From the silent era to contemporary films, the series explores the lavish effects and subtle details of color scheme, lighting, film stock, angles and framing. Path-breaking highlights include:

• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (1935) with an introduction by Salman Rushdie, Emory University’s Distinguished Writer in Residence on Feb. 29.
• The crisp black and white cinematography in “Sweet Smell of Success” (1957) on Feb. 15.
• The dark brilliance of “Black Narcissus” (1947) on March 28. (pictured)
• The melodramatic Technicolor of “Leave Her to Heaven” (1945) on April 4
• Later films such as Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull” (1980) on March 21, Steven Soderbergh’s “Out of Sight” (1998) on April 25 and Rebecca Miller’s “Personal Velocity: Three Portraits” (2002) on April 18.

Series curator and Emory associate professor Karla Oeler says, “The art of cinematography–which stages the exact ways in which the camera frames, filters and records each image in a film–is a crucial and often neglected one. Often the full physical effect of a film is simply lost in our modern smaller formats–and along with this, the remarkable precision, power and elegance of images created only by talented cinematographers working with the best directors.”

To see the full line-up of films, visit http://filmstudies.emory.edu/home/

Visitors will be able to sample more than 100 beers, food, games, activities and music from local djs. The event has sold out the past two years drawing thousands of carnival-goers. At Atlantic Station, the event will held a giant tent on 20^th Street at Fowler.

Tickets are on sale now at ticketalternative.com or by calling (877) 725-8849. General admission tickets are $40 in advance and $50 day of the event. VIP tickets are $60 and grant patrons exclusive access to the best craft brews available, private bathrooms and early entry to the event beginning at 2 p.m.  If you’re not a drinker, there’s a “designated driver” ticket for $20 in advance or $30 at the door, which offers unlimited games.

Organizers are encouraging visitors to take MARTA to the Arts Center Station, then ride the shuttle to Atlantic Station. There will be parking in the parking deck as well. For more information about the Winter Beer Carnival, visit www.winterbeercarnival.com.

This year marks the second anniversary for Wedding Day Hooray, boasting over 40 vendors at the upcoming event. Not only will the vendors have the opportunity to showcase their creations, but the popular Table Decor Competition gives businesses a chance to show brides how to make their table setting pop for their special day.

“We’re looking to make this year’s Wedding Day Hooray bigger and better than the last,” said Christy Petterson, co-founder of Indie Craft Experience. “We love giving brides an alternative to big bridal expos.” Shannon Mulkey, co-founder of the Indie Craft Experience, echoes this same sentiment. “We can’t wait to make these brides’ day the most special!”

Wedding Day Hooray will feature gift bags for the first 100 attendees, a wedding goodie raffle and even a chance to win a honeymoon stay at the Artmore Hotel. A portion of the raffle proceeds will be donated to Burnaway- an online magazine for the arts. Sponsorship opportunities are available, with some that are free to participate. Visit www.weddingdayhooray.virb.com for info.

By Manning Harris

It’s every bit as good as they say it is; it deserved those seven Suzi Awards.

Last season Horizon Theatre pulled a coup de théâtre, shall we say, in not only selling out its entire run of the musical “Avenue Q,” but in knocking off the big guns of Atlanta theatre (the Alliance, GA Shakespeare, Actor’s Express) in winning all those Suzis (Atlanta’s version of Broadway’s Tony Awards).

Now awards are funny things:  The biggest coup came in 2004 when “Avenue Q” won the Best Musical Tony over the megahit “Wicked”; the showbiz world still debates that. But of course we know that all awards are subjective.

Be that as it may, the good news “For Now” is that, having a cash cow on its hands, Horizon has brought the “Avenue” back for a run through March 11.  I was tickled pink to hear this because I missed it last year, but have finally caught it—as well as a real case of Q-fever.

Although I must say up front that “Avenue Q” is a show for adults, I daresay your teenagers (savvy as they are these days, Lord knows) will thank you no end if you take them, and also think you’re very cool.  But it’s not a show for children; enough now with the caveats.

If you missed it last season, here are some pithy words from Lisa Adler, Co-Artistic Director of the Horizon:  “Avenue Q is an upbeat musical…that uses clever writing, catchy songs, funny videos, and puppets to tackle adult subjects like racism, unemployment, pornography, love, lust, and following your dreams.  Told through the eyes of a young college grad and his neighbors on Avenue Q, this is a story of finding your purpose and passion in life—and of a diverse community coming together to support each other during tough times.”

If all this seems a bit much for one show to tackle, not to worry:  “Avenue Q” works with effortless grace and wit, and a cast that makes acting and singing look easy as pie.  It didn’t win those awards for nothing.

Suzi-winning Best Actor Nick Arapoglou has more talent and charm than the law should allow, with a matinee idol’s irresistible smile.  He plays Princeton, a college grad who wonders “What Do You Do with a BA in English?”  (Anybody remember the book “Jobs for English Majors and Other Smart People”?  Hmm—I think I just dated myself.)  Princeton looks for and finds a cheap apartment on Avenue Q—and a host of colorful neighbors.

One of those neighbors is Christmas Eve (played by Suzi winner Leslie Bellair), whose “The More You Ruv Someone” is a comic highlight.  Listen, there are simply no weak links in this cast.  Here they are:  Kate Monster, Mary Nye Bennett; Lucy the Slut, Jill Hames; Rod, J.C. Long; Nicky, Jeff McKerley; Trekkie, Shane Desmond-Williams; Brian, Matt Nitchie; Gary Coleman, Bernard D. Jones.

The direction and choreography, both first-rate, are by Heidi Cline McKerley.

The excellent band (music director S. Renee Clark) is cleverly positioned upstage right; the colorful set is by Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay.

Some of the songs (ready?):  “It Sucks to Be Me,” “If You Were Gay,” “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,” “The Internet is for Porn,” “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today,” “School for Monsters,” and others.

The Horizon is a perfect, intimate space for this show, and they are making the most of it.  I got the feeling the night I saw “Avenue Q” that there were a lot of repeat customers there.  That happens in a hit, which is what this is.  Go.

For tickets and information, visit www.horizontheatre.com.

This unique event will be held at the newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta/Decatur Conference Center in downtown Decatur. Currently, the Decatur Old House Fair is the only home show in the Southeast focused entirely on older homes.

The day-long show teaches homeowners how to restore, renovate, preserve, and maintain their old houses.  This year, the event will feature 30 minute “Short Bite” lectures, including: Electrical 101, Plumbing 101, Selecting Exterior Colors, Aging-in-Place, and Chimneys 101. Traditional seminars include: Researching Your Old House, Landscapes for Historic Homes, Energy Efficiency, Storm Windows, and the very popular Wood Window Workshop.

HGTV personality Jodi Marks, co-host of Today’s Homeowner, will present “Fun Projects to Enhance your Home.”  Roger Moss, nationally known exterior paint color expert, will be available for consultations and will discuss “Exterior Paint Colors from the 19th Century to Mid-Century Modern.”

The fair also features a large exhibit hall of professionals, retailers, and suppliers specializing in home improvement, historic preservation and interior furnishings.

The exhibit area opens at 9 a.m. with seminars beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For the complete seminar schedule, exhibitor details, and ticket information, visit DecaturOldHouseFair.com.

By Manning Harris

The 2010 Tony-winning Best Musical “Memphis” has landed at the Fox Theatre for the first time on its first national tour, and people are ready for it.  After last night’s sold-out opening, I think it’s safe to say that “Memphis” will play in Peoria, as the old showbiz bromide goes.  It’s here only through February 5; if you want to see it, stop reading this review right now and order tickets (then come back and finish it—thanks).

Victor Hugo said, “There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.”  Please bear that in mind and picture Memphis, Tennessee, early 1950′s.  America’s booming in post war “Leave It to Beaver” time.  But underneath the white bread serenity, in Memphis’ black underground Beale Street nightclubs, an earthy, joyous, soul-stirring music is bursting to make itself heard.

Enter Huey Calhoun (Bryan Fenkart), a high school dropout, white, scrappy, eager for a different sound and a different life.  He pops into an all-black club one night, is eyed suspiciously, but begins to win the crowd over when he sings “The Music of My Soul.”  Huey has heard the beautiful Felicia (Felicia Boswell) sing and is smitten with her voice and with her.  Felicia’s protective brother Delray (Quentin Earl Darrington) is understandably wary; crossing racial lines in the 50′s was a dangerous thing; and “Memphis” does not shy away from the injustice and ugliness of racism.

Huey gets a job at a local radio station (his character is based loosely on Memphis deejay Dewey Phillips, who first got Elvis Presley played on the radio) and tells Felicia he’ll get her music played on the air.  This is a bold claim because Huey is not even a deejay yet.  But he has a crazy kind of charisma and a reckless confidence that tends to win people over, including his own mother (Julie Johnson, in a knockout performance), who is initially horrified at Huey’s fondness for “race music.”

“Memphis” has a book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, music and lyrics by David Bryan (Bon Jovi’s keyboardist); both of these men won Tony Awards.  The brilliant choreography is by Sergio Trujillo; direction by Christopher Ashley.

The performers are top-notch, many from the “Memphis” Broadway company.  Ms. Boswell stops the show with “Colored Woman” and is radiant the whole evening.  Mr. Fenkart’s Huey is a performance of depth, fun, and complexity.  Other standouts include the aforementioned Mr. Darrington and Ms. Johnson, Rhett George, Will Mann, and William Parry.

Some critics have carped that the music is really pseudo soul-rock-blues and not the real thing, and further noted that the show is more about an era than a person.  I suppose there’s some validity in that, but I would say that as musical theatre (and that’s the medium in question), “Memphis”rocks; and it carries the audience along.  And the talent level of the performers is so high that they make a good song sound great.

The show is slick, yes, but effortlessly polished and professional.  You’ll have a really good time; and good luck getting tickets.

For tickets and information, visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

By Collin Kelley

While it may seem that restaurants are constantly closing in Atlanta, there are always new ones ready to open and become the next dining destination.

Over the next few months, some of Atlanta’s most notable chefs and restaurant groups will be opening new outposts. We round up what’s coming soon and what’s recently opened to tempt your tastebuds.

Coming Soon

Yard House
The California-based Yard House will open its first Atlanta location at Atlantic Station in April with a large selection of draft beers, American fare and classic-rock wafting from the sound system.

Watershed
When Watershed announced it was closing in Decatur after 13 years, there was an outcry from longtime patrons who were concerned it would rise again. Fear not, because the new incarnation of Watershed will open this Spring at The Brookwood condo building on Peachtree Street. Owners Ross Jones, Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers and Chef Joe Truex said the new, 175-seat space will offer private dining space, a patio and plenty of parking to realize their dream of growing the business with private dining, a patio and a wealth of parking. And, yes, Fried Chicken Night is still on the menu.

The Optimist
Fans of JCT. Kitchen are optimistic about Ford Fry’s new restaurant in West Midtown on Howell Mill Road, which is slated to open this Spring. The menu will focus on sustainable seafood prepared in a wood-burning oven. Adjacent to the new restaurant, Fry will also be opening Oyster Bar at The Optimist, a more casual “fish camp” style venue, featuring an outdoor patio, live music and an oyster bar.

Pano’s
The saga of Pano Karatassos’ – half of the famed Pano’s & Paul’s – new restaurant and lounge may finally have a resolution as it was announced that it will now open later this year in the 103 West building in Buckhead.

The Spence
Bob Amick, Todd Rushing and Richard Blais have teamed up to open The Spence at Technology Square on 5th Street in Midtown (the former home of The Globe and short-lived WaterHaven). Expected to open in March, the menu will feature family friendly items like cheeseburgers, steak and pasta.

East Paces Tavern
East Paces Tavern, featuring Mexican and Southern California cuisine, is taking over the former Abbadabbas shoe store on East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead. An opening date had not been announced at press time.

F&B
Fans of French American Brassiere (FAB) in Downtown will have a new destination this spring when F&B opens on the ground floor of the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Buckhead.

Lure
Fifth Group Restaurants is planning to open seafood restaurant Lure in April inside the old Vickery’s space on Crescent Avenue in Midtown.

Now Open

Red
Located inside Philips Arena, this restaurant was expected to open this month and be open before, during and after ticketed events at the Downtown venue. The menu includes contemporary American fare like crab cakes, burgers and wings. The big draw will be the tiered seating with views to the Philips Arena floor. philipsarena.com

Modern
This new contemporary American restaurant was expected to open this mnth in the old Copeland’s spot at 3365 Piedmont Road. modernbuckhead.com

The Pullman
Serving up a classic American menu, The Pullman opened in January at 1992 Hosea Wiliams Drive in Kirkwood. thepullmanatl.com

STK
If you’re hankering for a hunk of meat, STK is now open at the 12th & Midtown development. The hip space features high quality steaks and seafood along with innovative and exciting side dishes, appetizers, desserts and cocktails. togrp.com

Alma Cocina
The latest restaurant from Fifth Group Restaurants opened in December in downtown’s One Ninety One Peachtree Tower. The contemporary Mexican menu is prepared by Executive Chef Chad Clevenger. fifthgroup.com

Barcelona
If you can’t get to Spain, just head to Inman Park and check out the newly-opened Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar on North Highland Avenue. The menu features large and small plates of tapas. barcelonawinebar.com

Cardamom Hill
The popularity of Asha Gomez’s popular Spice Route underground supper club meant it was time to open a restaurant, and Cardamom Hill is already pleasing critics and diners alike with its Indian cuisine. cadamomhill.net

The Lawrence
The owners of Top Flr and The Sound Table have opened their latest concept, The Lawrence, at 905 Juniper in Midtown. The menu features bites, small and large plates with items like Duck Tongue Camitas, Trigger Fish, Roasted Monkfish, Beef Calotte and more. thelawrenceatlanta.com

White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails
Alan LeBlanc, owner of Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery, was expected to have this new contemporary Southern dining restaurant open by the time our February issue hit the streets. The eatery is in the former All Star Café Space on Peachtree Street in Downtown. whiteoakkitchen.com

Olde Towne Tavern & Grille
The former Saskatoon space at 360 Pharr in Buckhead is now part of the local Olde Towne chain, serving up pizza, burgers and beer. ottavern.com

By Shandra Hill Smith

If a new home is in your sights, is now a good time to buy?  Should you consider selling? Not clear on what to do in today’s housing market?

Three Intown professionals hope to set the record straight by schooling you on some of today’s myths regarding the current climate. They include Weslee Knapp, real estate consultant and managing broker, Keller Knapp Realty (kellerknapp.com); Dac Carver, vice president and managing broker, Beacham & Company (beacham.com); and Randal Lautzenheiser, managing broker, Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services (AtlantaIntown.com).

“A lot of buyers are not hearing the most up-to-date information because the market is changing faster than the economists can often project or respond,” explains Knapp. “It typically takes analysts six months to a year of previous data to decipher trends in the market, but by that time conditions have often changed and the findings are outdated. The best way for most buyers and sellers to find out about market trends in real time is to consult with a Realtor.”

What are some misconceptions (on the part of homeowners and potential homebuyers) you’re finding in today’s real estate market?

Weslee Knapp: Yes, homes are at great prices, but there are not enough of them. In 2009, we had 123,000 different units on the market in metro Atlanta.  Today, we have just over 51,000 homes on the market (GAMLS). There are a glut of townhomes and condos on the market. Condos and townhomes represent less than 11 percent of total product on the market right now. New-construction condos are at the lowest quantity they have been in the last decade. I’ve been a realtor for over 10 years now and I’ve never seen this low of product out there.

Dac Carver: There are [fewer] homes on the market now than there were 10 or 11 years ago; when we tell them housing inventory in Atlanta is at a 10- or 11-year low, everyone is always surprised. We project in Buckhead, it’s more around a 15-year low.

Randal Lautzenheiser: The biggest misconception from both buyers and sellers is that the property will sell for substantially less than the list price. If a property is correctly priced it will sell very close to the list price. The average that is being negotiated right now is about five percent in the Intown neighborhoods, meaning that houses are selling for about 95 percent of the list price. The average days on market is 85.

Is it a buyer’s market? If so, please explain why.

Knapp: I’ve never seen a better time to buy since I’ve been in real estate than right now. There [are] fewer homes on the market; I believe you’re going to start to see prices go up. It’s a rare time where interest rates are also extremely low. Very few homes on the market in key areas will mean higher prices, which may start as early as this spring. Higher prices will create more opportunity for sellers who could not previously sell their homes. It also means that buyers should take a serious look at current prices in combination with low interest rates of today.

Carver: I think it’s a buyer’s market to some extent. It’s not the same buyer’s market it was two years ago. It’s easier to get financing than it was a couple of years ago. Interest rates are still phenomenally low. But because of the inventory factor and the fact that a lot of sellers who had to sell have sold, there’s pressure on prices to go up. We see the market starting to turn and on its way up.

Lautzenheiser: It is definitely a buyer’s market because prices are as low as they are and interest rates are so low. Anybody who can buy right now should buy right now. If someone already owns they should buy a second home or investment property to take advantage of the low prices and interest rates. The market will turn around and come back up and there are excellent investment opportunities everywhere.

How would you describe the interest rates we’re finding today?

Knapp: We are at unusually low interest rates currently. Rates have remained low to spur additional home purchasing. However, as we see the market starting to turn, you will see rates start to rise toward the end of the year.

Carver: They’re historically low. They remain some of the lowest we’ve had in generations. We don’t foresee that changing going into the spring. It means that buyers can get much more house for their money than they could four years ago. If you compare the payment for the same house to four or five years ago, in some cases you’re paying half what you would have four years ago for a house.

Lautzenheiser: Interest rates right now are at an unprecedented low and when they start to go up it is doubtful that they will come back down this low any time soon.

What are your forecasts for 2012 and maybe even a little beyond?

Knapp: I believe that 2012 will be a solid year for Intown real estate and markets with solid school districts. In those areas, you will a small rise in prices. I believe that 2012 will be remembered as the first year in the beginning of the next positive real estate cycle.

Carver: I think we’ll see prices continue to increase in our areas – Buckhead, Intown. I don’t know that we’ll see an overall increase for Atlanta, but I’m optimistic.

Lautzenheiser: Home prices have reached bottom and they are currently stabilizing.