THEATER
Visit the Alliance Theatre to watch Water for Elephants in its final weekend. This world premiere musical is directed by Jessica Stone, and, according to ArtsATL editor-at-large Kelundra Smith, “is a triumph from a technical perspective. Lighting designer Bradley King, projections designer David Bengali and set designer Takeshi Kata are a dream team in the execution of this production.” Tickets start at $75, with discounts available.
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The Center for Puppetry Arts brings back Puppetry NOW for the second year this weekend. The program is an initiative spotlighting the work of contemporary artists and puppeteers of color, and 2023’s featured artists, brothers Pablo and Efrain Del Hierro, are from Santurce, Puerto Rico, and own Poncili Creación. The Center will display a special exhibition of Poncili Creación’s work in the Dean DuBose Smith Special Exhibition Gallery from July 6 to October 29, and Poncili Creación will perform two versions of the Center’s Hungry Garden puppet show: one for families and one for adults over 18. Tickets are $22, with discounts available.
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The popular musical Wicked is showing at the Fox Theatre this weekend and throughout July. Now the fifth-longest-running show in Broadway history, Wicked is the winner of more than 100 international awards, including a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards. Since opening in 2003, the musical has been performed in more than 100 cities in 16 countries around the world. Tickets start at $116 and depend on seating.
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MUSIC
The groundbreaking Americana band Son Volt planned a 25th anniversary tour in 2019 that would have included performing the band’s seminal album Trace from start to finish. The pandemic scuttled those plans, but, three years later, the band is celebrating its 28th anniversary on a tour that features all the songs from Trace. The band’s latest album, Day of the Doug, pays homage to Texas music icon Doug Sahm. Son Volt comes to the Variety Playhouse Wednesday.
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In 1977, Little Feat released Waiting For Columbus, now considered one of the greatest live albums ever made. The band featured the guitarist/vocalist duo of Lowell George and Paul Barrére, and the album featured their signature songs “Willin,” “All That You Dream,” “Dixie Chicken” and “Oh Atlanta.” Today’s version of Little Feat features original members Bill Payne (keyboards) and Sam Clayton (percussion), along with renowned studio guitarist Fred Tackett and former Gregg Allman Band guitarist Scott Sharrard. The band performs Wednesday at Symphony Hall at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39.50.
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ART+DESIGN
The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art’s annual juried exhibition is now open through September 3. Metro Montage XXIII features all types of genre, medium, style, subject matter, concept and technique in art from across the country. More than 100 contemporary artists are represented, some from Atlanta. The exhibit spans both floors of the museum. Free for members. General admission, $8. Discounts available.
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Atlanta’s new Science Gallery at Pullman Rail Yards blends science, art, technology and design to explore today’s important issues. Its inaugural exhibit, HOOKED: When Want Becomes Need, looks at the world of addiction and recovery as a global health issue. The exhibit was co-produced with Science Gallery at King’s College London. Films, installations and sculptures examine addiction in innovative ways. For instance, an interactive walk-in sculptural figure, We’re All Searching for Rest, allows visitors to contribute objects related to their personal journeys of addiction and recovery. The gallery is part of the international Science Gallery Network and is sponsored here by Emory University. Free.
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Better Days: Joy and Revolution at Black Art in America features six contemporary artists curated by Jamaal Barber with select works of legacy artists from the gallery’s collection. Artists include: Jamaal Barber, Rashaun Rucker, Chloe Alexander, Robin Holder, Steve Prince, Jerushia Graham, Richard Mayhew, Dr. Samella Lewis, Mildred Thompson, Romare Bearden, Charles Mills and more. Through July 29. Free.
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Museum of Design Atlanta and Midtown Alliance will host their first Sunday Funday event on the plaza in front of MODA from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday. The family-friendly event will feature design-related activities, including games such as giant Jenga, along with live music from The Human DJ. Sunday Funday is free, and entrance to MODA’s current exhibit, Level Up: Pixels, Play & Progress, has a discounted ticket price of $5 during the event. The same day, across the street, the High Museum of Art will hold its popular Second Sunday, when admission is free.
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BOOKS
Atlanta author Milton J. Davis, the award-winning writer of 26 books based on African African diaspora history, culture and traditions, will give a reading Sunday at 2 p.m. at 44th & 3rd Bookseller in Southwest Atlanta. “Grandpa’s Hands,” part of his short story collection Musadine Wine, has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and is a personal homage to Southwest Georgia. Davis will be joined by Lovell Hooks, who hosts WRFG’s Jazz Straight No Chaser program.
The event is free, but a reserved ticket is recommended.