Gumbo (March 2015)

Bruce Daigrepont hits NSU’s Swamp Stomp MARCH 2015

IMAGINING

HARVEY Famed play running at Bayou Playhouse

www.facebook.com/ GumboEntertainmentGuide

2 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 3

PUBLISHER Brian Rushing

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Gavin Stevens

GENERAL MANAGER Lacey LeBlanc

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mariella Brochard Danielle Evans

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Shell Armstrong

CIRCULATION Brooke Adams

SALES DIRECTORS Marian Long Deanne Ratliff SALES Harold Cancienne Jeff Paisley Elizabeth Porche

CONTRIBUTORS John DeSantis Richard Fischer Casey Gisclair Rachel LeCompte 6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 (985) 868-7515 • Fax (985) 873-9009 www.houmatimes.com/gumbo The Gumbo Entertainment Guide is a free publication.

The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved.

Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. The Gumbo Entertainment Guide is published monthly by Rushing Media.

On the Cover:

COURTESY

Image of Harvey, a “pooka” – or legendary Celtic shape-shifting creature – in the form of a rabbit envisioned by character Elwood P. Dowd, played by Perry Martin in the play “Harvey,” which opens at the Bayou Playhouse in Lockport Friday.

4 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

Editor’s Picks

GO! READY, SET,

Our takes on area plays, exhibits, music, restaurants and other happenings.

MUSIC

Irish bard Danny O’Flaherty comes to Bayou Playhouse.

– Page 6

March 15 “Irish-Italian Parade”

•

ON STAGE

March 28 “Southdown Marketplace” COURTESY

The Irish-Italian Parade in Houma returns March 15. Paradegoers can expect the regular throws, plus a slew of vegetables. Later in the month, March 28, Southdown Marketplace returns to Houma. This year’s event features 300 booths with an assortment of crafts and items.

Beauties benefit challenged at pageant March 7

Beauty is in bloom and just in time for the Schriever Lions Beauty Pageant.

Set for March 7 at the Evergreen Cajun Center, the ninth annual fundraiser is truly about beautiful hearts. Proceeds from the event help send local physically and mentally challenged youngsters and adults to summer camp. Last year’s event helped nearly 50 people attend the Louisiana Crippled Children’s Camp in Leesville.

Event organizer Denise Callais said the pageant offers 13 categories, ranging from 1-day-old to the Golden Girls, who are 40 and older.

“But it’s our ‘Special Needs’ group that is near and dear to my heart,” she said. “It is based entirely on personality; there is no modeling involved. We bring in someone to do their hair and makeup for free, and their entry fee is waived.

“I can’t tell you how much joy it brings to see these girls,” she added.

“The 2 year olds are cute and the 14 year olds are pretty, but it’s the ‘Special Needs’ category that really shines.”

The entry fee for all others is $50.

Callais said contestants can sell opt to sell raffle tickets to avoid the expense.

For more information about the event, call Callais at 985-291-2854.

Irish-Italian parade set to roll in Houma March 15

Terrebonne’s Irish-Italian Parading Club takes to Houma’s streets at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15.

King Sean and Queen Rae Ann Boudreaux will lead the 13-float affair from Cannata’s Market parking lot, down Park Avenue to Hollywood Road, traveling downtown along Main Street and ending at Town Hall on Barrow Street.

Throws include cabbage, potatoes, onions, pineapple and bananas. JoinINSIDE

Music 6

ing the caravan are DJs, dance teams, antique horses and the Bayou Riders Club and their horses.

Crafters converge upon Southdown Marketplace March 28

It’s time again for what’s become a bi-annual tradition in the Houma-Terrebonne area: Southdown Marketplace, an arts and crafts fair conducted on the grounds of the Southdown Plantation Museum since 1978.

“Over 30 years has made it generational,” says Southdown Executive Director Rachel Theriot, who notes that 300 vendors and thousands of shoppers participate year after year.

Homemade products range from works of art to embroidered baby items, from jewelry to jams and jellies, from wood crafts to garden items to books by local authors and numerous other creations.

“The best show is when you have the best mix of products,” she said. “It appeals to a broad spectrum of people.”

Concerts 14

The Marketplace is a vital element for the nonprofit Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society and Southdown Plantation & Museum; the event – conducted in the spring and fall – is its primary fundraiser, helping to pay salaries, maintenance and new exhibit costs.

Southdown Marketplace takes place rain or shine; the entrance fee is $5 per person, with children under 12 admitted free. Children’s activities (some free) are co-sponsored by Kids in Motion Playhouse Discovery Museum.

“Marketplace keeps us able to be open every day,” Theriot said, and it exposes people who may not have thought to visit the museum to its cultural historic offerings. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and students; $4 for teenagers 13-18 and free for children under 12.

Goings On 22

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 5

“Ladies of the Sacred South” fight to protect their beloved Magnolias.

– Page 16

GOINGS ON

Charity wrestling show to feature WWE legend, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.

– Page 28

DINING

Houma’s White Bowl healthy, fresh and fun.

– Page 35

Library 32

Gumbo Guru 35

Music Maker

Irish bard comes to Bayou Playhouse

By JOHN DeSANTIS john@rushing-media.com After the green beer is drunk and the green beads stored, the potatoes and cabbages cooked and eaten, and all vestiges of this year’s Americanized St. Patrick’s Day celebration turned to memory, anyone who can get to the Bayou Playhouse in Lockport can experience a few hours of the real Ireland and hear music that flowers from deep Irish roots.

Irish bard Danny O’Flaherty will appear at the playhouse March 28 – a full 10 days after the traditional St. Patrick’s celebration – at 8 p.m., with songs and stories from the soul of the Emerald Isle.

“I’ll be going with my heart,” said O’Flaherty, when asked about his planned repertoire. “There will for sure be some songs in Gaelic, some ballads, some contemporary tunes based on the history of Ireland going back in time.”

A native speaker of Gaelic from the Gaeltect region of Connemara on the west coast of Ireland, O’Flaherty paid close attention to the songs and stories of his elders, often told around a turf fire, instilling in him the desire to carry them on to larger audiences.

O’Flaherty is also available for Gaelic workshops, house concerts and universities, and full-length concerts.

“My lifelong goal remains a commitment to the Celtic people and Celtic culture. There is no greater achievement than to pass on the traditions of our common ancestors,” he has said of the mission he has pursued on American shores since emigrating from Ireland in the early 1970s.

O’Flaherty’s accomplishments – in addition to the penning of many songs – include performing for a crowd of a half-million on Solidarity Day in Washington, D.C., a performing tour of Israel with a command performance before its president, a performance at the National Cathedral for Pope John Paul II’s visit to the U.S., a performance

COURTESY

On the heels of St. Patrick’s Day, Irish-American multi-instrumentalist, balladeer and songwriter Danny O’Flaherty visits the Bayou Playhouse. The March 28 show will include songs and stories from the soul of the Emerald Isle.

at President Ronald Reagan’s Inaugural Ball, opening at the concert for the Pan Celtic Festival in Ireland, and headlining for the Tulsa Philharmonic and The National Theatre in Washington.

He and his brother Patrick established the now-defunct O’Flaherty’s Irish Channel Pub on Toulouse Street in New Orleans, which featured Irish musicians, singers and dancers.

He is founder of the Celtic Nations Heritage Foundation and Margaret Currach Club of New Orleans.

In addition to the long-standing link of New Orleans to the Irish, whose

immigrant numbers to that port once bested the numbers of those who landed in New York, O’Flaherty is aware of other ties between his homeland and Louisiana generally, as well as the bayou country specifically.

He notes the tale of Galloping Hogan, the 17th Century Irish patriot who fought Cornwallis and then went on to serve as a general in the French army; Richard Danton Williams, the freedom-fighter and poet who settled in Thibodaux after being acquitted of charge of treason against the British crown is also a local link, as are the nameless

6 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

workers who sacrificed their backs and in some cases their lives to build canals and other projects.

O’Flaherty’s program, fans say, is an entertaining blend of folk tunes and folklore that is rarely seen on local stages, a collection he takes pride in bringing to the Bayou Playhouse stage.

“Folk music is a world thing,” said O’Flaherty, who maintains that he is never at a loss for material. “There are happenings that happened for the past 800 years that haven’t been written about yet.”

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 7

‘Belle of Broadway’ celebrates stage life

By SHELL ARMSTRONG shell@rushing-media.com

Susan Egan has earned her theater chops, starring as the original Belle in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway, playing alongside Carol Burnett in Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting it Together” and joining Tommy Tune in the national tour of “Bye, Bye Birdie.”

She’s also landed her share of film roles. She was the wife of lead character Jennifer’s fling in “13 Going on 30.”

And, in animation, she’s the voice of Meg in “Hercules.”

Egan’s also appeared on TV – two seasons on the WB’s “Nikki,” guest roles on “House,” “Numb3rs,” “Party of Five” and “All My Children.”

And her resume includes more than 300 appearances coast-to-coast singing with some of the finest symphonies worldwide and at some of the most storied venues. She has more than 40 recording credits, ranging from Broadway cast albums to film soundtracks to six solo CDs.

Egan’s voice is even attached to Disney Princess CDs and toys. After all, she’s Belle.

But despite all the acclaim, her daughters Nina, 8, and Isla, 5, are nonplussed.

“I am a Disney princess, which is cool, but they grew up with it,” Egan said.

“They’re very much not impressed.

Something about parenthood; sometimes it is such an ego check.”

Critics, however, are impressed with her one-woman show, “The Belle of Broadway,” which runs March 24 at the Schreier Theatre of the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.

“Broadway singing star is a high-voltage performer who dominates a stage with a galvanizing presence,” the Los Angeles Times raved. “[Listening to her] is like an all night conversation with your best friend.”

“Egan is electrifying…,” the New York Post adds.

“I love doing these concerts,” the Los Angeles-based actress/singer told GumEGAN CONTINUED ON 10

COURTESY

Susan Egan, the Broadway’s original Belle in “Beauty and the Beast,” brings her one-woman show to the Schreier Theater in Morgan City March 24.

8 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 9

EGAN FROM 8

bo in a phone interview. It was the day after the Oscars and she was navigating the city’s streets, trying her best to avoid the day-after traffic.

“I really like that the audience gets to hear what it’s like behind the songs and the characters,” the former New York City resident explained. “There are elements of glamur that go along with being on stage, but there are a lot of things that go wrong on Broadway.

“This show takes the filter off and allows me to share with the audience the ridiculous things that happen,” Egan said.

A great example: Following an argument at the end of the first act, Beast grabs Belle’s sleeve. The tear-away fabric is supposed to give.

“But Beast has these big rubber gloves for hands. He grabs my sleeve and the ponytail from my wig in his grip. The entire wig comes off and there I stand, a bald ingénue,” she said.

Egan has plenty of stories. After all, she performed eight shows weekly for more than 18 years on Broadway.

10 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

“I feel like I snuck in a good career in the nick of time,” she said. “Right now, I love not being there. I would miss being home for my girls’ bedtime every night.”

Instead, IF YOU GO Egan travels the country SUSAN EGAN performing her one-woman WHEN: March 24 show about 50 WHERE: Schreier Theatre times a year. of the Morgan City MuniciThe program pal Auditorium lineup inCOST: $45, adults; $10 for cludes a mix of favorite tunes students (K-12) and songs she’s INFO: 985-385-2307 performed on Broadway. Hits such as “Defying Gravity,” “I Dreamed a Dream,” a tribute to Judy Garland and, of course, a Broadway medley.

“The show is very fun, personal and personable,” Egan said. “It’s not just a string of songs; there are stories and insider tales about moments I’ve had over the years. It should be fun for everyone.”

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 11

Hot Tickets KEVIN JAMES March 4, Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $39.50-$75

CHARLIE WILSON with KEM featuring JOE: Forever Charlie Tour March 14, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $45-$85

THE BOAT SHOW March 6-8, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, various times, $8

60th ANNIVERSARY of the NEW ORLEANS HOME & GARDEN SHOW March 13-15, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, $15

KATT WILLIAMS March 7, UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $57-$75 JOURNEY & STEVE MILLER BAND March 8, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, 6:45 p.m., $49.50-$89.50 TOBYMAC with special guest MANDISA & CAPITAL KINGS March 8, Saenger Theatre New Orleans, 7 p.m., $22-$76 JOHN MELLENCAMP: Plain Spoken Tour March 10, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m., $42.50-$119.50

SHRINE CIRCUS March 20-22, UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m., $7-$33 AMSOIL ARENACROSS March 21-22, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $10-$35 SINBAD March 21, Harrah’s Casino, New Orleans, 7 & 9:30 p.m., $33-$43 PAULA POUNDSTONE March 21, Civic Theatre, New Orleans, 9 p.m., $30-$35

CRAIG FERGUSON – March 11, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $32.50-$47.50 CHRIS BROWN with TREY SONGZ featuring TYGA: Between the Sheets Tour March 12, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m., $77.75-$197.50 NPR’S WAIT WAIT DON’T TELL ME March 12, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m., $34-$129 ELVIS COSTELLO March 12, Civic Theatre, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $50 PENN & TELLER March 13, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $39.50-$99.50 2015 NOLA STONES FEST with Fred LeBlanc, Chad Gilmore, Mike Dillon and Joe Stark March 13, Tipitinas, New Orleans, 10 p.m., $17.50

12 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

STEVIE WONDER: Songs in the Key of Life March 24, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $37.50-$147.50 MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER March 26, Civic Theatre, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $40-$75 THE MIDTOWN MEN March 27, Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $54-$150.42

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 13

Concerts Bayou Delight – Mr. Hue (March 6 & 27); Mr. Gene (March 13); Mr. Larry (March 20) 4038 Bayou Black Drive, Houma; 985-876-4879

Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum – Cajun Music (Every Tuesday) 7910 Park Ave., Houma; 985-876-4879

Boomtown Casino/Boomers – Junior & Sumtin’ Sneaky (March 6); Back in the Day Party (March 7); Boot Hill (March 13); Topcats (March 14); Aaron Foret (March 20); Contraflow (March 21); Crescent City Soul (March 27) 4132 Peters Road, Harvey; 504-366-7711

Brickhouse – Invoker & Dry Socket (March 6); DJ Trashy (March 7); Beautiful Hips (March 13); Shattered Display (March 20); 90 to Nothing (March 21); Rick Flavored Arsenal (March 27); Framing the Red, Wayland & Fallen (March 28) 7934 W. Main St., Houma; 985-879-2453

Cajun Event Center – Highway 315 (March 1); The Full Moons (March 8); Hurricane Levee Band (March 15); Me & the Fellas (March 20); Night Train (March 29) 2639 La. Highway 182, Raceland; 985-537-2218

Cypress Bayou Casino/Bobcat’s – King of Clubs (March 4, 11, 18, 21 & 25); Reuben Rivera (March 6, 20 & 27); Kip Sonnier (March 13 & 14); Sonny Kane (March 7, 14 & 21) 822 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton; 800-284-4386

Cypress Bayou Casino/Mr. Lester’s Steakhouse – James Dering (March 6, 7); Josh Malagarie (Every Thursday & March 13 & 14); Steve Smith (March 20 & 21); Jean Paul Daine (March 27 & 28)

Jack’s Lounge – Gary T (March 13) 20804 La. Highway 1, Golden Meadow; 985-475-7546

Jester’s Walk – The Ticks Bank (March 5); Seabrook (March 12); RJM & the Full Moons (March 19); Hwy. 315 (March 26) 5375 La. Highway 308, Mathews; 985-532-5161

Jolly Inn – Couche Couche (Every Friday) 1507 Barrow St., Houma; 985-872-6114

LaCarreta – Jonny & Casie (March 5, 12, 19 & 26); Bang Bang!

(March 6 & 28); Russ Cheramine (March 7); Mark Dufrene (March 13 & 27); Ryan Bergeron (March 14); Josh Garrett (March 20); Ryan Bergeron & Mark Dufrene (March 21) 1327 St. Charles St., Houma; 985-876-0830

La Casa del Sol – Frank Ball (March 6); Josh Garrett (March 13); Blue Label Trio (March 20); Sid & Jonny (March 27) 141 Westover Drive, Thibodaux; 985-446-2576

La Casa del Sol – Frank Ball (March 13); Sheauxdown (March 20) 1257 Grand Caillou Road, Houma; 985-580-0087

Piazza Bar/Peppers – Steve Junot (March 5); Drunk Punch Ponies (March 6); Back Roots (March 7); Kerry Thibodaux (March 12); Reaux Shambo (March 13); Clustafunk (March 14); Steve Junot (March 19); The Vibe (March 20); Shot Time (March 21); Rick Price (March 26); Velvet Sky (March 27); Blue-Eyed Soul (March 28) 541 Corporate Drive, Houma; 985-872-0006

Silverado Club (Thibodaux) – Gary T (March 7 & 31)

822 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton; 800-284-4386

847 Brule Guilliot Road, Thibodaux; 985-446-8289

Cypress Bayou Casino/Loco – Reuben Rivera (March 5, 19 & 26); Kip Sonnier (March 12)

Spahr’s Lounge/Ramada Inn – Tet-Dur (March 4, 11, 18 & 25); Kenny L (March 5); Pot-2-La (March 6 & 13); Tet-Dur & Aaron Foret (March 12); Tet Dur & Brad Sapia (March 19); Twelve Strings (March 27).

822 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton; 800-284-4386

Cypress Bayou Casino/Pavillion – Cameo (March 14); Trombone Shorty (March 20); Big & Rich (March 28)

Southdown Bar & Grill (Houma) – Gary T (March 27)

822 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton; 800-284-4386

216 Mystic Blvd., Houma; 985-876-7126

Cypress Bayou Casino/Rox – DJ Bobby Novosad (Every Saturday in March); Chee Weez (Mar. 7)

Vino!

Darren Kraemer (Tuesdays); Frank Ball & Jon Smith (Wednesdays); Absinthe Minded (Thursdays); Todd Adams (Fridays & Saturdays)

822 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton; 800-284-4386

Downtown Live – Southern Cross (March 27) Downtown Houma Courthouse

High Rollers Casino – Gary T (March 4) 9730 E. Main St., Houma; 985-872-5659 14 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

656 Corporate Drive, Houma; 985-856-6664 Not listed? Contact us at shell@rushing-media.com or call 985-868-7515.

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 15

On Stage

Le Petit’s ‘Ladies’ loyal to the Magnolias Terrebonne production teams seasoned actresses, newbies

SHELL ARMSTRONG | GUMBO

Members of the Offspring of the Ladies of the Sacred South – played by Jeanne Scott, Donna Benda, Julie Jeannsonne, Lydia Courtney-Voight and Gayle Walters-Barrios – are joined by Buck, newcomer Dana Coleman, on the steps of the Magnolias.

16 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

The South’s rising likely had the backing of a few strong women.

Certainly, “the Offspring of the Ladies of the Sacred South” are strong contenders.

The group of strong-willed Southern ladies is central to Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne’s latest production: Raleigh Marcell’s “The Ladies of the Sacred South.”

Directed by Sue Peace and produced by Paul Labat, the cast includes several seasoned actresses as well as a few newbies to the local theatre scene.

“This is such a touching story, that attracted me to this show,” Peace said. “I love the sentimentality that these women have for the house, their surroundings and each other. They are older women who really love what they do. They love the house and I IF YOU GO think they feel the house loves them.”

‘LADIES OF THE The house is Magnolia SACRED SOUTH’ Grove, the decaying mansion WHEN: Through March 8 once occupied by Rachel (no performances on Monday Hampton; her daughter, Homor Tuesday nights) iny Ann; and her fiancé, ConWHERE: Le Petit Theatre de federate Capt. Roger Swain, Terrebonne, 7829 Main St., who was shot in the back by a Houma Yankee on the couple’s wedding day.

TICKETS: $15 The plantation was left to INFO: 985-876-4278 or Rosabelle Periwinkle (played houmalittletheatre.com

by Jeanne Scott), who sold it to The Offspring of the Ladies of the Sacred South – five eccentric, but lovable, women who maintain the history of the home.

“I see ‘Mrs. P’ as an integral part of the house,” Peace explained. “The home lives within Mrs. Periwinkle and Mrs. P lives within the home.”

In addition to Periwinkle, the ladies are Olivia Wysteria (Donna Benda), Roberta Lee Townsend (Julie Jeannsonne), Mildred Pierce (Lydia Courtney-Voight) and Mrs. Lawrence Worthington-Brown III (Gayle Walters-Barrios).

Fortuitously, the Magnolias and a second site, a modern museum named Pinehill, are being considered for the Georgia Historical Society’s annual pilgrimage. With the building inspector and fire marshal threatening closure, inclusion in the pilgrimage is the plantation’s last hope for survival.

Henry Baxter (newcomer Kimball Bonner) and Caroline Hughes (Brittany Rogers Bourque) are state representatives in town to select a site.

Our Sacred South ladies decide to host a Southern-style dinner, complete with an appearance by the good Capt.

Swain, played by a California transplant-turned-delivery man Jack (Scott Courville).

Also lending a hand are Palmer Motley Jr. (Alex Bonner), the son of the town’s unconventional tomato planter, and Buck (Dana Coleman), the soft-spoken, all-knowing butler.

SHELL ARMSTRONG | GUMBO

Scott Courville (forefront, as Confederate Capt. Roger Swain) recalls his encounters with Yankee rebs during “Ladies of the Sacred South” at LePetit. The show runs through March 8.

Coleman, the chief of detectives and spokesman for the Houma Police Department, is embarking on his first time onstage at Le Petit. His previous theatre gigs were at Ellender High, where he appeared in a Christmas play and a re-

make of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

“I was very nervous at first, but everyone has helped me overcome my first-time barriers,” Coleman said. “I’ve really come to appreciate the awesome relationship these ladies have with Buck

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 17

and with each other. It’s a fun play.”

When he tried out for the part of Buck, Coleman thought he was landing a speaking role. Little did he know he’d be belting out a bit of gospel and, of course, “Dixieland.”

“That’s OK though, I do a lot of singing in church so I wasn’t afraid,” he said.

Peace ingeniously incorporates virtually every area of the theatre for “Ladies of the Sacred South.”

“We have tours and a dinner going on so the dining area and parlor are essential,” she explained. “And some pivotal scenes occur on the porch. It was a challenge to fit it all in in this small space.”

Celebrity tourists visiting the Magnolias – Pat Crochet and Tyler Bonner – trek through the seating area upon their visits.

Peace noted that when the play first ran, audiences followed the cast as they moved through a plantation acting out the show. “Obviously, we can’t do that but we managed to make pretty good use of the space available to us.”

So, do the old house and its loyal descendants survive? Audiences have through March 8 to find out.

Theatre ‘THE LADIES OF THE SACRED SOUTH’ Through March 8 Five eccentric old ladies, using a thunderstorm, their wit and culinary skill, the services of a certified California actor, a long-lost family treasure and the Spirit of a Confederate Cavalry Captain, take on the “History Establishment” in order to save their decaying plantation museum. @ Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne, 7829 Main St., Houma.

985-876-4278. www.houmalittletheatre.com. $15.

‘RUTHLESS, THE MUSICAL’ Through March 14 “The Bad Seed” meets “Gypsy” in this story of a beautiful and talented 8-year-old Tina Denmark, who will do anything to play the lead in the school play.

Her muse? Wait until you see the award-winning stage mother of all musicals. @ Cutting Edge Theater, 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell. 985649-3727. Cuttingedgetheater.com. $25.

‘SEX PLEASE, WE’RE SIXTY’ Through March 15 Mrs. Standcliffe’s Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast has been successful for many years. Her next-door neighbor, the silver-tongued Bud Davis, believes guests return to spend time with “Bud the Stud.” The prim and proper Mrs. Standcliffe, of course, steadfastly denies this. Meanwhile, her other neighbor, a retired chemist, creates a little blue pill – “Venusia” – to increase Mrs. Standcliffe’s libido, which Bud inadvertently gets his hands on. @ Treato Wego! Theatre, 177 Sala Ave. Westwego. 504885-2000. jpas.org. $30.

‘DOUBT’ Through March 15 Suspicion cast on a priest’s behavior is less about scandal than about fascinatingly nuanced questions of moral certainty. Blunt yet subtle, manipulative but full of empathy for all sides, the play is set in 1964 and relevant today. @ Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Drive, Slidell. 985-6410324. slidelllittletheatre.org. $16.

‘HARVEY’ Through March 22 Elwood P. Dowd, a charming yet quirky man, claims that his best friend, Harvey, is a 6-foot tall rabbit.

The problem is he’s the only one who seems to be able to see him. To family, friends and the sanitarium staff, Harvey is a figment of Dowd’s imagination. @ Bayou Playhouse, 101 Main St., Lockport. 888-99-BAYOU (22968). Bayouplayhouse.com. $25-$27.

‘COMPANY’ March 6-22 Robert is a single man surrounded by married couples on his 35th birthday. Through a series of vignettes featuring his lovers and friends, he tries to make sense of the institution of marriage and comes to terms with what it means to be alive. @ Theatre Baton Rouge, 7155 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge.

225-924-6496. theatrebr.org. $28.

‘ALWAYS … PATSY CLINE’ Through April 5 The musical play, complete with down-home country humor, emotion and some audience participation, includes many of Cline’s unforgettable hits: “Crazy,” THEATRE CONTINUED ON 20

COURTESY

Viagra for women? That’s what a scientist “tries out” at a New Orleans bed and breakfast in “Sex Please, We’re Sixty,” playing through March 15 at Treato Wego! in Westwego. Pictured are Kathryn Talbot, Margeaux Fanning, Peter Gabb and Claire Conti.

18 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 19

THEATRE FROM 18

“I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” @ 11:45 a.m. at the National World War II Museum Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. 504-528-1944. Stagedoorcanteen.org. $30 (show only); $60 (brunch); and $65 (dinner and show)

‘7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS’ March 11 A backwoodsman brings his wife home to his Oregon farm in 1850, after which his six brothers decide they too want to get married. @ Baton Rouge River Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. $40.10$60.55.

‘WUTHERING HEIGHTS’ March 12 Aquilla Theater performs Emily Bronte’s novel, which tells of the unfortunate tale of lovers Cathy and Heathcliff. @ Heymann Performing Arts Center, Lafayette, 7:30 p.m. $26.75-$37.

LE DEBUT A NOUVEAU March 13-15 The Thibodaux Playhouse presents a cabaret show featuring local talent presenting scenes and songs from hit Broadway shows. Includes dinner prepared

by Dansereau House chefs.

@ The Dansereau House, Thibodaux. $120 per person March 13 & 14; $30 March 15 (no meal). 985-227-9337.

between them grows, his music soars in popularity but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than a normal romance.

‘WHEN YA SMILIN’ March 13-28 Ricky Graham directs this heart-warming comedy about growing up in New Orleans in the 1950s.

Precocious 10-year-old Paulie Dufour recounts a year in the life of a Ninth Ward family dealing with everyday troubles – money and family. A sure hit if you remember Pontchartrain Beach, Mr. Bingle, Mardi Gras with Mel Levitt and picnics in City Park.

@ Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal Blvd., New Orleans. 504525-1052. Saengernola.com. $25-$125.

@ Rivertown Theatre for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St., Kenner. 504-468-7221. rivertowntheatre.com. $27-$32.

‘CRIMES OF THE HEART’ March 13-21 Three sisters reunite when the youngest of them, Babe, shoots her husband. The oldest sister and caretaker, Lenny, is turning into an old maid, while Meg, the middle sister, returns home a failed Hollywood singer/actress who has had a wild life filled with many men. @ Marquette Theatre, Loyola University, St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. $8-$12.

‘ONCE’ March 17-22 The tale of a Dublin street musician who is about to abandon his dream when a woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry

‘DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR.’ March 20-22 The classic Disney film comes to life as Alice chases the White Rabbit down a dark tunnel, where she is transported into a world like no other. The Thibodaux Playhouse Jr. cast delivers updated dialogue and new arrangements of classic songs including “I’m Late” and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” @ Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center Theatre, Thibodaux. $14.99.

‘DINNER WITH FRIENDS’ March 20 through April 4 Donald Marguilles’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells the story of a couple nearing middle-age whose lives are turned upside down when they learn their best friends are divorcing. They learn the decisions they made when they were younger may not be as “life long” as they once thought. @ Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, 616 St. Peter St., New Orleans. 504-522-2081. lepetittheatre.com. $35-$50.

‘CAPTAIN LOUIE JR.’ March 20-22 Young Louie, the new kid in town, feels lonely and

20 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

friendless after his family moves to a new neighborhood. On Halloween, Louie takes an imaginary journey to visit his old neighborhood friends on the wings of his favorite toy, his little red plane. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the story is about friendship – the ability to make new friends and the importance of old ones. @ Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox Ave., Metairie. 504-885-2000. Jpas.org. $18, adults; $12, children age 12 and under.

‘THE GRAND PARADE’ March 20-22 An amalgamation of movement, text and fleeting images that evoke the mythology of the 20th century, it is Double Edge Theatre’s regional debut. The performance is equal parts circus, vaudeville and magical realism. @ Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., New Orleans.

504-528-3800. Cacno.org. $25-40.

Dance PAUL TAYLOR 2 DANCE COMPANY March 5-7 The six-person touring company performs works by the famed modern choreographer. @ 8 p.m., at Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand St. 504-948-9998. marignyoperahouse.org. $30

Imagining Harvey:

New Bayou Playhouse production sees director’s reprise of acting role

By JOHN DeSANTIS Nearly three decades ago Perry Martin gave his last on-stage performance, in Thibodaux, as the baffled and affable Elwood P. Dowd, a man who insists – to the consternation of his strait-laced sister and others – that he has a giant talking rabbit as a friend, abandoning the boards for a director’s chair.

This month the Bayou Playhouse founder returns to the stage, reprising the role in the Lockport theater’s production of “Harvey,” a play by Mary Chase first staged on Broadway in 1944.

“I am much more comfortable as a director but this character is dear to me,” Martin said, when asked about the switch. “It is one of my favorite plays.”

The show runs each Friday and Saturday through March 21 at 8 p.m. and each Sunday through March 22 at 2:30 p.m. The final performance is Friday, March 27.

Tickets are priced at $25 and $27. The theater is located at 101 Main St. in Lockport.

“Harvey” is the story of Dowd, a thoroughly charming man who sees and converses with a 6-foot-plus pooka – a legendary and traditionally Celtic shape-changer – in the form of a rabbit.

Dowd is not shy about introducing people to his friend, whom they cannot see or hear and his sister, Veta, wishes this were not so.

This so much the case that she seeks to Have Dowd committed, and the story ramps up from there.

If the plot sounds familiar though you’ve never seen the show on stage, that could be due to the 1950 film version of the Pulitzer-winning show, with Jimmy Stewart playing Dowd.

In the Bayou Playhouse production Dowd’s sister, Veta Louise Simmons, is played by Casey McShain, who appeared in the HBO series “Treme.”

Camille Griffin, who debuted at the Bayou Playhouse in the role of Sally in its production of “A Charlie Brown Chrstmas,” plays Myrtle Mae Simmons, Dowd’s niece.

Other players include James Wright

COURTESY

Elwood P. Dowd (Perry Martin) wows Nurse Ruth Kelly (played by Sara Jane Goodrum) as Dr. William Chumley (Roger Hernandez) looks on. Bayou Playhouse’s latest production, “Harvey,” marks Martin’s return to the stage acting after a long hiatus. as Judge Omar Gaffney, Jacob Miller as Dr. Lyman Sanderson, Sara Jane Goodrum as Nurse Ruth Kelly, Travis Resor as Duane Wilson and Roger Hernandez as Dr. William Chumley.

Directing the show is Martin’s long time friend, Dane Rhodes. Martin said Rhodes is the first guest director at the Playhouse since its doors opened seven years ago; his film credits include “Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter,” “Django Unchained” and “Love Song for Bobby Long,” in which he co-starred with

John Travolta and Scarlette Johansson.

To effectively play the role, Martin said, he draws on his standup comedy background and experience as a ventriloquist, a talent he honed while working his way through college on cruise ships.

“The comedy requires very subtle timing and someone who can envision and bring an imaginary character to life onstage for the audience, Martin said, noting that the key question throughout the production is “whether Harvey is a figment of Dowd’s imagination or or is

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 21

he actually real and no one else can see him.”

Coping in latter years with diminishing sight, Martin mused about the curious nature of his playing the character.

“I am a character who sees something nobody else sees,” said Martin, who was intrigued with the challenge of once again playing a role with a co-star who is not on stage. “Now my biggest challenge is to work off my lines and to not fall off the stage.”

Family Fun Choctaw Fireman’s Fair good fun, great cause Come extinguish any cravings you may have for good food, live music and carnival fun at the 32nd annual Choctaw Volunteer Fireman’s Fair March 13-15.

The department’s fire chief, Cody Rink, encourages locals to bring the entire family to the event – at 2854 Choctaw Road (just off of La. Highway 20) – which he says has a very “friendly, family atmosphere.”

Along with grazing on the traditional fare – fried catfish, crab cakes, crawfish kickers, burgers, dogs and nachos – festival-goers can spend the three days devouring such plate dishes as seafood gumbo on Friday, beef and pork sauce picante on Saturday and white beans and jambalaya on Sunday. Don’t forget the fresh hog cracklin’!

Prepare yourself for a weekend of laughing and dancing as you listen to musical guests Ross Grisham (6 to 9 p.m.) and Junior and Sumtin’ Sneaky (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) Friday; Pepper Jelly (2 to 5 p.m.), Will Cooper and Southern Groove (5 to 9 p.m.) and Velvet Sky (9

Goings On ‘PROMENADE d’ art de FRANKLIN’ March 4 The sixth annual City of Franklin Main Street Program features local and regional visual artists and published authors.

Celebrated along Franklin’s Historic Main Street, the Art Walk begins at 5 p.m.

BOURG ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW March 7 Featuring works from more than 75 local vendors – handmade jewelry, clothing, woodcrafts, original art, garden items, games and more. Also selling Cajun food. Proceeds benefit the non-profit craft show.

8 a.m.-4 p.m., at Vision Christian Center, 4467 La. Highway 24, Bourg. 985-594-8888.

BAYOU HOME SHOW March 7-8 Includes tips on home renovating and decorating

FILE | GUMBO

The Choctaw Volunteer Fireman’s Fair serves as the department’s main fundraiser. Proceeds go toward purchasing and maintaining fire equipment and improving the CVFD. p.m. to 1 a.m.) Saturday; and Sunday, Treater (noon to 6 p.m.).

There is no entrance fee for this event and guests who wish to partake in the carnival rides can opt to purchase unlimited ride single day or weekend bracelets.

Don’t miss the Firemen’s Parade Sunday at 10:30 a.m., starting at the Sixth Ward Middle School and ending

at the fairgrounds.

All money raised at this fun-filled fair goes to the annual operation costs of the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department. “Unlike most fire departments across the state and the parish, we don’t receive a millage to support the department,” Rink said. “This is our main fundraiser to purchase and maintain equipment and improve the

department.

“It’s a family-oriented affair,” he added. “We really appreciate the community coming out, having fun and supporting their local volunteer fire department.”

The fair hours Friday are 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

from dozens of exhibitors, and Cannata’s Food Show, which offers samples, coupons and recipes.

PATTERSON CUB SCOUTS and BOY SCOUTS ANNUAL HAMBURGER FUNDRAISER March 8 All day Sunday, the scouts host their hamburger fundraiser.

16th ANNUAL LOCKPORT MAIN STREET & BAYOUSIDE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW March 14 Admission is free for the day at the market.

Houma Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma. $6, children ages 12 and under free.

A NIGHT FOR GOODNESS’ SAKE March 6 The annual fundraiser benefits Chabert Medical Center. Billy Stark and Friends provide music. Also includes food from area restaurants.

5 Glen Oaks Drive, Houma. $100. 985-688-7111.

SCHRIEVER LIONS CLUB BEAUTY PAGEANT March 7 Open to newborns through 40-plus contestants, proceeds from the event help send children and young adults to attend the Louisiana Crippled Children’s Camp is Leesville. A highlight of the event is the “Special Needs Group” competition.

Patterson Jr. High School. 985-395-9351 or 518-5061.

THIBODAUX PLAYHOUSE TRIVIA NIGHT March 13 Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the contest begins at 7 p.m. The entry fee per team is $150, and is considered a donation to the Thibodaux Playhouse’s building fund.

Warren J. Harang Auditorium, Thibodaux. 985-447-7446.

HORSESHOE PITCHING DAY AT THE PARK March 8

BAYOU LAFOURCHE CLEAN-UP March 14 The “Clean Up,” which runs 8 a.m. to noon, covers 106 miles of the bayou from Donaldsonville to Leeville. Volunteers clean up aboard boats, along the bayouside and around the many bridges along the bayou. Volunteers are welcome.

Kemper Williams Park, Cotton Road, Patterson. 985-385-3858.

alma@btnep.org or www.btnep.org. 985-447-0868.

Evergreen Cajun Center. 985-291-2854.

22 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

Lockport Bayouside Park, bayoulafourchefo@bellsouth.net or www.bayoumuseum.org. 985-532-5909. (Marian Barker)

HOUMA LOUISIANA WEDDING EXPO March 15 The inaugural show features a range of products and services catered to the discerning bride and groom.

Includes venues, caterers, decorators, boutiques, transportation and entertainment in one easy-toshop and compare location.

11 a.m., Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. $8 admission; children age 12 or younger, free.

GOINGS ON CONTINUED ON 24

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 23

LOUISIANA SWAMP STOMP FESTIVAL March 20-22 Spotlights local and regional musicians, south Louisiana foods and artisans demonstrating their crafts and selling handmade items.

LEEVILLE ARTS & HERITAGE FESTIVAL March 28 This all-day event features a cooking competition, cultural demonstrations, live music, arts market, a paddling event and good food.

Nicholls State University. Admission is $10 daily or $25 for weekend pass (free to Nicholls student and children 12 and under). Carnival admission is free. www.nicholls.edu/ swamp-stomp.

Top Water Marina, 24015 La. Highway 1, Leeville. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

40th ANNUAL OVER AND UNDER TUNNEL RUN March 21 Includes a 5k and 1-mile fun run that travels a unique course over and under the same body of water. Music, food and live entertainment.

Houma Municipal Auditorium, 880 Verret St. Catherine Straatmann at 985-209-7747.

7th ANNUAL AUTISM SOCIETY 5K RUN/WALK March 21 8 a.m., at Morgan City Junior High School’s football field.

985-791-7764.

SLAMMING FOR A CURE March 22 A fundraiser for Relay for Life, this Mid-South Wrestling Entertainment event features Hacksaw Duggan and Rodney Mack, as well as Marty Graw, Stan Sweetan, Minotaur, Xtian Blake, Trucker Jones, Keggar, Mike Kaos and Tommy Martinelli.

Doors open at 3 p.m.; bell time is 4 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15.

Evergreen Cajun Center, Houma.

TLAFA RODEO WINTER SERIES March 28 The series includes bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, tie down/breakaway and riding events. Sheep riding for youngsters kicks off the event. Admission is $10, adults; $7 children age 12 and under; and free to children age 2 and younger.

6:30 p.m., at the Houma Airbase, 221 Moffet Road. www.terrebonne-livestock.org. 985-804-7932.

‘HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS’ March 28 The Haven hosts its annual fundraising gala from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., which includes food, a silent auction and live entertainment. The Haven is a non-profit organization that serves victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. Julie Pellegrin at 985-872-0757 or visit www.havenhelps.org.

SOUTHDOWN MARKETPLACE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL March 28 Gates are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this oneday arts and crafts festival featuring handmade gifts, keepsakes, décor and more. Cajun food is sold and museum tours are offered for an additional fee.

Admission is $5 for adults; children under age 12 are admitted free.

Southdown Plantation, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma.

Rachel Theriot, 985-851-0154.

24 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

BATEAU DE BOIS FESTIVAL March 28 The Center for Louisiana Traditional Boat Building exhibits special old-time, handmade boats, woodworking techniques, decoy carving, local painters exhibits and traditional board-building techniques.

The Center for Louisiana Traditional Boat Building, 202 Main St., Lockport, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 985-532-5106.

COYC CHILI-JAMBALAYA COOKOFF & CRAFT SHOW March 28 The Cut Off Youth Center hosts its first ever cookoff for chili and jambalaya chefs. Also features craft booths and live music.

Cut Off Youth Center Pavillion, 205 W. 79th St., Cut Off. 985632-7616. Dlynn.boudreaux@cutoffyouthcenter.org.

COURTESY

Cooper and Remy Fontenot ready for the Super Cooper 5K. Proceeds from the event go toward helping family of children who must be admitted to TGMC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

SUPER COOPER 5K March 28 The 9th annual race in the Houma series is ideal for runners, joggers and walkers at all fitness levels.

Jogging strollers and pets are welcomed. Racers age 14 and under receive a free laster tag session to be played after the race. Prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers. Registration varies from $13-$25.

Pinnochio’s Pizza Playhouse, 117 Prevost Drive in Houma.

Registration begins at 7 a.m.; 1-mile fun run starts at 8 a.m. www.cooperlifefund.org.

SCHOOL ART SHOW March 29 thru April 10 Terrebonne Parish students – grades 1 through 12 – compete in all mediums. Ribbons and free art lessons during the summer months are awarded.

Downtown Art Gallery 630, 630 Belanger St., Houma. Aleta Leckelt, 985-851-2198 or www.TFAG.org.

6th ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC March 30 The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber hosts two flights: 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. shotguns.

Ellendale Country Club, 3319 La. Highway 311, Houma.

985-876-5600 or www.houmachamber.com.

Daigrepont hits NSU’s Swamp Stomp

By SHELL ARMSTRONG shell@rushing-media.com Bruce Daigrepont has been writing and performing Cajun French since the ‘80s. He’s known for his peppered two-steps and sultry waltzes from south Louisiana, to Canada and all points between.

Only thing, fewer people in the audience understand the lyrics anymore.

Much like Louisiana’s receding gulf coastline, use of the region’s original language is disappearing.

“The amount of people who can speak [Cajun French] is dwindling,” Daigrepont said. “People can relate to the rhythm, the sound, and enjoy dancing.

“To create a set list totally goes against the grain of what I do,” he said. “Many years ago when I first started playing, I tried to make the perfect set list. I quickly realized that I was driving myself crazy with that. It’s just impossible to anticipate an audience’s response.”

But the audience that can appreciate the lyrics is getting smaller.”

For those who pen their own works, it can be disappointing.

“It’s a shame because as a songwriter because you’re there playing knowing more people can’t appreciate the total song,” he said. “Cajun French is just spoken less and less by people.”

As a young boy, Daigrepont heard stories from his father about efforts to rid the area completely of Cajun French.

“I heard about the nuns whacking the knuckles of children for speaking it,” he recalled.

Closer to the home of the Acadians, in part of Canada, the language thrives. So, too, does Daigrepont’s music.

“When I go to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and some of the other providences, people there speak like people were in Louisiana 50 or 60 years ago,” he said.

Visit Canada, and you will hear the likes of Daigrepont and other local Cajun artists.

“I’ve even seen people doing karaoke versions of my songs on YouTube,” he said. “That’s wild.”

But where south Louisiana excels, Daigrepont said, is in Cajun dancing. It seems our Canadian brethren don’t know how.

“They really don’t know how to Cajun dance,” the artist said.

Daigrepont recalled playing at a hockey arena before a packed house of French Canadians. “They were standing shoulder to shoulder, beer in one hand and pumping their other fist in the air while singing my songs.”

The only other artist to garner such respect is Louisiana’s COURTESY Zachary Richard.

Cajun French performer Bruce Daigrepont headlines the seventh annual Louisiana Swamp Stomp Daigrepont said fame is still Festival on March 21. The three-day event has been named a “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” by the something of a shock. After all, Southeast Tourism Society. he plays with a relatively small Instead, he gages reactions, perfectly Anyone who has seen Daigrepont play band. He doesn’t have a booking agent matching the mood. live knows he’s a “no holds barred” talor promotion machine behind him.

“I try to mix up the songs as we play ent. From the time he sets foot onstage, “It defies logic that these songs are that contrast from one song to anothit’s anything goes. hits,” he said, laughing. er,” Daigrepont explained. “If you just “To create a set list totally goes But as an ambassador for the state play two or three waltzes in a row, it all against the grain of what I do,” he said. and the Cajun French culture, he is sounds the same, especially if you don’t honored for the opportunity to continue “Many years ago when I first started really know the music. But I’ll go with playing, I tried to make the perfect to play. a fast zydeco piece and follow it with set list. I quickly realized that I was “Every chance I get, I try to reprea slow, bluesy waltz. I may come back driving myself crazy with that. It’s just sent both the state and our heritage,” impossible to anticipate an audience’s Daigrepont said. “Both mean so much DAIGREPONT CONTINUED ON 26 response.” to me.”

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 25

A youngster tries his hand at zydeco during Nicholl’s Swamp Stomp Festival. with another waltz, but it will have a bounce to it. It allows me to be more free with what I call. It also keeps the shows fresh. No two are ever the same.”

Locals can catch an entirely new Daigrepont show Saturday, March 21, at Nicholls State’s seventh annual Swamp Stomp Festival. He closes out the day’s show, taking the stage at 7:40 p.m.

The three-day event runs March 21-22 on Nicholls’ Thibodaux campus.

The Southeast Tourism Society named the festival one of the month’s “Top 20 Events in the Southeast.”

In addition to Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop, the festival celebrates regional foods and presentations on local history, culture and economic development.

Visitors will enjoy a Jumbo Gumbo Cook-off, 5K Can-Can and Mile White Boot Waddle Walk/Run. This year also features a Kids’ Zone with inflatables, arts and crafts and the Tresors du Bayou Educational Program. For a complete schedule, visit the festival’s website at nicholls.edu/swamp-stomp.

Swamp Stomp 2015

Tickets for the festival are $10 daily or $25 for a weekend pass.

Friday March 20 4:30-6 p.m.

6:20-7:50 p.m.

8:10-9:40 p.m.

– Treater – Don Rich – Nonc Nu and da Wild Matous

Saturday March 21 10:30 a.m.-noon – 12:20-1:50 p.m.

– 2:10-3:40 p.m.

– 4-5:30 p.m.

– 5:50-7:20 p.m.

– 7:40 – 9:10 p.m. –

Waylon Thibodeaux Cedric Watson Kevin Naquin T’Canaille Cameron Dupuy Bruce Daigrepont

Sunday, March 22 10:30-11:50 a.m.

12:10-1:30 p.m.

1:50-3:10 p.m.

3:30-4:50 p.m.

5:10-6:30 p.m.

The Freetown Aces Tee Chaoui Social Club Jeffrey Broussard Soul Creole Geno Delafose

26 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

– – – – –

COURTESY

Music prevails in boy-meets-girl love story Amarillo-born Erica Swindell has spent her life reading for the role of a Czechoslavakian violinist.

In “Once,” the latest Broadway touring production at the New Orleans Saenger Theater, Swindell landed her dream job as Réza, the friend of the show’s female lead, simply named Girl.

A relative newcomer to the Broadway scene, “Once” opened in New York City in 2012, promptly winning eight Tony Awards, including the coveted Best Musical honor.

“Once” is the story of a struggling street musician in Dublin who is about to abandon his dream of a career when a beautiful young woman takes an interest in his love songs. As the chemistry between the pair grows, so does their relationship.

“The show is an everyman’s tale,” Swindell said. “It’s a standard ‘boy meets girl’ story. It offers so many different relationships but all comes back to the love between the two main characters.”

At the core is a critically acclaimed score – the play’s song “Falling Slowly” won a 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song and the “Once” film soundtrack a Grammy Award nomination – performed live onstage by an ensemble of actor/musicians.

Swindell, a Shakespearean-trained actress who has played violin since she was 3, has a diverse skill set. In addition to music and singing, she has fighting, firearms, clown, improve and horseback riding experience.

Music was Swindell’s first love until she discovered theatre in high school.

She studied acting at Marymount Manhattan College and, later, at the British American Drama Academy Midsummer in Oxford.

On a tip from fellow a violinist where she studied, Swindell tried out for and landed a Broadway job in “Once.” In addition to playing Réza, who “pushes Girl to her limits,” she’s performed as an understudy to Girl.

“Réza is a survivor. She’s out there on her own,” Swindell said. “She’s a little colorful in a lot of ways.”

The role also connects Swindell with her first love, her violin.

Now she’s touring the globe with the

‘ONCE’

IF YOU GO

WHEN: March 17-22 WHERE: Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal Blvd., New Orleans COST: $25-$125 INFO: saengernola.com or Ticketmaster. 504525-1052

COURESTY | JOAN MARCUS

Actors play live onstage in “Once,” the winner of eight Tony Awards, that tells the story of a struggling Irish street musician (Stuart Ward) who meets a young girl (Dani de Waal) who believes in his haunting love songs. For Amarillo-born actress Erica Swindell, playing the role of the woman’s friend, violinist Réza, is a dream come true.

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 27

show. “We’ve been to Toyko, Canada and a lot of cities in the U.S. that I either haven’t been to in a long time or have never gotten to visit,” she said.

The musical cast is “an airline’s worst nightmare,” Swindell said. “I carry my own personal instrument on the plane.

So do most of my castmates. We look like a traveling band when we’re boarding.”

“Once” is one of the few musicals where the cast accompanies itself.

The sets are designed to project sound because the musician/actors do not have monitors onstage. “Sometimes we can’t hear each other playing,” Swindell said.

“We watch for small signs, a foot tap or head bob, to stay on track. It requires us to be very alert during the show.”

Another unique nuance to “Once” comes an hour before the curtain opens.

“The stage turns into a working bar,” Swindell said. The audience is invited onstage to buy drinks as the cast performs Irish and Czech tunes.

“It’s a lot of fun and a great opportunity to meet people as we tour,” she said.

“Once” features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, a book by award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter, Enda Walsh (“Penelope,” “Hunger,” “The New Electric Ballroom”), direction by Scottish director John Tiffany, movement by Steven Hoggett (“Black Watch,” “American Idiot”) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (“Mamma Mia!”). The set and costume design are by five-time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (“The Coast of Utopia,” “Mary Poppins”), lighting design is by Tony winner Natasha Katz (“Aida,” “The Coast of Utopia”), and sound design is

by Clive Goodwin.

Charity wrestling show to feature WWE legend

By CASEY GISCLAIR casey@rushing-media.com WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is coming to Houma.

His mission? To kick some butt and raise much-needed dollars for charity.

Duggan is scheduled to headline Mid-South Wrestling Entertainment’s ‘Slamming for a Cure’ event on March 22 at the Evergreen Cajun Center in Houma.

The event raises money for Relay for Life, and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

This is the second time in the past year that Duggan comes to the area. He wrestled in town in July 2014. Now 61, the legend isn’t quite as fleet of foot as he once was. But he still puts on a show and can hold his own in the ring.

Tickets are $15 for ringside and $12 for general admission, if purchased at the door. If ordered in advance, the prices drop to $12 for ringside and $10 for general admission.

“Houma, Thibodaux, Morgan City, (there are) great wrestling fans down here,” Duggan said during his last Houma appearance. “It’s great to come back. So many folks come out, and they said, ‘Hacksaw, I’ve been watching you since I was my son’s age.’ It’s nice to meet a new generation of fans.”

In Duggan, the local show has hauled in arguably one of the most recognizable wrestling names of all-time. A Glen Falls, New York native, Duggan’s been in the business since the late 1970s when he started carving his spot at independent shows in Texas and Georgia.

Hacksaw’s strongest independent run often carried him through Louisiana.

From 1982-86, the wrestling legend competed in Mid-South Wrestling – an indy company that routinely took its act into the Pelican State.

Duggan said he routinely fought in the Houma-Thibodaux area in his early days, listing several of the area’s towns

RICHARD FISCHER | GUMBO

WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan returns to Houma March 22 for “Slamming for a Cure.” “I’m genuinely happy that (fans) remember me,” Duggan told Gumbo. as among the places he’s competed.

Hacksaw also lived in Pineville during his career in the indies.

After battling in Mid-South Wrestling, Duggan got his big break, signing a contract with Vince McMahon and WWF in January 1987.

During a 20-plus year run in the mainstream circuit, Hacksaw did just about everything there is to do within his sport, winning countless titles and competing all across the globe. Duggan retired from the WWE in 2009, but still makes sporadic appearances when needed. Since his retirement, he’s returned to the indies – his way of giving back to the fans who have supported him after his nearly 40 years of competition.

Duggan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, solidifying forever his place in wrestling history.

“I’m genuinely happy that (fans) remember me,” Duggan said. “It’s a very competitive business, professional wrestling. It’s hard to stay current in any profession. Doing it for 35 years and still having fans is great. I’m very appreciative to have those folks out there.”

There’s sure to be a lot of fans at the upcoming Houma show, because Duggan isn’t the only attractive draw who is competing. He isn’t the only former WWE star, either.

Event organizers tout that former WWE competitor and Louisiana native Rodney Mack will compete at the event, as well as several top local independent

28 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

competitors like Marty Graw, Stan Sweetan, Minotaur, Xtian Blake, Trucker Jones, Mike Kaos, Keggar, Tommy Martinelli and many more.

Mack competed in WWE for a fulltime run from 2002-04, returning briefly to the company in the mid-2000s, as well.

Organizers of the event tout that tickets are going fast for the show, so one probably wouldn’t be wise to wait until the day of the show.

Doors open at 3 p.m. with the first bell set for 4 p.m.

By probably about 4:05 p.m. chaos will have taken over within the ring. But by 7 p.m., much-needed money will be raised to fund cancer research.

You just can’t beat that.

March offers premier golfing

By CASEY GISCLAIR March is always one of the more active golfing months around the Houma-Thibodaux area because temperatures are historically just perfect – right in the middle of the line that separates too warm and too cold.

This month is no different, as several tournaments will be hosted throughout the 31-day month to appease golf-lovers throughout all reaches of the Houma-Thibodaux area and beyond.

“Golf is a game that is unique. I don’t know that there is any sport like it,” said Pete Williams, a Houma native and frequent golfer. “I don’t know that there’s any other game out there that anyone can play – young and old. And I also don’t know if there’s any other game that is so mental. Look at Tiger Woods. He’s maybe the best to ever play the game, but right now, his mind isn’t right and he’s playing like me. It’s crazy the way the sport works.”

AREA EVENTS Lewis University Practice Golf Tournament March 4-7 @ noon, Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. 985-395-4653.

Patterson Project Graduation Golf Tournament March 14 @ 8 p.m., Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. 985-395-4653.

HL Bourgeois vs. Terrebonne Golf Tournament March 17 @ 3 p.m., Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. 985-395-4653.

HL Bourgeois vs. Terrebonne girls Golf Tournament March 19 @ 3 p.m., Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. 985-395-4653.

20th Annual Mardi Gras Mambo Golf Classic March 21 4-man scramble with tee times at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. @ St. Mary Golf & Country Club, Berwick. 985-518-4805 or 985-498-2926.

Cajun Golf Association Golf Tournament March 22 @ 8:30 a.m., Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson.

HL Bourgeois vs. Houma Christian Golf Tournament March 24 @ 3 p.m., Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson.

Gator Club Golf Tournament March 28 @ 9 a.m., Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. 985-395-4653.

Golf Channel Amateur Tour Golf Tournament March 28 @ 10 a.m., Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson. 985-395-4653.

6th Annual Houma-Terrebonne Chamber Golf Classic March 30 @ 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ellendale Country Club, 3319 La. Highway 311, Houma.

985-876-5600.

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 29

Marks wants to return with a vengeance

By CASEY GISCLAIR

The last two times Zane Marks sat in a professional boxing ring, the story ended the exact same way – with Marks on his back without the proper motor skills to rise to his feet before an official’s count to 10.

The last time this occurred was on March 3, 2012, at the BB King Blues Club & Grill in New York, New York.

Marks lost to upstart Will Rosinsky on that night – a promising prospect from the Northeast. Before that, he got stopped by Derrick Findley on July 10, 2010, in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi.

Both fighters were talented, but Marks said he thought he could beat each guy if things went his way.

In the mid-2000s, Marks was a knockout king in the Southeast – the winner of several-straight bouts on the local circuit. For a stretch, he was arguably the top fighter in Louisiana.

But in these fights, he said he wasn’t as quick, was a bit stale and, frankly, was just a hair off – somewhat of a trend lately for the fighter who has lost five of his past seven bouts, dating back to March 2007 when he lost a close decision to Cleveland Corder in Boise, Idaho.

“I wasn’t as dedicated as I should have been,” Marks said. “I made a lot of mistakes. I’ll be the first to admit that – I didn’t do some of the things I should have done to prepare for a few of those fights.”

There have been plenty days in the past several years where Marks thought about the fact that he may never fight again. He said he’d never use the word

COURTESY

Zane “The Train” Marks said that after being in a dark place in life, he’s ready to appreciate the things that mean the most to him in life. The local fighter makes his return to the ring this month at the Cut Off Youth Center. “retire,” but he touts that he’s always understood that his in-ring career might be done.

After all, Marks is 31 now and has eaten a lot of punches. He said he’s come to grips with the fact that he’s no longer the “young” prospect that he once was, but is now instead a veteran who needs to either immediately make a push to revive his career or sit at home and wonder what might have been.

Marks said he’s choosing to do the former over the latter.

The first stop on his quest for resurrection is in Cut Off, Louisiana.

The local fighter said he’s refocused, refreshed and ready to be better than he’s ever been when he takes the ring on March 28 at the Cut Off Youth Center

as part of “Redemption”, the boxing show being put on by longtime promoter Chad Broussard. The card features a seven-bout lineup filled with some of the top talents from around the Houma-Thibodaux area.

For Marks to be better than he’s ever been will be hard to pull off, because when he was at his peak, Marks was dynamic and explosive – a knockout punch waiting to happen.

During a 24-month stretch from Nov. 2004-Nov. 2006, he was 14-0 with 9 knockouts.

“I’m working hard, and my goal is to be better than ever,” Marks said. “I wanted to come back into that area and show those people that I am humbled, and I appreciate their support. I wanted

30 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

to show them that my career is back on the right path once again.”

For Marks, the Cut Off show may be his last shot.

After struggling in several of his past few bouts, Marks said he’s well aware that he needs to get a win against Justin Williams to put himself in position to get back on track.

Williams’ record is a mess. He’s just 4-10-2. But he’s no tomato can to be slaughtered, either. Williams has never been knocked out and has gone the distance against several of the top fighters in the area, including Travis Scott and Jarred LeBlanc. He’s also traveled out West and lost decisions to top prospects like Hugo Centeno Jr. and Alex Theran.

Marks was offered an opportunity to speak directly to Williams, but declined to do-so, touting that he doesn’t have anything against his opponent.

“That’s something the old me would have done,” Marks said. “I’m not here to trash talk anymore.”

He instead said that he respects Williams’ toughness, and knows that it’ll be a challenging fight. He then gave a little zing to his foe, telling him that he better come ready.

“He’s a good fighter. They tell me that he’s really tough and he doesn’t give up,” Marks said. “But I’ll tell you this – he better come ready for war, because that’s what it’s going to be. It’s going to be a war when we step in that ring. I’m not coming to roll over for anybody. I’m thankful to him, and to the promoters for the opportunity to fight.”

Marks said there are several reasons why he wants to do this.

Of course, he’s doing it for himself.

COURTESY

When he’s at his best, Zane Marks packs a powerful punch. After some time away from the ring, Marks said he’s ready to be better than ever this month when he fights at the Cut Off Youth Center.

After straying from his former promoter in the late 2000s, Marks said he lost touch with a lot of the important things in life. In his past few fights, he said he wasn’t focused and was just going through the motions.

“I was in a really dark place,” Marks said. “I needed to humble myself. The things I was doing weren’t working for me – not at all.”

Since that time, Marks said he’s been splashed in the face with tragedy several times to remind him that he needs to right his ways.

In Oct. 2014, longtime boxer Emanuel Augustus was the victim of a random shooting in New Orleans, which police said was an act of violence in the city.

Augustus has since gotten better, but was once in critical condition. Marks said he’s a longtime role model – a fighter he’s looked up to his entire life.

“That hit me hard. It hit close to home,” Marks said.

More recently, Marks said he’s become acquainted with a young lady named Brandi Ramagos – a seventh grader with a physical disability that confines her to a wheelchair.

Marks said on days when he struggles to get motivated to train, he looks to Ramagos for inspiration. He said she is why he is working so hard to come back strong. She is why he wants to be better

than he’s ever been before.

The young lady will be in attendance at Marks’ next fight, and he wants to give her a show.

“She’s always so happy, and she’s always in good spirits,” Marks said.

“If she can do that with the condition she’s in, the least I can do is work hard to better my craft to be the best boxer I can be.”

Whether it happens – that remains to be seen. But Marks said he will empty his soul on the canvas of the ring in the Cut Off Youth Center to give it his best shot – perhaps his last shot at reclaiming the glory he sought to attain.

“There will be ring rust, but I will do my best,” Marks said. “There’s a lot of fight left in me, and I just want to give the fans a good fight. I was born for this. Boxing is the only thing I’m good at. I can hardly tie my shoes, man. But I damn sure know how to fight. This is what I’m here to do, and I am here to get myself right and get back where I need to be. It’s personal, and I’m just ready to get to work.”

Anyone wanting tickets to the night of fights is asked to visit www.boxncarpromotions.com. Broussard said fans may also call him direct at 337-298-7658.

He said tables are available, and general admission will also be sold the night of the show.

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 31

At the Library

FLIPSTER DEMO March 19 Adults can learn to download digital magazines for free from the library.

LAFOURCHE PARISH

2 p.m., South Lafourche Branch

FREE TAX PREP Volunteer tax preparers with the organization 4U are offering free basic tax preparation for residents making $58,000 or less through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program during tax season.

GOLDEN TICKET FRIDAY March 20 Participants can check out a book with a “golden ticket” in it and receive a small prize.

By appointment only at the Lockport, Raceland, Bayou Blue and Larose branches.

Lockport Branch

SECOND ANNUAL BAYOU BLUE AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST Through April 2 The library’s photo contest is open to amateur photographers of all ages. All those interested can stop by the library for more information.

Bayou Blue Branch COURTESY | TERREBONNE LIBRARY

CRAZY ’BOUT HISTORY March 4 People of all ages can learn more about history when character actors from Crazy ‘Bout History portray famous individuals from history. This program is a part of Nicholls State University’s Jubilee: A Festival of the Arts and Humanities.

5:30 p.m., Thibodaux Branch

DUST GAMETIME March 4 This educational alternate reality game for teens and tweens ages 12 and up can be played independently through the game’s app or on the computer online.

Games are hosted once a week for group play. Call the library at 447-4119 to register.

4:30 p.m., Thibodaux Branch

GAME DESIGN CAMP Every Wednesday and Saturday in March, and March 31 Teens can create their own role playing video game, thanks to a grant from YALSA / Best Buy. Registration is required, so sign up at the library.

LAFOURCHE LIBRARIES • Bayou Blue Branch –

Youngsters at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library in Houma work with Legos during a play session. March offers a number of events for locals of all ages are area libraries.

Various times, Lockport Branch

GOOGLE EARTH SCAVENGER HUNT March 10 Teens can take part in a task-oriented exploration of the Earth’s features via Google Maps to celebrate Teen Tech Week.

5 p.m., Larose Branch

SOUL MUSICAL PERFORMANCE March 10 People of all ages can enjoy an a capella performance from SOUL, an international musical group which features songs from members’ home nations.

This program is a part of Nicholls State University’s Jubilee: A Festival of the Arts and Humanities.

6 p.m., Thibodaux Branch

BEGINNERS’ PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS March 11 Participants can bring their digital cameras for a • Lockport Branch – 720 Crescent Ave., Lockport 985-532-3185

• Raceland Branch –

1403 N. Bayou Drive, Golden Meadow 985-475-5660

• South Lafourche Branch –

1887 Choctaw Road, Thibodaux 985-633-6453

• Thibodaux Branch –

• Choctaw Branch – • Gheens Branch –

153 N. Leon Drive, Gheens 985-532-2288

• Golden Meadow Branch –

1403 N. Bayou Drive, Golden Meadow 985-475-5660

• Larose Branch –

305 E. 5th St., Larose 985-693-3336

4:30 p.m., Bayou Blue Branch

177 Recreation Drive, Raceland 985-537-6875 16241 E. Main St., Cut Off 985-632-7140 705 W. 5th St., Thibodaux 985-447-4119

TERREBONNE LIBRARIES

• Terrebonne Parish Main Library – 151 Library Drive, Houma 985-876-5861

• Bourg Branch –

4405 Andrew St., Bourg 985-594-4717

1-4 p.m., Thibodaux Branch

REAL LIFE PAC MAN GAME AND CRAFT March 24 Kids can play Pac Man with a twist. A craft will follow.

4 p.m., Raceland Branch

DUCK DECOY DEMO March 12 Lawrence Torres will demonstrate how duck decoys work and how he builds the decoys. This program is a part of Nicholls State University’s Jubilee: A Festival of the Arts and Humanities.

5:30 p.m., Thibodaux Branch

TWEEN TECH LOCK-IN AT THE LIBRARY March 13 Children ages 10 to 14 can stay after hours at the library for fun and games. Pizza will be served.

Registration must be done at the library and parents must sign a permission slip for their child to attend.

Visit the library for more info or to register.

6-10 p.m., Thibodaux Branch

• Chauvin Branch –

198 Mazerac St., Houma 985-580-0634

• Biblioteca Hispana –

lesson in beginners’ photography. This program is geared toward teens, but all ages are welcome.

Space is limited, so sign up at the library.

WORLDS COLLIDE: THE ULTIMATE BOOK BASH March 21 This middle-grade reading campaign is designed with one goal in mind: to bring together fans of the 39 Clues, Infinity Ring, Spirit Animals, and TombQuest series in a celebration of multiplatform storytelling hosted by Scholastic. Children attending will make crafts, have snacks, and watch the live broadcast in New York City where authors of the series will be speaking. Sign up at the library.

5500 La. Highway 56, Chauvin 985-594-9771

• Dularge Branch –

837 Bayou Dularge Road, Houma 985-851-1752

• East Houma Branch –

778 Grand Caillou Road, Houma 985-876-7072

• Gibson Branch –

6363 S. Bayou Black Drive, Gibson 985-575-2639

• Grand Caillou Branch –

MARY BIRD PERKINS WOMEN’S HEALTH PRESENTATION March 25 In honor of Women’s History and National Nutrition months, a representative from Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will present info on women’s health issues and preventative steps to ensure a healthy lifestyle.

10:30 a.m., Raceland Branch

STORYTIME & EASTER EGG HUNT & EASTER BUNNY VISIT March 26 Children ages 0 to 5 can visit with the Easter Bunny and take part in an Easter egg hunt during Storytime.

Bring your cameras to take a photo of your child or grandchild with the Easter Bunny.

11 a.m., Larose Branch

STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER March 30 Children ages 2 to 8 and their stuffed animals are invited to our stuffed animal sleepover. Children will enjoy stories and cookies with milk before tucking their stuffed friends in for the night. Animal friends will sleep over in the library.

4 p.m., Choctaw Branch

200 Badou Drive, Dulac 985-563-2014

• Montegut Branch –

1135 La. Highway 55, Montegut 985-594-4390

• North Branch –

4130 W. Park Ave., Gray 985-868-3050

32 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

EASTER EGG HUNT March 31 Children can gather eggs at the library’s Easter egg hunt. Prizes will be given for the child finding the

most eggs and for finding the “special” egg. Refreshments will be served, and photos with the Easter Bunny can be taken.

4:30 p.m., Bayou Blue Branch

3D DOODLE PEN FUN March 31 Teens can experience the library’s new 3D Doodle Pen, draw and create in 3D. For ages 11 to 17.

2 p.m., Choctaw Branch

DIY DUCT TAPE WALLET CRAFT March 31 Teens can make a duct tape wallet craft.

4 p.m., Raceland Branch

TERREBONNE PARISH FRIENDS OF THE TERREBONNE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK SALE March 12-15 This book sale is open to Friends of the Library members only. Those not members may sign up and pay their yearly dues.

12 p.m., 9 a.m., 2 p.m., Terrebonne Main Branch

ADULT “COFFEE BREAK” Every Tuesday in March Adults can enjoy an afternoon coffee along with reading, wireless Internet, magazines, and more.

1:30 p.m., East Houma Branch

FITNESS FRIDAYS Every Friday in March Adults can join together in the library for Fitness Fridays.

10 a.m., North Branch

LEGO CLUB March 9 Kids can come to the library for free-form Lego building. This event is recommended for kids Pre-K and up, but all are welcome. Baby blocks will also be available. The library is also accepting donations of unwanted Legos to add to their collection.

3 p.m., North Branch

COURTESY | TERREBONNE LIBRARY

Children are enthralled during the library’s storytime hour.

EAGER READINGS BOOK CLUB March 9 The Eager Readings book club meets to discuss “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. Upcoming titles include “Killing Lincoln” by Bill O’Reilly on April 13, and “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green on May 11.

1:30 p.m., Dularge Branch

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CLOVER CRAFT March 10 Kids in Pre-K through 3rd grade can make a clover craft.

4 p.m., Chauvin Branch

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP FOR TEENS: FICTION March 12 Teens can learn alongside each other the art and

technique of creative writing. This hour-long program emphasizes literary craft as well as the dedicated practice of peer review and revision.

FLOWER POT ART March 18 Adults can make an art Mosaic on their pots.

6:30 p.m., Main Branch

12:30 p.m., Gibson Branch

EASTER BASKET March 17 Teens can create an Easter basket using modge podge, tissue and balloons.

EASTER EGG WREATH March 20 Adults can create an Easter egg wreath using balloons, yarn and modge podge.

4 p.m., Montegut Branch

1 p.m., Montegut Branch

BASIC KNITTING FOR YA’S & TWEENS March 18 Teens and tweens can bring a set of knitting needles and a skein of yarn to learn basic knitting. Call 5949771 for more information.

DECORATIVE CANDLES WORKSHOP March 28 Adults in the Young at Heart Group can make decorative candles.

4 p.m., Chauvin Branch

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 33

11 a.m., Bourg Branch

In Print

By Rachel LeCompte

Very Funny Lady. Not So Funny Memoir.

She is hilarious, bright and a talented comedian.

She impersonated Hillary Clinton, co-anchored “Weekend Update” with Seth Meyers in “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) and climbed to fame alongside her friend and colleague Tina Fey. Who doesn’t love Amy Poehler?

Come to think of it, I’m not sure I know someone who doesn’t like her. I mean, you can’t watch her perform in an SNL skit without laughing out loud.

Her dramatic facial expressions alone are impossible to ignore, not to mention her clumsy dance moves.

So, naturally, when I started seeing her vibrant-colored book cover flashing the title “Yes Please” in neon pink nearly everywhere, I had to pick it up.

Amy Poehler shares (sometimes over shares) her likes, dislikes, opinions and major life experiences in her title “Yes Please.” She primarily focuses on her career, giving readers insight into what goes on behind the scenes of a SNL production. Contrary to what many of us want to believe, it’s no easy life for most television stars. Sure they have money, which pays for drivers, babysitters and anything else that will make life a little easier; but it’s interesting to learn about the many hours involved in writing and running lines, with very little sleep in between.

Poehler by no means tries to make readers feel sorry for her, she’s simply open and honest. She even discusses the joys and trials of her marriage and the tough events leading to divorce. It’s refreshing to see a “famous” person remain transparent with readers and viewers, providing life events with little fluff (the stuff we want to hear, which makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside), and essentially preserving her candid demeanor often seen when the cameras are rolling, which America has grown to love.

In a particular SNL skit, she deeply offends a specific family. Unaware that her actions could potentially have this much power, she ignored the offense for years until she decided it was time to admit she was wrong. She apologized. She’s human, and she admits it.

Poehler provides a great deal of embarrassing moments, which are funny, but not as funny as her performances. The book includes several photographs and typography, breaking up the typical novel format, giving readers a more personal connection to the author.

While “Yes Please” was a perceptive and pleasant read, it did fall short of my expectations regarding its humor. I expected it to be funny. I was looking for a good laugh. With the exception of her few shared embarrassing moments, it wasn’t. Personally, I believe she spent too much time talking about how hard it is to write a book, filling up unnecessary space to push her page number past 250.

I’d prefer quality over quantity any day, but apparently the publisher did not.

I do think if I had listened to the audio book, which is actually read by Poehler, I would have enjoyed it much more. Unlike Tina Fey’s “Bossypants,” it’s difficult to hear Poehler’s tone in the text.

Catching and understanding the rhythm and tone are important aspects to a solid memoir. In fact, it’s hard to talk about “Yes Please” without comparing it to “Bossypants,” which was the laugh-out-loud funny I initially wanted.

Fey set the bar high, and Poehler was left with a hard act to follow.

For those who are looking to laugh, you might want to put this one aside, and for others who are easily offended, don’t read it. Ever.

She’s offensive and isn’t sorry about it… well, except for that one time. To everyone else, this book is pretty much Poehler’s heart, and it’s definitely worth reading.

34 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | March 2015

Gumbo Guru

Houma’s White Bowl healthy, fresh and fun

By GUMBO GURU Friends have touted White Bowl since the Vietnamese restaurant opened in April 2013.

Supposedly one of the healthiest types of fare available, Vietnamese food is known for its fresh ingredients and minimal use of oils – a little different from south Louisiana’s IF YOU GO normal, greasy WHITE BOWL fodder.

From the ample WHERE: 235 Enterprise Drive, parking lot off EnSuite D, Houma terprise Drive, one would never guess what lies in store.

PHONE: 985-262-4093 Inside, the fun, bright red light fixHOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., tures contrast nicely Sunday thru Thursday; 11 am. to 10 p.m., Friday thru Saturday with the white and black everything else in this small eatery. And the paper table covers denote casual dining.

My guests and I arrived just before the lunch crowd, but watched the same friendly greeting and attention as the place filled up around noon. Around us, we spot many visitors using chopsticks to spoon thick noodles out of, what else, big white bowls.

Our server, Travis, put this Vietnamese food novice immediately at ease.

He enthusiastically walked our table through each item on the menu, offering suggestions and quizzing our preferences.

We opt to begin the meal with a Sampler Platter ($13), which includes a spring roll, eggrolls, crab Rangoon, pot stickers and chicken wings. Three dipping sauces – a light peanut sauce, sweet and sour dip and a delightful mix of soy sauce, water, sugar and some secret ingredients, one of which was likely fish oil – accompany the appetizer. A perfect mix of beef, pork, crab and shrimp, the dish alone could serve as an entire meal.

The non-fried spring roll comes wrapped in rice paper. Filled with cooked rice and noodles, cucumbers and a sprig of mint mixed with grilled pork, it was my favorite.

The taste of the roll is fresh and crisp and the accompanying peanut sauce pairs with it perfectly.

After hearing others go on about the soup, I

GUMBO GURU | GUMBO ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

White Bowl’s Pho Chicken (above) is loaded with rice noodles, cilantro, purple and green onions and, of course, chicken. We also enjoyed the Bird Nest (below, top), one of the days specials; the Sampler Platter (center), a combo of eggrolls, a spring roll, crab Rangoon, pot stickers and chicken wings; as well as the Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Vermicelli (bottom).

March 2015 | houmatimes.com/gumbo | 35

decided to give the Pho Chicken ($8.50) a try.

The bowl includes rice noodles, cilantro, purple and green onions and, of course, chicken. A plate of basil, sliced limes and sprouts allow guests to add more fresh flavors to the soup, which I did.

The noodle soup was delicious; the intense chicken flavor and aromatic roasted onion were absolutely delightful on this chilly day.

Travis was on hand to talk me through the options: use the spoon, a fork or chopsticks.

It was the first time I’ve been served a soup hearty enough to be eaten with a fork! Hoisin and chili-garlic sauces are available for those brave enough to spice up the meal.

My guests order the Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Vermicelli ($10.50) and one of the day’s specials, the Bird’s Nest ($13.50).

The shrimp, which were indeed jumbo, were served in a bowl over generous amounts of noodles, shredded lettuce, cucumber, mint sprigs and topped with fried onions and peanuts. The hoisin sauce provided a nice flair.

A nice twist to a shrimp salad, the dish was uniquely light and filling.

Also available on a baguette, protein choices include pork, chicken, beef and tofu.

The Bird’s Nest is a visual delight. The base is a nest-shaped twirl of fried rice noodles.

The mound was covered with well-seasoned slices of red and green bell peppers, baby Bok Choy, mushrooms, carrots and onions.

Shrimp, chicken and beef mixed in a scrumptious sauce were blended into the mix.

We didn’t find any desserts on the menu, so we opt for bubble tea – one strawberry, one pineapple and one mango. All are fabulous and you can tell the fruit purée is fresh and made in house. The pineapple and mango included the little balls, or “bubbles,” of mango. We shied away from the traditional tapioca. Unfortunately, they were out of the strawberry balls, so one of my guests is still in the dark about the pleasure of discovering an exploding bubble in your drink.

We all had leftovers – plenty of leftovers.

And everyone agreed the flavors are light ... fresh ... beautifully balanced. And, hands down, Travis is the most informative, fun waiter we’ve ever encountered.

We look forward to trying something new again soon.