Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker Adds Magic to Your Holidays
Shen Yun — A Global Sensation Returns to Atlanta
The “King of Instruments” Shines at the Schwartz Center
Rudolph Shines Bright at the Center for Puppetry Arts
From Student to Star with City Springs Theatre Conservatory
The Historic Holly Theatre Presents The Magic of Life
Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Marks 45 Years
New South Festival Singers Begins Fifth Decade
Celebrate the Holidays at Atlanta Symphony Hall
Pace Academy’s Spring Arts Week
The Underground Rep Opens Stage at Woodruff Arts Center
Atlanta Women’s Chorus Turns Song Into Seasonal Light
Roswell Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker!
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
Continues Its Most Varied and Exciting Season to Date
A Beloved Holiday Tradition with Atlanta Master Chorale
Give the Gift of Opera This Holiday Season
Celebrate the Season with Music and Theatre at Oglethorpe University
20 Years of Applause: Celebrating the Suzi Bass Awards
An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee at the Fox Theatre
Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker Will Add a Little Magic to Your Holidays
Atlanta Ballet has a long history of making The Nutcracker part of Atlanta audiences’ holiday tradition that goes back over 60 years. In 1958, Robert Barnett left George Balanchine’s storied New York City Ballet to become a principal dancer and associate director with Atlanta Civic Ballet, later renamed Atlanta Ballet, and in 1962 he was named artistic director. During his tenure, he helped Atlanta Ballet secure its professional status and gifted both the organization and local audiences with the magic of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Atlanta Ballet was the first regional company outside of New York City Ballet to perform this famed version of the holiday classic when Mr. Balanchine granted Mr. Barnett, his original Sugar Cane male soloist in the production, exclusive permission to restage the ballet in 1959. Now, 66 years later, Atlanta Ballet brings a Nutcracker for the next generation to the stage at Cobb Energy Centre. Award-winning choreographer Yuri Possokhov reinvented this classical ballet in 2018 exclusively for Atlanta Ballet with intricately designed costumes, larger-thanlife sets, advanced lighting and state-ofthe-art video projections. The Washington Post lauded Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker,
claiming it “tops them all as the most entertaining as well as the smartest.”
As one of the few regional Nutcracker productions with live music, the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra will perform the traditional Tchaikovsky score, bringing the beautiful and intricate ballet to life.
The Atlanta Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker has been hailed as one of the most technically advanced versions of the show. It promises to transport audiences to a charming yuletide German city for its whimsical story involving an unexpected gift, a mysterious journey and two acts of enchantment. Snowstorms, dancing dolls, bullfights, snake charmers and much more bring panoramic adventure to the stage. A winter wonderland awaits you, where falling snowflakes, twirling flowers and spinning stars come to life in this reimagined production. Travel with Marie and her Nutcracker Prince through a dream-like world of delights that is nothing shy of extravagant.
Imagine a performance so profound, so inspiring, it touches your soul. Let Shen Yun take you on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divine culture, from the origins of civilization to the modern day.
“Extraordinary
color and energy. The vibrant ethnic and folk dances will whisk you away, and the exquisite melodic notes and animated backdrops will transport you to another world.
experience! Exquisitely beautiful!”
– Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actress
Meet beautiful celestial maidens, valiant warriors, and even a magical monkey! Witness ancient legends and heavenly realms spring to life through classical Chinese dance. See dazzling costumes and powerful flips fill the stage with
“5,000
Based in New York, Shen Yun has become a global sensation, reviving the authentic culture of China that was once almost lost. And now, after enchanting royals in London, performing for packed houses across Asia, and wowing sold-out audiences in the U.S. last season, Shen Yun returns with a brandnew 2026 production!
years of Chinese music and dance, in one night!!”
– The New York Times
More than just a performance, Shen Yun is a taste of a world and a culture that can inspire us to be better. Journey to where heaven and earth intersect. This is what you have been waiting for.
Don’t miss Shen Yun Performing Arts at Cobb Energy Centre from Jan. 27 to Feb. 1, 2026. For tickets and more information, visit www.shenyun.com/Atlanta.
TThe “King of Instruments” Shines at the Schwartz Center
he Daniel Jaeckel Op. 45 Organ is the focal point of the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts Emerson Concert Hall. Installed in 2005 as the Werner Wortsman Memorial Organ, the 14-ton instrument rises 36 feet above the concert hall stage. The organ, a mechanical key-action tracker instrument of 54 stops and 3,605 pipes, is playable from three keyboards and a pedal board. The organ case’s cherry wood, rounded pedal towers, and the painted lower panels all match design elements found in the concert hall. The Emory University coat of arms occupies the top middle position of the organ’s highest central tower, surrounded by intricate basswood carvings outlining patterns of Southern foliage.
On Friday, November 7 at 8 p.m., the king of instruments comes alive during the 2025–2026 Candler Concert Series. Organist Cameron Carpenter brings audiences the traditional compositional beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, and Carpenter’s own groundbreaking
arrangement of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Carpenter is a virtuoso composer/ performer who is smashing the stereotypes of organ and classical music. He is the first-ever organist to be nominated for a Grammy Award for a solo album, holds the 2012 Leonard Bernstein Award, and in 2014, launched his International Touring Organ (ITO — a first-of-its-kind digital organ built to his own design). Recent highlights include recitals with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Lucerne Festival, Philharmonie Cologne, Philharmonie Luxembourg, his debut at the Cité de La Musique in Paris, and a residency at Konzerthaus Berlin.
Whether you’re a longtime classical enthusiast or a seeker of new musical experiences, the Candler Concert Series promises unforgettable evenings of artistry and connection.
For tickets and more information, visit schwartz.emory.edu or call the Schwartz Center Box Office at (404) 727-5050.
Werner Wortsman Memorial Organ, PipesB
Photo by Mark Teague
Cameron Carpenter
Photo by Dovile Sermokas
Cody Fry Christmas with the ASO
Handel’s Messiah
Christmas with the ASO
Celtic Woman
Christmas Tour with the ASO
Sounds of the Season
The Coca-Cola Holiday Concerts are presented by
Holiday concerts are made possible through an endowment from the Livingston Foundation in memory of Leslie Livingston Kellar.
Decorating the Tree from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Photo by Clay Walker (2010)
TRudolph Shines Bright at the Center for Puppetry Arts
his holiday season, the Center for Puppetry Arts wraps Atlanta in warmth and wonder with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, returning to the stage from November 12 through December 28. Adapted by Jon Ludwig, this production lovingly reimagines the beloved 1964 stop-motion special, inviting audiences to journey into a world where kindness, courage, and belonging shine the brightest.
In this tender tale, Rudolph — shunned for his radiant nose — finds a kindred spirit in Hermey, an elf who feels out of place, too. Together, they brave challenges, confront the intimidating Bumble, and learn that being different is a gift worth celebrating. Their story resonates deeply across generations, reminding us that even on our loneliest nights, light can guide the way.
What makes this season at the Center especially magical is the return of Festive Features, a special holiday exhibition displayed in the Worlds of Puppetry Museum from November 9 through January 4. All-inclusive tickets include admission to the the show, the museum, and the Create-A-Puppet™ Workshop, in addition to full access to Festive Features. Inside the exhibition, visitors will find
treasured artifacts: the original Rudolph and Santa stop-motion puppets from the 1964 Rankin/Bass classic, Charlie Horse and his King Antiochus costume from the 1995 TV movie, Lamb Chop’s Special Chanukah, and other pieces on display. Together, the performances and the exhibition offer a multidimensional celebration of holiday stories from many traditions.
Every ticket to Rudolph remains all-inclusive: performance, Worlds of Puppetry Museum galleries (including Festive Features), and the Create-A-Puppet workshop, where guests can fashion their own Rudolph shadow puppet. The Center continues its strong commitment to accessibility with a live ASL-interpreted performance on November 23 and a sensory-friendly show on November 30. Located at 1404 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, the Center awaits with open arms and twinkling lights. Tickets (and full details) are available online at puppet.org or via phone at (404) 873-3391.
Whether starting a new family tradition or returning to a beloved one, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ and the treasures of Festive Features promise a season full of joy, reflection, and magical stories that unite us all.
From Student to Star!
Recent City Springs Theatre Conservatory Grad Takes Lead Role in The Wizard of Oz!
City Springs Theatre Company’s December production of The Wizard of Oz will not only feature its largest cast ever, but leading them into “the merry old land” of witches, monkeys and munchkins will be 19-year old Elizabeth Hall. The young actress recently began her collegiate-level training at the prestigious Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, after two
“Getting to work alongside her in her first big professional gig is an opportunity I am really going to cherish.”
–
Kristine Reese
years of training in the Pre-Professional program at City Springs Theatre Conservatory.
Director and choreographer (and Broadway legend) Baayork Lee wanted the show’s starring role (Dorothy) to be played by a young actress, preferably a teenager. Hall had actually been on Lee’s radar since her electrifying performance (bit.ly/HALLJTF) at the Junior Theater Festival earlier this
year went viral. Heading into college, Hall didn’t actually think she would be available for the show. Conversations between the company and Hall’s CCM professors were in immediate agreement — that a lead in an Equity-level musical was an opportunity that could not be passed up.
Now Hall leads a cast of 48 performers into Oz, alongside a company that includes Hall’s former CSTC instructor (and coach) Kristine Reese, who is playing Glinda. “She only had two years in our Pre-Pro program, but from the very beginning it was obvious she had the talent and the discipline for delivering the goods on a big stage,” says Reese. “Getting to work alongside her in her first big professional gig is an opportunity I am really going to cherish.”
The Wizard of Oz runs December 12-28 at the Byers Theatre in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. A special 1 p.m. performance is scheduled for Christmas Eve. Tickets and showtimes are now on sale at www.CitySpringsTheatre.com.
Costume Illustrations by Sandra Woodall
The Historic Holly Theatre Presents: The Magic of Life
The Holly Theatre in Dahlonega is excited about our new 2025-2026 season, ‘The Magic of Life’. As a vital part of the local community, The Holly is committed to showcasing the abundant regional talent throughout the remaining months of this celebratory season. Artistic Director Taylor Jarrard takes pride in the community’s collective efforts throughout the season and can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store. “It’s always really special to see a season play out, after months of hard work and discussion amongst the artistic committee.” This December, the Holly Theatre invites you to immerse yourself in the classic A 1940’s Radio Hour Christmas Carol. It’s a seamlessly combo drama and comedy, heartbreak and hope, A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol will sing its way into your heart. If you enjoyed 1940’s Radio
Hour, step back in time once again with the Feddington Players, and get into the holiday spirit with A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol. We invite you to come have dinner and see the show in our beautiful town of Dahlonega!
The Holly Theatre is steadfast in its commitment to providing opportunities for children to learn and perform. We have kid shows throughout the year. Additionally, the theater offers an abundance of summer camps catering to students of all ages, starting as early as age 3!
As a longstanding pillar in the North Georgia community, the historic Holly Theatre continues to be a cherished venue. The venue’s beautiful and relaxed atmosphere creates an intimate and inviting setting for guests to unwind and immerse themselves in the enchanting world of theater.
For detailed show and ticket information, visit info@hollytheater.com or call (706) 530-5162. Join The Holly Theatre in celebrating the magic of live performances and the vibrant spirit of community theater!
How the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Marks 45 Years with a Global Holiday Celebration
For forty-five years, the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus has filled the holidays with joy, resilience, and harmony. This season’s concert honors that legacy while embracing the world’s shared musical traditions. Audiences will also witness the debut of the chorus’s new sapphire vests — an unveiling that symbolizes renewal and the sparkle of a new era.
The program spans continents and cultures.
Beloved carols such as Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, Feliz Navidad, and Silent Night anchor the evening, while global treasures bring fresh color and rhythm. The Nigerian carol Oba Se Je pulses with energy. Franz Biebl’s Ave Maria glows with timeless grace. Together, they create a night where discovery and tradition meet.
under cathedral lights for the first time. Their deep hue honors the past and reflects the enduring spirit of the chorus. They capture both the gravity of history and the joy of transformation.
“Every holiday season, we’re reminded that singing together is an act of hope,” says Artistic Director Don Milton III. “Marking 45 years, these concerts honor the voices that came before us and the global sounds that unite us today.”
For AGMC President Adam Miller,
The sapphire vests will shimmer
the milestone is about connection. “The sapphire vest reminds us that while the look may evolve, the heart of the chorus — our commitment to joy, justice, and community — remains the same. This year’s program celebrates traditions from around the world, and we’re thrilled to share that journey with Atlanta.”
From the first note to the final chord, the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus reaffirms its enduring mission: to use music as a bridge — across cultures, communities, and time.
For information visit voicesofnote.org.
New South Festival Singers Begins Fifth Decade of Choral Excellence from Atlanta
On February 26, 1985, two dozen young singers met in the basement of a Norcross Church to begin a new brand of choral singing. Their 26-year-old founder and director, William Baker, called his ensemble The Gwinnett Festival Singers. This choir would expand its mission to perform short-form sacred a cappella classics, new works, and spirituals, in addition to annual performances of choral-orchestral masterworks.
The ambitious choir grew rapidly in its early years, becoming a regional sensation through nationally released recordings, tours across the Southeast and Great Britain, and annual performances to capacity audiences at Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival from 1989 to the present.
The choir became the William Baker Festival Singers Atlanta in 1998, and was led by its founder for 30 years until 2015. From that initial seed of creativity, the Festival Singers tradition gave rise to the Summer Singers of Atlanta, the Cobb Summer Singers, and Zimria Festivale Atlanta. In time it led to the creation of the William Baker Choral Foundation, a national arts organization that comprises twelve performing ensembles involving hundreds of participants in Georgia, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois, in addition to one of the nation’s largest choral music libraries, two educational institutions with an international scope, a publishing
house, two podcast shows, and choral intern program that has helped launch the careers of over 40 young music leaders. www.ChoralFoundation.org Since 2015, the Festival Singers has been led by Lynn Swanson and Dr. Andrew Schmidt. Now called The New South Festival Singers, the beloved choir will celebrate its first Christmas season performance under the baton of its new Music Director Thomas Dixon, at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at the Church at St. John, 550 Mt Paran Rd. in Sandy Springs.
The gala program will include the New South Festival Singers with the Festival Brass, Organist Will Buthod and the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir, all under the leadership of Music Director Thomas Dixon. Selections will include glorious music for the audience to sing, as well as holiday works by Gerald Finzi, Malcolm Sargent, Rosephanye Powell, and others, along with traditional and beloved carols. FestivalSingers.org/concerts.
TCelebrate the Holidays at Atlanta Symphony Hall
he Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s holiday calendar is full of blockbuster guest artists and audience favorites that offer a way for everyone to celebrate with their family and friends — from the powerful Chorus leading carols to kid-sized shows and movies in concert.
On November 25, singer-songwriter and composer, Cody Fry returns to Symphony Hall for a special holiday program, featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and conducted by his father, Gary Fry. Cody Fry Christmas will include fanfavorite holiday tunes as well as hit songs from Fry’s catalog. This holiday experience is sure to be fun for the whole family.
On December 11, 13 and 14, join the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and Morehouse College Glee Club for Christmas with the ASO, an evening of holiday carols, hymns and more. This timeless tradition, begun by Robert Shaw, is sure to inspire holiday cheer.
On December 18 and 19, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Director of Choruses, Norman Mackenzie, steps up to the podium to conduct the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, Handel’s most enduring
oratorio, culminating in the glorious “Hallelujah Chorus.” Opening the program is Mozart’s popular and jubilant Coronation Mass in C major. Don’t miss this beloved Atlanta tradition as world-class soloists and the internationally acclaimed Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus raise the roof with this glorious masterwork.
On December 20 and 21, Celtic Woman returns for a holiday show with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on their Symphony Christmas Tour 2025. This is a rare opportunity to hear Grammy-nominated Celtic Woman’s angelic harmonies of their favorite Yuletide songs.
On December 23, wrap up and join in the festivities at Sounds of the Season, with works that evoke the mystery and wonder of this magical time of year. Enjoy orchestral favorites like Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, White Christmas, and A Holly Jolly Sing Along!
The Coca-Cola Holiday concerts are made possible through an endowment from the Livingston Foundation in memory of Leslie Livingston Kellar.
Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit aso.org/holidays.
Kristin Chenoweth
Chris Botti
Celtic Woman 2023
Four Seasons David Coucheron
Photo by Rand Lines Photography
Morehouse College Glee Club Christmas with the ASO
Photo by Rand Lines Photography
Photo by Rand Lines Photography
Pace Academy’s Spring Arts Week: A Schoolwide Celebration of Creativity and Community
Each spring, the Pace Academy community sets aside a week to honor the creativity, talent and hard work that define its thriving visual and performing arts programs. Spring Arts Week transforms the campus into a vibrant celebration where every division — from the youngest Lower School students to Upper School seniors — comes together to celebrate the arts in all their forms.
“The visual and performing arts are so ingrained in the culture of our school that it’s important for us to take a moment to slow down and highlight the individuals who make excellence in the arts possible,” says Fine Arts Chair Sean Bryan.
This past year’s celebration, themed “Sense of Self,” invited students to explore how the five senses shape imagination and expression. Over five days, they participated in hands-on workshops, artist presentations and performances that encouraged them to see the world — and their own creativity — through new perspectives.
The Artist Market connected students with professional artists and creative entrepreneurs, offering exposure to diverse art forms and insight into art-related careers. From macramé with Scraplanta and
lessons in perfumery to conversations with costume designers and animators, nail art and jewelry making, and culinary creativity with King of Pops, the week overflowed with joyful, unexpected opportunities to experience the arts, including spirited sessions of communal karaoke.
Each year, Arts Laureates — 34 student-artists across all divisions — receive recognition from the visual and performing arts faculty for outstanding talent in a specific medium. These honorees share their work during special assemblies that spotlight individual creativity.
Anchoring the week are community favorites like Knight of Jazz, a collaborative performance between the Upper School band and chorus, and the Middle School Improv Throwdown, both showcasing the spirit of partnership and creative excellence that define Pace Arts.
Thanks to the dedication of the visual and performing arts faculty and the Pace Arts Alliance, Spring Arts Week continues to remind the community that at Pace Academy, the arts aren’t an extracurricular — they’re a cornerstone of what it means to learn, create and belong. For information visit paceacademy.org/arts.
The Underground Rep Opens New Stage at Woodruff Arts Center
After a year of construction, Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce three productions that will open the new Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families. Inspired by the massive construction project that uncovered the dirt floor beneath the Memorial Arts Building, Alliance will open with three productions all set underground and performing in repertory from January 2026 through the summer. The Underground Rep will feature the delightful family musicals Into The Burrow: A Peter Rabbit™ Tale; Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience; and the worldpremiere, The Great Ant Sleepover. The Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families will be a transformative space for Atlanta’s youngest patrons, featuring thoughtfully curated, year-round programming by Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on the campus of the Woodruff Arts Center. Alliance Theatre programming on the Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families will be supported by the Imagine Endowment, a permanent fund which will keep ticket prices
accessible for a greatly expanded base of young audiences, provide field trip resources for Georgia schools, and support high-quality streaming productions for classrooms around the globe.
From recent research, we know that children who have access to the arts are two times more likely to graduate college; four times more likely to participate in math and science fairs; three times more likely to win an award for school attendance; and four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. They also feel more engaged in school and more hopeful about their own futures.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org.
Alliance Theatre, A Christmas Carol Photo by Greg Mooney
Alliance Theatre, A Christmas Carol, Photo by Greg Mooney
CAROLS
EHow the Atlanta Women’s Chorus Turns Song Into Seasonal Light
ach December, the Atlanta Women’s Chorus lights the season with more than music. Their holiday program, Season of Light, turns familiar carols and modern songs into a celebration of hope, unity, and renewal. Each performance blends cultural traditions with fresh expression, becoming not just a concert but a shared ritual of reflection.
This year’s program carries an international spirit. Audiences will hear Silent Night alongside songs from around the world that honor the longing for light in dark times. From gentle European carols to lively global rhythms, each piece demonstrates that peace and connection transcend language and borders.
The music glows. Jacob Narverud’s Season of Light anchors the repertoire with its message of community and resilience. Under the direction of Artistic Director Melissa “Missy” Arasi, the chorus brings warmth, honesty, and heart to every note.
“We aim to bring humor, tenderness, and authenticity into the room,” says Arasi. “The holiday spirit is as much about presence as it is about tradition.”
The Church at Ponce and Highland deepens the magic. Its soaring acoustics and stained-glass glow make every note shimmer. A live string quartet and the church’s organ add grandeur, while the candlelight processional fills the sanctuary with intimacy and awe.
“This concert is our way of offering hope and belonging during a season when people need it most,” says AWC President Markesha Dunham. “When we lift our voices together, we’re not just singing notes — we’re creating community.”
From first note to final chord, Season of Light reminds audiences that light is something we share. Through storytelling, cultural harmony, and a chorus united in purpose, the Atlanta Women’s Chorus offers more than a performance — it offers a radiant gift of togetherness.
For information visit voicesofnote.org.
Roswell Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
From November 28 to December 7, join Roswell Dance Theatre for The Nutcracker, an iconic holiday tradition. Thrilled to return to Byers Theatre in Sandy Springs, Roswell Dance Theatre is proud to present its revered rendition of this beloved classic.
As Clara’s dream comes to life, Herr Drosselmeier magically transforms her Nutcracker doll into a Prince. Accompanied by her handsome escort, Clara enters a fantastical new world taking shape about them. Clara and her Prince find themselves entering the Land of Snow.
In a classic interpretation beloved by Atlanta-area families, this cherished production is directed by Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz, Mary Lynn Taylor and Kassandra Taylor Newberry. Gorgeous costumes, magical scenery, treasured music and exquisite dancing will delight all audience members in this holiday treat! The talented cast includes world-class artists alongside aspiring young professionals from Roswell Dance Theatre and budding performers from the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance.
At the conclusion of the festivities, Clara and her Prince are bid a happy farewell as the dancers from around the world wave a sweet
goodbye. Her dream fades away but her Nutcracker doll and magical memories stay with her throughout the holiday season. Join us for a performance and make your Nutcracker memories!
The 10-show run opens Friday, November 28, 2025, and will continue through Sunday, December 7, 2025. Special performance opportunities feature four Character Meet & Greets with autographs and photos, Girl Scout troop options and group sales. To commemorate the shows, there is an extensive Nutcracker-themed gift boutique where audience members of all ages will find the perfect souvenir.
Roswell Dance Theatre, a 501c3 organization, is the performing company of the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance.
For information visit tysod.com.
Photo by JBPhotography
Photo by Brian Wallenberg
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center Continues Its Most Varied and Exciting Season to Date
The Center brings you everything from “Texican rock & roll” with Los Lonely Boys to one of the most revered Elphabas in Wicked (Jessica Vosk in her holiday show, Sleigh, singing everything from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Ariana Grande), with much more variety in between.
Country star Walker Hayes of “Fancy Like” fame stops here on an Unplugged tour, sharing the stories behind his songs: he invites audiences to a conversation about highs and lows, and the messy reality of life.
The worldwide phenomenon of Koolulam that has brought so many people to sing together in peace and harmony has created a new holiday variation of the concept, Carolmania, billed as an immersive holiday sing-along. Our perennially popular
New Year’s Eve concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is back, too.
We start our new jazz brunch series with pianist Joe Alterman and a different musical friend for each session, January - April. Prague Philhamonia, led by Emmanuel Villaume, arrives on a rare U.S. tour to showcase TWO concertos in a program of Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Dvorak.
Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook is back on a new tour, and just when you thought we couldn’t surprise you, the Center is also presenting Rain: A Beatles Christmas Tribute. All of these great shows are on sale now at SandySpringsPAC.com.
Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale: A Beloved Holiday Tradition
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the spirit of Christmas than with Atlanta Master Chorale’s cherished annual celebration. This year’s performances on December 12 at 8 p.m. and December 13 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Emory University’s Schwartz Center for Performing Arts promise to weave timeless carols and heavenly harmonies into an unforgettable tapestry that connects past to present, sounds to cherished memories, and music to the very spirit of the holidays.
The music of Christmas has the unique power to unite us in shared expectancy and delight. As we sing together the carols of the season and listen in wonder for the song of the angels, we discover that music can be a marriage of comfort and joy — weaving individual strands together into surprising tapestries of delight and contentment where exuberance and peace live side by side.
For many, Christmas with the Atlanta Master Chorale has become a treasured part of holiday tradition, and audiences return year after year, bringing family,
friends, neighbors, and out-of-town visitors to share this extraordinary experience. This beloved Atlanta tradition sells out annually for good reason, as audiences are transported through sublime musical storytelling on a journey to the manger in Bethlehem, rediscovering the promise of new life, peace, and boundless joy.
With three spectacular performances to choose from this season, there’s a perfect time for everyone to attend. Tickets are $42 for adults, $39 for seniors and groups of 10 or more, and just $10 for youth under 18 and students. To ensure availability for this highly anticipated event, early ticket purchase is recommended.
Atlanta Master Chorale sings because we must — combining voices and spirits to create something we cannot help but share. This December, bring those who are part of your comfort and joy, or those you want to bring into that fold, and make this magical celebration part of your holiday tradition. For tickets and information, call the Schwartz Center Box Office at (404) 727-5050 or visit atlantamasterchorale.org/concerts.
La traviata, Philip Newton and Sunny Martini for Seattle Opera
Give the Gift of Opera This Holiday Season
Finding the perfect holiday gift can be a challenge. You want something meaningful, memorable, and unique — a gift that creates lasting experiences rather than gathering dust on a shelf. This year, consider giving the gift of opera with tickets or a gift certificate from The Atlanta Opera.
A gift certificate isn’t just an envelope; it’s an invitation to step into a world of soaring music, powerful storytelling, and dazzling stagecraft. Whether for a seasoned opera-goer or someone brand new to the art form, The Atlanta Opera’s upcoming season offers extraordinary opportunities to experience the magic of live performance.
The journey begins with Verdi’s La traviata (November 8, 11, 14, and 16), the world’s most popular opera, brimming with romance, sacrifice, and unforgettable melodies. In March, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (March 14, 17, 20, and 22, 2026) delivers laughter and wit wrapped in some of the most beautiful music ever written — a perfect introduction for anyone dipping their toes into opera.
April brings Puccini’s Turandot (April 25, 28, May 1, and 3, 2026), presented in a daring new production that challenges expectations and showcases one of opera’s most famous arias, “Nessun dorma.” The season
concludes with Wagner’s epic Twilight of the Gods (May 30, June 2, 5, and 7, 2026), a sweeping finale to the Ring cycle that has obsessed audiences worldwide for generations.
Opera may feel unfamiliar at first, but that is part of its gift: it transports us, surprises us, and stirs emotions in ways we never forget. A gift certificate to The Atlanta Opera is an ideal way to encourage loved ones to step into this world — and perhaps discover a new passion.
Atlanta Opera gift certificates can be purchased for any amount online or at the Opera ticket office. For direct purchase link to tickets.atlantaopera.org/gift/certificate.
For more information call us during business hours at (404) 881-8885.
This holiday season, skip the ordinary and give something truly extraordinary: the joy of opera.
Twilight of the Gods: Christine Goerke, left, as Brünnhilde comforts Greer Grimsley as Wotan. Photo by Raftermen
The Marriage of Figaro, photo by Bruce Bennett
TCelebrate the Season with Music and Theatre at Oglethorpe University
his fall, Oglethorpe University invites the community to experience a vibrant lineup of music and theatre events that celebrate the spirit of the season.
First, get into the Halloween mood with Beneath the Hallowed Moon, a spinetingling concert presented by Oglethorpe’s talented musical ensembles on October 23. Featuring selections from iconic film scores like Batman Returns, Psycho, and Edward Scissorhands, this performance promises a hauntingly beautiful evening of cinematic soundscapes.
The festivities continue on October 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. with a free outdoor concert by The Jazzy Petrels, Oglethorpe’s student jazz ensemble. Held at Town Brookhaven — just steps from campus — this laid-back event offers smooth tunes in a lively setting surrounded by shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect way to unwind
and enjoy the crisp autumn air.
In November, the Oglethorpe University Theatre brings a fresh twist to a Shakespearean classic. From November 14–23, catch Twelfth Night, reimagined with the glamour of Bridgerton and the revolutionary flair of Hamilton. This bold, stylish production promises to delight both longtime Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike.
Capping off the season is Oglethorpe’s beloved Boar’s Head Concert, a cherished tradition that ushers in the holiday spirit. Featuring joyful performances by the university’s musical ensembles, this festive celebration is free and open to the public. Join us for an evening of rousing holiday music and community cheer — it’s the perfect way to welcome the season. Whether you’re a fan of spooky scores, smooth jazz, classic theatre, or holiday harmonies, Oglethorpe University has something magical in store this fall.
Follow Oglethorpe University’s arts calendar at oglethorpe.edu/ arts for updates on performances, exhibitions, and special events throughout the year.
Michael A. Sullivan
David
A20 Years of Applause: Celebrating the Suzi Bass Awards
tlanta’s stages have long been alive with energy, talent, and bold storytelling. For the past two decades, the Suzi Bass Awards have stood at the heart of that creative spirit. As Atlanta’s premier recognition of excellence in professional theatre, the Suzis celebrate artists, productions, and theatres across the region while uniting the community in a shared tradition of applause.
Incorporated as a non-profit in 2005 to honor beloved actress and arts advocate Suzi Bass, the awards began with just five categories. Today, they recognize excellence in 32 areas, from acting, directing, and design to new plays, choreography, and social justice in theatre. This growth mirrors the expansion of Atlanta’s theatre community itself, spanning major institutions and daring smaller stages across Atlanta’s metro counties.
The Suzis have done more than hand out trophies. They’ve raised Atlanta theatre’s profile, helped attract new audiences, and shined a spotlight on artists whose work resonates far beyond the stage. For performers, designers, and directors, a Suzi nomination or win is a career highlight.
For theatres, it’s a chance to connect with audiences, patrons, and civic leaders who see the arts as essential to the city’s vitality.
Each fall, the Suzi Awards ceremony becomes a joyful reunion, bringing together actors, directors, technicians, patrons, and volunteers to cheer one another on. Behind the scenes, a network of judges, board members, and volunteers makes it all possible, underscoring the event’s role as a true community celebration.
On November 10, 2025, the Suzis mark their 20th anniversary with a milestone event at Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points. The evening features Panache, from the Gay Men’s Chorus and hosts Bethany Anne Lind and Enoch King, and includes tributes from past winners, and recognition of the supporters who have sustained the awards. It’s a chance to honor the past while looking ahead to the next 20 years of theatre excellence.
For two decades, the Suzis have amplified Atlanta’s creative heartbeat. This year, the celebration promises to be the biggest standing ovation yet.
For information visit thesuzis.org.
An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee at the Fox Theatre
Celebrate the season with An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, December 11. This special holiday concert promises an unforgettable evening filled with beloved Christmas classics alongside Foster and McPhee’s personal favorite hits. Fans can expect timeless songs from Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, and more, blending festive cheer with show-stopping favorites from their extraordinary careers. 16-time Grammy-winning musician, composer, and producer David Foster has spent decades shaping the music industry. With three Producer of the Year Grammys, an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and three Oscar nominations for Best Original Song, Foster has played a key role in launching the careers of Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé. He has created hits for some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Chicago, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, and Gloria Estefan. In addition to producing, Foster has performed in his own right on PBS specials like Hitman, David Foster and Friends, which became two of the network’s highest-rated shows. Today, he tours globally with his intimate concert series, captivating audiences with both his
extraordinary musicianship and personal storytelling.
Accompanying Foster is acclaimed singer and Broadway, television, and film star Katharine McPhee. A former American Idol finalist, McPhee has since earned acclaim on stage and screen, starring in the U.S. and U.K. productions of Broadway’s Waitress and in Netflix’s Country Comfort. She also appeared in CBS’ Scorpion, NBC’s SMASH, and Columbia Pictures’ The House Bunny. McPhee’s music career spans multiple hit singles and sold-out performances around the world, and her voice pairs perfectly with Foster’s for this intimate holiday celebration.
Together, they offer a rare, up-close musical experience that combines festive holiday spirit with their signature hits, creating a night of warmth, nostalgia, and star-studded entertainment. Tickets are on sale now at foxtheatre.org.
ATLANTA SPOTLIGHTS HOLIDAY
Holidays at the Alliance
For the holidays, the Alliance will again present the Dickens classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL on The Coca-Cola Stage. Described by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as “high art of the season…a nostalgic feast for the eyes” audiences will be transported to the streets of London for the uplifting redemption story of Ebenezer Scrooge, told with beautiful live music. For more info contact us at alliancetheatre.org
for the city of Atlanta. To learn more, go to atlantaballet.com
The Atlanta Chamber Players open their 2024–25 season on November 9
The Atlanta Chamber
Arís continues its tradition of celebrating the holiday season with another rocking and rollicking fairy tale panto.
This year it’s Snow White, and she gets into the usual trouble all right, but this time with some rather unusual companions, drawn from popular fandoms of sci-fi and fantasy. It’s “Snow White…and the Seven Morphs!”, a wild, crazy fairy tale like you have never seen before. Panto is a beloved theatre tradition, now becoming an Atlanta favorite. Fun for all ages. But be warned: IT’S RIGHT BEHIND YOU!!
At Academy Theatre, December 11-28, 2025. Visit aristheatre.org
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premiere dance companies in the country and the official State Ballet of Georgia.
Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. Opened in 1996, the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education provides classes for students from age 2 to adult at three convenient studio locations. After 96 years, Atlanta Ballet continues to bring together art and artists from across the globe and from our own backyard to create inspiring dance and dance education
Players open their 2024–25 season on November 9 at Peachtree Christian Church with as if it were a scene made up by my mind, that is not mine, but is a made place, a new work by composer Che Buford and part of the CrossCountry Chamber Consortium premiere series. The program also includes Mozart’s “Kegelstatt” Trio for clarinet, viola, and piano, and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence for string sextet. Performing are Jesse McCandless, David Coucheron, Helen Kim, Catherine Lynn, Yang Yoon Kim, Brad Ritchie, Charae Krueger, and Elizabeth Pridgen. Tickets available at atlantachamberplayers.com.
Atlanta Freedom Bands kicks off its 33rd season with “Holidays on Peachtree Street”.
The concert features seasonal selections that highlight the landmarks along our city’s most famous street. The music will take you from the elegance of the Fox Theatre to the heights of the Westin Peachtree Plaza with many stops along the way. Victoria Lemos, host of the Archive Atlanta podcast, will emcee the evening, telling some of hidden histories behind these famous places. The concert will also feature the debut of AFB’s new Artistic Director O’Shae Best.
For information visit atlantafreedombands.com/events/holidayson-peachtree-street
Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale Experience the magic of the season with Atlanta Master Chorale’s beloved holiday tradition! Join us December 12 at 8 pm and December 13 at 4 p.m. and 8
ATLANTA SPOTLIGHTS HOLIDAY
p.m. at Emory’s Schwartz Center as timeless carols and heavenly harmonies transport you to Bethlehem’s manger. This cherished celebration weaves music, memory, and spirit into an unforgettable journey of comfort and joy. Three performances ensure everyone can attend this soldout tradition. Tickets: $42 adults, $39 seniors/groups, $10 youth/students. Call 404.727.5050 or visit atlantamasterchorale. org/concerts. Bring your loved ones and rediscover peace, wonder, and the promise of new life!
with the whole family, featuring orchestral favorites like Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, White Christmas, and A Holly and Jolly Sing Along!
The Coca-Cola Holiday concerts are made possible through an endowment from the Livingston Foundation in memory of Leslie Livingston Kellar.
Tickets are now on sale; for more information, visit aso.org/holidays
org. Experience the world’s most beloved opera in a lavish production as The Atlanta Opera presents Verdi’s La Traviata on November 8, 11, 14, and 16, 2025, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Starring acclaimed soprano Mané Galoyan as the tragic heroine Violetta, this timeless story of love, sacrifice, and redemption comes alive with Verdi’s unforgettable music. Audiences everywhere can join through the live broadcast on November 14 and relive the magic with the Livestream Replay, available November 17. Tickets start at $65, atlantaopera.org. Don’t miss the chance to be swept away by this masterpiece.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Presents Sounds of the Season, December 23
Experience the magic of the holidays with Ballethnic’s Urban Nutcracker! This spirited holiday tradition, choreographed by Waverly T. Lucas II, presents at Porter Sandford III Performing Arts Center December 20-21.
Act I of this soulful ballet is set in Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn community of the 1940’s, while Act II whisks the audience into a decadent, chocolatey wonderland. As one of the first ethnicized adaptations of the classical ballet, it features Reggae Ragdolls, a sultry Arabian duet, buoyant Black Russians, wholesome Mother Spice and high-flying Spice Drops, bubbly Coca-Cola Pas de Six, and the elegant Brown Sugar and Chocolatier.
For ticketing information, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/cc/ballethnics-urbannutcracker-2025-4504303.
The winner of the 2024 Tony Award® for Best Musical is THE OUTSIDERS.
Wrap up and join in the festivities at Atlanta Symphony Hall, transformed into a winter wonderland. Celebrate the spirit of the holidays from around the world with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Sounds of the Season, with works that evoke the mystery and wonder of this magical time of year. Bring in the holly
This classic coming-of-age story takes you to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1967, where Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their family of Greaser “outsiders” dream about who they want to become in a world that will never accept them. THE OUTSIDERS features a “tuneful and soul-bearing” (New York Stage Review) original score, and “highoctane choreography” (New York Magazine)
that brings the show to life. THE OUTSIDERS will make its Fox Theatre premiere over Thanksgiving week, November 25–30. Visit BroadwayInAtlanta.com for tickets.
Double the Holiday Fun at the Center for Puppetry Arts
This holiday season, Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts invites you to experience Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ (Nov 12–Dec 28) alongside the seasonal Festive Features exhibition (Nov 9–Jan 4). Your all-inclusive performance ticket covers everything: the show, admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, access to Festive Features, and a Create-A-Puppet Workshop to build your very own Rudolph shadow puppet. At Festive Features, you’ll discover treasures like the original Rankin/ Bass Rudolph and Santa puppets, Charlie Horse and his King Antiochus costume,
and other puppets, all celebrating holiday puppetry across cultures. Visit puppet.org.
City Springs Features The Wizard of Oz
City Springs Theatre Company’s December 12-28 production of The Wizard of Oz marks the company’s sixth collaboration with the esteemed director-choreographer (and Tony Award recipient) Baayork Lee, who is a veteran of 14 Broadway shows as either a performer or choreographer. She previously staged CSTC’s wildly-successful productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Cats, and A Chorus Line, among others. As with those previous productions staged by Ms. Lee, The Wizard of Oz will include many young performers from the City Springs Theatre Conservatory.
Tickets at CItySpringsTheatre.com
Atlanta Ballet Dancers
ATLANTA SPOTLIGHTS HOLIDAY
Visit Oglethorpe’s small, historic campus for theatre, concerts, and visual arts on a different scale.
Oglethorpe’s 550-seat Conant Performing Arts Center stages productions by the university’s acclaimed music and theatre programs, as well as guest lecturers and student-led theatre and art exhibitions. Oglethorpe students receive hands-on experiences both on stage and behind the scenes, equipping them with valuable professional experience before graduating. Details about upcoming events at oglethorpe.edu/arts
Don’t miss the timeless magic of The Sleeping Beauty — a spectacular ballet brought to life by Classical Arts Entertainment in Atlanta, GA!
This breathtaking production features world-class dancers from Italy, France, Ukraine, Japan, Spain, Italy and more, uniting global artistry on one stage. With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, lavish costumes, and hand-painted sets, the beloved fairy tale unfolds in dazzling beauty. A family-friendly event (ages 3+), performed in two acts with one intermission, this is an evening of classical ballet designed to captivate audiences of all ages. Secure your tickets today for this unforgettable experience!
Every December, while other dance companies traditionally present a wonderful version of “The Nutcracker”, Terrie Ajile Axam, cultural dance artist, shares her work as part of the Kwanzaa Holiday tradition. This production was conceptualized in 1994 by Speech, lead singer of Grammy awardwinning rap group Arrested Development and written by Ajile.
For info visit dancicalproductions.com.
DanceMax
Dancewear is every dancer’s dream store, from beginner to professional!
Shoes, tights, skirts, leotards, bags, gifts, training tools, accessories and more! They can all be found in basic and more elaborate selections.
DanceMax is a free standing 5400 square feet with its own store front parking lot, perfect for leisurely browsing or running in for a pair of tights.
DanceMax Dancewear cares for each individual dancer. We know that proper fit is the most important thing to consider when it comes to dancewear and shoes...come shop where the inventory and staff assist you in making your best possible purchases! dancemaxdancewear.com facebook.com/dmdance instagram.com/dancemaxdancewear threadedstore.com
For information visit sandyspringspac. com/events/detail/the-sleeping-beauty
28th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Total Dance/Dancical Productions, Inc. announces its 28th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration featuring “Girl Why You Dance Like That?” Fusion: From Africa to Hip-Hop on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Southwest Arts Center, located at 915 New Hope Rd., South Fulton, GA 30331 at 8 p.m..
David Foster & Katharine McPhee Bring Festive Hits to the Fox Stage
Get into the holiday spirit with An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, December 11. This festive concert brings beloved Christmas classics alongside Foster and McPhee’s personal favorite hits from Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, and more, blending seasonal cheer with show-stopping favorites from their extraordinary careers. With Foster’s 16 Grammys and McPhee’s
Broadway and television acclaim, this is a rare opportunity for an unforgettable, holiday celebration. Tickets are on sale now at foxtheatre.org
The Arts are Alive at Galloway
Experience a little Broadway in the North Georgia Mountains
At Galloway, the arts are a vibrant cornerstone of student life, inspiring creativity, confidence, and collaboration across all ages. From Early Learning’s joyful Spring Fling and Arts Lab to Middle Learning’s spirited Newsies, Jr. musical and concerts, and Upper Learning’s powerful performances like Into the Woods and the Fall Play, students bring stories and ideas to life on stage. Visual artists showcase their work at the High Museum and on campus, while dancers captivate with winter and spring showcases. Each season culminates in music, gallery exhibitions, and senior celebrations, proof that the arts at Galloway truly shine yearround. www.gallowayschool.org
The Holly Theatre, Dahlonega, is a historic, 300-seat community theater featuring smalltown charm and big-town quality. The Holly provides a choice for every taste from our current productions like The Mystery of Edwin Drood to various cover bands like Troubadour Project, 70’s Rock Revival (Tickets at hollytheater.com). We showcase the vast talents of our Georgia mountains region: old-timey traditions of singin’, fiddlin’, and strummin’ translate into musical experiences that give Broadway a run for its money.
The New South Festival Singers welcomes the holiday season with a gala celebration of the beauty and wonder of Christmas.
For more than four decades, their Christmas programs have been a beloved Atlanta tradition. This year marks the first
Atlanta Ballet Dancer Madison Penney, The Nutcracker, photo by Shoccara Marcus 2024
ATLANTA SPOTLIGHTS HOLIDAY
Christmas performance under new Music Director Thomas Dixon. The stage will be shared with the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir, Organist Will Buthod, and the Festival Brass for an evening of candlelight, carols, and classics. Join Atlanta’s beloved a cappella choir for an unforgettable evening of reflection, joy, and candlelight as we celebrate the beauty and wonder of Christmas.
Tickets at FestivalSingers.org/concerts
OurSong Atlanta opens our 24th season with a choral holiday celebration, “Angels, Mysteries, and Fabled Creatures”.
Join us for an afternoon or evening of stunning choral music focused on angels and otherworldly beings, ranging from the sumptuous “O Magnum Mysterium” to “Songs of Magical Creatures” with lyrics by Shakespeare, and not leaving out childhood favorites like Rudolph and Frosty in upbeat jazzy arrangements. Make OurSong’s holiday concert part of your
annual tradition! Join us on Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13th at 7 p.m., or Sunday Dec. 14 at 3 p.m., performing at First Baptist Church Decatur. We offer sliding scale tickets, for more information please visit oursongatlanta.org.
Out Front Theatre Celebrates the Holidays with the World Premiere of Mamma Dearest!
Here We Joan Again! Out Front Theatre continues its tradition of holiday chaos and camp with the world premiere of Mamma Dearest! Here We Joan Again by Blake Fountain, running December 11-21. You can forget silent nights this holiday season when Joan Crawford is involved — it’s all high notes and even higher drama! Christina Crawford has one Christmas Wish: to uncover her birth mother’s identity. It’s Mamma Mia! meets Feud meets a druginduced Nutcracker nightmare.
Tickets and memberships are available at www.OutFrontTheatre.com
Atlanta Ballet Dancers, The Nutcracker, photo by Shoccara Marcus 2024
Celebrate excellence in arts education with students at Pace Academy.
The independent college-preparatory school serves 1,150 students in Pre-First through 12th grade and provides the highest level of artistic experience and knowledge by embedding study of the visual and performing arts in its curriculum for all ages. Theatrical productions, concerts and arts exhibitions are open to the public. Learn more at paceacademy.org/arts.
& Co. (Apr. 24). Secure your tickets now for Redman’s much-anticipated concert and experience an evening of artistry and innovation at downtown Atlanta’s cultural centerpiece.
Tickets for all shows are available now. For tickets and more information, visit Rialto. GSU.edu or call the Rialto Box Office at (404) 413-9849.
Celebrate the Magic of The Nutcracker this Holiday Season!
Joshua Redman Headlines the Rialto in January
The Rialto Center welcomes iconic saxophonist Joshua Redman on January 24, 2026. Known for his boundary-pushing style and lyrical improvisations, Redman is one of today’s most celebrated jazz artists. His performance is part of the 2025–2026 Rialto Series, which also features Tango After Dark (Feb. 14), country-soul singer Tony Jackson (Mar. 7), Georgia State Jazz Band with guest Patrick Bartley (Apr. 10), and Cochren
Join Clara and her Prince on an enchanting adventure through the Land of Snow and into the Land of Sweets at Atlanta’s premiere Nutcracker production. This iconic holiday tradition, highly anticipated by Atlanta-area families year after year, is the perfect way to kick off the season! The two-week run features 10 performances, including matinees, evenings and special events. Join us for this timeless holiday tradition with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Flowers, Candy Canes, Arabian, and more starting Friday, November 28, through
Atlanta Ballet dancers in The Nutcracker, photo by Kim Kenney 2022
ATLANTA SPOTLIGHTS HOLIDAY
Sunday, December 7. Tickets are available at RoswellNutcracker.com (770) 998-0259.
Experience the Excitement at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
Sandy Springs PAC continues its most varied and exciting season to date, with appearances by Los Lonely Boys, Broadway diva Jessica Vosk in her holiday show, country star Walker Hayes of “Fancy Like” fame on an unplugged tour, an immersive holiday singalong called Carolmania, jazz brunch with pianist Joe Alterman and friends, flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook, and just when you thought we couldn’t surprise you, the Center is also presenting Rain: A Beatles Christmas Tribute. All of these great shows are on sale now at SandySpringsPAC.com
A Choral Christmas
The Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, Emory Choirs, and Atlanta Master Chorale join forces in December to bring some of the city’s best Christmas choral music to the stage. Emory’s choral tradition of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Atlanta Ballet Dancers Juliana Missano & Jordan Leeper with Centre Students, The Nutcracker, photo by Shoccara Marcus
takes place at the Glenn Auditorium on December 5–6, followed by Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale in Emerson Concert Hall on December 12–13. Tickets are available online at schwartz.emory.edu or by phone at (404) 727-5050.
7 Stages Teams Up with Local Organizations to Celebrate Indigenous Cultures.
STAGES
The fourth annual First Voices Festival is a multifaceted celebration of Indigenous cultures based in Atlanta, Georgia. Events include: Art of Activism, a night of storytelling, music and traditional foods; a two day outdoor Powwow; Say Their Names, a special staged presentation featuring film and live performance, and a screening of the documentary She Cried That Day. These events are brought to you by 7 Stages, Turtle Island Trading, Little 5 Points Cultural District, Zintkala Zi Powwow, Plaza Theatre and Out of Hand.
Learn more at 7stages.org/shows/firstvoices-festival-2025.
Shen Yun Revives Ancient History in Atlanta
Dust off your memory of what a more compassionate world used to be like. And experience China before communism. Shen Yun is a beautiful display of goodness, wisdom, and faith. Its timeless legends celebrate valor and traditional virtues. For our world today, it is a message of hope.
Based in New York, Shen Yun’s mission is to revive the best of 5,000 years of civilization. Combining the expressivity and athleticism of classical Chinese dance with an East-West live orchestra and innovative backdrops, Shen Yun is being hailed as a breakthrough in performing arts.
Shen Yun tickets: (877) 285-7469 ShenYun.com/ATL
Voices of Note Celebrates Milestones and a Season of Light
Join us as the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates two milestones — 45 seasons of holiday music and 30 years of performing in the Cathedral of St. Philip. This beloved Atlanta tradition marks the true beginning of the holiday season with a vibrant mix of
timeless classics, global favorites, and fresh new arrangements. Whether it’s part of your family tradition or your first time attending, you’ll be moved by the artistry, heart, and powerful voices that define AGMC. Celebrate the music. Celebrate the tradition. Celebrate the magic. Don’t miss Atlanta’s holiday concert of the year!
Tickets: www.voicesofnote.org
The Atlanta Women’s Chorus presents Season of Light, a radiant holiday tradition celebrating hope, unity, and renewal. Through beloved carols, multicultural gems, and contemporary works, audiences are carried from the quiet glow of candlelight to a joyful, luminous crescendo. Highlights include Jacob Narverud’s Season of Light, fresh interpretations of classics, and stirring modern pieces enhanced by live strings and the church’s majestic organ. Held in the stunning Church at Ponce and Highland, this concert blends storytelling, candlelit procession, and audience participation into a shared experience of wonder.
Tickets: www.voicesofnote.org
Atlanta Ballet Dancer Denys Nedak & Centre Students, The Nutcracker, photo by Shoccara Marcus 2024
ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE HOLIDAY
As of press time the following events are scheduled, but may be subject to change
KIDS
SPOOKHOUSE ANNIE
10/15-11/2/25 Prices: $18.00 - $20.00
Center For Puppetry Arts at 18th 1404 Spring St NW
TIX: (404) 873-3391 puppet.org
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
Family Performance
11/12-12/28
Prices: $18.00 to $39.00
Center For Puppetry Arts at 18th 1404 Spring St NW
TIX: (404) 873-3391 puppet.org
ARTFUL STORIES FOR FAMILIES: OLU AND GRETA, BY DIANA
EJAITA
11/15/25 ages 3-6
Prices: $8 - $12. Registration is required
Michael C. Carlos Museum
571 South Kilgo Circle | Atlanta GA 30022
TIX: (404) 727-2363 carlos.emory.edu/calendar
THE DRAGON KING
Family Performance
1/14-1/25/26
Prices: $19.00 to $25.00
Center For Puppetry Arts at 18th 1404 Spring St NW
TIX: (404) 873-3391 puppet.org
PETE THE CAT
Family Performance
1/27-3/15/26 Prices: $18.00 to $26.00
Center For Puppetry Arts at 18th 1404 Spring St NW
TIX: (404) 873-3391 puppet.org
THEATRE
THE MAGIC CIRCLE: A RITE FOR HALLOWE’EN AND SAMHAIN
10/31-11/1/25 Prices: $15-$25 ARIS
First Existentialist Congregation
470 Candler Park Dr., NE Atlanta, GA 30307
TIX: (678) 612-8362 aristheatre.org
SHAKESPEARE’S “TWELFTH NIGHT”
11/14 -23/25 Prices: $20-$50
Oglethorpe University
Conant Performing Arts Center
4484 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30319
TIX: (404) 607-7469 https://oglethorpe.edu/arts
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN MORPHS
12/11-12/28/25 Prices $15-$35
Aris
Academy Theatre
599 N Central Ave, Hapeville GA 30354
TIX: (404) 474-8332 www.aristheatre.org
MUSICAL THEATRE
THE CHARLIE BROWN CABARET
Saturday Nights @ 9 p.m.
Prices: $8
Eagle Atlanta (Upstairs Cabaret) 1492 Piedmont Ave Atlanta GA 30309
TIX: atlantaeagle.com
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL
10/23-11/ 8/25 Prices: $30-$45
Out Front Theatre Company
999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
TIX: (404) 448-2755 www.OutFrontTheatre.com
ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE HOLIDAY
R&B, INC
10/25/25 Prices: $39
The Holly Theatre
69 W Main Street Dahlonega, GA 30533
TIX: (706) 530-5162 info@hollytheater.com
THE GHASTLY DREADFULS
Adult Show, Now-11/1/25
Prices : Included with Museum Entry ($22.00) Center For Puppetry Arts at 18th 1404 Spring St NW
TIX: (404) 873-3391 puppet.org
ALMOST LOVE
11/7-9/25 Prices: $15
Galloway Theatre Company Galloway School
215 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
TIX: gallowayschool.org/arts
LA TRAVIATA
11/08-11/16/25
Prices: Starting at $35 and up
The Atlanta Opera
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339
TIX: (404) 881-8885 www.atlantaopera.org
MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
11/14 & 15/25 Prices: $5-$10
Pace Academy
Fine Arts Center
966 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
TIX: www.paceacademy.org/arts
ART OF ACTIVISM - FIRST VOICES FESTIVAL
11/14/25 Prices: Free
7 Stages Theatre
1105 Euclid Ave NE Atlanta, GA
TIX: (404) 523-7647
www.7stages.org/shows/first-voices-festival-2025/
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
11/15-12/24/25 Prices: Tickets start at $31
Alliance Theatre
Coca Cola Stage
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
TIX: (404) 733-4600 alliancetheatre.org
LA BELLA ET LA BETE
11/15/25
Prices: Starting at $25 and up
The Atlanta Opera
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339
TIX: (404) 881-8885 www.atlantaopera.org
GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE LIVE!
11/21/25 Prices: $48-$155+
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339
TIX: (770) 916 2852 cobbenergycentre.com
POWWOW - FIRST VOICES FESTIVAL
11/15 & 16/25 Prices: Free 7 Stages
Bass Athletic Field
1136 Austin Ave NE Atlanta, GA
TIX: (404) 523-7647
www.7stages.org/shows/first-voices-festival-2025/
ALMOST TAYLOR AN UNOFFICIAL TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT
11/22 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Prices: $25-$35
The Holly Theater
61 Enota Street Dahlonega GA 30533
TIX: (706) 530-5162 info@hollytheater.com
ANJELAH JOHNSON-REYES: THE FAMILY REUNION TOUR
11/22/25 Prices: $61-$205+
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339
TIX: (770) 916 2852 https://www.anjelah.com
ERYKAH BADU: RETURN OF AUTOMATIC SLIM TOUR
11/23-11/24/25 Prices: $360 - $606+
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339
TIX: (770) 916 2852 cobbenergycentre.com
A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS
11/23/25
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30308
TIX: (855) 285-8499 foxtheatre.org
THE OUTSIDERS
11/25-11/30/25 Prices: $35+
Broadway in Atlanta
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
TIX: (855) 285-8499
www.BroadwayInAtlanta.com
JEFFREY OSBORNE
11/29/25 Prices:TBA
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339
TIX: (770) 916 2852 www.jeffreyosborne.com
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
12/3-21/25
School Street Playhouse
101 School St. Cumming, GA 30040
TIX: (770) 781-9178
www.schoolstreetplayhouse.com
A 1940’S RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL
12/5-12/21/25 Prices: $15-$35
The Holly Theater 61 Enota Street Dahlonega GA 30533
TIX: (706) 530-5162 info@hollytheater.com
ATLANTA PERFORMANCE GUIDE HOLIDAY
MAMMA DEAREST! HERE WE JOAN AGAIN
12/11-12/21/25 Prices: $40
Out Front Theatre Company
999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
TIX: (404) 448-2755 www.OutFrontTheatre.com
NEWSIES, JR.
12/1-12/13/25 Prices: $15
Galloway Middle Learning Theatre Company
Galloway School
215 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
TIX: gallowayschool.org/arts
CITY SPRINGS THEATRE COMPANY
The Wizard of Oz
12/12-12/28/25 Prices: $70-$117
Byers Theatre
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
TIX: CitySpringsTheatre.com
ELF THE MUSICAL
12/16-12/21/25 Prices:$35+
Broadway in Atlanta
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
TIX: (855) 285-8499 www.BroadwayInAtlanta.com
CONCERTS
PIANO BAR WITH ROBERT RAY
Fri. & Sat.-8:30 p.m.-Midnight
Prices: No Cover Campagnolo!
980 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309
Dinner served nightly until 10p.m.
TIX: Reservations Suggested (404) 343-2446
FALL MUSIC GALA: BENEATH THE HALLOWED MOON
10/23/25
Price: Free for students, suggested donation of $20.00 for non-student attendees
Oglethorpe University
Conant Center for the Performing Arts
4484 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30319
TIX: https://oglethorpe.edu/arts
THE JAZZY PETRELS PRESENT: FALL SOUNDS ON TOWN GREEN
10/24/25 Price: Free Oglethorpe University
Town Brookhaven
4330 Peachtree Rd, Brookhaven, GA 30319
TIX: https://oglethorpe.edu/arts
EMORY UNIVERSITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS PRESENT BEETHOVEN’S NINTH
10/ 24 & 25 8 p.m.
Tickets are free, but required Emory Department of Music
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
1700 North Decatur Rd
Atlanta, GA 30322
TIX: (404) 727-5050 schwartz.emory.edu
DRAMA AND DESTINY: OPERA MEETS BROADWAY
10/25/25 Prices: $15 - $49.50
Georgia Symphony Orchestra
Bailey Performance Center, Kennesaw State University
