arts & entertainment
 
Applauding the holidays
by Sherri Smith Brown
photos (top to bottomt): by Denis Ivey and Keiko Guest Photography, courtesy of Southern Crescent Symphony Orchestra;  of Theatre in the Square, Marietta
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With plays, concerts, ballets and symphonies, the holiday season, more than any time of year, presents a wealth of cultural and performing arts that thrill and inspire. From “The Nutcracker Ballet,” to the classic stories and songs of Christmas, to heavenly choirs and orchestras, you’ll find numerous uplifting performances around the Perimeter that will put you in the holiday mood!

 

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Carroll County Community Theatre presents “Little Women”
Dec. 1–3, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 4, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Carrollton Cultural Arts Center Theatre
251 Alabama St., Carrollton,
770.838.1083, cprcad.org
CCCT presents this timeless and enduring story, based on the classic book by Louisa May Alcott and adapted by Scott Davidson, about the March sisters’ journey from childhood to maturity during the American Civil War.
 
Christmas in Carroll County
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Carrollton Cultural Arts Center Theatre
251 Alabama St., Carrollton
770.838.1083, cprcad.org
Conductor Charles Allen, accompanied by Jan Adams, will lead the Carroll County Community Chorus in holiday tunes that absolutely will put you in the spirit of the holiday season.
 
Children’s Hour Concert
Dec. 13, 6 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Carrollton Cultural Arts Center
251 Alabama St., Carrollton,
770.838.1083, cprcad.org
Children who participate in various programs at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center will take to the stage to showcase their talents.
 
 
CLAYTON
 
Spivey Hall Young Artist, Spivey Hall Children’s Choir
Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $25; children, $12.50
Spivey Hall, Clayton State University, Morrow
678.466.4200, spiveyhall.org
On one special evening, all 170 members of the award-winning Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program gather to welcome Christmas in joyful song.
 
Spivey Hall Children’s Choir, Spivey Hall Tour Choir
Dec. 10–11, 3 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $25; children, $12.50
Spivey Hall, Clayton State University, Morrow
678.466.4200, spiveyhall.org
Revel in the truly glorious sound when the audience joins the children’s choirs in two traditional carols, accompanied by the magnificent Fratelli Ruffatti pipe organ.
 
Music of the Season
Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free, donations accepted for local children’s charities.
Bailey Center at Kennesaw State University
1000 Chastain Road N.W., Kennesaw
770.473.2875, tarawinds.org
Tara Winds, one of the Southeast’s premier adult symphonic bands, performs their annual holiday concert.
 
Christmas with the Southern Crescent Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 11, 3 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $12; seniors/students, $10; and free to student musicians enrolled in a band or string program at their school
Community Bible Church
2001 Jodeco Road, Stockbridge
770.473.2875, scsymphony.org
Join the Southern Crescent Symphony for a concert featuring Handel’s “Messiah,” “Christmas Music for Orchestra” by John Cacavas, “Sleigh Ride,” and other Christmas classics.
 
Il Brasso Magnifico
Dec. 18, 3 p.m.
Tickets: Free Concert
Spivey Hall, Clayton State University, Morrow
678.466.4200, spiveyhall.org
Current and former members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra join other musicians in this offering of holiday music in classical, jazz and popular styles.
 
 
 
COWETA
 
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
Dec. 3, 10, 17; 11 a.m., 2 p.m.
Tickets: Call for information.
Main Stage Theatre
Newnan Theatre Company
24 First Ave., Newnan
770.683.6282, newnantheatre.org
The “most awful kids in history” are given roles in the Sunday school’s Christmas play in this hilarious Christmas tale.

“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 8–11, 15–18; Thursday–Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.
Tickets: Thurs., all seats $7; Fri.–Sun., seats $8, $12, $14
Main Stage Theatre
Newnan Theatre Company
24 First Ave., Newnan
770.683.6282, newnantheatre.org
The Charles Dickens classic is done improve style, so who knows how this story of three spirits, a poor family and a miser will turn out!
 
“The Eight: Reindeer Monologues”
Dec. 9–11, 16 - 18; Fri., 10:30 p.m.; Sat., 6 p.m., 10:30 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.
Tickets: $8, $12, $14
Black Box Theatre
Newnan Theatre Company
24 First Ave., Newnan
770.683.6282,  newnantheatre.org
In this dark Christmas comedy, scandal erupts at the North Pole when one of Santa’s eight tiny reindeer accuses him of sexual harassment. Suitable for ages 15+.
 
Classical Dance Theatre Holiday Concert
Date: TBD; Tickets: TBD
Location: TBD
Southeastern Ballet Dancers will be featured at Classical Dance Theatre’s upcoming Holiday Concert.
 
Masterworks Chorale Holiday Concert
Dec. 18, 8 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $15; children, $12
The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts
1523 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan
770.254.2787, thecentreonline.net
The entire Masterworks Chorale will sing Robert Shaw’s “The Many Moods of Christmas,” conducted by the Rev. L.C. Lane and accompanied by an orchestra.
   
DOUGLAS
 
19th Annual Family Christmas Concert
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Central Baptist Church
5811 Central Church Road, Douglasville
Conducted by Jan Booth, the Christian Community Orchestra of Douglasville, a group ranging from age 10 to 70, will be playing familiar Christmas music.
 
A Family Christmas Concert
Dec. 6, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $15–$30
Douglas County High School Performing Arts Hall
8705 Campbellton St., Douglasville
770.920.1662, wadcs.org
This annual concert features the 25-year old West Atlanta/Douglas Choral Society and The WADCS Chamber Singers, The Georgia Boy Choir and other artists.
 
FAIRBURN
 
“Christmas Gift”
Dec. 1–3, 8–10, 8 p.m.; Dec. 4, 11, 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $14–$17.50; children, $8
Southside Theatre Guild
20 W. Campbellton St., Fairburn
770.969.0956, stgplays.com
This warm story about local legend author Ferrol Sams and his three sisters growing up just after the Great Depression captures the spirit of the Christmas season.
 
FAYETTE
 
“The Andrews Sisters: A Christmas Swing!”
Nov. 25–Dec. 18; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $25; seniors/students, $22; children, $15
The Legacy Theatre
1175 Senoia Road, Ste. C, Tyrone
404.895.1473, thelegacytheatre.org
Enjoy an irresistible hug of nostalgia as the Andrews Sisters grace the Legacy stage with a Christmas Eve USO show featuring actual letters home from WWII troops.
 
Christmas with the Southern Crescent Chorale
Dec. 4, 3 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $15; students/seniors, $12
First Presbyterian Church
206 Willow Bend Road, Peachtree City
The concert, “Carols from Around the World,” features the Spivey Hall Tour Choir and such wonderful Christmas classics as “Silent Night,” “I Saw Three Ships” and “Bring A Torch.”
 
“The Elves and the Shoemaker”
Dec. 10, 11 a.m.
Tickets: $10
The Legacy Theatre
1175 Senoia Road, Ste. C, Tyrone
404.895.1473, thelegacytheatre.org
Holly and Berry, two of Santa’s elves-in-training, are sent to The Black Forest to save a kind shoemaker and his wife from being thrown out of their shop.
 
“The Nutcracker Ballet”
Dec. 10, 7 p.m.; Dec. 11, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20
McIntosh High School Auditorium
Walt Banks Road, Peachtree City
770.631.3128, gadance.com
Watch the Nutcracker Prince battle the Rat King and be captivated by the mysterious and magical character of Drosselmeyer as he weaves his magic of delights for children.

 
HENRY
 
Christmas with the Arts
Dec. 4, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Henry County Performing Arts Center
37 Lemon St., McDonough
Henry Arts Alliance annual offering.
 
“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 10, 7 p.m.; Dec. 11, 2 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $15; students/seniors, $12; children, $6
Henry County Performing Arts Center
37 Lemon St., McDonough
A mysterious party guest, a heroic prince and the “Land of the Sweets” come to life in Atlanta Festival Ballet’s delightful holiday classic.
   
DUNWOODY
 
“Greetings”
Dec. 2–18, Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday afternoons
Tickets: Adults, $26; seniors, $24; students, $22; children, $12
Stage Door Players
5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody
770.396.1726, stagedoorplayers.net
When Andy brings his Jewish atheist fiancé to meet the folks on Christmas Eve, his worst fears about family blow ups are realized!
   
MARIETTA
 
“Sanders Family Christmas” TheatrnSqSandersFam2.jpg
Nov. 22–Jan. 1, times vary
Tickets: $25–$35
Theatre in the Square
11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta
770.422.8369, theatreinthesquare.com
The Sanders Family is quirky, saintly and delightfully melodic as they interpret everybody’s favorite bluegrass gospel music.
 
Carols by Candlelight
Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church  
955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta
770.973.6561, tgafc.org
The Georgia Festival Chorus Christmas program, full of old favorites and new interpretations, is a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.
 
“The 1940s Radio Hour”
Dec. 17–Jan. 1, times vary
Tickets: $25–$35
Southern Polytechnic University, Joe Mack Wilson Theatre
1100 S. Marietta Pkwy., Marietta
After a five-year hiatus, the old gang at WOV is back at the mics with the dance routines and swing music that are as rousing as they are heartwarming.
   
ALPHARETTA
 
“Oliver” Presented by Act 1 Theatre
Nov. 25–Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinee;
Tickets: Adults, $18; seniors/children, $15
Alpharetta Christian Theater
180 Academy St., Alpharetta
770.663.8989, act1theater.com
Singing favorites, such as “Food, Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself (One of Us)” and “Oom-Pah-Pah,” Act 1 brings the pain and redemption of this timeless tale to life on the stage.
 
Alpharetta City Band Holiday Concert
Dec. 4, 3 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park
13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta
678.297.6140, alpharetta.ga.us
Guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit, the Alpharetta City Band will play some time-honored holiday music at their annual holiday concert. Light refreshments are provided.
   
ROSWELL
 
A Joyous Noel
Dec. 4, 3 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $17; students/seniors, $15; 12 and under, free
Roswell United Methodist Church
814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell
770.594.7974, mosingers.com
The Michael O’Neal Singers and the Georgia Regional Girls Choir join forces in this program of joyful holiday music.
 
“Babes in Toyland”
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10, 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $23.50; seniors/students, $16.50
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
950 Forest Street, Roswell
770.998.0259, roswellgov.com
The Atlanta Dance Theatre presents the 21st anniversary performance of this holiday classic.
 
Wondrous Works of the Season!—The Atlanta Wind Symphony
Dec. 12, 3 p.m.
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
950 Forest Street, Roswell
Featuring wonderful orchestral arrangements from the ASW library, such as Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev and Handel, to celebrate the season.
 
“Messiah” Sing-Along
Dec. 18, 3 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Roswell United Methodist Church
814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell
770.594.7974, mosingers.com
Enjoy the Michael O’Neal Singers’ sixth annual sing-along special. The Georgia Regional Girls’ Choir will entertain the audience with holiday music prior to the concert.
   
IN TOWN
 
“Nutcracker Ballet”
Nov. 27–Dec. 26, Times vary.
Tickets: $22–$90
The Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St., Atlanta
404.873.5811, ticketmaster.com
Share the tradition and experience the joy of the holiday extravaganza that’s been enchanting audiences for over 50 years.
 
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical”
Nov. 29–Dec. 2, 8 p.m.; Dec. 3, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Nov. 4, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tickets: $28–$58
The Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street, Atlanta
800.982.2787, ticketmaster.com
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage, featuring songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.”

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 1– 3, 8–10, 15–17, 22–23, 7:30 p.m.; Dec, 4, 11, 18, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12.95–$38.88
The Shakespeare Tavern
499 Peachtree St., Atlanta
404.874.5299, shakespearetavern.com
A handful of actors bring the wondrous art of storytelling to life, transporting you to Scrooge’s London counting house that fateful Christmas when Scrooge meets three ghosts and a certain little boy named Tiny Tim.
 
Handel’s “Messiah”
Dec. 1, 3, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $29–$59
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
404.733.5000, atlantasymphony.org
Begin your holidays on notes that are joyous and triumphant as the ASO and the Chamber Chorus convey the glorious majesty of the “Hallelujah” and Christmas portion of Handel’s masterwork.
 
ASO Gospel Christmas
Dec. 2, 8 p.m.; Dec. 3, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $15–$42
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
404.733.5000, atlantasymphony.org
The powerful voices of the ASO’s Gospel Choir, comprising leading singers from churches across greater Atlanta, and a soul-stirring program are reason enough to celebrate.
 
ASO Kid’s Christmas
Dec. 4, 11 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Ticket: $18–$24
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
404.733.5000, atlantasymphony.org
Experience Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Jere Flint.
 
“A Christmas Story”
Dec. 7–26, 7 p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $15–$50; children 12 and under, $15
Georgia Shakespeare at Oglethorpe University
4484 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta
404.264.0020, gashakespeare.org
See this classic comedy live on stage about Ralphie Parker, who only wants one thing for Christmas—an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rife with a Compass in the Stock.
 
Christmas with the ASO
Dec. 8, 9, 8 p.m.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets: $29–$62
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
404.733.5000, atlantasymphony.org
More than 400 musicians and singers pay homage to the legendary Robert Shaw’s in this 45th Anniversary “Christmas with the ASO” performance.
 
A Very Merry Holiday Pops
Dec. 16, 8 p.m.; Dec. 17, 2 p.m., 8 p.m.
Tickets: $22–$59
Symphony Hall at Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta
404.733.4900, atlantasymphony.org
The ASO Pops orchestra joins Broadway’s Montego Glover, pianist and singer Tony DeSare, two incredibly talented high school choruses and an impressive Santa for a festive holiday show like no other!
 
“The 12 Days of Christmas” with Amy Grant and Vince Gill
Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25–$175
The Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St., Atlanta
404.873.5811, ticketmaster.com
Amy Grant and Vince Gill bring their “Twelve Days of Christmas” tour to the Fox Theatre, singing traditional Christmas songs as well as some of their biggest hits.
       
NEW YEAR’S EVE
 
Gold Nugget Drop
Dec. 31, 11 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
The Mill Amphitheater
106 Temple Street, Villa Rica
Welcome in the New Year with live music, fireworks and free treats at this city celebration at The Mill Amphitheater.
 
Peach Drop
Dec. 31
Underground Atlanta
50 Upper Alabama St. S.W., Atlanta
404.523.2311, peachdrop.com
The largest New Year’s Celebration in the Southeast, this year’s Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta includes children’s activities and main stage performances, including Tito Jackson, which will light up your night until the 800-lb Peach drops on the stroke of midnight.
 
ASO New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $30–$68
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
404.733.5000, atlantasymphony.org
Celebrate the timeless music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and more luminaries in an evening of song and dance inspired by the legendary Fred and Ginger.
Copyright, 2012

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