INTERVIEW: Matt Torney, Theatrical Outfit

Theatrical Outfit, Atlanta's second-oldest professional theatre, announced at the end of August 2019 that the board of trustees had voted unanimously to name Matt Torney as its new Artistic Director. Torney assumed the role in July 2020 when Tom Key completed his 25th year at the helm of this downtown theatre.

Torney has led Theatrical Outfit over the last few months in returning audiences to the theatre, at first virtually, and when it's safe again, in-person! There's a LOT of programing coming up and Torney graciously granted me an interview to introduce him to wanderlust ATLANTA fans and followers and to share a bit about the upcoming programming.

Matt Torney, Artistic Director, Theatrical Outfit | Photo: Teddy Wolff

(NOTE: This post is a combination of my conversation with Matt Torney, personal comments, and press releases. Torney's responses are not verbatim, but are edited from a conversation I had with him. I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible. I can honestly say that I am incredibly excited about what he is and will bring to Theatrical Outfit, a personal favorite.)

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wanderlust ATLANTA: Share with us a little about where you're from and how you came to Atlanta.

Matt: I'm originally from Belfast, Ireland. I was there in the 1980s and '90s during the second half of troubles there...it was hard to make sense of it all and it sucked up all of your energy. As a young person with no interest in politics, art and theatre became my escape. My friends and I would go to plays—there was extraordinary theatre and writing—and do workshops. 

I moved to Dublin, Ireland, to study theatre and English literature. In 2006, I moved to New York City and studied at Columbia University for three years then returned home and was freelancing across the Atlantic. 

I found myself curious about theatre communities outside of New York City. I'd seen the they each have their own flavor, their own feeling, and I was struck by the D.C. audience. In search of a deep immersion in regional theatre, in 2015 I moved to Takoma Park, Maryland, on the northeast border of D.C. and became the Assistant Associate Director at Studio Theatre in northwest DC near Logan Circle. 

A few years later, wanting to lead a theatre led me to Atlanta. I'm excited about the new programming and upcoming season!

DOWNTOWN DIALOGUES – a four-part series (the first is Thursday, September 24, 2020) of digital readings each followed by a live video podcast hosted by arts journalist Gail O’Neill, writer for ArtsATL.org. Gail will talk to experts and special guests about the play and its themes, incorporating responses to questions from the audience. The four titles in the series take a deep dive into important topics of today from equality to education to the environment, and all will be brought to life by Atlanta’s finest actors and directors for you to engage with from the comfort of your own home.  

Tonight's Downtown Dialogues, titled "The Children" is by Lucy Kirkwood, directed by Susan V. Booth, and stars Ora Jones, Chris Kayser, and Tess Malis Kincaid. 

Click here to learn more about the Downtown Dialogues series and for tickets to the pre-show conversations with Torney!

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wanderlust ATLANTA: While Downtown Dialogues are free to theatre lovers, the pre-purchased VIP Pre-Show Package includes conversations with you. What will those entail.

Matt: We didn't want Theatrical Outfit patrons and other theatre lovers to have to pay for this initial unique content. We want to make it as accessible as possible. Viewers can for free watch Downtown Dialogue readings and enjoy the post-show live video podcast in which a panel of experts and special guests dive deep into the play and its themes hosted by Gail O’Neill. 

But we did opt to generate an additional experience. With a paid "ticket", or package(s), patrons are guaranteed a "seat" at the reading and post-discussion, plus they have access to a VIP pre-show discussion with me, half an hour before the reading begins. It'll be more of a conversation, less of a presentation, a way to open the door a little bit and have real conversations with patrons, supporters, and subscribers. I'm excited to meet the larger Atlanta theatre-going community.

In a press release Torney said, "We believe that theatre offers an essential place for dialogue in times of extreme disruption, and a space in which our community can celebrate, console, and most importantly, connect with one another. TO is committed to building programs that not only respond actively to the present crisis, but also serve as a long-term investment in our community,Atlanta artists, and our future as a Downtown theatre."

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wanderlust ATLANTA: Some arts venues in Atlanta, in recent years, have experienced a change in leadership that resulted in significant changes in the patron experience. What, if anything, are you planning to change?

Matt: During the search it was noted that Theatrical Outfit was looking for someone who was in alignment with the theatre's Vision, Mission, and Core Values. If writing my own, it would have been a very close match. 

My wife, who is a filmmaker and director, had her first feature shown at Plaza Theatre. Serendipitously, Tom Key was there, too! We discussed the civic responsibility of theatre, building community in real-time, the daily operations of the theatre, and how Theatrical Outfit can enhance Atlanta as a city. 

It's like we were already heading in the same direction, just getting there in different ways. Tom wanted someone to come in and continue, but things are rapidly changing, but we're adapting. Now we're focused on how we can be a home for Atlanta, how we can be a home for artists.

MADE IN ATLANTA - This is a new play program. Theatrical Outfit is taking advantage of the disruption to their mainstage season to devote more time and resources to developing new work. 

In a press release Torney said, “What better way to spend this time than focusing on the future, investing in great plays about Atlanta and helping to develop ideas and writers. Our hope is that we will find amazing plays to premiere in future seasons that will make a big impact both here in Atlanta and around the country.”

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wanderlust ATLANTA: Do you feel it is important to keep a theatre downtown?

Matt: Yes, absolutely. It's the beating heart of the city. We want to offer Atlanta a place that is open to everybody, particularly to be a theatre that creates conversations so that those conversations and ripple outward and create change. As downtown adapts and grows, it's important for theatre to be here. This theatre is going to show up and engage with Atlanta and the South as a whole. We aim to show that the South is a living, growing place, not a place stuck in time. We're looking at ways to invest in the community and to create conversations about who we are and who we can be.

THE WELCOME TABLE - Theatrical Outfit is honored to host a special one-night event to benefit organizations that serve the downtown homeless community. The Welcome Table will raise awareness of the most vulnerable among us, shining a light on how the homeless community has been impacted by COVID-19 while raising funds to support the wonderful organizations working to mitigate that impact. Watch for future announcement about this event.

UNEXPECTED PLAY FESTIVAL - In January, Theatrical Outfit is excited to once again partner with Working Title Playwrights (WTP) for the Unexpected Play Festival. This month-long festival celebrates brand new work by local playwrights, all being heard for the first time. Each digital reading will be immediately followed by a discussion led by WTP Artistic Director Amber Bradshaw in which the audience will offer essential feedback that will help the playwright take the work to the next level.

MAIN STAGE – Then in Spring 2021, Theatrical Outfit plans to return to the mainstage with three smart, authentic, and vital live productions. As previously announced, Tiny Beautiful Things, based on the book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, will take to the stage rearranging TO in a bold new way. The season will also see a powerful partnership with Theatre J in Washington DC on a co-production of Fires In The Mirror: Crown Heights, Brooklyn and Other Identities by Anna Deavere Smith. A third title will be announced shortly.

In a press release Torney said, “We had two requirements for our return to live performances - the plays had to be excellent, and the productions had to be safe for both the artists and the audiences. We are reworking every aspect of how we produce to factor in the latest safety guidelines and will be re-evaluating constantly as we get new information. With flexible ticketing, filmed performances, and a highly trained front of house staff, we are confident that we can offer excellent theatre that embraces the challenges of COVID-19 and offers both flexibility and security to our patrons.”

Matt: We're confident that we can find a way to return to the theatre safely, while incorporating some digital alternatives. We're listening to medical experts, listening to the City, and we're taking our time to do it right. We're doing this in alignment with our Core Values and we're excited to start some new amazing conversations!

Travis: You may recall that I've lived in Atlanta twice. The first time for 15 years, then 9 in D.C., and I've been back for 10 years. While in D.C., I attended shows at Studio Theatre many, many times, AND my former boss when I was at Intelsat is on the Board of Trustees at Studio Theatre. Don't you love small world stories?!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

I recently saw The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Aurora Theatre, one of my favorites. Everything I've seen at Aurora has been fantastic, but this show is beyond spectacular! With a star-studded cast, beautiful music, and an indelible set, this show is poised for fanfare of the sort that lasts for decades!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a co-production with Theatrical Outfit—the first show in its 2017-2018 season—where it is now running through Sunday, September 17.

Haden Rider and the cast of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME | Photo by Daniel Parvis

I'd never seen The Hunchback of Notre Dame, so I didn't know the story or what to expect, beyond knowing it would be an amazing performance because it was at Aurora. 

Between seeing The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Aurora Theatre and Theatrical Outfit, I've watched the 1996 Disney animated version and the 1939 black and white Hollywood movie starring a young, new actress Maureen O'Hara. There's also a 1923 film version that I did not see. All are based on the novel written by Victor Hugo, but none exactingly follow the book.

The Aurora Theatre/Theatrical Outfit co-production is an amalgamation of the various previously performed renditions. It doesn't have the happy ending that Disney gave it, but you won't be sorry you saw this perfectly performed work of art!

Haden Rider (Quasimodo) is phenomenal! A young, humble actor, his talent is eons beyond his years. As Quasimodo, he is wholly convincing as an innocent, "different" (caged hunchback), and compassionate human being.

Haden Rider and Julissa Sabino in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME | Photo by Daniel Parvis

Theatre in Atlanta is the best it has ever been, in my humble opinion. I've seen amazing theatre throughout the years in Atlanta, as far back as 1987. We had great talent then, but now we have so much more!

If there were a First Lady of Atlanta theatre, Julissa Sabino (Esmeralda) would be a strong contender. She's beyond amazing and is so incredibly talented. I've had the great pleasure of seeing her in a number of plays in recent years (The Toxic Avenger, Grease) and have had the awesome pleasure of meeting her. Charming, poised, grateful...she possesses all the best qualities one would hope a celebrity would have.

From being a champion for her people's human rights, the Gypsies, to demonstrating genuine compassion, for Quasimodo, Julissa's performance shines brightly in this tale peppered with darkness. Julissa is also the Dance Captain for this production, which she totally rocks!

David de Vries and Julissa Sabino in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME | Photo by Daniel Parvis

The multi-talented David de Vries, who has performed in top grossing stage, television and movie projects, plays Dom Claude Frollo, a character I detested from the very first promotional images I saw. The character is creepy! 

That's also to say that David's performance is brilliant. He brings to the stage one of those characters that you love to hate. A character that stirs uneasiness deep down in your soul.

I was so conflicted wanting to see Frollo crushed and totally wanting to meet de Vries! 

This show has a powerful cast, including Kevin Harry and Lowrey Brown, as well as a phenomenal ensemble. And the puppeteers are magical! They bring the gargoyles to life and lighten the dialogue—conversations with Quasimodo—with some wonderful humor.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France | Photo: Barry Holland

I went to see The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Aurora Theatre with my friend Barry, and we already have tickets to see it again at Theatrical Outfit! Barry visited Paris a few years back and made some stunning photos of the Notre Dame Cathedral, this one of the bell tower side we see in the show. He thoroughly enjoyed the musical and I'm sure the spectacular sets whisked him right back to Paris.

Go see The Hunchback of Notre Dame and be whisked away to Paris yourself! 15th Century Paris, that is. And be prepared for one of the most incredibly heart-wrenching, heart-touching stories you've ever seen.

Enjoy a brief look at some of the magnificence you'll enjoy when you go see this show...

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
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

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

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! 

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 (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

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

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!

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!

Nick Cave's "Up Right Atlanta"

Friday night involved a lot of spectacular firsts for me. It was the first time I've seen Nick Cave's artistry, the first time I've attended a Flux Project event, and it was the first time I've visited Ponce City Market. It was a fantastic evening!

There are two shows per day throughout the weekend, of Cave's piece Up Right: Atlanta, each show being comprised of two distinct performances. I had no idea what to expect going in, but let me tell you...you are in for a real treat!

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

Nick Cave is working with Tracy Lang, assistant professor of dance at Spelman College and artistic director of T. Lang Dance. Thirty-one local artists—dancers, performers, and musicians—are performing the work. And it was obvious to me that each is committed to their art and to providing a remarkable experience.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

I'd like to share a little about the second performance first. It was the longer of the two, less energetic than the first, but just as—if not more—potent, and ascendant.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

The adornment of the dancers began with encasing them in a prop-cradle infrastructure. I had surmised that at least some of the massive amount of props on the stage would become costumes, but I was blown away that ALL of it became costumes for the half dozen or so dancers. Believe me...there were enough costume elements to dress six times the number of dancers than were in the show.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

Said of the performance:

Cave initiates—the lead characters of this work. Through the performance, they are prepared mind, body and spirit to face the forces that stand in the way of self-hood, to enter a world over which they have complete control. Initiates become warriors of their own destiny.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

I was impressed that even the final checks and balances, after fully costuming the dancers, was given as part of the performance. Truthfully, I thought this segment was interpretive until I finally realized that it was a final costume check and an unhurried opportunity for the dancers to ready themselves to balance what must be rather heavy ensembles.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

Intended or not, and as thought-provoking as the performance is, it carries with it a degree of humor. From a two-foot tall scarf-wearing duckie—part of the costume adornments—to the dressers using large brushes to groom the super-sized fury costume elements, there were ample opportunities to enjoy the quieter of the two performances. 

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

I heard that some felt that the performance was slow and too long, but I think those people totally missed out. Frankly, just about the time that I started to think the same thing was the precise moment I began relax into the piece and immensely enjoying it. 

It's not at all slow. It calms the mind to a point of reflection and introspection, as well as speculation about the story unfolding on stage. It was also when I looked quite closely at the costume design and detail. What appear mere common materials—an aluminum Christmas tree, a crocheted throw, and various beaded pieces...to name only a few—are actually a complex and intricate chorus of exterior persona. 

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

The opening moments of this particular performance began with the dancers "disrobing"...not completely, of course. We knew then that we were in for something not quite expected. What it became, and what it truly was from the beginning, was quite beautiful.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

What others are saying about Nick Cave's work...

"Nick Cave's hybrid creations are part Alexander McQueen, part Andy Warhol, and wholly bizarre, brash, and beautiful. He combines elements of sound, performance, color, and costume to create whimsical works that even the darkest soul would find hard to resist." – Artspace

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

I mentioned that there were two performances. The first took place on the main level and among the guests! Notice the "drum major" on the far right of the above photo. He was magnificent and delightfully energetic, as were the other colorful performers. Both performances were superb. I definitely recommend seeing this show if you can swing tickets.

I'd like to thank Carrie of Launch Atlanta for letting me know about the show.

Nick Cave's Up Right: Atlanta is at Ponce City Market for the weekend. I've heard that performances are selling out (they're free, but require reservations), so check their website for tickets before heading over.If you' don't make it to this show, watch for more of Nick Cave's artistry and definitely look for other Flux Projects events!