THE STUDIO
Arts � Culture � Music
Hot Fun in the Summertime
Exhibitions, theatre, music and festivals on tap for return to in-person arts Actor’s Express After a year of virtual programming, Actor’s Express returns to in-person performances with an eight-show inperson season that kicks off Aug. 11 with the Atlanta premiere of Lucas Hnath’s “Red Speedo,” about a championship diver on the verge of losing his lucrative endorsement deals when performanceenhancing drugs are found in his team’s locker room. And “Heathers: The Musical” is coming up Sept. 29. Visit actors-express. com for details on the full season.
By Collin Kelley
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rom live theatre and big exhibitions to films and festivals – the arts scene is heating up and this summer it’s going to be live and in-person. After more than a year of streaming and online events, Intown art organizations are roaring back with a variety of events for all ages and interests. Check out some of the selected events below and be sure to visit our Rough Draft calendar at calendar.roughdraftatlanta.com and our partner Art Currents Atlanta at artcurrentsatl.com. ▼ Calder-Picasso at the High The High Museum is hosting the touring exhibition, which features more than 100 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper spanning Alexander Calder’s and Pablo Picasso’s careers. Conceived by the artists’ grandsons, the exhibition focuses on the artists’ exploration of the void, or absence of space, which both defined from the figure through to abstraction. The exhibition is open now through Dec. 19. Visit high.org for tickets and information.
Hammond’s House Museum The West End museum reopens with “Departure” by Charly Palmer through Aug. 1. This vibrant, thought-provoking solo exhibition features Palmer’s work from the last 30 years, including pieces that have never been seen by the public, as well as new artwork created for this show. Visit hammondshouse.org for more. ▲ Illuminarium The immersive attraction on the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastide Trail opens July 1 with “Wild: An African Safari” that will get visitors up close and personal with elephants, giraffe, lions and more with state-of-the-art projection, sound, and haptics that make you feel like you’ve been transported to Kenya. The Illuminarium After Dark experience will surround guests in stunning settings, from a city street in Tokyo, to underwater reefs, to a Rousseau-inspired jungle. For tickets and details, visit illuminarium.com. Dad’s Garage Theatre Live improv returns on the weekends starting July 16 with the improvised soap opera “Scandal: Sealab” and “TheatreSports,” the longrunning improv competition
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night fueled by audience suggestions. There will be limited seating and masks will be required. Tickets and details at dadsgarage.org. Pullman Pops Concert Pullman Yards now has its own symphony, and you’ll be able to hear them at a July 20, 7 p.m. concert that will also showcase the Kirkwood development’s new Pullman Art Center Amphitheater. The 45-piece orchestra will perform Broadway showtunes from hits like “Les Misérables,” “Wicked,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Rent,” “The Lion King.” Pullman Pops will be conducted by Larry Blank, the conductor for Michael Feinstein, Marvin Hamlisch and currently the Pasadena Pops among many other credits. Visit feverup.com to find tickets.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival The 85th annual event is back – albeit a little later than usual – Aug. 6-8 at Piedmont Park. There will be 200 artists exhibiting and selling their work, along with music, food, events for kids, 5K race, and more. Due to financial constraints caused by the pandemic, the festival is requesting a $5 donation at the gate. Those who donate in advance will get priority admission. For more information, visit dogwood.org. Callanwolde’s Jazz on the Lawn The Callanwolde Fine Arts Center popular jazz series returns for five shows in the venue’s outdoor amphitheater. Performers include Eddie and Mayi Lopez & Orquesta MaCuba (Aug. 27), Joey Sommerville (Sept. 10), Karla Harris (Sept. 24), Joe Alterman (Oct. 8), and Joe Gransden with special guest Robin Latimore (Oct. 22). Tickets are available through eventbrite.com.
►Fox Theatre The Fabulous Fox reopens with a special screening of the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” on July 26, a prog-rock concert from King Crimson on July 27, and a showing of cult classic “The Princess Bride” on July 31. Blockbuster musical “Hamilton” takes up residency for 39 performances starting Aug. 22. Tickets and info at foxtheatre.org.
At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m
