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! 

Superman Surprise!

I recently hosted the very first wanderlust ATLANTA party, a "Thank you!" for some many of those who have enthusiastically supported and encouraged me as a tourism blogger over the last five years (I wish I could have invited ALL of them!), and was joined by a few fellow wanderlusters, too.

This was the most fun party I've ever hosted (and I've hosted many) and I believe my super guests quite enjoyed the surprise guest...Superman himself!

wanderlust ATLANTA Party | Travis, Katie, Superman

The party was cocktail attire. I totally wanted to don my hand-tied bow tie (which I learned how to tie when I lived in Washington, DC when I was attending black tie event after black tie event—so much fun!)...so I did. But, I had to make the excuse that it'd been so long since I'd worn it that I'd forgotten how to tie it...and then just ran out of time to Google how to tie it before the party started. I kinda like the James Bond untied after-party look, don't you? 

I'll share you with you momentarily who the gorgeous brunette is in the photo above...Superman is her husband!

Speaking of gorgeous, Summer Loftin, of Summer Loftin Antiques, was at the party! She's the one who introduced me to Howard Finster's Paradise Garden in Summerville, Georgia, where she's on the Board of Directors of its Foundation. I first met Summer, through our mutual friend Perry, who was also at the party, at the 2012's The Cathedral Antiques Show's Inspirational Showhouse. Summer's 2013 showroom was magnificent!

wanderlust ATLANTA Party | Carrie, Superman, Patti

I love that my friends who co-founded Atlanta Movie Tours were in attendance. Their being there made me my day! I've loved writing about the Atlanta Movie Tours (search "Atlanta Movie Tours" on my blog and you'll see what I mean) I've wanderlusted...four of the five they offer and two of those twice! 

Patti and Carrie, and their husbands, are so incredibly awesome! Patti is now with Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism—I hope they soon realize what a treasure they have in Patti...actually, I know they will. I continue to run into Carrie at places like Dragon Con, Walker Stalker Con and the Fox Theatre where she was recently a panelist at an ACVB program. I love you, ladies!

Sally was also there. Sally is "Margaret Mitchell" in Atlanta Movie Tour's "Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour". I'm such a Sally fan, but she's totally modest. Looking at the movie tour reviews and other articles about Sally, modesty aside, she's a pretty awesome human being!

wanderlust ATLANTA Party | Travis and Katie

I'd met Katie (pictured above) when she worked with Museum of Design Atlanta, which I joined upon discovering them when they were still located in Downtown Atlanta.

I have many fond MODA memories, particularly one MODA Field Trip where I, Barry, Katie and David (Superman) and architect Luc were in attendance, before some of us knew each other. Small world.

Two of my other favorite wanderlust people came to the party...Hillary and Martha of the Atlanta History Center! They've been so wonderful to me and to wanderlust ATLANTA, so it meant the world to me that they were there. Be sure to check out all the upcoming events at the Center, especially Candlelight Nights, which I've attended and so very much enjoyed! This year's nights are December 11 and December 18, both Friday evenings...I plan to attend on the 18th.

wanderlust ATLANTA Party with Superman

Prior to the party I tried to build the suspense of who the surprise guest was going to be. I like to think that my guests totally enjoyed their photo-ops with Superman and know that after the fact none were at all surprised that I managed to tie the surprise guest to my love of Dragon Con cosplay.

In the photo above, that's Terry on the left, of Architecture Tourist, one of the most enthusiastic bloggers I know and an early supporter of wanderlust ATLANTA. He gave me an interview for my blog before he was featured on the side of a building. I aspire to be so prominent!  

Also in the photo above, right of Terry is Daniel from Center for Puppetry Arts, Superman (who I introduced you to at this year's Dragon Con), Perry—fellow wanderluster and friend of 20 years, Mike—fellow wanderluster and friend of nearly 20 years, Barry—fellow wanderluster and Wanderluster Extraordinaire, and Carrie from Atlanta Movie Tours. And that's Patti again peeking through on the very far left.

Beth, fellow blogger and author of The City Dweller, also attended and so thoughtfully bought me a tin of candies with Yoda on it! Yoda and R2-D2 are my favorites from the Star Wars films. How sweet of Beth to think of me on a visit to NYC when she saw Yoda. And I love her blog's tagline: "Curiosity is my compass!"

I'm a very fortunate person to be able to call so many from the tourism industry personal friends. There are those who you meet and exchange cordial small talk, but then there are those who you meet who you get to know and look forward to seeing. I'm so lucky, and grateful, that so many who I encounter on my wanderlusting adventures I get to know and call friend.

wanderlust ATLANTA Party | Travis, Carrie, Superman, Steven

I was so pleased to get a photo with Carrie, and her husband Steven, with Superman. What an awesome shot! Be sure to read my Walker Stalker Con post for a humorous story about how I thought Steven was Abraham from The Walking Dead! And be sure to check out Atlanta Movie Tours' Big Zombie Tour 1 and Big Zombie Tour 2, as well as the rest of their tours! 

I was so busy hosting and enjoying my guests' company that I never really got into photographer mode, but sharing time with and thanking my fans was priority number one! And now I have to thank them again for making the party such a wonderful time! Thank you, thank you!

I'll see you all and many more throughout the next year of wanderlusting Atlanta! 

Stoic Carolyn Cook Elevates Blackberry Winter

I saw Blackberry Winter Thursday night at Actor's Express. I'd never seen lead actress Carolyn Cook—multi Suzi Bass Award winner—but immediately became a devout fan. The story—by Steve Yockey—is profound and highly emotional, and is delivered poignantly and perfectly by Cook.

I was surprised to learn that "blackberry winter" is a primarily Southern colloquialism. Viewers will know after just the first few words escaping Vivienne Avery's (Carolyn Cook) mouth, that sh'es without a doubt Southern! Blackberry winter describe a brief period of cold weather that coincides with the time when blackberries are in bloom, typically in early to mid May.

Blackberries happen to be may favorite food, so those cold snaps are a little scary, but they couldn't possibly approach the fear of watching helplessly with a slowly degrading loved one.

Carolyn Cook | Blackberry Winter | Actor's Express | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

Blackberry Winter is a "story of a woman caring for her Alzheimer’s diagnosed mother," starring Carolyn Cook and is a co-production with Out of Hand Theater whose Co-Artistic Director Ariel Fristoe is directing the production.

The play, commissioned and developed by Out of Hand Theater, is also a National New Play Network (NNPN) Rolling World Premiere and will be produced at seven theaters around the country during the 2015-2016 season.

As serious and heartbreaking as the subject matter is in this play, Vivienne Avery's "granite smile" and stoic resolve are not deplete of humor...especially when it comes to the all-too-familiar "swear jar", which contains a small fortune by the play's end.

Joe Sykes | Blackberry Winter | Actor's Express | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

Joe Sykes performs the role of Gray Mole, a character in the mythical 'origin story' of Alzheimer's, which was created by Vivienne and shared with the audience via animation.

I'd read an interview with Joe Sykes just prior to attending the play and I have to say, I felt like I could totally see his personality coming through. His performance is brilliant

Maia Knispel | Blackberry Winter | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

Maia Knispel portrays the role of White Egret in the mythical 'origin story' of Alzheimer's created by Vivienne. She's elegant and key to the overall story--she's the character who desperately tries to do something about her friend's memories, fearing that they'll be lost forever.

The animated 'origin story'--projected on multiple screens throughout the performance space—tells Vivienne's creative "how-this-came-to-be" story of Alzheimer's, which is narrated by Gray Mole and White Egret. The segments of animated origin story and Carolyn Cook's dialogue I do not believe could not be of greater contrast, yet are perfectly complementary.

Carolyn Cook | Blackberry Winter | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

High praise goes to the creative team of Blackberry Winter, specifically for the set design and its subtle, yet high-impact light features. On each of twelve pedestals on the stage rest a prop(s) used to tell the Vivienne's story, each illuminated during that prop's time in the spotlight. This is very subtle and I didn't catch it until nearly the end of the show, but that speaks to how well it was incorporated into the overall theater-goer experience.  

I've mentioned that this is an emotional play. I think it hits home with more people than most might think. I found myself saddened thinking of my own mother and her struggle with memory loss. I do not believe she's affected by Alzheimer's, but she has had memory issues for many, many years. This year, under the treatment of a new doctor and new memory medicines, the mother I once new and adored resurfaced...it was miraculous! She doesn't live here in Atlanta, but we had some wonderful, lengthy conversations during that period of resurgence.

It was also an emotional experience for the friend who went with me the other night. I notice the wiping of tears while we were watching. It turns out that his mother passed away of Alzheimer's, which I didn't know prior to the play. As emotional as an experience as it was, he told me that he's grateful that the play is creating awareness of just how difficult the disease is, for those who suffer and those who care for them.

Please read about Carolyn Cook's personal journey and why she was perfectly cast for the role of Vivienne Avery in Blackberry Winter in this Atlanta Journal-Constitution article. 

Carolyn Cook | Blackberry Winter | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

DO NOT miss this play! I will be shocked if Blackberry Winter and Carolyn Cook do not win multiple awards. The story is moving and the performance is superb!

One thing to note, Vivienne's dialog is directed at the audience, but it's not an interactive performance. What it is, is perfectly brilliant!

Both world premieres, Blackberry Winter and The Thrush & the Woodpecker, both by Steve Yockey, were onstage in rotating repertory. Blackberry Winter continues to be onstage at Actor's Express now through Sunday, November 22.

Walker Stalker Con 2015

I attended Atlanta's Walker Stalker Con 2015 on Halloween Day! That was this city's third annual and their first time at Georgia World Congress Center. The only fandom convention I've ever attended is Dragon Con, so I had a few reference points of what to expect, but there were surprises around every corner!

Walker Stalker Con 2015 | Travis & Stan the Zombie

I ran into Stan the Zombie, again! I escaped again, too. Whew! My first chance encounter with Stan the Zombie was a few months ago during Zombie Night at Turner Field. That was a close call, too!

I saw a few people and cosplayers I recognized from Dragon Con, but Walker Stalker Con draws an almost wholly different fan base. That's a good thing...that meant a whole new experience! Another bonus, as a relatively new convention in Atlanta the lines were fast and access to the various adventures were quick—except maybe for some of the more popular celebrity autograph opportunities, but I got a few of those, too!

Walker Stalker Con 2015

These two took Freddy vs. Jason to a whole new level! You know Freddy Kreuger if you've ever seen Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street and you know Jason Vorhees if you've ever seen Sean S. Cunningham's Friday the 13th. 

As it turns out, "Freddie" is quite the photographer! She shared with me a few of her photographs and a few shots of a recent wedding she photographed. She has a beautiful style and a delightful personality to boot! 

The Wizard of OZ cast at Walker Stalker Con 2015

I was there on Halloween Day, which of course drew a number of non-zombie folks in costume...so many of them totally awesome! The Wizard of Oz group's costumes were magnificent! And they were super-pleasant...all that skipping, I suppose. 

Carrie & Stephen at Walker Stalker Con 2015

That's my friend Carrie on the left (above), one of the founders and owner of Atlanta Movie Tours. They had a booth at the Con and Carrie was back-and-forth between the booth and enjoying the Con. We'd caught up earlier in the day, but later I saw her chatting with Michael Cudlitz, Abraham Ford from The Walking Dead! 

Being the unobtrusive person I am, I was going to keep on going, but then Carrie motioned to me, "Look who it is!" So, at warp speed I diverted my tracks straight to her and Abraham. It took a second, but then I realized that it was Steven, her husband, not Abraham at all, but damn if he didn't look like Abraham! Excellent cosplay, Steven, excellent cosplay!

Speaking of Atlanta Movie Tours, they offer two Big Zombie Tours and they're both fantastic! Check out my posts on Big Zombie Tour 1 (I've done that one twice!) and Big Zombie Tour 2 here on wanderlust ATLANTA. You can check out their other tours here.

Getting a tattoo at Walker Stalker Con 2015

When I first came across the tattoo aisle, I thought it was more art vendors. THEN I saw that that it was an entire row of tattoo artists, hard at work. 

That's tattoo master Chris Jones above—of Chris Jones Tattoos—who has been tattooing for 16 years and has been featured in popular industry media and won a plethora of awards. He's co-owner of his tattoo shop in Cardiff, South Wales. 

THIS is the tattoo he was working on when I made the above photo (with his permission). He was super-concentrating, so I didn't get to chat with him, but I've since checked out his work and it's brilliant!

Zombie Hunter Truck | Walker Stalker Con 2015

There was quite a lot going on at Walker Stalker Con 2015! Zombie experiences, interactive gaming, photo ops, merchandise vendors, panels...so much going on! And there were a LOT of celebrity autograph sessions.

Being the celebrity spotter I am, and having amassed quite the autograph collection—books and photographs (99.9% of which are from celebrities I've actually met)—I was excited to add to my collection. 

While I'm a major fan of The Walking Dead, if you've followed or known me for any period of time, you know how big a Star Trek fan I am...

I got to meet and get an autographed photo from Denise Crosby, who played Tasha Yar on Star Trek: The Next Generation! She was Mary on The Walking Dead and starred in Stephen King's Pet Cemetery, those being why she was at Walker Stalker Con. She's super-sweet...I could not have been more impressed or more happy that she was so incredible! Thank you, Denise, for that wonderful experience!

I also got to meet and get an autographed photo from Zach Galligan, from The Gremlins! He was also in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager, my favorite of all the Star Trek series.

Walker Stalker Con 2015

The Tyreese and Michonne cosplayers were fantastic! Baby Judith was a doll, but if you've seen the show, you know that she totally gave credibility to his costume!

I was impressed with the number of couples who were cosplaying and who did it so cleverly! You would be impressed at how ingenious some of them were.

Zombie Makeup at Walker Stalker Con 2015

If you arrive at Walker Stalker Con fresh and alive, son't worry. There are vendors onsite who can, pretty much trauma-free, make you undead! 

Given that it happened over Halloween Weekend, for those who were heading to a party or trick-or-treating, it was a great alternative to at-home, time-consuming, probably more expensive makeup…and they did a great job!

Rick and Young Zombie Girl | Walker Stalker Con 2015

Believe it or not, zombies are great family fun. This cosplaying duo featured Rick Grimes and "Zombie Girl" from from The Walking Dead's Season 1, Episode 1. That particular scene, as I recall, set the tone for just how intense the show was going to be, and they’ve not disappointed since!

There were a number of kids at the Con and every single one I saw was having a blast!

Rick and Pregnant Wife | Walker Stalker Con 2015

This couple's cosplay was brilliant! Rick and Lori Grimes, while she was pregnant with the future marathon chocolate pudding eating Carl Grimes. 

I also had the great pleasure of meeting Jon Bernthal who plays Shane Walsh on The Walking Dead. Super nice guy! Quite the opposite of the jerk that his character was on the show. I love it when a celebrity is personable, approachable and obviously having a good time at a Con. Jon was all of those!

Tickets to Atlanta's Walker Stalker Con 2016 go on sale on November 16, 2015. Dead or alive, be there!

A "Shocking Revenge Thriller"

The Thrush & the Woodpecker, playing at Actor's Express through Sunday, November 15, 2015, is exactly as billed...totally shocking, a story about revenge, and absolutely thrilling! All to the audience's delight, and mine.

Matthew Busch, Stacy Melich | Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus | Actor's Express

The 75-minute performance flies by! No, that's not a pun relative to the play's title—that's a whole story in itself, and one that reveals itself throughout the performance, which is fast-paced, witty, clever, intelligent and touching. And there are a few laughs.

Noah Hendricks (Matthew Busch), Brenda's son, is home from school, but not for a pleasant visit. The ensuing drama—following a few rounds of extremely clever banter—in all its brilliance, is merely preamble to a shocking reveal.

Stacy Melich, Kathleen Wattis Kettrey | Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus

Brenda Hendricks (Stacy Melich), Noah's mother, is loving yet stern, is disappointed yet hopeful. But when Roisin Danner (Kathleen Wattis Kettrey) shows up unannounced—while Brenda is running an errand in town—the suspense begins to escalate after meeting Noah, and continues so until the climax of the show.

Stacy Melich | Actor's Express | Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus

When Brenda returns from her errand and Roisin starts to reminisce, the revenge layer of the story line begins to reveal itself and the excitement increases exponentially. 

From the edge of my seat, I was beyond mesmerized and enthralled by what was happening on stage and found myself feeling like I'd been transported from a seat in a theater to a seat at the big screen cinema watching a super-accelerated, high-thrill blockbuster! 

Kathleen Wattis Kettrey, Matthew Busch, Stacy Melich | Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus.

This is one of the more brilliantly written plays I've had the pleasure of seeing. You don't have to speak encyclopedia to follow along, but if you're a fan of words, you're in for quite the cerebral titillation, and a lexicon you just don't hear in everyday conversation—unless, like me, you have friends who do in fact speak encyclopedia. I found it quite a refreshing experience in that regard!

Kathleen Wattis Kettrey | Actor's Express | Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus

I'd love to tell you more about the play, but this is one that you must see yourself! The story is brilliant and the acting superb. Don't miss it.

Running concurrently with The Thrush & the Woodpecker is another play by Steve Yockey, Blackberry Winter, a co-production with Out of Hand Theatre, and both are world premieres. Blackberry Winter's opening night at Actor's Express is this Friday, November 6, 2015. 

The Thrush & the Woodpecker, through Sunday, November 15, 2015
Blackberry Winter, November 6-22, 2015

Check out the full Actor's Express 2015-2016 season here!

Informed Consent raises introspective questions...

Informed Consent is not, in my opinion, meant to create controversy, but to encourage one to think about how and why one's beliefs formed, why we hold them so dear, and to consider the possibility that we're not necessarily all correct, nor are we all necessarily wrong. What do our beliefs mean for humanity and which of them are right?

Inspired by a real-life story of a Native American tribe and a genetic anthropologist, Informed Consent asks some difficult questions. I, for one, like it like that. At the same time, I enjoyed the healthy dose of humor throughout the play.

Informed Consent | Horizon Theatre

Horizon Theatre has once again brought to Atlanta performing arts enthusiasts a play, and magnificent performance, that entertains, as well as is incredibly thought-provoking.

From Horizon Theatre's website:

"Jillian, an ambitious geneticist, is racing against her own genetic clock to solve scientific mysteries that will save both a Native American tribe and her own 4-year-old daughter. She jumps at the chance to do ground-breaking research to find out why an ancient tribe in the Grand Canyon is being devastated by diabetes. But as Jillian uncovers the truth about the tribe’s origin, her research threatens to destroy their most sacred traditions. At the same time, she and her husband face off with a monster lurking in Jillian’s own DNA—and possibly her daughter’s. With today’s science moving at breakneck speed, how much knowledge is too much?"

Informed Consent | Horizon Theatre

I've shared before that my grandmother and great grandmother were born on a Cherokee reservation in North Carolina. I know I don't look Indian and that LOTS of people claim to have Indian blood, but I do. I just look like the English-Irish side of my biological father's family.

My point is that while I fully relate to scientific exploration for medical advancement, I totally get the incredibly strong desire to preserve a relatively untouched Indian (Native American) culture—a culture in America's West in the case of this play. 

The battle on stage is one that I live with daily. I side with science, but loath that the Cherokee, and other Native American cultures, are practically extinct. Don't even get me started on the genocide that took place in our country's early history. That's a discussion for another forum, but that's what this play brings to the table...it's a segue to conversations about medical advancement possibilities, as well as the importance of preservation of cultures.

Informed Consent | Horizon Theatre

I totally understand that reviews of plays are—hopefully—a composition of words and phrases to entice or discourage. I don't consider what I write to be reviews, but a sharing of a personal experience. I'm not critiquing performances. I'm sharing with my readers what I found to be interesting, educational and entertaining.

This play, for me, exited my tendency to question! Not to question others in an attempt to convince them to join my point of view or to dissuade others to not side with an alternate line of thought, but just to share my own personal revelations, challenges, and experiences...and sometimes I use questioning as an avenue to enlightenment or greater understanding.

Informed Consent | Horizon Theatre

Seeing more and more theatre all the time, of which I've been a fan since I was a youngster, I love that I'm seeing actors in multiple performances across Atlanta. When I saw that Neal Ghant, who performs Graham, Jillian's husband, was in the play I knew that it would be spectacular. 

I'd seen Neal not too long ago in the 20th Anniversary performance of Blues for an Alabama Sky at Alliance Theatre. Having loved that play when I'd seen it debut at Woodruff Arts Center 20 years ago, starring Phylicia Rashad, I had to see the anniversary show...and did...twice!

Other actors in the all-star Atlanta cast of Informed Consent, which I'd see three times, include Bethany Anne Lind as the central role of scientist Jillian, Diany Rodriguez as Native American leader Arella, Carey Curtis Smith as professor Ken and Tonia Jackson as several important women in Jillian’s life. 

I had the awesome pleasure of seeing Informed Consent on Opening Night, which was followed by a reception at the home of a generous and hospitable local couple, regular supporters of Horizon Theatre. They were delightful hosts and the entire cast from the play was in attendance, socializing with everyone who had just seen the performance.

I very much enjoyed discussing Indian culture with Diany Rodriguez, as well as meeting and talking with the other actors. I didn't know about the Opening Night Reception until the pre-show announcements...what an awesome surprise!

Informed Consent | Horizon Theatre

The final lines of the play felt like a compromise to me personally, but I imagine that much of the rest of the audience was put a little at comfort—a happy ending of sorts. Again, it challenged me to consider if I'm open to other ideas or stubbornly set in my ways. This is a good conundrum.

I've observed the human condition all of my life. I've observed different cultures all of my life, including one observation (read: experience) that was the straw that broke the camels back and why I moved thousands of miles away the summer before my senior year in high school. But that's another story, too.

Quite, little shy me had learned to question authority....a decision that change my life's path for the better! That's to say that I felt at peace with the heavy-hitting questions this play presents.

Informed Consent is in its final weeks at Horizon Theatre, on stage through Sunday, November 8, 2015. This was one of the more cerebral, yet entertaining, performances I've seen in Atlanta in the more than five years since I moved back. I highly recommend seeing this superb performance.