by George Patterson, New Orleans
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, Lupin Theatre, Tulane University, 504.865.5106. Tulane's Department of Theatre and Dance presents Henrick Ibsen's 120 year old "dramady," in an adaptation by Arthur Miller, further modified by the director, which tackles environmentalism, politics, journalism, and "family values." Paul Schierhorn directs Victoria Watson as Dr. Catherine Stockmann (Ibsen wrote the "enemy" to be a man), Adam Haver, Tim Bedsworth, Jim Warrenfeltz, Richard Moore, Kalonga Siamwiza, Robin Baudier, Joshua Easton, Will Warren Schierhorn and Amelia Manning, along with a mob of 20 men. Troy McVey designs the setting; Carol Cutshall, the costumes; and, Darcy Jamison, the lighting. Mar. 7-9, 8pm; Mar.9 & 10, 2pm.
BEETHOVEN AND BLUE JEANS, Orpheum Theatre, 129 University Place, 504.523.6530; lpomusic.com. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Klauspeter Seibel, presents another of its casual-dress concerts comprised of Beethoven's Overture Leonore No. 1; Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1; and Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, just in time for Spring! Thurs., Mar. 14, 7:30pm; Sat., Mar. 16, 8pm.
BROADWAY BOUND, Rivertown Repertory Theatre, 315 Minor St., Kenner; 504.468.7221. Producer Charles Ward presents part three of Neil Simon's warm fuzzy biological comedy trilogy about growing up in Brooklyn, NY. This installment has to do with his and his brother's attempts at becoming professional comedy writers. Gary Rucker plays Eugene; Robert Richardson, Stan; Julie Vorus, Kate; Jeff Riddick, Ben; Grace Fraga, Blanche; and Jim Chimento, Jack. Chase Waites directs; Lance Spellerberg designs the setting; Joe Harris, the lighting; and Trish McLain, the costumes. Thurs.-Fri., 8pm; Sun., 2:30pm, Mar.8 - Mar. 24. A pre-performance buffet catered by Messina's is also available from 6pm, Thurs.-Fri., 12noon, Sun.
BROWN, True Brew Cafe, 200 Julia St., 504.524.8441; brownimprov.com. Experience the sell-out improvisational comedy show featuring the quick wits of Andy Hebert, Bill Berry, P. H. Fred, Ken LaFrance, and our favorite, Erika Hamburg. This quintet uses audience suggestions to create on-the-spot original sketches, songs and sight gags. You are encouraged to bring a prop to the show and you may even be invited to join the cast for a game of "Freeze Tag." Sat., 11pm.
CYNTHIA OWEN IN CONCERT, Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 504.581.5812. CabaretLeChatNoir.com. Local singer Cynthia Owen returns to the St. Charles Ave. cabaret with a show of mainly jazz songs with her accompanist, Tom Hook; Wed., Mar. 13, 9pm. On Wed., Mar. 30, 9pm, she features her mom, Lyla Hay Owen, in a show called Together Again! which will feature theatre, jazz and torch songs along with guitarist Dan Sumner.
DOROTHY AND ALAN, Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 504.581.5812. Cabaretlechatnoir.com. Michael P. Cahill reprises his original, and re-written, play about the relationship between writer, wit and raconteur Dorothy Parker, one of the members of the famed Algonquin Roundtable in New York City in the 20's, and the conflicted Alan Campbell, with whom she wrote a number of screenplays, that played Le Chat Noir last summer. Janet Shea is Mrs. Parker to Mr. Cahill's Alan. Raymond Vrazel, Jr. directs; Stephen Thurber does the sets; Su Gonczy, the lighting. This is an adjunct event to the 16th Annual Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival. Thurs.-Sat., 8pm, through Mar. 30.
DOUG VARONE AND DANCERS, Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts, Armstrong Park; 504.522.0996; 504.522.5555 or nobadance.com. New Orleans Ballet Association presents this unique dance troupe choreographed, and danced by, this "vital voice within the contemporary dance scene." The Company will present Ballet Mechanique, set to George Antheil's 1920's score of the same name (composed for player pianos, airplane propeller, electric bell, and assorted percussion), and Mr. Varone's latest creation, Approaching Something Higher, set to Brahm's Piano Trio in B. Sat., Mar. 16, 8pm.
GLITZ, Oz Nightclub, corner of Bourbon St. & St. Ann, 504.593.9491. Producer Tom Elias presents a brand-new drag show in a brand-new state-of-the-art cabaret. It's the My-O-My club circa 2002, starring some of the very best local female illusionists, led by Bianca Del Rio who is a hilarious emcee when she's not flooring you with her unique rendition of Cher - with Sonny -and her endless array of glitzy attire. She introduces Lisa Beaumann (Carol Channing & Liza Minnelli), Teryl-Lynn Foxx (Whitney Houston & Dionne Warwick), Nikki Rich (Barbra Striesand & Bette Midler), with Blanche Debris as an almost out-of-control Marilyn Monroe and two gorgeous male dancers. And lots of - glitz! Every Thurs., 9pm.
LATE NITE CATECHISM, Le Petit's Director's Studio, 616 St. Peter St., 504.522.2081; group sales, 504.822.7211. Theatricks, Inc. and The Directors Studio of Le Petit Theatre present the regional premiere of this off-Broadway comedy hit by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan. Local actress Amanda Hebert (or Adriana Bate) plays the Sister who teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of "students" (the audience). Sister goes from benevolent instructor to authoritative drill sergeant. Thurs. - Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm & 6pm.
LESLEY KANE, Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 504.581.5812. Cabaretlechatnoir.com. Singer Lesley Kane performs songs by various composers in a one night only cabaret performance. Tues., Mar. 12, 8pm.
MOON CHILDREN, Lower Depths Theatre, Loyola University, St. Charles & Calhoun; 504.865.3824. Loyola's Department of Drama and Speech presents this comedy/drama, by Michael Weller, about seven college students in 1968, anti-war protests (how relevant today), free love and the mysteries of death, cats, sex, jealousy, hamburgers, and love as they grapple with the reality of the world that faces them when school ends. Patrick McNamara directs. Thurs.-Sat., Mar. 7-9, 8pm.
MY ONE AND ONLY LOVE, Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 504.581.5812. Cabaretlechatnoir.com. Esquisto, a WWOZ DJ and singer, performs Johnny Hartman songs. Tues., Mar. 6, 9pm.
THE PHANTOM OF THE SOAP OPERA, Joseph Maumus Center, 721 Friscouville St., Arabi. Community Actors of St. Bernard Theatre, Inc. (C.A.S.T.) presents this play by Craig Sodaro which spoofs the Andrew Lloyd-Webber blockbuster. A mysterious phantom is rumored to haunt the set of the soap opera, "As the Heart Burns," and its cast members give way to fear as one after another character is found murdered. Bradley Arceneaux directs. The cast includes Je'Na Raye, Kathy Maher, Eric Bastoe, Leon Perinciaro, Tim Callais, Jason Meyers, Spring Gaines, Wayne McCarthy, Rebecca Collins, Sian Gaines, Larry St. Romain, Greg Chauffe, Danielle Bastoe, Lucas Gerads, Sharon Impastato, Gretchen Meyers and Connie Gay. Fri. & Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm, Mar. 15 - 24.
SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carree, 616 St. Peter St., 504.522.2081. In conjunction with the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, Ryan Rilette directs Tennessee Williams' play about an aging movie star (Alexandra Del Lago or the Princess Kosmonopolis) on a long drug-induced binge on the Mississippi Coast where she hooks up with gigolo Chance Wayne with tragic results. Francine Segal plays the movie star; Scott Screws, Chance. Others in the large cast are George Sanchez, Ashley Nolan, Chris Lee, Abby Lake, Ryan Reinke, Troi Bechet, Kim Collins, Christian Middleton & Steve Zissis. David Korins designs the set; Bill Liotta, the lights and sound; and Janet Herrald, the costumes. Fri. & Sat., 8pm, Sun., 2pm, through Mar. 31.
SUBURBIA, Delgado Community College, City Park Ave., at Marconi Dr.; 504.483.4817. Greg Stratton directs this play by Eric Bogosian that deals with the angst of Generation X set in the parking lot of a suburban mini-mall convenience store run by a Pakistani that turns tragic. The twentysomethings are played Kevin Fricke, Travis Resor, Michael J. Miller, Becky Guillot, Rachel Becker, Dane Faucheux, Angela Richard, Corey Blossom, and Christina Costello who plays Pakeeza (instead of Nazeer). Mar. 8 & 9, 8pm.
SWING!, Saenger Theatre, 143 N. Rampart St., 504.522.5555, for groups of 20 or more: 504.569.1520; broadwayacrossamerica.com. Direct from Broadway, this revue is a mix of music and dance from the 30's and 40's that crosses ethnic and cultural barriers, featuring over 30 dance numbers, including "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Harlem Nocturne," "It Don't Mean A Thing," "Sing, Sing, Sing," and "Stompin' At The Savoy." Directed by Lori Steinberg and choreographed by Kim Craven, the sets are by Thomas Lynch; costumes, William Ivey Long; and, lighting, Marty Vreeland. Tues.-Fri., 8pm; Sat., 2pm & 8pm; and Sun., 2pm & 7:30pm, now through Mar. 10.
TURANDOT, Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts, Armstrong Park, 504.529.3000; 1.800.881.4459; NewOrleansOpera.org. The New Orleans Opera Association begins its 59th Spring season with Puccini's final work, unmatched in its magnificence and grandeur, about the ultimate Ice Princess in ancient Peking, who will marry any prince who can solve her three riddles, but if he fails in the attempt, he must die. Russian Soprano Anna Shafajinskaya makes her N.O. debut as Turandot; Eduardo Villa is Calaf, and Sally Dibblee is Liu. Robert Lyall conducts the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra; David Morelock directs. Mar. 7 & 9, 7:30pm.
WHEN YA SMILIN', North Star Theatre, 347 Gerard St., Mandeville, 1.800.924.5538; 985.626.1500. Ricky Graham unveils another of his delightful memory plays (And the Ball and All...) about growing up in New Orleans' Ninth Ward, circa 1958, which Roy Smith and The Producers Circle produces. Sean Patterson plays the central character, a 10 year old boy named Paulie Dufour who lives in a fantasy world. Others in the cast are Gavin Mahlie, Heidi Junius, Angela Mannino, Renee Maxwell, Becky Allen and Ricky Graham, who also directs. James Jennings designs the set; Dan Zimmer, the lights; and Roy Haylock coordinates the costumes. Sat., Mar.9, 16 & 23, 5pm & 8pm; Fri., Mar. 22, 8pm.
WONDER BREAD, North Star Theatre, 347 Gerard St., Mandeville, 1.800.924.5538; 985.626.1500. Stand up comedian Pat Hazell presents a "hilarious one-man show and tell." Mr. Hazell has appeared on the Tonight Show and wrote for the Jerry Seinfeld show for a number of years and now lives on the North Shore. Fri., Mar. 8 & 15, 8pm. IN THE WINGS
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie, 504.885.2000; JPAS.org. The Jefferson Performing Arts Society presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's first big hit with lyrics by Tim Rice that tells the Passion of Christ through rock music ("I Don't Know How To Love Him"). Dennis G. Assaf conducts the JPAS Broadway Pit Orchestra; and Kris Shaw directs John Giraud as Jesus, Tom Gras as Judas, Darla Wigginton as Mary Magdalene, Randy Cheramie as Caiaphas with Phil Formes, Julius Dietze, Charley Rothermel, Brian Rosenberg, Paul Bello, Steve Coenen (King Herod!), and Chase Kamata among others. Michelle Pietri does the choreography; Stephen G. Thurber, the scenery & lighting; and Patricia McLain, the costumes. Sat., Mar. 23, 7:30pm & Sun., Mar. 24, 2pm.
PORGY AND BESS, Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts, Armstrong Park, 504.529.3000; 1.800.881.4459; neworleansopera.org. The New Orleans Opera Association ends its Spring 2002 season with the New Orleans premiere of George Gershwin's great American opera about life in Catfish Row, SC, written in 1935, that contains one hit after another, including "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin', "It Ain't Necessarily So," and "Summertime." With a libretto by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin, Chris Nance conducts the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Dorothy Danner directs Marquita Lister who makes her New Orleans debut as Bess, Alvy Powell is Porgy, Dwayne Clark is Sportin' Life, Jeffrey LaVar sings Crown, Theresa Hamm-Smith is Serena. Apr. 11 & 13, 7:30pm.
SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, CAC's Freeport McMoRan Theatre, 900 Camp St., 504.528.3800. In conjuction with the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, the Dog & Pony Theatre Co. present Williams' tragedy about the the death of a rich, ecentric New Orleans woman's Gay son and her stepdaughter, Catherine who knows the truth about his death which the mother wants to erase from her head through a lobotomy! Maggie Eldred plays the dragonlady Violet Venable; Diana E. H. Shortes is Catherine; and Scott Jefferson, the lobotomist. John Grimsley directs and designs. Fri. & Sat., 8pm, Sun., 2pm, Mar. 22-30.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, 616 St. Peter St., 504.522.2081. Brandt Blocker directs the music and the actors while Jaune' Buisson does the choreography for this unique musical based on the Emmy-Award winning Sat. morning cartoon series that originally ran on ABC-TV from 73-'85, with a book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating & Kyle Hall, music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mondry, George Newall & Tom Yohe. Containing such songs as "I'm Just A Bill," "Unpack Your Adjectives," "Zero, My Hero," "Elbow Room," and "Conjunction Junction," the cast includes C. Patrick Gendusa as a rookie school teacher nervous about his first day of teaching with Bryan Wagar, Aimee' Fortier, Michelle Marcotte, Gabrielle Porter & Matthew Mickal playing different aspects of the teacher's personality. Sat. & Sun., 2pm, Apr. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28.
Brought to you by
Over 3.5 MILLION hits per month & 375,000 unique visitors per month
828-A Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70116-3137, USA
PH 1.504.522.8047