Expert recommendations of the top dance, theater, and classical music performances.
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Alliance Theatre
“The theatrical jewel that is the Woodruff Arts Center is tucked inside a cluster of architectural landmarks on Peachtree Street.”—Wendell Brock, theater critic, Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Performs about a dozen shows a year on two stages; winner of the 2007 regional Tony Award for sustained excellence; past shows include the theatrical launch of The Color Purple and, more recently, Curvy Widow, starring Cybill Shepherd. 1280 Peachtree Street NE; tel. +1 404 733 4650. www.alliancetheatre.org
Center for Puppetry Arts
“The Muppets are here! The center has long been considered the best puppet joint in America. Now that it has snagged the Jim Henson collection, it will be more essential than ever.”—Wendell Brock. Both children and adults enjoy performances and education about the art of puppetry; shows, workshops, and a museum store. 1404 Spring Street NW; tel. +1 404 873 3391. www.puppet.org
Chastain Park Amphitheater
“Blissful summer nights under the stars. Imagine: a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and Joni Mitchell.”—Wendell Brock. Locals pack coolers full of Chardonnay and Brie, stuff silver candelabra and crystal wine glasses into satchels, and sit back to watch live music on warm summer evenings. Chastain Park; tel. +1 404 733 5000. www.classicchastain.com
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center
“Despite grumbling from in-town loyalists, the Atlanta Opera’s move to a fabulous new suburban facility is proving a win-win.”—Betsy Riley, executive editor, Atlanta Magazine. This slick, $145-million performance venue opened in fall 2007; new home to the Atlanta Opera (www.atlantaopera.org), with everything from magic shows to dance performances filling out the calendar. 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway; tel. +1 770 916 2800. www.cobbenergycentre.com
Fox Theatre
"The faux minarets, glittering stars, and Arabian décor are the stars of every show.”—Betsy Riley. Built in 1927, with a Moorish-Egyptian theme; ornate gilt and bronze, heavy red velvet, and false beams and balconies; home to the acclaimed Atlanta Ballet (www.atlantaballet.com), along with musical performances. Tours available. 660 Peachtree Street NE; tel. +1 404 881 2100. www.foxtheatre.org
Variety Playhouse
"The coolest place for alternative music, it’s a beacon of our most bohemian neighborhood.”—Wendell Brock. Originally a 1930s movie theater, now a groovy performance venue in alternative Little Five Points; past performers include Phish, Ani DiFranco, and Rodney Crowell. 1099 Euclid Avenue; tel. +1 404 524 7354. www.variety-playhouse.com
