See & Do: Dance: Riverdance
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008
For 13 years, RIVERDANCE has injected a great appreciation of Irish song and dance into the cultures of 32 countries on four continents. This epic celebration of Irish tradition has sold more than 2.5 million copies of its Grammy-winning CD, and now the performers are calling it quits with eight farewell shows at the fabulous Fox Theatre this week, beginning Tues., MAY 13. If you weren’t one of the 21 million to catch their previous 10,000 performances, now is the time to see what the Washington Post describes as “a phenomenon of historic proportions.” The thunderous feet of more than 100 Irish dancers are directed by John McColgan and perform to music composed by Bill Whelan. Through May 18. $25-$62. Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. 404-881-2100. www.foxtheatre.org.
(Photo © 2003 Joan Marcus)
Marcus Kenney’s solo exhibition MIDNIGHT IN AMERICA is showing at Marcia Wood Gallery Tues., APRIL 22. Kenney’s works handle important issues in today’s society such as consumerism, environmentalism, religion, race and authority. Appropriately, Kenney uses old newspapers, canceled checks and cigar labels to fashion the mixed-media collages that compose this exhibit. Free. Reception: 6-9 p.m. Through May 24. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Marcia Wood Gallery, 263 Walker St. 404-827-0030. 
(Photo Collection of Gimme Green)
THE MERRY WIDOW, often called the “Queen of Operettas,” comes to the Fox Theatre today. The Czech Opera Prague, conducted by Martin Mazik and directed by Martin Otava, relates the comedic story of a rich widow on a quest to find a husband. For those of us who don’t understand the original German, the Fox is kind enough to provide English supertitles. $45-$65. 8 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. 404-817-8700. 
Ted Neeley stars as your favorite Christian savior in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (pictured), finishing its run Sun., MARCH 9, at the Cobb Energy Centre. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s rock opera collaboration details the last seven days of Christ’s life. (Neeley, now 64, played the title role in the 1973 film version.) It follows his entry into Jerusalem, his betrayal by Judas (played by Corey Glover, of Living Colour fame), his trial by Pontius Pilate and the consequent crucifixion. $20-$53. March 5-7, 8 p.m.; March 8, 2 and 8 p.m.; March 9, 1 and 6:30 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway. 770-916-2800. 
The GSU Players (pictured), in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Tribe, are throwing a four-day performing-arts extravaganza. For ARTISTS INCLINED, students organized, choreographed, directed and designed nine environmentally and humanitarian-themed pieces. Among the three song, dance and acting numbers are a vocal rendition of the “Age of Aquarius,” a dance piece set to M.I.A.’s “World Town,” and a pantomime outlining the strife of refugees. Through Feb. 24. $5. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. Alumni Hall Theatre, 30 Courtland St. 404-413-5693. 