Fox Theatre – The Hidden Panorama

Shaping Sound at The Fabulous Fox

Honestly I am eager in exploring USA. Though the first city that I had visited in the country was not famous as New York, Chicago or even Los Angeles, but I have this attitude to explore the place wherever I am whether its popular or not, I believe there is always something to learn or discover in every place and its my adventure to find it.

Since I was in Atlanta, I tried to see the city as much as I can even the first week’s weather of my stay in the metropolis was bad due to rain. My last Tuesday in Atlanta, I was lucky to reserve a ticket for one night show of Shaping Sound dance musical show. I have two goals when I booked the Broadway dance show, first was to see what’s inside the Fox Theatre in Atlanta which they call “The Fabulous Fox” and second was to enjoy my night with entertainment. When I booked the show, I was not familiar with the dance group performer until I learned about them recently and did not realized that they are the famous dancing group in America.

My preference in watching a Broadway like shows are more on musical or classical shows. At first I was hesitant to book the Shaping Sound show but after sometime of contemplating I finally decided to watch it. I signed up on Fox Theatre Atlanta website and bought the ticket online. On the day of the show, I came earlier on its schedule as I have to find where the theater is located. From my hotel accommodation near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, I took shuttle to reached MARTA Airport Station. I took metro train and got off at North Avenue Station then exited at 3rd St NE. I walked towards Peachtree St NE and turned right towards Fox Theatre.

At Peachtree St NE, walking towards Atlanta Fox Theatre

Fabulous Fox

Atlanta Fox Theatre is a former movie palace which became a trend between 1925 to 1930. The structure said to be originally planned as part of large shrine temple. Then Fox Theatre chains developed it with 4665 seats and opened in 1929. The building has Middle Eastern and Egyptian designs and now listed as National Historic Landmark in USA.

Entrance

When I saw the theatre, I felt excited. I remembered that I only saw the similar theatre in some movies, videos online and photos. Seeing one of its theatre with my own eyes felt like it was a dream. When I reached the entrance, I looked inside before I walked in. There was a vehicle being displayed within the entrance hall and then I saw some personnel in their suits that most likely in charge in checking the tickets.

Entrance and Lobby

Then I walked into the lobby and there are many people staying there for a while since the show hasn’t started yet, most of them were drinking and socializing. I saw the stairs in the middle and climbed on it towards the Mezzanine Level where you can still buy your drinks.

Mezzanine Level

After passing Mezzanine, I took another stairs so I can go to the entrance for my seat which located at lower balcony. But before I go inside the balcony to find my seat, I spent time to appreciate some interesting Moorish interiors of the theatre.

Then, I went inside the balcony and looked for my seat. There were crew available that helped me to guide in my seat. I was glad that my seat was in lower balcony and I had a good spot to enjoy the show at the stage. I knew I can see everything where I sit.

Stage

My Right Side View of Balcony

Shaping Sound

Here’s some tidbits of information that I learned about Shaping Sound. They are dancing group company which led by Travis Wall and Nick Lazzarini. But do not make mistakes as they are not just regular dance group but a contemporary one that artistically choreograph their moves to give a masterpiece entertainment show. That’s how I watched them with their “The Shaping Sound Dance Reimagined Tour” theme in Atlanta while I was in the city in November 2015.

At Fox Theatre, I patiently wait in my seat until the whole balcony became full. And then the show started. Honestly, I never heard the name of dance group back home, I rarely watch reality TV shows specially if its dancing show, as I was not really interested on it, it’s the main reason why I hesitated to book the show at first. I didn’t really have that much expectation before the show. All I wanted was to have good time that night inside The Fabulous Fox.

The show begun and I watched attentively. And I found satisfaction and enjoyment while the whole group artistically move their bodies in tune. The show changed my perspective about dancing. I remembered the Swan Lake that Australian Ballet portray the story through ballet dancing when I was in Melbourne. Shaping Sound group shown their creative and contemporary dance choreography. With that reason, I really admired them and respected them in their craft even I am not a fan of them, I appreciated their act they did in Atlanta Fox Theatre.

Shaping Sound Company at the end of the show

Leaving Fox and the end of my adventure that night.

Both I truly enjoyed Fox Theatre and the dance group artist Shaping Sound. For me the place was perfect and the show was amazing. I had a great night that night. Until then.

In The Middle Of Somewhere : Fox Theatre Lobby

In The Middle Of Somewhere (Post#11) : Fox Theatre Lobby

Before and after the show, people gathered at the lobby to socialize and had a bit of fun before watching the show and before leaving the Fabulous Fox. These photos are part of Shaping Sound event at Atlanta Fox Theatre Photo Collection November 2015.

Interior : Atlanta Fox Theatre

Interior (Post#12) : Atlanta Fox Theatre

Atlanta Fox Theatre is already part of history and its significance is being recognize not only in the city but in the whole country. The theatre has been planned for demolition before and due to circumstances it has been saved. Right now the 1920’s former movie palace is now self-sustaining as it generates income that can maintain its structure. The building design both exterior and interior shows its Moorish style. When I entered the theatre from entrance to balcony it significantly show the Middle Eastern and Egyptian style from it doors, windows, ceilings, walls and flooring. Even the lighting used and decorations significantly show its Arabic concept. And when I learned that it was originally planned and designed as new headquarters of Shriners in Atlanta (a national fraternal organization that is a subgroup of the Masons, is the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic), I understand why the theatre has the Moorish concept. But because of the cost it needed, the member of Shriners lease the building to movie tycoon William Fox and had a deal about having its 5000 seats. These photos are part of Shaping Sound event at Atlanta Fox Theatre Photo Collection November 2015.

Entrance

Some of the interior decoration

Mezzanine Level

Auditorium with stage and balcony photos

Strolling at Midtown Atlanta (Peachtree Street Northeast – Atlanta Walk Part 1)

After visiting Margaret Mitchell House last November 20, 2015, I thought that it was still early to wrap-up my day and since its my last day in Atlanta, as soon as I left the museum past 5 PM in the afternoon, I decided to walk the Peachtree Street. I know that there are so many streets named with Peachtree in Atlanta but my walk happened specifically in Peachtree St NE. The starting point was 10th St NE towards North Avenue NE which all within Midtown. Since it was November and the beginning of autumn season, there were still greens in the trees on both side of the road that made the Peachtree St NE so pleasant for walk. At the part of Peachtree Street that I walked, I saw some significant structures and buildings along the way. Below are some of the snapshots that I captured in my walk.

At 10th St NE

Margaret Mitchell House

I included Margaret Mitchell House since it stands along Peachtree St NE. Detailed post in my visit in the house museum has been described here.

After crossing 7th St NE

After crossing 6th St NE

After crossing 4th St NE

Bank of America Plaza from a distance

After crossing 3rd St NE

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Fox Theatre

A historical former movie palace which opened in 1929 with Middle Eastern and Egyptian designs and listed as National Historic Landmark in USA.

After crossing Ponce De Leon Ave NE

The Georgian Terrace

When I passed the Georgian Terrace Hotel at that time, I don’t have idea that it was historical, I recently learned that the Hollywood stars of legend movie “Gone With the Wind” stayed in the hotel.

Notes:
1. Plan to visit Midtown Atlanta ? – Please check latest information here
2. Entrance Fee – Walking in the city is totally free
3. Public Transportation Ticket – Use MARTA Breese Card, here’s the official website, here’s alternative site for the card
4. Directions to Margaret Mitchell House using train :
If you will ride within Red Line or Gold Line regardless which station you will come from, just remember to get-off at Midtown Station.
If you will ride in any of Blue or Green Line, you are required to transfer at Five Points Station and take Red or Gold Line and get off at Midtown Station.
From Midtown Station, get off at 10th St NE and turn right towards Peachtree Street NE. And walked along Peachtree Street towards Downtown direction or towards North Avenue NE.

Structure : “Fabulous Fox” Theatre (Atlanta)

Structure (Post#14) : “Fabulous Fox” Theatre (Atlanta)

One of the branches of Fox Theatre is in Atlanta and they call it as “Fabulous Fox”. And I had a chance to find out why it was called Fabulous Fox when I got a chance to watch a dance musical show in this theatre while I was at Atlanta. Fox Theatre is a historical former movie palace which opened in 1929 with Moorish style and has been listed as National Historic Landmark in USA. These photos are part of Atlanta Walks Photo Collection November 2015.