9 essential Atlanta arts events this weekend

Each week, ArtsATL curates a selection of the most exciting arts and culture events happening in Atlanta this weekend, highlighting nine must-see experiences.

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Thursday

Wit

The Pulitzer Prize winner, staged at Actor’s Express June 4 through June 28 and directed by Freddie Ashley, follows the story of a woman who was out of touch with her emotions until a transformative diagnosis. 

The Revolutionists

Written by Atlanta native Lauren Gunderson, The Revolutionists portrays the French Revolution through the lens of girl-powered comedy at Theatrical Outfit June 3 through June 28.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra season finale

Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann closes the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s season with one of orchestral music’s best-loved works. Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection) probes themes of life and death and the struggle to find meaning. Performances are on June 4, June 6 and June 7.

Tom Cheshire benefit

Academy of Staring Daggers, a 24-piece supergroup that plays desert doom jazz, will headline a benefit and celebration for beloved Atlanta musician Tom Cheshire. at 8 p.m on June 4 at The Earl. Proceeds will help with Cheshire’s recent medical bills and missed work due to hospital visits. The lineup also includes Soiled Doves and Bill Taft & Will Fratesi. 

Where Being Takes Root: Works by Southern Artists From the Larry M. and Gwendolyn E. Walker Collection

Celebrating the artistic vision, mentorship and lasting cultural influence of acclaimed artist, GSU professor emeritus and former Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design Director Larry M. Walker (1935–2023), this exhibition opens with a reception from 6-8 p.m. at the Welch School Galleries at Georgia State University on June 4. It continues through October 15.

Friday

In Spite of My Ambivalence

This world premiere from Chicago-based playwright Catherine Yu will take the stage June 5 through June 28 at Synchronicity Theatre. Exploring the complexity of trauma through the lens of five individuals, the play’s intriguing overview drops hints at PTSD, mental health, dance and human connection without elaborating much on a plot.

Gutenberg! The Musical!

A two-person show within a show, this theatrical romp brings to life the (allegedly) improvised two-man version of best pals Bev and Doug’s magnum opus as they dazzle an audience of potential producers and investors at a backers’ audition. With previews June 3 and June 4, the show runs June 5 through June 28 at Dad’s Garage.

Saturday

The Atlanta Contemporary Music Collective

Outside the Lines spotlights two works for open ensemble that explore the space outside of the traditional rhythmic grid by Julius Eastman and Orynn Murphy. They’ll perform at Freeside Atlanta at 7:30 p.m. on June 6.

Sunday

Bacharach at The Breman 

Flying Carpet Theatre Company will tell the fascinating life story of composer, songwriter and pianist Burt Bacharach in this premiere production at 5 p.m. June 7 at The Breman. The singers-actors will share stories and songs, performing Bacharach classics such as “Walk on By,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “I Say a Little Prayer” and more.

More things to do this weekend and beyond

John Crist is one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians with sold-out shows from coast to coast that have landed him at No. 34 on the most recent Pollstar list of the top 100 comedy tours. His latest comedy special, John Crist: Emotional Support, was filmed less than six miles from his childhood home in Lilburn, and he’ll return to that venue, Gas South Arena, at 7 p.m. on June 6 … In a small North Carolina town, Della is thrilled to be baking a wedding cake for her late best friend’s daughter. But when that daughter, Jen, arrives with her fiancée — another woman — Della’s deeply held beliefs are suddenly put to the test in Merely Players Presents’ The Cake. See it from June 4 through June 14 … In Greg Banks’ The Hobbit, our unlikely hero, Bilbo Baggins, would much rather be sitting in his cozy hobbit hole with a cup of tea and a plate of bacon and eggs. However, he somehow finds himself on a magical adventure. It’s at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse June 6 through June 28 … Morgan Jay is a musician and comedian based in Los Angeles who has made appearances on MTV’s Wild ’n Out and was a 2023 Just For Laughs New Face. He’ll perform at the Fox Theatre at 7 p.m. on June 5 … The annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival happens June 6 and June 7 at the Chattahoochee Nature Center with butterfly encounters, butterfly education, food, music, international cultural performances and more … You’ll find an artist market, 5K race, live music, a block party, food and drink vendors, children’s activities and more at the annual Virginia-Highland SummerFest on June 6 and June 7 … True Colors Theatre Company will present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, based on the teleplay by Robert L. Freedman, at the Southwest Arts Center from June 9 through July 5 … A beloved cult classic film screens on June 6 and June 9 at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. Confident and opinionated, 17-year-old Megan is far too strong-willed for her unsupportive parents, who begin to worry she is a lesbian in But I’m a Cheerleader.  Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall and RuPaul Charles star in this campy satire from 1999.