Last weekend, thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law, I enjoyed a live show at Art Station in Stone Mountain Village. This particular show was an interesting adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. No. Lie. I laughed for two solid hours. After several rainy days and a stressful week, this humorous break was just what I needed. It turns out laughter really IS the best medicine. Noreen Fraser, co-creator of the Stand Up to Cancer network special and a woman living with Stage IV breast cancer, recently wrote a column for Fox News highlighting the health benefits of laughter. She cites laughter as increasing the oxygenation of the organs, boosting circulation, and contributing to an overall sense of well-being. In order to improve their health, she challenges her readers to watch their favorite comedies, YouTube videos, TV sitcoms or whatever tickles their funny bone, and to laugh at least 20 minutes a day. Laughter releases serotonin, the "feel good" hormone and reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It strengthens our immune systems. Big belly laughs or exuberant guffaws can boost heart rate, improve blood flow and stabilize blood pressure. Some research shows that laughter may protect older adults from memory loss. "Humor therapy" can be as effective as psychiatric drugs for dementia and Alzheimer's patients. The list of benefits goes on and on. A few of my personal favorites for a good laugh? TV's "Modern Family", my kids' jokes, the movie "Best in Show", and my husband's attempts at folding laundry (just kidding honey). So what can we do to put a smile on our face, enjoy life and maybe get a good case of the giggles? Grab your partner, your bestie, your Mom, your dog, your motorcycle.... whomever or whatever makes you happy, and get going to one of the many cool events in the Atlanta area this weekend. Have a great time and don't forget to laugh a little. For you soccer fans, check out the excitement as the Atlanta Silverbacks take on the New York Cosmos at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. Head to the Fabulous Fox Theatre to catch the musical legend, Bob Dylan, for a performance with music that spans over 5 decades. For those big belly laughs, Chris Hardwick is at Variety Playhouse to bring down the house. Need a good family-friendly outing, Salem High School presents High School Musical. With numbers like "Get'cha Head in the Game" and "Breaking Free" everyone will have a smiling face and be dancing in their seats.
Bob Dylan
Friday, April 24, 8 pm
Cost: $49.50 and up
Mr. Tambourine Man is in the house! The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents Bob Dylan. The spokesperson for his generation and an icon in the 1960s, Dylan has been performing for over 5 decades. During his career he has earned 10 Grammys, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. Don't miss this once in a lifetime chance to see a musical legend.
https://foxtheatre.org/
Atlanta Silverbacks vs. New York Cosmos
Saturday, April 25, 7:30 pm
Cost: $17-50
Goal!!! Check out Atlanta's pro soccer team, the Silverbacks, take on the New York Cosmos at the 5,000 seat Atlanta Silverbacks Park. This action packed event includes plenty of eats, merchandise, giveaways, mascot antics and top-notch soccer competition.
Chris Hardwick Live
Saturday, April 25, 8 p.m. and 10:30 pm
Cost: $35
Stand-up comedian, chart-topping podcaster, television personality, contributor for Wired magazine, and creative head of the multi-platform media mammoth known as Nerdist Industries, Chris Hardwick brings the laughs at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta. You may also know Hardwick as the host of "Talking Dead", the post-show for Atlanta's favorite zombie apocalypse, The Walking Dead.
http://www.variety-playhouse.com/event/chris-hardwicks-funcomfortable/
High School Musical, Salem High Spring Show
Thursday-Sunday, Apr. 23-26 various times
Cost: Advance tickets $7 adults, $5 students/seniors
Day of Show $8 adults, $6 students/seniors
Get'cha head in the game! Trey is the star athlete. Gabriella is the math and science wiz. Despite their friends' efforts to distract them and keep them apart, they realize they have the same love for singing and come together to perform in their school's spring musical. Salem High School in Conyers presents their adaptation of this popular Disney movie. It's fun for the whole family. The musical numbers will have you dancing in your seat (and maybe the aisles.) Contact 770.929.0176 ext. 34242 or email theatresalem.info@gmail.com for more info.
http://portal.rockdale.k12.ga.us/schools/shs/Pages/default.aspx
