The Arts – June 2018
“Jack shall have Jill, Nought shall go ill, The man shall have his mare again, and all shall be well.” — William Shakespeare, A Midsummer’s Night Dream
Huh? Look, it makes no difference if you are connoisseur of Shakespeare’s plays or not, the point is a FREE Shakespeare play, “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” is coming to Newnan’s Greenville Street Park soon. “Midsummer” is one of Shakespeare’s most accessible works and a crowd pleaser. If you’ve never attended a Shakespeare production, this may be your time to give old Wills a try!
Newnan High School’s Drama Department and Newnan Theater Company alums James Hendley and Madeline Sain are teaming up to bring Shakespeare alive in Newnan with their outfit “Newnan Shakespeare Company,” a.k.a “Newnan Shakes.” Both Hendley and Sain are also college theater majors who have been honing their acting chops with theater companies since graduating. They look forward to bringing their passion for theater and Shakespeare to their hometown.
Says Hendley, “Midsummer is a timeless comedy that has wide appeal. It was an obvious choice for our first production.” They encourage attendees to bring a picnic, a chair and if they wish, a jar to catch fireflies! Nightly in late July at 7:30 p.m. Greenville St. Park. More on Facebook: Newnan Shakespeare Company and newnanshakes.com.
The Newnan-Coweta Yarn Burners Storytelling group reunites to plan events for the fall and to share a few stories. Storytelling is being touted as one most important skills of the 21st century in business and life. Join this group to hone your storytelling craft, hear stories, have fun and meet a few new friends. Meeting is Thurs, July 26, 5:30 p.m. at The Leaf n’ Bean in downtown Newnan. Information on Facebook: Newnan-Coweta Yarn Burners Storytelling
2018 Summer Movie Madness is coming to Newnan Theatre Company! Movies showing Saturday nights June 23, 30, July 7, 14, and 21 at 8 p.m. at the theatre located at 24 First Ave near downtown Newnan. Enjoy revisiting or experiencing for the first time classic movies in the comfort of theatre seating and air conditioning! And yes, POPCORN! This year’s summer movies include “The Maltese Falcon,” “Rear Window,” “Frankenstein, “ and more. Check out selections and ticket information at newnantheatre.org. Tickets are only $5 each and will be available online or at the box office. Note: Grand finale July 21 at the Back to the Future/80’s night event. Guests will have access to unlimited play on arcade games, food, and the movie. Dress 80’s style. $25 or FREE for season ticket holders.
Jazz in the Park returns to Greenville Street Park June 8, 7:45 p.m. Sit on a blanket enjoying the sounds of jazz under the stars or dance to the breezy rhythms — either way this is sure to be an enjoyable evening taking place near the heart of downtown Newnan. The event is presented by the Newnan Cultural Arts Commission and is in conjunction with Main Street Newnan’s Summer Wined Up the same evening. Robin Lattimore and band are performing. There will also be food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. FREE! cityofnewnan.org
Boogie Nights, NewnaNights! Main Street Newnan is hosting a monthly summer event series in Downtown Newnan during the months of June-August. The Summer NewnaNights take place on Thursdays from 6- 8 pm, and will feature the music of Rock n’ Roll Jones, Matt Lyons, Leonard Washington and other entertainment. Each event takes place in the Greenville Street Park. The Greenville Street Park will also be filled with various festivities and vendor booths. Downtown businesses will stay open late during the Summer NewnaNights, and feature specials and promotions for shoppers and guests. mainstreetnewnan.com
NCAA (Newnan Cultural Arts Association) has an ongoing artwork exhibition at Southern Arc Dance Studio. The art, created by NCAA members, graces the large hallway gallery of the dance studio. Enjoy the works of local artists Martin Pate, Rae Duncan and others. Southern Arc Dance Studio will host an Artist Reception on Saturday, June 9 (5 – 7 pm) for incoming artists/art. All are invited to attend and bring guests. Southern Arc is becoming a wonderful gallery space to view compelling, locally produced artwork. For more information southernartdance.org
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After several years in advertising and working as a librarian, Larisa McMichael now lives AND works in Newnan. She handles marketing, promoting and organizing arts-related events, writing and other creative and business endeavors. A lover of rock music, folk art and reading, she’s always on the lookout for what’s next in the arts. She’s an empty nester who loves downtown Newnan and is in awe of the unique and talented people who make up our community.
