INTERVIEW: Joe M. Turner, Magician

I had the great pleasure of seeing Joe M. Turner perform a magic show at a corporate event a number of years ago. Loved his show and I've followed his career since! It was a magic show, but he was also the keynote speaker. What an unexpected, wholly remarkable combination! People were watching and listening to the show, not bowing to their Blackberries and iPhones. The man is brilliant, I tell you!

I recently learned that while much of the performing arts world is on lockdown due to the pandemic—Joe is a musical theatre fan and performer, so he feels the pain doubly—Joe has taken to digital entertaining. And, he has not only graciously granted me an interview, he's offering my friends and fans a great deal on his next show, Sunday, September 27 at 7pm ET. See the deal at the end of this post!

Joe M. Turner, Magician, Mentalist, Keynote Speaker

Let's get into the interview with Joe M. Turner, Magician, Mentalist, and Keynote Speaker, and be sure to watch the videos interspersed along the way—to get a sneak peek at the awesome entertainment you'll get when you join me online at his show this weekend!

wanderlust ATLANTA: Share with us a little about who you are, where you’re from, and how you landed in Atlanta.

Joe: I was born in Jackson, Mississippi and grew up in Brandon, a small suburb. Brandon is also the hometown of Mary Ann Mobley, who was Miss America 1959, and Jerious Norwood, who played for the Atlanta Falcons. I studied physics and theatre at Mississippi State University, then took a job designing and delivering corporate training at a management consulting firm in Atlanta. I moved here in 1993.

wanderlust ATLANTA: What was the catalyst that got you into magic? 

Joe: I got a magic kit for Christmas when I was five and that held my interest for several months. I also had some children’s books about magic, and I remember being fascinated by Doug Henning and David Copperfield on television. I started performing magic for real audiences when I was 10...talent shows, birthday parties, and so on. I left it aside in high school and college, and came back to it as an adult in the mid-1990s. It sort of took over my life after that.

Joe M. Turner, Magician, Mentalist, Keynote Speaker

wanderlust ATLANTA: What’s the difference between magic and mentalism?

Joe: That definitely depends on who you ask! I tend to group them both under an umbrella called “mystery arts” or “illusion arts,” as they are both a form of performance art dealing with the theatrical creation of illusions. Magic tends toward visual illusions—such as appearances and disappearances and transpositions, while mentalism is more about psychological illusions—simulations of ESP, predictions, and such. 

Some mentalists—not all—like to leave the question of whether it’s an illusion or not unaddressed, and are perfectly happy to have people believe that they can actually read minds or predict the future. They maintain, correctly, that the people who truly believe their mind has been read are getting an experience that cannot be replicated by a visual illusionist, because nobody in the developed world believes a coin can literally disappear by magic, but they might still actually believe you can read their mind or predict the future if you frame the presentation properly. 

Leaving this claim unaddressed is not my style ethically, but I have good friends who fall in that camp. I am aware that some mentalists really resist being “lumped in” with magicians, holding that magicians who do mental effects are just doing “mental magic” and not really mentalism. Then again, I asked Max Maven, probably the preeminent mentalist in the world today, the difference between mentalism and mental magic, and he said it was a meaningless distinction.

Joe M. Turner, Magician, Mentalist, Keynote Speaker

wanderlust ATLANTA: When and how did your love of magic and mentalism turn to corporate stages?

Joe: I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a corporate stage for magic! When I was a kid and interested in magic I used to see the magazines and I thought everyone was either doing local parties, or they were in Las Vegas at a casino. I didn’t really understand the whole concept of corporate events and large hotels with ballrooms and such.

After I regained my interest in magic in the mid '90s, I joined the local magic clubs and found out then that people were being hired to perform magic at corporate events, cocktail parties, and other occasions. Having worked in the management consulting and training world, I was really comfortable in front of audiences of adults and realized then that that was where I wanted to take my performances.

Joe M. Turner, Magician, Mentalist, Keynote Speaker

wanderlust ATLANTA: Harry Houdini performed at the Wimbish House, today home of the Atlanta Woman’s Club on Peachtree Street, nearly 100 years ago (ch. 44 in my book). On what stage(s) have you or do you want to perform on that people 100 years from now might be talking about?

Joe: I have performed for a large event at the London Palladium and took a bow on that stage. I have every confidence that a century from now that will still be meaningful. I’ve done some off-Broadway appearances, but it would be wonderful to be hired for a touring show that did a Broadway stint. Locally, I have worked the Egyptian Ballroom at the Fox Theatre and I love that room dearly.

Joe M. Turner, Magician, Mentalist, Keynote Speaker

wanderlust ATLANTA: How has your show developed over the years? What transformation in your show was the most “magical” for you?

Joe: In magic there is a saying that amateurs perform an ever-changing set of routines for a consistent audience, while professionals perform a consistent set of routines for ever-changing audiences. I think the most important transformation for me was to focus on developing a core repertoire that fit me well, and not try to be everything. Early in your career it is all so amazing and intoxicating that you think you should be a sleight-of-hand expert one day, an escape artist the next, and turn ladies into tigers on the weekend. Focusing on my authentic personality and the things I can credibly present to audiences—and learning to focus on my strengths—this was the primary transformation in my business. If you see me perform, I’m likely to perform at least one thing you’ve seen me do before, or something that is related to it. I do still create custom work and custom illusions for clients, but I have worked hard to develop my core in a way that it gives me a solid foundation on which to build and grow.

Joe M. Turner, Magician, Mentalist, Keynote Speaker

wanderlust ATLANTA: With the outbreak of COVID-19, most people's careers and lives changed or were affected otherwise, some significantly. How have you adapted? Are these changes permanent, fully or in part?

Joe: In February I was performing magic on a cruise ship in the South China Sea. After departing from Guam, the pandemic spread and every port we were scheduled to visit closed. After nearly two weeks at sea with no stops, we finally landed in Singapore and I flew home. I spoke at a conference and did a couple of other corporate events, but by mid-March my entire 2020 calendar was emptied by the virus.

Soon after that, I attended my first couple of Zoom meetings and realized immediately that there was an opportunity to develop a unique kind of interactive theatre in that space. My constant goal through the whole crisis has been to keep finding ways to be creative and productive, so I decided to create and produce a virtual magic and mentalism show.

I launched my first virtual show on April 3, and a couple of weeks later I received an email from a New York Times arts reporter asking to see my show for a story on how magicians across America were using technology to perform. My show was included in the article, and then two weeks later I was having coffee one Sunday morning when a friend in Manhattan messaged me to congratulate me for being in the Times. I thought she was mistaken because the story was already old news. But I had gotten an additional mention – a recommendation of my show in the Sunday Times!

None of this would have happened if I hadn’t been one of the very first in the country to develop an online performance.

I have resisted using the term "pivot" during this time because I think it implies a change of direction. I haven’t really changed my direction, but I’ve certainly added a lane, and added new skills, and am able to deliver my work in additional ways. I do expect that I will continue to offer online offerings in the future.

wanderlust ATLANTA: You’re more than a magician. What other talents to you share with public audiences?

Joe: I have a reasonably deep background in musical theatre. I did some professional performing and continued to act and sing in Atlanta after I moved here. I have also worked as a pianist and conductor. During the pandemic I’ve done a lot of Facebook Live-streaming of showtunes from my piano, just for fun. I have taken the odd piano gig here and there, too. I never really marketed it much in past years, leaving it mostly for people who just knew I had that background, but more recently I did finally put together a web site: Atlanta Pianist. I have combined that with my magic for another little project: Vaudeville on Demand! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: There have been a LOT of them…what is your favorite magic/magician movie? Why?

Joe: The favorite of many magicians is the Tony Curtis Houdini movie, but I think my favorite is The Illusionist with Ed Norton, Paul Giamatti, and Jessica Biel. I think The Prestige may be a better film, but when The Illusionist came out I was doing my one-man show “Shenanigans” at the Grand Hyatt in Buckhead and the distribution company called me to do a cross promotion between my show and some previews of the film. So I’ll go with The Illusionist. 

Also, Jessica Biel.

wanderlust ATLANTA: When you have time to play tourist, where/what are some of the destinations in Atlanta that you most enjoy?

Joe: You mentioned Atlanta Magic Night in your book. That is a local magic show with a rotating cast, and I've co-produced the show since 2014. It takes place at the Red Light Café in Midtown, which is someplace I'd recommend for anyone to check out when they have their live shows up and running again. It could be country one night, rock the next, comedy the next, burlesque the next, and magic the next! It is a wonderful venue. Check out their streaming—Wednesday night is Jazz Night!

I have surely enjoyed the College Football Hall of Fame since it came to Atlanta.

If you’re up for a little drive, High Shoals Falls in Paulding County is a beautiful little waterfall and a quiet place to contemplate your blessings.

SPECIAL OFFER: Joe is offering wanderlust ATLANTA friends and fans $5 off tickets (You only need one ticket for the entire household!) to his upcoming show—Joe M. Turner's Remotely Entertaining—on Sunday, September 27, at 7pm...use promo code "social".

I'll see you at the show and if you're a person who schedules speakers for your company, consider Joe. I highly recommend him!

Follow Joe M. Turner on…

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | and on his website! 

(All photos and videos courtesy of Joe M. Turner. All opinions are my own.)

The Fabergé of Nutcrackers

A Ballerina, a Nutcracker and a Terrifying Rat King are central characters in a story that's about 100 years old, so you can imagine how many times it's been told and reinterpreted. But none have done it so magnificently as Atlanta Ballet, which has performed what has now been an Atlanta holiday tradition for 20 years at the Fox Theatre.

If you think you've seen Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker before, think again! This year's performance, its 20th season at the Fox, is even more magical, more entertaining and wrapped with an enormous, tight glittery bow...it's the Faberge of any Nutcracker performance I've ever seen!

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

I probably never told you about my obsession with nutcrackers. I started collecting nutcrackers—had always been fascinated with them—when I lived in Washington, DC. In a mere three years my collection topped off at 65 nutcrackers! 

My sharing that is not to chronicle an obsession, but to note that my intrigue with "Nutcracker" is genuine. When I moved back to Atlanta, I gifted that collection to a friend who I know has used quite a number of them during holiday seasons since.

I've enjoyed various renditions of Nutcracker over the years, but it had not stuck with me that the story takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia. On the other hand, it's difficult to not pick up that it takes place on Christmas Eve. 

Another holiday tradition also dating back more than 100 years were Fabergé's Imperial Eggs—lavish Easter eggs created by Peter Carl Fabergé for the Russian Imperial family—which were also fashioned in St. Petersburg. Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker, in my mind, is just as intricately detailed and visually spectacular as the works of Fabergé.

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

John McFall joined Atlanta Ballet in 1994 as only its third Artistic Director. His retirement from the organization in June 2016 had been previously announced. 

While Atlanta Ballet has performed some version of Nutcracker since 1959, Opening Night of "Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker" on December 11, 2015, marked the 20th anniversary of what has become one of Atlanta's more beloved traditions, one created by McFarland. 

Immediately prior to the Opening Night performance, McFall was presented a Phoenix Award, the highest honor bestowed by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, recognizing McFall's outstanding leadership and contributions to Atlanta. It was heart-touching to see Atlanta recognize Mr. McFall in this manner...so well-deserved. 

My friend Michelle Khouri, Editor of Where Atlanta, tapped John McFall for an exclusive interview about his time with Atlanta Ballet. I encourage you to read it! (interview) 

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

Always an audience favorite, Mother Matrushka’s gown is made of 25 yards of red jacquard. The dancer who wears the 75-pound costume stands on a platform 15-feet tall...and, surprise-surprise, Mother Matrushka is always played by a man.

Arrive early enough to make a photo with a larger-than-life Nutcracker—on the balcony level—or make time during the 25-minute intermission. If you drive, I highly recommend pre-purchasing your parking and remember that traffic is always heavier during the holidays...so, make plenty of time to get to theatre and relax into the show.

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

I was impressed to see Alan Vella, President & CEO, Fox Theatre, there on Opening Night. This Atlantan is grateful to see our attractions—whether attended by faithful fans or visiting tourists—supported by their executives. It speaks volumes when I see that they're as invested as those spending their time and money to support the arts and the local economy. "Thank you, Mr. Vella!" for being at the ballet!

Preparation for Nutcracker begins in early August and goes through November to ensure every detail is in place for opening night in early December, including the transport of all the lighting, scenery and costumes from the Ballet's West Midtown campus. And Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker is the only version in the metro area performed with a live orchestra and choir! 

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

Atlanta Ballet premiered George Balanchine's Nutcracker—second act only—in April of 1959, not December, making it one of the first companies in the U.S. to perform what would soon thereafter become a holiday classic. The full-length version of Nutcracker was first performed by Atlanta Ballet in 1962. Atlanta Ballet’s third and current artistic director John McFall recreated Nutcracker in 1995. 

Over the past 20 years, since McFall created "Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker", more than 3,000 metro Atlanta children have performed in the production, which was created especially for the city of Atlanta.

Nutcracker, at the Fox Theatre through Sunday, December 27, is the opening show of Atlanta Ballet's 2015-2016 season, which has some other fantastic shows coming up! In particular, I'm personally looking forward to "Moulin Rouge: The Ballet", as well a couple of world premieres!

See you at the ballet!

ELF The Musical is Magical!

ELF The Broadway Musical is on tour and it's onstage at the Fox Theatre right now! I'm so happy that I got to see this show, one of the many holiday shows slated for the Fox stage this holiday season. It's fun, it's peppy, it's colorful...it's truly magical!

ELF The Musical On Tour | Photo by Chris Bennion

The first full-cast number is hilarious! You can't help but don a huge smile and tap your feet...especially when you see the elves' feet. Don't tell anyone, but they're humans who are wearing elf shoes...on their knees. They're brilliant! The elves...and Santa...and Buddy...the entire cast is brilliant!

ELF The Musical On Tour | Photo by Chris Bennion

As described by Broadway in Atlanta, "Elf is an original musical that brings to life the heartwarming and hilarious tale of Buddy, an orphan who mistakenly believes he’s really one of Santa’s elves." 

The musical is based on the 2003 blockbuster movie Elf starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf and Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, his love interest.

I'd not seen the movie when I was invited to see the musical, but I made sure I did before the performance—I'd heard good things about both. 

Two nights before seeing the musical I watched the movie (Gotta love modern technology!)...I smiled and laughed and even shed a happy tear. The musical elicits the same emotions, but it brings an additional dimension of humor—the kind of over-the-heads-of-children humor that you see and hear in today's blockbuster animated films.

ELF The Musical On Tour | Photo by Chris Bennion

Buddy is perfectly performed by the 6'4" too-tall-to-be-an-elf Daniel Patrick Smith, who has a voice that would make the Sirens jealous and a natural acting ability that, well, landed him the lead role in a touring Broadway holiday show...everyone loves him! Aside from brilliantly performing a contagiously happy elf—Daniel has quite the impressive actor resume. 

ELF The Musical On Tour | Photo by Chris Bennion

Buddy's love interest—and it was love at first sight—is Jovie, a co-worker at Macy's. 

Don't worry, you'll learn quickly how Buddy gets from an orphanage...to the North Pole...to Macy's in New York City in hardly any time at all. Actually for him it's 30 years, but for you the trek will be mere minutes.

Maggie Anderson, who performs Jovie, is absolutely and incredibly brilliant! And what a beautiful voice! THIS is the reason I enjoy musicals.

ELF The Musical On Tour | Photo by Chris Bennion

The script is written, much to my delight, such that the characters—narrator Santa in particular—can interject local events, locales and sports teams. The first mention—think college football—got a huge laugh from the audience!

And having visited New York City many, many times, I was delighted to reminisce experiences of places where Buddy and others appear in the story, including Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Tavern on the Green and the Empire State Building, to name just a few. It's been too long since I've been to NYC...I really must visit again soon. 

ELF The Musical On Tour | Photo by Chris Bennion

Santa, who was...I hesitate to use the word...a secondary character, was for me one of the significant characters in the show...he brought it to a whole other level. In the movie, the story was narrated by Pappa Elf, but in the Broadway play, the story is narrated by Santa. And this Santa, performed magnificently by Ken Clement, takes stand-up comedy (that was unexpected, but endeared) to a whole other level.

A huge, biggest-present-under-the-tree "Thank you!" to BRAVE Public Relations and Broadway in Atlanta for the tickets, but mostly for the experience! I've said many, many times that I write my own thoughts, feelings and opinions...they're not influenced at all, ever, by complimentary tickets, and I'm not compensated for what I write. I love being on media lists, but will never compromise my integrity. I love being a tourist, and a blogger! I'm grateful others enjoy what I share.

Now then, some of you may have heard about a technical difficulty that occurred shortly after the show began. At first, I thought the "technical difficulty" announcement was part of the show...then I became concerned for the safety for the cast and crew behind the curtain that the packed house couldn't see. 

I don't know what happened, and will not venture a guess, but I know what I saw when they returned to the stage. The cast and crew performed...true to their art they demonstrated, in true professional spirit, that "the show must go on". 

We may never know what happened, but I sincerely hope that the people who made it possible that they could continue are honored and revered for what they contributed that night. From this member of the audience, "Kudos to you, to you and your colleagues and anyone else who made the evening happen! YOU are appreciated!"


Go see ELF The Musical while you still can. There are only four more performances between now and Sunday, December 6...and what a magical reason to experience the Fox Theatre! 

Can't Take My Ears Off You

What do I love most about Jersey Boys? The music, of course! And it's brilliantly performed by the touring cast now onstage at the Fox Theatre through Sunday, October 11, 2015. This is a must-hear! 

Jersey Boys | Fox Theatre, Atlanta | Jeremy Daniel

Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons starts with a group blue collar performing artists singing under a street lamp...in hopes of one day making it big. The music only gets better and better and better... 

Jersey Boys | Fox Theatre, Atlanta | Jeremy Daniel

Of course that entree transforms into one of the greatest performing groups of the 1960s, one that many generations since know quite well...or are at the very least are fans of their music, whether they know the name of the band or not.

Aaron De Jesus as Frankie Valli is perfect casting. His voice...that voice...takes you right back to the years when you heard that music for the first time. And I imagine his performance of the real Frankie to be perfection.

Jersey Boys | Fox Theatre, Atlanta | Jeremy Daniel

I was talking about the show with my friend Nikki after seeing it Tuesday night, and she told me about when she saw the show at the Fox Theatre a few years earlier, not sure what she was getting into...but when experiencing the show she knew song after song after song...

Jersey Boys | Fox Theatre, Atlanta | Jeremy Daniel

It was a very similar experience for me. I know the majority of The Four Seasons' music, just didn't remember that it was their music. I'm more of a movie buff, although I love music, I just don't always know the bands' names of the music I've loved over the years.

Jersey Boys | Fox Theatre, Atlanta | Jeremy Daniel

I did notice that the audience weighed more heavily on the fairer sex...there were more women in attendance than there were men. Of course that's not unexpected given the fan base of this 1960s bands. Did you know that The Four Seasons' fandom preceded the British Invasion? 

Jersey Boys | Fox Theatre, Atlanta | Photo: Joan Marcus

Keith Hines, who performed the role of Nick Massi, was the humor relief...a huge persona, of subtle impression, who happened to be one of the funniest in the show. I really like this character, and his brilliant acting. 

Jersey Boys | Fox Theatre, Atlanta | Jersey Boys | Photo: Jeremy Daniel

The set of this show isn't anything I've not seen before, but then again I've not seen this particular show when it hit Broadway 10 years ago, so I can't say that they didn't innovate any particular aspect of the set...it's brilliant either way. I LOVE the giant comic on-screen renditions of the relative scenes in which that effect was used. Brilliant!

As a reminder, I only ever offer my genuine opinion on any performance, attraction or experience I write about. With that said, I'd like to offer BRAVE PR a "Thank You!" for the tickets to this show. It was a marvelous experience!

You can read more about this performance in this Playbill article, and be sure to read the Brett Love article in your Encore Atlanta program that you receive when attending the show. 

Or better yet, make your way to the Fox Theatre to see Jersey Boys by Sunday, October 11, 2015. Your ears will love you for it!

Diana, Michael, Marvin...MOTOWN!

Seeing MOTOWN the Musical was so incredibly exciting! Not because I knew the story, but because I grew up with so many of the stars. That I learned so much about the history and connections within the Motown family was a total bonus...but seeing the music performed live and onstage, at the Fox Theatre, was the BEST!

MOTOWN the Musical | The Supremes | Photo: Joan Marcus

This show starts with the 1983 Motown 25: Today, Yesterday, Forever tribute, then flashes back to the founding of Motown and finishes in a grand finale back in 1983. Wonderful, wonderful story!

Of all the stars signed by Berry Gordy (performed by Josh Tower), the founder of the Motown record label, I'm a fan of The Supremes and Diana Ross (brilliantly portrayed by Allison Semmes) the most. I didn't know about the relationship she and Berry had, nor the background of Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany, both of which are fantastic! 

By the way, if you're visiting Atlanta and see MOTOWN the Musical, make it a double-feature and also see Bruce Monro: Light in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. One of the six installations in the exhibition, Three Degrees, was inspired by The Supremes! Check out my post about Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi performance at the Garden this summer, which includes a photo of Three Degrees (and a description about how it got its name). 

MOTOWN the Musical | The Jackson 5 | Photo: Joan Marcus

I had no idea that Berry Gordy signed The Jackson 5, although I remember their early music quite well! And of course, like billions of others in the world, I followed Michael Jackson's career throughout his life. 

What I didn't know, and was awesome to experience in MOTOWN the Musical, was that Diana Ross made the very first introduction of The Jackson 5 after they were signed by Motown! 

It wasn't discussed in this performance, but I sat there wondering if Berry's cinema deals for Diana had anything to do with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson starring together in The Wiz.

One of the other major players in MOTOWN the Musical was Smokey Robinson, (played by Jesse Nager), which I didn't know much about, but definitely know his music! The show totally nails his speaking voice, as well as many other nuances of other Motown stars...brilliantly played!  

MOTOWN the Musical | Marvin Gaye | Photo: Joan Marcus

One of history's more profound singers, Marvin Gaye's music has long been a favorite of mine...so soulful. What I didn't know was how strong an activist he was. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I liked his music so much. 

We had the wonderful pleasure of hearing Jarran Muse (Marvin Gaye) perform Mercy, Mercy Me...I never thought I'd hear that live! That one song has so many levels to it...listen to the words, again. 

MOTOWN the Musical | The Temptations | Photo: Joan Marcus

Get Ready! I'm not sure how The Temptations got their name because their music is irresistible! Yet another group whose music I loved as a kid. They had some cool moves, too. 

One of the things that is so incredible about this show is that there are not only nine scenes in Act I and nine scenes in Act II, but there are multiple songs in many of those! And the set design is AMAZING! Allow me to say it again...the set design is AMAZING!  

MOTOWN the Musical | Berry Gordy & Cast | Photo: Joan Marcus

There is an incredible amount of talent represented in this show, including The Marvelettes, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson and Rick James! The entertainment value of this show surpasses every expectation I had...and I had high expectations! The acting, dancing and singing talent on stage is brilliant...this cast represents Broadway in the finest form. 

Once again, I find myself writing the tip of the iceberg...there's so much going on in this show, so many wonderful things, you have no idea you're about to be hit with such a wonderful performance! 

A huge "Thank you" to BRAVE Public Relations for the tickets (Kellie, you're awesome!) and a reminder to my readers that the opinions expressed in my writings are my own. If I don't enjoy something, I won't write about it. THIS I enjoyed...toe tapping, clapping and singing the whole night! 

MOTOWN the Musical, part of the Broadway in Atlanta series, is at the Fox Theatre now through Sunday, August 23. Go, go, go! 

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

In 1984, on everyone's lips was, "Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!" It was the same last night.

Part of this year's Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival at the Fox Theatre, I just saw Ghostbusters! Awesome, awesome time! Even as I was walking up to the Fox, I heard from across the street, "Travis!" I turned around and from her car my friend Jan yells, "Who ya gonna call?!" I already knew it was going to be a fun night, but that totally set the tone for a definite fun night!

Ghostbusters at the Fox Theatre | Georgia Ghostbusters

Adding to the festivity, there were quite a few members of Georgia Ghostbusters in attendance...in costume! It totally made the whole experience all the more exciting. They graciously posed for photos for me and my friend Perry, and immediately we checked-in at the Fox on Facebook (of course we did). I'm totally looking forward to seeing Georgia Ghostbusters again at Dragon Con!

As you can see, I wore my slime green shirt for the occasion! I only told a few people that it was pure happenstance, due to the fact that my pressed shirts were at the cleaners and I didn't want to iron that morning. Thank you, my friend, Serendipity!  



One of the things that I love most about seeing a classic film with a large crowd is the mutual understanding—and the collective laughter—of punch lines, oftentimes with a more grown-up understanding making them even funnier than they ever were before...particularly the jokes about politicians, which are timeless. Sorry to my friends who are elected officials, but even you get it.

The Fox has such great fun with their film series. Coming up soon they'll be screening "Braveheart", starring Mel Gibson. Although perhaps best-known for Mad Max, one of the first films I saw Mel Gibson in was the 1979 "Tim", which of course I saw many years later, because I'm so young. He won an Australian "Best Actor" award for it, which as I recall was very deserving.

For Braveheart, the Fox is hosting a costume contest AND they've partnered with local brewery Monday Night Brewing (one of my personal favorites) for a tasting event, featuring their Drafty Kilt brew. 

Being a Star Trek fan, my personal MNB favorite (based on name alone) is Nerd Alert...just sayin'. I've met a number of the staff, and at least one owner, at Monday Night...they're AWESOME! I highly recommend their Tour & Tasting events, and if you're visiting Atlanta, they're a very short ride from downtown.




Before the movie started, they held the customary pre-show program, which includes a sing-a-long. One of this particular evening's selections was "Peachtree Street" by Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney. She was a rather famous singer and actress, and you may have seen her nephew in a movie or two—George Clooney. 

The organist in residence at the Fox, Larry-Douglas Embury, added a line to the end of the song that speaks to seeing a show at the Fox. The audience loved it!

"Strollin' along Peachtree Street, I'm as happy as can be..."

Speaking of strollin' on Peachtree Street, honoring my typical pre-Fox-show tradition, I visited Livingston Restaurant+Bar for a pre-show libation and dinner, and my friend Perry met me there (we've not attended a Fox show together since The Lion King!). 

I enjoyed one of my favorite dishes there, the Seasonal Roasted Beets, which is AMAZING! A visitor from London sitting a couple of seats over asked about the dish. I described it and he ordered it as well. For my main course, I enjoyed another favorite, their Shrimp & Grits—so incredibly good! 

That was the first time I've had their Shrimp & Grits since my excursion with Peachtree Food Tours...and it was even more delicious than I remembered! I meant to take photos of dinner, but was too distracted by the anticipation of jubilee my belly was about to experience.

The Fox Theatre, Atlanta

Did you know they're making a new Ghostbusters, with women Ghostbusters? I'm so excited and the cast is looking awesome! So far they've cast Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Chris Hemsworth! It's slated to premiere in July 2016.

Ghostbusters was the first movie in this year's Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival I've seen, which is unfortunately almost finished. There were quite a few others I'd wanted to see (and a couple more that I want to see), but I just got busy. 

I need to make more time for fun.

Speaking of more fun, there are still a few movie events remaining in this year's Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. Check them out here and then go make some memories at the Fox Theatre!