Welcome to Season 2 of the Alliance Theatre Podcast: An exploration of theater and the people who make it happen.
Learn more about the Alliance’s Press Play initiative, and get a sneak-peek of Ghost Light.
GHOST LIGHT is the first project to stem from the Alliance Theatre’s Press Play initiative.
Step through the stage door and gather around the GHOST LIGHT, the new Alliance Theatre podcast dedicated to the weird, the paranormal, and the downright spooky things that can happen in the world of the theater. Join hosts Patrick Myers and Elliott Folds as they dive into two creepy stories: the first, a group of actors sneak into a cemetery after a late-night rehearsal; the second, a backstage curse threatens to turn a missed entrance into something darker.
Ghosts of Marietta is by Elliott Folds
By the Pricking of my Thumbs by Patrick Myers
Earlier last week, a Twitter thread gained traction amongst theatre lovers. In the tweet that started it all, Benjamin Dreyer (author of New York Times Bestseller Dreyer’s English) asked users to “name a nonstandard sensory experience you enjoyed in the (live, that is) theater.”
The replies are still coming in, but a few of my favorite so far are “the scent of old school fog,” “watching Jonathan Groff’s spit spray the first three rows of Spring Awakening first previews,” “seeing nudity in live theatre … milder nudity than I might see on film any day, but somehow 100x more jolting,” “feeling plant tentacles drop down on our shoulders from the ceiling after Little Shop of Horrors,” “being given a pierogi by a Great Comet cast member right before the show started,” “the smell of cooking bacon in Our Town,” and, finally, one of Dreyer’s own submissions, “Ken Watanabe making a King and I exit so close to me I could smell whatever amberish scent he was wearing.”
I’ve seen two shows since the lockdown in March, which is unheard of because I’m usually sitting in several different theater’s houses every month. Both were community theatre productions and both were with cast and audience members socially distanced and masked. It wasn’t the same. I was grateful to be sitting in an audience again, but I wanted to hug my friends afterwards and watch them belt without having to constantly shift in my seat to see around the glare from the light reflecting off their face shields.
However, I’ve participated in and seen dozens of online shows – recordings, over zoom, even a musical told over podcast episodes. It’s not the same either. Over the last several months, I’ve been working through why it isn’t the same in my mind and I’ve been able to come up with some answers.
Reading this thread with my morning coffee, the final puzzle piece fell into place and this incredible melancholy feeling rose from somewhere deep down inside of me. I realized that the magic of theatre is in its transitory nature, and it’s heightened because it causes you to use more than just two senses.
Think about it. When watching a movie, what senses are engaged? Compare that with the last show you went to. What differences are there? Even if you had seats in the “nosebleed” section, something was different. At the Fox Theatre, you could smell pies baking before Waitress. If you were lucky enough to see Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812, maybe you were even able to taste a pierogi before the show.
We all know that theatre is different because you can’t pause or rewind like with movies or tv shows, but it’s different than even seeing a movie in a theater. There’s something about watching something play out before your eyes that adds to the overall nature of the art, even more than the fact that more senses are engaged. There’s the edge of making it to your seats before the house lights go down. The playbill getting wrinkled as you clutch it in your hands. The actors making entrances and exits via the aisles beside or underneath you.
The presence is probably the best way to describe it. As we watch people create magic right in front of us, we’re right there with them. We get to (almost) experience what they’re creating with them – we hear the same sounds, smell the same smells, sometimes even taste the same things.
And then there’s a third aspect that adds a whole new level of intensity to it: The circumstances surrounding the experience. This is probably best described in this response in the thread from Grace Gormann:
“I saw Cynthia Erivo in The Color Purple the night after Philadro Castille and Alton Sterling were murdered by police. The emotion in the room was palpable and her voice was a PHYSICAL presence. I felt it so intensely at one point that I scooted up the back of my chair in shock.”
Other media can be impacted or informed by what’s going on around it, but it can quickly become outdated. However, theatre is different. There will never be another performance like the one Cynthia gave that night.
It’s a blessing and a curse, being a fan of something so ever-changing and turbulent and active. I don’t think I’ll ever have the words for it, and I think that’s a good thing.
In a year full of both tragedy and innovation, we are all more thankful now than ever. Here are are few responses from our staff and fans to the prompt, “What are you thankful for?”
“Thankful that theater is coming back and I work with people smart enough to make it happen”
Ken M.
“Thankful for weighted blankets, luxury candles, and the You’re Wrong About podcast, which has helped relax me from the stress and horror of living in 2020”
Patrick M.
“I’m thankful for friendships that deepened throughout this year, in spite of all of the craziness!”
Ashley E.
“I’m thankful for puzzles, compassion, science, and a working water heater!”
Danielle H.
“I’m thankful for courage and tenacity – the courage and tenacity I see manifesting in so many people and in so many ways right now. I’m thankful that one very small act of hope brought me big love in the middle of the pandemic. I’m thankful that technology has allowed for some meaningful connection during these past eight months. I’m thankful that I get to work with people who ask what we’re thankful for.”
Caitlin W.
“I’m thankful for restaurant takeout and Christmas movies!”
A’riel T.
“I’m thankful for propane heat, snow shovels, and chihuahua sized sweaters.”
Sam P.
“I’m thankful for a 50 ft. leash so my dog can run to his heart’s desire since we can’t go to the dog park, Old Forge pizza, and getting to spend two months in Baltimore with my parents and brother.”
Hallie A.
“I am thankful for more time working from my porch and watching the birds and the full life cycle of the leaves.”
Collins D.
“‘Being Alive’ Oh, and Sondheim too”
Paul C. on Facebook
“Lots of things but also that I got to see Maybe Happy Ending before everything shut down.”
Richard L. on Facebook
“Staying healthy”
@jaaaaaaaaaayy on Instagram
“WhatsApp & unlimited data”
@alwysmoe on Instagram
“Being able to elevate voices of fellow performers on my new podcast!”
@mady_kay on Instagram
“That I’ve been able to safely do theatre at school this year!!”
@gracie.r0 on Instagram
“Ride the Cyclone”
@kelsey_bingham_ on Instagram
“A safe daycare environment, for so many reasons”
@howekelsey on Instagram
“The strength and ability to wake up with a positive mindset”
@joshuavmontague on Instagram
To celebrate the new ATL holiday special from Terry Burrell streaming on Alliance Theatre Anywhere this festive season, we are sharing some cocktail recipes that might be the perfect pairing to a night in with the Broadway star. Drink responsibly and enjoy!
Peppermintinis
makes 3 servings
(Source: Delish)
1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. crushed candy canes
6 oz. white chocolate liquer
4 oz. vodka
2 oz. peppermint schnapps
4 tbsp. heavy cream
Ice
3 small candy canes for garnish
1) Create a dipping station for your martini glass, with two shallow plates – one with melted chocolate and the other with crushed candy canes. Dip the glass rim first in chocolate and then the candy canes. Pour remaining chocolate into the glass bottom and swirl to coat.
2) Combine all liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until cold. Divide drink into multiple glasses and garnish with a candy cane.
Santa Clausmopolitans
makes 4 servings
(Source: Delish)
1 c. vodka
1 1/2 c. cranberry juice
1/4 c. triple sec
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
1/2 c. fresh cranberries
white sanding sugar
Lime wedge for rim
1) Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass and dip in sanding sugar.
2) Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and then add all liquids. Shake until cold.
3) Divide drinks between glasses and add cranberries for garnish.
Chris Covington’s Holiday Punch
(Source: Staff member Kathleen Covington)
One part vodka
One part pineapple juice
One and a half part ginger ale (or mix of sprite and ga)
Plus add cranberry juice or grenadine for color. If cranberry, add more vodka.
Mix and enjoy!
A Fine Idea
(Source: Staff member Lindsay Ridgeway-Baierl)
2 oz Four Roses Bourbon
Serve in glass, escape your family.
Sponsored by:
Your Atlanta Area Lexus Dealers
Is there anything more comforting than a holiday tradition?
From the food, to the music, to the warm embrace of family and friends, there’s nothing like this time of year. For actor Terry Burrell, the holidays also signify an opportunity to give back. “The holidays mean family, connection, generosity of Spirit to give to those less fortunate,” Terry says; “an awareness of how blessed I am and what a beautiful place our Universe can be.”
Burrell, who has appeared in several Broadway productions including Dreamgirls, Into the Woods, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, enjoys her own set of holiday traditions. “The biggest tradition is trimming the tree,” she tells us, “usually on Christmas Eve. The Christmas music is playing, and I’ve already laid out snacks and glasses of prosecco. When all is done, there is a marathon watch party of A Christmas Carol and It’s A Wonderful Life on television.”
Just like the rest of us, Terry also keenly feels the impact of the pandemic and how it has shifted and even disrupted traditions for many. Since large gatherings and travel have been restricted to reduce potential spread, many people have had to adjust their typical end-of-year plans. “The biggest change for me,” Terry says, “is that for the first time my family won’t be coming to spend it with us. Part of the fun has always been planning a Christmas dinner menu with my husband and cooking for them.” But despite the disappointment, Burrell offers a more uplifting perspective – one we could all take to heart. “Acknowledge your feelings of loss. Sit with it and then also acknowledge what you do have in your life: Friends, family, good health, the beautiful day. That you have shelter. That you have life.”
In Atlanta, annual holiday activities will appear different, too. The Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Ballet are reinventing their holiday programming with drive-in style productions of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker respectively. The Atlanta Botanical Garden returns with the popular light display Garden Lights, Holiday Nights with reduced capacity and mask requirements. And both Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Alliance Theatre will also be providing holiday entertainment through online streaming. Whatever it looks like, we hope you will enjoy your holiday traditions in Atlanta and continue your favorite traditions! (Read more about 2020 Atlanta Holiday events here)
Terry Burrell stars in A Very Terry Christmas, a new production on Alliance Theatre’s streaming platform Alliance Theatre Anywhere. Join her as she takes us on a tour of her favorite Atlanta destinations while sharing her personal holiday stories and songs.
Although we’ve not been able to gather since March, the Alliance is busier than ever, and our work as community leaders and social advocates has not gone unnoticed. In the past few weeks the Alliance and its leadership have been recognized by several high-profile organizations. Here’s a short list of recent accolades:
Trip Savvy’s 2020 Community Leader Award: Alliance Theatre –
This award honored businesses that have become anchors of positivity in their communities during the COVID pandemic. “While the organization was forced to shutter its two stages and ultimately cancel the remainder of its 2019-2020 season…the theater quickly pivoted to a new production: making much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for local frontline workers. Although its physical facilities were closed, more than a dozen costume and production shop artists worked from home, hand-sewing up to 220 masks per day during a critical nationwide shortage.” Read more.
The Atlantan’s 25 Most Influential Atlantans: Susan Booth –
In a year of change, this year’s awards honor the local luminaries leading the charge in our community, with ripple effects felt throughout the world. These formidable forces drive change, pushing Atlanta forward on a local, national and international stage for the greater good. Susan is included with such Atlanta icons as John Lewis, Sara Blakely, Sanjay Gupta, and Andrew Young. Read Susan’s feature and see the entire list of honorees here.
Dezeen Award Nomination for Civic and Cultural Interior of the Year: The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre –
Trahan Architects’ stunning design of the new Coca-Cola Stage is has been short-listed for the prestigious Dezeen Award which identifies the world’s best architecture, interiors and design, as well as the studios and the individual architects and designers producing the most outstanding work. The awards will be announced in late November. Read more!
Let’s face it, 2020 has been a stressful year. So now more than ever, folks are itching for new activities to celebrate the season of joy. Here’s a snapshot of holiday events in Atlanta.
Be sure to check out the links below to learn more about each organization’s COVID safety procedures.
For all ages:
A Christmas Carol: The Live Radio Play: An Alliance Theatre Drive-In Experience in Summerhill
Experience Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood and all the magic of a drive-in while live actors retell the beloved holiday story.
JINGLE! Hear the bells jingle on the streets of Victorian England as you’re transported back in time with Ebenezer Scrooge, Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
JANGLE! Watch and listen to how a sound effect artist creates the jangling of Marley’s chains in real-time with the story.
DASH! Load up your sleigh (or car) in front of our drive-in theatre stage and big screen for a Christmas Carol experience you will never forget!
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
One of Atlanta’s favorite annual events is back again to light up your winter nights! New in 2020, the Red Queen joins the White Rabbit and Phoenix from Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined in a glowing cast of larger-than-life twinkling sculptures. Exhibition runs nightly through January 16th. Nightly capacity has been dramatically reduced to ensure social distancing.
Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum
Celebrate the season with this holiday-inspired exhibit featuring decorated trees and cultural displays, as well as six giant (some up to 7 feet tall) decorated snow globes outdoors, all include with general museum admission.
For the adults:
A Very Terry Christmas Streaming on Alliance Theatre Anywhere
From Broadway star Terry Burrell (Dreamgirls, Into the Woods) comes a holiday celebration of all the things that give us joy – even in the most chaotic of times. In this prerecorded streaming production, Terry will take us on a tour of her favorite Atlanta destinations while sharing her personal holiday stories and songs. Give yourself the gift of laughter, light, and love by spending a very Terry evening at home. Streaming November 27 – December 31.
Sips Under the Sea Lite at Georgia Aquarium
For those looking for 21+ events, the Georgia Aquarium is offering a quieter and more safety-focused version of their popular Sips Under the Sea series on December 4. Featuring specialty cocktails, dining options, and a live DJ, this limited-capacity event gives you great access to the aquarium. Be sure to wear your favorite tacky sweater (and a mask to match)!
History After Hours at the Atlanta History Center
Grab a cocktail and check out the famous Swan House and the surrounding gardens, as well as the Any Great Change: The Centennial of the 19th Amendment and Mandarin Shutz: A Chinese Export Life exhibitions on December 10.
Fernbank After Dark: Holiday Spirits
Bring your best holiday cheer for a night of festive fun featuring after-hours access to the holiday exhibit Winter Wonderland, holiday-themed activities, live music and more on Friday, December 11.
For the young and young at heart:
Stan the Lovesick Snowman at Center for Puppetry Arts
Based on The Snowman by Hans Christian Anderson, this puppet show for the whole family explores a magical tale of fun and friendship with ice skating, snowball fights, hockey, and moose mail! Running November 24 through January 3, with performance options on weekdays and weekends.
Celebrations in Light at Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Exploring the chilly season with some cool science, art, and staged programming. Dig into the science behind snow by making your own, play Winter Weather Bingo, construct crafts celebrating Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, and so much more! December 1-30.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade Special
While there won’t be a live parade strutting down Peachtree Street this year, check out A Look Back at 40 Years of the Children’s Christmas Parade, a TV special airing on WSB-TV on Sunday, December 6 at 1:30 p.m. The program will look back on some of our favorite moments from past parades, with a special feature on healthcare heroes.
Knock, Knock (the Sounds of Winter) – A Virtual Experience from the Alliance Theatre
Come in from out of the cold and celebrate community, family, and warmth this holiday season! Welcome to The Apartment Building. Below us, above us, and beside us, the residents are preparing for the holidays and trying to stay warm. Join us on a floor to floor adventure, meeting and celebrating with a variety of friends who all call The Apartment Building home. Surprises hide behind each door — all you need to do is (Knock, Knock) and listen closely. December 8 – January 21. Part of the Kathy and Ken Bernhardt Series for the Very Young designed for ages 0-5.
Stay safe and happy holidays, Atlanta!
Looking for something for the theatre nerd in your life? We’ve compiled a handy list of gifts suitable for anyone and everyone, from your mom who’s a casual fan to your cousin who has seen every Tony-nominated show since the 80’s.
Need something to keep you occupied until Broadway comes back? This thousand-piece puzzle ought to do the trick.
Want something to place on their coffee table to signify how much of a nerd they are? Try The Secret Life of the American Musical or The Untold Stories of Broadway or Musicals: The Definitive Illustrated Story. (Be sure to place a theatre-inspired candle nearby!)
If you have kids and want to raise them right, make sure their bookshelf includes A is for Audra and hang this Broadway ABCs print on their wall.
Are they a loud and proud theatre nerd? Gift them this mask so that they can stop telling you which is stage left and which is stage right. Other options are this incredible Here For the Drama pin and this All the World’s A Stage keychain. (For a more subtle nod to theatre, try one of these necklaces!)
For the kitchen, this mug is the perfect way to signal that, no, Barbara, they can’t come to your ugly sweater party because they have rehearsal. If they don’t want to go but also don’t have rehearsal (just imagine us perpetually shaking our fist at COVID), they can stay in to slice and serve their worries away with this Waitress-inspired cookbook.
Looking for something specific? There’s always the Playbill Store. Or, if you’re looking for something even more specific, gift them a stream of one of our Alliance Theatre Anywhere offerings! Another great option is an Alliance Theatre membership, which includes free streaming of all our Alliance Theatre Anywhere shows!