Sunday, November 29, 2009
"SP List"
SPecial Events
This week's Arts and Entertainment calendar
Festivals and Happenings
HOLLY JOLLY BREAKFAST
Kids can enjoy cookie decorating, a bean-bag toss, arts and crafts, live entertainment and more—and get their picture taken with Santa at this event held at the Ritz-Carlton Downtown Atlanta. Don’t forget to catch the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade, which will be passing right by the Ritz. 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Tickets start at $35 for children ages 1-17, and $40 for adults. Proceeds benefit the Junior League of Atlanta. For tickets and other information, visit www.jlatlanta.org/holidayevents.
SUE GRAFTON
The bestselling mystery author discusses her 21st Kinsey Millhone novel, “U is for Undertow.” A book signing follows the talk; attendees must purchase at least one copy of the new book to attend the book signing. 7 pm. Friday, Dec. 4 at Decatur Presbyterian Church. 404-370-8450, ext. 2225. www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.
WEEKEND OF 20 AUTHORS
Little 5 Points’ A Cappella Books celebrates its 20th anniversary with live music, prizes, refreshments and talks by authors remembering their favorite books by other writers, such as Hollis Gillespie discusses Joan Didion’s “Book of Common Prayer” and Jack Riggs discussing John Updike’s “Rabbit, Run.” Dec. 5-6 at Opal Gallery. For more information, visit www.acappellabooks.com.
Theater, Dance, Music and Opera
ANOTHER SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT LOEHMANN'S
The new comedy from the award-winning playwrights of "Peachtree Battle." Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 20 at Ansley Park Playhouse. Tickets are $26. 404-875-1193. www.ansleyparkplayhouse.com.
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.
BASEMENT THEATRE
Experience hilarious improv comedy, all based on audience suggestions. Two shows on Saturday, Dec. 5. “Family Dinner” takes an improvised look at family relationships at 8 p.m., followed by “2x2,” two-player improvised one-act plays, at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students. 175 W. Wieuca Road NE. 404-277-3071. www.thebasementtheatre.com.
BASEMENT UPSTAIRS
One-night-only, Chicago-style improv comedy show. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at City Walk (upstairs next to Meehan’s) in Sandy Springs. 404-277-3071. www.thebasementtheatre.com.
CAVALIA
Captivating multimedia extravaganza filled with acrobats, aerialists, riders, dancers and more than 60 beautiful horses. Created by Cirque du Soleil co-founder Normand Latourelle, the show also highlights the relationship between man and horse throughout the ages. Tickets range from $34.50 to $189.50. Through Jan. 3 at Atlantic Station. For show times and tickets, visit www.cavalia.net.
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.
PEACHTREE BATTLE
The hit comedy returns to Atlanta for a limited engagement. Through Nov. 29 at Ansley Park Playhouse. Tickets are $26-$35. For reservations, call 404-875-1193 or visit www.ansleyplayhouse.com.
THE SECOND CITY: PEACH DROP, STOP AND ROLL
The acclaimed Second City comedy troupe returns to Atlanta to skewer local traditions and institutions. Through Dec. 27 on the Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre. Tickets are $30-$40. 404-733-5000. www.alliancetheatre.org.
VAN GOGH: BRUSH WITH GENIUS
The Fernbank Museum’s newest IMAX film invites audiences to relive Vincent Van Gogh's life journey through his letters and visit the landscapes that inspired him. Through Dec. 31. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org.
VILLAGE THEATRE
Atlanta’s newest comedy troupe performs long and short-form improv, and offers improv workshops. Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m. at the Village Theatre. 404-688-8856. www.villagecomedy.com.
WHOLE WORLD THEATRE
Atlanta’s premier improv institution offers New Beginners improv classes for all ages throughout the year. For more information, contact Lauren at 404-545-5603 or Lauren@wholeworldtheatre.com.
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 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 the blind. Through Jan. 3 at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. www.dialogtickets.com.
GOLD
Learn the fascinating story of the world’s most desired metal and its influence on history and culture. Through Jan. 3, 2010 at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 404-929-6400. www.fernbankmuseum.org.
LEONARDO DA VINCI: HAND OF THE GENIUS
This exhibit boasts approximately 50 works by the artist and inventor, including more than 20 sketches and studies, some of them making their U.S. debut. Through Feb. 21, 2010 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 Dec. 31 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
MY FAVORITE THINGS
New exhibition showcasing a collection of staffers’ favorite items from the Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s permanent collection. Through Feb. 1, 2010 at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 404-929-6400. www.fernbankmuseum.org.