This story was originally published by ArtsATL.
The 2024 calendar year evoked a rainbow of emotions and reactions from Atlanta audiences, with everything from dark humor-inspired giddiness to childlike joy. And no wonder — topics covered the entire human condition, from getting that first job outside of prison (“Clyde’s”) to the challenges of emigration (“The Chinese Lady”) to falling madly in love (“A Third Way”) to exploring unorthodox beliefs (“This Is Not a Cult”) to losing your parents and figuring out life (“Fat Ham”).
ArtsATL theater critics put their heads together and came up with the nine productions — a difficult task, given the top-notch performances this season — that truly leaped off the stage and into our consciousness.
Together, these nine highlight what Atlanta artists are capable of, whether they are actors, playwrights, directors or crew — and for what audiences are ready. The answer is anything.
Credit: Photo by Casey Gardner Ford
Credit: Photo by Casey Gardner Ford
“Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski,” Theatrical Outfit, January 2024
Based upon the life of Jan Karski, a Polish diplomat who witnessed and tried to spread the news of the Holocaust, the staging at Theatrical Outfit starred Andrew Benator and was praised for its emotional complexity and rich storytelling.
“Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,” Synchronicity Theatre, January 2024
Last staged in 2013 and based on a children’s novel, this coming-of-age tale struck a chord with audiences for its beautifully designed look, artful physicality — with the assistance of the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company — and Kristina Jin’s earnest performance as Minli.
“Clyde’s,” Theatrical Outfit, March 2024
Written by Black playwright Lynn Nottage, Clyde’s is a realistic story with laugh-out-loud moments. Each person in this ensemble cast was memorable, with the chemistry between Clyde (Tonia Jackson) and Montrellous (Geoffrey Williams) a production standout.
“Fat Ham,” Alliance Theatre, April 2024
Written by playwright James Ijames, this modern take on “Hamlet” with a Black, queer protagonist captivated audiences. Atlanta native Marshall W. Mabry once declared it was his dream to play Fat Ham’s main role, Juicy — and did just that, with plenty of flavor and spice.
Credit: Photo by Casey Gardner Ford
Credit: Photo by Casey Gardner Ford
“Mercury,” Actors’ Express, April 2024
Written by Atlanta’s own Steve Yockey and based on the idea that our neighborly relationships can take sinister turns, this play shocked and thrilled audiences with absurdity, sci-fi, horror — plus an amazing grizzly bear prop.
“This Is Not a Cult,” You Did This Theatre Company, July 2024
In this improvisational show, audiences had the opportunity to be part of the narrative, take sides and earn rewards for participating. Developed over six months by Andy Van Deventer, it made the most of a tight budget and big ideas.
Credit: Glen Stubbe Photography
Credit: Glen Stubbe Photography
“Babble Lab,” Alliance Theatre with Minneapolis’ Children’s Theatre Company, July 2024
In this one-woman show by Autumn Ness, the plot doesn’t linger as long as the play’s imagination and design. Projections of the alphabet, designed by Jorge Cousineau and Craig Gottschalk, essentially become part of the cast.
“A Third Way,” Actor’s Express, October 2024
Written by Atlantan Lee Osorio and the winner of the 2023 Del Shores Foundation playwriting contest, this sexy, thought-provoking production about modern love explored not only the relationship between two people but also the relationship with the self.
“The Chinese Lady,” Alliance Theatre, October 2024
Based on the history of Afong Moy, the first-known Chinese immigrant to the United States, this unique show examined the inner dialogue of Moy throughout the years she was “The Chinese Lady” in a traveling exhibit, giving audiences a deeper cultural perspective.
Credit: ArtsATL
Credit: ArtsATL
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