About Buckhead reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 2, 2020)
Art & Entertainment | 7 APRIL 2020 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net “While this will be quite a burden for us to overcome, through the generosity of our patrons and support of our upcoming productions, we have full faith we will weather this storm,” he said. Across Roswell Road in Sandy Springs Plaza, Act3 Productions, a semi-profes sional theater company, had already postponed its youth improv classes. The the ater was alive with rehearsals for the upcoming April 10 opening of the iconic musi cal “Cabaret.” Just days later, on March 16, Act3 turned off the lights. “We shut down the space to all upcoming auditions, rehearsals and performanc es,” said Mary Sorrell, executive director and board chair. “The safety of our pa trons, students, actors and staff is always our highest priority so on one hand, it was a difficult decision, but it was not a surprise. We play by the rules and do whatever the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] tells us. We expect to be dark for about eight weeks, given the current guidelines.” During the interim, Act3 is expanding its virtual presence. On April 3, it was scheduled to offer a virtual preview of “Cabaret” at act3productions.org. “It replaces our [in-theater] 2020/21 season preview that was supposed to take place on May 3. At this time, the release date for that is to be decided,” said Sorrell. “Today’s technology gives us options we would not have had 12 or more years ago.” Act3 will continue to pay its staff during the shutdown. Ticket holders will have several options for cancelled or postponed shows. Those with tickets for “Cabaret” may get a full refund, exchange the ticket for a future show, or make the ticket price a donation. Musicians to take a hit “It already has hit my pocketbook,” said Gransden, the jazz musician, who has seen cancelations of corporate shows and has other regular venues considering changes. At press time, he was still plan ning his own major event at the Sandy Springs PAC, a Jazz Camp for Kids sched uled for May 31-June 5. Gransden said income is already un certain for freelance musicians. “... [W] e never really know what we’re going to make each month,” he said. But the pe riod of mid-March through early June is typically a busy time when musicians save money to make it through the slower summer - and thus also an especially ter rible time for coronavirus impacts. At the same time, Gransden said, he has considered canceling some appear ances himself due to his own health con cerns. “I do think about that now. I didn’t think about it a week ago,” he said. “... I come home to a 10-year-old son and a wife, and [I have] parents who live near me.” Speaking on March 13, he said he had a gig that night “and I’m a little reluctant,” but he was going to bring hand sanitizer and keep his distance from people. “You want to encourage people to continue to support the arts and continue to go out and support the venues, but at the same time if it’s a health risk to anybody in volved, that’s the wrong advice to give,” he said. David Reeb is a pianist at Von Maur in Perimeter Mall and plays at the Stone Mountain Public House and Olive Bistro in Midtown for open-mic and sing-along sessions. He also plays for weddings, parties and other social events, most of which were postponed or canceled. Early in the pandemic crisis Von Maur was still open and he was still playing. He said he was taking precautions and sanitizing the piano, and people seemed to hon or the social distance of six feet. “It’s wait and see and hope,” he said. But on March 18 the store closed. Galleries move online Art galleries within city or county art centers - like Buckhead’s Chastain Arts Center, Dunwoody’s Spruill Center for the Arts and Sandy Springs’ Abernathy Arts Continued on page 8 ft You want to encourage people to continue to support the arts and continue to go out and support the venues, hut at the same time if it’s a health risk to anybody involved, that’s the wrong advice to give. JOEGRANSDEN MUSICIAN A Exceptional service, style and peace of mind. Discover the confidence of CARF® accredited assisted living services in a beautiful and vibrant setting. From spectacular restaurant-style dining to engaging activities and supportive care, you’ll find a perfect blend of comfort, convenience and an individualized approach to care. _ Learn more about us. - Please call 404-381.1743 or visit us at ThePiedmontatBuckhead.com. THE PIEDMONT A T BUCKHEAD Independent & Assisted Living Residences 650 Phipps Boulevard NE • Atlanta, GA ThePiedmontatBuckhead.com • 404*381.1743
