Sunday, May 31, 2009 | "SP List"
SP SPecial Events

This week's arts and entertainment calendar for the Atlanta area

Festivals and Happenings 

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., 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.

JERSEY BOYS
The documentary-style musical about the rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons runs through June 21 at the Fox Theatre. Tickets range from $29 to $127. 404-817-8700. www.visit www.foxtheatre.org.

PATTI CALLAHAN HENRY
The acclaimed author discusses her newest novel, “Driftwood Summer,” at the Decatur Library Auditorium at 7: 15 p.m., followed by a book launch party on the rooftop patio of the Artisan at 201 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. at 9 p.m. Free and open to the public. 404-370-8450, ext. 2225. www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

THE RICHARD AND SAL SHOW
Comedians Richard Christy and Sal “the Stockbroker” Governale from “The Howard Stern Show” perform with special guest Ian Gutoski. 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5 at the Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge. 404-874-5756, ext. 450. www.thehighlandinn.com.

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS SUMMER PUB CRAWL
Enjoy food and drink specials at some of the neighborhood’s favorite watering holes, including Atkins Park, Diesel, Hand in Hand and Dark Horse Tavern. The pub crawl takes place from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 6. Registration is at Atkins Park until 9 p.m. For more information, please visit www.atlantabartours.com.

Movies

DREAMGIRLS
The 2006 musical starring Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson screens as part of Peachtree TV’s Screen on the Green, with live music, children's activities and more 6 p.m. Thursday, June 4 on the Great Lawn at Centennial Olympic Park. www.peachtreetv.com.

 GREASE
Enjoy food and drinks from Savu as you cool off at the pool and enjoy a free screening of the classic musical as part of the “Dive-In Movies” series. 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 at the Wet Deck at W Atlanta-Perimeter. Reservations not required but recommended. 770-396-6800. www.opentable.com.

HOTEL FOR DOGS
Mall of Georgia hosts a night on the lawn at the Village Pavilion with live music, a prize wheel and a 42-foot screen. Music by Johnny Rockbridge. Series continues every Saturday through Aug.22. Music begins at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at dusk on Saturday, June 6. 678-482-8788. www.mallofgeorgia.com.

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. 

CRASH TEST COMEDY
Monthly stand-up comedy event hosted by Chris Gray. Admission is $2. 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 at the Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge. 404-874-5756, ext. 450. www.thehighlandinn.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. 

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, as well as a summer kids camp for ages 8-13 for the weeks of June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20, and Aug. 3. Enjoy “pay what you can” Thursdays throughout June and July (walkup only, not available for private parties or special events). 404-817-7529. www.wholeworldtheatre.com.

Family 

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. 

Exhibitions and Gallery Shows 

BODIES . . . THE EXHIBITION
This controversial exhibit features 15 meticulously preserved whole-body and more than 250 partial-body specimens, providing 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. 

MOORE IN AMERICA
Exhibit featuring 20 major works from Henry Moore, recognized as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. Through Oct. 31 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-58559. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.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. 

Books and Talks

PAUL BUTLER
The author, a former federal prosecutor who found himself convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, discusses his book, “Let’s Get Free: A Hip-Hop Theory of Justice.” 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4 at A Cappella Books. 404-681-5128. www.acappellabooks.com.

WENDY WAX
The author discusses her latest novel, “The Accidental Bestseller.” 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, following a 6 p.m. reception, at the Margaret Mitchell House Visitors Center. RSVP at 404-814-4150. www.gwtw.org.

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.

UPCOMING

FICTION SHOP
Award-winning novelist David Fulmer teaches the basics of fiction writing. 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Mondays, June 22-Aug. 10 in the Reading Room at Eagle Eye Book Shop. Cost is $195. Deadline to register is June 22. For more information, visit www.davidfulmer.com.