The New Apollo de Lafayette Tabloid was the theme of the Krewe of Apollo
de Lafayette's twenty-second annual Mardi Gras ball. Held at the Cajun Dome
in Lafayette, it was a sellout crowd of over 2,800 guests and revelers who witnessed the event of events--the revelations of what all inquiring minds wanted to know. It was an earth-shattering event and one that will long be remembered in Acadiana.
Beginning with the welcoming ceremony and continuing through the singing of "America the Beautiful," the crest of the Mystic Krewe of Apollo was lighted for the occasion. The show of shows was about to begin.
The Apollo Dancers did a rousing opening number of "Black, White and Read All Over," and it was apparent that these guys put in a lot of practice time, something that was even more apparent at they made continual costume changes to assist others throughout the show. Paparazzi targets were many, including the flamboyant tabloid and foremost gay publication in the country, Ambush.
King and Queen Apollo XXI came forth in all their radiance and beauty to honor everyone with their presence and rule over the night's festivities. They were delightful and wore gorgeous backpieces and won raves from their adoring audience with their blue costumes.
Leading the list of personalities for this krewe were the current reigning Mr. Gay Louisiana, Miss Apollo de Lafayette 1998, and Mr. National Apollo 1998. It was then time to introduce everyone to the captain of Bal Masque XXII in a spectacular space ship that came from the ceiling of the dome. It was a UFO to beat all UFOs, and it didn't come from Breaux Bridge either. It was an explosion of fireworks and rockets that bridged the entire dome with brillance.
Following this, the personalities just kept coming and coming and coming. The ball's first double entry on stage was Life After Death (Heaven or Hell, both great costumes). Heart lines introduced a bal masque lieutenant, and Baptists visit Disney World was just too cute for words. The society section came in the form of the president of Lafayette's krewe with assistance from some primitive Africans. The nudity of those "girls" was most wonderful, but floor favorites were those nearly-nude assistants (who worked Vanna White-style as they turned costumes on stage). The audience roared their approval.
Reincarnation was also a ball lieutenant (had I already seen that one in Baton Rouge last year?), and "Lorena Bobbit" came out of a giant--you guessed it--penis. Leona Hemsley was the bitch of the night, and she was joined on stage by the rising of the Titanic, a clever costume. Next it was a dynamic dance number from none other than Elvis, Mr. National Apollo 1998 strutting his stuff and swinging it in all directions. Michael Jackson had an implant, the pregnant variety, and Latoya was the pretty one. Divine was just that--divine.
The crawfish boy was another ball lieutenant and his spectacular costume proved to be the top-heavy one of the night, but all the assistants came to his aid and he was able to parade around the dome in all his glory. Esther Williams swam around with some other beauties, and Ivana Trump tried to trump everyone else, but I have to say that the highlight of the ball and the most beautiful and original costume of the entire evening was that of the outing of Liberace. It was absolutely flawless. I don't know the beautiful young man responsible for this costume, but it was one of the most unique I've ever seen. Now it was time to meet the royal couple representing a very royal scandal - His Royal Majesty King Apollo XXII and Her Imperial Majesty Queen Apollo XXII. Green was the major color, and everyone was green with envy as this magnificent couple awaited their royal toast, honored guest presentations, and open court.
It was a night to remember in old Lafayette. Bal Masque XXII was now in tabloid history.
