Writer/director Thomas W. Jones II co-stars with Donna Biscoe in Horizon Theatre’s “Sheddin’,” a sequel to 2009’s “A Cool Drink of Water” that, according to our reviewer, “ventures in highly entertaining new directions.” The production’s final shows are this weekend. Photo: Horizon Theatre Company

FRIDAY
Film: Charles S. Dutton, Marla Gibbs, Angie Stone and Vivica Fox are among the actors, directors, musicians and celebrities on hand for the Peachtree Village International Film Festival. The festival will be centered at the W Hotel Midtown, but screenings will take place at several locations through Aug. 19. Check website for schedule.

Stage: Theater of the Stars presents “The Addams Family,” a musical take on the creepy and kooky family created by cartoonist Charles Addams. It runs through Aug. 19 at the Fox Theatre.

Music: The swing revival is still going strong with the cats in Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The play at 8 p.m. Aug. 17 at Chastain Park Amphitheatre.

Stage: The …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Aug. 17-19 »

It’s always nice when the good guy wins. It happened on “American Idol” this year, and it happened with our latest Best of the Big A. Leesburg’s Phillip Phillips is your pick and our pick for favorite Georgia reality star. Photo: Getty Images

YOUR PICKS
1. Phillip Phillips (“American Idol”)
You say, “Humble, authentic, talented. And he won!”

2. Richard Blais (“Top Chef,” the upcoming “Life After Top Chef”)
3. Alana ‘Honey Boo Boo’ Thompson (“Toddlers and Tiaras,” “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”)
4. Kevin Gillespie (“Top Chef”)
5. Stevie J (“Love and Hip Hop Atlanta”)
6. Hector Santiago (“Top Chef”)

OUR PICKS
1. Phillip Phillips
We say, “Sometimes, nice guys do finish first. That’s what happened on “American Idol” this year when this talented Leesburg native took the top prize. He comes across as a genuine, down-to-earth guy who hasn’t let the spotlight go to his head.”

2. Richard Blais
3. Joseline Hernandez (“Love and Hip Hop …

Continue reading Favorite Georgia reality star »

“Spring Awakening” is the latest production from Company J at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Photo: Karen Rooker

FRIDAY
Stage: Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville offers a fresh take on “Sweet Charity,” the classic musical best known for the songs “Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now.” It runs through  Sept. 2.

Stage: Serenbe Playhouse’s premieres the musical “Time Between Us,” a tale of two best friends attempting to balance professional success and personal fulfillment across 30 years. The show continues through Aug. 18.

Stage: “The Adventures of High John the Conqueror” offers stories and music celebrating one of America’s earliest, and often forgotten, folk heroes. It’s being presented by Theatrical Outfit at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s through Aug. 12.

Stage: Walt and Ruthie are throwing a homecoming party for son Trane, a rising hip hop star, in the Atlanta-set “Sheddin’.” The Horizon Theatre Company production  …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Aug. 10-12 »

The guacamole at Taqueria del Sol is worth waiting for. The growing local restaurant group is the place to get the best guacamole in and around Atlanta, according to our readers. Photo: Hyosub Shin, hshin@ajc.com

YOUR PICKS
1. Taqueria del Sol
You say, “Taqueria del sol for sure! It’s creamy and delicious with a kick!” and “[I]t’s the freshest and best I’ve ever had. Even the chips are good. Great, cheap food served within minutes of placing your order.”

2. Rosa Mexicano
3. Nuevo Laredo
4. Pappasito’s Cantina
5. Cinco
6. Escorpion

Rosa Mexicano makes its guacamole at your table. This chunky delight is crafted right in front of your eyes in a molcajete and it’s our pick for best guacamole in and around Atlanta. Photo: Ben Gray, bgray@ajc.com

OUR PICKS
1. Rosa Mexicano
The AJC dining team’s specialist in Southern and Neighborhood Fare Jenny Turknett says, “Order the guacamole at Rosa Mexicano and a cart loaded with ripe avocados will materialize at your table. …

Continue reading Best guacamole »