It’s not tutu soon to be thinking about ‘Nutcracker’
Now that the Halloween princess costumes have been put up, it can only mean that it’s time for “The Nutcracker” princess costumes to come out.
If you think it’s grossly too early to be talking “Nutcracker,” you must not believe in the power (and box-office potential) of the Sugar Plum Fairy. In fact, the metro area’s first major “Nutcracker” of the season, Ballethnic Dance Company’s “Urban Nutcracker,” opens Nov. 15. Before the month is out at least three other biggies make their bow, with the city’s biggest, Atlanta Ballet’s, holding out until early December.
Here’s an at-a-glance rundown for those marking calendars with fairy dust:
- Ballethnic Dance Company's "Urban Nutcracker," the troupe's 19th staging, runs Nov. 15-18 at Georgia Tech's Ferst Center for the Arts. Waverly T. Lucas II, co-artistic director, of the city's first and only African-American-founded classically trained professional ballet company, sets his adaptation on Atlanta's historic Auburn Avenue in the 1940s. 404-894-9601, www.ballethnic.org.
- Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre's (formerly Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre) "The Nutcracker," featuring new choreography and costumes, is Nov. 23-25 at Cobb Civic Center. 678-287-9020, www.georgiametrodance.org.
- Gwinnett Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker" runs Nov. 30-Dec. 16 at Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. Guests at "Backstage Pass," a grand opening of the company's new facilities at 1800 Macleod Drive, Lawrenceville (across Sugarloaf Parkway from Gwinnett Technical College), 5-8 p.m. Nov. 17, can catch a glimpse of "Nutcracker" rehearsals, among other activities (free, but reservations requested). 770-237-0046, www.gwinnettballet.org.
- Georgia Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at Cobb Civic Center. The 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 performance will feature celebrity appearances by CBS Atlanta anchor JaQuitta Williams; Dianne Isakson, artist-wife of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson; Cobb Chamber of Commerce chairman Tony Britton; and Dr. William A. Cooper of Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Emory University School of Medicine. 770-528-0881, www.georgiaballet.org.
- "Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker," Dec. 7-26 at the Fox Theatre, turns up the magic quotient with master illusionist Drew Thomas appearing for the company's 53rd production. Artistic director John McFall updates his choreography every year for the large-scale dance featuring more than 250 Atlanta-area children performing alongside the professional company.
“Nutcracker” opens the Atlanta Ballet 2012-14 season, and look for a few changes in the company’s steady dancer ranks, by the way. Nineteen of the 21 professional company members are returning from last season, including double-digit veterans John Welker (18th season), Tara Lee (17th season), Jonah Hooper (14th season) and Christian Clark (11th season).
Another 18-season member, Christine Winkler, will be on hiatus this season. She and husband John Welker are expecting their first child next spring. Alexandre Barros and Benjamin Stone will join the professional group after being promoted from fellowship and apprentice status, respectively. 855-285-8499, www.atlantaballet.com.
EVENTS
History Center highlights cultural diversity
The Atlanta History Center, which staged its popular Day of the Dead celebration in October, continues its community outreach this month with two notable events:
- Passport to Celebrations, opening Nov. 14 and running through the holidays, will be a display of decorated holiday tables depicting cultural traditions around the world.
Twenty four table settings created by top metro interior, garden and event designers will interpret American and international secular and religious holidays including the African Yam Festival, the Indian festival of lights Diwali, Brazilian Carnival, Japan’s cherry blossom festival and Persian New Year.
“This event showcases Atlanta’s multiculturalism and diversity and provides visitors an opportunity to learn more about international holidays, their historical origins and time-honored celebrations,” said co-chair Debbie Neese of the event being staged by the History Center’s Members Guild.
The exhibit is free with museum admission or $10 for “Passport” only. A Passport Premiere Evening, 7-10 p.m. Nov. 14, features a cocktail buffet and exhibit preview (donation: $175 per person).
- A Southeastern Indians Heritage Program on Nov. 17 is the center's celebration of Native American Heritage Month. During the 11 a.m.-4 p.m. event, visitors will find craft demonstrations, performances relating to the Trail of Tears and storytelling as well as discussions led by Native American artists and experts on everything from hide tanning to fire making.
The University of Georgia’s Toli Team will demonstrate the traditional Native American stickball game. Guests also can go on self-guided tours of the exhibition “Native Lands: Indians and Georgia.” (Included with museum admission.)
130 W. Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta. 404-814-4000, www.atlantahistorycenter.com.
MUSIC
Extending a healing concert tradition
Intending to unite communities and bridge traditions, Rev. Dwight Andrews of First Congregational Church and Steven Darsey of the Atlanta music-worship group Meridian Herald launched the Atlanta Music Festival in 2001. It was something of a homage to the Atlanta Colored Music Festival Association’s debut concert in 1910 that drew 2,000 blacks and whites (seated in separate areas) to Atlanta’s Auditorium and Armory to a concert performed by African-American artists. One of the missions of that concert was to encourage social healing after the Atlanta race riot of 1906.
The “2012 Atlanta Music Festival Concert: Songs of Aspiration, Hope and Progress,” 4 p.m. Nov. 11 in the First Congregational Church sanctuary, will feature performances by spinto tenor Timothy B. Miller, the First Church Chancel Choir directed by Norma Raybon and the Meridian Chorale and soloists.
The concert will include works by T. J. Anderson, former Atlanta Symphony Orchestra composer in residence who recently moved to Atlanta and will be in attendance. Andrews will serve as artistic director and Meridian Herald’s Steven Darsey as music director.
Presented by the church, Meridan Herald and Emory University, “Songs of Aspiration, Hope and Progress” is free, with an offering taken to benefit the Atlanta Music Festival. 105 Courtland St. Atlanta. www.meridianherald.org.
