Tag Archive for: comedy

HORIZON THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS ATLANTA PREMIERE OF LAUGHS IN SPANISH – MAY 23 TO JUNE 22

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/22/25

Latin-infused comedy to play at Inman Park theatre

“A great show… I can see the play itself becoming a new American Classic.” – Broadway World

Part telenovela, part whodunnit, Laughs in Spanish comes to Horizon Theatre May 23 – June 22. High stakes Art Basel is about to begin in Miami, and the art has vanished from Mariana’s trendy modern art gallery! Chaos erupts—and so does laughter— in this fast-paced comedy. Artist and intern Caro and her policeman boyfriend are scrambling to find the thief or replace the art when Mari’s larger-than-life movie-star mother shows up, stealing the spotlight yet again. Then a past girl-crush arrives, and things get even more complicado. Laughs in Spanish is a joyous celebration of Latinx creativity, messy love, mothers and daughters, and the beautiful challenge of finding your place—and your people. This production is performed in English.

“Laughs in Spanish is a vibrant, heartfelt comedy that shines a light on the joy and chaos of a Latinx family and identity,” said Horizon Theatre Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “It’s fresh, funny and full of heart—perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh with a lot of soul.”

At the helm of this cafecito-infused comedy is Erika Miranda, a Mexican-Norwegian actor, producer, director and founder of the Atlanta-based, incubative production company Cafecito Productions.  Erika is also an alumna of the Horizon Apprentice Company and was last seen on the Horizon stage in The Wolves. 

“Laughs in Spanish is a joyful comedy about art, identity and the beautiful chaos of being a daughter… or a mother… or a lover,” Director Erika Miranda explains. “Set in a Miami art gallery during the frenzy of Art Basel, the play kicks off with the entire exhibit being robbed and everyone pointing fingers. But the real drama is not just the missing art—it’s the emotional masterpieces we’re all trying to restore at home. The characters remind us that love isn’t always neat, vulnerability is never easy, and sometimes — rather than say ‘I love you,’ ‘I need you’ or ‘I believe in you’— we build cinematic empires and embark on life-altering adventures.  It’s heartfelt, hilarious and alive with the messy magic that unfolds when we begin to see our mothers not just as parents, but as people. Come for the laughs. Stay for the catharsis. Call your mother after.”

Miranda’s company’s first production, Mi Casa, which was first performed at Horizon during the Apprentice Company, can be found on all HBO platforms. Films produced by Cafecito Productions have been screened at festivals across the country, including Cleveland International and Palm Springs Short Fest. Trailer [Trash] Magic, Erika’s directorial debut, won the GA Film Impact Grant and premiered at LALIFF in 2024. Erika was also named One of the Amazing Women in Film by Oz Magazine (2023) and one of Georgia’s Top Industry Influencers by Georgia Entertainment (2024).  Erika is also first Executive Producer of SheATL Arts (of SheNY), a festival that mentors up-and-coming women playwrights.

In Laughs in Spanish, the stakes are high for young Miami gallery owner, Mariana (Ana Miramontes, seen regionally in productions at Houston’s Alley Theatre, Theatre Squared and Florida Studio Theatre), when art goes missing on the eve of Art Basel. Her artist intern, MFA student Caro (Lorena Guillen Castillo, SheATL, BFA NYU Tisch) and Caro’s policeman boyfriend Juan (Marcello Audino, City Springs’ Legally Blonde, Theatrical Outfit’s Clyde’s, Aurora’s The Play That Goes Wrong) are onsite to help through the panic while also uncovering some surprises of their own.  When Mariana’s movie-star mother (Denise Arribas, Horizon’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and The Book Club Play) and a past girl-crush (Mabel Thomas, BA Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) show up, the complications rise in this fast-paced comedy about art and success, love and romance, and mothers and daughters.

Performances begin Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m., with a Press Opening on May 30 at 8 p.m. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m., running through June 22.  Wednesday performances are May 28 and June 4 at 8 p.m. and June 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. There will be no Saturday matinee on June 7.  Seating is general admission with a reserved seating section for subscribers. General admission tickets start at $35 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $40 for all weekend performances. Prices rise as performances fill up, so patrons are encouraged to order early for the best prices and availability.  Full-time students under 25 can get $20 tickets with valid student ID by calling the box office or at the door if tickets are available.  There is limited accessible seating for those needing mobility accommodation, and it must be reserved by phone. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450. Horizon Theatre is in Iman Park/Little Five Points at 1083 Austin Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

“LAUGH, LLAMAS AND PAJAMAS” EVENT RETURNS TO UPTOWN ATLANTA ON NOVEMBER 21 – FREE!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/15/24

Get in the festive spirit with friendly lamas, a comedy show, new restaurants and more along Main Street

On Thursday, Nov. 21, the community is invited to kick off the holiday season at Uptown Atlanta, the 47-acre mixed-use destination, for the fourth annual “Laughs, Llamas and Pajamas” event. Hosted from 6 to 8 p.m. in a new location on Main Street, this year’s event will feature the return of everyone’s favorite llamas wearing pajamas, a comedy show, crafts for kiddos and more. The event is free to attend and registration is now open. 

Beginning at 6 p.m., guests can begin mingling with a group of friendly, pajama-wearing llamas from Wits End Llama Consortium. New this year, the event will be hosted on Uptown’s Main Street, giving guests the opportunity to interact with the llamas while taking advantage of Uptown’s newly opened retail and restaurants. As is tradition, the community is encouraged to wear cozy pajamas to meet and greet the llamas. During the event, attendees can experience bites and beverages from Uptown’s globally inspired restaurants: El Gordo, J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen, Bene Korean Steakhouse, Chow À La Carte at Uptown Test Kitchen and 26 Thai Kitchen and Bar. 

At 7 p.m. Whole World Improv will take the stage for a hilarious, family friendly comedy show. During the show, parents can keep the kiddos entertained as they craft their own mini llama courtesy of Daytime Moon Creativity. Throughout the event, attendees are encouraged to support local nonprofit Atlanta Mission by donating pairs of new pajamas at the check-in table. Atlanta Mission is a homeless shelter serving more than 1,000 men, women and children across Atlanta and Northeast Georgia. 

“Now that we have enlivened Main Street with new retail and restaurants, we couldn’t wait to bring the community back together for everyone’s favorite event of the season, but this time, at the heart of the property,” said Mahesh Mani, senior vice president of asset management for Rubenstein Partners. “Beyond gathering with our neighbors and tenants, this event is an incredible opportunity to support the inspiring work of Atlanta Mission and kick off the season of giving.”

Convenient event parking is located at the Uptown City Center Deck. Parking will cost $5 for the first two hours. In addition, Main Street at Uptown is just steps away from the Lindbergh MARTA station. Cost of food and beverage at the event will vary.

In addition to the new restaurants, Uptown recently opened The Commodore, a retro barber shop, and Roundhouse Kickboxing, a dynamic fitness studio. Sugarcoat Beauty, an award-winning, Atlanta-favorite nail salon will open at Uptown in early 2025.

For the latest news and project updates, follow Uptown on Facebook and Instagram at @uptownatlanta, or visit https://uptownatlanta.com. 

DISTILLERY OF MODERN ART PRESENTS TOP SHELF COMEDY 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/16/22

New Monthly Stand-Up Comedy Show Serving Up Laughs, Cocktails, Art and More  

Thursday, October 20, 2022 From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.


Enjoy cocktails and comedy at Distillery of Modern Art during Top Shelf Comedy, a new monthly stand-up show featuring the best of Atlanta’s comedians on Thursday, October 20th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For the premiere event, headliner Nathan Owens, host Amy Brown and comedian Amanda Marks will serve up a healthy serving of nonstop laughs. Seating is first come, first served so guests are encouraged to arrive early to grab a craft cocktail and mingle with fellow comedy lovers before the show begins. Beyond the signature drinks made with Distillery of Modern Art’s in-house spirits, guests can nosh on The Spotted Trotter Charcuterie and explore the current art installation featuring works from local artists Craig Dongoski and Armando Chacon. Tickets for Top Shelf Comedy are available for $15 in advance and $20 at the door for ages 21 and up. For more information visit or to purchase tickets, visit https://distilleryofmodernart.com  or call  404-482-2663. Distillery of Modern Art is located at 2197 Irvindale Drive, Chamblee, GA 30341.

5TH ANNUAL ATLANTA IMPROV FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/18/19

Festival features top comedy talent from across the country, including legendary improv group Beer Shark Mice

Atlanta, GA – Today, Atlanta’s The Village Theatre announced the lineup for the 5th Annual Atlanta Improv Festival, presented by Kaiser Permanente. The comedy festival takes place April 25-27, and will include over 20 shows from top improv groups from across the country and around Atlanta.  The full schedule and ticket information can be found at www.AtlantaImprovFestival.com. Both nightly passes and tickets for individual shows are available.

The festival’s featured headliners include:
Beer Shark Mice – this legendary long form improv team has been around for over 20 years and includes some of the top improvisers from Chicago and Los Angeles
Michael Coleman (How High, American Wedding, Arrested Development, Drunk History on Comedy Central)
Peter Hulne (Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Battle of the Sexes, Elf)
Pat Finn (The Middle, It’s Complicated, I Am Chris Farley)
Paul Vaillancourt (Adventures in Hollyhood, The Blame Game, The T.O. Show)
David Pasquesi (Veep, Groundhog Day, Angels & Demons)
Christina Gausas (Difficult People, 30 Rock, Late Night with Conan O’Brien)
Kevin Dorff (Review, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, We’re the Millers)
Matt Jones (Breaking Bad, Mom, Home)
Dave Hill (The Night Is Young, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Hitman)

The festival will also feature a series of workshops for both experienced and novice performers, all taught by top improv instructors from Los Angeles, Chicago, Charleston and Atlanta. Workshop topics include Becoming an Improv Super Hero, Getting out of Your Head with Improvised Movement, An Alternative Approach to Scene Work, and Group Games. Find more information on available workshops at www.AtlantaImprovFestival.com.

The festival will also feature a series of workshops for both experienced and novice performers, all taught by top improv instructors from Los Angeles, Chicago, Charleston and Atlanta. Workshop topics include Becoming an Improv Super Hero, Getting out of Your Head with Improvised Movement, An Alternative Approach to Scene Work, and Group Games. Find more information on available workshops at www.AtlantaImprovFestival.com.

Additionally, the weekend event will showcase the final rounds of the Atlanta Improv Festival Battle, which includes 36 local improv teams battling to win $1,000 and a run of shows at The Village Theatre. Battle rounds will take place Thursday through Saturday throughout April leading up to the 5th Annual Atlanta Improv Festival.  Information regarding tickets and participating teams can be found at www.AtlantaImprovFestival.com/Battle.

Purchase tickets for the 5th Annual Atlanta Improv Festival by visiting www.AtlantaImprovFestival.com. Tickets range from $40 to $100. You can also follow the festival on social media using the hashtag #ATLIF2019.