“Fiddler on the Roof” | The National Center for Civil and Human Rights update | “Remote” | Weekly Comedy Round-up | The Strand Theater turns 90
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Atlanta Opera and the Alliance Theatre collaborate in new production of “Fiddler on the Roof”
Itzik Cohen as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.” (Raftermen)
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When two of Atlanta’s most innovative arts institutions—the Atlanta Opera and the Alliance Theatre—join forces, the result is bound to be something extraordinary. Their latest collaboration is a powerful new production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” the musical that has captivated audiences for generations. It’s on the Coca-Cola stage at the Alliance through Oct. 12.
City Lights Collective member Zachary Brown recently spoke with two of the show’s actors, alongside leaders from the Alliance and the Opera. They discussed the show’s enduring relevance and how “Fiddler on the Roof” speaks to both the past and the present.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights set to reopen in November with new exhibitions and interactive experiences
A rendering of the newly renovated National Center for Civil and Human Rights. (courtesy of NCCHR)
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The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will have its grand reopening on Nov. 8, after being closed since January. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans shares more.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights has undergone significant renovations over the past eight months. The Human Rights exhibit is now more hands-on and interactive and the museum is also opening a family gallery aimed at bringing in younger audiences. One of the new exhibits will feature high-tech experiences, including a presentation of Ida B. Wells speaking to audiences, and the lunch counter sit-in simulation will double in size.
Atlanta filmmaker Ben Hall on reviving Georgia’s indie scene with new AI drama “Remote”
The new indie film “Remote” premieres at the Tara Theater on Sept. 20. (Ben Hall)
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Recently, stories have been circulating about the dropping number of major motion pictures being produced in Georgia, and consequently, Atlanta’s film industry is in flux. But what about the work coming from independent filmmakers? Is there a way to help our ecosystem thrive again by pushing to make marketable, mainstream indies from start to finish locally?
Atlanta filmmaker Ben Hall certainly thinks so, and his newest production, “Remote,” aims to serve as an example. The movie explores what happens when problems related to human emotions, like grief and loneliness, collide with non-human solutions, like Artificial Intelligence.
Ahead of the movie’s premiere at the Tara Theater on Sept. 20, City Lights Collective co-host Kim Drobes sat down with Hall to learn more about the film and his thoughts on the future of Georgia-made indie movies.
This week’s comedy spotlights, including Atlanta comedian Andrew Stanley performing at Helium Comedy Club
Andrew Stanley performs in Alpharetta at Helium Comedy Club on Sept. 17. (Laura Stone)
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City Lights Collective member and award-winning Atlanta comedian Joel Byars is one of the hardest-working people in the business. He hosts many comedy events around town, and his podcast, “Hot Breath Pod,” aims to uplift his fellow comedians. Byars joins us weekly to share his picks for this week’s must-see comedy, and today his mix includes a 1UP local comedy showcase, Atlanta comedian Andrew Stanley and a live show from a Daily Show correspondent.
The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre celebrates 90 years in Marietta
The Strand Theatre will celebrate its 90th birthday Sept. 23-28. (The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre )
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For nearly 90 years, The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre has stood on the historic square in Marietta and served as both a cultural anchor and a community gathering place. Once a glittering movie palace, and later a fading relic, the theater is now a thriving hub for live performance, film, and celebration. The Strand’s story is one of resilience, and the inventive people who refused to let its lights go dark. City Lights Collective producer Josh Thane brings us this story ahead of the Strand’s 90th birthday.
”Today, we do so much more than just movies. We love our movies. We do movies, sing along to movies, and have sensory-friendly films. We still do silent films with live accompaniment, but we also do comedies, concerts, plays, musicals, and musical reviews,” said the venue’s executive director, Andy Gaines.
The historic Strand Theatre is the oldest theater in Marietta and its surrounding areas. Since opening in 1935, it has survived fires, hosted premieres in Hollywood’s golden age of cinema, and come close to shuttering. For its 90th birthday, the theater is hosting a myriad of experiences–Joanne Woodward singing/dancing competitions, an ABBA tribute, silent films with live organ and more.
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