Ambush magazine volume 30 issue 14 by Ambush Publishing

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3

the "official" dish

inside

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

celebrazzi/new orleans on the prowl under the gaydar reVIEW: books, movies, cds pride paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans mobile, feature

Southern Decadence Press Party Set for July 13 at Bourbon Pub Parade

he Official Press Party has been set by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVIII Pat McArdle and TJ Conard for Friday, July 13, 79pm, at Bourbon Pub Parade, 801 Bourbon Street. The grand marshals will announce the "official" Southern Decadence song, sponsors and charity. They will also unveil the 2012 Southern Decadence Poster done by Grey Cross. Following the festivities SDGMs Pat and TJ will lead a Southern Decadence French Quarter Bar Crawl. This year's Southern Decadence theme is Peace, Love & Hope = Monkey Dance. The official colors are white, purple and silver. The 38th Southern Decadence Parade is on Sunday, September 2 celebrating the 41st anniversary of Southern Decadence. For additional information, visit SouthernDecadence.COM.

25th Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA) Gala Announcing the Winners Set for July 21 at Oz

he 25th annual Gay Appreciation Awards Top 5 Finalists have been selected by the readership of Ambush Mag (Top 5 Finalists on page 20). One of the finalist in each category is the winner which will be announced at the 25th GAA Gala on Saturday, July 21, 8-10pm, at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. VIP Tables with four seats are $200 and are very limited with only five still available. All proceeds benefit the William J. Fanning Foundation ,(Buzzy’s Boys & Girls). Since 1997, the gala has raised $42,672 for charity. Contact Rip Naquin for table sales at marsha@ripandmarsha.com or 504.522.8049. Door admission is $10. Regina Ann Adams will receive the coveted 25th Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the GAA Board of Directors Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, and Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence, the "Drag Ambassador" award is presented by Marsha Naquin-Delain. Entertainment for the GAA Gala will include production numbers from the Top 5 Finalists in the Show Bar of the Year category including Bourbon Pub Parade, JohnPaul's, Michael’s On The Park, Oz, and Tubby's Golden Lantern. The exciting duo of Lisa Beaumann and Teryl-Lynn Fox will emcee the affair. Sponsored by Ambush Mag, the awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the GLBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South. Visit AmbushMag.COM/GAA for additional information.

Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, Inc. Donates $10,000 to New Orleans Charities

riday Night Before Mardi Gras (FNBMG) has done it again! On June 25, 2012, FNBMG presented checks totaling $10,000 to eight local charities that serve the New Orleans area LGBT and HIV/AIDS communities. This year’s donation brings FNBMG’s total annual giving to over $160,000. The 2012 $10,000 gift was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the FNBMG Board of Directors and most of the recipient charities that helped FNBMG sell more than 7,000 raffle tickets during FNBMG’s 2nd annual FNBMG Mega-Raffle, which included 21 prizes worth a total of more than $3,500. Additional FNBMG charity dollars are derived from the proceeds of the FNBMG Extravaganzas held on the Friday night before Mardi Gras at the Audubon Tearoom. For more information on that totally over-the-top and fabulous event, please visit FridayNightBeforeMardiGras.COM. The 8 local charities that received checks from FNBMG are provided below along with the names of the representatives accepting the checks on behalf of the charities. NO/AIDS Task Force ($4,000) represented by Cheryl Grace; Project Lazarus ($1,500) represented by Kim Moss; Belle Reve (Shelter Resources) ($1,000) represented by Vicki Weeks; Gay Easter Parade 2013 ($1,000) represented by Marsha Naquin-Delain; PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) ($800) represented by Randy Trahan and Victor Andrews; Buzzy’s Boys & Girls

GAA Gala edition out July 17th DEADLINE: Tues., July 10th 6 8 10 14 16 18 22

mobile paparazzi 24 ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie 26 a community within communities 27 classifieds 28 trodding the boards 32 pensacola paparazzi 34 ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie 36

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com - William J. Fanning Foundation ($600) represented by Michael DesJardins, Todd Schurto and Inge Fink; New Orleans LGBT Community Center ($500) represented by Greg Vogel and Lindsay Hallam; New Orleans Pride ($600) was also a recipient, but its organization recipient was not available to receive the check. Any 501 c (3) organization dedicated to serving the LGBT community and especially those charities serving the HIV and AIDS community are invited to apply to FNBMG for financial grants. Application information and instructions are found on FNBMG’s official web site: FridayNightBeforeMardiGras.COM. The FNBMG Board of Directors thanks all individuals and organizations who again helped FNBMG realize another successful fund-raising year.

Esurance Offers Savings on Car Insurance for Same-Sex Domestic Partners

an Francisco - Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal car insurance company, announced that it is offering new car insurance savings to those in domestic partnerships and civil unions in 21 new states across the country. This gives committed same-sex couples the same savings opportunities as legally married couples. These drivers could save 10% or more on their Esurance car insurance premiums, though savings may vary depending on a number of pricing factors, including driving record, accident history, and vehicle.** While many car insurance companies offer savings for same-sex couples in states that have legally recognized civil unions, Esurance is going a step further. Now same-sex couples who live together in nearly all the states where Esurance does business can enjoy those same benefits, regardless of their state’s laws regarding same-sex partnerships. Esurance has offered similar car insurance savings for same-sex partners in California, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington for some time. Now, customers in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas,

Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin who want to take advantage of these savings or get a car insurance quote from Esurance can go to www.esurance.com or call 1-800ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262).

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 504.357.8440 paulmelancon_ambushmag@yahoo.com THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Blanche-Alabama Devin, Tony Leggio, Kyler Landry, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-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

4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 5

celebrazzi

ride Grand Marshals XXXIII Matthew Birkhoff and Tony Leggio flank Honorary Pride Grand Marshal T-Pot at Bourbon Vieux’s Cocktails with Pride fundraiser kicking off Pride weekend. The three grand marshals led festivities celebrating New Orleans 33rd Pride June 18-24.

orner Pocket host and MC Barry Bareass presents Corner Pocket Sugar Daddy of the Year 2012 to Danny with his winning Sugar Baby Jonathan celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Corner Pocket in New Orleans, "where the boys are dancin' nightly on the bar."

Project Lazarus' Kim Moss accepts $1,500 from FNBMG's Petunia Hydro and Sam Stewart.

FNBMG's Craig Henry and Billy Henry present Gay Easter Parade 2013's Marsha Naquin-Delain with $1,000 for Food for Friends.

FNBMG's Lydia DeSoto and Christian Rountree present Belle Reve's Vicki Weeks with $1,000.

FNBMG's Ron Issler presents Buzzy’s Boys & Girls - William J. Fanning Foundation's Michael DesJardins, Todd Schurto and Inge Fink with $600.

riday Night Before Mardi Gras' (FNBMG) Ron Issler, vice-president Ed Potratz Chapman, treasurer Christian Rountree, Larry Gumpert, Mel Kossover, president Billy Henry, Judy Kossover, legal advisor Glenn Reames, secretary Sam Stewart, Lydia DeSoto, and Petunia Hydro present $10,000 to eight charities, the beneficiaries from the 13th Extravaganza hosted at the Audubon Tea Room. This year’s donation brings FNBMG’s total annual giving to over $160,000. For more information, visit FridayNightBeforeMardiGras.COM. Members not pictured include Larry Anderson, Stephan Carlson, Marshall Fisher, Craig Henry, Stace McDonald, Guy Poche’, Ivan Sherman, Louis Wagenhauser, and David Wood.

FNBMG's Mel and Judy Kossover present NO/AIDS Task Force's Cheryl Grace with $4,000. (left) Pride flags now welcome visitors and locals alike to the French Quarter once again from Toulouse to Esplanade on N. Rampart Street, courtesy of the Rainbow Flag Project.

PFLAG's Randy Trahan and Victor Andrews accept $800 from FNBMG's Sam Stewart and Glenn Reames. No representative was present to accept $600 for New Orleans Pride.

FNBMG's Petunia Hydro presents New Orleans LGBT Community Center's Greg Vogel and Lindsay Hallam with $500.

6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 7

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

Gay Softball in New Orleans

n the Prowl after a brief hiatus is resuming its exploration of all things that are interesting and or hot among the bear, leather, drag, and bar communities in the South, and especially in the French Quarter. One recent Sunday this author was having a drink at the 700 Club on Burgundy Street in the Quarter when he overheard a slim athletic looking young man sitting at the bar talking to another, about how his team had “slain” the other team they had played that day. Recognizing a familiar athletic competitiveness and the fact that it was Spring, I asked: “Are you talking about baseball?” He stated, “It's slow pitch softball.” I was sitting next to Jon, who bartends there but who had the day off, and asked him about it. “It’s gay softball, we have a league and there are 10 teams sponsored by various businesses and individuals. My partner is captain of our team and during the season we play every Sunday in City Park at two of the restored baseball fields there.” Three of my favorite things conspired to find me the very next Sunday at City Park, and those three things are baseball, gay men, and beer. While there are many participants and contributors, there is a single individual who deserves a lot of credit for the vision he has had and the leadership he has provided to the development of the teams and the league. That man is Mark Boline. He is originally from Houston and relocated here permanently after Katrina in a desire to help rebuild the city and he is a real estate consultant and agent. “Six years ago, I started to look around and see if there were any soft-

ball teams organized in the area and at that time for the city Parks and Recreation was at the bottom of the priorities, the cities actual survival came first. I had been captain of a team in Houston and twice attended with Gay Softball World Series with my team so I had a background in this before moving permanently to New Orleans.” He talked about the challenges five years ago: “It was such a difficult and chaotic time and there was so much that needed to be done. I contacted NAGAAA, (The North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, founded in 1977 which now has over 700 teams and 44 leagues between the US and Canada) and they were very excited to be talking because no one from New Orleans had ever called on them about membership. I went to their winter meeting that year and got all the info needed to form leagues, but there were no softball fields available to play on.” He talked about the challenges: “We had a group of about 40 people, it was really the opposite of THE FIELD OF DREAMS, "If you build it, they will come." Well we had to go at it the other way, "If you come forward they will build it." We started recruiting more members even when we had nowhere to play. The City Park folks had planned on turning the four baseball fields into a golf course. It did not look promising. We held a mixer in 2009 and fifty people came, started the website and kept working with the park. It took two years before we played our first game. We have a great relationship with City Park, we raised over $25,000 and they have fully restored two fields where we now play.” He recounted the recent history and rapid growth of the leagues: “In 2010 we had four teams and we had a

great season. In 2011 we had 8 teams and were voted in as the 39th League and New Orleans joined NAGAAA that year. We sent two teams to the Gay Softball World Series, and it’s rare to have two teams go to the world series their first year.” He talked about his marketing director and tournament director Roy LeCompte: “Roy has been instrumental and a major partner in growing the league. He maintains our website at NOLASoftball.COM and is the tournament director for our yearly tournament in December in LaSalle Park in Metairie. We are the fastest growing league in NAGAAA.” This year the league wrapped up its season and has four teams including Baby Batters, Hit Dats, Hurricanes, and Master Batters, headed to the Gay World Series in Minneapolis, Minnesota this year starting August 13. The League grew to ten teams and over 200 members. “It’s just incredible that we have four teams headed to the World Series.” We talked about who can play and join.

Baby Batters

Hit Dats

“We, in the New Orleans tradition, do not ask people about their sexuality, we don’t care. All we care about is that they want to play softball. You have to be 18 years old to play, and everyone is welcome. The league is open to all skill levels from total beginner to advanced player. You don’t have to have ever played softball to join a team. If you are new to the sport, we will train and mentor you to improve your skills. This is unlike any other event, and joining a team is a very rewarding experience. You get to meet people in a non bar environment and compete with other LBGT teams while enjoying a sport.” I asked him why he thought that New Orleans Softball had grown so quickly. “I think part of it is that we have an

[continued on 14]

Hurricanes

Master Batters

8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 9

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

Bartender of the Month

veryone knows that personality plays a vital role in a bartender’s success. In the gay community that ranges from the cute, sweet and innocent to the gruff, bitchy and jaded, plus a spectrum of all those who fall in between those two polar points. I personally have a guilty favorite that always seems to catch my eye. The bad boy persona has intrigued me ever since I came out. Now please note there is a huge difference between bad boy and rough trade. Basically I like a guy who gives the illusion of danger, not one that carries a shovel. My bartender choice for the month of July is probably one of the hottest guys behind the bar in this city. The one word that always comes to mind when I think of Adrian at the Oz is smoldering. He resembles the Bill Compton character from True Blood, and oozes sex appeal. I know that sounds very shallow, but I am sorry it is true. Laden with tattoos in all the right places, Adrian’s body is like a work of art. It is like one of those masterpieces in a museum that is beautiful to look at, but unfortunately security would be on you like white on rice if you stepped pass the velvet rope (or bar) and touched. His is the right mixture of sensuality with a bad boy attitude. And a smile that can set even the most hardened heart a flutter.

Bartender Adrian, Oz But beyond the physical, which is amazing if I have not said it enough. Adrian is a professional to the core. He is personable, attentive and can handle a crowded bar making him very popular among locals and tourists alike. He makes it a point to not only recognize regular patrons but makes newcomers feel welcome. Recently I was showing some out of town clients the local gay bar scene and not only did Adrian go out of his way to make them feel important, he helped me literally sell the city. They decided to choose New Orleans

for their convention over another destination and cited how wonderful they were treated by everyone they met. People do not realize how much power bartenders wield in making someone’s visit to a bar special. I have these gay friends who make it a point to go to this one bartender at the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar each time they vacation here. They have formed a bond with him, and now they are like old friends. That is how Adrian makes Oz patrons feel, like a he has known them for years. And like Martha Stewart says, that is a good thing. So stop by Oz at 800 Bourbon Street and say hi to Adrian. And let me know how high he ranks on your hot bad boy meter.

Movie Review: Vito

ver Pride week, the New Orleans Film Festival and New Orleans Pride presented Vito: The Life of Gay Activist Vito Russo. This HBO documentary by Jeffrey Schwarz should be required viewing by every gay person under the age of 40. I hate to admit, I had no clue who Vito Russo even was until after seeing this film. It was probably one of the most enlightening and moving documentaries about the gay lifestyle and culture I have ever seen. The synopsis of the movie is as follows. On June 27, 1969, a police raid on a Greenwich Village gay bar called the Stonewall took a surprising turn when patrons decided it was time to fight back. As a riot erupted on Christopher Street, a new era in the Gay Rights Movement was born. Vito Russo, a 23-year-old film student, was among the crowd. Over the next twenty years until his death from AIDS in 1990, Vito would go on to become one of the most outspoken and inspiring activists in the LGBT community’s fight for equal rights. He was a pivotal part of three well-known organizations during their formative years: GAA (Gay Activists Alliance), which staged subversive works of protest performance art to secure rights and dignity for all gay people; GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), formed to ensure that media representation of gays and lesbians was accurate; and ACT UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power), a guerilla activist group that turned the fury over President Reagan’s refusal to do anything about AIDS into a series of highly telegenic acts of civil disobedience. In the midst of his commitment to activism, Vito was also a prolific writer. His seminal book The Celluloid Closet explored the ways in

which gays and lesbians were portrayed on film, what lessons those characters taught gay and straight audiences, and how those negative images were at the root of society’s homophobia. Even before the book was published, Vito was taking The Celluloid Closet on the road, traveling to gay film festivals and college campuses for an entertaining and informative lecture-slash-clip show that intertwined Vito’s love of show business and radical gay politics. He continued writing, lecturing, speaking out and acting up until just months before his death. I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this movie. It was funny, informative and poignant. Being a movie buff, I especially loved the references to his now famous book, The Celluloid Closet. In fact, I have added it to my must read list, so be on the lookout for my review in one of the coming months. I know it is not available yet on Netflix, but add this documentary to your list. In fact, invite as many of your gay friends over for a movie night. This is definitely a must see picture.

Satyricon Says I Do!

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is presenting another opening night performance of a funny and topical show that is very relevant at the moment. On Thursday, July 12, make it a point to come support the krewe as they host the premiere of Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church. Break the Mold Productions is proud to present the regional premiere of this evening of short plays, conceived by Brian Schnipper that will unite an A-list of Pultizer Prize, Emmy and Tony winning authors with a stellar roster of New Orleans award-winning actors and directors. Be there as they offer their unique takes on the moments before, during and after “I do.” Witty, warm, poignant and occasionally wacky, these plays are vows to the blessings of equality, the universal challenges of relationships and the often hilarious power of love. Standing on Ceremony will be presented in situ, in the sanctuary at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church. Father Bill Terry, rector of St. Anna’s, gave his blessing to this venture and its message of marriage equality. “It is time that we take a fresh and inclusive look at life long promises and how they play out in our lives and loves. St. Anna’s is a church for all people and we are excited to offer our space for the exciting production.” The cast includes: Jeff Mallon, Karen Shields, Diana Shortez, Veronica Russell, Doug Mundy, Ben Carbo, Nelson Gonzales, Derrick Stevens and Rebecca Meyers. Directed by Glenn Meche, Frederick Mead and Karen

Shields. Tickets are $20 and showtime is at 8pm. St. Anna’s Church is located at 1313 Esplanade Avenue. For more information or tickets, call 504.415.6476. If you cannot see the play on the 12th, they also have performances on the 13, 14, 20 and 21st at the same time. But here is a secret, there is going to be a special guest celebrity cameo appearing in the show on the 12th, so make sure you come out to that one. To buy tickets for one of those nights go to http:// standingonceremony.eventbrite.com.

Let Them Eat Cake!

t is a very busy month for the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon as they celebrate Bastille Day with an outlandish costume and dessert party. On Saturday, July 14 (actually Bastille Day), the krewe is throwing an over the top soiree from 7-10pm filled with drag performances, music and special guest entertainer Trixie Minx. Tickets are $15 and with that you get a dessert buffet, great entertainment and two glasses of champagne. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a costume contest for best Marie Antoinette and most original outfit. So come out to see who might be beheaded by the end of the night. For tickets to this night of sweet revelry, call 504.415.6476. The party is located at 535 Marigny Street directly across from the Friendly Bar at the corner of Chartres and Marigny.

Anything Goes for Armeinius!

he Krewe of Armeinius is hosting another opening night premier at Tulane Summer Lyric on Wednesday, July 11 at 8pm. The beloved Broadway musical Anything Goes is being presented in grand glory with a stellar cast. Tickets are $35 and the theatre is located at Dixon Hall on Tulane’s Campus. For information or to buy tickets, go to www.kreweofarmeinius.org.

Cool Off With Amon-Ra

mon-Ra is having another one of their fabulous events on Sunday, July 15 from 46pm at the Lion’s Inn. This time it is a sexy swim party. Come join all the queens, divas and studs as they relax in a tropical oasis. Tickets are $10. The Lion’s Inn is located at 2517 Chartres Street. For more information, go to www.kreweofamonra.com.

10 Years of Waiting Around

remember when this show first came to the New Orleans stage. I thought it was truly one of the best productions I had seen. And it [continued on 12]

10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 11

under the gaydar ...from 10 contains one of my favorite tracks which is the title of the musical. Waiting Around (the Restaurant Musical), the show that depicts life in the service industry, returns to celebrate its tenyear anniversary on July 23 at The Allways Lounge and Theatre. The show will run on Mondays at 8pm, through August 27. “Waiting Around” was first seen at Le Chat Noir, where it premiered in 2002. It played off-Broadway at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC, has had two productions in Delaware, and was presented last summer at Allways, as well as in Lockport, at the Bayou Playhouse. Composer and Musical Director Harry Mayronne is presenting the show along with original cast member Chris Wecklein, who returns as a performer. Other returning cast members include Tracey E. Collins, Jason Kirkpatrick, and Darcy Malone. Book and lyrics are by Ricky Graham. Direction and choreography are by Amanda Zirkenbach. Lighting by Su Gonczy. Costumes by Cecile Casey Covert. Set design by James Jennings. The Allways Lounge and Theatre is located at 2240 St. Claude Ave. New Orleans. Tickets are $20 (Available online at show’s website) or limited $15 rush tickets at box office 30 minutes prior to performance. For more information, go to www.WaitingAroundTheMusical.com.

Party Down

cannot begin to tell you how much of a whirlwind the last two weeks have been for me. I am looking forward to the lazy days of summer, but as of yet, they have not happened. The two weeks leading up to Pride were action packed. So buckle up and enjoy. On Monday, I went to the Voice of Pride preliminaries at JohnPaul’s. It was a small crowd, but we managed to have three contestants, with Brad winning the coveted spot for the bar. The following day, I went to Good Friends for the second preliminary, which pulled four participants. In the end hottie Chad Robin won the night. And, for the record, he can sing as good as he looks. Talk about a triple threat, looks, great personality and an amazing singing voice. He can sing me a lullaby any night. On Thursday, I started my night early with dinner with my family in suburbia Metairie then traveled to 4 Seasons for another VOP prelim in which the lovely Hannah won. On Friday, I went to a retirement party at the Monteleone, then off to the Allways Lounge for the VOP prelim. There was only three people entered that night and the winner was Michelle from the Country Club who just stumbled in with her sister for a cocktail and thought she would support the cause. It goes to show you that surprises can happen at

every corner. She walked in for a drink and came out a winner. Later that evening, I changed outfits to a flashy disco ensemble complete with my sash and platform shoes. I went to Oz, where Persana Shoulders and Tommy Elias had a divine Meet and Greet event for Matthew and I. TJ, one of our new Southern Decadence Grand Marshals, was in attendance. His restaurant, Quartermaster, provided the scrumptious food for the event. What an unforgettable night everyone had as we danced the hours away and did some potent Ketel One shots. I have to take this moment out to thank Ketel One who was one of the Pride sponsors and who made the events a lot more fun with their fabulous liquor. There is nothing more pleasurable than a night out in costume with friends celebrating, drinking and dancing. I thought my nights this week were crazy, but nothing prepared me for the marathon evening I had on Saturday. First I went to Petronius’ Cooking with the Queens at the New Orleans School of Cooking. This fundraiser is only three years old, but has become one of my favorites. The krewe hosts an evening of great food as Princesse Stephaney and Bootsie DeVille aided in preparing corn and crab bisque, jambalaya and pralines. The wine flowed and the food was mouthwatering. What a great way to start my night off. Then I traveled to the Pub for AmonRa’s Prom Night, which is a noteworthy moneymaker for the krewe. I had an absolute blast when I became Prom King in 2009, so they had me hooked then. People vie for the coveted titles of Prom King and Queen by collecting monies for the krewe. The person with the most money wins, and this also includes doing a number, which is always a hoot. There was food and lots of great people. Afterwards, I joined David and Ronnie (the titillating Rhonda Roget) to a fantastic birthday party for Randy Weaver in one of the most gorgeous courtyards I have ever been in on Barracks Street. This was literally a who’s who of Quarter residents and I saw so many people I had not talked to in a while. Randy definitely celebrated in style at this milestone birthday. One of the coolest ideas I want to steal for one of my parties was the shower curtain he hung at the front of the party as his register book. As guests entered, there were several colored markers for them to right special messages to Randy. What a cute idea. Finishing my rounds in the Quarter, I made my way to the Marigny where I went to the La Familia show at JohnPaul’s. I have to say that Misti Ates does a superior job at bringing together diverse acts to create her stage shows. In my opinion, she is one of the hardest working performers in the gay community other than

Princesse Stephaney. I would not be surprised if they do not start doing openings for new grocery stores and the festival circuit. I can already see Princesse at the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival. My last stop of the night was certainly my most scandalous as I went to the “Who’s Your Daddy” contest for the Lords of Leather at the Phoenix. Gary Vandeventer is always great on the mic, as he had an array of hot men strutting their stuff for all to see. These guys at the Lords know how to throw a party, lots of liquor, scantily clad real men (not boys, nary a twink to be seen), and just a hint of raunchiness to make you feel dirty inside (but a good dirty). Going to one of their parties is like attending a college shindig when you are a freshman in high school, you know it seems wrong, but there is something telling you that soon, it will all make sense and you will love it. After surviving the previous night (barely), I went to the final VOP preliminary at Michael's On The Park. Frederick Mead won this round. And except for the ones at Billy’s and LAX, I had been to five out of the seven. I have to commend both Rikkie Gee and DJ P; they made all these events amusing and fast paced. I can see why they are the karaoke kings (or queens). Then I had to take some clients to dinner at Muriel’s, which by the way, still remains one of my favorite restaurants in the city, both in food and service. On Monday, I went to the movie premier of Vito put on by Pride and the New Orleans Film Festival. It was an incredible show and one that should be viewed by all gay people (read review in column). Tuesday, I went to the opening of the Hyatt French Quarter property which was formerly the Chateau Sonesta. Their renovation has completely transformed the hotel, you need to check it out, especially their new bar area. After, I went to Pride Family Night at the Sun Ray Grill in the Warehouse District. A portion of all the proceeds raised that night went to Pride and the place was packed. This was positively one of my more popular events, because I had a relaxing evening chatting with friends over great food and drink, while visiting with the other patrons. The food was impeccable and the service was lively; the wait staff seemed to be having just as much fun as we were. A special thanks goes out to Senior Manager Mary Lee Harris who made this event happen. I had two theatrical premieres this week to attend, the first was on Wednesday for Sunset Boulevard hosted by the Krewe of Armeinius at Tulane University and the second one on Thursday was Satyricon’s premiere of Running With Scissors show An Alien Home Companion & The Titanic Comedy Hour at Allways Lounge. Both were very different shows, but great productions worth

seeing. Also on Thursday, I attended a book signing for Pride of Steve Patrick’s new book The Mysteries of the Ripper at Freddie Guess Studio. I cannot wait to read it, so be on the lookout for my review soon. On Friday, my friend Valerie and the entire staff at the Bourbon Vieux hosted Cocktails with Pride for Matthew and me. It was an evening of merriment, great Ketel One drinks, Miller Beer (who is also another one of our top sponsors), and amazing food. It was a magical night and we raised lots for money for the organization. After our group was invited over to see Chris Owens show, which if you haven’t been is pure energy and stunning to watch this living legend perform. She has more vitality at her age than most people have in their twenties. Then, I went to meet back up with Matthew at the Pub for the Strip Off contest that I was asked to judge. Afterwards I bounced all over the Quarter until my chariot turned into a pumpkin and had to return home. Saturday is emblazoned on my memory banks as one of the best days of my life from start to finish. The park had nice crowds and there was great camaraderie amongst the people there. I was one of the judges for the Voice of Pride finals in which the talented Hannah won. But the magical moment was when I boarded that float and Matt, Celebrity Grand Marshal T-Pot from B97, Princesse Stephaney, my friend Dwayne, Starr Alexander, Aubrey Sinclaire, Mark Callahan and myself rolled through the streets of the French Quarter stopping at all the Gay Bars and toasting them for all of their support over the year. Thank you Ambush Magazine for hosting a parade viewing party, your generosity to the community is very much appreciated. So after the parade, I made a cameo appearance at the Ambush balcony; then went to the Pub and JohnPaul’s. JP, my speedy pedicab driver, whisked me around all evening, with my final stop of the night being Allways Lounge for the Roux La La Pride show. Talk about the ladies being out in droves. Misti was the emcee of this interesting show that blended eye catching acts with sexy dancing. This was the first time I’ve seen one of their shows and it was quite captivating. Sunday, my body was ready to give out, but I mustered the strength to go to meet Ronnie and David for lunch at the always popular Café Amelie. After a few champagne cocktails, we moseyed over to Ambush’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration on their balcony. I love a party filled with queens rejoicing and paying homage to the ultimate Queen. Rip and Marsha, thank you for an incredible weekend of events. After the festivities, I went to a quiet dinner with some friends at Albert Carrey’s exquisite condo in the Ware[continued on 14]

12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13

reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

ovie musicals have come a long way since THE JAZZ SINGER was released in 1927. It featured Al Jolson singing such ditties as “Toot, Toot, Tootsie”, “My Mammy” and “Blue Skies”. Parts of that film were still silent. Musicals progressed through the Golden Age of MGM with such stars as Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Ann Miller, and Mickey Rooney. Movies were used as an escape and theaters were some of the first buildings to be air-conditioned. Hollywood finally met Broadway. Broadway shows such as WEST SIDE STORY, THE MUSIC MAN, MY FAIR LADY, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC were brought to the silver screen. In the fifties we had all those cheesy beach movies and then there was Elvis Presley, perhaps the start of the rock and roll musical. The seventies brought us GREASE, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, THE WIZ, and THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. The eighties featured THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS, and THE ROSE. Since then we have favorites such as MOULIN ROUGE, CHICAGO, RENT, FAME and DREAMGIRLS to mention a few. Along the way the genre of rock and roll musicals appeared. Some were about groups, A HARD DAYS NIGHT and HELP about the Beatles. GIMME

on the prowl ...from 8 incredible board of directors working together in a volunteer basis to organize and grow our league. We have great sponsors for teams and for our annual events.” He continued: “Also we have an active membership of over 200 folks from all over Louisiana. We have people come from Alexandria, Hammond, and all over to play during our season each Sunday.” “This fall we sponsor Fall Ball and folks can come out and register for a team and watch or play. The first weekend in December we have 50 Teams from all over the country registered to play at LaSalle Park for our Bourbon Street Classic, and there is no charge for attending the games. Everyone is welcome to watch the games and there is no charge to attend. If you are interested in volunteering, playing on a team, or becoming a sponsor, check out our website at NolaSoftball.COM. Well it looks like America’s favorite pass time is alive and well in New Orleans, thanks to the national organization and to the LBGT community and the great sponsors who contribute to the effort. It looks like 2013 will be a continuation of this rapidly expanding all volunteer sporting activity.

SHELTER and SHINE A LIGHT about The Rolling Stones. THE LAST WALTZ about The Band. DON’T LOOK BACK about Bob Dylan. PURPLE RAIN about Prince. STOP MAKING SENSE about The Talking Heads. And then there was the rock musical that was just a rock musical. Movies like HAIR, FOOTLOOSE, CRY BABY, HAIRSPRAY, and ROCK OF AGES. ROCK OF AGES is a new starstudded musical directed by Adam Shankman (HAIRSPRAY). It is a campy, over the top look at the L.A. music scene in the mid-eighties. Suspend your belief system when you buy your ticket. Don’t let the first 15 minutes creep you out, once that bus from Oklahoma gets to Los Angeles things start to happen. In her first 30 minutes in town, Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) has her suitcase stolen, gets a job at the The Bourbon Room, and meets her boyfriend. But let me digress a bit. ROCK OF AGES is a boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back story. It is so much more. It is set on the Sunset Strip in the mid-eighties. The Bourbon Room is modeled on the Whiskey a Go Go, a notorious rock and roll club. It featured groups such as The Doors, Van Morrison and later on The Police and Blondie, to name but a few. Let me introduce to some of the characters in this movie. You have Drew Boley (Diego Boneta), a barback at the Bourbon and love interest to Sherrie Christian, the new girl in town from Oklahoma. There is Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin), owner of the financially challenged Bourbon Room that is managed by Lonny Barrett (Russell Brand). There is Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise), lead singer for Arsenal. This character is loosely based on a cross between Slash and Axl Rose of Guns and Roses. There is Paul Gill (Paul Giamatti), Stacee’s not-so-honest manager. There is Constance (Malin Akerman), a Rolling Stone reporter. You have Bryan Cranston (Mike Whitmore, the Mayor of Los Angeles) and his lovely wife Patricia (Catherine Zeta-Jones), two people with no morals. Also in a leading role is Mary J. Blige as Justice Charlier, the owner of the Venus Club, a woman with a heart of gold. In short Dennis and Lonny are trying to pay off taxes with Arsenal’s final show before Stacee goes solo. Drew has his own band, Wolfgang Von Colt, that ends up opening for Arsenal. Constance has trouble interviewing

Stacee for Rolling Stone because he is such a mess. Drew sees Sherrie coming out of Stacee’s dressing room and jumps to all the wrong conclusions, which makes him give the performance of his life. Add to this the Mayors wife who is leading the charge to shut down the Bourbon Room and ruin Stacee’s career. Stacee’s manager makes off with the money. But the tide turns. It turns out the Mayors wife used to be a groupie for Arsenal and Stacee so she is exposed as a fraud, as is the Mayor. Drew ends up with Sherrie. Stacee cleans up his act and ends up with Constance, the RS reporter. Dennis ends up with Lonny, go figure. All of this over-the-top movie is set to the music of Bon Jovi, Gun’s and Roses, Def Leppard, Foreigner, Poison, Pat Benetar, Twisted Sister, and REO Speedwagon. It is pure camp, something the Eighties was well known for. Russell Brand seems normal it is so out there. ROCK OF AGES is camp. A hoot. An afternoon or evening of laughs. Plus you get to experience all that hairmetal again.

under the gaydar ...from 12 house District. A relaxing evening with friends was just what I needed after all the craziness of the past few weeks. So now that Pride is over, Fourth of July, Essence and Southern Decadence is right around the corner. Keep cool and have a great summer.

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom

have always thought of myself as venturesome and self assured. But even the best of us can find ourselves in a rut. We find a comfort zone that leads to complacency. Recently, something bad, not earth shattering but very upsetting, happened to me, that changed my attitude. I realized that the saying is true; life is too short to sit on the sidelines and watch the parade pass you by. So I did something about it, I asked the universe for an adventure and I got just that. I never dreamed I would be Gay Pride Grand Marshal, and that is just what happened. And it has been one hell of a ride, from the moment I was announced at the Hotel Monteleone to all the events over the past weekend. I have heard people complain about Pride and what is wrong with it, but I would like to tell you what is right about it. I would like to start by saying that I have met some marvelous people that are in our community that I never would have crossed paths with if not for doing this. I got to hear some great singers (and some not so great ones) at the Voice of Pride preliminaries. I emceed shows, did numbers in crazy costumes, auctioned off raffle prizes, helped with a garage sale,

hosted parties, book signings and movie premiers. I got to ride on a float down Bourbon Street, which like riding on a carriage in the Easter Parade has got to rank up there as one of the coolest things I have ever done. I got to know my wonderful co-grand marshal, the vivacious Matt Birkhoff, better. And, thanks to him, judged many of the Pub’s sexy Friday night strip offs. But most of all, this honor made me appreciate life and gave me a new outlook, a fresh thankfulness to all the good things it has to offer. I made my wish a reality. There will always be people who say negative things about you, treat you poorly or even betray your friendship. But it was not until Saturday when I was on the float going down Bourbon Street and spotted my ex-friend who had been so horrible to me over the past two months filming me on the float with his camera phone, that suddenly things became so very crystal clear to me. At first I was slightly upset, only imagining the nasty comments he was making about me to the person he sent it to. But like a light bulb going off in my head, only I have the power to let him hurt me. Him and his drama is so last month, and with that I found peace to let go of the anger and pain. Then I smiled decided that is he wanted to film, let him go right ahead. I was living my life on a float in the middle of a Gay Pride Parade on Bourbon Street with no apologies and having a ball. And he was literally and figuratively, watching the parade pass him by. So I would like to thank all those people who made this reign as Grand Marshal of Pride a memorable experience. First the entire board of Pride, my co-grand marshal Matt, my sponsors Miller Lite and Ketel One, Valerie and the staff at Bourbon Vieux for the great cocktail reception, Rikki Gee and DJ P for making the Voice of Pride prelims fun, Persana Shoulders and Tommy Elias for the superb meet and greet at Oz, Michael Elias for donating the proceeds from his Sugar Daddy Contest to Pride, my dear friends Jeff Mallon, Nick Nevares, Laura Tennyson and Jeremy Smith for supporting me at whatever crazy event I drag them to, Rip and Marsha at Ambush for hosting a parade viewing party and a Sunday soiree, Dwayne for being my arm candy for almost all of the events and for a fun filled ride on Saturday, and most of all my mom, who taught that pride and strength comes from within, and you are never too old to live an adventure. I would also like to thank the gay community who came out and cheered us on, we appreciate you so much. I know that there is probably many people I forgot to thank in my list, if I left your name or organization out, I am so sorry, let me know and I will catch you in the next issue. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15

paparazzi

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Pride Weekend led by 33rd Pride Grand Marshals Matthew Birkhoff & Tony Leggio ~ New Orleans

snap

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17

Princesse Stephaney & Bootsie DeVille host Petronius’ Cooking with the Queens

Darwin, Tiffany, Dusty, Nicole & Opal join Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Brunch @ Ambush Brad & Sam @ Petronius’ Cooking with the Queens

Frankie & gang greeting Bourbon St. @ Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Tony & Brad @ Petronius’ Cooking with the Queens

Newly crowned Amon-Ra Prom King & Queen Robert & Athena @ Bourbon Pub Parade

King & Queen Amon-Ra David & Barry with President Deja join Amon-Ra Prom "Pretty in Pink"

Blain & Dan do Amon-Ra Prom @ the Bourbon Pub Parade

Lord King Ed joins Who’s Your Daddy Contest @ the Phoenix

Lords’ Capt. Gary & Chase @ Lords’ Who’s Your Daddy Contest

snap paparazzi

Amon-Ra’s Deja & Petronius’ Bill @ Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Deep throat demonstration @ Petronius’ Cooking with the Queens

David & Rhonda @ Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Brunch

Celebrating in red @ Petronius’ Cooking with the Queens

Outgoing Prom Queen Michelle Tarmac-Jenkins & MC Tiffany Alexander hosting Amon-Ra's Prom King & Queen contest

Who’s Your Daddy Contest winner & Jose @ the Phoenix

Amon-Ra Prom brings sponsor French Quarter Suites Blake & Queen Amon-Ra Barry together

In for Lords of Leather’s Who’s Your Daddy Contest

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Petronius, Amon-Ra, Lords of Leather ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Arthur Severio

Pride GM Tony, Dwayne, Aubrey & Pride GM Matthew on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Reviewing Balcony @ Ambush Mansion

Lords of Leather’s Who’s Your Daddy Contestants @ the Phoenix

1 0 2 1 W. J u d g e P erez Pe

Ch a l m e t t e , L A 7 0 0 4 3 • Free Prescription Delivery • Direct Billing to Medicaid/Medicare • Private Insurance & Third-Party Payers • Billing Assistance • Competitive Pricing • Confidential, Personal, Professional Service

5 0 4 .2 7 9 .6 3 1 2 24 Hour Beeper : 5 0 4 .2 5 9 .8 0 6 1

A proven community leader in value and customer service! • We Deliver or ship to your home/office • We Accept Medicaid/Medicare Ro d n e y Cu l o t t a , RPh

OPEN

9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat.. Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

July 20-22: Prepared to get Lumberjacked! at Mobile Bleather Weekend 2012, Special Guest: Colt's Bob Hager

hat do lumberjacks wear in the heat of summer? Hopefully, not a lot! But you might learn the answer July 20-22 in Mobile, Alabama, when Mobile Bleather Weekend 2012 gets Lumberjacked! That’s the theme of this year’s annual gathering of the bear, leather and levi community, billed as “The South’s Premier Bear/Leather Event.” As always, Mobile’s gay bars have united behind the effort, as have Mobile’s host clubs, the Gulf Coast Bears and the Southern Renegades. Other clubs, such as New Orleans’ Lords of Leather, also play host. And turning up the heat at this year’s event will be special guest, Colt Studio’s own Bob Hager. Check him out on line and you’ll see why he’s a perfect match for this year’s Lumberjacked theme! Two highlights of the weekend are the 2012 Mr. Southern Renegade Contest and the Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest. The Mr. Southern Renegade competition is a levi/leather event, taking place Friday night at B-Bob’s in Mobile. Three past winners have continued on to receive the Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest title in New Orleans, and then competed at International Mr. Leather in Chicago. Among them are Mr. Rob Mills of Mobile (2011), Mr. Toby LeFort of New Orleans (2009) and Mr. John Cauley of Mobile (2008). As for the Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest, it’s an annual summer staple in Mobile, and the event from which Bleather Weekend was born. The Mr. GCB

Contest happens Saturday night at B-Bob’s, and has a reputation for the “unexpected”. This year, expect contestants to get wrapped up in the “Lumbear-jacked” theme. Last year’s winner? Mr. Kevin Patterson of Birmingham. Collections for South Alabama CARES, Mobile’s local HIV/AID help agency, will take place during both contests. Besides B-Bob’s, two Colt Studio’s own Bob Hager more Mobile hot spots participate in the weekend. Gabriel’s Downtown will host pre-contest cocktail parties, as well as a “Party Till Dawn” (PTD) celebration featuring, what else, “Bear-a-o-kee”. The Midtown Pub will host a “sausagefest” and a farewell brunch... as well as their Notorious Friday Night Black Party. The host hotel for Mobile Bleather Weekend 2012 is the new Hampton Inn and Suites in Downtown Mobile. For special rates, as well as a complete event guide and past event photos, visit the Bleather website at www.mobilebleatherweekend.com. There’s no run package to buy, no list to sign, no payment to make! Just show up in Mobile July 20-22, when the men takeover downtown Mobile! Supporters for Mobile Bleather Weekend 2012 include Bud Light, Barenjager, Bear Bones Clothing, Hampton Inn & Suites, B-Bob’s, Gabriels Downtown, The Midtown Pub, Southern Renegades, Gulf Coast Bears and Lords of Leather.

feature Ambush Celebrates New Orleans Pride with Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Balcony Bash; Pride Grand Marshals XXXIII Matthew Birkhoff & Tony Leggio feted @ Queen's Brunch

mbush Mag's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain hosted Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Balcony celebrating New Orleans Pride weekend. The Ambush Mansion balcony overlooking World famous Bourbon Street, boasted Union Jack bunting along with the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom (the flag flown when the Queen is in residence) direct from London on each end, and of course, Pride colors. First on Saturday, ten guests used the balcony as the reviewing stand for New Orleans Pride Parade which passed directly in front of the Ambush

Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Balcony Mansion. The parade was a colorful display of Pride from numerous organizations, all led by Pride Grand Marshals XXXIII Matthew Birkhoff and Tony Leggio, as well as Honorary Pride Grand Marshal T-Pot. Birkhoff is both a popular bartender and host at the Bourbon Pub Parade. Leggio is the event planner for Mardi Gras Productions, a popular columnist for Ambush Mag writing Under The Gaydar, Captain of the Krewe of Satyricon, a past Easter Grand Marshal, and now a member of the Gay Easter Parade Board of Directors. T-Pot hails from B97 Radio hosting Afternoon Swirl. On Sunday to close out Pride weekend, the Naquin[continued on 24]

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23

feature ...from 22 Delain's hosted the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Brunch which feted Pride Grand Marshals Matthew and Tony. Twentyfour guests were in for the occasion enjoying both the brunch with cocktails, inside the mansion and out on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Balcony.

Finest, Beautiful, Dropouts ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cie Anne & John

Mobile’s finest Jasyn Fowler as ZaZa in La Cage Aux Folles @ JJP

Miss Venus directing Judson Roll Tide with O’Brian @ B-Bob’s

mobile

New Orleans 33rd Pride Grand Marshals Matthew Birkhoff & Tony Leggio

Beauty School Dropouts with Order of Osiris @ Grease Jayme, Amanda & Maury @ B-Bob’s

papar azzi

Bacchus' beautiful bartender John & Matt

Going away party to Seattle with Jason

Mobile’s finest Jennifer Autry & guest

Miss Toni Dee @ B-Bob’s with Brother Timmy

The brunch prepared by the party hosts included Bayou TurDucKen Roll with Plantation Duck Gravy and Bette Davis Jezebel Sauce; Queen's Quail Eggs with Watercress Aioli; Creole Tomatoes, Louisiana Cucumbers and Red Bells with Chef Jay Loomis' (formerly of Petunias) famous Blu Cheese Dressing; Cheddar Log rolled in Louisiana Pecans, and Antoine's Cream Cheese King Cake.

Plaque Polishing Commerates 39th Anniversary of The Upstairs Fire

ourbon Pub Parade's Chuck Kee, Christopher Morton, and Steven Reigns clean and polish The Upstairs Fire memorial plaque closing out New Orleans Gay Pride 2012 on the 39th anniversary of the Upstairs Lounge Fire, June 14, 2012.

Hello Boys & Girl Bacchus Party with Ryan & Brandon

Jason Dottley (Sordid Live, Series) performing @ B-Bob’s with Jerry Ehlen & Eric Browne

Bacchus Patio Party with King Stevie, OOO

Tuesday Bingo Hostess & MC Jawackatema Davenport with special guest Miss Taylor Heart

The Upstairs Lounge at Iberville and Chartres Streets was the site of the deadliest fire in New Orleans’ history on June 24, 1973. Thirty-two victims [continued on 27]

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

ambush

papar azzi

Deja Deja-Vue joins Queens of Mardi Gras @ Michael’s On The Park

Coca Mesa in Oz’s Wednesday show

Bartender Kevin @ Kajun’s Pub Cougar Cabaret’s Tami Tarmac appearing @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Dusty Debris in Wednesday Show Night @ Oz

Monica Synclaire-Kennedy @ JohnPaul’s

Pretty in Pink Opal, Darwin & Darwin’s sister Michelle @ Bourbon Pub Parade

Don & Stan cocktailin’ @ Double Play

Queen Amon-Ra Sydney Williams stars in Queens of Mardi Gras @ Michael’s On The Park

Klorocks Bleachman in Les Femelles Fatale @ Michael’s On The Park

Otis & TJ welcome you to Green Burrito NOLA

Joshua Louis Carcabasis & Johnny Fradella join Lauren Brown in On The DL @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Lisa Beaumann shows off her ?? birthday legs on stage @ Oz

Catch Monalot Fontaine Wednesdays @ Oz

D Michael Stevens on stage @ JohnPaul’s

Matt & Hector finally make it to the Four!!!

Mjofnola Daron in Engender @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Dominique DeLorean & Angela Cross in On The DL @ 4 Seasons

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Ready for Your Close-up? ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Devin, Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed

Antonio behind the bar @ the Phoenix

Miss AIDS Awareness Mercedes Ellis Loreal on stage @ JohnPaul’s

a community within communities

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

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Peter 2:13-25 God’s gonna trouble the waters… The noted passage in 1 Peter, a part of the Christian Bible, is a text that has been used to justify slavery, justify the Divine Right of Kings, and to generally authorize violence against any oppressed person. Yet in part it reads: “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free [persons] but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the community of believers…” INDEPENDENCE DAY! The yoke of oppression for some was tossed off and the Western world was forever changed. The ideals of the founding fathers of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are no less true today as ideals as they were then. Ideals are funny things, they are not derived from simply “doing the right thing” they are something that goes beyond. Ideals, such as our founding ideals are indeed spiritual by their very nature. They demand a certain heart set rather than mind set. If this is true INDEPENDENCE and its vision is part of the spiritual realm as part of the working of humanity. So, in some way is the voice of early Christianity at odds with the quest for Independence? Is true Christianity the faith of the powerful worked out against oppressed humanity? Is ‘organized’ religion either the opied or the masses or the machine of mind and spirit control? It could be. But is it? And, does it have to be? Girls, it’s messy. Most religions do not start off to control and maintain control. Most religions organize truths, express them in orderly ways, and attempt to mold society around it’s expressed ideals. Somewhere along the line they become rigid and institutional. Then, they become inward looking and concerned about self preservation. When that happens the spirit is suppressed and ideal becomes symbolic rather than attainable. Then control enters the picture to complete the sad response to faith and deity. INDEPENDENCE DAY! In a sermon to about 20 young folks from Washington I was reminded that the Christian Ideal is not lost. It is sometime overwhelmed by extremes but it is not lost. 20 kids came from privileged homes to New Orleans IN THE SUMMER to help work with us to rebuild. Do you know names like Gutierrez, Sobrino, or Segundo? INDEPEN-

DENCE! Have you heard of Luther Place in Washington D.C. or Church of the Saviour in that same city? INDEPENDENCE! Mary McLeond Bethune, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day, Elisabether Schussler Fiorenza, INDEPENDENCE! These names or places each represent healthy religious responses to a broken world. You will find their names in such themes as Liberation Theology pushing back against powerful institutions including the church on behalf of Central and South American peasants. The Social Gospel Movement pushing back against prejudice, racism, and the marginalized. The Feminist – Womanist movement which seeks to eradicate sexism and to neutralize patriarchal structures so that all humans enjoy INDEPENDENCE! Look up some of these names. What you will find is a radical re-interpretation of what we have come to think of as the Gospel and Epistles of the Christian Bible. Look them up and see what some of them had to say. Very often they were suppressed by the very structures that taught and raised them up. Yet, there they stand, apart from that which seeks to self serve and in solidarity with Jesus and humanity in a real and practical way called “praxis.” So what was Peter prattling on about? He talks about slaves submitting to masters; he exhorts the people to “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men” (1 Peter 2:13) The seminal phrase often overlooked is “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” By word, example, by life and living among all people we make look foolish such things as hatred, anger, loathing, sexism, economic injustice. While Gandhi is credited with being the father of non-violent resistance, one can well make the case that indeed Peter is the great grandfather of social non-violent resistance. “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered he made not threats.” Neither did he go away, nor did he hide, nor did he capitulate, nor did he go into the closet, nor did he become invisible. The sound that beats down angry shouts the most is laughter; the thing that confounds the face of hatred the most is a kindly smile; the act that binds a neighborhood the most is walking it without guile; the engine of justice is holy anger worked out not in self righteousness but in right action. Right action is grounded completely and utterly in compassion. “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk...”

INDEPENDENCE DAY, celebrate with family, friends, neighbors, a nation for it is that ideal that remains alive and is played out. INDEPENDENCE means freedom from domination, hatred, and coercion. Independence does not mean the freedom to hate or oppress but rather freedom from hatred and oppression. It is precisely this idea and ideal that was first made true and real when the first nail was hammered in hard on the cross of Christ . . . let us make hatred foolish with a smile, an act of kindness, a sadness for disparity, and joy for those that walk in dignity and Independence.

the upstairs fire ...from 24 died, numerous individuals were injured. According to Ambush Mag Issue 14, 1998: "On Wednesday, June 24, 1998, members of the Gay and Gay friendly community meet together to remember and celebrate the lives of these victims. In 1973, only one member of the New Orleans’ clergy, The Rev. William Richardson of St. George’s Episcopal Church, was brave and GOD loving enough to immediately hold a service for the victims of this horriffic event and their families. Almost a week later, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church allowed Rev. Perry to hold a memorial service. In 1998, representatives from varied religions and Christian denominations took part in the Memorial Service held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Grand Ball Room. Gathering with the Gay community to celebrate the lives of those who perished were The Rev. Carole Cotton Winn, District Superintentant of the United Methodist Church, Senior Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn of Temple Sinai, Rev. Kay Thomas from Grace Fellowship in Christ Jesus, The Honorable Troy Carter, City Councilman, and thirty-two members of the New Orleans’ community who represented the thirty-two persons who died in the fire. The Rev. Troy Perry, founder of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, rushed to New Orleans in 1973 to assist with the healing of a community. Rev. Perry returned to New Orleans to speak at the Memorial Service. He also held television and radio interviews to address the questions of the events surrounding the fire and the place of the Christian church in the Gay community. New Orleans Councilman Troy Carter, District C, lead a Jazz Funeral to the site where flowers were placed for each of the 32 dead. A plaque will be placed at the site at a later time. (The plaque was dedicated on the 30th anniversary of the tragedy.) Organizers of the event, The Rev. Dexter Brecht, Pastor of New Orleans’ Vieux Carre Metropolitan Community Church and Toni J. P. Pizanie, Chair of The Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and

Transgender Issues, wish to thank those who supported the event. The Names to be Remembered! Partners, Joe William Bailey & Clarence Josephy McCloskey, Jr. perished together. McCloskey’s sisters and two neices attended the Memorial Service. His neice, Susan, represented McCloskey in the Jazz Funeral. Duane George “Mitch” Mitchell, assistance pastor at MCC, died trying to save his partner, Louis Horace Broussard. Mrs. Willie Inez Warren died with her sons, Eddie Hosea Warren and James Curtis Warren. Pastor of the MCC, Rev. William R. Larson, formerly a Methodist lay minister. Dr. Perry Lane Waters, Jr., a Jefferson Parish dentist. Several victims were his patients and were identified by his x-rays. Douglas Maxwell Williams Leon Richard Maples, a visitor from Florida. George Steven Matyi Larry Stratton Reginald Adams, Jr., MCC member, formerly a Jesuit Scholastic. Partner of entertainer Regina Adams. James Walls Hambrick Horace “Skip” Getchell, MCC member. Joseph Henry Adams Herbert Dean Cooley, Upstairs Lounge bartender and MCC member. Professional pianist, David Stuart Gary. Guy D. Anderson Luther Boggs Donald Walter Dunbar John Thomas Golding, Sr., member of MCC Pastor’s Advisory Group. Professional linguist, Adam Roland Fontenot, survived by Douglas “Buddy” Rasmussen, who led a group to safety. Gerald Hoyt Gordon Kenneth Paul Harrington, Federal Government employee. Glenn Richard “Dick” Green, Navy veteran. Robert “Bob” Lumpkin Four men were buried in Potter’s Field, Ferris LeBlanc, Unknown White Male, Unknown White Male, Unknown White Male, the City refused to release these bodies to the MCC for burial. The Names to be Thanked Corporate Sponsors: Ambush Mag; Ariodante; The Honorable Troy Carter, Councilman, District C; Crescent City Guest House; FM Books; Impact; NOPD; Perfect Presentations; Phylway Construction; Royal Sonesta Hotel; Royal Tobacconist; Vieux Carre Metropolitan Community Church Patrons: Dexter Brecht, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, Charles Garrison, Paul Killgore, Donald St. Pierre & Robert Turner, Toni J. P. Pizanie, Robert Udick Sponsors: Gulf Area Gender Alliance, Crystal Little; Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues"

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

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 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM

body rub downs New Orleans, LA [504] M-4-M erotic full body rub down. Very discreet and private. Strong hands and pleasing personality. Affordable, discounts for students and military. Harahan location. Chas 504.585.4684 [is14]

book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S NEW ORLEANS, 2441 Paris Rd., 270.9900

RT PA M A R

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

chiropractic

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques

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 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

Houma LA [985] THE DRAMA CLUB, 126 N. Hollywood, 580.2582 Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 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,

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., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1112]

circuit/events Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 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, Halloween 29, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 28, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 8-12, 2013, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, 14th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 24-27, 2013 Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM

counseling Lafayette, LA [337] COUNSELING/THERAPY, James Huval, MSW, LCSW - Psychotherapy for individuals and couples/sliding scale. Lafayette office location. Accepting new clients. Day/evening appointment times available/For more information: www.HuvalMSW.COM or 337.356.1343

employment New Orleans, LA [504] HELP WANTED - Cashier/backup needed at Club New Orleans. Drug test required. Submit application at 515 Toulouse St.

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

galleries 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] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416

hair salons 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

hardware New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465

insurance New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833 LIFE INSURANCE: As an independent agent, I can shop around and find you the best rate to fit your budget. Call Terry today at 504.444.1120. [is1412]

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

lodging/accommodations

504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2612]

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. [0712] 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. [0812] 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. MAISON DE MACARTY BED & BREAKFAST, 3820 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.267.1564, MaisonMacarty.COM, E-mail us at kurt@maisonmacarty.com. Luxury gay owned and operated bed and breakfast. 8 bedrooms with ensuite baths, pool, sun deck and beautiful courtyard. Sleep, eat and play at Maison de Macarty. Book it now! 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. [0113] 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

media

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

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, 1001 South Broad St., Suite 115, New Orleans, LA 70125, 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, 2443 Halsey Ave., New Orleans, LA 70114, 504.906.7990 Todd J. Blauvelt / Secretary,

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

krewe.of.satyricon@gmail.com, 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, 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. ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org 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] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455

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

real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] Latter & Blum INC/Realtors, STEVE RICHARDS, 712 Orleans @ Royal, French Quarter. Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, Email: SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM 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 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903 Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine, opening soon Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222 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 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, 561.8167

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com

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 MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052

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

websites OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, GayNewOrleans.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at Tulane’s Lupin Theater through July 8

or its 19th season, the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane has forsaken its usual two successive productions of Shakespearean works for a repertory format featuring Hamlet and Tom Stoppard’s cerebral tragicomedy Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead in which two of the Bard’s minor characters become leading players. This commendable programming gambit allows variant perspectives on what is arguably the greatest play in the English language and the modern classic that first brought Stoppard widespread acclaim. Because the Czech/ British playwright built his script upon those scenes in Hamlet in which Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear, audiences who see both productions have the delectable pleasure of seeing how the two works mesh with jigsaw puzzle-like precision. And the ability to use the same sets and costumes for each show must have offered a budget-saving approach in these financially-challenging times—a not unwise move for the NOSFT. All that would’ve been for nought, however, were the resulting productions not worthy ones. While I wish I could paraphrase Hamlet’s Osric and proclaim “Two hits, two very palpable hits!”, the reality is more “A qualified hit and a miss.” When I first heard that Dave Davis would be playing Hamlet, it gave me pause. An erudite professor of mine had once characterized Hamlet as “a 30-year-old fat boy” neither term of which describes Davis, a slim’n’trim recent Tulane graduate. Also, while Davis gave one of last year’s most outstanding performances in Tulane’s NYC-centric This Is Our Youth, in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, also at Tulane, Davis was emotionally compelling but sounded more Chalmette than Champagne. I had images of “Da king my fodda!” a la Tony Curtis. But, courtesy of a little googling, I discovered that Hamlet’s age has always been uncertain; he could be 16 or 20 or 36. So Davis is certainly age appropriate. And for Hamlet, all but the faintest wisp of a New Orleans accent has been banished from Davis’ utterance. His is a commanding account of one of dramatic literature’s most difficult roles. Just as Hamlet bids the Players, Davis “speaks his speeches trippingly on the tongue”, allowing each word to be heard and bringing a keen intelligence to every phrase. This is a Hamlet that goes from pouty to fevered, with Davis well-charting the ever-changing emotions of a young, conflicted man. Is he crazy?

Perhaps a little, but even at his most impetuous, Davis’ Hamlet seems to know what he’s doing even if he doesn’t always first contemplate the effect he’ll have. If Davis overplays some scenes a bit, it never seems out of place for this character who seems to employ a selfdramatizing sense of self-entitlement as befits a prince. His “Oh, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!” was a highlight, full of anguished bravado, the only individual passage to garner applause. Director Clare Moncrief has taken a modern dress approach, or at least an early 20th century one. This is a very crisp, clean and well-paced Hamlet despite, I believe, very little, if any, trimming of the text. While this does allow audiences to hear sections like Hamlet’s hauntingly existential speech in Act IV, iv (“How all occasions do inform against me...”) which I suspect are often cut, after a 75 minute first act which went by especially quickly, things did seem to run out of steam by the gravedigger scene and the energy that should accrue leading to the final moments was absent despite an excellent sword fight staged by Burton Tedesco. (Lest you think I was the only one who felt this way, I overheard a mother say to her teenage daughter on the way out, “It kinda seemed like it dragged,” which might’ve been a bit harsh. Having been forced by press deadlines to see the second performance of the run, I hope and expect that by now the play’s momentum will carry on to the final curtain.) While Moncrief has done an admirable job of making this difficult play accessible, especially to “Hamlet virgins”, one might’ve wished for a stronger directorial concept. Watching this Hamlet, I never felt any sense of revelation (as was the case with SFT’s Romeo and Juliet in 2006) or gleaned any new insights into the work. For all its famous passages, Hamlet is never as emotionally involving as, say, Macbeth or King Lear with their more propulsive storylines, and so invites directorial invention, e.g., Ethan Hawke’s cinematic version of twelve years ago reset in a contemporary corporate world. In this Hamlet, everything is very much on the level with subtext largely

absent. Thus when Hamlet discovers Claudius in the chapel, it’s clear that Hamlet refrains from killing the praying King to avoid sending his Stepfather’s soul to Heaven; what’s missing is the sense of Hamlet using this as an excuse for his own inaction. And though some productions have overdone the Oedipal references when Hamlet confronts Gertrude in her chamber, here the scene is straightforwardly accusatory. None of this is necessarily bad but one wishes there had been more. The players, in addition to Davis, certainly would have been up for it as this is among the best casts TSF has assembled. As Claudius, Danny Bowen is reminiscent of a some modern day big shot CEO who pushed the previous one out of office. Snide and patronizing, Bowen might still have added a touch of courtliness to his portrayal—after all, he is a king. As the Ghost of the dead King Hamlet, however, Bowen is excellent, fulfilling the opening scene’s sense of foreboding with a fiery vindictiveness that emanated from within his phantasmal presence. Martin Covert makes a perfect Polonius, all fatherly pomposity, dispensing “sage” advice that his children have clearly heard many times before. Jarrod Mims Smith as Hamlet’s best friend Horatio and P.J. McKinnie as Polonius’ son Laertes are both fine, and if Ashley Winston Nolan’s Gertrude is a bit shrill in that chamber scene, well, that’s kinda understandable when your son is blaming you for killing his father. Nysa Loudon fulfills the promise she first exhibited three years ago as a dewy Hero in Much Ado About Nothing with a superb Ophelia whose halting delicacy reveals fragile emotional depth. Loudon will soon depart for her freshman year at Emory University—I hope we haven’t seen the last of her. Cecile Casey Covert provided the very stylish costumes. On Diana Cupsa’s bare but abstractly painted stage, Martin Sachs’ lighting is appropriate but does not always define the space as well as it could. Not sure who is responsible (Moncrief? Sachs? Both?) for the green light that bathes the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father, but really? It seemed like a throwback to the ‘70s. Given that there are two screens high above the audience whose scenesetting projections are not inappropriate but are generally outside of one’s line of vision, they might’ve been better deployed to give the Ghost a spectral presence (which would also have eliminated the Ghost’s unceremonious, audience-visible exit). Reservations aside, however, this is a meritorious Hamlet that has, in Davis, as sweet a Prince as New Orleans is likely to see for many years to come. As Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Brendan Bowen and Alex Ates rise from secondary status in Hamlet to the

spotlight in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Yet while Bowen and Ates are well-suited to playing Hamlet’s university friends (both are college students themselves), their youthfulness works against them in Stoppard’s work. R&G takes Shakespeare’s characters and places them in a Beckettian landscape for a rumination on chance, fate, free will, memory and death. On Broadway, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were played by actors, respectively 30 (Brian Murray) and 37 (John Wood) years old. By giving Stoppard’s metaphysical disquisitions to much younger performers it somewhat cheapens the enterprise; in a sense, they haven’t grown in to such concerns as yet. SFT’s R&G hence provides a certain late night, dorm room discussion quality rather than the troubling existential dilemma that is achieved here only towards the very end when Ates’ Guildenstern is confronted with his own mortality; finally we are given the visceral punch that had been missing previously. Director Danny Bowen (father of Brendan and who, along with Nolan, Covert and Loudon briefly reappear here in their Hamlet roles) compounds his casting decision by highlighting the stylization, especially for the more intellectual Guildenstern, called for, to some degree, by the text, at the expense of a more red-blooded naturalism that could counteract Stoppard’s wordiness. Instead, the poetry that turns a good R&G, or Godot, into a great one is missing as is any subtle shading. Lines like “I wanted to make you happy” lack an aching plaintiveness. As the young men volley words back and forth, “Indifferent” is similarly devoid of a subtextural melancholy. Even the proper rhythm that should lead to a flourish at the end of Act One is absent. Tellingly, Director Bowen has Guildenstern speak many of his lines into a handheld tape recorder depriving Ates of the passion he would likely work up if he was addressing Rosencrantz or even, perhaps, the audience; this is especially detrimental to Guildenstern’s great speeches on the finality of death. The second act is better as there are less philosophical musings and more substantive plot developments, and the actors rise to the challenge; Ates’ cri de coeur is especially moving. One misses, however, the final coup de théâtre that UNO’s 2010 production provided. Instead, a montage of movie clips with various cinematic Hamlets intoning “The rest is silence” seems unnecessarily ornamental rather than organically part of the production. Though young, both Bowen and Ates are accomplished actors; as with Loudon, I well-remember Bowen’s wise [continued on 37]

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Excitement @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

emerald city paparazzi

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

Dee behind the bar @ Michael’s On The Park

Oz bartender Joe & GM Tommy

Kajun’s Pub’s Joann & Lisa flank Country Club GM Bert @ The Country Club

Ready for the Pride Parade on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Reviewing Balcony @ Ambush

ambush

Paloma getting her do done @ Cafe Lafitte’s In Exile

papar azzi

Ready to cater a fab party @ The Country Club

Bar Baron Mike welcomes you to Michael’s On The Park

Corner Pocket bar baron Michael Elias celebrates the Pocket’s 30th anniversary with Society Page bar baron Orlando Aloe

Club LAX’s newest bartender Micah in Metairie Dancer Brad joins Danny & Tony @ Corner Pocket’s 30th Anniversary Party

Chris, GAA Top 5 Bartender of the Year Finalist Frankie, Jon, Caleb & Josh @ Oz

Catch new daytime bartender Steven @ Oz

Host Barry Bareass, bar baron Michael Elias & 38th SDGM TJ Conrad celebrate Corner Pocket’s 30th Anniversary Party

Mr. Aubrey & Pride GM Matt taking in the rays @ The Country Club

Welcome to The Country Club Restaurant

Bar Baron Toby welcomes you to Club LAX in Metairie

Mike & Richard celebrating their 5 year anniversary @ Lafitte’s

Corner Pocket dancers Peyton & Alex flank Sugar Daddy 2011 Charles Pizzo @ Corner Pocket’s 30th Anniversary Party

Bartenders Bruce & Ashlee serve drinks @ Corner Pocket’s 30th Anniversary Party

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Nightlife, Celebrations, Anniversaries ~ New Orleans, Metairie

Ready for summer @ The Country Club

trodding the boards ...from 32 Don Pedro and Ates’ comic Dogberry in Much Ado. That said, I might’ve expected a reversal of their roles here. (Hmmm...maybe there is something to the Royals’ constant confusing of the two.) Unlike Ates’s Guildenstern, Bowen brings a more colorful palette to Rosencrantz. Starting out almost as a

dude-ish, frat boy, he displays a developing awareness of his situation. Evincing a dry, comic style, Bowen’s Rosencrantz is a more jocular counterpart to Guildenstern, revealing recognizable human emotions if not quite feeling them as deeply as his friend. I’d be interested to see how he handles this role (or Guildenstern) in, say, ten years from now. All the Players (Patrick Bowen,

Dylan Michael Collins, Stephen Eckert, Thomas Michailidis, Burton Tedesco, Andy Vaught) in the motley krewe that R & G encounter on their way to Elsinore bring flair to their roles though the playing up of the derision towards Alfred (Michailidis) who takes on the troupe’s female roles seems homophobic and dated. As Leader of the Players, Scott Michael Jefferson could have given a bigger, more actorly performance;

based on his memorable turn as the oleaginous Lawyer in Tiny Alice earlier this year, he is certainly capable of it. Patrick Bowen, another son of Danny and currently a high school student, was very good as Hamlet in his scenes with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Might he be the SFT’s princely Dane next time Hamlet is done here?

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM

Gay East erParade.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • J uly 3-16, 2012 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.COM