Atlanta arts, entertainment and culture digital magazine Eldredge ATL is getting theatrical this month as gay Atlanta playwright and actor Topher Payne takes the reins as guest editor. Payne, a former Georgia Voice columnist, will make his debut on the site on Friday, Dec. 4.
The stint will include a behind the scenes look into the world premiere of his new Christmas play “Let Nothing You Dismay,” Payne’s favorite made-in-Atlanta YouTube stars, his favorite shot-in-Atlanta television show, a conversation with Theatrical Outlet artistic director and veteran Atlanta actor Tom Key, a guided tour of Payne’s favorite OTP spot to ring in the new year and more.
“As a longtime admirer of his writing, I’m thrilled to have Topher as our December Guest Editor,” says Rich Eldredge, the openly gay editor and founder of Eldredge ATL. “His editorial picks for the month are insightful, unpredictable, hilarious and pure Topher. I’m looking forward to sharing his stories and his uniquely Southern perspective with readers throughout the month.”
Says Payne: “I mentioned to Rich I was gonna have some free time at the beginning of December, and he knows how much I hate that. So he was kind enough to keep me busy. It’s so exciting to share some of my favorite people and places in Atlanta. The majority of what we’re covering either tastes good or makes you laugh, which are pretty much my two categories for happiness. We’re having fun with the holidays. If you love Oprah’s Favorite Things, but you can’t afford an $85.00 box of muffins, then we give you some nice alternatives.”
Payne’s turn at the editorial helm of Eldredge ATL comes on the heels of this year’s critically acclaimed off Broadway debut of his play “Perfect Arrangement,” which had its world premiere at Atlanta’s Process Theatre.
Eldredge launched Eldredge ATL in August, a new venture in a 25-year career covering the city of Atlanta. He wrote the Peach Buzz column for the AJC for 16 years, has contributed to LGBT publications Southern Voice, Etcetera Magazine, Project Q Atlanta and Georgia Voice, and has served as an advisor to Georgia Voice as well. He added “children’s book author” to his resume in 2013, has been a contributing editor at Atlanta Magazine since 2009 and also works with VOX Teen Communications mentoring young writers.