The Lion King - Atlanta Presale Begins Today!

Starting today, if you are a Disney Visa cardholder, you can score tickets to see Disney's The Lion King in Atlanta before tickets go on sale to the public on November 12th.

Use the promo code 2HAKUNA when checking out.

The Lion King will play Atlanta's Fox Theatre January 10 - January 28.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens - Garden Light Tickets on Sale NOW!

Tickets go on sale October 1 for Atlanta’s favorite holiday tradition, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, featuring a spectacular new high-tech display and all new cool-colored lights sure to enthrall visitors of all ages.

In the new “Nature’s Wonders” display, guests will be dazzled by cutting-edge technology that allows lights -- all suspended from the grand treetops of Storza Woods – to be choreographed to music and sound effects during the seventh annual show presented nightly November 11 – January 7.  The display features a massive theatre stage-like curtain of vertical lights forming a wall of brilliant colors that can be programmed to music and special sound effects.

“You’re going to hear lots of oohs and aahs over a display that’s inspired by the fascinating phenomena of the natural world – its land, water, and sky – rendered dramatically through light and sound,” said Mary Pat Matheson, the Garden’s President & CEO. “It’s definitely going to be the talk of the light show and something new for people to be excited about!”

“Nature’s Wonders” includes more than 1,000 vertically hung strands of multi-colored lights in 16-, 32-, and 64-foot lengths suspended from the tops of the woods’ tallest hardwoods.  And because the curtain-like screen extends over the Canopy Walk and the valley below, it can be experienced from multiple vantage points.

The special effects created by synchronized light, music, and sound will portray the wonders of nature – including ocean waves, thunderstorms, snowfalls, rainbows, sunrises/sunsets, meteor showers, and more.  Much of the music will be classical crowd pleasers inspired by nature, including some holiday-themed ones.

Elsewhere in the Garden, look for a return of perennial favorites like the Great Lawn’s dancing “Orchestral Orbs”, towering cone trees, giant candles, the serene Ice Goddess, and enveloping “Tunnel of Light” – most emphasizing all- new cooler hues of green, blue, and teal.

In addition, the Holiday Model Trains will be chugging and the Glow Bar hopping, while s’more-roasting fire pits and cash bars will take the chill off both kids and kids at heart.  Round out the evening by reserving a table at Longleaf restaurant or grab some takeout at the Quick Café.  Planning a party?  For private rentals, call 404-591-1555.

For ticket information and other details, visit atlantabg.org.

Celebrate the Holiday Season at Disney Springs!

Disney Springs™ is the place to be throughout the holidays.

During this festive celebration from November 11 through Jan. 8, 2017, you can say hello to an entire winter “wanderland” of over 80 stores, including unique boutiques and name-brand shops

You can also indulge in more than ten delicious new eateries with mouthwatering cuisine from celebrity chefs and get in the holiday spirit with a spectacular variety of live entertainment with surprises around every corner -- including a sleigh full of festivities, a brand-new Christmas tree trail, and so much more!

* * * * *

Have you been to the new Disney Springs yet?  I have to say that we just visited the completed area this Fall, and I am in love.

Through all my years of traveling to Walt Disney World, I have found that refurbishments and new additions never fail to amaze me!  I can't wait to visit for a quick weekend trip this December to see all the holiday "attire!"

elf Comes to Atlanta's Fox Theatre!

ELF THE MUSICAL

WILL PLAY ATLANTA’S FOX THEATRE FROM DECEMBER 2- 6

Tickets on sale September 20

                                                                                            

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, and Unique Features bring the Broadway musical ELF to Fox Theatre in Atlanta as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2015/2016 season. Tickets go on sale September 20.

ELF will play December 2-6. The performance schedule is:

• Wednesday and Thursday - 7:30pm
• Friday - 8pm
• Saturday - 2pm, 8pm
• Sunday - 1pm, 6:30pm

Tickets start at $33.50 and are available at by visiting www.FoxTheatre.org/Elf, calling 1-855-285-8499, or visiting the Fox Theatre Box Office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308). Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000. For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInAtlanta.com.

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.  Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.  With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.  This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). The production will feature direction by Sam Scalamoni and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

Casting will be announced at a later date.

The New York Times says that ELF is “A SPLASHY, PEPPY, SUGAR-SPRINKLED HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT!” USA Today calls ELF “ENDEARINGLY GOOFY!” Variety proclaims, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”

Additional information about ELF is available at www.ElfTheMusicalOnTour.com.

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BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Finding Neverland, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray and The Producers. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Broadway.com

Production Biographies

NETworks PRESENTATIONS, LLC (Producer) Since 1995, NETworks has produced and managed over 45 touring productions in the US., U.K. and internationally. Current productions include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Billy Elliot The Musical, Blue Man Group National Tour, Elf The Musical, Flashdance the Musical, La Cage Aux Folles, The New 25th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Shrek The Musical and National Theatre of Great Britain’s production of War Horse touring the U.S.  

WARNER BROS. THEATRE VENTURES (Producer) is the live stage play division of Warner Bros. Entertainment responsible for developing and producing world-class musicals and other stage productions for the Studio.  It has numerous productions in various stages of development, including co-productions with award-winning Broadway and film producers.  WBTV’s ELF The Musical is back on Broadway this year after a record-breaking run at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre during the 2010-2011 holiday season.  In June 2013, the division will premiere the highly anticipated musical adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Sam Mendes directing, in London.  WBTV also licenses third-party stage rights to the various properties held within the Studio’s vast media library, including such recent stage productions as Light in the Piazza, The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, The Color Purple and 42nd Street as well as the upcoming Diner and Bridges of Madison County.  WBTV’s parent company, WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT, a Time Warner Company, is a fully integrated, broad-based entertainment company and a global leader in the creation, production, distribution, licensing and marketing of all forms of creative content and their related businesses, across all current and emerging media and platforms.  The company stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, TV and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD and Blu-ray, digital distribution, animation, comic books, licensing and broadcasting.

UNIQUE FEATURES (Producer) is an independent company that was launched in 2008 by Robert Shaye and Michael Lynne, who together built New Line Cinema into an industry powerhouse.  The company is currently developing and producing several film and television projects, including “The Mortal Instruments” with Constantin Film, starting production this month with director Harald Zwart; an animated adaptation of Paul McCartney’s illustrated book “High in the Clouds” to be directed by Rob Minkoff, written by Josh Klausner with original music by McCartney; “Sailing to Byzantium,” based on the award-winning novella by Robert Silverberg; “French Lessons,” based on the successful novel written by Ellen Sussman. In television, the company is developing an original television series with Bennett Miller and Kristen Gore, and developing the reality series “Dude, That’s My Sister” for MTV with Bunim-Murray.

Atlanta's Fox Theatre Unveils New Behind The Scenes Tour for Media and Guests

Photo courtesy of facebook.

Most of us who have lived in the City of Atlanta, or one of its metro suburbs, all our lives have dreamed of a tour such as this one. We have dreamed of what lies behind those 86-year old stone and cement walls.  We have been fascinated with the prospect of a peek "behind the scenes." 

So, when The Fox Theatre (the "Fox") set up a media preview for our small group of ten last week, I jumped at the invitation to come and witness what this famed and legendary theatre might hold behind its walls.  The Behind the Scenes Tour ended up being everything we expected it to be and so much more. 

If you did not follow along on my Instagram tour last week, I hope, after today's read, you will make a reservation for this limited-time, historic tour.  You may visit The Fox Theatre's website to sign up or receive more information.  (Currently, the tour is only planned for June dates.)

Our tour started off in the Lobby at the bottom of one of the Grand Staircases inside the theatre.  A young and energetic tour guide, named Alexis, gave us a brief history lesson on the Fox.  Did you know the original investors thought it would only take $1 million to build, but it actually ended up costing over $3 million?  Did you know the theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929 with all the fanfare of acrobats and a Steamboat Willie cartoon?  (Yes, my worlds actually collided for a brief moment!)  Did you know this theatre has been running and operating in the black since 1978?  Atlanta is so proud.

Our first official stop on tour was the Hospital.  Yes, you read that correctly -- the Hospital.  Buried behind the scenes and behind a large wooded door clearly marked, "Hospital," is a tiny subway-tiled room complete with an early 1930s-era bed, a medicine cabinet, and a bathroom sink.  Fascinating!  Still as you might picture it was during the early part of last century.  What used to be manned by a nurse for ailing performers or Guests is now attended to by an EMT.  Times may have changed, but the decor has not.

From the hospital, we proceeded to the old "screening room."  Pictures of the room can be view on my Instgram virtual tour, but basically, this room was used by Atlanta censors to decide if new releases from the major motion picture studios in Hollywood should be banned in Atlanta.  By the time this practice ended in 1966, 15 films had been banned from our City!

Today, the Fox uses this room for a multitude of purposes -- from Artist Meet and Greets to catering set-ups to prop storage areas.  It is not a large room, but the history contained within it?  Wow, if these walls could only talk!  I'm sure the stories themselves would be large.  

Next stop on tour was the pit.  This is the original pit from 1929.  The hydraulics used are still original (although the motors are new).  The pit contains a "floor" that lowers and raises.  This can be used for anything -- from strictly utilitarian procedures to dramatic production effects and entrances.  Again, pictures for this area may be seen on my Instagram account.  The pit was an extremely fascinating area to see, and one that both theatre fans and students will definitely want to take a peek at.

From the pit, we moved along to the electrical rooms.  These large and antiquated rooms are no longer used, as most of them have been replaced by small and unobtrusive small gray boxes along the walls.  However, here is an interesting factoid - Georgia Tech often sends engineers and students over to study these rooms as there so few in existence anymore.  Hats off, once again, to The Fox for keeping as much intact as possible these last 86 years.

Next stop was the paint room.  The fun part of this tour is that you are not only walking and climbing centuries old staircases, you are also riding century-old elevators.  The larger, freight-style elevator you take to get to the paint room, reminded me immediately of my beloved Walt Disney World's Tower of Terror.  (Only thing missing was a push out over the edge.)

I can't speak for everyone on our little tour, but it seemed to me that this room got the most inquisitions and pictures taken.  Very fascinating, and one stop I am glad the theatre includes!

The paint room is run by Ms. Edna Tillander.  She is the last one (out of four) from her family that has worked in the theatre's paint room for the past 65 years!  This room was a treasure trove of history and artifacts.

From the paint room, we took my beloved Walt Disney World's Tower of Terror elevator back down to the Rehearsal and Dressing Room areas.  The rehearsal room was fascinating as it housed the Production Manager's office up above and overlooking it.  This office space once gave way to an in-house radio station!  Who knew?

The Dressing Rooms were simply put, amazing.  Not for their elaborateness or luxury, but for a few pretty cool wallpaper designs, both custom made for the Fox.  The first dressing room's wallpaper was a montage of ticket stubbs from over the years.  It was fun trying to look at them all and hearing all of us say, "Remember them?" or "Hey!  I was at that concert!"  The second dressing room's wallpaper was a montage of show posters, many of them autographed by the shows actors.  Again - cool factor - off the charts.

And, before I forget.  One other cool thing about these two dressing rooms.  There is a tradition, apparently, at The Fox Theatre...artists sign the dresser drawers of their room!  Take a peek at just one of the drawers we saw.  (Yes, Mary Poppins was on one of them.  Again, worlds colliding.)

To wrap up our Behind the Scenes media tour nicely in a bow, we ended our night with the greatest cherry on top ever -- heading backstage and onto the Fox's famous stage itself.  Wow!  What a treat!

Before heading on stage, you are met with a large wall of performers' 8 x 10 head shots, most of them autographed by their subjects, letting you know you are in good company performing at The Fox Theatre.  And, right before you step out onto that impressive and historic stage, you are greeted over head with a classic quote by the famous Ronnie Van Zandt.  Such a great touch on this backstage area.

To say this tour is impressive would be an understatement.  If you are a lover of history, the City of Atlanta, or the Fox Theatre itself, you should not miss this tour.  There is no other place or time in the Fox's history where you will be or have been able to see all of these areas of the Fox.  They, quite simply put, have never been open to the general public before.  

Nowhere else will you be able to see the Mighty Mo up close and personal.  Nowhere else will you be able to stand and look out over an empty theatre and imagine you are seeing what the performers themselves see each night.  Nowhere else will you see Depression-era electrical systems.

Folks, this is a chance in a lifetime tour.  I promise you will not be disappointed.  I am so happy I was invited and got a chance to see this tour.  If you and/or your family would like to check out this historic tour too, here is the information on how you might acquire tickets.  Please remember this tour is not recommended for children under the age of 7, and there are several stairs and areas not ADA accessible.

Fox Theatre Behind The  Scenes Tour

For a limited time only, the Fox Theatre is offering special Fox Theatre Behind the Scenes Tours.  These tours are a 90-minute guided program that will allow guests to experience the Fox from a different perspective, BACKSTAGE.  This tour will feature many elements of the Fox, including refreshments in the star dressing rooms, a peek under the stage, and culminates with photo opportunities on the Legendary Fox Theatre stage.  The Behind the Scenes Tours are not recommended for children under 7 and no children under the age of 2 are permitted.   Everyone must have a ticket to attend the tour.

Fox Theatre Behind the Scenes Tours will take place on Tuesday, June 9, Wednesday, June 10, Sunday, June 14, Tuesday, June 16, Wednesday, June 17, and Saturday, June 20. Please note there are a large number of stairs and several places on the tour are not ADA accessible.
Tickets are $45, and may be be purchased at The Fox Theatre's website.

As I wrap up this article, I will leave you with one more photo, from my Instagram feed...

Since this was a private media tour and the only one of the night, we were treated to the "closing down" of the Fox that night.  And, as all good theatre patrons know, not all lights can be turned off.  This one light was left lit as we left the building.  Do you know why?

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1929, a perky tour guide named Alexis explained during a media preview Tuesday night, and the theater staff works hard to maintain the building’s original features and essence. She led our group of 10 down into the lower ladies lounge and opened a door marked “hospital” to a preserved 1920s medical room, where a nurse once tended to injured or ailing performers. (An on-site EMT serves this role today.) Nearby, in an odd juxtaposition of  historic and modern, sinks in the bathroom with original faucets stood opposite Dyson hand dryers. - See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/what-we-saw-during-the-fox-theatres-new-behind-the-scenes-tour/#sthash.oEKoG9s5.dpuf

Fox Theatre - Rock the Block Party!

Fox Theatre Announces Music Lineup for the Fox Theatre Block Party, a FREE Atlanta Celebration on Sunday, June 7

Peachtree and Ponce Celebration Is a Thank You to Atlanta for Saving the Theater

Sunday, June 7 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

WHAT:                 For the first time ever, The Fox Theatre will be taking over Midtown for a FREE block party. In honor of the Atlantans who saved the Fox 40 years ago, we invite you all to Rock the Block with us!  The block party will take place rain or shine and is free and open to the public.

                                **Schedule of Live Events**

12:00 PM – The Fox Theatre ROCK THE BLOCK Party Parade featuring The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable!
12:15 PM – DejaBlue Grass Band (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)
1:00 PM – Orquesta MaCuba (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)
1:00 PM – Jonathan Gale Band (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage)
1:45 PM – Dad's Garage Theatre Company (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage)
2:30 PM – Francine Reed (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)
2:30 PM – Kristin Tinsley (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage)
3:15 PM – Dad’s Garage (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage)
3:45 PM – TRIBUTE … a celebration of the Allman Brothers Band (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)
4:00 PM – Alchemy (97.1 The River Acoustic Stage)
5:00 PM – Bogey & The Viceroy (Georgia Natural Gas Main Stage)

**Other Fun Stuff**

·         Fox Theatre Tours

·         Food Trucks

·         Family-friendly activities

·         Adult Beverages

·         And more! 

For more information, visit foxtheatre.org/fox-theatre-block-party.

WHO:                   The Fox Theatre

                                The celebration is a thank you to Atlanta for supporting the Save the Fox campaign in 1974-1975 and an opportunity to share the icon with a new generation of fans. In 1974, the future of the legendary Fox Theatre was uncertain. Citizens rallied to “Save the Fox” and raised $1.85 million to restore the beloved Atlanta landmark, resulting in the Fox’s triumphant return in 1975 as an opulent performance venue.

WHEN:                 Sunday, June 7
12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:               The Fox Theatre
                               660 Peachtree St NE
                               Atlanta, GA 30308

In Midtown at the intersection of Peachtree Street NE and Ponce de Leon Avenue, an area that historically represents the heart of Atlanta. Both streets at the intersection will be closed to vehicle traffic; the main entrance will be at Peachtree Street NE and 3rd Street NE.

*Please take Marta or Uber, if possible. Parking is extremely limited.