Issuu

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Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque X, The Sugar Mill, New Orleans Friday, February 17th...~9pm12midnight, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XIII, Audubon Tea RoomNew Orleans ~10pm-2am, Lords of Leather present Night of the Black Mask: The South’s Oldest Leather Block Party, Phoenix/Eagle, Elysian Fields @ N. Rampart, New Orleans Saturday, February 18th...~9pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLIV, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, New Orleans Sunday, February 19th... ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXVIII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center,

the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Oz Presents 48th Annual Bourbon Street Awards Sponsored by Bud Light

he 48th annual Bourbon Street Awards, the ultimate costume contest, is set for Mardi Gras Day, February 21 at 12noon. Since 2002, Oz New Orleans has presented the contest which now takes place outside Oz in the 800 block of Bourbon Street down from Ambush Headquarters at 828 Bourbon. Johnny Chisholm and Oz New Orleans with the generous sponsorship of Bud Light, brings us this fantastic contest. Award categories include: Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and the grandest award, Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. A $500 cash prize is also awarded to Best Overall Costume. Celebrity emcees will feature the talents of mega circuit star Bianca Del Rio and Oz’s own Blanche Debris. The parade of costumes will originate down Bourbon at Dumaine passing both Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Clover Grill, the original site of the awards, heading past Ambush Headquarters towards Oz at 800 Bourbon. The Bourbon Street Awards, well into its fourth decade, has hosted some of the most exciting and extravagant Mardi Gras costumes ever seen, and a bit of controversy as well. The 48th Annual Bourbon Street Awards will be “The Best Free Show of Mardi Gras.” For more information, visit GayMardiGras.COM.

In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar Book Signing Feb. 16 @ FAB

[continued on 8] Written with graceful insight and thoughtful perception, In Exile is not only a captivating history book, it is a beautiful meditation on the intersection of place and identity. Author Frank Perez grew up in Louisiana and now lives in the French Quarter where he is a barfly at The Café Lafitte in Exile. Author Jeffrey Palmquist grew up in South Dakota and now lives in the French Quarter where he is a bartender at The Café Lafitte in Exile. In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar will be available Feb. 10 in print and several ebook formats including Kindle and NOOK and found at many print and ebook online retailers including Rainbowebooks.com. Visit the In Exile page at LL- Publications: www.llpublications.com/inexile.html. LL- Publications is an independent publisher based in Scotland specializing in genre and literary titles in both print and ebook formats since 2008.

n Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar is the first comprehensive treatment of the history of gay New Orleans. Drawn primarily on the recollections of dozens of gay men and women, Frank Perez and Jeffrey Palmquist weave a fascinating narrative of how gay New Orleans evolved throughout the twentieth century. FAB: Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen Street will host a book Gay Mardi Gras signing with auithor's Perez and Palmquist on Thursday, February 16 from 7 to Ball/Events Schedule 8pm. Thursday, February 2nd... ~8pm“A perfect reflection of the French Quarter, In Exile brings history to piquant, 1am, 23rd annual Brigid Ball: 20,000 steamy, and always-fascinating life. The Quarter is a place like no other, and with Faeries Under the Sea, Ironworks the publication of In Exile, there’s now a book about its history like no other.” Building, New Orleans —Rick R. Reed, award-winning author of Caregiver Saturday, February 4th...~8pm, “A true look into New Orleans Gay History and Café Lafitte’s role in it.” 19th King Cake Queen Coronation , —Ken GranPré, General Manger Wood Enterprises, Café Lafitte presenting King Cake Queen XIX of “Even further back than the oldest gay publication in the South, an exciting Gay Mardi Gras Nicole DuBois, by read...” invitation only, New Orleans —Ambush Magazine Friday, February 10th...~8pm, Showing the incredible and previously unrecognized contributions gay Giant Mardi Gras Ambush out Feb. 14th people have made to New Orleans DEADLINE: Fri., Feb. 3rd culture, In Exile illuminates the darkness where gay people lived secret celebrazzi 6 snap paparazzi/apollo br ball 28 double-lives for decades and chronicles community within communities 12 classifieds 30 the social forces that enabled gay New obits, under the gaydar 14 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 34 Orleanians to live openly and honestly. king cake queen xix 17 trodding the boards 35 snap paparazzi/amon-ra ball 18 pride new orleans 36 Learn how homophobia led to the snap paparazzi/nola, chalmette 20 pensacola paparazzi 38 founding of the nation’s oldest gay bar, on the prowl 24 ambush paparazzi/nola 40 the origins of gay Carnival culture, and baton rouge, news 26 chop chop/the country club 41 how Southern Decadence, one of the largest gay festivals in the world, beGulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 gan as an impromptu house party by a 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 handful of bored college students. marsha@ripandmarsha.com

inside

THE OFFICIAL MAG

Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Louisiana-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi

STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Paul Melancon 504.535.3615 paulmelancon_ambushmag@yahoo.com THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Tony Leggio, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media-212.242.6863 Ambush Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2012, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation

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celebr azzi

ing and Queen Apollo XXXI John Deshotel and Corey Tullier reigned over the 31st Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge Ball: The Disco Ball at Baton Rouge River Center Arena in Louisiana’s capital city attracting over 1,000 guests. To see more on the krewe, visit ApolloBatonRouge.COM.

ing and Queen Mwindo XIV Grace Benjamin and Lisa Cooper reigned at the 14th Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque held at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. You can follow the Krewe of Mwindo on Facebook.

ueen and King Amon-Ra XLVII Sidney Williams and David "Roget" Forth were presented as Panthers culminating the 47th Krewe of Amon-Ra Ball, CARNIVALE: Twilight in the Jungle at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette attracting over 500 guests. Visit KreweOfAmonRa.COM for more on the krewe.

ivas R Us show director Rikki Redd, Monique Michaels, Cowboy bartender Andy, Cougar Cabaret show director Tami Tarmac, Bubbles Champagne, Gizelle Bouvier and Golden Lantern manager Lance Pippin help raise $605 for the Big Easy Stompers at Tubby’s Golden Lantern in New Orleans. Funds will help the organization with the New Orleans Hoedown they are hosting May 25-27 at the Astor Crown Plaza in New Orleans for the 19th annual International Association of Gay/Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs Convention. For more information, visit NewOrleansHoedown.COM.

he family of Hal "Nancy Rose" Hagen joined his friends at The Friendly Bar for his Celebration of Life in New Orleans prior to a family cruise. The send-off was complete with a balloon release, camaraderie, potato salad and gumbo.

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New Orleans MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), February 21st... ~12noon, 48th Annual Bourbon Street Awards, Oz, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon St. ~2pm - 25th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XIX Nicole DuBois, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.

Couples, individuals, communication skills, coming out, relationship issues, grief and substance abuse. Gay therapist for Lesbian and Gay Issues.

20th Krewe of Barkus Parade Feb. 12

David Wagner, PhD, LPC, NCC, CHT

he Mystic Krewe of Barkus, the only officially licensed Mardi Gras krewe by and for canines, will take to the streets of the French Quarter for the twentieth parade on Sunday, February 12 to the theme: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE Canine Protocol Armstrong Bark Reloaded. The mission of krewe members, if they choose to accept it, is to change their identities in order to gain access into places that would never allow you in if they knew you were a dog. Some might choose to be an undercover air conditioning or a video poker machine repairman, a sure way to get into any drinking establishment in the city…or get on a blinged out bike if they wanted to blend in the Bywater…others could go stealth as waiters to get a table at Galatoire’s the Friday before Mardi

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Gras. Uptown Debutante dogs might be able to attend the Comus Ball. Dress like Alec Baldwin with an Ipad so you can get thrown off an airplane. Tight Tom Cruise black t’s are a given. Become another species or gender. This message will self-destruct in five seconds so you must lock it safely in your memory bank now. The krewe will be staging the parade, pre-pawty parade and post-pawty parade again at Armstrong Park starting at 10:30am. The parade starts promptly at 2pm and proceeds on the 15-block route through the Vieux Carré, stopping at the VIP Reviewing Stand at Good Friends Bar, corner Dauphine and St. Ann, where VIPs (and those who desire to be VIPs) will toast the Royal Court. Membership in the parade krewe is open to all dogs - regardless of their past. All dogs are eligible for various

9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat..

levels of membership without regard to their social, educational or family backgrounds— or formal stunt or undercover training. All colors, coat types, tail sizes and body mixes accepted. Cosmetically and non-cosmetically challenged dogs are welcome. Bluebloods and previously homeless

dogs encouraged to participate. Dogs who want to be members of the krewe should get their humans to register on line at www.barkus.org. Curious observers are welcome to come watch the parade free.

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the "official" dish ...from 8 Pre-registration (membership dues & parade pass) is $40 until Feb. 10 (PLEASE NOTE: Online registration ends at midnight CST, Friday February 10!). Day-of-parade registration (Feb. 12) at Armstrong Park is $50. Registration includes one dog and one human escort. Additional human escort passes can be purchased for $8 each online or the day of the parade. Only dogs who are registered krewe members with parade tags will be allowed to be part of the parade. Check out our Membership Page online to see esteemed levels of registration/membership. If you are not parading this year, but still wish to support our doggone good cause, you can become a krewe member for $20. Krewe members receive all mailings of the Krewe for one year. The Barkus Royal Ball (humans only): The black-tie optional, costumeencouraged event will take place at the Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans (300 Gravier) from 8pm to midnight, on Fri-

day, February 10. Individual tickets are $80 each and include cocktails, fabulous edibles, and entertainment. Tables of 10 are $1500, include reserved seating, cocktails, fabulous edibles, enter-

tainment, four passes to VIP reviewing stand day-of-parade (12noon-5pm), four passes to the Whitney VIP tent at Orleans & N. Rampart (10:30am-2pm); two signed & numbered limited edition Barkus posters by Matt Rinard; and two official Krewe of Barkus T-shirts. All proceeds from Barkus, a non-profit organization founded by Wood Enterprises, benefit animal organizations in New Orleans and the Gulf South area. For more information, visit www.barkus.org or e-mail info@barkus.org. Follow Barkus on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 52951497703/.

Tea for Two Exhibition opens Feb. 2 at Longue Vue House & Gardens

ee the progression of tea services over the span of time and place at Longue Vue’s Tea for Two exhibit opening Feb. 2. Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world with more than 3,000 varieties grown today. Tea is consumed on every continent and each culture over time has put its stamp on the vessels used to serve and drink it. Visitors to the exhibit will see this progression on display, with pieces from local collectors and the Longue Vue collection. The opening reception for Longue Vue members and guests is Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6 to 8pm in the Gallery. The Tea for Two exhibit will be open to the public Friday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, May 13 during museum hours. “LVHG is pleased to present this exciting exhibit exploring the art of tea around the world,” says Executive Director Joe Baker. “In addition to the variety of tea sets and utensils associated with the ritual of tea making, the exhibit will feature outstanding ceramic teapots from Newcomb Pottery, Peter Anderson of Shearwater Pottery, and George Ohr.” Tea is indigenous to the Asian continent, with almost every culture having a ceremony. The proper [continued on 12]

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a community within communities

by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org

Valentine’s Day

dear friend, Stewart Butler, holds dearly Valentine’s Day because it was the quintessential day for his life partner, Alfred. Alfred loved Valentine’s Day and all that it meant. To this very day one can meander down Esplanade Ave. and see the lovely hearts set about the ancient bricks in the Faerie Playhouse. To this very day Stewart loves Alfred who left us some time ago. To this very day Valentine’s Day is special. Beyond the outward trappings of Valentine’s Day, beyond the history of Valentine’s Day, at the heart of Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for mutual and intimate love. Pagan, Christian, or Secular at the heart of Valentine’s Day is the heart. Valentine’s Day is not nor should be a good excuse to wear pink, indulge in rich chocolate, or buy doily laden boxes. It should be a day that honors the sentimental heart of Alfred. For Alfred, Valentine’s Day was a day honoring love and in particular, that kind of love that is written about, that kind of love that is silly, that kind of love that is abiding, that kind of love that binds two humans together so, as our Lord said, “two become one.” The Valentine’s Day that I think of is one that bears witness to a couple. Alfred tall and odd, Stewart less tall and odd. I watched Alfred as time wore on him. He had moments of clarity and moments of solemnity but when he looked up and saw Stewart it was Valentine’s Day. For years he encouraged Stewart to receive Communion. For his own reasons Stewart did not. Then one day whilst Alfred was in bed and communion brought to him, Stewart received communion, Alfred bore witness and it was Valentine’s Day. To this very day when a Bible Study is going on, and Stewart attends, he lugs along this tattered, old, beaten, marked, used and dog eared Bible. It was Alfred’s Bible with all of the notes and ticks of a book well read and well used. When Stewart handles it and opens it a bit Alfred opens up and a bit of Alfred moves out of those pages and into Stewart. When Alfred’s Bible is opened up it is Valentine’s Day. As we survey the landscape and particularly the sacred landscape that is called LGBT community we can all bear witness to those deep and intimate relationships that exist, not because of a construct or social expectation. The fact is there is or was no “social expectation to provide a framework” for most in this community. Rather

we bear witness to intimacy and intimate contracts between humans that say, “I will be with you forever and forever will I care” – St. Valentine’s Day lived out. Things are changing and one can only imagine what the future of LGBT community might look like. A younger generation is loud and being heard. Many traditional churches are at long last moving toward full inclusion, not integration but acknowledgment; not accommodation but commendation; all of the sacraments for all of the people. A framework is developing and may soon be available. We can only hope that the framework is not the undoing of such natural searching for communion with other humans. We can only hope and pray those sacraments, marriage, holy union will support what already exists for many – St. Valentine’s Day lived out. I for one, and there are many of us, simply do not understand how anyone, let alone those that claim faith, can condemn two humans utterly devoted to one another. I for one cannot believe that Jesus would condemn two humans utterly in love with each other. I for one cannot understand a world that cannot or will not embrace Alfred’s St. Valentine’s Day. It is not about pink, it is not about pretty, it is not about doilies or chocolate or cute cards or even hearts on the side of a house; it is about an old tattered Bible; it is about kindness and adoration in the eyes beholding the beloved; it is about companionship and loyalty. Stewart and Alfred even today are the framework of and reflection of the kind of love preached and taught by our friend Jesus. Stewart and Alfred are eccentric, different, unusual, Quarter Characters, and such as they are they are the heart of St. Valentine’s Day. That we all should aspire to their model of monogamy born out of care and chastity; out of profound regard for each other; born out of deep soulful care one for the other. “And the two shall become one.” This Valentine’s Day celebrate this kind of love. If you are yet awaiting that love celebrate those around you who now have that gift and support and applaud them. This Valentine’s Day if you have no one to receive a card buy a card set upon a mantel or table and consider Alfred and Stewart and wait with hopeful expectation and with an open heart. This Valentine’s Day know that even if you have no partner you are a partner with a God who loves you. You are part of a community that un-

derstands you. You are part of a unique and special group that supports one another. Out of this world you LGBT community, with all that is wrong, have also presented an image of all that is and can be good; not of this world but of a world to come. Blessing upon you and let this be Alfred’s Valentine’s Day feast.

the "official" dish ...from 10 service was important and much attention was paid to matching the tea to an aesthetically appealing vessel. As Western trade with Asia increased 600 years ago, the British expanded the importance of drinking tea around the world, even introducing it to countries in West Africa that previously had no tradition. Tea in Asian cultures has historically been an object of connoisseurship and in Western traditions, tea preparation and drinking is a social and cultural staple. Longue Vue’s collection includes 18th through 20th century silver and ceramic tea services, coffee sets, and chocolate cups. Mrs. Stern’s monogrammed set will be on display, as well as a tea set from Newcomb Pottery, an outstanding children’s set by Peter Anderson of Shearwater Pottery, Chinese export-ware (ceramics made in Asia to appeal to a Western audience), and unusual pieces such as a c.1830-40 French tea warmer known as a Veilleuse. In a nod to the lives of Edgar and Edith Stern, visitors will see items special to their romance and learn that the name “Longue Vue” was chosen because Edgar proposed to Edith at a Hudson River tea house called Longue Vue. On Friday, Feb. 3, at 3pm, a Tea, Talk and Tour with tea expert Marc Roberson will be held in the Playhouse at Longue Vue. After the talk, guests will enjoy an afternoon tea service in the Center Hall of the main house featuring tea, sandwiches and champagne. This is followed by a tour of the Tea for Two exhibit. Mr. Roberson is the Tea Expert at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Registration is required for the Tea, Talk, and Tour. The cost is $60 and covers the talk, tea service, champagne, and tour of the exhibit. Seating is very limited. For more information on the Tea, Talk, and Tour and to purchase tickets, contact Jen Gick at 504.293.4723 or jgick@longuevue.com. For more information on the Tea for Two exhibit and opening reception, contact Lenora Costa at 504.293.4712 or lcosta@longuevue.com. For more information call 504.488.5488 or visit us at www.longuevue.com.

Mardi Gras Deadline Friday, Feb. 3rd 504.522.8049

New Orleans Oscar Night® America Party to Benefit Red Cross

he 84th Academy Awards® will be in Hollywood. But, the party weekend for Oscar® fans will be in The Big Easy. The excitement and glamour of Hollywood are coming to New Orleans on Oscar Night. Everyone can experience the thrills and surprises of the 84th Academy Awards® on Sunday, February 26, at New Orleans’ own Oscar Night America party. The New Orleans event is one of 49 parties officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that will be held across the country on Oscar Night. Benefiting the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter, New Orleans’ Oscar Night celebration will be held at the Theatres at Canal Place, beginning at 6pm. Tickets are now on sale at www.arcno.org or by calling 504.620.3162. The New Orleans audience will watch the Academy Awards telecast live on large screens courtesy of ABC26 WGNO New Orleans, the New Orleans affiliate of the ABC Television Network, which broadcasts the Academy Awards presentation. This is the 19th year that the Academy and ABC have cooperated with local charities to support official Oscar Night viewing parties throughout the country. “Oscar night is an event meant to be a shared with others. This network of fundraising parties across the nation is a natural extension of that experience, and also represents the yearround philanthropic work the Academy does,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “This February we are thrilled to be able to celebrate the movies with fans nationwide while supporting charities around the country.” Oscar Night parties last year raised more than $3.5 million in 51 cities. All money raised stays in the local community. The Academy will provide party guests in New Orleans the same official program distributed to guests at the Oscarâ presentation at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood. New Orleans guests may feel like stars themselves as they walk down the red carpet through a throng of paparazzi and dine on delicious food crafted by Gusto’s Chef Adolfo Garcia. Patrons will enjoy live entertainment by Becky Allen and Marshall Harris at Morton’s The Steakhouse. ”Oscar Night generates excitement all over the world,” said Kay Wilkins, American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter CEO. “With the Academy’s help, our guests will feel like they are on the A-list.” More information on Oscar Night® New Orleans and online tickets are available www.arcno.org.

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under the gaydar

obituaries Daniel Fredrick Reaume

eacefully passed away on January 9, 2012 at the age of 49 in his adopted home of New Orleans. He stoically fought and lost a long battle with cancer. His partner for seven years, Melvin Knight was at this side when he passed. Dan was born in Linwood, CA on April 4, 1962 . He was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick Joseph Reaume and Molly Edwards Reaume, and is survived by his brothers, Jim Reaume, Timothy Reaume, and Christopher Reaume, and his Niece Jennifer, and nephew Jason Reaume. His partner Melvin Knight continues to reside in New Orleans. Dan’s earlier years were spent in southern California where his enjoyment of his motorcycle led to a lifelong leg injury that was to continually be a major source of pain and discomfort. He learned to overcome this disability with a determination and will that led him to not accept obstacles placed in his life. In California he enjoyed working around the naval shipyard assisting in the repair and overhaul of vessels. Here he learned to enjoy anything mechanical. After California, Dan resided in New

by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

Going Under this Mardi Gras

Get Blue This Carnival Season

he New Orleans Radical Faeries presents their 23rd annual Brigid Ball on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 8pm – 1am at the Ironworks Building in the Bywater. The theme for this year’s extravaganza is 20,000 Faeries Under the Sea. The color scheme is blue, green and teal and the Panorama Jazz Band is their featured entertainment. The celebration begins at 8pm with the food and festivities, followed by a faerie ritual at 9:30pm. The presentation of the former Empress and coronation of the new Empress will be at 11pm. Costumes are highly requested at this unique Mardi Gras event. If you have never been, you are in for a real treat. There is a $10 donation at the door. The Ironworks Building is located at 612 Piety Street. For more information, go to www.23rdannual.eventbrite.com.

lue Man Group debuts in New Orleans over Carnival and it is going to be an amazing night of entertainment. NETworks Presentations, LLC and Blue Man Productions are pleased to announce a new theatrical touring production will stop at the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans for eight performances from Tuesday, Jan. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 5. This marks the first theatrical production to tour North America and in our fair city. The theatrical tour features classic Blue Man moments as well as brand new content. Blue Man Group on tour also features a new physical design centering around a proscenium-sized LED curtain and high-resolution screen creating an entirely new visual experience

Daniel Fredrick Reaume York City for many years where he was employed both in the trucking industry and as a bartender at the New York Eagle. During this time he became friends with Michael Johnson whom he regarded as a big brother. Dan moved to New Orleans in 2005 before the arrival of Hurricane Katrina. Here he met his life time partner and companion Melvin Knight. They shared seven wonderful years together, that bonded during and after Katrina. His love and devotion to Melvin was obvious in his smiling blue eyes when Melvin was near. His dog Louisa, found on Louisa Street, after Hurricane Katrina was a particular love of his. He was often seen out with Louisa and was a friend to all he encountered.

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James J. Mabile James Mabile, 67, died Jan. 19, 2012, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Ga, of pneumonia and other complications. Jimmy, as he was known to his friends, was born in Plaquemine, LA, Mar 17, 1944, and grew up in White Castle, LA. He moved to New Orleans in the early 1970’s and worked for the State of Louisiana at Charity Hospital in the Surgery Department for 31 years. He retired in 2000. He lived in Mid-City and later Fauborg Marigny in New Orleans and also had a camp on Blood River in Springfield, LA. He lived in Pooler, GA since 2006 and spent summers in Hendersonville, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jules and Iola Mabile. He is survived by his brother Tony and wife Carolyn Mabile of Waco, TX; and other cousins, nieces and nephews in LA and TX. His friends include Gene White, David Camp and Derle Abel of Pooler, GA, Warren Shippen, Bessiane Parker, Lane Lacoy, Ethel Jones, Todd Scurto and Eula Price of New Orleans, Gerry Kelly of Houston, TX, Carolyn Vranish of Cedar Rapids, IA and Martha (Marty) Curtin and Barbara (Koo) Gaffney of Bay St Louis, MS.

James J. Mabile He was a patron of the Friendly Bar for many years .He always loved New Orleans and spent many happy years there. Funeral services will be private. Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, with acknowledgment c/o Gene White, 8 Cottingham Way, Pooler, GA 31322.

Rickey Callais 11/21/1964 - 01/26/2012

ickey Callais, aka Ali Sebastian Spencer, was a member of the Krewe of Amon-Ra for many years reigning in 2005 as Queen Amon-Ra XL. His final performance prior to his death was in the 2012 Amon-Ra Ball XLVII as one of the Monkey's. He was twice Amon-

Rickey Callais Ra's Mr. America, and a former Miss Gay Louisiana. He will be sadly missed by family and friends. May he rest in peace... "When you feel the wind touch your face, but there is no breeze, When you feel a hand on your shoulder, but no one is around, When you laugh like you used to do because a random thought came to your mind, When the sun shines on a rainy day, it is then that I am with you, just reminding you that I am near, Even though I have passed into the world of shadows where you can not see me, just close your eyes and whisper my name, Then and only then will you know I never left you." --Rest now Booboo!

aka Ali Sebastian Spencer Queen Amon-Ra XL

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under the gaydar...from 14 for Broadway houses across the nation. Blue Man Group is best known for multi-media performances that feature three bald and blue characters who take the audience on a journey that is funny, intelligent and visually stunning. A live band, whose haunting tribal rhythms help drive the show to its climax, accompanies the Blue Men. The blissful party atmosphere created at the live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience. The eight performances of Blue Man Group are Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm and 7:30pm. For more information on tickets, visit BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or the Mahalia Jackson Box Office. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster locations or via phone at 800.982.2787 (ARTS). Group discounts for 15 or more are available by calling 504.287.0372.

Movie Review: Red Tails

ecently, I had the wonderful opportunity to catch the premiere of the movie Red Tails at the AMC Elmwood Palace Theatre in Harahan. Usually I am not a huge fan of war movies, but this movie transcends a certain genre. There is action and adventure, romance and drama to satisfy any moviegoer. But most of all, it is more than just a black history period piece; it is an American story that speaks to all of us on some level. Red Tails is by Anthony Hemingway, from a screenplay by John Ridley and Aaron McGruder. The story, written by Ridley, is inspired by true events. George Lucas serves as the executive producer for the project. It is based on the Tuskegee Airmen, a group

of African American servicemen during World War II, and is the first Lucasfilm production since Radioland Murders (1994) not associated with the Indiana Jones or Star Wars franchises. This movie stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. (who previously starred in The Tuskegee Airmen, an HBO made-fortelevision film about the same group of pilots) in his first theatrical film in five years, and Terrence Howard (who portrayed a Tuskegee pilot in Hart’s War). Although the movie does lag sometimes in parts, all in all, I found it quite entertaining. The dog fight sequences in the air were pretty intense. Howard seemed slightly stilted in the film, but

the rest of the young cast shined, especially Nate Parker as Martin “Easy” Julian, David Oyelowo as Joe “Lightning” Little, Method Man as Sticks, NeYo as Andrew “Smoky” Salem and Tristan Wilds as Ray “Ray Gun” or “Junior” Gannon. Red Tails is definitely worth your time to see.

Armageddon Is Upon Us

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is presenting its 10th Anniversary Ball this year entitled Armageddon: The Disaster Ball. The date is Friday, February 10 at the Sugar Mill. King and Queen Satyricon X will be Brick Bishop and Stephen Rizzo respectively. There will be plenty of entertainment and if anyone catches any mistakes that happen on stage, it is meant to as part of the theme. At least that is the story I am using. The emcees for the night will be Varla Jean Merman and Elizabeth Bouvier. Doors open at 7pm and the ball starts promptly at 8pm. General admission tickets are $20. To buy tickets or questions, email tonymgp@hotmail.com. Like the Titanic, this will definitely be a night to remember.

Party Down

ell, I survived the start of the year and now we roll into the Mardi Gras season fully. I attended the Mwindo Ball on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the St. Bernard Cultural Center or its new title the Frederick J. Sigur Center. As always, Mwindo knows how to throw down with lots of crazy antics especially the person who’s Saints cheerleading number was awe inspiring. The king and queen looked lovely with their snowflake back pieces that opened on cue. And this krewe knows how to handle their buffet. It is always the best home cooking. What a nice way to kick off the ball season. Since this is my busy time of the year, my social life slows in lieu of my professional and krewe responsibilities, but I was able to sneak away from work on Martin Luther King Day to enjoy my friend Sammey’s lovely annual cookout. It is always a wonderful party for those who have off or who take it to catch up, listen to great music and eat fabulous food. This year she had a large crowd who enjoyed the afternoon of friendship as we grooved to this impromptu band of her friends. After that, I moseyed to see Princesse Stephaney at Michael's on the Park for a little libation or two. She definitely keeps things lively. On Wednesday of that week, I went to the wonderful opening of Manning’s on Fulton Street. Talk about an event of who’s who in the city. Everyone came out in support. You were greeted at the entrance by none other than Archie himself. The place is a

sports lover’s paradise, complete with a movie theatre style viewing area. They have an upstairs area that is perfect for private events and it opens up to their spacious courtyard. The food that night was just delicious, taking the normal sports bar fare and bringing it up several notches. After I went to JohnPaul’s to emcee Zsa Zsa d’LaHor’s Hump Day the Country Way. As always, the ladies at that show make me giggle. After that show finished, I tagged along with Frankie Fierce to catch Tommy Elias’ special Broadway show at Oz. You can see a lot of work went into this night and the girls worked their hardest to impress the large crowd of patrons. I am looking forward to seeing more themed shows like that. Friday, I attended a very exceptional event. My friend Laura Tennyson invited me to the private screening of Red Tails (reviewed in this article) at the AMC Elmwood Palace Theatre hosted by four-time Grammy Award Winner Terrence Blanchard, Rod West and Roy Glapion. Now this was another event attended by some of the echelon of the city from politicos to major corporate heads. They had popcorn and soft drinks for everyone and it was a fun night at the movies with a few hundred of your friends. Afterwards, Laura and I went to a smaller reception hosted by Terrence and Robin Blanchard at their mansion on St. Charles Avenue. The director Anthony Hemingway was there along with the producer and several other key people involved with the film. The wine flowed and I had the opportunity to mingle with some very interesting people. It definitely will go down as one of my memorable nights in 2012. On Saturday, the balls kept on rolling as Amon-Ra presented their 47th ball, also at the Chalmette Sigur facility. I was honored to be asked to be a guest at Opal Masters and Darwin Reed’s table which as always was decorated to the hilt. Not only is she a wonderful costumer, she has an amazing eye for style. The evening was fun and light hearted. Congratulations to King David Forth and Queen Barry Rutherford, they will make excellent royalty. Sunday may be a day of rest for many, but unfortunately, for me, it was jammed with errands and events. After spending the morning doing routine chores around the house and running tasks, I caught the show Spring Awakening at Southern Rep. Unfortunately, this is one of the last shows in their space at Canal Place, and I am looking forward to more great productions in their new home. After, I sauntered over to Lafitte’s in Exile for the Amon-Ra Captain's party. It was so nice to see everyone relaxed and less hectic than the previous night. It was a peaceful way to spend the late afternoon. Congratulations to both Mwindo and Amon-Ra on jobs well done. Until

next time, keep that party dress ready because in this city you never know when a hot event will pop up at a moment’s notice.

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom

kay, I am a sucker for useless information. You know the kind of fun facts that helps make small talk at cocktail receptions or other events. But recently MSN had an article on the gayest cities in America (according to The Advocate) and it was not only quite good, but actually surprisingly informative. Surely, I thought that our beloved Crescent City would make the top of the lists since we seem to be the frontrunners of several not so nice lists like murder, poor education, excessive drinking, blah, blah, blah. But I was shocked to find out the rankings. We have to remember these cities are listed as gays per capita. So this is the formula The Advocate used to come up with the listing. Take the number of gay.com profiles plus listed officiants for gay weddings within a fifty mile radius plus elected open gay officials plus WNBA teams plus International Mr. Leather Competition Finalists plus Imperial Court Chapters plus number of softball teams that competed in the Gay Softball World series plus LGBT bookstores plus number of nude yoga classes (WTF, is this akin to a bathhouse) plus number of LGBT protection laws plus the number of concerts by the Gossip, the Cliks and the Veronicas since 2009 then divide this number by the population within city limits. Personally it seems like there had to be an easier way to figure this out. I mean there were several queens with way too much time on their hands. Anyway here is the list: 10 – Grand Rapids, Michigan 9 – Atlanta, Georgia (they are slipping) 8 – Knoxville, Tennessee (my friend Jason moved there, so he could have pushed them over the hump) 7 – St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota 6 – Ann Arbor, Michigan 5 – Seattle, Washington 4 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida (no surprise there) 3 – Cambridge, Massachusetts 2 – Orlando, Florida (and all of them work for Disney) 1 – Salt Lake City, Utah How did New Orleans rank on the survey? We came in 17th. I mean really, like we could not get any gayer in this city. When was the last Gay Mardi Gras ball Salt Lake City had, or when was the last Decadence style parade on their streets? No matter what The Advocate says, New Orleans will always be the gayest city in the world to me.

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Peacock: Joann Guidos

MC Nicole DuBois, King Cake Queen XIX: The Samba Queen Monkey: The Late Ricky Calais

Wolf: Captain John Zeringue

Monkey: Rhonda Roget

Hummingbird: Ball Lieutenant Pete Eschete Benefit Number: Prom Queen Michelle Tarmac Davis Jenkins

Returning Queen Amon-Ra XLVI Tami Tarmac

Tucan: Deja Deja-Vue’

Panther: Queen Amon-Ra XLVII Sidney Williams

Girl with the Tootie Fruiti Hat: Kenny Walker

Returning King Amon-Ra XLVI Jerry Scavo Elephant: Opal Masters

Monkey: David Richardson

Benefit Number: Queen Amon-Ra XLVI Tami Tarmac raising $1,000 for St. Anna’s Food Bank

Butterfly: Miss Gay Louisiana America Maybelline Maskara

Panther: King Amon-Ra XLVII David Roget

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Krewe of Amon-Ra Carnival Ball XLVII: CARNIVALE-Twilight in the Jungle ~ Chalmette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Rip Naquin

Peacock: John East

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Poncho & his new friend from Brazil @ Cafe Lafitte In Exile

Double Play bartender Will

Returning King Mwindo XIII

Miss Gay Louisiana America Maybelline Maskara in Cougar Cabaret @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Dallas Boys @ Napoleon’s Itch for Mardi Gras Classic registration Mardi Gras Classic Boys from Chicago @ Lafitte’s

Returning Queen Mwindo XIII

Krewe of Mwindo Ball XIV

Big Easy Stompers raise $605 @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Denver in for Mardi Gras Classic @ Oz Dingo

Cougar Cabaret Show Director Tami Tarmac @ Golden Lantern

Krewe of Mwindo Ball XIV

Billy & Jeff in the Balcony Bar above Lafitte’s Biff & Jess @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern Country Night

Napoleon’s Itch bartenders Yarda & Keegan @ Mardi Gras Classic registration

snap paparazzi

Krewe of Mwindo Ball XIV

Josh behind the bar @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Brandon (Honeyb) slinging cocktails in the Balcony Bar

Mardi Gras Classic registration crew from Team New Orleans

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Balls, Shows, Mardi Gras Classic ~ Chalmette, New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

Cincinnati boys in for Mardi Gras Classic @ Oz Dingo

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on the prowl by Rory Wright Email: rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com

The 700 Club, Where Everyone Knows Your Name

his article is part of a series where I will be interviewing and reviewing various gay bars and clubs in and around the French Quarter to examine their history and theme of each bar. There are bars that have been operating continuously for decades and bars that have newly opened post Katrina. Some of them are focused on the bear and leather community and some strive to be open to all. It is an interesting fact that as the culture progresses, more straight people and couples are finding themselves comfortable in a traditionally gay bar which may or may not sit well with all gay folk but that transition that we are seeing is part of a larger picture of acceptance and inclusion that is history we are witnessing. It was with this in mind that this author caught up with the active coowner of the 700 club, Mr. Matt Giglio, at 700 Burgundy Street just two blocks up the street from the Rawhide bar (also on Burgundy). We talked about how the club concept came about. “A new business had taken over the business right after Katrina and ran it for about three years. In 2008, we found the other business had left and the corner lot was again available so we approached the owner about reopening it as a neighborhood bar. There was about a three month period between the prior owner and when we started a lease. The entire bar area was used to store all of the supplies and equipment used to restore the exterior of the bar, so when we first looked at it, there was debris and sawdust everywhere and it was hard to imagine how it was going to look when restored. It was one of those things where you took a look at it and had to have a little faith that it would all turn out all right.” (Smiles, as it has obviously turned out all right)

“We tore out the floor down to the original concrete floor and painted the entire interior, we put in the lounge area and tables and cleaned up the bar prior to our opening.” The question arose about the decision to name the bar the 700 Club. “We thought it would be funny as we were setting up our DBA, being the address is 700 Burgundy, we made a little play on words.” “Before we opened, we really looked at what kind of demographic we wanted to appeal to, and I think we have hit the mark of what we were going for. The 700 club, is a neighborhood bar, and also welcomes all kinds of people. A lot of bars in the Quarter cater to a specific group. We wanted a neighborhood bar where locals and tourists, gay and straight, black or white, old or young could stop in, have drinks, watch the games, get something to eat and relax.” I asked him if the phrase “Cheers for Queers” would describe the bar and he agreed. In searching for the lyrics to the theme song for that show, I found that the entire original song lyrics were never used in the theme song and as they include some appropriate and funny lines have reprinted the lyrics by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo.

Taking a break from all your worries Sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away? All those nights when you’ve got no lights, The check is in the mail; And your little angel Hung the cat up by its tail; And your third fiancé didn’t show; Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name, And they’re always glad you came; You want to be where you can see, Our troubles are all the same; You want to be where everybody knows your name. Roll out of bed, Mr. Coffee’s dead; The morning’s looking bright; And your shrink ran off to Europe, And didn’t even write; And your husband wants to be a

"Making your way in the world to-

girl;

Takes everything you’ve got;

Be glad there’s one place in the world Where everybody knows your name, And they’re always glad you came; You want to go where people know, People are all the same; You want to go where everybody knows your name."

day

Matt continued to talk about his take on the corner bar. “You know I am proud that we are gay owned and operated and all, but I don’t think that is a reason to exclude anyone else. We pay attention to what people need and want, so for example, we have a lot of locals that like to come in between noon and 4pm and right now, we are showing The Talk and then we watch Ellen and then we go back to music videos because that’s what they asked to see. Of course we will always show

the LSU and Saints games during the season with free shots for Saints touchdowns.” (There are five big screen TVs and a projection screen in the bar.) “We had both been working at another bar, (he and his business partner Michael Cookmeyer) and they were very good to us, but it was time to branch out on our own. I would say since we opened about three and a half years ago that the business has met our expectations and we still have a long way to go but things are going well.” We talked about the original art that was showcased on the wall: “We feature local artists every month and their work is on display and also for sale. We wanted to support the local art community. If any artist is interested in showing their work they can just call the bar and talk to us about it. Matt showed how the video selection works. It’s like a hand held juke box. A friend developed an app so that anyone with an I-phone can select from over 15,000 videos from the 1940s up to current day. Guests select the songs they want to see and hear and the system cues it up in order which allows for more interaction between the guests and the entertainment. Next we discussed the food and the bar menu that they have. The bar has a fully functional kitchen in the back, and our original chef, Alan Duncan, developed a great menu of sliders and quesadillas and other fare that has been very popular and that is not just hamburgers and fries. We have a new chef now named Darin Morgan. He will have five specials on the board and that changes depending on the day. We serve food from 7pm until 3am on Wednesday through Saturday. Our current menu includes all different kinds of chicken and beef sliders, the mac and cheese bites are baked mac and cheese that is then pan

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[continued on 25]

on the prowl ...from 24 coat dusted and then deep fried. We are now doing more vegetarian fare as well. We will do custom orders with any of the ingredients we have so folks can ask for something that’s not on the menu.” “Also, we have happy hour from 12noon-9pm, and we have a folder

with all of the menus from any restaurant in the Quarter who delivers, so you can get deliveries from Yo Mama’s, Phillipe’s and dozens of other restaurants that will deliver right to your table here in the bar. So if you are here before 7pm when the kitchen opens you can still get great food delivered.” “We have a good staff, our bartenders have all bartended in the Quar-

ter for ten years or more, so they have the experience and like working with our customers. When I look into the future we plan to keep expanding our customer base, keep offering the drinks and food that people want. If a guest wants a certain drink that we don’t have we will stock it for them. We have every flavor of vodka you can imagine and we have specialty draft beers on tap

beyond basic Bud Light and Abita Amber. We plan to keep on the path we are on and continue to be a neighborhood gay bar, as well as a bar for everyone.”

Next Ad Deadline Feb. 3rd

504.522.8049

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baton rouge Apollo Baton Rouge's 31st Ball-The Disco Ball

he Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge celebrated its thirtyfirst annual Mardi Gras Ball Saturday at the Baton Rouge River Center Arena. The Krewe’s theme was The Disco Ball with over 1,000 guests in attendance. Prior to the beginning of the Tableau, Krewe President, Dwayne Menard, welcomed guests and gave a presentation on the continuing fundraising project of its AIDS/Crisis Committee, Blink the Night Away. Project Runway Season 9 Designer Anthony Ryan Auld served as the Grand Marshal for the event and pulled the winning ticket for the $5,000 charity raffle. The AIDS/Crisis Committee then presented Auld with a $2,500 check to

assist with startup costs in his new RockOne1 Movement to provide uplifting moments for cancer survivors. Auld is a survivor of testicular cancer. Returning Royalty, King Apollo XXX, Bobby Suchman and Queen Apollo XXX, Paul Lemoine as Effie Marie, returned to reign over Bal Masque XXXI as is the tradition of the Krewe of Apollo. After the reigning royalty assumed their thrones, the Mistress of Ceremonies Varla Jean Merman, star of film and stage, took the stage and performed her own brand of Disco music. Ball Captain Lester Mut, made a sparkling entrance as Jennifer Marlowe, the Disco Queen, a Caucasian cross between Diana Ross and Donna Summers. Ball Co-Captain, [continued on 29]

news Make It Right Announces Special Guests for A Night to Make It Right Charity Gala on March 10th

n March 10th at Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Make It Right founder and event chairman Brad Pitt and Ellen DeGeneres will host A Night to Make It Right with special guests Rihanna, Sheryl Crow, Randy Jackson, the Nevilles and Seal. Host Committee members for the event include Josh Brolin, Djimon Hounsou, Spike Lee, Blake Lively, Bennett Miller, Chris and Jada Paul, Sean Penn, Wendell Pierce and Kevin Spacey. The gala dinner will include a four-course menu coordinated by convening chef John Besh and prepared by award-winning chefs Giada DeLaurentiis and Emeril Lagasse. More exciting guests, host committee members and chefs will be announced in the coming weeks. Comedian and actor Aziz Ansari will host the late-night after party. New Orleans’ Mayor Mitch Landrieu will serve as honorary co-chair for the event. The charity gala will raise funds to build sustainable, affordable homes for New Orleans’ families who lost everything to Hurricane Katrina. The festivities will begin with a cocktail reception for major sponsors and dignitaries. Prepared by award-winning chefs, the dinner menu will celebrate the finest culinary traditions of New Orleans and beyond. The evening will culminate with a grand after-party featuring musical performances by locally-celebrated and internationally-renowned musicians. The evening, presented by Hyatt Regency New Orleans, will be one of the most ambitious single night fundraising events planned in New Orleans’ history and also celebrates the hotel’s grand re-opening. Corporate sponsorships and individual table sales for the event are available through Make It Right. Hyatt Regency New Orleans’ generous sponsorship of the charity gala will allow all proceeds from corporate sponsors and ticket sales to go directly to building Make It Right homes. Make It Right and some of the world’s most renowned architects have designed and constructed 75 homes in the Lower 9th Ward, the neighborhood hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. Make It Right is establishing new standards for affordable, energy-efficient, single-family homes and the neighborhood is now recognized as the “the largest and greenest community of single-family homes in the world” by the U.S. Green Building Council. For more information or to buy tickets, please visit www.nighttomakeitright.com. Corporate sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, which include attractive marketing benefits, are available. Individual table sales are also available. For more information, please visit www.nighttomakeitright.com or contact Steve Ragan at sragan@makeitrightnola.org or 504.620.3200. Founded in 2007 by actor Brad Pitt, Make It Right is committed to making healthy and sustainable homes accessible and affordable for working families. Make It Right is currently building 150 green homes, designed by worldrenowned architects, for families in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, the neighbor-

hood hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. The U.S. Green Building Council named Make It Right’s initiative in New Orleans “the largest and greenest community of single-family homes in the world.” For more information, please visit www.makeitrightnola.org. Hyatt Regency New Orleans reopened on October 19, 2011 following a $275 million redesign and revitalization and feature 1,193 guest rooms and suites, 200,000 square feet of meeting and event space, expansive food and beverage offerings, and unprecedented service. Located downtown on Loyola Avenue, the hotel is adjacent to the Louisiana Superdome and anchors the vibrant Sports and Entertainment District. Hyatt Regency New Orleans borders the new Medical District, the Arts & Entertainment District and is just blocks from the French Quarter, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the Mississippi Riverfront. For reservations and additional information, please call 888.591.1234 or visit www.neworleans.hyatt.com.

Dinah Shore Weekend Moves to Vegas for 2012

n a move that has set the lesbian community abuzz with cheers from around the globe, Girl Bar Dinah Shore Weekend, in association with Fuse Events, announced that Dinah Shore Weekend 2012 will take place April 27-29 in Las Vegas. Since last year, Girl Bar and Fuse Events have been working exclusively with Caesars Entertainment to create the ultimate women’s weekend experience featuring all the best that Caesars Entertainment properties have to offer. Official events and hotels for Dinah Shore Weekend will be situated walking distance, across a variety of Caesars-owned properties, including Planet Hollywood and Flamingo hotels. The later will have its “Go Pool” turned over exclusively to the ladies for ticket and pass holders. “Our sophisticated ladies wanted ‘bigger, better and more’ in a city that never sleeps with the finest in entertainment and accommodations, with non-stop flights both domestically and internationally,” said Girl Bar producers Sandy Sachs and Dr. Robin Gans. Adding, “We listened and Caesars Entertainment delivered, recognizing our global potential and wooing us with full sponsorship and a 24/7 package of perks, food, beverages and entertainment where there are no ‘last calls!” “The LGBT market makes up such an important part of Caesars worldwide customer base,” said Richard Brower, Director of LGBT and Ethnic Marketing at Caesars Entertainment Corporation. “Having this legendry weekend move to Vegas was an opportunity we could not afford to miss.” “After conquering New York and California, The Truck Stop Girlz couldn’t be happier about pulling into Vegas,”

said co-founders Linda Fusco and Michelle Agnew. “We are ready to throw down and have a good time!” The full Dinah Shore Weekend 2012 schedule of events, performers, ticket and hotel information and VIP travel package options www.dinahshoreweekend.com.

Longue Vue House & Gardens Receives Big Easy Award Nomination

n 1961, after the two original buses of Freedom Riders traveling from Washington DC to New Orleans were bombed and attacked, and a large number of student activists were imprisoned in the infamous Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman, hundreds of volunteers from all over the United States traveled to the South to keep the Civil Rights Movement alive. Freedom Ride, an opera commissioned by Longue Vue House and Gardens and composed by Dan Shore, has been nominated by the Big Easy Foundation for “Best Student or Community Opera”. Winners will be announced at the 18th annual Tribute to the Classical Arts luncheon Thursday, February 9, at the Hotel Monteleone. The Tribute to the Classical Arts recognizes outstanding performances of classical music, opera, ballet, and ethnic and contemporary dance. Freedom Ride came about as a result of a meeting between Dan Shore, a composer and librettist who is also on the faculty at Xavier University of Louisiana, and Joe Baker, the Executive Director of Longue Vue, who envisioned a musical work that would celebrate both New Orleans and the Civil Rights Movement. The opera is part of a committed effort by Baker to stimulate Longue Vue’s civic engagement, environmental stewardship and artistic practice: “Longue Vue is thrilled to be a center for commissioning new works and enlivening civil discourse in New Orleans, in the tradition of Edith and Edgar Stern.” In addition to Freedom Ride, Longue Vue has embarked on an ambitious agenda that stresses the museum’s role as a resource for adult and youth education and a catalyst for social change. Shore is the 2011 recipient of the Gambit’s Big Easy Entertainment Award for Creative Achievement in Opera. His other operas and plays include An Embarrassing Position, Travel, and The Beautiful Bridegroom, which received first prize in the National Opera Association’s Chamber Opera Composition Competition. He is an alumnus of the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop and a Fulbright scholar; he holds a B.M. and M.M. from the New England Conservatory and a Ph.D. from the City University of New York.

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Mr. & Miss Apollo Baton Rouge Al Henry & Gia Giavanni

Funky Disco - Darren Trujillo Tribute to Michael Jackson Derrian Tolden

Daphne MuShatt & Grown Ass Women sing “It’s Raining Men”

Carwash Dennis Brewin

Priscilla - Rick Hamilton, Joe Boniol & Jim Omohundro

The Village People - Scott Blanchard et al

King & Queen Apollo XXX Bobbie Suchman & Paul Lemoine

Mistress of Ceremonies Varla Jean Merman

I Go to Rio - Nathan Wright Disco Granny Claudette Lacombe

Queen Apollo XXXI Corey Tullier

She Devil & Disco Angel - Regina Lee, Al Henry & Jimmy Jones

King Apollo XXXI John Deshotel Studio 54 - Chad Fernandez

Ball Captain Lester Mut

Xanadu - Chuck Chesteen

Studio 54 - Tim Rapier

Ball Captains Lester Mut & Stephen McCants

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31st Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge Bal Masque: The Disco Ball @ Baton Rouge River Center Arena ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Ball Co-captain Stephen McCants

baton rouge ...from 26 Stephen McCants then danced his way down the runway as John Travolta’s character from Saturday Night Fever. The Ball Captains’ production numbers were choreographed by Natalie Baily. Krewe members Dennis Brewin, Sam Liotta and Michael Flanagan presented their interpretation of the movie Carwash. Members of the Apollo’s Ladies Auxiliary, Debbie Daniel, Claudette LaCombe and Joan Landry, took to the stage in their hilarious rendition of the Disco Grannies, complete with walkers. Live entertainment was provided by Daphne MuShatt and her entourage called Grown Ass Women. The extremes of disco were then presented by Jimmy Jones as an Angel from Heaven and Mark LeFeaux as the She-Devil. The mythical gods were then represented with Xanadu by Ball Lieutenant Chuck Chesteen complete with a roller skating entourage. Funky Disco was interpreted by Darren Trujillo of Houston appearing in a costume complete with period white bell bottom pants trimmed in red sequins. I Go To Rio was the main song in a production number by Nathan Wright, of Beaumont, based on the musical The Boy from Oz. Joe Boniol, Ball Lieutenant Jim Omohundro and Rick Hamilton

emerged from a pink bus in costumes reproduced from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and boogied to Disco hits, I Love The Nightlife, I Will Survive and Shake Your Groove Thing. Ball Lieutenants Tim Rapier and Chad Fernandez captured the essence of New York’s Studio 54 followed by a tribute to Michael Jackson’s songs from the Disco era by former Baton Rouge resident Derrian Tolden now in New York City. The final costume before the arrival of the new King and Queen, Village People, was brought to the stage by Krewe members Scott Blanchard and Eddy Vargas. A trumpet fanfare announced the arrival of King Apollo XXXI, John Deshotel, joined onstage by Queen Apollo XXXI, Corey Tullier, as Buffi Monet. The King wore a military style jacket of red velvet with a robin egg blue Swarovski crystal encrusted sash. His black pants were decorated with gold sequins and Swarovski crystals on a red velvet side stripe. The Queen wore a traditional formal gown of antique gold Dupioni silk with inverted pleats of red velvet. The gown was encrusted with gold sequins and Swarovski crystals. Costume designs were by Carol “The Goddess” Guion. The Grand Marshal then led krewe members down the runway in the traditional Grand March throwing beads to guests. Call outs of special guests was followed by Open Court.

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CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

600

RAMPART

500 TOULOUSE

BURGUNDY

400 ST. LOUIS

DAUPHINE

ROYAL

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

900 ST. PHILIP

1000 URSULINES

1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

1200 BARRACKS

1300

classifieds

ESPLANADE

1800 19 FR

M A R IG N Y

23 ES TR R A H C

FR 2 A 500 N K L L 26 00 IN YA O R E LO IN U PH IS U A A D

EN 00 C EL H 2 YS 1 0 ME 0 N IA N F 22 IE LD 00 S

Slidell, LA [985] OLDE SLIDELL ANTIQUE DISTRICT, First & Erlanger Streets, antique malls, gift shops, doll shop & restaurants, 643.4790, SlidellAntiques.COM

autos Metairie, LA [504] WALKER ACURA, 8951 Veterans Blvd., 464.4004, WalkerAcura.COM

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson,

Dec. 28, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM

body rubs

galleries

New Orleans, LA Experience The BODY ELECTRIC, nude rub, erotic, hot oils, full service table, deep tissue, light tissue, body scrubs. In & out calls. CALL AL 214.709.5199 [is312]

book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 Mr. Binky's Boutique, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 Mr. Binky's Boutique of Harahan, 301 Funston St., 305.2160

cable shows RT PA M A R

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques

MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450 NINTH CIRCLE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0950 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Bay St. Louis, MS [228] CLUB RED, 317 Reese St.,, 467.5920, ClubRedBSL.COM Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

264.8000 TONIC, 2013 Pinhook Rd., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BOURBON PUB & PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM BYWATER PATIO BAR, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200, CuttersBar.BIZ THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340

New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99

casinos Lake Charles, LA [337] L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, 777 Avenue L’Auberge, 337.395.7777 or 866.580.7444, ldlcasino.com New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS, GayHarrahsNOLA.COM

counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, PhD, LPC, Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726

New Orleans, LA [504] BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131, BlissMcCall.COM DIETY ARTS OF THE EXTREME ORIENT, 830 N. Rampart, DietyNOLA.COM TANNER ORIGINAL ART, 830 Royal St., 524.8266, HauntingArt.COM

guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] FRADY'S ONE STOP GROCERY & DELICATESSEN, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688 MATASSA'S MARKET, 1001 Dauphine St., 512.8700 QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416

chiropractic

hair salons

Chalmette, LA [504] SIMPLY PRECISE CHIROPRACTIC, Dr. Domingo De Los Reyes D.C., 9135 West Judge Perez, Suite B, 504.302.1718, SimplyPreciseChiropractic.COM [is213] New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is312]

Mandeville, LA [985] RESTORATION HAIR DESIGN, 1800 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 119, 626.4353 New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555

circuit/events Feb. 17-21, 2012, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, 13th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 25-28, 2012, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 2012 41st Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 25-28, 2012 Halloween 29, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com

insurance New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0711]

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 31-Feb. 13, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • J an. 31-Feb. 13, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0811] FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Beautiful and spacious townhomes available to accommodate groups of any size adjacent to the hotel. Just 3 short blocks from Bourbon St, with free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast and access to two beautiful pools. Covered off street parking available. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0112] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, “Spectacular, very unusual piece of property” with balconies of varying design ringing the courtyard. Circa 1880 Historic New Orleans Home lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms. Just steps away from Armstrong park, Bourbon St, and most of the popular gay clubs, bars, and restaurants. With two pools, free WiFi and complimentary continental breakfast. Secured off street parking available. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com

massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2611]

media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225]

LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/

Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BIG EASY STOMPERS, 1317 Pasadena Ave., Metairie, LA 70001 www.NewOrleansHoedown.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette,

Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, info@kreweofarmeinius.org, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, KreweOfPetronius.ORG KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, PO Box 15889, 70115-5889 MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE,

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 31-Feb. 13, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Great fun for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Visit nolasoftball.com for full details and find us on Facebook. THE COMMUNITY COALITION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS LGBTQ Organizations & Businesses, tccgno.org, 569.9156 Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCA AIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717

pets New Orleans, LA [504] CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 511 Dumaine; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455 FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] & Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaDrugs.COM. MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865

real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] LATTER & BLUM, Agent Steve Richards, 712 Rue D’Orleans @ Rue Royal, Cell: 258.1800, Office: 948.3011, SRichards@LatterBlum.com PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 891.6400, brettinla@aol.com

Cajun Cafe Market, 1100 N. Peters in the French Market, 905.3212 Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse & cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Frady's One Stop Grocery & Delicatessen, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688 Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Matassa's Market, 1001 Dauphine St., 512.8700 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360

retail/shopping Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 4636 W. Esplanade, 888.7722, Suzettes.COM New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222 LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, laminasterling@gmail.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 RAZZLE DAZZLE, 524 Royal St. 568.0001, RazzleDazzle.COM RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 Q T PIE, 241 Dauphine St., 581.6633

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com PLANET BEACH: A CONTEMPO SPA, 301 Burgundy, 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM SPA ATLANTIS, 740 Gravier, 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET

tattoos New Orleans, LA [504] AART ACCENT NEW ORLEANS, 1041 N. Rampart St., 581.9812

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM JOY THEATER, 1200 Canal St., TheJoyTheater.COM MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 SOUTHERN REP THEATRE, Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 3rd Floor, 522.6545, SouthernRep.COM

travel New Orleans, LA [504] Adventures Actually, Kate Alexander, 220.5503, AdventuresActually.COM

restaurants

websites

New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965

OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • J an. 31-Feb. 13, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

ambush

papar azzi

Robert & Alonzo @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Lafitte’s bartender Steven

Micheala in Good Friends Karaoke

Athena Jewel, Wayne & Jason @ Lafitte’s Mark, Larry & New Orleans Courtyard’s Blake @ Michael’s On The Park

A friend & Bourbon Pub DJ Chris Allen

Good Friends bartender Nicholas

Electra City announces Outrageous Best Booty Contest winner @ JohnPaul’s

Michael’s On The Park’s Mike & The Country Club’s Jay @ Michael’s On The Park

Cafe Lafitte In Exile bartenders Earl, Damon & Jeff

HRC celebrates @ Bourbon Pub Parade

Oz GM Tommy & Gaylen Baton Rouge boys @ Bourbon Pub’s Sunday Sing-A-Long

David, Security @ Bourbon Pub Parade

Jose & partner @ Bourbon Pub

Mr. Gay Pride Adonis De’Orleans in Outrageous show

Country Club GM Bert & bar manager Drew having fun @ The Country Club

Kocktail Karoake’s Ricki Gee @ Good Friends Bar

ZsaZsa d’LaHor & Tru Demille @ JohnPaul’s

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 31-Feb. 13, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

The Cocktail Tour ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

Dr. Dusty wins fashion hair during Outrageous @ JohnPaul’s

trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Plaza Suite at Rivertown Repertory Theatre through Feb. 5

hen I go to the theater and see that the director has a part in the show, especially a lead, that generally turns out to be one assignment too many. Happily, however, for Rivertown Repertory Theatre’s production of Plaza Suite, while Roland “Butch” Caire, Jr. is both the director and star of this Neil Simon comic buffet, he fulfills both roles exceedingly well to make for a delightful evening of theater. Plaza Suite comes from a time when long-running Broadway comedies could be little more than a frothy, if well-crafted, sitcom; of course, those were the days when ticket prices were less than a tenth of today’s extravagances. Made up of three comic one-acts all set in the same room of the famed Plaza Hotel, there’s a certain timelessness to Simon’s writing. Mary Pauley & Butch Caire Though set in 1968, people in Plaza Suite still are infatuated with Hollywood celebrities, still have mid-life-crisis affairs, and doting parents must still deal with their children’s wedding day jitters. In fact, Plaza Suite does not feel too too dated if you can overlook a cell phone-free world where 50 had yet to become the new 30. In Visitor from Hollywood, Jesse Kiplinger (Caire), a hugely successful movie producer returns to New York and invites his home town girlfriend Muriel Tate (Kathryn Talbot) over to his room at the Plaza where he proceeds to get her plastered so he can have his way with her. It’s all cute fun even if such a guy would probably want a gal half Muriel’s age. Visitor from Forest Hills finds Norma (Mary Pauley) and Roy Hubley (Caire) trying to get their daughter to emerge from the bathroom she’s locked

herself into so that her wedding can take place as planned. If the denouement is a bit silly, the journey to get there is comedy of a very high caliber. Most substantial is the opener, Visitor from Mamaroneck, where Karen Nash (Tracey Collins) would just like to celebrate her anniversary with her businessman husband Sam (Caire) in the room where they honeymooned, but touchingly discovers that this anniversary may be their last. Caire’s direction is smooth and unfussy, and gets just about all the laughs to be had. Wisely, he brings out the characters’ humanity in these wellwrought sketches rather than merely aiming for yucks. And going from harried Sam to suave Jesse to blustery Roy, Caire creates a wholly different look and body posture for each of these characters. If one can imagine some of these men’s emotions and expressions being brought into higher relief (as George C. Scott who originated the roles might have), better Caire’s fine, understated performance than an overplayed one. Caire has surrounded himself with three of New Orleans’ finest actresses. As the star struck New Jersey housewife who’s ambivalent as to how naughty she dares be, Talbot blends sweetness with wariness while capturing the proper suburban infatuation with LA-LA-land. Pauley is like a more upscale Edith Bunker desperate to maintain a composed facade as her world seemingly crumbles around her. And Collins not only delivers verbal and physical humor, but affectingly finds the pathos in Karen’s dilemma. Eric Porter’s scenery is pitch perfect in its elegance detailed with suitably mod touches for its late ’60s set-

ting. Kate Jensen’s costumes are fine while Krystal Farnsworth’s wigs, particularly for Caire, are outstanding. Simon’s sharp dialog still holds up, and if a wink at Rock Hudson’s and Liberace’s sexuality no longer seems very shocking, the idea that the Plaza could be torn down for a 52-story luxury hotel seems positively prescient. On the other hand, while such bold face names as Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and Charlton Heston still have some cachet, Jeff Chandler is as much from another era as a 2 ½ yearlong run for a Neil Simon show on Broadway (which is what the original Plaza Suite had way back when).

The Importance of Being Earnest at Slidell Little Theatre through Feb. 5

ow exciting it is to discover outstanding new talent— especially in Slidell! And in the Slidell Little Theatre production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest there are not one but two such performances. As you may recall, in this classic comedy that advocates for style over substance, two friends Algernon (Joshua Brewer) and Jack (Travis Brisini) shuttle back and forth between city and country as they pursue romantic attachments to two proper, young ladies, Gwendolyn and Cecily, who can only love men named Ernest. Attired in a sophisticated, late Victorian outfit, Rhonda Gibson as Gwendolyn radiates intelligence and speaks Wilde’s epigrammatic lines as [continued on 36]

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • J an. 31-Feb. 13, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

pride: beyond the rainbow Exciting Events for Pride 2012

here are many exciting events coming up for Pride 2012 that we encourage you attend! Come out and meet the new Board Of Directors, ask questions, and have some input for this year’s Pride! February 3, 9pm, 2nd Annual Masquerade Party. Bring your favorite mask and join us! Come out to JohnPaul’s Bar, 940 Elysian Fields Ave. For a $5 donation, you’ll get: a variety show, door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle! February 8, 8pm, February Pride General Committee Meeting. Come to the Olive Branch Café, 3700 Orleans Ave. This meeting is open to the public and we welcome your attendance! Please send an email to nolapride@gmail.com if you are thinking of coming to give us an idea of how many to expect! April 7, 7pm-midnight, Pride Grand Marshal Announcement Party and Gala. Come out to the Hotel Monteleone 2nd floor, 214 Royal. All former Pride Grand Marshals will be presented, and the 2012 Grand Marshals will be announced! Advance tickets on sale now for $20 at www.prideneworleans.org. This gives you: entry to the gala, a concert by Amanda Shaw from 9pm-midnight, food, and raffle items. Cash Bar May 20, 6pm, Mr/Miss Pride Pageant 2012. Come on out to Harrah’s Hotel, 228 Poydras. $25 contestant entry fee. $5 donation at the door. Other information: Visit www.prideneworleans.org to: * Nominate someone for Pride Grand Marshal * Enter the Pride Pageant * Purchase tickets for Amanda

trodding the boards ...from 35

Shaw/Grand Marshal Party * Enter the Pride Parade * Donate to Pride 2012 Hope to see you out there! Stay tuned for the next issue of Pride: Beyond the Rainbow varying degrees, with the exception of Gibson and Mason, while the lines come out sounding right, I wasn’t always convinced that the actors fully understood the import of all they were saying. The effect is, to some extent, like watching a movie in which Earnest is being done in the ’burbs. This is not to underestimate the accomplishment of Johnson who was

though to the manner born. As her counterpart in the country, Kew Mason’s Cecily is equally sensible and headstrong if just a bit less regal. When these two spirited dames face off against each other, sparks fly with wonderful abandon as they use words as epees in point/counterpoint repartee. One can imagine them both, and particularly Gibson (who, according to her bio, has performed in several stage productions while living in South Korea and filmed two comRhonda Gibson & Kew Mason mercials in The Importance of Being Earnest which appear within (Photo by Paul Wood Photography) the Republic of Georgia!), as heroines in Restora- nominated for an Ambie Award for his tion or Shakespearean comedies, say, performance as Che in Evita. This is Olivia (Gibson) and Viola (Mason) in an assuredly staged, well-paced production. Twelfth Night. Johnson miscalculates in only a While Gibson, like other members of the cast, should rely more on her few instances as when he has the inner talents and less on her eyebrows butler Merriman (here rendered as to convey certain emotions, she and Trudy, the maid) read Cecily’s diary Mason nail the Wildean style without when its owner is just a few feet away; ever forsaking the substance of their not only would no maid do this in the presence of her mistress but, while it characters. That Director Larry Johnson, Jr. got some laughs, it upstaged the other did get his cast to affect the appropriate actors. On the other hand, in the muffin style is no small achievement, yet to scene, Johnson violates every stage

rule by having Brewer and Brisini speak with full mouths, but it’s quite funny. In addition to Gibson and Mason, the women, including Beth Harris as the dithery governess Miss Prism and Barbara Arseneaux as the imperious Lady Bracknell, tend to be stronger than their male counterparts. At the performance I attended, however, Arseneaux was not yet in full command of her lines; normally I would overlook this but for a character as domineering as Bracknell such a slipup is especially noticeable. Let’s hope that by the time you’re reading this, Arseneaux will have corrected this as she was otherwise fine. If Brisini makes a passably decent Jack Worthing, Brewer, despite an “A” for effort, is miscast as, at this stage, he’s simply too young for his role. Algernon needs to be about 25; Brewer registers as 20 at the most, and a youthful 20 at that. Algernon may be all about style but he takes his stylishness very seriously and Brewer lacked such gravitas to be entirely convincing. I do hope he returns to the role in, say, 10 years as the result could be quite satisfying. While I’m not sure of the necessity of another production of The Importance of Being Earnest, it’s always a pleasure to hear Wilde’s brilliant verbiage. In the future, however, if Slidell Little Theatre wants to do a comedy with shimmering dialog and subversive wit I hope they might consider works by such heirs of Wilde as Joe Orton, Nicky Silver, Harry Kondoleon, or even Edward Albee. Surely Slidell can handle them, yes?

Tiny Alice at Mid-City Arts Theatre

aving presented two outstanding shows already (Three Tall Women and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), Silk Dress Productions concluded its year-long examination of Edward Albee with that most mysterious of his plays Tiny Alice. The story is a seemingly simple one until the very end when things get wild. A Lawyer (Scott Michael Jefferson) approaches a Cardinal (Bob Edes, Jr.) with an offer from his employer Miss Alice (Jennifer Growden) of a billion dollar donation. The price (or is it prize?), seemingly, is Brother Julian (Ross Britz) a lay brother and assistant to the Cardinal who spent six years in an asylum questioning his belief in God. By the final curtain, one wonders who exactly the Lawyer, Miss Alice and her Butler (Doug Barden) really are. Along the way, we get: An existential conundrum with a metaphysical overlay (or a metaphysical conundrum with an existential overlay). Bitchy dialog. An intellectual mystery. Fate vs. chance. An indictment of churchly rapacity. Cat-and-mouse gamesmanship. Witty wordplay. Illusion vs. reality.

Naughty puns. Operatic intensity. It’s all there and if it occasionally gets a bit talky, well, Albee slyly acknowledges that too. Diana E.H. Shortes furnished beautifully modulated direction and heightened theatricality, and took her exemplary cast to the edge of overdoing it but reined things in before they ever became too campy. Along with the simple, spare but effective set of Sean Creel and lighting of Su Gonczy, she created the proper fever dream-like atmosphere. Affecting a slight British accent, Britz was all moral rectitude yet ultimately proved to be no match for forces stronger than himself, an innocent among wolves. Britz negotiated Julian’s hairpin turns between sanity and madness, saintliness and sinfulness with aplomb, and quickly got through long passages without ever losing their meaning. Britz’s youth (he’s 25, though reads a few years older on stage) gives an added layer of believability to Julian— so young, so uncorrupted. But the shortcoming, in contrast to older Julians, is that he still seems understandably malleable as opposed to a maturer man’s more deeply held beliefs which in turn lead to a game played for greater stakes. (I wonder how the 60-year-old John Geilgud played this role when he created it on Broadway.) The invaluable Edes was suitably pompous but allowed us to see his mind racing ahead of what was coming out of the Cardinal’s mouth. Emphasizing his words’ final consonants, a tight little smile flickered across Edes’ face when he landed an especially good verbal jab. Barden, a too underutilized actor in these parts, provided perfectly calibrated droll comic relief and slowly revealed himself to be more of a player in this tale than he at first seemed. Jefferson gave as good as he got as a lawyer you’d hate to have to face in court. Bravely showing Lawyer’s base, carnal side, he demonstrated that powerful men can easily be reduced to slobbering fools. Miss Alice, as Ben Brantley observed in The New York Times, is “the trickiest role. Unlike the other characters, she is both arch manipulator and manipulable instrument, and she has to be played simultaneously on several levels.” I’m not sure if Growden, a pleasingly unmannered actress, got all that, but she was both soignée and coquettish while also bringing out Alice’s erotic hauteur. As Artistic Director of Silk Dress Productions, however, Growden should be extremely proud of herself for giving New Orleans such a marvelous series of works. One hopes that Silk Dress will continue to explore other playwrights in depth with such illuminating results.

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J an. 31-Feb. 13, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM

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pensacola papar azzi

Good times @ The Other Side Brian serving it up at Emerald City