Alliance Theatre October 2010 Middle School the Musical by Encore Magazine

October 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30, 2010 Family Series

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contents 6

6 Stuck Halfway

Middle School the Musical gives voice to tween angst.

18 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tween Voices

Read some of the work of our middle school-aged students.

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the performance 9 Program and Notes

departments 5 14 16 19 20 22 26

Between Us Word Search Alliance Theatre Alliance News Board of Directors Sponsors Staff

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features

PAINTING, MUSIC, AND PRETENDING. YOU LOVED IT AS KINDERGARTEN, NOW LOVE IT AS CULTURE.

EXPERIENCE the ARTS all OVER AGAIN.

As a child, there was

nothing better than using your imagination. Now there’s nothing better than stimulating it. And there’s no better place than the Woodruff Arts Center to do that. Experience one of the nation’s hottest destinations for visual and performing arts – a dynamic cultural center right in your backyard. Visit us at woodruffcenter.org

IMAGE GOES HERE the HIGH

IDINA MENZEL WITH THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Tony Award-winning powerhouse vocalist Idina Menzel returns to perform with the Orchestra. Following star turns in Rent and Wicked on Broadway, Ms. Menzel joined the cast of TV’s hit show Glee as the coach of a rival glee club. 11.12.10

8:00 pm

“DALI: THE LATE WORK” HIGH MUSEUM OF ART The first exhibition to focus on Dalí's art after 1940, featuring more than 40 paintings and a related group of drawings, prints and other Dalí objects. 8.07.10 - 1.09.11 Image: Philippe Halsman (American, born Latvia, 1906–1979), Dalí’s Mustache, 1953. © Philippe Halsman Archive. Right of Publicity Reserved by Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” ALLIANCE THEATRE The most heartwarming story of the season comes to life on the Alliance Stage, with holiday carols, stunning stage magic, and your favorite Atlanta actors. Journey with your family through the beloved Dickens tale, and witness Ebenezer Scrooge’s discovery of the true meaning of Christmas over the course of one fateful evening. 11.26.10 - 12.24.10

Handcrafted Lagers · Made-From-Scratch Food A Fresh Experience Bring in this coupon and receive:

ANY PURCHASE $10 Off OF $20 OR MORE! BUCKHEAD · 3242 Peachtree Road NE · p: 404.264.0253 MIDTOWN · 848 Peachtree Street, NE · p: 404.870.0805 Dine in only. Not valid with any other promotion or discount. One coupon per person per visit. Expires: 12/31/10. Valid at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Atlanta locations only.

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Celise Kalke

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Folks need to celebrate. Every culture has special days of

Have ever askedthe a deepest person disasters in middleand school what he thanks.you Even amongst the hardor actually was thinking? If you you estshe times, we celebrate. The Cratchits sit have, together at amight table find on Christmas Eve with barely enough funny food toand taste. Scrooge’s all the answer “morose, hysterically profound” happiest memories are wrapped up in celebration—particularly at the same time, which is why sometimes people don’t the Fezziwig party. Fred proclaims the season the time of “the venture to men ask.and Thiswomen is oneseem amazing phase of life — a their time year when by one consent to open to beupintensely socialHewhile also experiencing shut hearts freely.” will not allow his uncle to tremendous dampen his celebration. isolation. Changing physicality lends itself to mood shifts and fluctuating levels of energy. Then there’s fear of the Maybe this is one reason Scrooge’s story affects all of us. When unknown and fear ofperhaps what the IS most KNOWN, or what WILL we finally see Scrooge, humorless and sour happen a WRONG is made— characterwhen in literature, actuallyCHOICE CELEBRATE—it lifts usYIKES! up as No well. Okay, some comedy time to celebrate wonder thismaybe age iswe theshould basis all of take so much (which we the gifts this “tired old world” has given us.

all know is dead serious).

I hope ruined ending foron anybody. If theretois myself anyone “Hmmmmmmm reading this who does not know Wait Iahaven’t minute. As Ithe read back this I think ... balancing the story—don’t worry—the story seems to hold up under repetition—just like the celebrations of between feelings of social inclusion AND isolation, fear of the unknown and fear of wrong our life!

choices; OMG! I must be a tweenager as well!”

Have a beautiful, celebratory holiday season!

Whatever age phase you may presently inhabit, it may be useful to reflect on a few wellintentioned rules for “survival.” The school assembly memory I most easily recall is an anti-alcohol presentation entitled “Ethyl is Not a Lady.” We thought it was hysterical (and please note — I DO remember it).

Rosemary Newcott Here’s hoping we can make a positive impression with today’s assembly and that it will

be both memorable and funny. Maybe you will take a few pointers away with you to help

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marci Tate you through your next “between” place of existence. Writer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celise Kalke Cover design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lee Moyer publisher/Advertising director . . . . . . . . . Clint Smith program design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Spencer The Alliance Theatre program is published ten times a year by New World Communications. For advertising and editorial information call Clint Smith at 770.992.7808.

Rosemary Newcott

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Stuck halfway

photo by greg mooney

Middle School Musical the Musical gives voice to tween angst by kristi casey sanders

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here’s a reason why kids aged 10 to 12 are known as tweens. “A middle school person is really stuck halfway in the world of the child and halfway in the world of the adult,” says Rosemary Newcott, Alliance Theatre’s Sally G. Tomlinson Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth and the director of Middle School the Musical. “They want to be teenagers. They want to be in high school. [Yet] they’re sort of in this place where they’re really perceived as children — but they don’t want to be called that.” The idea for the world premiere musical came to Newcott two seasons ago, when she was working on André Benjamin’s Class of 3000 LIVE, which featured a cast of adults playing middle school kids. When real middle school kids in the Alliance’s Junior Dramaturgs program analyzed the script and turned in their treatments, Newcott was blown away. “They did all this background work on the play — wrote down the character development, their impressions of what the piece is and what it’s trying to say and drew costume renderings,” she says. “It was from the middle school perspective, and I [began] realizing that their voice is not heard that much in the productions that they see.” That realization prompted Newcott to propose the Alliance develop a world premiere musical about middle school students for its 2009-2010 season. “I thought, ‘What a great opportunity to

develop a show that’s about them and deals with them,’” Newcott says. It had a few performances and was put back into development for this season. Although loosely inspired by a certain high school musical, Newcott stresses how different Middle School the Musical is from the Disney blockbuster. Like Second City comedy shows, it will have a loose storyline that ties skits together, but it’s “improvisation-based, so [kids] can actually participate in it and be a part of it.” Tweens also provided much of the material on which the show is based. “We sent out questionnaires to middle school kids about what interests them and even had them write a song about ‘Why I hate middle school and why I love middle school’ and collected materials [to] use in our rehearsal process,” Newcott says. “It will really reflect their lives.” When asked, Newcott says there’s not much she remembers about being a middle school student in New Jersey except what a terrible blow it was to be a low-ranking freshman in high school after being “top of the heap” in eighth grade. “It’s scary. They’re still going to be in the same house, but they’re moving into different social environments. “It’s a difficult place to be: You’re inbetween, and you’re not quite sure who you want to be yet,” she continues. “I don’t know if there’s anyone who would say, ‘Yeah, I’m so excited to be in middle school.’ Have you ever heard that?” She adds with a laugh, “I don’t ever want to go back, that’s for sure.” alliancetheatre.org

An Artful Education For Over A Century.

They dance. They sculpt. They paint. They act. They hit the high notes. Students in Pre-K through grade 12 at Woodward Academy experience an impressive range of opportunities in the arts, as you would expect from a school that has grown over its 111- year history to become the largest independent school in the continental United States. Join us for an Open House. Main Campus: February 13, 2011. North Campus: January 30, 2011. RSVP: 404-765-4001 Excellence â&#x20AC;˘ Character â&#x20AC;˘ Opportunity

For more information about how your family may benefit from the opportunities at Woodward, please telephone us at 404-765-4001 or visit us at www.woodward.edu 1662 Rugby Avenue, College Park, GA 30337 Woodward Academy administers a non-discriminatory policy of admissions.

ALLIANCE THEATRE presents

An Improvisational Work Written and created by

The Cast of Middle School the Musical Music composed by

Justin Ellington Conceived and directed by

Rosemary Newcott Musical direction by

Casting by

Production Stage Manager

Keith Hale

Jody Feldman

Liz Campbell

Sponsored by

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cast Keith A. Hale..................................................................................... Dr. K Bernard D. Jones ......................................................................... Junebug *Diany Rodriguez.......................................................................... Cesario *Sharisa Whatley................................................................................ July Jacob York.......................................................................................Tubbs *Liz Campbell....................................................Production Stage Manager Nancy Meyer................................................................ Additional Material Nancy Meyer...................................................Improv/Teaching Consultant *Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Setting: A middle school auditorium

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited, is a violation of United States Copyright Law and is an actionable Federal Offense. Cameras and recording devices are absolutely prohibited in the theatre. Cell phones and pagers are extremely disturbing and should be silenced before the performance begins. The Alliance Theatre operates under an agreement between the Producer’s League for Theatre for Young Audiences (PLOTYA) and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young Audiences (ASSITEJ/USA), The Atlanta Coalition of Theatres, the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Midtown Alliance.

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assembly program What you are about to see is improvised daily. Be prepared: assembly program is subject to change! ADDRESS FROM DR. J............................................... Dr. K INTRODUCTION......................................................... Caesario (aka Sari) OPENING REMARKS.................................................. July and Fellow Class Reps ................................................................................ MIDDLE SCHOOL SENIOR RULES FOR SURVIVAL Bus Stop................................................................... Class Reps Lockers..................................................................... Class Reps Avoid the Red Light................................................... Class Reps CAFETERIA BLUES Be Content Where You Are......................................... Class Reps home school Speak Out................................................................. Letters from You/Class Rep Make Assignments Fun............................................. J.B. BOOK REPORT Use Teamwork........................................................... Class Reps More Assignment Fun................................................ July BOOK REPORT Even More Assignment Fun........................................ Sari BOOK REPORT Hstry of Amrca.......................................................... Class Reps Dodge the Ball.......................................................... Class Reps Don’t Hide Your Talents.............................................. J.B. LAMENT I’VE BEEN THERE BEFORE Final Book Report..................................................... Tubbs BOOK REPORT CLOSING REMARKS.................................................. Class Reps and Dr. K ................................................................................ SURVIVAL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE: BE YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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profiles KEITH A. HALE (Dr. K/Music Director) is an educator, freelance performer, vocal coach, composer/arranger and musical director within the international artistic community. He holds a B.A. in Music: Vocal Performance from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga. While attending CAU, he served as student director for the CAU Philharmonic Society under the mentorship of Director Glynn Halsey. Keith has become highly sought after as a music director, voice instructor and composer. Keith was commissioned as a vocal arranger for the musical play Five Fingers of Funk by playwright Will Power, which premiered at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, Minn., in the fall of 2008, and as co-composer/arranger in City of Love with Mr. J Productions — with Keith in a lead acting role in both shows. He wears and has worn many hats, including actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, composer, arranger and instrumentalist. Keith is pleased to be making his Alliance Theatre debut with Middle School the Musical. “Thanks and God bless!” Bernard D. Jones (Junebug) is thrilled to be back again for another round of Middle School the Musical!! Bernard was most recently seen as Mushu in Mulan (Alliance Theatre), J.B in Middle School the Musical (Alliance Theatre), Zeke in High School Musical 2 (The Legacy Theatre), Arvin in Zanna, Don’t! (Actor’s Express) and Lil’ D in Class of 3000 LIVE (Alliance Theatre). You can also see Bernard, as Milo, on the hit television show “Meet The Browns” on TBS. Bernard has also enjoyed playing Leroy in Fame, Levi in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Miss Roj in The Colored Museum and Mr. Kirby in You Can’t Take It With You. Two of his greatest artistic accomplishments were singing at Carnegie Hall and going on a world tour with R&B recording artist Lyfe Jennings. When Bernard is not on the theatre stage, he is teaching high school students acting as a teaching artist for the Alliance Theatre. He is a Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College where he received his B.A. in Theatre. Bernard is very thankful to be involved in such a great production with a super talented cast and an awesome director! DIANY RODRIGUEZ (Cesario) is a graduate of the University of Alabama and a proud

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member of Actor’s Equity. She’s so proud to be reprising her role in Middle School the Musical this year. Some projects you just love, you know? Past shows credits include: Dora the Explorer (Dora), Fame (Carmen), RENT international tour (Mark’s Mom), The Cherry Orchard (Anya), Coyote Ugly (Scarlet), A Chorus Line (Diana) and Pippin (Catherine). She would like to deeply thank the Alliance Theatre for embracing her and being a big part of her life this past year. Also, thank you, car, for driving me back and fourth. Hang in there. Come see me this spring on the Alliance Stage in August: Osage County! Love to my family and huge support system. SHARISA WHATLEY (July) Based in Atlanta, Sharisa is excited to return to the Alliance. She has appeared in Class of 3000 LIVE, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Little Baby Snoogle Fleejer and Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse with the Alliance’s own TYF. She also performed on the Hertz Stage in In the Red and Brown Water. She has performed locally with Synchronicity and the Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta. Whatley’s experience includes work with the St. Louis Black Repertory, Made in da Shade in Amsterdam and the Windy Brow Arts Festival in South Africa. All performances are dedicated to all who attend, those who would like to attend and those who planned on attending but something happened. “I smile when you smile, I cry when you cry, I laugh when you laugh! I’m at my happiest moment when I’m allowed to make you feel … something.” Enjoy the show. Feel something. Justin Ellington (Composer) is thrilled to work with the Alliance Theater, director Rosemary Newcott and an amazing cast on Middle School the Musical! Mr. Ellington’s theater credits include: The Pride (MCC), Shakespeare’s As You Like It (Stratford Shakespeare Festival), Fetch Clay Make Man (McCarter Theater), Jitney (Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theater), The Seven (New York Theater Workshop), Five Finger’s of Funk (Children’s Theater Company), Shakespeare’s A Twelfth Night or What You Will (Bristol Riverside Theater), Black Nativity (Goodman Theater/ Congo Square), Conversations With Ice

profiles (Cosmic Theater Amsterdam), Soweto! Soweto! A Township is Calling (Freddie Hendricks), Top Dog Under Dog (Alliance Theater), King Hedley II (Alliance Theater), Shakespeare’s R&J (Alliance Theater), Ferdinand the Bull (Alliance Theater), Class of 3000 LIVE! (Alliance Theater/ Cartoon Network). JACOB YORK (Tubbs) is a native of Benton, Ky., who has been seen recently at The Shakespeare Tavern (A Midsumer Night’s Dream), Stage Door Players (Unnecessary Farce), Essential Theatre (Sally and Glen at The Palace) and every month as the comic host for “Kidstuf Live!” at Buckhead Church. He is more excited than he can say to be working with this amazing team again. LIZ CAMPBELL (Production Stage Manager) is excited to be working with Theatre for Young Audiences again this year. Her Alliance credits include: Mulan; Middle School the Musical; Class of 3000, LIVE; and Goodnight Moon. She recently worked on A Confederacy of Dunces at Theatrical Outfit, where she also worked on Big River and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play. Other credits include: True Love Lies, Charm School, The Bluest Eye and The Syringa Tree (Horizon Theatre); Altar Boyz, Music Man and Pump Boys and Dinettes (Ozark Actors Theatre). She holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Niagara University. She would like to thank Rosemary for always making her smile, and APM for keeping her sane. Member of Actors’ Equity Association. Rosemary Newcott (Director/The Sally G. Tomlinson Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth) has been directing, acting and teaching at the Alliance Theatre since 1988. Favorite Alliance directing credits include Class of 3000 LIVE; Goodnight Moon; Seussical the Musical; Degas’ Little Dancer; Go, Dog. Go!; Disney’s Aladdin; A Christmas Carol; Einstein is a Dummy; The Miracle Worker; Ferdinand the Bull; Merlin; The Music Lesson; Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; Pinocchio 3.5; Androcles and the Lion; A Woman Called Truth; Charlotte’s

Web and the acclaimed high school Collision Project. Newcott has directed at Horizon Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, Center for Puppetry Arts, Academy Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Virginia Stage Company and Seaside Rep. Newcott was named PBA Lexus Leader of the Arts and Best Director by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for the 2001-02 season. In 2005, she received the GTC Distinguished Career Award. Newcott is also the recipient of a 2008 Princess Grace Special Project Grant. Jody Feldman (Associate Producer) has had responsibility for Alliance Theatre casting since 1992, casting well over 100 Alliance, Hertz Stage and Theatre for Young Audiences productions, including the world premieres of The Color Purple, Aida, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Blues for an Alabama Sky and Bluish. Other favorites include Jelly’s Last Jam, Day of the Kings, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and the Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition readings each spring. Jody is also casting director for Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company as well as various other regional theatres and commercial endeavors. She serves as line producer for artistic projects such as Taste of the Season and the 2005 August Wilson Tribute. Jody began her theatre career first as an actress and then as the assistant general manager of the Academy Theatre. More than anything, Jody would like to thank you for being here to share the joy of live theatre with her Alliance Theatre family. Susan V. Booth (Jennings Hertz, Jr. Artistic Director) joined the Alliance Theatre in 2001. In the past eight seasons, she has initiated the Collision Project for teens, the Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition, created local producing partnerships and overseen regional collaborative productions, as well as commercial partnerships on projects including The Color Purple; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; SISTER ACT the Musical; Bring in Da’ Noise, Bring in Da’ Funk; and Jesus Christ Superstar GOSPEL, which she

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profiles also directed. As a director, she has worked nationally at theatres including Goodman, La Jolla Playhouse, New York Stage and Film, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Northlight Theatre, Victory Gardens, Court Theatre and many others. She holds degrees from Denison and Northwestern universities and was a fellow of the National Critics Institute and the Kemper Foundation. She has held teaching positions at Northwestern and DePaul University, and currently serves as

adjunct faculty with Emory University. She is the immediate past president of the board of directors for Theatre Communications Group (the national service organization for the field), is on the artistic board of the Steinberg Charitable Trust in New York, and serves on the board of the Metro Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition. Susan is married to Max Leventhal and is the proud mother of Moira Rose Leventhal. susan. booth@woodruffcenter.org.

Middle School Musical

WORD SEARCH ALLIANCE BOOK CAFETERIA DANCED GUIDE IMPROVISATIONAL INTERACTIVE LOCKER MIDDLE MUSICAL PLAY REPORT SCHOOL SURVIVAL THEATRE TWEENAGER

I E K V M I D D L E Q E L G S

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F N G C G T K P A U T J M G Y

I K T U A D F O N R B I B X Z

J Y I E I X K N O Z X F Z B I

D O A A R D H P I B R B F L T

M C Q P E A E R T A E H T B J

F T A S T R C T A F G T A R I

W W O A E C E T S L A E P M R

S I N K F A L L I A N C E G W

D E C N A D Z W V V E Z R W W

L O O H C S R J O I E Z V V P

L O Y M S U B T R V W N E K Z

B R Y Q I Y A L P R T N E N A

B M K L M S M R M U H H V W Q

W M H N N L A C I S U M U M W

William Shakespeare’s

timon of athens Nov 4 - 28, 2010

Sponsored by ASC Board of Directors

Charles Dickens’

A Christmas Carol Dec 1 - 23, 2010

499 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta GA ShakespeareTavern.com 404-874-5299

profiles Why this play? Middle school students need their own material — but so little exists. So the Alliance did research, interviewed middle schoolers in Atlanta and, inspired by improv traditions from The Second City and the Alliance’s experience creating new plays, made a new show.

Why Atlanta? This is an Atlanta-grown experience — everyone involved with the show lives and works in Atlanta. Plus, Atlanta middle schoolers deserved work that reflects their experience of life onstage.

Why now? The Alliance did a well-attended workshop for schools last year and decided the show was ready, our research is timely, and it’s always a good time to give a select and special audience the great work about themselves they deserve!!!

About the Alliance Theatre Now in its 42nd season, Atlanta’s nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre, recipient of the 2007 Regional Theatre Tony Award® and a leading national theatre, creates the powerful experience of shared theatre for diverse people on two stages for youth and adult audiences. Under the leadership of the Jennings Hertz, Jr. Artistic Director Susan V. Booth, the Alliance Theatre is a national theatre with a local address, reaching out annually to almost 200,000 patrons and members of the community. Known for its high artistic standards and national role in creating significant theatrical works, the Alliance launched three Tony Award-winning hits to Broadway: Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida and Alfred Uhry’s The Last Night of Ballyhoo. And, in a rare event for a regional theatre, it originated the national tour of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Most recently, the Alliance transferred Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away to Broadway for a critically acclaimed Tony Award-nominated run. The theatre has premiered 60 works including adaptations of Carson McCullers’ The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky. Further evidence of the Alliance’s commitment to new work is founding its nationally recognized Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition, a cutting-edge program introducing student playwrights to professional networks while producing the world premiere of the winning student’s work. The Alliance Theatre also offers extensive education and outreach programs such as the Institute for Educators and the Collision Project for high school students. The Alliance continuously brings Atlanta the finest talent and finest art—proving once again that the Alliance is where great theatre lives. 404.733.4650 or www.alliancetheatre.org The Alliance Theatre is a division of the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, which also includes the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art and Young Audiences. http://facebook.com/AllianceTheatre

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‘Tween voices by celise kalke

iddle School the Musical grew out of the Alliance Education Department’s deep connections with our partner schools and middle school-age audience members, through the combined work of our programming and Institute for Educators, which sends in teaching artists to partner with schools around Atlanta. The institute’s CARTOON CONFLICT: curriculum includes preparation to see shows “Two dumb friends get into an and an introduction to the theatre as well as arguement but don’t know why.” creative work that encourages self-expression — Jonathan, Columbia Middle School and social observation. Material generated by Atlanta-area middle schoolers helped define the characters and create the material that inspired Middle School the Musical. So, we thought we’d share with you some of the What is a play? work that is coming out of our partner A play can be lots of different things, schools and teaching artist residencies. but it is basically a writer’s work put And this is just the tip of the iceberg: on stage and acted out with lots of emotion. It can be a musical with lots of music and sound. It can be scary with lots of screaming. It can be a romantic story with lots of dancing. — Ayana, Columbia Middle School

Am I running in the clouds Am I an angel When did I become an angel Why am I an angel running in the clouds Why do I have on shoes Why don’t I have on angel clothes Why is it a sidewalk in the clouds? — Ebony, Columbia Middle School

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When I was a little boy I had a toy But then one day It had to go away I got too old for it So I sold it I had good grades And a summer job to get paid Then I turned nine Use to rhyme all the time And I started on my grind Cuz that’s how I shine — Zaquell, L.J. Price Middle School

AtlAntA’s holidAy trAdition for the whole fAmily returns to the stAge thAnksgiving weekend nov. 26 – deC. 24 It isn’t Christmas in Atlanta until you’ve seen A Christmas Carol. The most heartwarming story of the season comes to life on the Alliance Stage, with beloved carols, stunning stage magic, and your favorite Atlanta actors. A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens Adapted by David H. Bell Directed by Rosemary Newcott

board of directors Officers Board Chair Vice Chair Immediate Past Chair Treasurer

Dan Reardon Victoria Palefsky Howard L. Feinsand Steve Chaddick

Directors James L. Anderson Candace Bell Kenny Blank Sarah Robinson Borders Mark Callaway Frank S. Chew Alan Colberg Linda Davidson Philippa V. Ellis Daryl Evans A.D. Frazier Jay B. Goldman Patrick J. Gunning Laura Hardman

P. J. Younglove Hovey Jocelyn J. Hunter Rosthema Viener Kastin James Kilberg Jeff Levy Valarie Lischer Cynthia H. Maloy Alan McKeon S. Alan McKnight, Jr. John Hays Mershon Philip H. MoĂŻse Maureen Morrison Richard S. Myrick Helen Smith Price

Rita M. Anderson Kenneth L. Bernhardt Ann W. Cramer

George Goodwin Helen M. Regenstein Robert E. Reiser, Jr.

Douglas F. Reid Maurice M. Rosenbaum William B. Rowland Karl Sachsenmaier Alan Schreihofer Stephen Selig Debbie Shelton William D. Sleeper Karen Spiegel Charles E. Taylor Robert Walker Peter D. Weitzner A. Penniman Wells, Jr.

Life Directors Jane E. Shivers Sally G. Tomlinson Benjamin T. White

Advisory Board* Advisory Board Chair: Ann W. Cramer Diane Durgin Charles R. Edwards Kathryn T. Farley, Ph.D. Valerie Ferguson Margaret Goheen Lisa Greenberg Jennifer Hale Virginia Hepner Andrea Jones Karen Katz David Kuniansky Valerie Levy Constance Lewis Kristie Madara

Madelyn Adams Judy Anderson Mark R. Bell Barry Berlin J. Veronica Biggins James Cox Chambers Ron Clark Tony Conway Richard Lee Cravey Jackie Cushman Sallie Daniel John Deushane Patti Dickey Sally Dorsey

Kent Matlock Penny McPhee Cynthia Moreland William C. Pate Monica Kaufman Pearson Travis Reed Harrison Rohr Jack Sawyer Janece Shaffer Veda Storey Todd Tautfest Richard Western Mary Williams

*Committee still in formation. The members of the Advisory Board are prominent members of the local, state and national communities who serve as ambassadors for the Alliance in support of the artistic vision and mission of the theatre.

Volunteer Leadership President, STARS/Alliance Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre Guild President, Alliance Theatre Guild

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Valarie Lischer Sarah Larson

A passion for art fuels a greater appetite for life. For that reason and many more, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to support the arts in Atlanta.

sponsors Alliance Sponsors are businesses, corporations and institutions that have supported the work of the Alliance Theatre. We thank them for their generosity and support.

★★★★★★★ $250,000+ The Coca-Cola Company

Kendeda Fund

U.S. Department of Education

★★★★★★ $100,000+ Delta Air Lines, Inc. Fulton County Arts Council

Shubert Foundation, Inc. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

★★★★★ $50,000+ Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Georgia Council for the Arts

The Home Depot William Randolph Hearst Foundation

Zeist Foundation

National Endowment for the Arts North Highland Company Publix Super Markets Charities Rich Foundation Target

Theatre Communications Group (TCG) David, Helen & Marian Woodward Foundation The Vasser Wooley Foundation

Georgia Power John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Foundation

Wachovia Foundation Frances Wood Wilson Foundation

Harry Norman Realtors Jones Day mediaedge: cia

Sharp Electronics SunTrust WXIA-TV

★★★★ $25,000+ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Callaway Foundation, Inc. City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs Doris Duke Charitable Foundation The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

★★★ $10,000+ American Intercontinental University Edgerton Foundation Georgia Pacific Foundation

★★ $5,000+ American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Duke Realty Corporation John and Mary Franklin Foundation

★ $2,500+ Digital Arts Studio

advocacy By attending our theatre, you have made a powerful statement about how important the arts are to you. With the 2010-11 Season, the Alliance Theatre turns 42. Help us celebrate the power of great theatre for 42 years by making another statement of support louder than any standing ovation. Visit our website at alliancetheatre.org and click on Donate.

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sponsors delta air lines serves more than160 million customers each year. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 351 destinations in 64 countries on six continents. Delta is an active partner in supporting community organizations, museums and exhibits that enlighten and inspire people to better themselves and better their world. For more information about Delta, please visit our website at delta.com.

Cast and company flowers sponsored by

Official Hotel

Foxgloves & Ivy

Restaurant Partners

government

Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council.

This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) through the appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Major support is provided by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs.

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Patron Circle of Stars By investing $15,000 or more in The Woodruff Arts Center and its divisions — the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art and Young Audiences — these outstanding Annual Corporate Campaign donors helped us raise more than $8.4 million last year. Thank you! Chairman’s Council ★★★★★★★★★★★★★ $450,000+ The Coca-Cola Company Georgia Power Foundation, Inc. ★★★★★★★★★★ $300,000+ Cox Interests Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB-TV, Cox Radio Group Atlanta, James M. Cox Foundation Hon. Anne Cox Chambers UPS ★★★★★★★★★ $200,000+ AT&T The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc. Deloitte LLP, its Partners & Employees Ernst & Young, Partners & Employees The Home Depot Foundation Jones Day Foundation & Employees The Klaus Family Foundation PricewaterhouseCoopers Partners & Employees Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. ★★★★★★★★ $150,000+ Alston & Bird LLP Equifax Inc. & Employees The Rich Foundation, Inc. SunTrust Bank Employees & Trusteed Foundations Harriet McDaniel Marshall Trust Walter H. & Marjory M. Rich Memorial Fund

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Thomas Guy Woolford Charitable Trust Greene-Sawtell Foundation ★★★★★★★ $100,000+ AirTran Airways Bank of America Kaiser Permanente King & Spalding LLP KPMG LLP, Partners & Employees The Marcus Foundation, Inc. The Sara Giles Moore Foundation Novelis, Inc. Regions Financial Corporation Wells Fargo Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The David, Helen & Marian Woodward Fund ★★★★★★ $75,000+ Holder Construction Company The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation, Inc. Patty & Doug Reid Family Foundation ★★★★★ $50,000+ AGL Resources Inc. Cisco Coca-Cola Enterprises Delta Air Lines, Inc. GMT Capital Corporation ING Mr. & Mrs. M. Douglas Ivester Kilpatrick Stockton LLP Primerica Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP The Zeist Foundation, Inc.

★★★★ $35,000+ Accenture & Accenture Employees Lisa & Joe Bankoff Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Currey, Jr. GE Energy The Imlay Foundation, Inc. Invesco PLC Norfolk Southern, Employees & Foundation SCANA Energy Siemens Industry, Inc. Harris A. Smith Troutman Sanders LLP Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, Inc. ★★★ $25,000+ Assurant Atlanta Companies Assurant Solutions Assurant Specialty Property BDO USA, LLP Brysan Utility Contractors, Inc. Chartis Crawford & Company Drummond Company, Inc. Eisner Family Foundation First Data Corporation Genuine Parts Company Georgia-Pacific IBM Corporation Philip I. Kent Foundation The Ray M. & Mary Elizabeth Lee Foundation, Inc. The Blanche Lipscomb Foundation Livingston Foundation, Inc. Macy’s Foundation McKinsey & Company, Inc. Piedmont Charitable Foundation, Inc. J. Marshall & Lucile G. Powell Charitable Trust

Mary & Craig Ramsey Rock-Tenn Company Richard D. Shirk Southwire Company Spectrum Brands Towers Watson Waffle House, Inc. Gertrude & William C. Wardlaw Fund Waste Management Charitable Foundation Yancey Bros. Co. ★★ $15,000+ 22squared, inc. ACE Charitable Foundation Acuity Brands, Inc. AGCO Corporation Alix Partners Arnall Golden Gregory LLP The Partners & Employees of Atlanta Equity Investors Atlanta Foundation Atlanta Marriott Marquis Julie & Jim Balloun BB&T Corporation Beaulieu Group, LLC The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Catherine S. & J. Bradford Branch George M. Brown Trust Fund of Atlanta, Georgia Bryan Cave LLP Buck Consultants The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Talela & Beauchamp Carr CB Richard Ellis Center Family Foundation Mr. Charles Center Mr. & Mrs. Fred Halperin Ms. Charlene Berman The Chatham Valley Foundation, Inc.

Cousins Properties Incorporated Ann & Jeff Cramer DLA Piper Duke Realty Corporation Exide Technologies Mr. & Mrs. Frank L. Fernandez Fifth Third Bank Ford & Harrison LLP Robert Fornaro John & Mary Franklin Foundation, Inc. Gas South, LLC Georgia Natural Gas Grant Thornton LLP Harland Clarke The Howell Fund, Inc. ICS Contract Services, LLC Infor Global Solutions Jenny & Phil Jacobs Mr. & Mrs. Tom O. Jewell Weldon H. Johnson Family Foundation David & Jennifer Kahn Family Foundation Sarah & Jim Kennedy Kurt P. Kuehn Karole & John Lloyd Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP Mohawk Industries, Inc. Mueller Water Products, Inc. Noonan Family Foundation Vicki R. Palmer The Sally & Peter Parsonson Foundation, Inc. Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP Printpack Inc./The Gay & Erskine Love Foundation David M. Ratcliffe J. Mack Robinson Interests Frances & Jesse A. Sasser, Jr. Selig Enterprises, Inc./ The Selig Foundation

Spencer Stuart Karen & John Spiegel Superior Essex Inc. TriMont Real Estate Advisors, Inc. United Distributors, Inc. WATL/WXIA/Gannett Foundation John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods Mr. & Mrs. James B. Williams Sue & Neil Williams Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC Carla & Leonard Wood The Xerox Foundation Donor listing as of October 4, 2010.

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alliance theatre staff Artistic Jennings Hertz, Jr. Artistic Director.................................... Susan V. Booth The Sally G. Tomlinson Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth..............................................Rosemary Newcott Associate Producer.............................................................. Jody Feldman Director of New Projects.........................................................Celise Kalke Artistic & Literary Associate............................................ Patrick McColery Artistic Associate....................................................................Bari Newport Community Engagement & Casting................................ DayRon J. Miles Artistic Intern..............................................................................William Illg Literary Intern..................................................... Brittany Reagler-London Education Director of Education..........................................................Sharon Brewer Director of the Acting Program..............................................Al Hamacher Director, Institute for Educators and Teaching Artists......................................................Carol T. Jones Assistant Director, Institute for Educators and Teaching Artists..............................Michele Mummert Education Manager..................................................... Christopher Moses Education Associate & Producer of Drama Camps ................................. Christina Dresser Institute for Educators & Teaching Artists Assistant...........................................Padgett Ward Education Assistant..............................................................Rachel Jones Resident Teaching Artists........... Kim Bowers-Rheay, Valletta Anderson Teaching Artists................................... Ricardo Aponte, Paul Armbroster, Denise Arribas, Corey Bradberry, Enisha Brewster, Amy Cain, Clare Jaehn, John Doyle, Sharon Foote, Allison Gardner, Kim Geter, Joe Gfaller, Holly Godwin, Angie Harrell, Michael Haverty, Jennifer Hebblethwaite, Laura Heckman, Vikki Holloway, Charlotte House, BJ Hughes, John Jaramillo, Jan Jensen, Bernard Jones, Rachel Jones, Leeanna Lambert, Bethany Lind, Edwin Link, Berry Stewart Mann, Patrick McColery, Michelle McCullough, Bryan Mercer, Nancy Meyer, Traci Moore, Kati Grace Morton, Michele Mummert, Sarah Onsager, Karen Ramps, Mannie Rivers, Kirk Seaman, Linda Sherbert, Sheri Mann Stewart, Ambo Ndem Tazanu, Clint Thornton, Allison Upshaw, Jeanene Williams, Padgett Ward, Rachel White

Administration General Manager............................................................... Max Leventhal Company Manager........................................................... Laura Thruston Management Assistant............................................................Alicia Quirk Manager of Information Resources........................................ Jim Hubbert Finance Finance Controller................................................................. Brian Shively Accounting Coordinator............................................................... Julie Hall Accounting Coordinator...................................................Ashley Bradford Development Development Consultants...............................Linda Selig, Lynda Walker Associate Director of Development..................Kristin Hathaway Hansen Major Contributions Manager.................................................. Ann Wilson Annual Fund Coordinator..............................................Rebecca Bowden Events Coordinator & Board Administrator.................Lindsey Hardegree Grants Manager...............................................................Davia Weatherill Development Volunteer...................................................Elaine Hentschel Development Intern...............................................................Kat Reynolds Marketing Director of Marketing............................................................ Virginia Vann Associate Director of Marketing................................................Joe Gfaller Advertising & Promotions Specialist................................. Caroline Tanner E-marketing Specialist.............................................................John Maley Graphic Designer................................................................ Nadine Cheng Public Relations Agency.............................................................. Creaxion Associate Director of Group Sales ................................Quidana Bosman Group Sales Coordinator...................................................Laura Peacock Associate Director of Patron Services........................................ Shana Orr Assistant House Manager........................................................Ken McNeil House Managers..................................................... Dana Hylton Calabro, Christina Dresser, Lindsey Hardegree, DayRon Miles, Charles Swint, Lynn Vatter Assistant Manager Subcriptions.........................................Danielle Hicks Senior Ticket Agents..................Jerry Hunter, Chad Martin, Ken McNeil

Production Production Management Production Manager........................................................ Rixon Hammond Stage Management Alliance Stage Managers................................Pat A. Flora, lark hackshaw, R. Lamar Williams Hertz Stage Management Production Assistant...................Redd Horrocks TYF Stage Manager..................................................................Liz Campbell TYF Stage Management Production Assistant.................. Amy Radebaugh Stage Operations Stage Operations Manager...................................................Scott Bowne Crew Chief....................................................................... Vincent Simons Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre Crew Chief...............................................Deb Maberry Properties Stagehand.....................................................Courtney Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill Flyman....................................................................................Willie Parks Electrics Electrics Manager.......................................................................Pete Shinn Staff Electricians............................................Larry Bauer, Sean Hamilton, Steve Jordan Sound Resident Sound Designer...................................................... Clay Benning Sound Engineers/Board Ops...................... Holly Blakely, Brian Smith, Jessica Weeks Scenery Technical Director................................................................Victor W. Smith Assistant Technical Director...................................................... Megan Kier

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Shop Foreman..................................................................... Patrick Conley Carpenters...............................Manny Abreo, Jes Cottrell, Kevin Green, Travis Williams Charge Scenic Artist...................................................................Kat Conley Scenic Artist...............................................................................Phillip Male Properties Properties Manager...............................................................Robert Elliott Props Lead Artisan...................................................Dana Hylton Calabro Properties Buyer.........................................................Heather Schroeder Properties Artisan................................Blake Anderson, Suzanne Morris Costumes Costume Shop Manager................................................. Carol Hammond Design Assistant............................................................. English Benning Draper............................................................................... Cindy Lou Who Craftsmaster.................................................................. Diana L. Thomas Stitchers/First Hands...........................Laury Conley, Lyudmila Fesenko, Maegan Robinson Wig Master.............................................................................Karin Craven Wardrobe................................................................................... Niki Traxler Additional Production Staff for Middle School the Musical Wardrobe.................................................................................. John Hardy

Alyssa Milano, UNICEF Ambassador, actress

24,000 children die every day from preventable causes. i believe that number should be

zero. Believe in zero.

And that’s why I support UNICEF. Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any humanitarian organization in the world. From Haiti to Darfur to Afghanistan — UNICEF is providing children with

unicefusa.org

lifesaving medicine; food; clean, safe water; education; and protection from violence and exploitation. No child should ever die from a preventable cause. Every day 24,000 do. Help UNICEF get that number to zero.

South City Kitchen

Dining Guide Looking for a great night out? Try one of these local restaurants before or after the show. For Dinner and a Show packages, visit encoreatlanta.com/offers. Neighborhood codes: A–Alpharetta, B–Buckhead, IP–Inman Park, OFW–Old Fourth Ward, M—Midtown, D–Downtown, P–Perimeter Mall area, SS–Sandy Springs, VH–Virginia-Highland, V—Vinings, W–Westside

American Broadway Diner Unique, due to its food and décor, the Broadway Diner serves great food (including authentic Greek cuisine) at awesome prices. Based on a Broadway-style theme, the diner is perfect for families and business people. 620 Peachtree St. NE, (404) 477-9600, thebroadwaydiner.com. M Einstein’s The place that puts a smile on your face. Dining with an emphasis on service, Einstein’s offers innovative competitively-priced cuisine in a warm, accommodating environment. Enjoy a delicious meal on their award-winning patio and sip on their infamous martinis. 1077 Juniper St., 404-876-7925, einsteinsatlanta.com. M Goodfellas Pizza and Wings brings you the finest pizza in the Atlanta area. Using the freshest ingredients, Goodfellas offers everything you need for lunch and dinner — pasta, salads, calzones, subs and, of course, pizza and wings. 615 Spring St. NW, 404-347-7227, goodfellaspizzawings.com. M Hudson Grille is the perfect place to catch a game, to meet friends for a great meal or to enjoy drinks at one of their expansive bars. Four locations: Midtown, 942 Peachtree St. NE, 404249-9468; Alpharetta, 865 North Main St., 770777-4127; Perimeter, 4400 Ashford-Dunwoody, 770-350-0134; Brookhaven, 4046 Peachtree Rd., 404-233-0313, hudsongrille.com. M,A,P,B Joe’s Inside and out on the patio, this hotspot’s nostalgic charm sets the stage for a wholly unique tavern experience. With an accent on congenial good times, Joe’s sassy food servers keep patrons smiling, while the master mixologists behind the bar whip up drinks known for their flavor and potency. Midtown: 1049 Juniper St NE,

Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-875-6344; College park: 2144 Sullivan Rd, College Park, GA, 404-8445000, joesatlanta.com. M Lenox Square Grill offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. DJ every Friday and Saturday night til 2am. Private meeting rooms accommodate up to 150. 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, 404.841.2377, lenoxsquaregrill.com. B Livingston Restaurant and Bar It’s hard to beat the location (across the street from the Fox Theatre in the Georgian Terrace), and diners get complimentary parking, but the main attraction is the glamour of the main dining room, which has hosted the likes of Clark Gable, and the al fresco seating area, which is available in warm weather. 659 Peachtree St. NE, 404-897-5000, livingstonatlanta.com. M Lobby The menu focuses on seasonal fare at this sophisticated American restaurant in the lobby of TWELVE Atlantic Station. 361 17th St., 404-9617370, lobbyattwelve.com. M

American/steakhouse ONE.midtown kitchen Dine on fresh, seasonal American cuisine in a club-like atmosphere near Piedmont Park. 559 Dutch Valley Rd., 404-8924111, onemidtownkitchen.com. M Murphy’s This restaurant has one of the city’s top brunch menus, but it’s known for great peoplewatching and its contemporary comfort food. 997 Virginia Ave., 404-872-0904, murphysvh.com. VH Two Urban Licks “Fiery” American cooking meets live music at this hip hangout. 820 Ralph McGill Blvd., 404-522-4622, twourbanlicks.com. M New York Prime A Prime Time Top 10 USDA Prime Steakhouse known for its wine list, atmosphere

and world class service. 3424 Peachtree Rd. NE, 404-846-0644, centraarchy.com. B Prime Enjoy steak, sushi and seafood in a festive atmosphere near Lenox Mall. 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, 404-812-0555, h2sr.com. B Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse A favorite local steak house with multiple locations near shopping and entertainment hotspots. Sides are generous, and the quality of the steaks and seafood is excellent. Three locations: Buckhead, 3285 Peachtree Rd. NE, 404-365-0660; Sandy Springs, 5788 Roswell Rd., 404-255-0035; Centennial Olympic Park, 267 Marietta St., 404-223-6500; ruthschris.com. B, SS, D The Tavern at Phipps This is one of Atlanta’s hottest after-work spots, and has been singled out for its happy hour and singles scene by Jezebel, InSite Magazine and the AOL City Guide. 3500 Peachtree Rd. NW, 404-814-9640, centraarchy.com. B

American/sOUTHERN South City Kitchen With a stylish, Southerncontemporary menu, this DiRoNA restaurant helped make grits hip for the business crowd. Sundays are BBQ Nite. Two locatons: Midtown: 1144 Crescent Ave. 404-873-7358, Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Pkwy. 770-435-0700, southcitykitchen. com. M, V Terrace celebrates American heirloom recipes through supporting local and regional farmers, fisherman and producers. It recaptures the pure simple flavors and tastes of natural and organic ingredients while bursting with delicious flavors. 176 Peachtree St. NW, 678.651.2770, ellishotel.com/terrace. D

ASIAN FUSION Aja Restaurant & Bar Serving modern Asian cuisine, Aja has a 150-seat patio overlooking Buckhead and a huge lounge, where diners nosh on dim sum and sip mai tais. 3500 Lenox Rd., Ste. 100, 404-231-0001, h2sr.com. B

BREW PUB/GOURMET PUB FARE Gordon Biersch Fresh-brewed beers are a tasty accent to this brewery-restaurant’s hearty pizzas, salads and sandwiches. For a small additional fee, pre-show diners can leave cars in the lot while they’re at the Fox. Two locations: Midtown: 848 Peachtree St. NE, 404-870-0805; Buckhead: 3242 Peachtree Rd. NE, 404-2640253, gordonbiersch.com. M, B Tap A gastropub offering easy-to-share pub fare and an extensive beer selection. The patio is a

great place to chill after work. 1180 Peachtree St., 404-347-2220, tapat1180.com. M

creole/cajun Parish New Orleans-inspired dishes served with a modern twist and a fully stocked raw bar; a Nawlins-inspired brunch is served on the weekends. Downstairs, a take-away market sells sandwiches, spices, pastries and beverages. 240 N. Highland Ave., 404-681-4434, parishatl.com. IP

european fusion Ecco Esquire Magazine named this casual, European-influenced bistro a “Best New Restaurant in America.” It’s also gotten raves for its killer wine list, wood-fired pizzas, and impressive meat and cheese menus. 40 Seventh St. NE, 404-347-9555, ecco-atlanta.com. M

mediterranean/latin/asian fusion Shout A young crowd keeps Shout’s rooftop lounge hopping every night. The menu reflects a mix of Mediterranean, Far Eastern and South American influences. 1197 Peachtree St. NE, 404-846-2000, h2sr.com. M

mexican Cantina Tequila & Tapas Bar is located in the Terminus building on the corner of Peachtree and Piedmont roads. It features authentic Mexican cuisine and has become Buckhead’s newest watering hole. Join us weekly for $2 Taco Night every Tuesday, Buck Wild Wednesdays, when certain items are only $1, and Disco Thursday. 3280 Peachtree Rd. NW, Terminus 100, Ste. 150, 404-892-9292, h2sr.com. B El Taco An eco-friendly watering hole serving fresh Mexican food made with all-natural meats and killer margaritas. 1186 N. Highland Ave. NE, 404-873-4656, eltaco-atlanta.com.VH

steak/sushi Room This elegant restaurant serves steak and sushi on the ground floor of the TWELVE Centennial Park hotel. 400 W. Peachtree St., 404418-1250, roomattwelve.com. D Strip This sophisticated steak, seafood and sushi restaurant offers an in-house DJ and a rooftop deck. Atlantic Station at 18th St., 404-385-2005, h2sr.com. M Twist This lively restaurant has a huge bar, satay station, tapas menu, sushi and seafood dishes; patio seating is first-come, first-served. 3500 Peachtree Rd. NW, 404-869-1191, h2sr.com. B