Like a stealthy Cupid piercing you with an arrow when you’re not looking, Valentine’s Day has crept upon you. Yet, you still have time to arrange an off-the-cuff night on the town with that significant other. A bouquet of options awaits.
MARIETTA
‘Casablanca’ at Earl Smith Strand Theatre
Classic celluloid doesn’t get any more romantic than Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman crossing paths in director Michael Curtiz’s 1942 film “Casablanca.” It’s a good opportunity to grab your fedora and your lover for a rare big-screen presentation of this Oscar winner. An American expatriate holes up in his seedy Moroccan watering hole only to see the former love of his life stroll through the door. Sure, the film remains the star attraction, but come early for a singalong concert starring the Strand’s Mighty Allen Theatre Organ, which rises from the depths courtesy of a hydraulic lift. Of all the gin joints in all the towns in the world, you can walk into Rick’s Café Américain. The Strand’s lobby and lounge transforms into the nightclub seen in “Casablanca” complete with cocktails. Rick’s opens at 7 p.m. and pours throughout the film. Taking a date to this one might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. If you don’t have time to make it to “Casablanca,” the Strand screens “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” at 8 p.m. Feb. 15.
7 p.m. doors; 8 p.m. film. Feb. 14. $8; $7 seniors and military with valid ID. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080, www.earlsmithstrand.org.
LITTLE FIVE POINTS
‘Dracula: The Concert and CD Release Party’ at 7 Stages Theatre
It’s Valentine’s Day, and your memory sucks. You forgot about the holiday, but don’t fret. Leave it to the king of the bloodsuckers to have your and your sweetie’s hearts pumping in unison. Members of the original cast of the acclaimed “Dracula: The Rock Opera” gather for a concert celebrating the release of the musical’s official soundtrack. The Little Five Points Rockstar Orchestra taps its melodic vein while Rob Thompson, Naomi Lavender and other performers croon the tunes. Forgot a gift, too? The “Dracula: The Rock Opera” CD and T-shirts will be for sale in the lobby, natch.
8 p.m. Feb. 13-15. $20. 7 Stages Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-523-7647, www.7stages.org/special-events/dracula-the-concert/.
DRUID HILLS
Martinis & Imax at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Do you have time to swing home and pick up your sweetheart? The sultry singing of a jazz diva with a martini chaser might be an exceptional Valentine’s Day concoction. Throw in a thinking-person’s film on a jumbo movie screen, and your significant other might assume you planned ahead. All of this takes place at the Martinis & Imax event, the monthly union of movies, live music, cocktails and morsels. The Feb. 14 edition features a performance by Kayla Taylor Jazz, which takes the stage beginning at 7:30 p.m. Fans know Taylor infuses a shot of soul into standards. Think “Singin’ in the Rain” with a jazzy bounce and “(I Love You) for Sentimental Reasons” read like seductive blues. Sugary treats come in glasses including the Sweet Confection (glazed donut vodka, Chateau Monet, creme de cacao and cream) and the Spiked Apple (Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, apple pie mix and apple bitters). Cuddle up in the movie theater for an Imax screening of one of two new flicks, “Journey to the South Pacific” and “Jerusalem.” The former takes viewers on a virtual jaunt to the tropical islands of West Papua, while the latter gives the audience special access to the holy city’s sites with aerial views. Movies play at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. As a bonus, Fernbank allows guests to get a sneak peek at its new exhibit, “Whales: Giants of the Deep.” It opens at 7 p.m. with a last entrance at 9:15 p.m. Tickets to attend the exhibit and Martinis & Imax are $16 and $8 for members.
7 p.m. Feb. 14. $13; $12 students and seniors; $8 for museum members; $8 without film. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-929-6400, www.fernbankmuseum.org.
WEST MIDTOWN
The Heartbreakers Ball at Bone Lick BBQ
Have you noticed the love of your life playing an ’80s-inspired musical playlist? Then a last-minute date night at this sauce-soaked barbecue palace may be in order. Organizers guarantee you won’t need a time-traveling DeLorean to zip back to the 1980s. The Heartbreakers Ball indulges in the decade when MTV still played videos, bangle bracelets were a fashion statement and Mr. T had game. Purchase a wristband to take advantage of event amenities including all-you-can-drink beer courtesy of Red Hare Brewing Co. and a midnight breakfast buffet overseen by owner and pit master Mike LaSage. Jet Black and Joan Hearts, and a Huey Lewis and the News tribute band lay claim to Bone Lick’s fresh-out-of-the-box stage. The Huey Lewis band threatens to perform the “Sports” album in its entirety. Still own a Members Only jacket or a wardrobe straight out of “Miami Vice”? Guests donning their ’80s best score prizes and bragging rights.
8 p.m. Feb. 14. $45 advance; $50 at the door. Bone Lick BBQ, 1133 Huff Road at Apex, Atlanta. 404-343-6574, www.bonelickbarbecue.com.
ALPHARETTA
‘Til Death Do Us Tart?’ Howlpharetta Ghost Tour
If your honey has a soft spot for the macabre, this unconventional, spooky evening might come off as creative. The Howlpharetta Ghost Tour takes guests on a special Valentine’s Day-themed jaunt around downtown Alpharetta with its heart in the right place. The two-hour walking tour takes visitors to sites including the place where a lover’s quarrel went south, Milton Avenue’s spectral spots, and to Resthaven Cemetery, where certain couples have eternal dates. The event comes with a steaming beverage, either coffee or tea, and a dessert from Mugs on Milton. Those interested should act fast, because the tour requires 24-hour advance registration. Once you purchase your tickets, organizers will let you know where to meet in downtown Alpharetta for the start of the tour.
7 p.m. Feb. 15. $20. Downtown Alpharetta. 1-800-979-3370, www.zerve.com/alphatours/treat.
