It has been over a year since the Falany Performing Arts Center abruptly shut its doors and the seats were empty. The pandemic impacted our lives, routines and how we enjoyed the arts. For performers, it left a void with few opportunities to share their craft and passion. The Falany worked tirelessly to find ways to bring live entertainment to the community with outdoor performances and a new outdoor stage. While this satisfied our craving, we still longed for the in-theatre experience.
Our wait is over. The Falany Performing Arts Center excitedly announced their 2021-22 season on June 1 titled, “Onward, Stronger Than Ever.” An appropriate reference to the persistence and strength of the performing arts community and those who support Reinhardt.
The new season includes a varied line-up, but the development of this season meant more than just the right performances.
“This season is about thanking our patrons who have supported us through the pandemic and showing we have not missed a step in our return. Our goal is to bring great performances across a variety of styles-from Folk to Rock, Tributes to Classical-we are bringing it all,” said Falany Performing Arts Center director Jessica Akers.
The 2021-22 season will kick off with free Decades concerts each Friday through August and September. Continuing in September will be Ted Vigil’s John Denver Tribute and Supreme Reflections, a tribute to Diana Ross and The Supremes. In October, Almost ABBA is next on the schedule, followed by Jazz vocal artist, Karla Harris and the Band of Kelleys kicking off November.
December will provide family-friendly options with an outdoor viewing of the movie Polar Express and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra holiday concert.
Another exciting program for the holidays is the return of Christmas at Reinhardt with student performances from all performing arts programs performing together, a tradition that will put everyone in the Christmas spirit.
“Christmas at Reinhardt, presented by the School of Performing Arts, is one of my favorite ways to kick off the holiday season. There’s something for everyone,” said Akers.
“We are excited to see everyone return to the Falany for this exciting season,” said Amy Baker, operations coordinator, Falany Performing Arts Center.
In 2022 the variety continues with more Tributes, such as Glenn Leonard’s Temptations Revue and Forever Simon & Garfunkle. Original shows, such as The Queen’s Cartoonists showcasing the music from classic animation and performed, note-for-note, before projections of cartoons.
As we welcome springtime, March hosts Bluegrass group Red Cedar Review and BeeGees Gold: The Tribute and innovative guitar duo and animated painting experience, Landscape of Guitar. April continues with Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Show and the coveted Spivey Hall Children’s Choir. May ends spring with DSB: America’s Favorite Tribute to Journey and Reinhardt Bluegrass Day.
The School of Performing Arts also presents performances not to be missed from Reinhardt University Choirs, Wind and Jazz Ensembles, Reinhardt Opera and University Theatre.
The yearly performances sell out quickly and after a year of waiting, don’t miss out on tickets.
“Our biggest note to our guests, especially this year, is to make sure you get your tickets in advance,” Akers said. “We sell out our performances quickly, and we want to make sure that if you want to be a part of the arts experience you’ll receive here, you don’t miss out by waiting to get your tickets.”
Tickets currently are on sale for Patron Members, which contribute a donation to help with the programming and facility needs of the Falany. Patron contributions start at $50 per person.
“We’d love to help our guests join with a Patron membership and get all of the wonderful benefits attached with this,” Akers said.
