I recently had the opportunity to attend opening night for the new hit play Blackberry Daze. Directed by award–winning writer/director Thomas W. Jones II, the play is a musical adaptation of the novel Blackberry Days of Summer by Ruth P. Watson. The stage play made its debut last September at the MetroStage in Alexandria, Virginia and will run in Atlanta until August 27.

Set post World War I in small town Virginia, the audience can feel the sweltering heat of the summer the moment the town gambler, Herman Camm (TC Carson), walks onto the stage. Sly, charming and good-looking, Herman manages to seduce the recently widowed church-going Mae Lou (Naomi Lavette) and Blues singer, Pearl (Brittany Inge), whose husband has just returned home from war. Intoxicated by lust and poor judgment, Herman is sure to pay the ultimate price for his womanizing behavior.

Meet Carrie (Ayanna Reed), the 15-year-old daughter of Mae Lou, and discover what it means to be a young black girl in the South trying to find love in the midst of segregation in a male-dominated society. Christy Clark and Christian Magby play multiple roles that will warm your heart and make you laugh at the same time.

Blackberry Daze has to be one of the most phenomenal musicals on the circuit right now and is sure to whet your appetite for good, down home theater. The cast delivers a mesmerizing and soulful mix of gospel and blues that is sure to excite the imagination and stir the heart and mind. Explore themes like family, race, infidelity, rape, abuse, redemption and forgiveness in this remarkable masterpiece.

In addition to the dynamic cast and stellar musical performances, the creative team did an excellent job of capturing the mood with brilliant stage design, seamless special effects and elegant period costumes that really brought the play to life. Horizon has a cozy and intimate atmosphere offering no bad seats in the house. Horizon Theatre Company is located at 1083 Austin Avenue, Atlanta.

If you are traveling to Atlanta or plan to stay in the area, it is highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. Plan to arrive half an hour early for parking and admission. Tickets and show times are available at www.horizontheatre.com.

Traveler’s Note

If you are visiting Atlanta here are some noteworthy things to consider!

FOOD + ACCOMODATIONS

The Ellis Hotel

The Ellis Hotel is Atlanta’s only independent boutique hotel offering guests a luxurious time away from home. Enjoy newly renovated guestrooms featuring a fresh, updated look or get your heart rate up in the newly expanded fitness center. If you are hungry, head over to the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant, Terrace Bistro, for contemporary Southern fare.

The Westin Peachtree Plaza

The Westin Peachtree Plaza is a AAA Four Diamond hotel with a 73-story tower, topped by the tri-level,  Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View. Individuals can join the RunWESTIN™ Concierge on a three-mile guided run around Atlanta to sightsee or hop on a bike and join a staff member from the BikeWESTIN^® team for a guided ride around the city. The Westin Peachtree Plaza provides all of the comforts of home with a touch of class and luxury in the bustling hub of downtown Atlanta.

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta 

Four Seasons provides luxury hotel rooms and suites in Midtown Atlanta, creating a distinctive choice in the South’s dynamic, history-rich capital.

Sweet Potato Café

Sweet Potato Café is a casual family-style restaurant with an upscale feel. The restaurant features an eclectic farm-to-table menu with items such as fried green tomatoes with its black-eyed pea relish and roasted red pepper compote. The lunch menu features grilled paninis, a black bean burger, salads, loaded sweet potatoes and for the meat lovers, a smoked gouda burger with caramelized onions made with grass-fed beef. The restaurant is located at 5377 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain.

Davio’s

Davio’s offers guests exceptional regional Italian foods with an emphasis on the grill. Everything is made by hand from the best ingredients serving everything from aged steaks to simple-yet-unique pasta creations. The restaurant features an open kitchen and expert and attentive staff to ensure each guest has an exceptional dining experience.

Festivals Jerk Chicken Grill 

Good food, Good vibes and good service – relax and find out what it means to feel “irie”.

When it comes to putting problems aside and going with the flow, no one does it better than Jamaicans! At Festivals Jerk Chicken Grill, we believe in sticking to the traditions of taking it easy, so come in and unwind with us. Enjoy delicious food, a relaxing atmosphere and genuine customer service.

 DEALS + THINGS TO DO

Atlanta CityPASS

Save 40% off admission to Atlanta’s must-see attractions and skip most main-entrance ticket lines with a CityPASS ticket booklet. Celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2017, CityPASS has a 98% customer recommendation rating. Valid nine days, starting with the first day of use, Atlanta CityPASS ticket booklets cost $75 for adults (value of $125); $59 for kids, ages 3-12 (prices are tax exclusive). Purchase on CityPASS.com or at the participating attractions.

Includes:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• CNN Studio Tours
• Zoo Atlanta OR Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History OR College Football Hall of Fame

* Prices and information valid March 1, 2017 – Feb. 28, 2018

Entertainment Book

For over 50 years, Entertainment® has been the leading provider of unbeatable local discounts throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Entertainment® Coupon Book is the most convenient way to get 2-for-1 and up to 50% off discounts and coupons. The Entertainment® Book comes with access to the mobile app with local savings in 10,000+ cities in the U.S. and Canada. It’s like getting all Entertainment® markets on your phone. The 2018 Entertainment® Coupon Book is available now!