What to see, do and hear: “Rent,” rock’s Dave Mason, Howard Finster, much more

By

ArtsATL staff

THEATER 

See the Tony award-winning musical Hadestown for its final weekend at the Fox Theatre and escape reality in favor of fascinating mythology. Directed by Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown weaves the tales of Orpheus and Eurydice with King Hades and his wife, Persephone. Tickets start at $40.

::

Pinch ‘N’ Ouch Theatre presents the musical Rent this weekend, hosted at 7 Stages Theatre. Read ArtsATL critic Luke Evans’ review of the production, which he says has its good moments and also has flaws. Cast members, including Ian Cole Ingram as Collins, Alfonso Lora as Angel, Kenedi Deal as Maureen and Rachael Simpson subbing as Joanne, provide earnestness and enthusiasm to carry the show. Tickets start at $45.

::

The world premiere of Red: A Crayon’s Musical is Friday and Saturday only at Out Front Theatre Company. Based on Michael Hall’s book, a New York Times bestseller, the musical is directed by Mandy Mitchell and features a book by Ben Thorpe and music and lyrics by John Burke. Tickets start at $5.
::

MUSIC

The legendary John McEuen brings his Circle Band to Eddie’s Attic Saturday at 7 p.m. McEuen is a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, which helped pioneer country/rock with the 1972 album Will The Circle Be Unbroken that melded rock and country sensibilities. It featured Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and other country music legends. The Library of Congress has called that album “one of America’s most important recordings.” Tickets start at $28.

::

British rock superstar Dave Mason comes to City Winery January 19 for a concert at 8 p.m. Mason started his career with Traffic, then left that band for a solo career. His biggest hit is “We Just Disagree” but he also wrote Joe Cocker’s iconic “Feelin’ Alright” that is one of rock music’s greatest songs. And for your next trivia contest: Mason played the acoustic guitar on Jimi Hendrix’s version of “All Along The Watchtower.” Tickets start at $70.

::

BOOKS

Former Georgia Author of the Year James C. Cobb will discuss his latest book, C. Vann Woodward: America’s Historian, Wednesday at 7 p.m. in McElreath Hall at the Atlanta History Center. Cobb notes Woodward’s impact on the nation’s understanding of the American South and his penchant for busting myths about the past that had been enshrined as historical truth. Cobb is a professor emeritus of history at the University of Georgia. Tickets start at $10 for non-members.

::

FILM+TV 

The Plaza Theatre will host the Atlanta premiere of The Stream, written and directed by Atlanta-based filmmaker Sam Dubin. The plot centers around a first-generation American son and his immigrant father who must sell their family’s lake home to avoid financial ruin. Sunday. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Screening at 3 p.m. Tickets $5.

::

ART+DESIGN

Najee Dorsey gives Black artists a place to shine at his art gallery in East Point. Now he’s exhibiting his own work as well, to celebrate his 50th birthday. Leaving Mississippi is a collection of works reflecting well-known individuals and family who hail from the Deep South. Through February 11. Black Art in America Gallery. Artist talk Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.

::

Outsider artist Howard Finster is well known for the folk art in his Paradise Garden in Summerville where he used to live. Now Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is exhibiting some of the artist’s early works from the private collection of Rick Berman and Jeannie Ashcroft Berman; they represented Finster at their gallery for many years. Opening reception Wednesday 6 to 8 p.m. Registration required. Suggested donation $25. Through January 27 only.

::

MINT Gallery presents Semi-Functional, an exhibit of three-dimensional work by Allison Baker that delves into domestic discontent, the traditional feminine, gender and class. Opening the same day is makeitallmakesense, Trey Dowell’s Leap Year solo exhibition. Opening reception for both is Saturday 6 to 9 p.m.

::

The Signature Gallery is opening two shows this weekend: Drinking Thangs is a collection of ceramic drinking vessels created by George McCauley and Ron Meyers. Familiar Things Cast No Shadows features sculptures by Isys Hennigar that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world, particularly that of Appalachia. Opening reception Friday 5 to 8 p.m., with all three artists in attendance.

Share On:

STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THINGS ArtsATL

Subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter.