Dear Ambush Nation, With 2020 in the rearview mirror and we look forward to better times in 2021, it's important to reflect on the last twelve months. I’ve tried to write this column several times, but for some reason, I just couldn’t do it–in part because I’ve been busy, but also I didn’t know exactly what to say. The year 2020 has been unlike any year any of us has ever … [Read more...] about Tomy’s 2020 Year in Review
Articles
Trodding the Boards January 12, 2021
Alex Brightman and Wayne Brady/The Seth Concert Series through January 24 Neither Alex Brightman nor Wayne Brady had ever done a live concert with Seth Rudetsky prior to their appearances on The Seth Concert Series, its first and second shows, respectively, of 2021. Both fell under the spell of theater at an early age and both came off as extremely nice, likable gents. They … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards January 12, 2021
New Orleans Returns to Modified Phase One
Orleans Parish reverted back to a modified Phase One on Friday, January 8. The return to Phase One, which will last at least three weeks, was triggered by increasing COVID-19 positivity rates. The positivity rate in New Orleans doubled in one week, going from 5.5% to 10.4%. The new restrictions began at 6:00am on Friday and … [Read more...] about New Orleans Returns to Modified Phase One
Trodding the Boards December 29, 2020
Year in Review I don’t think anyone will be sorry to see the curtain coming down on 2020. In this year-like-no-other, theaters and other performing arts venues throughout our area were forced to shut down in mid-March. For about two months after that, it seemed as though the light that usually shines so brightly on the arts here had gone off as local artistic directors … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards December 29, 2020
Trodding the Boards December 15, 2020
The Nutcracker at Jefferson Performing Arts Center thru Dec. 20 JPAS Artistic Director Dennis Assaf was justifiably proud, excited, and a bit relieved when he stated during his pre-show speech that The Nutcracker would be the “first live theater production we’ve done here since January.” Though the opening matinee performance had sold out, due to Covid-19 necessities, the … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards December 15, 2020
Holiday Survival Guide: 2020 Edition
The 2020 Holiday Season promises to be like none we have ever experienced. Many of us are trying to figure out how we’re going to get through it safely, and maybe even find a bit of holiday spirit along the way. This guide includes information on upcoming (safe) events, open-air markets, staying connected, volunteer opportunities, and various other resources. I hope you find it … [Read more...] about Holiday Survival Guide: 2020 Edition
Book Review: Outrages: Sex, Censorship, and the Criminalization of Love
Outrages: Sex, Censorship, and the Criminalization of Love. Naomi Wolf. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 978-1-64502-016-5. 384 pages. $19.95 Every book Naomi Wolf writes manages to piss off critics and her latest book, Outrages, is no exception. The book chronicles the struggles and eventual triumph of John Addington Symonds, an obscure … [Read more...] about Book Review: Outrages: Sex, Censorship, and the Criminalization of Love
Trodding the Boards December 1, 2020
Lillias White/The Seth Concert Series through December 27 Lillias White had been scheduled to appear on The Seth Concert Series on October 4, but had to postpone till November 15. It was worth the wait to have her appear on this live broadcast. Wearing a raspberry-colored sequined top and her signature close-cropped hair, White told of originally wanting to be a nurse … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards December 1, 2020
22nd Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance
Friday, November 20, marks the 22nd annual Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The annual memorial was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a way to honor Rita Hester, a trans woman who was murdered in 1998. Smith recalls, "Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no … [Read more...] about 22nd Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance
Trodding the Boards November 17, 2020
Church of Twerk at The Music Box Village How should I describe Ha Sizzle and Team Sizzle’s Church of Twerk? A neo-soul/bounce concert featuring twerking dancers? Immersive performance art? A glorious revival meeting? All of the above? I'm not sure, but it had me grinning from ear to ear for nearly all of its 60 minutes. Taking place at the only-in-New Orleans Music Box … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards November 17, 2020
