Doubt at Le Petit Theatre through May 18 After seeing its original off-Broadway production in January 2005, I wrote, “John Patrick Shanley provided gripping theater with his best play to date. In Doubt, a nun tries to determine whether a priest at her school has molested a young boy. If this Manhattan Theater Club production moves to Broadway, as is rumored, don’t miss … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards May 9, 2025
Arts & Culture
Queer Arts as Resistance
The Louisiana Queer Arts Festival will take place June 5-8 in multiple locations throughout New Orleans, and will feature art exhibitions, an artists’ fair, two panel discussions, and film screenings. All events are free and open to the public. Produced by the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana (AP), Louisiana Queer Arts (LQA) will officially launch at that organization’s … [Read more...] about Queer Arts as Resistance
Ambush on the Road – A Gay in the Garden State
I’ve never spent much time in New Jersey beyond a layover at the airport. Recently, however, I decided to visit my friends Adikus Sulpizi & David Chase for a few days and explore the famed Jersey Shore. It turned out to be a wonderful, fun, and unique experience—complete with casinos, drag queens, shopping, and even a parade! I boarded my Spirit Airlines direct flight to … [Read more...] about Ambush on the Road – A Gay in the Garden State
Under the Gaydar (May 2025 Event Calendar)
May is a wild and wonderful time in NOLA as the city gears up for the summer months. Here are just some of the hot events in May. If you want your event listed, send me an email at ledgemgp@gmail.com. Weekly Events Monday: • NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans; 4p.m. NOAGE’s weekly walking group meets on Mondays at … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar (May 2025 Event Calendar)
Bartender Spotlight – April 2025
Bartenders are among the most pleasant individuals I have encountered. They interact with a diverse range of personalities, making a friendly demeanor and a positive outlook essential. This month, I would like to highlight one of the most amiable bartenders I know. In addition to his engaging personality, he is professional, humorous, and attractive. I am referring to Joshua … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – April 2025
Trodding the Boards April 24, 2025
Orpheus Descending at Loyola’s Marquette Theatre Watching The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans’ recent production of Orpheus Descending at the Marquette Theatre on Loyola University’s campus, I couldn’t help wondering why it has never been turned into an opera. Its poetic monologues could serve as arias, both lyrical and dramatic. Duets among the leads … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards April 24, 2025
A Very Special Purple Party
The 24th Annual Official Gay Easter Parade is scheduled to roll through the French Quarter on Easter Sunday, April 20, at 4:30pm. The parade will consist of numerous carriages, walking groups and convertibles. The Gay Easter Parade started in 2000 in New Orleans as a fun way to showcase the fashion and creativity of the entire LGBTQ+ community with ladies in gowns or … [Read more...] about A Very Special Purple Party
Kaleidoscope Theatre Company: An Interview with Founder Aaron Brewer
New Orleans has a new queer theater company. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the company’s founder, Aaron Brewer. FP: What prompted you to found Kaleidoscope Theatre Company? AB: I’ve been performing consistently in the theater for over 20 years, and I have never played an overtly queer character in my career. In my everyday life—though I identify as … [Read more...] about Kaleidoscope Theatre Company: An Interview with Founder Aaron Brewer
Trodding the Boards April 5, 2025
Every Brilliant Thing at Big Couch through April 6 Entering the theater at Big Couch recently, I encountered a Who’s Who of some of New Orleans’ finest theater artists, perhaps, in part, because it was a Monday night and most other venues were dark. I was pleased to see (in alphabetical order) Leslie Castay, Becca Chapman, Keith & Leslie Claverie, Benjamin Dougherty, … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards April 5, 2025
Trodding the Boards March 28, 2025
Joe & Marilyn at Westwego Performing Arts Theatre Most people have some familiarity with Marilyn Monroe, the mid-twentieth century movie star and sex symbol whose fame continues to burn brightly as movies, books, songs, etc. about her still tumble forth regularly. Even non-hard core fans may be aware of her early hardscrabble life, celebrity marriages, brief fame in … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards March 28, 2025