By Manning Harris

“Xanadu,” Actor’s Express’ season closer, is completely wacky, delightfully preposterous, and totally irresistible.

They say that youth must be served; but it’s the power, beauty, and joy of youth that has not only bookended but rescued the Express’ season from dire financial straits, opening with the stunning “Spring Awakening” and now “Xanadu,” running through June 16.  Of course, angels (donors) have helped, too.  Their aid has been justified.

Based on the 1980 Olivia Newton-John film, which pretty much tanked at the box office but nevertheless developed a cult following, the musical play opened on Broadway in 2007 and ran for a respectable 500 performances.  I caught the show there and had a lot of fun.  Even the staid New Yorker critic said it was “probably the most fun you’ll have on Broadway this season.”

Fun is the raison d’être of “Xanadu.”  You can huff and puff all you want that the show is vacuous and silly, but the Greeks knew better:  2,400 years ago the comic dramatist Aristophanes delighted his Athenian audiences with “The Birds” and “The Frogs”; and these were the same audiences that thrilled to “Oedipus” and “Medea.”

The Greek reference is not an accident.  In “Xanadu” (brace yourself now) the Greek muse Clio (Lindsey Lamb Archer) descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, CA on a mission to inspire a struggling artist named Sonny Malone (Jordan Craig) to create a fabulous roller disco (combining all the arts and “something athletic,” don’t you see).

But Clio, disguised as an Australian rollergirl named Kira, soon falls for the innocent, hunky Sonny; and this is trouble, for love is forbidden between goddesses and mortals.  And Clio/Kira’s father is Zeus himself (Al Stilo, who also plays real estate mogul Danny Maguire).  Clio’s extremely jealous sisters, Calliope and Melpomene (Jill Hames and Marci Millard—both hilarious) plot against her in every way possible.

Incidentally, the name “Xanadu” is derived from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s haunting, unfinished poem “Kubla Khan,” which opens “In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure dome decree.”  Well, our pleasure dome is of course Sonny’s roller disco.  Will it be financed (Sonny’s broke) and built?  Can Sonny and Kira have a real romance?  You’ll have to see the show…

Director Sherri D. Sutton knows that for a show like “Xanadu” to fly, you must have appealing, talented actors; casting is everything, and here is where she triumphs.  Jordan Craig is a perfect Sonny, projecting innocence, earnestness, and enormous likability—plus he’s a fine singer.  Ms. Archer’s Kira is beautiful, vulnerable (remember, she’s risking eternal banishment to the underworld!), and touching.  The entire ensemble is entirely admirable:  Greg Bosworth (so memorable in “Spring Awakening”), Al Stilo, Mary Nye Bennett, Christen C. Orr, and Craig Waldrip.

The book is by Douglas Carter Beane; music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar.  You’ll know some of the songs:  “I’m Alive,” “Magic,” “Don’t Walk Away,” “Have You Never Been Mellow.”

The set (Philip Male) and costumes (Elizabeth Rasmusson) are colorful but not stellar.  Ricardo Aponte’s choreography works well, especially on the not gigantic stage.

“Xanadu,” which I’m told is starting to sell out, doesn’t take itself seriously for a moment, and therein lies its triumph.  For me it’s better cast (especially Sonny and Kira) than the Broadway version.  I wouldn’t miss it.

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

This safety profile provides more extensive information than is currently available on incoming calls and can contain the specific details that first responders can use to save lives.

Decatur Fire Chief Toni Dixon notes that Smart911 enhances communication with residents and also assists in locating them. “Knowing who is living in the house, the medications they may be taking, and even pets that may be in the residence allows us to respond to emergencies much more effectively,” she said.

“In times of duress it can be difficult for a resident to provide us with all the information we could use. Now, if they have a Smart911 profile, that information will be available immediately.”

Smart911 is a free service available to all residents and business owners and is private and secure. Safety profiles can be created through the Smart911 website, www.Smart911.com. The service has the added benefit of being a National Safety Database, giving residents the ability to have their information travel with them. While they may create their profile in their hometown, if they dial 911 anywhere in the country where the Smart911 service is active, their profile will be available to 911 call takers.

Smart911 has been rapidly adopted over the last year and is now being used in more than 20 states, protecting more than five million participants.

The fifth annual vent takes place over a two-mile stretch of North Highland Avenue from 2-6 p.m. (and that two-mile stretch will be closed to cars, so plan an alternate route).  The idea originated in Bogotá, Columbia, where neighborhood activists opened the streets for people to bike, skate, or use any human powered means of transportation, while temporarily closing them to motor vehicles.

Visitor can expect a blend of outdoor activities such as cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, hula-hooping, yoga, kickboxing, and bootcamps to more cultural activities such as “theatre on the move”, various a cappella groups, marching bands, choirs and bicycle art.

The Great Atlanta Bicycle Parade will begin at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Highland and North, go to Virginia Avenue then loop back for a victory beverage at Manuel’s Tavern. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes. All events are free and open to the public. For more visit atlantastreetsalive.com and greatatlantabicycleparade.com.

By Priscilla Alarcon

As a member of the German Navy and a NATO employee, Wolfgang Hartert traveled the world, but no matter where he was living, he would say to his wife, Laura, “Now what we really need here is a German restaurant.” But it was a voyage to the North Pole that  that led Hartert to enter the restaurant business in Atlanta.

During a stop in Oslo, Norway, Hartert encountered four Chinese men struggling to read the signs at the train station. He gave the men directions and realized they were traveling on the same ship. Over the course of a 30-day voyage, their friendship developed, and it was one of these men who would introduce Hartert to David Marvin of Legacy Restaurant Partners. Hartert remembers, “I told him, ‘I’m from Atlanta,’ and he said, ‘I know many good people in Atlanta’, like David Marvin.”

Not long after Hartert was introduced to Marvin, “the Chinese, the Americans, and the Germans” traveled from South to North Germany in a hired mini-van. On the last day of their trip, Marvin and Hartert discussed becoming business partners. In 2010, they opened Der Biergarten in Downtown’s Luckie Marietta District.

The sense of international partnership that contributed to their friendship has carried over to the restaurant’s policies. Management aims to have a staff that speaks a combined five languages to accommodate Downtown’s large volume of international visitors.

Recognized by delish.com as one of the top ten biergartens in the country, Der Biergarten is Atlanta’s only authentic German restaurant based on the traditions of 19th century Bavarian biergartens. Historically, they developed as a practical way to keep beer cool during the summer months. Bavarian breweries dug beer cellars in the banks of the Rivar Isar, covered them with gravel and planted chestnut trees for shade. Simple tables and benches were set up and these beer gardens became popular venues for the residents of Munich to buy beer and find shade.

“Firm tables, good food, good German beer . . . and benches, so we attract groups of people . . . not too big, not too expensive,” is how Hartert describes what he originally had in mind for the restaurant.

The menu offers an array of authentic dishes including German meats, cheeses, and appetizers. Items such as potato pancakes served with warm applesauce, giant pretzels, and brats are perfect snacks for beer drinkers, while wiener schnitzel, spaetzle, and jager schnitzel will satisfy German food enthusiasts. Der Biergarten strives to maintain authenticity, which includes baking their pretzels fresh from dough that arrives by airplane from Germany and purchasing meat and bread from local German vendors. The schweinshaxe, which is a large, smoked pork knuckle, must be smoked for five hours before it is ready to serve, and is a menu item sells out nearly every night.

While Hartert did not compromise on authenticity with the food, he allowed some American influences into the bar areas. “The TVs. I was totally against TVs. Then we compromised… No sound. They told me, Wofgang, you cannot open a restaurant without TVs.”

He also made a compromise with the music, understanding that most patrons do not want to hear “oompa-pa music” all of the time. A blend of Bavarian and popular American music streams through speakers, but occasionally live German bands are hired to perform on the patio.

The restaurant is divided into sections that separate the bar from a formal dining area, with a few tables of foosball and shuffleboard in-between. Seating in the bar area is exclusively at long picnic tables that encourage patrons to socialize with each other. Large flat screens, with the volume turned off and the sub-titles turned on, hang in the bar and patio areas. A vivid mural depicts a traditional Bavarian landscape, and glass garage doors open to connect the bar with an outdoor patio that offers a rooftop view of Marietta Street. The Bavarian mural and wooden picnic tables are unique commissions from local artisans.

During our interview, Hartert emphasizes the good work of Der Biergarten employees. He is proud to have a passionate staff and “brilliant management” with low employee turnover. The majority of Der Biergarten’s employees have been working there since the opening and are very knowledgeable about the food and beverage menu. One part-time waiter voluntarily purchased his own authentic lederhosen to wear, and he has visited all of the German brew houses from which the restaurant’s beer is purchased.

On Saturday, May 19, Der Biergarten will become the first venue in Atlanta to offer Bitburger beer on draft. Bitburger is Germany’s top-selling beer and has only recently become available in America. They will be celebrating from noon to midnight with $8 liters, a live DJ and patio games.

The addition of Bitburger brings the beer menu up to 19 drafts, with many more in bottles. Selections include a range of lagers, pilsners, and wheats, including Weihenstephner, Hacker-Pschorr, Krombacher, Spaten, and Warsteiner, available by the liter or ½ liter pour. For only $15, regulars can join the Stein Club, which provides members with a boot-shaped stein mug, discounted re-fills at every visit and exclusive member events.

Summer is the ideal time of year to experience the German tradition at Der Biergarten and sample brews that you won’t find anywhere else in Atlanta.

For more information about Der Biergarten and its upcoming events, visit Derbiergarten.com.

This article is part of Atlanta INtown’s partnership with the freelance writing class at SCAD-Atlanta. Students are contributing articles, video and photos for our website and social media portals.

The highly anticipated 1 and 2 mile run/walk event for dogs and their owners welcomes all athletic levels, from competitive runners to casual walkers, and strollers and wagons are permitted. Held on Mother’s Day Weekend, this year’s event encourages fun for the entire family.

Proceeds for the 2012 event will benefit both the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) Foundation , the support arm of the GVMA which supports benevolent activities in the areas of community service, the human-animal bond, animal health and welfare, veterinary student education, public health, and the preservation of wildlife, and Canine Assistants , an Alpharetta based non-profit organization that breeds, raises and trains working dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities and seizure disorders.

On-site registration and packet pick-up: Main Pavilion Piedmont Park 7:45 – 8:45 a.m. The cost is $30 per person and one dog and $15 for each additional dog. For more information, please visit www.atlantadogjog.org.

By Manning Harris

Anyone who cares about theatre in Atlanta rejoices that Georgia Shakespeare, recently beset by financial woes (like so many arts organizations) has pulled itself back from the brink of doom, and in a big way. The evidence:  the new production in Piedmont Park of  “The Tempest,” running through Sunday, May 13.

“Shake at the Lake” has become “Shakespeare in the Park,” performed at the Legacy Fountain, near the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Check the GA Shakespeare website at the end of this review for important information about parking and the new location.

Shakespearean scholar Harold Bloom calls “The Tempest,” one of the Bard’s final plays, a “visionary comedy.”  Prospero, the former Duke of Milan (here Prospera, Carolyn Cook), was betrayed some years ago and now inhabits a magical and seemingly deserted island with her daughter Miranda (Caitlin McWethy) with two extraterrestrial creatures, shall we say:  Ariel (Chris Kayser) and Caliban (Neal A. Ghant).  There is a storm which deposits Alonso (Mark Kincaid), his son Ferdinand (Nick Arapoglou) and others on the island.

“The Tempest,” directed by Sharon Ott, is a play full of magic, revenge, romance, redemption, and forgiveness.  Prospera, with her magic staff and robe, pretty much rules the island (and in fact caused the shipwreck).  Much of the magic of the play is watching her and the other characters undergo discoveries and transformations.

And there are a lot of surprises—not the least of which is water from the fountains—which bubbles up in delightful, colorful displays.  If I were you, I’d sit as close as possible to the stage; I like intimacy in a theatre and being able to see the expressions on the actors’ faces.  You’ll think you’re at Woodstock if you sit in the very back (of course that perspective has its own charm, I suppose—to each his own).

The acting is uniformly excellent.  Much of this cast performed this show last year at the Oglethorpe location.  Ms. Cook is one of Atlanta’s finest actors, and her Prospera anchors the play.  Ms. McWethy is lovely as Miranda.  The comic trio of Stephano (Bruce Evers), Mr. Ghant’s Caliban, and especially Mark Cabus as Trinculo could form their own vaudeville troupe.

Then there is Chris Kayser as Ariel.  Is this man in league with the devil?  Here he youthens before your very eyes.  It is worth the price of admission (I know, some seats are free; read the website) to see him bound down the hill, through the audience as the magical Ariel, with the lithe, slim body of a 20-year-old.  I’m told Mr. Kayser is 60-something, but I don’t believe it.  I do believe he’s a great actor.

There are no weak links here:  Mr. Kincaid, Mr. Arapoglou, Brian Kurlander’s Sebastian, Andrew Benator’s Antonio, Allen O’Reilly’s Gonzalo, and many others, including the dancing, singing sprites.

We’re outdoors; so the show is miked, superbly (sound designer/composer Stephen LeGrand).  A couple of opening night snafus; nothing that won’t be ironed out by the time you see it.

I treasure my theatrical memories:  GA Shake’s 1997 “Tempest,” with John Ammerman and Saxon Palmer as Prospero and Ariel, was unforgettable, and probably had more of “such stuff as dreams are made on.”  Of course they were indoors.

And I do miss the charm and intimacy of the “funky Lake Clara Meer” setting, as the AJC’s Howard Pousner called it; but if GA Shake can corral its new seating capacity a bit closer to the stage, they should reign at the Park for a long time.

For more information, visit gashakespeare.org.

Last year more than 3,000 people attended the event, and organizer John Beal is expecting even larger crowds.  “This year’s event will be the best and biggest ever,” he said. “We are proud to celebrate green products and sustainability in a fun, family environment with thousands of our closest friends.”

Green Fest benefits Dogwood Alliance – celebrating their 15th year of preserving Southern Forests and promoting sustainable forestry – and Oakhurst Community Garden Project –which teaches environmental awareness through hands on gardening and outdoor education programs.

Presenting sponsor Terrapin Beer will release its new Tree Hugger beer and performing musicians will include Donna Hopkins, Jeff Hix and the Heretics Copious Jones, Mike Killeen and The Dregs, and the High Strung String Band.

The Green Fashion Show is organized by local high school students, Taste of Decatur will feature local and organic food, the market will be filled with equal exchange and other fairly traded products, green organizations, and vendors, and the kids zone will offer fun activities and face painting.

For more information, visit www.decaturgreenfest.com.

The gorgeous water sculpture behind the bar, the trendy basketball themed cocktail menu and terraced seating makes RED’s open dining room feel like an upscale night club until you look out at a stunning view of Philips Arena. RED is the answer for the discerning basketball fan, as the only full service restaurant in the arena where you can sip a martini at a high top table while dining over filet mignon with a view of the game below.

Neatly tucked at the top of the arena’s second tier, the restaurant’s multilevel design was created by The Johnson Studio to maximize the view of the arena floor, RED is also filled with flat screen televisions to ensure you don’t miss any of the action. The restaurant’s centrally located bar and open kitchen are lively and provide other exciting entertainment for diners.

The menu is fitting for a sports venue: there are burgers and flatbreads and plenty of fried options, but there is lighter fare, such as salads and veggie plates as well as the option to order steak, chicken and lobster entrées.

At RED’s recent media preview dinner, the press was given the opportunity to sample several of the restaurant’s dishes. The shrimp and super lump crabcakes were well made (not too bready and generous portion size), but it was hard to overlook the fact they were served lukewarm. The crispy chicken cheese sliders were excellent and garnished with pickled, sweet zucchini which was a unique touch to the traditional sandwich.

Another successful dish was the mixed green salad, which was fresh and generously topped with blueberries and pickled red onions, a surprisingly lovely paring. The creamy mac-n-cheese bites (fried mac-n-cheese balls) were generic and poorly seasoned and the margherita pizza was greasy and bland. Most disappointing was the red pepper steak burger, which was well seasoned but served rare. It is understandable that there was some trouble with execution on the crowded media preview night but the inconsistency of the food was disappointing.

The CÎROC sponsored bar features several vodka based signature cocktails and all were well executed including Red Berry Red,  Most Valuable Peach, and most notably Coco Court, made with CÎROC Coconut Vodka and fresh lime juice. The bar also caters to beer lovers, there are 15 beers on draft and has a selection of eight wines that can be purchased by the glass. The hostess, servers and bartenders, though busily working throughout the evening, were happy and engaging.

Currently RED is accessible to all ticket holders before, during and after all Philips Arena events. Its capacity is 250 people and reservations are accepted and recommended. With its elegant design, excellent view and inviting menu RED is certain to fill up quickly. For more, visit www.philipsarena.com.

This article is part of Atlanta INtown’s partnership with the freelance writing class at SCAD-Atlanta. Students are contributing articles, video and photos for our website and social media portals.