!


Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Blooms! 2016 | Atlanta Botanical Garden

There's a lot more to explore at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but if you did just the ones I've listed here, you're in for a most wonderful Atlanta spring and summer.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

A Mother's Shattered Heart...

The show Serial Black Face, the currently running brilliant world premiere play at Actor's Express, is set during the time of the Atlanta Child Murders in the 1970's through early 80s, but the show isn't about the murders. It's about one mother's shattered heart and how she deals with her missing son, her lonely, distraught daughter, and a mysterious, suspicious new man in her life.

Serial Black Face | Actor's Express | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus
Serial Black Face | Actor's Express | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Tinashe Kajese-Bolden convincingly plays the role of Vivian, a mother of two, whose son has disappeared during the Atlanta Child Murders of the late 1970s-early 80s. Your heart will break right along with hers...her love for her only son is reinforced daily by mementos (on stage props) of his impact on her life, as well as the fact that she doesn't know the fate of her son.

I'm not a father and I'm barely an uncle these days, but I vividly recall the pain and turmoil my own mother went through when a former husband of hers physically threatened her three children. It was a tumultuous, emotionally confusing time, a time that I'd sooner forget than recall. I do not remember being afraid, but remember with great clarity the fear and trepidation she felt as a mother. I can't possibly imagine what it must feel like to lose a child...but Tinashe brings you damn near to those emotions.   

By the way, I said of Tinashe Kajese-Bolden in a previous wanderlust ATLANTA post, "...she's a gem for our city!" Was I ever right!

I had the great pleasure of seeing her in the 20-year anniversary production of "Blues for an Alabama Sky" last year (twice!), when she played Delia. The 1995 world premiere of that play is one of my all-time favorites, the 20th anniversary production a beloved favorite, and now Serial Black Face is one that I will see again and again, largely to the magnificent performance by Tinashe. Again, I say, follow her career....she truly is a gem for our city.


Serial Black Face | Actor's Express | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus
Serial Black Face | Actor's Express | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

We've all seen the movies where parents have lost a child and their other child or children suffer the fallout...they are left alone. Such is the case with Vivian's daughter Latoya, emotionally performed by Imani Guy Duckette. She acts out—a perfectly human response to emotional abandonment, but she rebounds, ever hopeful for a brighter future with a loving mother.

This is another young actress whose career I highly recommend you keep an eye on. She's brilliant, intuitive and one who demonstrates emotions with great insight. 

Serial Black Face | Actor's Express | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus
Serial Black Face | Actor's Express | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

A dramatic play about a serious topic, there is some comedy relief now and then in the form of Vivian's coworkers, Gladys (Drea Lewis) and Damita (Kelli Winans). They're a little catty, disconnected, yet in the end feel the heartbreak of Vivian's situation. They will make you laugh, and then bring you back to the gravity of the topic at hand.


Serial Black Face | Actor's Express | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus
Serial Black Face | Actor's Express | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Some have been thrown by the name of this play, but it's not what immediately comes to mind for many. In an ArtsATL interview, playwright Janine Naber answered the question about where to the title "Serial Black Face" came from saying, "It is about repetition. It's a story of black people, black faces, that are repeatedly being taken away and there's no way to stop it." 

I totally get where Naber's coming from, I truly do, but I couldn't help but feel that this play is not fully about black people, but more about a mother's shattered heart and how she deals with the loss of a child. I wouldn't wish that on anyone and my heart bleeds for any mother who has lost a child. Race, creed, social status...none of that matters in the affairs of one's love for a child, let alone the loss of a child.

I highly recommend seeing Serial Black Face, at Actor's Express through Sunday, April 24. It's one of the more true-to-life, serious plays I've seen in a long time. Don't go to laugh, but you will...don't go to be somber, but you'll probably cry...don't go to see an award-winner, which it probably will be...go to see brilliant theatre performed by superb actors!

I'd like to offer a special "Thank you!" to Actor's Express for the tickets to the show, and a reminder to my readers that all opinions I express in my blog are my own, always. I'd also like to thank my new friend Jacquetta who joined me for the show. She's a person whose charm, intelligence and friendship I've immediately grown to cherish. Thanks for sharing this touching experience with me.


Sunday, April 17, 2016

"The Princess & the Goblin" Has Come Home

Atlanta was a young city of only 25 years when the children's fantasy novel The Princess and the Goblin was first published in 1872 by English author George MacDonald. Fast-forward 140 years to February 10, 2012, when Atlanta Ballet presented the world premiere of Twyla Tharp's "The Princess & the Goblin", which met with rave reviews.

The Princess & the Goblin has come home to Metro Atlanta, currently being performed by Atlanta Ballet on the same stage as their world premiere, with many dancers reprising their roles. 


Twyla Tharp's The Princess & the Goblin | Atlanta Ballet | Photo: Kim Kenney
Twyla Tharp's The Princess & the Goblin | Atlanta Ballet | Photo: Kim Kenney 

Twyla Tharp's (now 74, living in New York City) "The Princess & the Goblin" was in 2012 co-commissioned by Atlanta Ballet and Canada's Royal Winnepeg Ballet. Today, the piece is being co-produced by both ballet companies.

One significant difference is that instead of Ms. Tharp being on hand to stage the ballet, with Tharp's full blessing, Atlanta Ballet Mistress Sarah Hillmer, who was Tharp's assistant in the 2012 world premiere, has restaged the show, and done so brilliantly! 


Twyla Tharp's The Princess & the Goblin | Atlanta Ballet | Photo: Kim Kenney
Twyla Tharp's The Princess & the Goblin | Atlanta Ballet | Photo: Kim Kenney 

This performance was a delightful surprise. That's to say that it was so much more than I could have even imagined.

The dancing is so enrapturing that I didn't even notice the overall minimalism of the sets—however the sets that were used were breathtaking. Walking to the car, still in a daze at what I'd just seen, I was asking myself, "How did they do that? How did they hold my full attention for 82 minutes?" The answer revealed itself as wholly obvious...it was the dancing! That and that the dancing told a story.   

While I've not read the book, Atlanta Ballet tells the story through the formality of ballet and the emotional expressiveness and wit of modern dance. It's a story unlike most...the Princess is not in need of rescuing, she in fact is courageous and daring, acts with purpose and is determined.


Twyla Tharp's The Princess & the Goblin | Atlanta Ballet | Photo: Charlie McCullers
Twyla Tharp's The Princess & the Goblin | Atlanta Ballet | Photo: Charlie McCullers 

In Tharp's version of the classic fantasy tale, Princess Irene (Alessa Rogers) has two sisters, Stella and Blu (Maya Arena and Elise Halkos). The sisters are captured by the Goblins and without the help of her not-at-all-engaged father, King Papa (John Welker), Princess Irene sets off to rescue them herself.

She does get some help along the way, from her new-found commoner friend, Curdie (Benjamin Stone) and her great-great-grandmother (Nadia Mara) through a magical piece of thread. Yes, this is a fantasy tale, but the courage, sisterly love, morals and the reward of helping those in need are indeed prevalent in the story, as is an inevitable happy ending.

"The Princess & the Goblin" was the first full-length ballet in which Twyla Tharp used children. A significant note given that her career at that time spanned 50 years. Tharp uses the child as the driving force and moral heart and soul of the enchanting tale. Most of the central characters, general narrative line and moral themes remain true to the MacDonald's 1872 story.

The world premiere included included 13 child dancers from the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education in West Midtown, as does the 2016 run, with one child reprising her role!


Twyla Tharp's The Princess & the Goblin | Atlanta Ballet | Photo: Kim Kenney
Twyla Tharp's The Princess & the Goblin | Atlanta Ballet | Photo: Kim Kenney 

This show included one of the magnificent opportunities to hear the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra play live for a performance. I don't know what it is about live music accompanying a live stage performance, but when it's as wonderful as our Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, it help brings the story to life, mesmerizing eyes and ears!

While the 2012 world premiere ran over a period of eight days, the restaged version is running for only one weekend, April 15-17, 2016, on the same stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. I sincerely hope you've had the opportunity to see Atlanta Ballet perform Twyla Tharp's The Princess & the Goblin this weekend. 

And do check out their other shows throughout the season...they always have something coming up that I am looking forward to with great enthusiasm! Also, keep an eye out for the announcement of this year's Wabi Sabi performances...

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

A Walk in the Park...

Have you ever been to the park for a 5:00 p.m. picnic? I have, just recently.

It turned out to be the serendipitous perfect time to picnic at Sweetwater Creek State Park, followed immediately by a multi-mile walk to explore and get a little exercise, outshined only by having a camera to capture some beautiful images at dusk, including the moss and sprouts pictured below.

Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Park

We'd just visited Patak Meats in Austell, Georgia, only one exit past Six Flags Over Georgia, on I-20 West. We believe the best place to buy European meats in all of Metro Atlanta, they're open only one Saturday a month, the first Saturday. It's an excursion we look forward to every month we can make it happen. 

They're open during the week, but not late enough for someone who keeps regular office hours in the city. That's quite alright...otherwise I'd spend half my paycheck on the awesome meats and other deli items they offer! 

Our picnic the day of this visit was sandwiches made of fresh, just-cut Corned Beef, Swiss cheese and Polish sauerkraut, all from Patak, on classic rye bread with some potato salad on the side. In retrospect, we didn't even think about dessert...the freshness of Patak's treats were so incredibly delectable, that was treat enough! 


Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Park

When you visit Sweetwater Creek State Park, be sure to stop by the award-winning Visitors Center. There's a whole museum, live animals and a pretty awesome gift shop, not to mention park maps, which you're going to want to peruse before you go walking/hiking, especially if you're on your first visit, all hosted by friendly Park staff.

We'd had our picnic on the shore of the lake where it was quite windy. I actually went back to the car for a jacket, not a surprise in early spring. But, once we got to the trails farther inside the Park, it was perfectly comfortable without a jacket.

By time we got halfway to the New Manchester Manufacturing Mill ruins, the sun was going down, so the lighting was spectacular. I especially liked the bright green colors of new spring leaves reflecting on the deep blue water of the Creek, pictured above. The extra ripples of the wind added interesting texture.


Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Park

Don't worry, you won't feel like you're in the Blair Witch Project. The red on the occasional tree lets you know that you're on the "red trail", the "history" trail. There are many paths at Sweetwater Creek State Park, some of which I've yet to explore, each color coded and easy to follow.

In the background of the above photo you see the New Manchester Manufacturing Mill ruins, which was a filming site for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. That's one thing you'll learn if you're a new visitor to our state...we're huge in movie making! My friends at Atlanta Movie Tours can help you discover more about that.

The color coding his an awesome tool for gauging what route to take if you're in a pinch for time or if you have all day to hike your heart out.


Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Park

Water levels tend to be higher in spring, as they were on this particular visit, which typically translates into calmer waters, yet don't rob you of the white water that many visitors look forward to seeing. In this shot (above), I was most fascinated by the lone bright white dogwood tree on the other side of the Creek.

During this particular visit we saw a Great Blue Heron, sitting and then flying. They're such a beautiful avian. When you visit, have your camera at the ready for other birds, too, as well as water creatures, woodland animals and other wildlife. You're going to see a lot on the more than 2,500 acre Park on their 12 miles of trails!


Sweetwater Creek State Park, Eastern Red Cedar
Sweetwater Creek State Park

One of the first sights you'll see when departing from the Visitor's Center is the remains of a spectacular Eastern Red-Cedar, which isn't a cedar at all, but a member of the Juniper family. It's unique shape, which will conjure images of the Game of Thrones iron throne for some, I thought is definitely photo-worthy!

Sweetwater Creek State Park features quite a lot of adventure, including trails, hiking, campsites, picnic shelters and "yurts". I didn't know what a yurt was before visiting this park and I've not yet experienced one, but if you're into glamping, Sweetwater's yurts are evidently the way to go! There's a "Yurt Village" of 10 yurts along the Creek that house six people each.  

Whether an out-of-town visitor or a local, I highly encourage you to visit one of our many beautiful State Parks, especially nearby Sweetwater Creek State Park.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Into the Woods to Fairy Tale Land We Go...

Imagine all your favorite children's books weaved into one magnificent tale, rife with drama, laughter, struggle, celebration...and a challenge of gigantic proportions!

Who will get what they dream of...and who will live? Yes, yes, we're talking some serious drama, but with lots of laughs, too. Are you wondering if any of your beloved character's dreams do come true?

That's a Reader's Digest teaser of what you'll wonder and experience when you see Aurora Theatre's rendition of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods, playing now through Sunday, April 17.


Shelli Delgado & Googie Uterhardt | Into the Woods | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski
Shellie Delgado and Googie Uterhardt
"Into the Woods" | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski

There are many truly outstanding actors in this performance, some I've had the pleasure of seeing perform in other plays and some who mesmerized and made me laugh for the first time. Not that they didn't before...it was just the first time I'd had the honor to see many of them.

If there was a single character who enraptured my attention, across the board—dramatic, funny and wholly entertaining—it was Shelli Delgado, who performed the roll of Little Red Riding Hood. She made me laugh with every line delivered, every exaggerated expression and by turning lemons into lemonade...rather, an enemy into a new cape.

Wendy Melkonian, Evan Jones, Brian Walker "Into the Woods" | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski
Wendy Melkonian, Evan Jones, Brian Walker
"Into the Woods" | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski

Aurora Theatre's Into the Woods is told through the eyes of a youngster who finds a book in a library, where the show opens. Evan Jones plays the Narrator absolutely brilliantly. He's one of the best young actors I've seen in a long time. He's fully engaged, focused and easy to follow. Keep an eye on this young man's acting career...he's going places!

Jack's cow is a hilarious, laugh-out-loud prop, with more personality than perhaps I've ever seen in an inanimate creature. And the cow you see pictured above isn't the only rendition of this bovine you'll see during the performance. This cow, as white as milk, becomes "hell on wheels". 

The the expertise of this performance encompasses talent in many disciplines. The acting, the singing (which is glorious!), the set, the costumes, the props, the lighting, the audio...everything about this show is world-class! 

Caroline Arapoglou | "Into the Woods" | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski
Caroline Arapoglou
"Into the Woods" | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski

Caroline Arapoglou (Rapunzel), also in Aurora's award-winning Memphis, was not too long ago wedded with another of my favorite Atlanta actors, Nick Arapologu (Toxie, Princeton). Congratulations, you two! Caroline, you totally rocked that "hair as yellow as corn".

Another I've seen before and loved in the production was India Sada Tyree (Florinda) who I'd met when she was Nina in Aurora Theatre's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. She's so delightful in person and brilliant on stage! Diany Rodriguez (Cinderella) also is magnificent. I had the honor of meeting her when she was in Informed Consent, and she too is delightful, and talented in range from a Native American leader (2015) to a beautiful fairy tale princess.

The whole of the cast is remarkable...they make you feel like you're in the fairy tale that's playing out on stage. 

Brooke Owens interviewed Into the Woods set designer Jason Sherwood and one of the questions was about inspiration: "...our question was how can we take this hall of the greatest stories of all time and put it through a child's imagination and then let it get a bit out of control. There are some elements to the set that appear as one thing and then change or move in a way you didn't expect them to...to create a place that feels like you've got a handle on what's going on and then things radically change."

The set morphs time and again, for various characters and story arcs. Things indeed do radically change. Especially in Act II... 


Shelli Delgado, Bernadine Mitchell, Kristin Markiton "Into the Woods" | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski
Shelli Delgado, Bernadine Mitchell, Kristin Markiton
"Into the Woods" | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski

I've not seen Disney's 2014 cinema version of Into the Woods, which hosts a fantastic, well-known Hollywood cast. Aurora Theatre has successfully endeavored to make cast selections not only based on phenomenal acting skill, but also to cast actors who reflect the local citizenship. And this cast wholly represents the fact Aurora is Gwinnett County's only professional theatre.


Cast of "Into the Woods" | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski
Cast of "Into the Woods" | Aurora Theatre | Photo by Chris Bartelski

A few words of wisdom, if I may... 

Do not have a jumbo margarita across the street and then go straight to your seat in the theatre. The first act is nearly 1.5 hours. If you conduct such an act—as I did in haste—you're going to hear your mother's voice in your head for at least the last 20 minutes of Act I..."I told you to go before we left the house!"

On the wonderful side of that first hour and a half, by time the first act gives way to intermission, you feel like you've seen an entire musical...and indeed you have. The second act makes a departure from the land of fairy tales and goes in the direction of an epic fantasy battle. A battle! There are losses and there are heroes.

Is there a happy ending? You'll just have to go to Aurora Theatre by April 17 and experience the ending of this magical story for yourself. Just prepare to be whisked away to other times, other places and other realities...in a totally fun and entertaining way, of course. 


Aurora Theatre wraps up its 2015-2016 Signature Series with I'm Not Rappaport, on stage May 5 through June 5. And they have LOTS of other programming, so visit their website to see what else might entertain you. 

I'd like to offer a huge wanderlust ATLANTA "Thank you!" to Aurora Theatre and Brave PR for the tickets to the performance. As always, my posts are my own opinions. And my opinion is that Into the Woods is a fantastical, must-see show!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Touring the Doll's Head Trail

The Atlanta Preservation Center's program Phoenix Flies is a favorite of mine. 

I try to go on several of the more than 200 free tours over the course of the two weeks they're offered. I had such a busy winter that I didn't make a Phoenix Flies tour this year until the first day of spring, which was the last day Phoenix Flies tours were being offered, BUT it was a tour that I'd read about for years and one that I'd been wanting to go on...a tour of the Doll's Head Trail.


Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta

The description of this tour said, "requires the ability to walk two miles over rough terrain." I found it invigorating! It's definitely good exercise and you want to wear walking/hiking shoes, but the two miles goes fast...I thought.

The Doll's Head Trail is only a portion of the path that wraps all the around Constitution Lakes, a Dekalb County Park. Some of the total pathways are brand new boardwalks and some of it raw path, with boardwalk construction in-progress.


Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta

This particular display, pictured above, was one of the images on the cover of the brochure for this year's Phoenix Flies program. I'd see the image for years, but it was still pretty cool to see the real thing. 

The computer geek in me (my college degree is in technology) was trying to figure out what the framing device once was. It looks like a portable television with a floppy disc reader of some sort. Who among my readers remember using floppy discs and did you learn not to leave them on the dashboard of your car the hard way? 


Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta

This Doll's Head Trail tour was led by its creator, Joel Slaton. He shared with the group that one of his inspirations when creating the neo-folk artwork filled destination was none other than longtime Georgia resident and artist Howard Finster.  

If you've been to Howard Finster's Paradise Garden, you'll totally get the correlation, but if you've not been to Paradise Garden, you're totally missing out on a mesmerizing experience!


Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
One of the first two attributes you'll notice about the park is bright red mud—and lots of it—and approximately a bazillion bricks! The Doll's Head Trail is the former site of long-defunct South River Brick Company.

Joel calls what he's doing a Restoration Park. It's a noble cause and a great gain for Atlanta. History Atlanta offers an in-depth description and history of Doll's Head Trail. I encourage you to delve into what they've written...it's rich in history and quite fascinating!


Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta

"DON'T DRINK & TEXT & DRIVE"...in that scenario there's never a happy ending. The Doll's Head Trail comes with some excellent advice and a few life lessons. Some of it is surprisingly jovial and clever, but on occasion it offers bits of wisdom that one might have a better life for heeding. 


Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta

In addition to a Smurf, you're going to see fishermen (Yes, you can fish here!), lots of wildlife including some spectacular birds, plants you've probably never seen, and a beautiful, serene landscape that you'll hardly believe is inside Atlanta's I-285!


Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta

You don't have to travel to Orlando or abroad to see a princess...there's at least one at the Doll's Head Trail, probably a few, in fact. There is indeed lots to take in! Joel pointed out one spot on the trail where he retrieved 75 doll's heads! 


Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Getting there might be a little tricky, unless you've done your homework before you leave the house. Looking at Google Maps, the address of S. River Industrial Blvd, SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, puts you at the entrance of the Trail. On my visit, I used GPS, which put me on the wrong side of S. River Industrial Blvd. 

If you're traveling South on Moreland Ave, SE, you will want to turn LEFT at S. River Industrial Blvd, SE, not the opposite direction that my GPS sent me. I hope this saves you a few minutes and a lot of frustration. My bad for not looking it up before I headed out.

Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta

Just when you think you have a leg up on what's going on, you're going to see a totally unexpected sense of "clever"...you're going to see a lot of that, actually! I particularly found "The age-old question" and the "pet rock" delightfully funny. You'll see what I mean when you visit. 


Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Doll's Head Trail, Atlanta
Remember the first photo in this post, where it was written: "Taggers: Really? Well, at least, LEAVE THE SHARPIES!" I'm not exactly sure what was being referring to, but the latter sounds like a sensible request to me.

Slaton generously leaves Sharpies for visitors to write messages and drawings on pieces of terracotta tiles scattered throughout the Trail. The above was was left by a tagger named Corrine, a lovely youngster visiting with her family, who we saw had tagged something seemingly every few feet! You gotta love enthusiasm. 

I think Sharpie should contract Joel Slaton as a spokesperson!

When you're looking for something quirky that's also filled with vibrant nature, check out the Doll's Head Trail. Thank you, Joel and Atlanta Preservation Center for adding this informative, insightful tour to this year's Phoenix Flies program!