Lewis Grizzard: In His Own Words Coming This patron September! A publication spotlighting The Strand Summer 2013 pg 10 Get Ready, Get READY (for Motown) pg 19
Summer Concert Series pg 16
NEW: The Lounge Opens pg 9 patron Lewis Grizzard: In His Get Ready, Summer NEW: A publication spotlighting The Strand Summer 2013 Own Words Coming This Get READY! Concert The Lounge September! (for Motown) Series Opens!
pg 10 pg 19
pg 16 pg 9 30061 GA MARIETTA
4186 BOX P.O.
36 STRAND SMITH EARL
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Table of Contents
The Basics ……………………………..5 Thanks for picking up a copy of the Patron! The Patron is published by Brew is Back! …………………………..7 the Earl Smith Strand Theatre with the purpose of informing our Lounging Around ..…………….....…….9 patrons about upcoming events, Lewis Grizzard: important news, and fun facts. Thank you for your support of The In His Own Words …………...…10 Strand! Crack! Bang! Boom! Layout/Design: Cassi Costoulas Editor: Manda Costoulas Celebrate Independence Day at The Strand……………….12 Editorial Manda Costoulas Summer Movie Fun …………………..14 Justin Murray Summer Concert Series ...…………….16 Katie Pflugradt
Motown Trivia Time! …...……………18 Advertising To advertise in future issues, contact Get Ready, Get READY! Cassi Costoulas at (for Motown)……………….…..19 Contents of Table [email protected] or 770-293-0080, ext. 302. A New Generation
Get on the Mailing List of Performers……………..…….21 Over 5,000 Strand patrons will enjoy this issue. The Strand also School’s Out For Summer, publishes a weekly e-newsletter with But Camp is IN! ………………..23 upcoming events and other information. Burn, Baby, Burn ……………………..25
If you’d like to be added to the Call-a-Thon Returns in July…………...27 mailing list or e-news list, please Board Spotlight & History contact the Box Office. With Ron Carter………………..28 BOX OFFICE INFO Usher Spotlight: Buy tickets by calling 770.293.0080, online at Debby O’Neil…………………...31 www.EarlSmithStrand.org, or by visiting 117 North Park Square Catherine Rhodes: Marietta, GA 30060. Box Office hours are M-F from 9 AM - noon & Guided by Voices ..………….…...32 1 - 4 PM. Strand Staff…………………………..33
Atlanta Lyric Theatre patrons can purchase tickets through the Atlanta Lyric Theatre Box Office. Tickets can be bought over the phone at 404.377.9948, and online at
atlantalyrictheatre.com
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Strand Staff Scenes The Behind
Earl Reece Cassi Costoulas Andrew Cole Chuck Polasky Executive Director Director of Business Events & Bar Manager Technical Director Development & Marketing
Manda Costoulas Debbie Huckeba Catherine Rhodes Katie Pflugradt Box Office Manager Accountant Events and Development Front of House Assistant Manager
ADMIN STAFF Caleb Faille Marc Patterson Justin Murray
EVENT STAFF Jared Bier William Chandler Kenneth Givens Nikki Maisonet Ryan Smoak
Taylor Tolbert
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Directions Strand FAQ much more than just the technique of School of Music in New York City and Earl Smith Strand Theatre Q: Do you offer tours? Catherine Rhodes: A: We offer private tours to groups of 10 or more. singing, they learn how to perform songs- studied classical voice for a year privately 117 North Park Square Marietta, GA Just call our box office to schedule! which improves critical thinking skills, with Mark Oswald, a vocal coach for the 30060 Guided by Voices discipline, organization, awareness, and Metropolitan Opera. She has also studied Q: When can I look inside The Strand? The Strand is located on the north side A: The Strand is typically closed when there's not Staff Writer Manda Costoulas self-confidence. These voice lessons in- classical voice at Oberlin College and an event going on. We do often have non-ticketed clude teaching the biology of the voice, Eastman School of Music in summer in- of the historic Marietta Square at the events such as Brew with a View or free movie Catherine Rhodes, vocal coach extraordi- personal health and fitness, how to read tensives. Catherine graduated from Indi- corner of Cherokee St. and North Park nights that allow newcomers to take a look around naire and Strand employee, is moving! and analyze music, and, of course, how to ana University where she studied classical Sq. certain areas of the facility. Due to the quick growth and popularity perform. voice with Alice Hopper at the Jacobs Q: When is your box office open? of her vocal lessons, all students will now Going north on 75 As a native of Marietta, Catherine attend- School of Music, performed in musical A: Our Box Office is open from 9 AM- noon and be taught in a new space just a half a mile theater, and was a Varsity member of the Get off on exit 263 toward Marietta 1 PM -4 PM Monday through Friday. Box office ed the Cobb County Center for Excellence and merge onto South Marietta is also open 2 hours before all ticketed events. away from The Strand. Her new facility Singing Hoosiers. will feature a waiting room for parents in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook Parkway. After 2.8 miles, take a right High School where she was a member of There is limited availability for new stu- onto Atlanta Road. After 0.4 miles, The Q: How can I found out what is happening at The and close proximity to the square for Strand? voice lessons. the elite musical theatre group, ComPAny, dents. For more information, or to sched- Strand Theatre will be on your left at A: There are several ways to stay in the loop: and performed in well over fifty musical ule a lesson, please contact Catherine di- the northeast corner of the historic 1) Our Upcoming Events flyer is available What’s the difference between voice les- and choral productions under the direc- rectly at Marietta Square. outside the theatre. sons and performance voice lessons? In tion of Earl Reece and Frank Timmer- 2) Our website is updated daily with performance voice lessons, students learn [email protected]. events. man. Catherine attended Manhattan Going south on 75 3) Our Upcoming Events e-mail is released Get off on exit 265 and take a right every week. To be added, visit our web onto North Marietta Parkway. After page and click the “Join Our Mailing List” 1.4 miles, take a left onto Church button. 4) We post all of our events on our Face- Street. After 0.4 miles, take a left onto book and Twitter pages. North Park Square. The Strand Theatre will be on your left at the northeast Q: How do I rent the theatre and/or event rooms? corner of the historic Marietta Square. A: You can contact our events manager, Andrew Cole, at [email protected] or fill out the form found on the website by clicking “Event Room Rental” on our home page.
Q: How do I buy tickets? Basics The A: There are several ways to purchase tickets: 1) By phone: 770.293.0080 2) Online: www.EarlSmithStrand.org 3) The Box Office: 117 North Park Square | Marietta, GA 30060, M-F (see hours above)
Q: Are there volunteer positions available? A: Yes! If you’d like to get involved, e-mail [email protected].
The Strand is Soooo Social Like our FB page, follow us on Twitter, or check in to Earl Smith Strand Theatre on Foursquare!
Twitter: StrandMarietta Facebook : www.Facebook.com/EarlSmithStrand
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of our most devoted Usher volunteers. Spotlight: Debby O’Neil is a re- Secenes the Behind tired nurse that has de- Debby voted this past year to our events hosted at O’Neil The Strand. Originally from Boston, she Staff Writer Katie moved to Georgia in Pflugradt 1993 to work in Savan- At The Strand, we nah. She now resides in pride ourselves on Smyrna, has two providing a memorable, daughters, Julie, in Salt Lake City, and Lora in engaging, and nostalgic experience for our audi- Manhattan. Her scat- ences. Whether you’re tered family and Boston looking for a date spot, roots allow her plenty a place to take the fam- of travel. She says that ily, or a historic land- her favorite parts of mark to check out on volunteering at The your tour of Atlanta, Strand is getting to The Strand has an meet the patrons and event to meet your seeing the talented per- needs. In order to pro- formers showcased. vide Marietta with this Debby is thankful to variety of events, our share her story and to community comes to- be a part of the rebirth gether on all fronts and of the great Earl Smith collaborates to help the Strand Theatre. show go on. Thank YOU, Debby, For every event hosted for being such a strong at The Strand, guests and dedicated piece of are greeted at the door our volunteer staff. We by an usher. These ush- appreciate you! ers work solely on a If you are interested in volunteer basis. Their becoming a volunteer passion for The Strand usher, please contact comes from their love Katie at katie@ of the arts and the pres- earlsmithstrand.org ence that theatre has in our community. We wanted to take a little
time to showcase one
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Staff Things Writer to do in Manda Costoulas 2011” by Points Marietta’s favorite North Magazine; the summer chill spot is back this April! terrace was named "Best Place The Strand’s popular Brew with a to See & Be Seen" by Cobb Life View – a rooftop terrace bar with Brew is Magazine in 2010; and Brew with a one of the best views in Marietta – is View was included in "43 Things to back for many Friday and Saturday do in Cobb" in Cobb Life in 2010. Back! Brew with a View is 21 and up, and nights in 2013. Mariettans agree sight not to be missed. Live music admission is free to the public! Grab there’s no better place to relax, listen has been featured at Brew with bands some friends and grab a drink at
to some live music, and have a cool such as The Goodbye Machine, Events Brew in 2013. drink on a sultry summer night than Brothers of the Ridge, Fountaine right here at The Strand. Lewis, Pocket the Moon, The Brew with a View is open 6-10pm, With a breathtaking view of Hunger Valley Boys, Bellwether Friday and Saturday nights. 21+. Marietta Square and Kennesaw Station, and Geisha Hit Squad. Dates TBA, check our website at www.earlsmithstrand.org or sign up Mountain, the terrace at sunset is a Brew with a View was listed in “25 for our mailing list for updates!
Glover Park Free Concert Series 2013 June 28 - Atlanta Pleasure Band / R&B April 26 - Kurt Thomas Band / Party Rock & July 26 - The Grapevine / Beach Music / Country Oldies May 31 - The Glow Band / Variety & Classic August 23 - A1A / Jimmy Buffett Tribute Rock Band June 1 - GSO Jazz September 27 - The 911 Band / Soul &
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lease with the Goldstein family in The biggest challenge facing The and our budget has been in the 2004, to countless meetings, fund- Strand and the arts community in black for almost five years! We raisers, selling Strand t-shirts under general is of course funding. We have completely restored and out- Scenes The Behind the old rusted Marquee, and con- have had tremendous support from fitted a 1935 Marietta landmark ducting tours of a pigeon infested the community, government and with state of the art sound, light- building, this effort has been quite business, even in a down economy. ing, projection and even a huge an experience. One of the best But because of the recession our theatre organ that rises from the things we ever did was to hire Earl fund raising has not been enough depths of the theatre bathed in a Reece as our Executive Di- golden spotlight! Yes, we have rector. He is such a talent- been called the Fox of Cobb ed, innovative leader and County! We have entertained has surrounded himself over 200,000 patrons at our with great staff. Then of movies, shows, concerts, re- course there is the theatre’s ceptions and weddings. We namesake Earl Smith. There have a proven track record! is absolutely no doubt that What do you see in the future Power if it had not been for Earl of The Strand? Smith, The Strand would not be open for business I see a very bright future for today! As some of the origi- the Earl Smith Strand Thea- nal board members rotated tre. Our Board of Trustees has off the Board we continued never been more committed. to select the cream of the Our Executive Director and crop of government, com- staff have a tremendous lineup munity, and business lead- of productions, shows and ers. Persons like Kim Gresh, events planned well into the Steve Imler, Bill Dunaway, future. The Marietta Square David Hankerson, Liz Cole, has never been more active Carol Ann King, Faye Di- with new restaurants, shops, Massimo, Eve Gray, Kevin events, concerts and the con- Moore, Bob Ott, Bonnie tinued restorations of public Reavis, Judge Mary Staley, areas. With the economy on Michele Swann, Gene the rebound and hundreds of Weeks and Stan Wise. I housing units planned within have no doubt that we have walking distance of The the best group of Board members to completely pay off our con- Strand, we have a fantastic oppor- of any non-profit organization in struction loan. BUT we are well tunity to present quality arts pro- Georgia! on the way with a new capital cam- ductions to enthusiastic audiences paign effort to wipe the debt clean in a wonderfully restored theatre! What is the best and the most by the end of 2013. And we CAN challenging part of being involved DO IT!! We have had a tremen-
in the arts community?
dously successful theatre operation
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Board Spotlight & Lounging History with Around Ron Carter Staff Writer Manda Costoulas Interview with the Friends of The Strand’s It's an hour before your favorite Ron Carter, an Executive Committee mem- band takes The Strand stage and ber, secretary of the Board of Directors, and you've been waiting for this show theatre organist extraordinaire. all week. Only problem: the con- cert doesn't start for a while and What is it about The Strand that made you need a place to sit, relax, and you interested in getting involved? prep for the live music ahead.. A My interest in The Strand began after cold beer would be nice, too. becoming a member of the Atlanta Chap- Don't worry, we're here for you. ter of the American Theatre Organ Socie- Ron Carter at The Strand’s Mighty Allen Theatre Organ, Day in the Life Photography The Strand is proud to present the ty and experiencing how the Atlanta best pre-show hangout in town: Chapter of ATOS had become involved wife who sang for a funeral at Roswell St You've been with the Friends of The The Strand Lounge. Our second in the Save the Fox campaign back in the Baptist Church. In speaking with Joe Strand since the beginning. What has that floor event space has been trans- late 1970s. Members of the chapter had about my background, I mentioned been like? formed into a classy, relaxing place literally saved the Fox Theatre’s Mighty ATOS and how I had dreamed of having to pass the time, chat, and have a Having been with the Friends of the MO Theatre Organ which led to the sav- a theatre organ in The Strand and how few drinks before your perfor- Strand from the very beginning has been ing of the Fox Theatre itself! Having disappointed I was every time I was at the mance begins. If you've ever been the experience of a lifetime. I have gotten moved to Marietta in the 1960s and at- Marietta Square and looked over and saw to our second floor, you know that to know the “movers and shakers” of tending The Strand when it was just a The Strand’s darkened Marquee! I so it doesn't take much to make it Cobb County and the City of Marietta. movie theatre, I often dreamed of what it hoped that somehow The Strand could be welcoming. With the addition of What has impressed me the most has been would be like for The Strand to have its restored. After a few weeks Joe called and beautiful tables and chairs for their selfless dedication, with no other own mighty theatre organ. About this invited my wife and me to lunch at Unit- sharing a pre-show drink around, reward than in making our community a same time I became interested in the sav- ed Community Bank to meet with him luxurious couches to relax on, and
better place to live. I think of some of the Events ing of historic theatres across the country and Ed Mulkey to talk about The Strand. a full bar serviced by our helpful original Friends of the Strand Board, bartenders, The Strand Lounge with the forming of the League of Histor- Joe said he had spoken to Philip Gold- members like Sam Olens, Steve Tumlin, has become the place to be. ic Theatres and the Theatre Historical stein, The Strand’s owner, and felt that Earl Smith, Bob Ash, Becky Paden, Joe Society of America. I kept abreast of how the timing was right for a community ef- So, the next time you're counting Daniel, Cheryl Moultri, Mickey Blackwell, other cities had saved their neighborhood fort to raise funds for the theatre’s restora- down the minutes to your most Dan Cox, Ralph Knight, Mary Karras, theatres and felt that Marietta could do tion. Joe said he had the perfect person to beloved musical, go ahead and Beth Sessoms, Bruce Dean, Kim McGrath, the same for The Strand. I watched from head up this effort, none other than Earl leave hours before you need to. myself and others who had a vision to the sidelines as The Strand was closed as a Smith! In a few weeks a group of commu- You can always come grab a drink, have a community-based performing arts relax, and soak up the atmosphere movie house in 1976, its conversion into a nity and government leaders met at The theatre on the Marietta Square. We faced at The Strand Lounge. Yeah, we're cinema draft house in the 1980s and then Strand for a tour and discussion of bring- an overwhelming challenge to begin some- excited, too. its various uses since that time. Being a ing back The Strand. I was fortunate thing of this magnitude literally from theatre/church organist I had a chance enough to have been invited to this first scratch. From applying for our 501 (c)(3) opportunity to meet Joe Daniel, a local meeting and now as it is said “the rest is status in 2003 , to signing a fifty year
banker, when I accompanied him and his history!”
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at the top of keeping the Scenes The Behind Call-a-Thon every hour. lights on and This year, The the air flowing. Returns in July Earl Smith Come by The Strand on July Staff Writer Manda Costoulas Strand Theatre will be kicking 10th to support There’s nothing more inspiring off its 2013 your than a community coming together fundraising community and to help one of its own, and The campaign with help us make Strand felt that community spirit The Second history! The in spades during last year’s Call-A- Annual Strand theatre will be Thon fundraising event. Call-a-thon on open to the public from Last year, Marietta came together July 10th, a 12 9am to 9pm. to raise a whopping $70,000 to hour You can bring a help fund theatre operations at fundraising check, call at 770.293.0080, or The Strand. Members of the event. The goal is to top last year’s donate online at Friends of The Strand Board $70,000 in one 12 hour push. www.earlsmithstrand.org. The manned the phone bank on The Funds raised at the Call-A-Thon event will be streaming live online Strand stage from 9am to 9pm, will go towards the theatre’s through ustream.tv. Check our while performance sets from local operations budget - funding new website for updates and a link to artists took place in front of them shows, repairs to the building, and the live streaming site!
Friends of The Strand Friends of The Strand Board of Directors Advisory board
Bob Ash, Chair Sam Kelly Hon. Phil Gingrey Kim Gresh, Vice Chair Carol Ann King Don Barbour Steve Imler, Vice Chair Kevin Moore David Bottoms Earl Smith, Chair Commissioner Bob Ott Otis Brumby III Emeritus Bonnie Reavis Bill Bruton, Jr Ron Carter, Secretary Bert Reeves Tammy Cohen Ralph Knight, Treasurer Judge Mary Staley Judge Conley Ingram Cassandra Buckalew Mary Lou Stephens Becky Paden Dr. Liz Cole Michele Swann Sen. Doug Stoner Faye DiMassimo Gene Weeks Jack Wilson Bill Dunaway Commissioner Stan Wise Eve Gray Earl Reece, Ex Officio
David Hankerson Cassi Costoulas, Ex Officio Mary Karras
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Lewis Grizzard: ing strong. books include five Number One The two-act performance features bestsellers on the New York In His Own Grizzard’s best-loved stories and Times’ bestseller list: Elvis Is jokes, along with some poignant Dead And I Don’t Feel So Good Words and funny readings from his Myself, Shoot Low Boys - books and newspaper columns. They’re Riding Shetland Ponies, Lewis Grizzard was the most When My Love Returns From Lewis Grizzard Live On- The Ladies Room Will I Be Too stage… Again widely syndicated columnist in America for 15 years until his Old To Care? and Don’t Bend Over In The Garden Granny - Actor Bill Oberst, Jr. has stepped death at age 47, appearing in 450 You Know Them Taters Got into the late Lewis Grizzard's daily newspapers. He famously Eyes. shoes over 1,000 times in the last refused to use a computer and decade. Oberst's portrayal of the wrote on a manual typewriter, Oberst is a South Carolina native. Southern writer and humorist is a saying, “I like to by-God hear He lives in Los Angeles these days one-man show authorized by some noise when I type.” doing film and TV work. On- Grizzard's family, which says it is Grizzard wrote early each morn- stage the actor wears Mr. Giz- the closest thing to seeing the late ing at his Atlanta breakfast table, zard’s own Gucci loafers and his great spokesman of the south on- agonizing over each word and favorite golf shirt. “1,200 shows stage again since Grizzard's death going through countless drafts and I can count on my fingers the at age 47. and cigarettes before calling his number of those that weren’t sold out,” says Mr. Oberst, “It has Grizzard’s widow Dedra nothing to do with me still remembers the mo- and everything to do with ment she first saw Bill Lewis. The whole experi- Oberst, Jr. as her late ence has been one of the husband. “When he greatest blessings of my looked down over those life. I just hope when I glasses and the audience get to heaven he’s not laughed, it really was like mad at me for wearing seeing a ghost,” she says. his shoes.” Events Yet Mrs. Grizzard was skeptical. A tribute show Lewis Grizzard: In His with an actor playing Mr. Own Words will be presented at Grizzard had not been her idea, secretary at the Atlanta Journal- The Strand Theatre September but hers was the final word. Constitution to dictate the fin- 27th and 28th at 8pm, and Sep- “After the show so many people ished result. He once turned in an tember 29th at 3pm. Tickets are came up and thanked me. So I entire manuscript to Random assigned seating, $20, and availa- decided that maybe we could do House with no ‘e’s in it because ble for purchase at The Strand this in a way that honored Lewis’s his ancient Royal typewriter’s ‘e’ Box Office at 770.293.0080, memory, which was the most im- key had snapped off. Grizzard online at portant thing to me. I told Bill told the publisher, “Wherever you www.earlsmithstrand.org, and in ‘Let’s just try it and see what hap- see a blank space, just put an ‘e’ in person at 117 North Park Square. pens.’” Twelve hundred perfor- there.” The show is presented in two acts
mances later, the show is still go- Lewis Grizzard’s 18 best-selling and runs 90 minutes.
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Crack! Bang! Boom! Behind The Scenes Scenes The Behind Celebrate Independence Day at The Strand
Staff Writer Manda Costoulas It’s never too early to decide on your Fourth of July day agenda. Break out of the normal of burnt hotdogs from the grill, ants in your aunt’s potato salad, and third-degree burns, not to mention lost eyebrow hair, from lighting your own fireworks. Why not let The Strand plan it for you? Pack up the family and head on down to your local historic theatre to watch the Marietta Freedom Parade, catch the premiere of The Motown Sound, and experience fireworks above the square.
Kick off your day by watching the Freedom Parade on The Strand’s rooftop. Why fight for a good spot on the street when you can see the have it bring back a flood of old, The theatre also has several grant whole parade as it passes right next to The Burn, Baby, Burn warm memories. To see a land- applications in the works current- Strand from a bird’s eye view? Staff Writer Manda Costoulas mark like this restored is good for ly, and the committee is confident Starting at 10 AM, the City of Marietta's Free- the community. I think that all of in it’s ability to raise the needed dom Parade will begin at Roswell Street Baptist This year, The Strand is working us have seen that the Strand is one capital. Church and will head toward the Square from towards an ambitious goal of re- of the greatest cultural venues in In addition to the exciting season Roswell Road, turning onto Cherokee Street tiring the 1.5 million dollar reno- the region. We think it’s necessary ahead at The Strand, featuring next to The Strand! Only 100 people can enjoy vation debt incurred from the to get them out of debt. It’s im- shows such as the return of the a "view above the rest" from The Strand's restoration of the theatre. The portant to raise sufficient funds, favorite Motown revue, The Mo- rooftop terrace. effort is headed up by the thea- rather than refinancing the debt. tre’s capital campaign committee, town Sound, Lewis Grizzard trib- A cash bar will be open and offer amazing We need to be able to get this who plans to raise 50,000 from ute comedy show Lewis Grizzard: morning beverages, such as bloody marys, mi- debt taken care of.” grant funding, making up the rest In His Own Words, and the mu- mosas, and screwdrivers. Doors open at 9 AM, with a $1 million major donor The Strand has a variety of fund- sical Footloose, the Note Burning so you have plenty of time to grab a drink and campaign. raising events planned for 2013. would give the theatre even more great ready for amazing views. Admission is Returning this year are events opportunity to bring exciting pro- $10 and will be limited to 100 people. It is “The Strand is a gem for Cobb such as the Call-A-Thon, a twelve gramming to the gem of Marietta. recommended that you purchase tickets in ad- County and the entire region,” hour fundraising open house that The capital campaign committee vance as the event has sold out in the past. No said former Gov. Roy Barnes, pulled in $70,000 last year, and plans to celebrate the erasing of outside food or drinks is allowed. who is co-chairing the major do- STRANDelicious, a foodie’s nor capital campaign efforts. the debt with a Bank Note Burn- dream event involving local res- “You cannot go there and not ing party on December 31st.
taurants and eateries. After a long day on the Square, you can come
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back into the theatre and enjoy the premiere of The Motown Sound. After a day on your feet, who wouldn’t want to sit back in a plush auditorium chair with popcorn in one hand and a nice cold coke in the other? Oh, but don’t get too comfortable. You won’t be able to resist dancing and singing to classic Motown tunes. This year’s Mo- town show promises to deliver a night of unforgettable song and dance as we celebrate the stars, the influence of Motown, and voice the story of Motown Records and how it changed American music forever.
What better way to wrap up the night than enjoying a memorable Fourth of July on The Strand The- atre’s festive terrace? Watch Mari- etta’s sky light up with dazzling fireworks display from four stories above the square with a cocktail in hand. The view of thousands of people in the square's streets is pretty unbelievable too. The fireworks will light the sky
after dark, estimated to be between Events 9 and 9:30 PM and The Strand's doors and bar will open at 6 PM. Cobb Life Magazine recently named the terrace the "Best Place to See & Be Seen." Admission is $15 and will be limited to 120 people. No outside food or drinks is allowed. So come out to The Strand and celebrate your independence! There is something for everyone whether you enjoy parades, live shows, or
striking fireworks!
24 Photos by Justin Hadley Photography 13
The Strand’s education mission is Monday-Friday between 9am- School’s Out for to promote an engaged, diverse, and Noon and 1pm-4pm. Full payment responsive theater community, due at sign up, credit card, cash or Summer, but while instilling in students a life- checks accepted. long love of and participation in Price is set at $175 per session. Camp is IN! the theatrical arts.
Staff Writer Manda Costoulas “Theatre does far more than just This summer, students from Cobb entertain – it enriches the County and surrounding areas will community and pro- discover a new “strand” of summer vides nourish- camp called PERFORMULA. In ment for the the Earl Smith Strand Theatre’s mind and the
musical theatre laboratory, young Kiddos The For performers will focus entirely on music, dance, and drama, discover- ing the formulas for performing success! The week-long camp will yield a Friday night performance on The Strand’s Stephen W. Imler Stage. The Performula camp concept was developed by Strand Exec- utive Director Earl Reece. The former educator-turned-theatre director served as the director of the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School As always The Strand will have our Might Allen Theatre Organ. for fourteen years, significantly Summer Movie Fun fabulous bartenders serving all of your growing the program while prepar- Staff writer Manda Costoulas favorite cocktails, as well as a selection of National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) ing students for the real world of The Strand is back in the movie business beer and wine. So wet that whistle with a Friday, May 24, 8pm performing arts. Under his leader- in 2013, bringing you some of our drink from the bar, and sip on your Tickets $8-$9 ship, graduates of the Pebblebrook soul,” favorite flicks- old and new. Check out beverage while relaxing in the theatre Clark Griswold takes family bonding to a program secured millions in schol- said Earl our line-up this year for gut-busting during your favorite flick. new and strange place in National arships to a long list of prestigious Reece. “The comedies, timeless classics, sing alongs, Lampoon's Vacation (1983). The first of universities and performed on staff at The and scare-your-pants-off summer No special night out to the movies would the National Lampoon's Vacation series, Broadway in close to thirty shows Strand is committed to blockbusters. Make a night of it by be complete without a little live Vacation follows the Griswold family's and in numerous national tours. providing these opportunities grabbing a bite to eat on the square then entertainment. Come by The Strand a half eventful cross-country drive to the Walley The staff at the Earl Smith Strand and making them a reality.” sipping on a cocktail from the bar. hour before all movies for our live Organ World theme park in California. Before Theatre believe that an education Only fifty spots available per ses- Pops Concert with Ron Carter on the your summer vacation begins, take a night without the arts is not a complete Friday night performances: FREE sion. Sign up online admission. education – and there’s plenty of at www.EarlSmithStrand.org or in research to back it up. Students person at The Strand box office Tuition price includes a Performula
who participate in the arts achieve! t-shirt. 14 23
away from the kids and bathe in the movie! burst into America’s collective the comedic glory of Chevy Chase. consciousness in 1975. Who Rated R. Bridesmaids (2011) would have thought that a movie Friday, August 2, 8pm about a super smart shark and two Sing Along with Mamma Mia! Tickets $8-$9 guys in a boat would have won Thursday, July 11, 6:30pm Put together Kristen Wiig and three Oscars and still be watched Tickets: $30 (includes bottomless Maya Rudolph of SNL, Chris by millions every year? Yeah, us wine) O’Dowd from the IT Crowd, and too. That sounds awesome. Set on the colorful Greek island of a host of world class comediennes Kalokairi, the plot of Mamma Mia and you get Bridesmaids, a snort- To Kill a Mockingbird serves as a lively background for a your-drink-out-your-nose funny (1962) wealth of ABBA songs. A young comedy about how competition Friday, August 9, 8pm woman soon to be married between the maid of honor and a Tickets $8-$9 discovers that any one of three bridesmaid over who is the bride's Known as one of the most men (Pierce Brosnan, Stellan best friend threatens to upend the important American films of all Skarsgård, Colin Firth) could be life of an out-of-work pastry chef. time, 1962's To Kill a her father. She invites all three to Rated R. Mockingbird is a timeless story of the wedding without telling her injustice, family, and steadfast mother, Donna (Meryl Streep). Jaws (1975) integrity in the face of Watch the drama ensue in this feel Saturday, August 3, 8pm overwhelming adversity. Atticus -good experience that will have Tickets $8-$9 Finch, a lawyer in the Depression- you singing and dancing in the Get ready for the yearly tradition era South, defends a black man aisles. Lyrics will be displayed at of scaring yourself away from against an undeserved rape charge, the bottom of the screen to sing open water for the summer by and his kids against prejudice. The along. Bottomless wine is included coming to watch the classic ocean American Film Institute has in your ticket price and a fun terror movie Jaws. Responsible for named Atticus Finch the greatest
silent auction will be held before decades of thalassophobia, Jaws movie hero of the 20th century.
Events
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which is currently fourteen members PARADOCS strong, is comprised of healthcare work- ers who all share a love and passion for music. Their shows, a variety of classic Staff Writer Justin Murray rock, country, an pop hits from yesterday What are you doing on Saturday, May 4 and today, are entertaining, energetic, and at 8PM? Coming out to the Strand to see exciting and audiences will be dancing Paradocs, of course! and singing along to their favorite songs. “Paradocs….what’s that?” you may ask. Where will you be Saturday, May 4 at The better question is who are the Para- 8PM? Here at the strand to see Paradocs docs and what do they do? and to help them fundraise for a great cause, of course! Tickets are $10, which is
Paradocs came about in 1996 after a pair a great deal considering a movie costs For The Kiddos The For of docs, doctors that is, Dr. Larry Clem- roughly the same (probably more), and ent and Dr. Joe Havlik expressed their that money won’t be helping the commu- love for making music during a conversa- nity! It’s a no-brainer, really. tion at work. Shortly after this realization, accomplish in such a short time! production, and a wide array of Paradocs was formed, and the band has To find out more information about Par- A New We knew that we wanted to have talents and ages from elementary been actively performing and fundraising adocs, check out their website at another show involving local to high school students were for wonderful causes since! The band, www.paradocsband.com Generation of students and decided to give represented. students an opportunity to “Audiences should expect to be Performers perform this summer!” bell bottoms and deck shoes amazed by how talented our local Staff Writer Justin Murray Yacht Rock that match. Spotlight on Kids will be a variety students are and how much they After the success of Kids on show with local middle and high have accomplished in a short The Strand offers a full bar to Schooner Broadway, which ran from January school students as the stars of the time,” Rhodes says, referring to patrons, so come prepared to 25th through January 27th, it was show! It will be very similar in the two weeks of rehearsals that have a drink while listening to decided that similar experience format and structure to other are scheduled for the production. the smooth sounds of yachts would need to take place for local Strand productions such as Mo’ “In perspective, many shows put In a divine intervention on rocking. The bar serves selected students. And thus, Spotlight on Motown, The Vegas Show 2013, on by local schools have several the behalf of extra-smooth beers on tap, a variety of wines, Events Kids was conceived. and Strandemonium, and months of rehearsals before AM radio lovers every- and a cadre of cocktails. Be sure audiences can expected to be performing.” where, Yacht Rock to check the bar for new drink The show, which takes place July th th th stunned and amazed by the level Schooner has sprung forth specials for every show! The 25 , July 26 , and July 28 , will Spotlight on Kids will be an all- of talent displayed from the fully polyestered from the all-knowing competent and friendly bar staff is there led by Executive Director Earl ages show and fun for the whole new best friends, how can you go wrong? students. mother ship that brought you Yacht to make your night as groovy as possible. Reece and Assistant Director family to enjoy. Make sure to Rock Revue and is ready to take the stage According to the Schooners themselves, Catherine Rhodes. First-round auditions for Spotlight mark your calendars so that you the Yacht Rock Schooner was born of Yacht Rock Schooner will be performing at The Strand. Treat your ear drums to “Kids on Broadway was a on Kids took place on March 30 don’t miss the talent of our local need and is a fast, light, backwards ver- at The Strand on Saturday June 29, the optimal combination of music and tremendous success,” explains with over fifty local area students students. Who knows, you may sion of the Yacht Rock Revue Mother- 2013. Tickets are $12 in advance and cool that only rockers of yacht can pro- Catherine Rhodes, Assistant auditioning, and another audition wind up catching the beginnings ship. The Schooner enjoys walks on the $15 the night of. Seats are general admis- vide with hits from Hall and Oates, Director for Kids on is set to take place in May. of the next big star! beach, umbrella drinks, relaxed high-seas sion and are available through The Steely Dan, The Bee Gees, and more. Broadway and now Spotlight on Students at the March auditions piracy, low velocity skinny skiing, step- Strand Box Office at 770.293.0080 or With a cool drink in your hand, boat Kids. “We were wowed by what were excited, energetic, and eager ping to the left first, and shopping for online at www.earlsmithstrand.org.
shoes on your feet, and a theater full of the students were able to to take part in a Strand
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ades. In addition to performing The Sock Hops regularly as a featured act in The Great American Rock and Re- vival Show, The Sock Hops Staff Writer Justin Murray have had the privilege of per- Are you feeling the sudden urge to forming as opening acts for The jive, boogie, and sway? Feeling in Rascals, Sha-Na-Na, The need of a trip down memory lane? Temptations, and many many If you answered yes (and who famous artists and musical acts. wouldn’t?), then you’re going to It’s time to dust off that old poodle love The Sock Hops. be brought to their feet and dancing skirt, take your date to the soda to the music of these great decades The Sock Hops will take you on a fountain, and embrace the feelings in American Music in this all ages of yesteryear on Saturday, July 20 at journey through the 1950’s, 60’s, show! 70’s, and 80’s as they perform clas- 8PM here at the Strand. Tickets are sic oldies hits such as “How Deep is Founded in 1989 right here in $15 in advance and $18 on the day Your Love” by the Bee Gees, Marietta, Ga, the four part harmo- of the show. “Tonight Could be the Night” by nies of Courtney Oliver, Ward To find out more about The Sock Hiss, Scott Cruce, and Jim Mitchell The Velvets, and “Why Do Fools Hops including audio clips, photos, Fall In Love” by Frankie Lymon have entertained, enchanted, and and event dates, go to and The Teenagers. Audiences will excited audiences for over two dec- www.sockhops.com.
amazing on-stage chemistry. These Rolie. Departure was voted Atlan- Departure: veteran musicians pride themselves ta's “Best Local Entertainer” for on giving their audience an incredi- 2011 & 2012. Performing over one Journey Tribute ble high-energy stage show from -hundred shows annually, Depar- start to finish. ture brings the very best of Journey Featured lead vocalist, Brian Wil- to audiences of all ages. Is there a better way to spend a hot liams, has an amazing singing voice So don't stop believin' in lovin',
August night than rocking out to flawlessly matching Steve Perry’s touchin', and squeezin' your sweet- Events the face-meltingly awesome hits of vocal range and movements. Depar- heart to the rocking sounds of DE- everyone’s favorite classic rock su- ture also highlights the early Jour- PARTURE: The Journey Tribute pergroup? We didn’t think so, so ney years featuring Joel Hayes on Band this August. we’re bringing you DEPARTURE: keys and lead The Journey Tribute Band. vocals. In According to their website, after 2009, Joel being together for just five years, was named Departure has become the most "Best Key- respected Journey tribute band in boardist in the nation. Departure replicates the Atlanta" for look, sound and feel of the original his work rep- 80’s rock supergroup Journey. The resenting Jon- five band members are the original athan Cain
line up and have developed an and Gregg 20 17
Motown Trivia Time!
Do You Know Your Motown? A) With whom did Diana Ross record the hit “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”? B) Who was the founder of Motown Records? C) What was the original name for the Motown Records building? D) The Supremes were one of the sixties most popular groups. Who was the best known lead singer of this famous female trio? E) The sixties saw the creation of many classic Motown songs. Which Motown act had a hit with "Bernadette" in the mid-sixties? F) The Four Tops had around twenty Motown hits throughout the sixties. In which year did they top the charts with "Reach Out I'll Be There"? G) The Jackson Five joined Motown in the late sixties. What was the title of the Jackson Five's This March’s Vegas Show 2013 featured a preview of The Motown Sound with performances of The Tops and Temps Featured above: Sterling McClary, Doug Tindel, Kevin O’Hara, Tyrell Johnson, and Taj Stephens. first big hit single? everyone agreed with us that Mo- The Temptations, Jackson 5, and H) One of Motown's classiest sixties acts were the Get Ready, town music is truly universal and the The Supremes, The Motown Sound Miracles. What word completes this Miracles music of America. It started in 1957 will be a journey through the Mo- song title "The Tears of a ______"? Get READY! with the talented Berry Gordy, and town greats highlighted by stunning Do You Know The Lyrics? the music is still loved and enjoyed dance, brilliant costumes, and knock-
(for Motown) Events today.” Earl continues, “The week out vocals This year will bring new 1) I’ve got sunshine, on a cloudy day. When it’s Staff Writer Manda Costoulas cold outside, I’ve got _____. of July 4 is the perfect time to cele- songs, new performers, and new cho- Prepare to get your groove on at the brate our country and the music that reography along with that classic 2) Nothing you can say can tear me away from Earl Smith Strand Theatre this sum- our country loves. The Motown Motown sound. The Motown ____. mer at the return of its popular Mo- Sound is ninety minutes of non-stop Sound will be directed by Earl Reece 3) I’m bringing you a love that’s true, ____. town show! This year’s show, The energy, excitement, and fun. It is with Assistant Director Catherine Motown Sound, is sure to have audi- guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser!” Rhodes. ences’ toes tapping, fingers snapping, Following the huge success of last The Strand will be presenting The and feel-good nostalgia flowing.
year’s show, The Motown Sound Motown Sound from July 4-July 14.
ready! get ready, get So 3) guy. My 2) May. of month The
1) 1) “This will be our third year to pro- whisks audiences back to the 1960’s Tickets are $25 and assigned seating,
You Back H) Clown H) Back You duce a Motown show,” Executive with the feel-good hits of the much with a special discount for groups of
ville, USA D) Diana Ross E) The Four Tops F) 1966 G) I Want Want I G) 1966 F) Tops Four The E) Ross Diana D) USA ville, Director Earl Reece explains. “After A) The Supremes and The Temptations B) Berry Gordy C) Hits- C) Gordy Berry B) Temptations The and Supremes The A) celebrated Motown era. Featuring ten or more. our first production, we knew that
songs by artists like Marvin Gaye,
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