Sunday, April 12, 2009
"SP List"

SPecial Events

This week's arts and entertainment calendar

Festivals and Happenings

3RD ANNUAL SOUTHEASTERN RV SUPERSHOW AND TARA PLACE HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Three-day show featuring the best from RV dealers across the Southeast, live music, the “Used Corral,” pace car rides, seminars, exhibits and cooking demonstrations. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for children, and free for children 7 and under. April 17-19 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. 770-447-3334. www.garvshows.com.

EARTH DAY KIDS FEST
Kids take their first steps in becoming environmental stewards through several live performances and activities, including animal presentations, a puppet show, and the chance to meet Captain Planet. Admission is $5 or free for children under two and those who ride their bikes from home. Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.

FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL
Touring showcase of odd and hilarious found videos, including footage from a gaffe-laden WAGA newscast from the 1980s. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at the Plaza Theatre. 404-873-1939. www.plazaatlanta.com.

LEONARD PITTS
The Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated newspaper columnist discusses his debut novel, “Before I Forget.” Free and open to the public. 7 p.m. Friday, April 17 at the Decatur Library Auditorium. 404-370-8450, ext. 2225. www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

NORTHLAKE TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Become the person your resume thinks you are. Improve your public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at MetroBrokers GMAC Real Estate in the Northlake Festival Shopping Center. For directions or other info, call 678-858-0963.

POKER NIGHT
Every Tuesday at Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern. Sign-up starts at 8 p.m. 404-873-3473. www.engine11atl.com.

Theater, Dance, Music and Opera

AUTOMATIC THEATER
Improv troupe composed of actors, filmmakers, writers and puppeteers fields audience suggestions in a “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” short-form improv format. Tickets are $7. 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Relapse Theatre. 404-394-9115. www.relapsetheatre.com.

CAJUN DANCE WITH ATLANTA SWAMP OPERA
Local award-winning Cajun band plays high-energy traditional Cajun and Zydeco music with a modern twist. 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at the Horizon School. Admission is $12. 404-378-5445.

JACKPIE THEATER WORKSHOP
Long-form improv comedy shows every Saturday at 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. at 380 14th St. NW. Tickets are $7. BYOB. www.jackpie.com.

VILLAGE THEATRE
Atlanta’s newest comedy troupe performs comedy in all its forms, including long and short-form improv, sketch and stand-up comedy. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 at the Village Theatre, 486 Decatur St., Suite 10, at the corner of Decatur and Boulevard. 404-688-8856. www.villagecomedy.com.

WHOLE WORLD THEATRE
 The improv group presents a variety of shows each week. 404-817-7529. www.wholeworldtheatre.com.

Family

THE AMAZING CASTLE
Kids are transported to a whimsical medieval setting and become blacksmiths, jesters, chefs, gardeners, carpenters and even princes and princesses in this exhibit that teaches the important role each member plays in a thriving community. Through May 26 at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. 404-659-5437. www.imagineit-cma.org.


JIM HENSON: WONDERS FROM HIS WORKSHOP
Exhibit highlighting the performance and design contributions Jim Henson and his collaborators have made to the world of puppetry, including the technological advances behind “Fraggle Rock,” “Labyrinth” and others. Through Sept. 13 in the Love Family Atrium at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org.

PLATINUM EDITION PINOCCHIO PUPPET
One-of-a-kind, hand-crafted puppet created by master puppeteer Bob Baker in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Disney’s classic film “Pinocchio.” On display through May 19 at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org.

Exhibitions and Gallery Shows

BODIES . . . THE EXHIBITION
The controversial exhibit featuring 15 meticulously preserved whole-body and more than 250 partial-body specimens, providing a unique understanding of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory and other systems that exist beneath the skin. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. 866-866-8265. www.bodiestickets.com.

DIALOG IN THE DARK
In this groundbreaking exhibition, making its U.S. debut, visitors are escorted through galleries in total darkness, relying on blind and visually impaired guides, for a glimpse of the day-to-day life and survival skills of blind people. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. www.dialogtickets.com.

THE FIRST EMPEROR: CHINA’S TERRACOTTA ARMY
More than 100 works from the ongoing excavation of the tomb of Ying Zheng, including life-size terracotta warriors intended to protect him in the afterlife. Through April 19 at the High Museum of Art. 404-733-5000. www.high.org.

LOUVRE ATLANTA: THE LOUVRE AND THE MASTERPIECE
This exhibit explores how the definition of a “masterpiece” has changed over time, featuring 91 works of art from all eight of the Musée du Louvre’s collection areas, spanning 4,000 years. Through Sept. 6 at the High Museum of Art. 404-733-5000. www.high.org.

TITANIC AQUATIC
Authentic artifacts from the famed wreck and interactive experiences bring the Titanic to life. Through Sept. 7 at the Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

TUTANKHAMUN THE GOLDEN KING AND THE GREAT PHARAOHS
North American debut of this exhibit featuring 50 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun, as well as 80 artifacts highlighting other significant rulers of ancient Egypt. Through May 25 at the Atlanta Civic Center. 404-249-6400. www.atlantaciviccenter.com.