Atlanta’s Performing Arts Venues Bring the WOW

Fall is a busy time in Atlanta. Stages are set for drama, philharmonic sounds and international music. We checked in with four of the city’s notable performing arts venues to see what’s on tap for fall.

BY CAROL CARTER

ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Nathalie Stutzmann

music director

What’s on tap at the ASO that will delight music lovers this fall?

I’m looking forward to leading eight programs this season which will feature audience favorites such as Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Brahms’ Third Symphony and Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion,” plus a world premiere of a new choral piece by Hilary Purrington and a Pulitzer Prize-winning work by George Walker. The season will include U.S. premieres of works by Lera Auerbach, Helen Grime and Tyshawn Sorey; ASO debuts from artists including Kazem Abdullah, Justin Austin and Elim Chan; and the return of such familiar faces as Lise de la Salle, Gil Shaham, and principal guest conductor Sir Donald Runnicles. We know the ASO is among the best orchestras in the country. Why do you think that is so?

It is an honor and a privilege to be the next music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The first time I worked with these talented musicians, it became clear we had instant chemistry as well as mutual respect. The ASO is in top shape and deeply devoted to its craft, which is what first attracted me to Atlanta.

I am also looking forward to working with the world-renowned Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. This group of dedicated choral musicians adds a real depth and breadth to the repertoire of the ASO. As a singer myself, I appreciate the ambition of this group and I’m looking forward to presenting some of the most beloved choral works in classical music in the coming seasons.

A PLACE THAT CAN TAKE YOU ANYPLACE

Explore the depths of space. Sip cocktails in a Tokyo night market. Be immersed in the world’s most extraordinary experiences right on the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail.

Through the combination of state-of-the-art technology such as 4K interactive projection, 360° audio, in-floor vibrations, and scent systems, Illuminarium allows you to experience cinematic immersion like never before.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

ALLIANCE THEATRE Susan V. Booth

Jennings Hertz Artistic Director

The Alliance always has something cutting edge for its audiences. Any hints on what audiences can expect this fall?

Our upcoming season celebrates human resiliency and joy. We will laugh and be moved by plays including “Everybody,” about man’s journey into the afterlife, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Hot Wing King.” We will hold our breath as actors defy gravity under the big top of a traveling circus in the world premiere musical “Water for Elephants,” based on the acclaimed novel. Shows for families include two world premiere musicals and our beloved annual production of “A Christmas Carol.”

How would you describe the Alliance Theater and its value to audiences, as compared to regional theaters across the county?

The Alliance Theatre values community, curiosity, collaboration and excellence, and is dedicated to representing Atlanta’s diverse

LEONID FURMANSKY

community with the stories we tell. We believe that embracing differences in identity is essential to dynamic conversations and for growing empathy. The Alliance is known for high artistic standards and a national role in developing significant theatrical works, with more than 120 world premieres including nine that have transferred to Broadway. We’re also a leader in arts education, reaching 90,000 students annually. RIALTO CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY Lee Foster

executive director

The Rialto’s lineup is eclectic, to say the least. What can we expect this fall? Performances in our 2022-23 season reflect our theme, “Season of Power and Spirit.” Performances begin with a Burkinabe actor telling the story of one man’s return to Africa. The season continues with Jane Monheit performing standards from The Great American Songbook and Nobuntu, a female a cappella group from Zimbabwe.

Jazz musician and composer Arturo Sandoval is on tap. More performances include The Fifth Dimension, Martha Graham Dance Co., Mavis Staples, a Johnny Mercer tribute, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Dorrance Dance Co..

The Rialto is a unique combination of the arts and education. What else sets the Rialto – and Atlanta – apart from other cities and their theaters?

As the center for arts and culture for Georgia State University (GSU), the Rialto is the performance home of the GSU School of Music. A portion of the programming is presented by and for GSU students, and the remaining programs are presented by visiting international artists. The Rialto advances creativity and innovation, and challenges the boundaries of imagination. We expand the level of excellence with the Rialto Jazz for Kids, the GSU School of Music students and the professionals who perform at the Rialto.

Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS Beth Schiavo

executive director

The Center for Puppetry Arts thrills young and old audiences alike. What’s the secret?

Attractions like aquariums, zoos and museums are in many states, but there is only one Center for Puppetry Arts in the entire United States. The center offers an

The Jim Henson Gallery at Center for Puppetry Arts

opportunity to experience every aspect of puppetry. Visitors can see live puppetry performances, build and manipulate puppets in workshops and learn about the global tradition of puppetry in the museum. The Jim Henson Gallery features the largest collection of Henson Muppets in the world.

What are some of the shows planned for the fall?

For adults at Halloween, The Ghastly Dreadfuls take the stage. The show is a combination of gothic ghost stories, songs and dances with a touch of grim humor. The center invites families to the Monster Mash. In November, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” soars back into town for the center’s faithful adaptation of the beloved 1964 television special.

SEP 2–OCT 2

From the award-winning playwright of “An Octoroon” comes an irreverent and uproarious story of Man’s journey into the afterlife.

By BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS Co-Directed by SUSAN V. BOOTH & TINASHE KAJESE-BOLDEN

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

NOV 12–DEC 24

PRESENTED BY

One of Atlanta’s most treasured holiday traditions.

By CHARLES DICKENS Adapted by DAVID H. BELL Directed by LEORA MORRIS