Atlanta’s most influential women gets her due in A SONG FOR CORETTA. Written by Atlanta author and playwright Pearl Cleage, the story involves five mourners sharing their memories of the late civil rights icon as they wait in line to view her casket. (Full article and comments)

Been burned by too many young wannabe crooners who lack either the maturity or the melodrama to deliver an evening of pure pop delight? There’s only one entertainer you can turn to ... (Full article and comments)

Don’t miss “Then She Found Me,” the directorial debut of Helen Hunt, who also stars in the story about adopted woman who unexpectedly meets her birth mother. The movie is just one of many being screened during the ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, which highlights both narratives and documentaries. “Then She Found Me” plays at noon on Friday, Jan. 18 at Regal Atlantic Station. Tickets are $9. The festival continues through Jan. 27, with films being shown at Regal Atlantic Station and Lefont Sandy Springs. 404-806-9913. www.ajff.org.

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Local radio personality “English” Nick Parsons helps countless aspiring singers live their dream via his gig as emcee for the popular hard-rock karaoke band Metalsome Inc. Now’s a good time to return the favor. (Full article and comments)

And here we thought that playwright and movie director Tyler Perry just used padding to become his big-bosomed alter ego, the no-nonsense matriarch Madea. At least, until we learned earlier this week that Perry’s name was among those of celebrities believed to have received or used performance-enhancing steroids (Full article and comments)

More than likely, you missed out on the glory days of Harlem’s jazz scene. Not to worry. Catch a recreation of the neighborhood’s Cotton Club in DUKE ELLINGTON’S SOPHISTICATED LADIES at the Alliance Theatre. The musical revue includes such beloved classics as “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” and “Mood Indigo.” The show continues through Feb. 10. Performances start at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; at 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices range from $25 to $55. 404-733-5000. www.alliancetheatre.org.

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Whether you’re a fan or a foe of the bombastic Broadway impresario, you deserve to know that CATS is back in town.

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If your ship hasn’t come in yet, it may be waiting for you at the ATLANTA BOAT SHOW. In addition to a variety of boats and personal watercraft, the show also includes the latest in marine electronics and boating accessories. So motor on over to the Georgia World Congress Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for ages 13 to 15. Admission is free for kids 12 and under. 770-951-2500. www.atlantaboatshow.com.

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It’s hard to deny the power of Elvis Presley—especially when he’s dressed in a snazzy prison uniform. Celebrate the King’s birthday (the official date is Jan. 8) during THE JAILHOUSE ROCK WITH ELVIS BASH at the Plaza Theatre. In addition to a screening of “Jailhouse Rock,” the event features a competition between five Elvis impersonators and the girls of Blast Off Burlesque. The party starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. Admission is $12. 404-873-1939. www.plazaatlanta.com.

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If your New Year’s resolutions include learning more about art, now’s the time to sign up for classes. Start with DESIGN BASICS, a 2-D design course taught by artist Woody Cornwell, a founding member of the Eyedrum Art and Music Gallery. The class, which is part of the ACA Community Education Program of SCAD-Atlanta, is held Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and goes for eight sessions. The fee is $250. 404-253-6814. www.scad.edu/atlanta/communityeducation.

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