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THE OFFICIAL LGBT+ MAGAZINE OF THE GULF SOUTH

A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION CELEBRATING LGBTQ+ CULTURE SINCE 1982 VOLUME 44 ISSUE 4

September 1, 2026

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Southern Decadence Issue CONTENTS

AMBUSH Gulf South Entertainment Guide Since 1982

The Official Dish TJ Acosta

Comments from the publisher

PUBLISHER T.J. Acosta EDITOR IN CHIEF

From the Editor’s Desk

Frank Perez

Weekly Events Tony Leggio

AD SALES

A list of weekly things to do in and around town

Tony Leggio, Cam Zimmerman

Chop Chop Charles Pizzo

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Sands, Tony Leggio, Jim Meadows, Felicia Phillips, Charles Pizzo, Kelly Schexnaildre, Cas O’Brien,, Jeremy Smith, Barrett DeLong

Our food critic visits Feature Story Jim Meadows

The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana: Past, Present, and Future Curtain Up Brian Sands

A sneak preview of the local theater scene Special Feature Jeremy Smith

Crescent City Rougaroux Head Down Under for the Bingham Cup

LOGISTICS COORDINATORS Jeffrey Palmquist, Ryne Stoned, Chris Trentacoste, Dwain Hertz PHOTOGRAPHERS Tony Leggio, Dwain Hertz COVER DESIGN Ryan Leitner

AMBUSH Magazine is published bimonthly. 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.

AMBUSH is published six times a year and has a print circulation footprint across the Gulf Coast. For ad rates and other information, email ledgemgp@gmail.com or camzimmerman504@gmail.com 4

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The Official Dish TJ Acosta Dear Ambush Nation, This issue makes two years since Ambush has been back in print. I want to send a heartfelt thank you to our advertisers who have made this endeavor possible and to Frank Perez who coordinates getting each issue to print. And of course, I want to thank you, our loyal readers. We do this for you! Congratulations to our Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Sarah Manowitz, Milan Nicole Sherry, Sam Smith, Rachel Thompson, Romy Thompson and Bobby Wagstaff. We at Ambush hope you have a successful Decadence weekend culminating with the Decadence Parade. On behalf of our community, thank you for all your efforts in making Southern Decadence weekend a success! As the summer comes to a close, we want to take this time to thank our advertisers who make our print edition possible. Please support your local LGBTQ+ businesses as they need your support now more than ever. Happy Decadence!

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Ambushmag.com “We seem to have reached the age where life stops giving us

things and starts taking them away.” This quote has been resonating with me a great deal recently. As I write this, I am still in disbelief that Frank is no longer present. I will miss witnessing him captivating an audience at the bar, sharing tales of New Orleans' LGBTQ+ history, our current political affairs, the book he was reading, or the latest gossip. No matter the subject, he had a remarkable ability to immerse you in the story. Frank was not just a historian; he was a gifted storyteller, a Grand Marshal of Southern Decadence, the Executive Director and driving force behind the LGBTQ+ Archives Project of Louisiana, the Lord of Misrule for his Mystik Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers, a passionate admirer of all things Mardi Gras, especially 12th Night, a true New Orleans personality, and most importantly, a cherished friend. My thoughts are with his family, particularly Chris and his kind mother, whom I recently met. Frank, you were truly one of a kind and left a lasting impact not only on me but on many others in our community and city. Thank you for contributing to so many people's narratives, especially mine. May you rest in peace, my friend.

Tony Leggio

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Weekly Events Tony Leggio Monday NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA; 5 p.m. NOAGE’s weekly walking group meets on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. at the Magazine Street entrance to Audubon Zoo. They start walking promptly at 6:00, so be sure to arrive a few minutes early. PLEASE NOTE: The walking group will be AUTOMATICALLY CANCELED in the event of inclement weather. Cooking with Monica: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St., New Orleans, LA; 5 p.m. Come enjoy delicious food cooked by Monica every Monday at 5 p.m. and stay and enjoy cocktails with her till her shift ends at 2 a.m.

Slow Jam Tuesdays: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 4 p.m. to close. Happy hour 4—6 p.m. Unwind with chill vibes and throwback tunes. Open Talent Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 8:30 p.m. Hosted by Debbie with a D.

Monday Night Rawwr: The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 7 p.m. Live performances that will leave you wanting more. Cover $15.

Wednesday Showtunes Sing-A-Long; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 – midnight. With VJ Brendan Thompson. Grab a Cocktail and Sing – A – Long to some of your all-time favorites.

LAZY SUSAN KARAOKE: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 8:30 p.m. Mondays are, once again, a DRAG! See your favorite Queens! Sing your favorite songs! GET WEIRD! With a rotating cast of drag hosts.

No Judgment Karaoke; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. – midnight. Come sing you heart out at the oldest Gay Bar in New Orleans.

Tuesday Trivia Night: Crossing NOLA; 439 Dauphine St.; 7:30 p.m. 5 Rounds of Ten Questions Plus a Bonus Round; Prizes for 1st, 2nd & Last Place; $3 Wells & Domestics til 8PM; Kitchen Open til 10PM. Call the Bar at (504) 523-4517 to Reserve a Table.

Karaoke Night: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 8 :30 p.m. Hosted by Caleb. Wednesday Night Variety Show: The Page; 542 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA.; 9:15 p.m. Hosted by Simone Rishard. $5 entry fee and drinks specials all night.

George’s Tuesday Night Trivia; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 7 p.m. Come play trivia every Tuesday with a different theme each week.

The Ladies of Oz Show Night; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9:30-11:30 p.m. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger.

Big Easy Stompers Line Dancing: The Okay Bar; 1700 Port St., New Orleans, LA.; 8 p.m. The Big Easy Stompers have free dance classes every Tuesday. They have been giving dance classes to the LGBTQ+ community and general public. All are welcome and beginners are welcome.

Thursday Karaoke at Pub: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 p.m. – midnight. Sing your heart out every Thursday upstairs at the Parade. There will be a different special host each week. Choose from over 30,000 songs

No Judgment Karaoke at Good Friend’s: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 8 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy karaoke with fabulous hosts and a chance to win great prizes.

The Van Ella Bordella: A Storyville Burlesque; The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 – 9:30 p.m. The Van Ella Bordella, New Orleans’ Storyville spectacle, is back with an all new show, original music, and courtesans. Limited seating. Join Madam Lola Van Ella and her courtesans for an evening of debauchery, scandal, decadent delights and Victorian era brothel history. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com.

Weekly Pool Tournament; Phoenix Bar; 941 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA; 8 – 10 p.m. The Phoenix Pool Tournament is every Tuesday night! $5 buy in, winner takes all. Drink specials begin at 7pm.

(Cont’d. on pg. 12)

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Ambushmag.com Weekly Events Cont’d. from pg. 10

Friday Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Road, Baton . QUEERS OF COMEDY New Orleans: Oz New Orleans; 800 Rouge, LA; 9 p.m. Splash’s Show Night is BACK, and it's about to Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. A group of queer comedians performing be EPIC! Join us every Friday for the hottest drag show in the comedy together. capital city! Get ready to be dazzled by the fabulous Bombshells of Baton Rouge, plus a surprise special guest each week! Hosted Terrioke: Le Cabaret; 834 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA; by the fabulous Miss Thing, who’s serving looks and laughs all 10 p.m. Come sing karaoke with Terri Aqui. night long! Whether you’re a drag aficionado or just looking for a Oz Strip Off: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orfun night out, this is the place to be! Don’t miss the chance to live leans, LA; 10 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy the Oz Strip Off your best life with us! contest sponsored by Swiss Navy. Contestants in this male Bayou Blues Burlesque: The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. gogo competition can win $300 in cash and prizes for 1st Claude Ave.; 10:30 p.m. Tickets available at eventbrite.com and Place. at the door. An intimate night of live blues music accompanied by Clay’s KaraoKiki; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton burlesque and variety acts. Drink specials by your bartenders and Rouge; 10 p.m. – midnight. Hosted every Thursday by Clay comfy seating to enjoy the art of the strip tease. Music by The Donadlson starting at 10 p.m. Delta Revues Burlesque by Miss Oops C. (AKA Oops the Clown). So You Think You Can Drag: B-Bob’s; 213 Conti St., Mobile AL; 11 p.m. Winner chosen by audience applause.

Karaoke Night @ Sipps: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m. – midnight. Come sing your heart out.

Friday

Fab Fridays Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge; 9 p.m. Join us every Friday for the hottest drag Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Ballroom at The Jazz Playhouse: Royal Sonesta; 300 Bourbon St.; 7 and 9 p.m. shows. Come show in the capital city! Get ready to be dazzled by the fabulous join us for a modern spin on a classic 1960’s Bourbon Street Bombshells of Baton Rouge, plus a surprise special guest each Burlesque Show with a rotating cast of soloists all perform- week! Hosted by the fabulous Miss Thing, who’s serving looks and laughs all night long! Whether you’re a drag aficionado or ing classic strip tease to live music, bringing quality Jazz & Burlesque back to its original home on Bourbon Street. Get just looking for a fun night out, this is the place to be! Don’t miss the chance to live your best life with us! (Cont’d. on pg. 13) tickets at www.eventbrite.com. Freaky Fridays: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 8 p.m. Oz New Orleans is the place to be this Friday and all Fridays as Ivy Dripp and JoJo host “FREAKY FRIDAYS,” featuring performances that are sure to amaze and delight! A show that celebrates glam and horror! Join us for this one of a kind variety show spectacular!

Ambushmag.com Weekly Events Cont’d. from pg. 12 $4 well drinks before 11. The Famous Corner Pocket New Meat Contest; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 10 p.m. (Boys dancin’ from 7 p.m.). The country’s longest running all-male amateur dance contest (over three decades!) Hosted by Corner Pocket Emcee Felicia Phillips and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal. Bring your sexiest, skimpiest, and tightest undies (but no jock straps) for a chance at a cash prize of $100 ($200 if it’s your first time in our contest). Open to all contestants over 21. New dancers encouraged. That’s Drag: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 p.m. Come out and enjoy a great show with Haus Contraire. Guys Night Fridays: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m, Dance the night away at New Orleans’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” / Adam Joseph / Orlando Ricardo. THE OZ GOGOs DANCING ON THE BAR ALL WEEKEND! Friday Night Drag: George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 11 p.m. Join us Fridays Nights @georgesplacebr for the area’s best drag entertainers. Saturday Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy delightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com LGBTQIA+ Youth Drop Inn Nights: New Orleans Pride Center; 2762 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA: 3 - 5 p.m. Every Saturday from 3-5pm, LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13-24) can join us at The Pride Center for different activities including movies, arts, journaling, and more! FREE to attend! Drag Me To The Lantern: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 p.m. Vanessa Carr Presents a Mama Honey Production. Dance Bitches Dance: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. Dance the night away at New Orleans’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger. 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” followed by DJ Adam Joseph or DJ Orlando Ricardo. Show Night: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 11:30 p.m. Come check out the fabulous Nicole DuBois and a rotating cast of drag performers each week. Sunday Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy delightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com

Morning Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans; 5401 S. Claiborne Ave.; 10 – 11 a.m. Our worship services are best described as “Blended.” We recognize that many of our congregants come from different religious and spiritual backgrounds. We strive to incorporate elements from those various backgrounds so that all can feel a little more connected to our services. Solemn High Mass; St. Anna’s Episcopal Church; 1313 Esplanade Ave.; starts at 10:30 a.m. We are a diverse congregation and our slogan is “All are welcomed. None are shunned.” Our worship style is ornate with deep ritual yet it remains warm and inviting. We are also kid and pet friendly. A real community church, St. Anna’s welcomes all members of the LGBTQ+ community. WigSnatchers Drag Brunch: Marigny Brasserie; 640 Frenchmen St. , New Orleans, LA; 12 – 3 p.m. Located in the heart of historic Frenchmen St. comes the hottest Drag Show New Orleans has to offer. Hosted by Cosette LaFemme and Mistie Bonét, Drag Brunch@Marigny Brasserie guarantees a welcoming and entertaining experience with some of Nola’s finest Drag Queens. Come enjoy performances of some of the most iconic artists of all time while you start the day with a plate of New Orleans, a drink in hand, and a safe space to have fun and express yourself. Email marigny.brasserie@kfkgroup.com to inquire about special event offers and group pricing of parties of 5 or more Trash Disco & Historic Napkin Toss; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 1 – 10:30 p.m. Come dance the night away at one of the best places to end your weekend of fun, Lafitte’s in Exile, home of the world-famous napkin toss that happens every Sunday between 8:30 and 10 p.m. Writing Across the Rainbow: New Orleans Pride Center; 2762 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA; 2-5p.m. Writing Across the Rainbow is our new ongoing monthly LGBTQIA+ workshop focused on all aspects of writing, spanning how to get your first words on paper, to getting published and sharing your work with the world! Award-winning publisher, editor, and writer Sorella Smith will host this event which will also feature other writers as guest presenters. This is an ongoing workshop, so you can attend as many meetings as you want! This is a free event, but everyone should bring their own pens, notebooks, computers, and tablets. Everyone has stories to tell, fictional, factual, or otherwise. This workshop will assist you with such concepts as: world-building, plotting, character creation, continuity maintenance, editing, sharing constructive criticism of work, the journey forward, either to (Cont’d. on pg. 16) 13

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Ambush Magazine Gay Appreciation Awards 2026

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AMBUSH is published six times a year and has a print circulation footprint across the Gulf Coast. For ad rates and other information, email ledgemgp@gmail.com or camzimmerman504@gmail.com

Ambushmag.com Weekly Events Cont’d. from pg. 13 publishing or wherever you want to take your writing. All prose types are welcome, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc. We hope to see you there! Sing-A-Long Sundays: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 4 p.m. – midnight. Join Gay Appreciation Award Winner VJ Brendan for Sing-A-Long Sundays. Vanessa Carr: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St., New Orleans, LA; 3 – 5 p.m. Come see Vanessa Carr Kennedy sing your favorite songs. The PlayGirlz Show: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 – 7 p.m. Come out and enjoy the show featuring Gia GiaVanni with Taze Ya Ballz and a special guest each week. Zingo!; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6 p.m. Zingo! with the boy’s pullin’ the balls. Can you say, O 69? Come play to win fabulous prizes and bar tabs (free to play). Corner Pocket Emcee Felicia Phillips and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal hosts. Minx Burlesque: Howlin Wolf; 907 S. Peters St., New Orleans, LA; 6 p.m. Minx Burlesque is LIVE at the Howlin’ Wolf. Featuring a rotating cast of performers for a new and exciting show each week. From classic strip tease, to circus acts, to comedy Queens, Minx Burlesque has something to please and tease every audience member. For tickets, go to https:// www.ticketweb.com/events/org/13741?pl=howlin SIPPS Drag Bingo: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 7 p.m. Come play bingo for great prizes every Sunday. Drag Bingeaux; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 7 – 9 p.m. Hosted by Ivy Dripp with gogo boys. 11 games, no cover. The Opulence Hour: Maison; 508 Frenchmen St.; 8 – 9 p.m. The troupe that brought you “Talk Nerdy To Me: A Weekly Nerdlesque Revue” is putting on our Sunday best for this new burlesque and variety show. The Society of Sin Burlesque & Variety every Sunday at The Maison on Frenchman at 7pm. Every week there will be a different show filled with decadent costumes, extravagant aesthetics, and big moods from our rotating cast of entertainers. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com Lipstixx Ladies on Parade; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 – 10 p.m. Hosted by Miss Aubrey Synclaire. Showtime 8pm Sharp! Reservations accepted on a “first come first serve” at 504-529-2107. The Ladies of Oz Show Night; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 9:30- 11:30 p.m. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger. 16

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Ambush Magazine Gay Appreciation Awards

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Chop Chop cont. from page 18 Patula: Tucked away in a hidden courtyard behind Krewe sunglasses on Royal Street, this unassuming gem stunned Ambush when it first opened. Since then, it’s caught the attention of other food media. Its Instagram feed heralds a steady stream of creative food specials. We returned for an update after the sun started to set. There’s giant fan in the courtyard that made it very comfortable. It’s lush, green, and a nice respite from the craziness of the French Quarter. Poached Louisiana Shrimp with peanut chili crunch and watermelon radish was cooling and brought the heat as well. The salad is stacked vertically on greens (presentation is an art form here). House-made focaccia is used to make the Patula Sandwich with Parisian ham and celery root remoulade. Don’t miss the Caesar Salad or Meatballs. The menu is short and full of jewels. It’s also known for coffee and a nice wine selection. Best of all, it’s gourmet yet totally casual. Poached Shrimp Salad Remember to check out the QR codes below for additional recommendations. Charles Pizzo is a native New Orleanian and PR professional. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former chairman of IABC, the International Association of Business Communicators

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The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana: Past, Present, and Future By Jim Meadows The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana suffered a tremendous loss with the death of its cofounder and executive director, Frank Perez on August 8, 2026. All of us are in deep mourning, and doing our best to work through this heartbreaking transition. I’m already being asked, “what happens to the Archives Project now?” I’d like to take this opportunity to answer that question, but to understand what the future might be, it’s imperative to understand the past and the present. The seeds of the LGBT+ Archives Project were planted in 2012 by Stewart Butler, Otis Fennell, and Mark Gonzalez. Each of these men had been actively involved in our community in the years leading up to the formation of the short-lived Legacy Project. After recording one oral history, the Legacy Project founders realized that the work of preserving local queer history would take a greater effort than they could accomplish alone. In 2013, a group of local activists, historians, and archivists (including Frank Perez, Butler, and Gonzalez, among others) began meeting regularly, reaching out to libraries, archives and museums throughout Louisiana to determine which of them held materials related to LGBTQ+ history. In the meantime, it became clear that much of our history was being lost. In some cases, longtime activists’ collections of materials were literally being thrown into the garbage upon their deaths by family members who either didn’t understand or care about the significance of what was being lost. Thus, the LGBT+ Archives Project was born, with a mission to “promote and encourage the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community of Louisiana.” The Archives Project connects people who have LGBT+ collections (historic video, photos, periodicals, posters, costumes, tshirts, ephemera, etc.) with established institutions who have the capacity and funding to preserve them. We have established relationships with various archives, libraries, and related institutions across Louisiana. Through those relationships, we have learned which institutions are most interested in the various types of materials that have become available from private collections. That being said, we will accept items that people would like to donate, and will ensure that they reach the most appropriate repository. We also have hosted many exhibitions of various materials, including at the exhibit space that we opened on Burgundy Street earlier this year. We also provide guided tours focused on New Orleans’ rich queer history, led by certified tour guides who have attended classes taught by Frank Perez. In addition to preservation, the Archives Project is available as a resource for researchers - locally, nationally, and internationally - who are working on projects related to LGBT+ history, including historians, filmmakers, playwrights, artists, and students. We have an ongoing oral history initiative, and continue to record and preserve interviews with many of the activists and community leaders who helped build our community. But what about the future of the Archives Project? It is in all of our hands, yours and mine. The organization is facing a difficult transition, but it is already in progress. Many of Frank Perez’s papers are already at the Louisiana Research Collection, and that is where his remaining papers will be preserved. Frank transferred all other Archives Project-related files and documents to the board, working tirelessly - even as he faced his imminent death - to ensure that we can move forward with this collective work. We need your help. Every nonprofit organization and community group working on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community is in a funding crisis caused by the current administration. Many of the funders and sponsors we relied on in the past are now too afraid of the consequences of supporting our work. Without financial support from our community and our allies, the uphill battle we are facing will become even more difficult. Please visit our website (lgbtarchiveslouisiana.org) and become a Sustaining Member. While you’re at it, please be sure to explore our digital collections and resources. If you can’t help financially, become a volunteer. And if you or someone you know has a collection of material hiding in a closet somewhere, let’s get it out of there and into the light of day.

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Curtain Up By Brian Sands One of our city’s biggest cultural events blows into town over Labor Day Weekend. The extravaganza known as Southern Decadence returns to the streets of New Orleans with as diverse a cast of characters as one could imagine. Other, more traditional theatrical events take place indoors, both before and after SD, however, and they’re well worth checking out. Local playwright Harold Ellis Clark's Ganking Mr. Guidry will debut at Le Petit Theatre August 13-16. Set during the 1878 Louisiana sugarcane harvesting season, Ganking Mr. Guidry deals with five workers who band together to stand against injustice, as well as with Isaiah Dorman, a U.S. Army interpreter who spoke several Native American languages and the only Black man who died with General George A. Custer during the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. "I am inspired and excited to bring a work like Ganking Mr. Guidry to the Le Petit stage,” said A.J. Allegra, Le Petit’s Artistic Director. “This is a thought-provoking new play by a Louisiana playwright with a clear love of history and a masterful skill for storytelling. Works like these allow us to revisit fascinating portions of our region's past that are too often forgotten.” John Grimsley will direct the production which features Al Aubry, Martin “BATS” Bradford, Kenneth Brown, Jr., Nicole Collins, and Rahim Glaspy. Next up at Le Petit will be Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor which was inspired by Simon’s own experiences working alongside the likes of Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner as a young staff writer on Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows. This ensemble comedy depicts the harried group of television writers working frantically for the TV star Max Prince as they attempt to one-up each other with punchlines and gags; meanwhile, looming over them is the threat of network censorship compliments of Senator Joe McCarthy. Directed by Scott Burrell, Laughter runs October 1–18. Baton Rouge’s UpStage Theatre Company will present Bridge in the Distance by Clarence Holmes, Jr. on August 15 at 6:30pm and August 16 at 3:00pm at the Frank Hayden Theater on the campus of Southern University. Like Ganking Mr. Guidry, Bridge in the Distance is a recipient of a 2026 Carol Sutton Memorial Grant. Bridge in the Distance takes places not far from the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the aftermath of 1963's Bloody Sunday that occurred there when police attacked Civil Rights demonstrators with horses, billy clubs, and tear gas as they were attempting to march to Montgomery. The play, which Holmes expanded from a one-act to a full-length, examines one man’s determination to be the first person in line to vote in that day’s sheriff’s election. UpStage Theatre’s Artistic Director Ava Brewster-Turner directs Alexander Scott, Elizabeth Erving, Gardner Clark, Corrinne Odom, and Trey Townsel. Staying on the Northshore, but closer to NOLA, Mandeville’s 30 by Ninety Theatre presents Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning drama The Crucible. Set during the Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible focuses upon a young farmer, his wife and a young servantgirl who causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft. If Laughter on the 23rd Floor shows the effects that Senator Joe McCarthy’s Communist witch hunts had, The Crucible was Miller’s allegorical depiction of them. Running through August 23, the production is directed by Courtney Calato Lee. Following The Crucible, will be Late Shift (Sept. 4-6) by local playwright David Armand. Set during the Y2K panic on New Year’s Eve 1999, the story centers on two siblings and their widowed mother as they navigate family tensions, uncertainty about the future, and unexpected connections. One of the siblings meets Russell, a semi-retired Army veteran, on New Year’s Eve, setting in motion a series of conversations and discoveries that unfold as the world waits to see what midnight will bring. After Late Shift comes Zombie Prom, a girl-loves-ghoul rock ‘n’ roll off-Broadway musical set in the atomic 1950s at Enrico Fermi High, where the law is laid down by a zany, tyrannical principal; pretty senior Toffee has fallen for the class bad boy; family pressure forces her to end the romance; and he charges off on his motorcycle to the nuclear waste dump. What happens when he returns glowing and determined to reclaim Toffee’s heart? Find out October 10-25 at 30 by Ninety. Another fun musical on the Northshore should be Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s Seussical at Slidell Little Theatre. CoDirected by Christina Kelly and Ambie Award winner Scott Sauber, Seussical plays August 28-September 13, and stars The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, lotsa Whos, and a Grinch. Back on the Southshore, Jefferson Performing Arts kicks off its season (Sept. 11-20) with the musical Come From Away, based on the true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, was turned into an international sleepover, after 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. David Haydel directs and Blake Coheley choreographs a cast that includes Trina Beck, John Jabaley, Meredith Long, Keisha McKey, Meredith Owens, Scott Sauber, and Michael Smith. 26

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Curtain Up (contd from page 26) One of the most acclaimed plays of the 20th century returns to NOLA when Fat Squirrel presents Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus. Directed by Andrea Watson and featuring Clint Johnson & Rahim Glaspy, this Tony and Oscar-winning drama explores the nature of creativity; it runs September 30-October 10 at CANOA in the Bywater. The WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen gives the NOLA premiere to Dear Jack, Dear Louise by Ken (Lend Me a Tenor) Ludwig. In it, when two strangers meet by letter during World War II, a love story begins. Whose love story? Ludwig’s parents, U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, and Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City. Starring Oriana Lada and Pete Winfrey, the play is directed by Risa Brainin, and will be performed October 2-11. One of the fall season’s highlights is bound to be The Curse of the Mummy at the Greenway Station October 8-24. The NOLA Project gives the world premiere to Pete McElligott’s retelling of the ancient Egyptian tale, and I have every expectation that it will be every bit as imaginative and funny and theatrically wondrous as his two previous outings, Dracula and Frankenstein. Leslie Claverie directs Khiry Armstead, Emily Bagwill, Natalie Boyd, Arrianna Chai, Keith Claverie, PJ Ruffins, Matthew Thompson, and Alex Martinez Wallace. Can’t wait to see how things unravel. The Marigny Opera Ballet and Verismo Opera’s season opens September 11-18 with Alessandro Scarlatti’s rarely-performed Baroque work Cain, overo il primo omicidio (Cain, or the first homicide) (1707). Originally composed as an oratorio, Cain will find new life as a fully staged opera-ballet for which the Marigny Opera House will be transformed into a lavish Garden of Eden. I expect Matthew Broussard, a Cajun/Jewish former financial analyst with a degree in computational mathematics, to kill, if not as lethally as Cain, with his jokes. I happened to see a clip of him online and found him to be truly funny, something that I wouldn’t say about most so-called comics. He’ll be appearing on August 28 and 29 at Sports Drink on Magazine Street with two shows each night of his Educated/Amoral Tour, a solo tour that showcases his latest material. A Cajun/Jewish comedian? How can you resist?! Matthew Broussard 27

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Ambushmag.com Curtain Up (contd from page 27) And how can you resist Southern Decadence, one of New Orleans’ grandest celebrations?! Two of the many fabulous happenings are the PoP Ball and Bette Bathhouse and Beyond. The 23rd annual Prince of Perversion (PoP) Ball, presented by NOLA’s Radial Faeries on Friday, September 4, at Poor Boys Bar (1328 St. Bernard Avenue in the 7th Ward) , will be hosted by the 2025 Prince of Perversion, Brad "Danger" du Puy. "Danger" has selected “A Spectacle of the Subversive” as his theme so prepare to celebrate everything that is eerie, strange, sensual, seductive and dangerous. The official colors are cobalt and taupe. The Ball starts at 8pm, with the highlight occurring when the torch will be passed to the 2026 Prince of Perversion. The festivities continue until midnight, accompanied by the sounds of DJ Sunshine Edae. Costumes or fantasy/fetish gear are encouraged, or just take it all off. All ages, body types and kinks are welcomed. Poor Boys Bar has a large, secluded outdoor patio, so there's no telling what unexpected pleasures you might find. Anything goes, as long as you respect yourself and others. Consent is a must! While no one shall be turned away for lack of funds, there is a suggested $25.00 donation upon entry to this feast for the senses that "Danger" promises will leave you begging for more. And, after 8 years, Bette Bathhouse & Beyond has definitely become a Southern Decadence tradition, so you won’t want to miss this immersive celebration inspired by Bette Midler's legendary performances at New York City's infamous Continental Baths on Sunday, September 6, beginning at 9:00pm at Café Istanbul. NYC impresario (and erstwhile part-time New Orleanian) Daniel Nardicio brings Bette Bathhouse & Beyond back to New Orleans where acclaimed vocalists Seth Sikes and Tim Young will recreate the magic, humor, and musical brilliance of one of Bette Midler’s iconic shows at that notorious gay bathhouse in a series of three 20-minute live performances throughout the evening (10pm, 11pm, & midnight). Renowned NYC DJ Johnny Dynell will be playing “Bathhouse Disco” classics from the era while the Continental Go-Go Dancers add to the atmosphere. As an added bonus, there’ll be a special guest performer -- Jimbo, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars who’ll bring clownish chaos and larger-than-life personality to the festivities. The audience will be required to wear only towels, bathrobes, or underwear Bette’s Bathhouse, Tim Young, Seth Sikes, Jimbo (bring your own towel,

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Crescent City Rougaroux Head Down Under for the Bingham Cup by Jeremy Smith The Crescent City Rougaroux Rugby team landed in Brisbane, Australia, to compete in the Bingham Cup August 20–24, 2026. Twenty-four players made the trip, representing not only the Rougaroux, but New Orleans and Louisiana on the biggest stage in inclusive rugby. The 2026 tournament marked the first time the Bingham Cup was held in Brisbane, with the Brisbane Hustlers Rugby Union Football Club welcoming teams from around the world to Queensland. Crescent City Rougaroux President Fernando Rodriguez shared his excitement about the team’s milestone: “For the first time, we’re bringing a full squad to Bingham. The time and dedication our players have put into training and fundraising to make this possible has been incredible. With a full squad making the trip, I’m excited to see what this team can accomplish.” For the Rougaroux, the trip was about much more than rugby. The Bingham Cup is the world’s largest inclusive rugby tournament, bringing together LGBTQ+ and allied players from clubs across the globe for several days of competition, camaraderie, and community. For players who have not always seen themselves represented or welcomed in traditional sports, Bingham is a chance to take the pitch exactly as they are and play some good rugby while they’re at it. The tournament carries the name and legacy of Mark Bingham, a gay rugby player who played with the San Francisco Fog and helped establish the New York Gotham Knights. Bingham was also among the passengers who fought back against the hijackers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. His story has become inseparable from inclusive rugby. Bingham challenged stereotypes about what a gay man—and a rugby player—was supposed to look like. More than two decades later, thousands of players continue to carry that spirit onto pitches around the world. That sense of community is something the Crescent City Rougaroux know well. Founded as Louisiana’s first gay and inclusive rugby club, the Rougaroux have created a place where people can discover rugby, compete, make friends, and find a team regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, experience level, or whether they had ever touched a rugby ball before showing up to practice. The Rougaroux arrived in Brisbane carrying plenty of Louisiana with them. For a club built around the belief that there should always be room for you on the pitch, competing at Bingham was an opportunity to live that mission on an international scale. The Rougaroux lined up against teams with different accents, different jerseys, and different traditions, but with a shared understanding of why inclusive rugby exists in the first place. “The most exciting thing about the Roux going to Brisbane is the opportunity to show the world our brand of rugby. No matter the situation, we bring joy and intensity to the game. We take the pitch knowing we’re going to give it everything we’ve got; and win or lose, we’re going to have a great time doing it,” Rodriguez said.

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There were tackles. There were bruises. There were certainly questionable decisions made after the final whistle. But underneath all of it was something bigger: a global community built by LGBTQ+ athletes who decided they deserved more than simply being tolerated in sports. They deserved to belong. And this August, the Crescent City Rougaroux brought a little New Orleans to that community, twenty-four players strong. The Rougaroux aren’t done yet! To kick off fundraising for the 2026–2027 season, the team will host its first fundraiser, the Jockstrap Olympics, on Thursday, September 3, at 8 p.m. upstairs at the Bourbon Pub, 801 Bourbon Street. Contestants will go head-tohead, with their cheeks out, in a series of competitions to determine who will be crowned the ultimate jockstrap athlete. Admission is $10 at the door, with proceeds directly supporting the team’s field and operating costs. For more information about the Crescent City Rougaroux or sponsorship opportunities, contact Fernando Rodriguez at president@rougarouxrugby.org.

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“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” ― Thomas Campbell

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