There’s just something about this time of year. The cheerfulness, the food, the gatherings, the kindness spilling out from everyone around you. Is there anything better?
 
And look, amidst all this holiday delight, you receive an invitation. You have been cordially invited to a lavish holiday party in the home of Courtenay Collins! It sounds interesting enough, but your schedule is packed. There’s the Christmas tree lighting here. And the visit with the in-laws there.  And not to mention the cookie and gingerbread baking. Do you even have the time to commit to yet another event?
 
It’s time to open up a slot in your calendar because “Courtenay’s Cabaret: Home for the Holidays” gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling that epitomizes the season. Here are five reasons why:
 
1) The Stories
Sometimes cabaret can get a bad reputation. People may view these types of performances as “glorified concerts,” or essentially a series of songs where a performer indulges in their favorite numbers. But Courtenay shatters those preconceived notions and showcases an impressive set list, all accompanied by fascinating stories about past holidays or song meanings (just how shallow is “Santa Baby” anyway?). And while audiences will get to hear a taste of the quite lovely, but typical, holiday tunes, there are a few of the more unknown gems, including a moving performance of Joni Mitchell’s “River.”
 
2) The Set
The Hertz Stage has been completely transformed into an elegant entertaining space. “It’s an exact replica of my actual living room,” exclaims Courtenay in the first minutes of the show. With several chairs and tables strewn across the front of the house, audience members receive the rare opportunity to get up close and personal in a setting more attuned to a jazz club than a theatre. And what would a celebration be without refreshing beverages? A major focal point of the stage, a grand bar, is available for patron drink purchases before and during intermission. 
 
3) Audience Participation
Wait. Hold on a second. We know what you’re thinking, “I hate audience participation.” And sure, a moment where the audience suddenly becomes the center of the show can be a little intimidating. But trust us; with a few unique instruments, crafts and a sing-along, it might even become your favorite part of the show. 
 
4) The Band
Throughout the entire performance, Courtenay Collins is backed by an impressive trio of instrumentalists: Amanda Wansa Morgan (Conductor/Keyboard), Scott Glazer (Bass) and Quinton “Q” Robinson (Drums).  Their position in front a rustic background with falling snow generates an ambiance that is unparalleled anywhere in the Southeast, let alone the city of Atlanta.  The chemistry between the artists spawns the ultimate soundtrack to the swanky affair. 
 
5) The Mystery Guests
Ding dong! Who’s at the door? Well, it’s a surprise. At two different occasions in the show, Courtenay will open up her home to a special mystery guest. We’re keeping each visitor a secret, but what we can tell you is that they are all local (or sometimes national) celebrities and they will all be singing. An extra treat on top on an already deliciously entertaining production.  
 
Revelations, laughs and festive holiday fun are all right here at the Alliance in “Courtenay’s Cabaret: Home for the Holidays.” Question is, will you accept the invite?
 
by A’riel Tinter, Brand Journalist
 

Think about all the great pairings in the world. Chocolate and peanut butter. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Cookies and milk. The holidays and A Christmas Carol.

Whether you love or hate the classic Dickens tale, it’s one of the most quintessential parts of the holiday season. With the overwhelming number of A Christmas Carol adaptations on TV, in movies or on stage, it’s easy to just say “Bah, Humbug” to all of them.  

But the Alliance Theatre has a one-of-a-kind production that should emerge as the event of the season. And here are five reasons why:

1) Historic Final Year
All good things must come to an end, and this performance of A Christmas Carol is no exception. After 27 years on the Alliance Stage, this particular adaptation will be in a new location next year before retiring from the Alliance season. A new version of the Dickens classic by the same author will premiere back at the Woodruff Arts Center in 2018. So whether you are new to this Atlanta tradition, or you drop in every year, this is your last chance to see what has captivated audiences for decades.

3) David de Vries as Scrooge
Returning in the starring role of Ebenezer Scrooge for the third year in a row is celebrated actor, David de Vries. With professional credits as Lumiere in Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast and Dr. Dillamond in the national tour of Wicked, de Vries definitely proves has the chops to carry the iconic role, previously portrayed by the talented Chris Kayser (now in the role of Scrooge’s deceased business partner, Jacob Marley) . The transformation from cold-hearted miser to giddy philanthropist is a fruitful and captivating journey, indeed.

3) The Set and Special Effects
Two trap doors, a fly system, levitation track and lots of snow. These are just a few of the whimsical effects of “A Christmas Carol.” The set, designed by D Martyn Bookwalter, is a hoarder’s paradise, with grand archways and various bookshelves, furniture and knick-knacks strewn across the stage. All are illustrations of the things Scrooge had “stolen” from others over the years.  

4) The Ensemble
Starring alongside David de Vries are a group of strong performers, each with their own memorable roles on stage. Wendell Brock from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says it best: “For now, let us bask in the splendors before us: the creme de la creme of the Atlanta theater community all tied up here under one big bow.” Feel the love and longing for connection from the heart of Scrooge’s nephew Fred (played by Joe Knezevich). Become swept away with the courting of young Scrooge (Lowrey Brown) to Belle (Ann Marie Gideon). Laugh out loud with Mrs. Dilber’s (Je Nie Flemming) qualms about her grumpy, old client.  Rejoice in the cheery nature of little Tiny Tim (Marco Schittone).

5) The Music
“God rest ye merry gentleman, let nothing you dismay…”  The holiday season produces a multitude of both haunting and joyful carols. In this production, director Rosemary Newcott creatively integrates story and song throughout the show to generate a unique atmosphere. And if you can’t resist singing yourself, there may be a few occasions to show off your pipes!

As the end of December looms nearer, tickets for the show will become scarcer, so do not miss your last chance to see this Atlanta tradition!  

» Tickets & info

 

“Food, glorious food! What is there more handsome?”
 
The musical Oliver! was on to something in its declaration of our love affair with cuisine. In the holiday season, food is king. Every family has cherished dishes they like to whip out during this pinnacle time of year. Courtenay Collins, star of “Courtenay’s Cabaret: Home for the Holidays,” shares her own favorite recipes of the season. 
 
Gran Jan’s Crum Cheese Cookies
This was the exact recipe my mom gave me when I moved to NYC. I actually made them and took them to parties. Cause, ya know, that’s what you do when you’re a Southern girl in the Big Apple. Don’t over-bake! (She knew her daughter. But she should have said, “Don’t leave the kitchen and start doing something else!”)
 
2 sticks of butter
2 cups flour, sifted
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups Rice Krispies
Red pepper to taste
 
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients together (you GOTTA love that!)
3. Make small balls about the size of a marble and put on an ungreased cookie sheet. Put flour on the palm of hands to keep from sticking.
4. Dip fork in flour and flatten balls with criss-cross pattern. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown on top. Makes 50.
 
Captain Rodney’s Cheese Dip for Hungry Teenagers
 
½ cup mayonnaise
8 oz. package cream cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 green onions, chopped
10 Ritz-style crackers, crushed
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ cup of Captain Rodney’s Boucan Pepper Glaze
 
1. Mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar and onions until blended
2. Place in pie pan.
3. Top with crackers and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
4. Top with bacon and Captain Rodney’s Glaze. Serve with crackers or Fritos. 
 
Big Mama’s Christmas (Sugar) Cookies
(usually doubled)
 
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
teaspoon salt
½ cup real butter (REAL butter! This recipe is from the 1950s)
1 cup white or brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon cream or milk
 
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer. Add egg, vanilla and cream or milk. Stir in flour mixture gradually. Add food coloring, if desired. Roll into a ball and chill for one hour.
2. Roll out on floured surface and cut with cookie cutters. Decorate with sprinkles, etc. Place on an ungreased baking sheet.
3. Bake 8-10 minutes until lightly browned. Try not to eat them all. Leave some for Santa!