Sunday, May 10, 2009 | "SP List"
SPecial Events

This week in Arts and Entertainment

Festivals and Happenings 

A SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT LOEHMANN’S
Join local radio personalities Jordan Graye and Vikki Locke (B98.5-FM), Melissa Carter (Q100), Cynthia Young (KISS 104.1-FM) and Mara Davis (DAVE-FM) in celebrating 97.1 the River’s Kaedy Kiely, who recently underwent surgery for breast cancer, at this benefit for the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund. The play, by John Gibson and Anthony Morris of “Peachtree Battle” fame, begins at 8 p.m. Friday, May 15 at Ansley Park Playhouse, following a 7 p.m. wine reception. For tickets and other information, call 404-875-1193 or visit www.ansleyparkplayhouse.com.

THE GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Take a step back in time with knights, maidens, shops, turkey legs, stunts, animals, jousting and more. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day through June 7. The festival is located two miles west of exit 61 off of Interstate 85. 770-964-8575. www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com.

MONSTER MANSION
Six Flag Over Georgia unveils this revamped family ride, now featuring more than 100 animatronic monsters and 12 new interactive elements. The ride boasts the most 4-D effects of any ride in the world. Begins Saturday, May 16. www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

SWEET AUBURN SPRINGFEST 2009
The 25th annual festival celebrates African-American culture and the legacy of Auburn Avenue with an artists' market, business and technology expo, health and fitness fair, literary marketplace, musical performances and more. Through May 10 at various venues on Auburn Avenue. www.sweetauburn.com.

TASTE OF ALPHARETTA
Enjoy culinary demonstrations, entertainment, and bites from more than 50 Alpharetta restaurants all in one night. 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Old Milton Parkway at Wills Park. www.alpharetta.ga.us.

XPERIMENTAL PUPPETRY THEATRE
Cutting-edge show explores the world of puppetry with shadow puppets, mockumentaries, full-body puppets, stop motion and more, including a battle of the seasons and a headless rooster discovering itself through dance. Meant for mature audiences. May 14-17 at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org.

Theater, Dance, Music and Opera  

AUTOMATIC THEATER
Improv troupe composed of actors, filmmakers, writers and puppeteers fields audience suggestions in a “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” short-form improv format. Tickets are $7. 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Relapse Theatre. 404-394-9115. www.relapsetheatre.com. 

GEORGIA AQUARIUM'S JAZZ JOURNEYS
The summer concert series returns. Enjoy Jazz Bites dining options from Wolfgang Puck Catering. 7 p.m. Friday nights through September. 404-581-4444. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

JACKPIE THEATER WORKSHOP
Long-form improv comedy shows every Saturday at 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. at 380 14th St. NW. Tickets are $7. BYOB. www.jackpie.com. 

NORTHEAST ATLANTA BALLET'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The classic storybook tale comes to life with choreography and costumes, not to mention dancing cutlery. 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 15 and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. Arrive early to meet Belle backstage. 770-921-7277. www.northeastatlantaballet.org.

VILLAGE THEATRE
Atlanta’s newest comedy troupe performs comedy in all its forms, including long and short-form improv, sketch and stand-up comedy. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 at the Village Theatre, 486 Decatur St., Suite 10, at the corner of Decatur and Boulevard. 404-688-8856. www.villagecomedy.com. 

WHOLE WORLD THEATRE
The improv group presents a variety of shows each week. 404-817-7529. www.wholeworldtheatre.com.

Family 

THE AMAZING CASTLE
Kids are transported to a whimsical medieval setting and become blacksmiths, jesters, chefs, gardeners, carpenters and even princes and princesses in this exhibit that teaches the important role each member plays in a thriving community. Through May 26 at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. 404-659-5437. www.imagineit-cma.org.

THE ATLANTA BALLET'S SNOW WHITE
Mixing classic characters with music and dance, this production tells the story of Snow White, Prince Charming, the wicked witch and the rest of the gang in a one-hour performance meant for the whole family. May 16 and 17 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. 404-873-5811. www.atlantaballet.com.

THE GAME PLAN
Free outdoor screening of the Disney film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, part of the "Flicks on Bricks" movies series. 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15 on the Square in LaGrange. Giveaways for the first 100 kids at each show. 706-298-4533. www.downtownlagrange.com.

JIM HENSON: WONDERS FROM HIS WORKSHOP
Exhibit highlighting the performance and design contributions Jim Henson and his collaborators have made to the world of puppetry, including the technological advances behind “Fraggle Rock,” “Labyrinth” and others. Through Sept. 13 in the Love Family Atrium at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org. 

PLATINUM EDITION PINOCCHIO PUPPET
One-of-a-kind, hand-crafted puppet created by master puppeteer Bob Baker in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Disney’s classic film “Pinocchio.” On display through May 19 at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org. 

Exhibitions and Gallery Shows 

BODIES . . . THE EXHIBITION
This controversial exhibit, featuring 15 meticulously preserved whole-body and more than 250 partial-body specimens, provides a unique understanding of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory and other systems that exist beneath the skin. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. 866-866-8265. www.bodiestickets.com. 

DIALOG IN THE DARK
Visitors are escorted through galleries in total darkness, relying on blind and visually impaired guides, for a glimpse of the day-to-day life and survival skills of blind people. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. www.dialogtickets.com. 

LOUVRE ATLANTA: THE LOUVRE AND THE MASTERPIECE
This exhibit explores how the definition of a “masterpiece” has changed over time, featuring 91 works of art from all eight of the Musée du Louvre’s collection areas, spanning 4,000 years. Through Sept. 6 at the High Museum of Art. 404-733-5000. www.high.org. 

TITANIC AQUATIC
Authentic artifacts from the famed wreck and interactive experiences bring the Titanic to life. Through Sept. 7 at the Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org. 

TUTANKHAMUN THE GOLDEN KING AND THE GREAT PHARAOHS
North American debut of this exhibit featuring 50 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun, as well as 80 artifacts highlighting other significant rulers of ancient Egypt. Through May 25 at the Atlanta Civic Center. 404-249-6400. www.atlantaciviccenter.com. 

Other Fun Stuff

NORTHLAKE TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Become the person your resume thinks you are. Improve your public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at MetroBrokers GMAC Real Estate in the Northlake Festival Shopping Center. For directions or other info, call 678-858-0963.

POKER NIGHT
Every Tuesday at Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern. Sign-up starts at 8 p.m. 404-873-3473. www.engine11atl.com.