2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar Marcc h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Gay Easter Parade Sponsorship Kick-Off Party Raises $4,361; Drag Extravaganza April 2 & Spring Fever April 8 Up Next
T
he first Gay Easter Parade Sponsorship Kick-Off Party was hosted by Easter Grand Marshals XII Gary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier at Cutter's in New Orleans bringing in an astounding $4,361 in a two hour period on March 19. Anyone who became a sponsor at the party received a wrist band for FREE well drinks, domestic beer and wine courtesy of, and through the generosity, of the grand marshals for the duration of the party. Bar Baron Mac McAll along with Jimmy Kilgour and Dudley LeBlanc provided one of the bars famous buffets. The event brought in $4,000 in sponsorships, $100 for the Copper/Glass Bunny Auction, $80 for the Bunny Basket Auction, $35 for the tapestry lace purse auction, $86 buffet donations and a $60 donation. The 10th Super Star-Studded Drag Extravaganza & Auction is up next under the direction of GEP Board's Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain set for Saturday, April 2nd from 8-10pm with a $10 door donation at JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields in New Orleans. Five great auctions will be featured at this fundraiser including: Easter Basket worth $1,000, “Man I Feel Like A Woman” Put Gary Vandeventer in Drag, Faux Faberge’ Musical Bouquet Egg, Easter Grand Marshal XII Gary Giant Floral Arrangement, and Pink Vandeventer & Elizabeth Bouvier Brocade Lace Purse. Emceed by GEP join Bar Baron McAll @ Cutter's Board's Tony Leggio and Opal Masraising $4,361 for 1st GEP ters, this show will feature the talents of Sponsorship Kick-Off Party EGMs XII Gary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier, Queen Amon-Ra XLVI Tami Tarmac, Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille, Queen Satyricon IX Sadie Sheperd, Lord Consort XXVIII Pat Johnson plus King Cake Queens IX Lisa Beaumann, X Teryl-Lynn Foxx, XIII Raven Kennedy, XIV Princesse Stephaney, and XV Marsha Naquin-Delain. Next up is the 9th Spring Fever: Star-Studded Show & Live Auction under the direction of GEP Board's Electra City and Tittie Toulouse on Friday, April 8th, 10:30pm, at 4 Seasons, 3229 N. Causeway in Metairie with a $5 door donation. Here the fab auctions include a Bunny Basket, Faux Faberge' Musical Angel Egg, Plush Bunny Couple, Ashton Drake Doll, and two beautiful Tapestry-Lace Purses, plus a 50/50 raffle, egg raffles and a great buffet courtesy of 4 Seasons. Electra and Tittie will emcee the show which will star Pride Grand Marshal Cathy Fox, Starr Daniels, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Toby Lefort, Easter Grand Marshal IX Safonda Peters, Johnny Passion, Regina Adams and other special guests. The remaining fundraisers include: 12th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception & Auction on Saturday, April 16th, 8-10pm, $5 donation, at Double Play, 439 Dauphine in New Orleans; and 2nd Bunnies in The Big Easy under the direction of GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Rona Conners on Friday, April 22nd, 7-10pm at Harrah’s Masquerade Club
inside 12th gay easter parade spotlight/jeff mallon obituary/don russell under the gaydar/new orleans celebrazzi snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans
Big Easter Issue out April 12th DEADLINE: Tues., April 5th 5 10 10 12 14 16 20
mobile paparazzi trodding the boards/new orleans classifieds acadiana paparazzi/lafayette acadiana happens/lafayette ambush paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie chop chop/nola restaurant guide
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Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
in New Orleans. Advance tickets only will be available for this event at $30 with only 110 tickets to be sold. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends and $80,825 has been raised for charity in the past nine years. Please join these fundraising efforts and help support Food For Friends, a vital service of the NO/AIDS Task Force. The 12th Gay Easter Parade rolls on Easter Sunday, April 24th beginning at 4:30pm on Rampart at St. Ann winding through the French Quarter. Only 8 and 9 person carriages are still available for the parade. The parade is presented by Ambush Mag, LSGRA and Harrah's New Orleans. Parade Entry/Sponsorship forms are available at GayEasterParade.COM. Parade Sponsors thus far include: Platinum ($1,000)-EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier, John Vignone & Paul Chiriaco/JohnPaul's; Gold ($500)-EGM XII Gary Vandeventer & Tim Lott, Rhonda & David Roget, Deja Deja-Vue' & Jim May, Krewe of Amon-Ra, Misael Rubio/ Quartermaster, Stuart Nettles & EGM IX Safonda Peters, Lord King & Consort XVIII Ben Bourgeois & Pat Johnson, Michael Ducote/Mona Lisa Restaurant, EGM IV Electra City & EGM XI Tittie Toulouse; Silver ($250)-Dwain Hertz - Al Dugas & Gene Theriot, JoAnn Guidos & Lisa Thomas/Kajun’s Pub, EGM VII Opal Masters & Darwin Reed, EGM VIII Rona Conners & Bob Boler, King & Queen Petronius L Jimmy deBlanc & Bootsie DeVille, Bebe Scarpinato & Chris Linwood, George Tresch, EGM VIII Michael Elias & Jay Sewell/The Corner Pocket, Darrin - Robbie & 'Lil Debbie, Big Mama/Jerry Miller, Jr.; Bronze ($100)-EGM X Tony Leggio, Bruce Orgeron, Dawn Leggio, Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, Nina M. Clore, Don Dubay & Rusty Downing, Mark Givens/Givens Graphix, Barbara Ella, Darlene & Harvey Mallory, Randy Chauvin/Designer's Workroom, David Aranda & Daryl Dunaway, Vince & Ron Randazzo/Gallagher, Jay Cooper & Gizelle Bouvier, EGM IX Orlando Aloe/ Society Page, Bobby Vallecillo & Andy Ehlers, Anonymous, Michael Albracht, Jill Dolese, Glenn O'Berry & Roger Copenhaver, Craig Nero/Who Dat Coffee Cafe, FourPlay; and Venue/In Kind-4 Seasons, 700 Club, Billy's, Cutter’s, Double Play, JohnPaul's, Michael’s On The Park, 42Below Vodka, Martini & Rossi Wines. The Gay Easter Parade Board of Directors includes: Electra City, Rona Conners, Tony Leggio, Opal Masters, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, and Tittie Toulouse. Past Grand Marshals include EGMs I Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, III Timm Holt and Teryl-Lynn Foxx, IV George Simons and Electra City, V Brett Messmer and Princesse
Stephaney, VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, VII the late Doc Reed and Opal Masters, VIII Michael Elias and Rona Conners, IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters, X Tony Leggio and Marcy Marcell, and XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse.
What’s New at the 2011 French Quarter Festival
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ast year was full of historic moments – the Saints won the Super Bowl, a new Mayor took office, and French Quarter Festival broke records. The 2010 French Quarter Festival surpassed all attendance expectations, with an estimated [continued on 6]
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg Texas - Austin
STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Collins-Lafayette, LA Devin Black, Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Tony Leggio, Lee Mullen, Jeff Palmquist, Patrick Shannon-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2011, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar Marcc h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
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the "official" dish ...from 4 512,000 local and out-of-town visitors. The 2010 French Quarter Festival moved to the forefront of events as a leader in economic impact for the city and state. According to the University of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center, the 2010 French Quarter Festival had a $316 million dollar economic impact. This places it third in economic impact for 2010, just behind Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl (when it is in New Orleans). New Orleans last hosted the Super Bowl in 2002. The event is estimated to have had a $292 million economic impact including spending on entertainment, shopping, lodging and
transportation according to Dr. Janet Speyrer, an associate dean for research and an economics and professor at the University of New Orleans. Speyrer further said UNO has estimated the impact of the 2013 game at $350 million to $400 million with the great variation attributable to large unknown factors like changes in the attitude toward corporate travel and hotel room rates. According to the Times-Picayune, the 2009 Mardi Gras celebration resulted in a direct economic impact of $145.7 million and an indirect impact of $322 million in the city of New Orleans, as found by a study commissioned by a group of Carnival krewe captains and conducted by Tulane University professors Toni Weiss and Paul Spindt. New Orleans Tourism officials have publicly stated that New Orleans has finally moved beyond Katrina – in terms of media and visitor perception. French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud to be a partner in helping to produce quality events for the community while stimulating tourism, economic growth and generating tax dollars for the city and state. In preparation for the 2011 French Quarter Festival locals and visitors alike will experience changes that should improve their festival experience: *For the first time in its history, the festival has added an additional day. Dubbed ‘Locals Lagniappe Day,’ Thursday, April 7th will open the festival. An eclectic mix of artists, chosen because they are local favorites, include: Los Hombres Calientes, Benny Grunch and the Bunch, Kipori Woods, and The Preservation Hall-Stars will play opening day. Jackson Square will be open from noon to 5pm and the Riverfront (Woldenberg Riverfront Park), with four stages, will run from 3 – 7pm. New Orleans’ finest restaurants – otherwise known as ‘The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch’ will be serving in Jackson Square and on the Riverfront. *The House of Blues has joined the festival as a sponsor and partner. New for 2011 will be a House of Blues Stage on Decatur Street in close proximity to the venue. The TGIF ‘Thank Goodness it’s Festival!’ kickoff party
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5 0 4 .8 3 6 .0 0 0 0 3001 Fifth St. Metairie, LA 70002 David Wagner, PhD, LPC, NCC, CHT on Wednesday, April 6th moves to the House of Blues for the first time, and takes place from 7-10pm with Bluesman Little Freddie King in the VooDoo Garden and Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters in the Music Hall. A special Gospel Brunch menu will be served. In addition, House of Blues will continue to host its food booth on the Riverfront and will become an ‘official’ merchandise outlet of the French Quarter Festival. *For 2011, the Monteleone Hotel has joined the festival as the official hotel sponsor. The always popular Classical Music Stage, will move to the Monteleone this year with performances on Saturday and Sunday. The Classical Stage features performances by some of the most respected performers from the area including: Harpist Rachel Van Voorhees, Guitarist John Rankin, members of the New Orleans Opera, the Louisiana Philharmonic and more. It has been said that ‘the French Quarter begins in the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone’. This beautiful and historic hotel sits majestically at the foot of Royal Street. *2011 brings the return of the Latin World Stage to French Quarter Festival. The popular high energy stage returns to the Old U.S. Mint and will feature artists such as Freddie Omar con su Banda, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Ensemble Fatien featuring Seguenon Kone, Ovi-G and the Froggies, Zion Trinity, Higher Heights Reggae and Mas Mamones. *The ever-popular Children’s Headquarters will be expanded on the Audubon Aquarium Riverfront Plaza
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9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 9am-12noon Sat.. and made possible in part through an exciting partnership with Chevron and Audubon Institute. Anchoring the Children’s Headquarters will be a new Kids’ Performance Tent and interactive family activities, including hands-on cooking demonstrations with Whole Foods; yoga and karate for kids; face painting and activities courtesy of Tulane Hospital for Children; Junior Rangers activities sponsored by the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, and more. This year, the Children’s Headquarters will once again focus on educating families about ‘healthy kids’ programs in a fun and [continued on 8]
6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar Marcc h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
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the "official" dish ...from 6 interactive way. Performances in the Kids Tent are sponsored by Tulane Hospital for Children and the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park. In order to keep French Quarter Festival free and open to the public, the organization relies heavily on the contributions of sponsors and partners, beverage and merchandise sales, and vendor fees. For 2011, the festival is thrilled to welcome back Capital One Bank, as Presenting Sponsor. “The French Quarter Festival is a vibrant, fun event that celebrates one of America’s most historic and cherished neighborhoods, the French Quarter, in a style that is distinctly New Orleans,” said Steve Hemperley, Capital One Bank’s New Orleans Market President. “Capital One Bank is proud to return as presenting sponsor of this great local festival, which offers world-class music and food and provides a significant and positive economic impact to our city, state and region. At Capital One Bank, we are committed to investing in greater New Orleans to help it grow and thrive, and by supporting the French Quarter Festival we’re supporting our local economy.” In addition to their sponsorship of the festival, Capital One Bank will once again host the Second Line Shuttle, providing free shuttle transportation for festival goers three days of festival (Friday through Sunday). Additional busses will run in 2011 to better accommodate festival guests. In collaboration with BMI, French Quarter Festival welcomes back for its second year the BMI Singer Songwriter Stage at The Historic New Orleans Collection on Royal Street. Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is an American performing rights organization that represents more than 400,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 6.5 million works. On Saturday and Sunday of the festival, the BMI Songwriter Stage will feature the region’s finest up-and-comers. Catering to the technology-savvy festival-goer, the 2011 French Quarter Festival will once again have its own iPhone application. Made possible through a partnership with Applitite, iPhone users will have a personal French Quarter Festival Guide at their fingertips. Applitite, the leader in music festival mobile application providers and also avid festival lovers, has created an application that allows revelers to plan their agenda, get up-to-theminute updates about the event, and access the festival map and music schedule directly from iPhones and iPod Touches. The application will be available for download prior to French Quarter Festival and can be downloaded through the Apple’s iTunes Store. 2011 also welcomes the return of traditional dance lessons at the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage; Zydeco
dance lessons at the Cajun Zydeco Riverfront Stage; and second line dance lessons in the Children’s Headquarters near Audubon Aquarium. Between musical breaks, festival patrons are invited to learn traditional dance-styles such as the Charleston, Swing, Zydeco and Second-line. Instructors from NOLA Jitterbugs, Fleur de Lindy, Dance Quarter and Dancing Man 504 will be on hand demonstrating and educating visitors on these various dance styles. French Quarter Festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest in August and Christmas New Orleans Style in December. For more information about any of these events, call 504.522.5730 or visit www.fqfi.org.
Legendary Actress Elizabeth Taylor’s Legacy & Generosity Lives on in New Orleans
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rea nonprofit, NO/AIDS Task Force joins the rest of the world in mourning the passing of iconic actress and activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor. NO/AIDS Task Force will always remember Taylor for the generosity she showed them in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, to celebrate her 74th birthday, the actress donated a 37-foot mobile medical unit, dubbed the CareVan, to NO/AIDS to help them continue their work fighting AIDS, as well as an additional gift of $40,000.
Upon seeing the devastation in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and realizing that many of those affected by AIDS had been displaced, and worse, many clinics that treat HIV had been shuttered, Taylor decided she wanted to help. She contacted Martin Delaney, founder of Project Inform, a national HIV/AIDS research and advocacy organization, and asked if he could recommend the best way she could help. Delaney immediately thought of NO/AIDS Task Force and called executive director, Noel Twilbeck. “I couldn’t believe it,” said Twilbeck, remembering when he got the phone
call in early 2006. When the phone rang, Twilbeck was sitting in his living room, his home having become the temporary offices for NO/AIDS, since their main offices on Tulane Avenue remained closed due to damage from the storm. “Her original intent was to lease a mobile medical unit and have it sent to New Orleans. Due to Katrina, there were none available to lease, so she instead commissioned one to be built and let us customize it from the ground up. She was incredibly generous,” said Twilbeck. Today, the CareVan is in operation at least 4 days a week, and reaches a variety of populations in and around New Orleans. It is primarily used to conduct HIV testing and counseling and is a regular sight at community health fairs. It’s used primarily by the agency’s HIV Prevention department to reach underserved populations. HIV prevention and education is the most cost effective way to stem the tide of the AIDS epidemic. “The CareVan helps us reach hundreds of additional people each year who otherwise aren’t getting tested or getting life-saving information to protect themselves against HIV. We have Elizabeth Taylor to thank for this amazing tool and are honored to be able to continue her legacy long into the future,” stated Twilbeck.
Harrah's New Orleans Becomes One of 1st in Industry to Hire LGBT Marketing Director
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arrah’s New Orleans is pleased to announce the hiring of the newest member of its leadership team. Richard Brower has been appointed Director of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) and Ethnic Marketing. Harrah’s New Orleans is one of the first in the gaming industry to offer this position. Brower most recently served as Strategic Development & Marketing Director for the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. A specialist in new technology, Brower will provide consulting and expertise in Internet marketing and social media to market to various alternative lifestyle groups. “The LGBT and ethnic communities make up so much of our customer base,” said LuAnn Pappas, Vice President of Marketing at Harrah’s New Orleans. “New Orleans is regarded as a gay-friendly tourist town so it is important we have someone in this position to make sure we are welcoming to all groups, no matter their sexual orientation or race.” Brower attended George Washington University School of Business in Washington, DC where he received a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master’s degree in tourism administration, with a concentra-
Richard Brower tion in destination management.
Professor Mary Gray to speak at Tulane
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rofessor Mary L. Gray, from the Department of Communication and Culture at Indiana University, Bloomington, will give a talk entitled, Queer out here? Negotiating access and pushing the boundaries of queer visibility in Small Town, USA, on Monday, April 4, 2011 at 7 pm in the Freeman Auditorium in the Woldenberg Art Center on Tulane’s uptown campus. The talk, which will be followed by a reception, is free and open to the public. Drawing on her experiences working for two years in rural parts of Kentucky and in small towns along its borders, this talk will map out how lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their allies make use of digital media and local resources to combat the marginalization they contend with in their own communities as well as the erasure they face in popular representations of gay and lesbian life and the agendas of national gay and lesbian advocacy groups. Against a backdrop of an increasingly impoverished and privatized rural America, LGBTQ youth and their allies visibly, and often vibrantly, work the boundaries of the public and media spaces available to them. This presentation explore how youth suture together high schools, public libraries, Wal-Mart, and the web to construct spaces for fashioning their emerging queer identities. Their triumphs and travails defy clear distinctions often drawn between online and offline or rural and urban experiences of identity, fundamentally redefining our understanding of the term “queer visibility” and its political stakes. Professor Gray is the author of In Your Face: Stories from the Lives of Queer Youth (Haworth Press, 1999) and Out in the Country: Youth, Media, and Queer Visibility in Rural America (NYU Press, 2009). This Newcomb College Center for Research on Women program was made possible through a gift from Marla Custard NC ’91 and is cosponsored by the Gender and Sexuality Studies Program and the Newcomb Sexuality and Gender Alliance.
8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar Marcc h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
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spotlight feature by Tony Leggio E-mail: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier)
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y spotlight for March focuses in on someone who is one of my dearest friends. You know there are those people you call when you need to talk over problems, go shopping with or help you hide a body. Jeff is one of
those people; he is especially handy with the latter. Anyway, Jeff has been recently honored as his alter ego Elizabeth Bouvier was made Easter Grand Marshal XII alongside Gary Vandeventer who was spotlighted in February. So I thought it would be fun and informative to find out more about my
obituary IN MEMORIAM TO DON RUSSELL August 22, 1946 to March 10, 2011 by: Michael Elias Difficult Good-Bye: It’s so difficult to say good-bye to a good friend when they move away. It is even more difficult to understand when they pass away unexpectedly. So it was with my good friend and associate, Don Russell, who died on Thursday, March 10, 2011, from a massive heart attack. I remember when I first met Don. It was the fall of 2002. I had been the proprietor of The Corner Pocket for less than two years. Don had recently moved to New Orleans from his beautiful home on the river near Selma, Alabama. He had noticed that the bar’s website was not being attended to regularly and approached me about taking care of the site. I eventually hired him to perform that service for the bar, as well as to handle the graphic design of our ads for Ambush Magazine. As we became friends, I discovered that graphic design was merely a hobby with Don. He was in fact a professional pianist. At the time, he was performing a couple of days each week at a coffee shop on Royal Street. But, this was merely temporary because Don’s regular occupation was as an entertainer on cruise ships. He had worked for many years for various cruise lines but mainly for Carnival. Don worked 4 to 6 month tours cruising the seas performing for tourists and gathering friends and admirers. A graduate of Julliard’s School of Music, Don Russell was born in Florence, Alabama, a small community in Northern Alabama. After graduation, he taught music in high school and at the University of Alabama. Although he was always a small town country boy (and, he did love those small town country boys), Don was truly a man of the world with many talents and interests. He was an avid photographer leaving a voluminous portfolio of photos of people he met and places he visited. Don was never happy to stay in one place for a long period of time. Whenever he would return to New Orleans from one of his cruises, he was so happy to be back in his chosen hometown and was determined never to cruise again. That lasted about a month. Then the itch would strike again and the next cruise was in the planning. Don travelled all over the world, to Europe and the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and to his favorite place of all, Japan. It was ironic that the day that he died, Japan was struck by the 9.0 Earthquake and the ensuing Tsunami. I know he would have been so sad to know this. A very private person, Don maintained only a few close friends. Those of us who were close know that Don would not have wanted any kind of a funeral or memorial service. So, we will just think of him leaving on his next cruise and say, “Goodbye, my friend, until we meet again.”
A
buddy, so let’s begin a long time ago in a distant galaxy called San Francisco, California. Jeff was born and lived in the Golden State until he was three. His dad played for the AAA baseball team The San Francisco Giants, but Willie Mays beat him out for a job and he moved his family to Austin. Texas was where Jeff grew up and went to school. He graduated college from a private school with a BFA in Theatre. But acting has always been in his blood. He started doing summer stock and regional theatre when he was 12. After college, Jeff got a job at IBM and discovered he had a talent for programming software. Jeff Mallon as Elizabeth Bouvier He was then promoted to super(Photo by Larry Graham) visor and that was when he was introduced to the realm of Human Re- more and more shows, Rip from Amsources. But in 2001, he needed a bush decided he needed a last name change and moved to New Orleans. and he gave him Bouvier. Jeff was Once here he started working for the pleased with this name, because the Archdiocese of New Orleans and it other choice was Elizabeth Daviswas here he got his professional certi- Crawford. Could you imagine being fication with the Society of Human the love child of Betty Davis and Joan Resource Management. He worked Crawford. with them through Hurricane Katrina. Elizabeth started working regularly After the storm, his position like so at Cowpokes at Tittie Toulouse and many others was eliminated. He luck- Electra City’s Class and Trash Reily found an incredible job at a local view, and then she became part of independent school, which teaches Lauren Brown’s Crescent City Divas, kids from Pre-kindergarten to 12th also there. Soon she started her own Grade. He has served as their Human show co-hosting with Brittney O’ Brien Resources Director for the last five at Cowpokes on Sunday afternoon. years. But even though his career is After the place had been sold, Elizaimportant, he always found time for his beth moved her show to John Paul’s favorite pastime, the theatre. In Austin, and ForePlay was born. he started his own theatrical company Easter Grand Marshal XII is just called San Gabriel Productions which one of the many honors bestowed on he did because he wanted to do the this wonderful person. Jeff was voted shows he liked. He ran the company Entertainer of the Year in 2008 and for three years in Austin, then for two 2010 and was nominated in that catmore additional years remotely from egory every year since 2007. ElizaNew Orleans. beth was also Miss LSGRA in 2009. When he came to New Orleans, Jeff is not the only theatrical fan in he was part of the cast for George M at his family. His only brother Jarret went Le Petit Theatre, but had just a terrible to New York about the same time Jeff experience working with the directors moved to New Orleans and graduated there, he gave it up quickly, until now. from NYU in Theatre. He has just In 2010, Jeff once again started his finished a very long run in the touring own theatre company called Big Bell production of Hairspray and does reProductions and produced two hits last gional theatre. But Jeff has rubbed year After Dark and Murder at the elbows with the Hollywood elite. In Howard Johnson’s. Austin, Jeff met Matthew Jeff is a many faceted performer McConauhey’s mother, Kay, when she and one of his more noteworthy char- auditioned for him in Steel Magnolias. acters is the fabulous Elizabeth Bou- She got the part and worked with him vier. She has the poise of Audrey on several other shows. He was also Hepburn and the style of Grace Kelly. her date to one of Matthew’s movie She wears nothing but designer duds premiers in Austin. Kay is also the from Prima Donna’s Closet and in the author of the book I Amaze Myself. past few years has become the toast of With everything Jeff has done and the town. I was curious how Elizabeth is currently accomplishing, as his friend, came about. I know him as a loyal person, a dear Ms. Bouvier made her debut in the soul and just a great guy. I am very summer of 2006, when a friend of fortunate to count him among my Jeff’s convinced him to take part in the friends. He easily sums himself up. I Miss Gay Pride Pageant after he read have always persevered, I find in life about it in Ambush. So he entered on forces that push against you are also a lark and won the contest. At that time the ones that lift you up. No truer words he went only by the name of Elizabeth. have ever been spoken. Happy EasBut after his victory, he began doing ter!
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Movie Review: Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads,
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Movie Review: Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads
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arla Jean is back once again on the big screen with a full length feature film adapted from her cabaret show Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads. On March 14, Gambit Weekly held a red carpet sneak peek screening of the movie to benefit their Big Easy Foundation, which recognizes and supports activities that nurture talented youth, offer continuing education to professionals, and improve and enhance the future of the performing arts in our region through grants for education in music, theatre and dance. And this movie was the perfect fundraiser for them, since it had more local luminaries in it than any other production I have ever seen. Jeffrey Roberson, Varla’s alter ego, tackles a much tougher role in this film as not only the star, but the producer and casting director. This showing was a star studded affair as locals were afforded the opportunity to see the movie that has already had successful previews in New York and Provincetown. Roberson’s Varla Jean Merman has been delighting audiences worldwide for many years with his various cabaret performances. The latest, The Loose Chanteuse, was sold out at Le Chat Noir earlier this month. In this foray on the large screen, Varla plays a fading cabaret singer who dreams up an idea to revitalize her career by reimaging her cabaret show to target children. Her foibles are captured on film by a camera crew from the Crescent City Community College, as she does everything possible to make sure this show happens. From seducing an array of different people to tricking a barren couple into thinking she was a surrogate so she could get the money for the show, there is no deed too nasty for Varla. This mockumentary is just hysterical from start to finish. Varla is at ease in front of the camera as she is on stage. Roberson just returned from Los Angeles where he just finished the sequel the drag cult comedy Girls Will Be Girls. Locally shot, I was delighted to see so many familiar places in the Marigny and Bywater such as JohnPaul’s, The Olde Towne Inn and Washington Square. And the cast was literally a who’s who in New Orleans from local actors such as Ricky Graham, Brian Peterson, Bob Edes and Becky Allen to drag royalty like Princesse Stephaney, Coca, Tami
Star & Producer Jeffrey Roberson with fellow producer Mark Cartole on the red carpet at the screening of Varla and the Mushroomheads at Prytania Theatre Tarmac and Maybelline Maskara. But one of the most fun standout performances was that of super-hot Tom Judson, who is an ex porn star, turned actor/singer. He definitely is much more than a pretty face, his comic timing was impeccable, as was his voice and piano playing. And he is very easy on the eyes. Even I got in on the fun by having a bit part in the Le Chat Noir scene at the beginning of the movie. In fact if you blink you will miss me. But it did not matter; I had a blast shooting it and got a huge kick seeing my name in the credits. If you are looking for fun, mindless entertainment, this is the movie for you. Varla does not disappoint in this film, as the laughs keep coming. This is an extra-large box of popcorn movie. Currently, Roberson’s next step is to get the picture in certain film festivals while he tweaks it. I cannot wait to see the final product, but so far, I think Varla has another hit on her hands.
Are You Ready To Hop?
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he 9th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop, an Easter bonnet bar crawl, will be held on Saturday, April 23. I cannot begin to tell people how much fun this event is and how this year has a special meaning to me. The organizers of the event, Marty Curtain, Jeff Mallon and Stephen Murrell, have named me Bunny Marshal (BM) IX which is such an exciting honor. I am really stoked about the Easter holiday this year and this will be a wonderful way to celebrate it. So
what does the Bunny Marshal do? I lead the festivities and will be responsible for guiding the Easter revelers along the route. Previous Bunny Marshals (BM’s) include: Lewis Routh I-III, Guadelupe IV, Poncho V, Fish VI, Rip & Marsha VII, and Kajun Pub’s Joanne and Lisa VIII. This accolade means so much for me for several reasons. First, I was at the original one which was started by Carl Meyer and Lewis Routh who have both passed away. I still can remember Lewis leading the “hop” in his Tinkie Winkie outfit. And last year’s celebration was the last time I saw my friend Will Horswood before he succumbed to cancer later in the year. So I am “hopping” in memory of three people who are no longer with us, but will remain in my heart. Everyone is encouraged to don their most creative or outrageous Easter “bonnet” and join the bar crawl as it makes its way to eight different gay businesses in the Marigny. At each stop, bonnets will be judged in various categories by the bartenders and staff, and trophies will be presented The organizers are introducing a new route for the crawl as well a new award category. The new category is “Sissiest Bonnet” and will be presented by Kajun’s Pub. The route will change slightly this year with the addition of Who ‘Dat Cafe on Burgundy St. The event will begin at 2pm at Kajun’s Pub, 2256 St. Claude Avenue, and will make stops at the following locations where the various trophies will be presented: Kajun’s Pub - Sissiest Bonnet, The Phoenix - Butchest Bonnet, JohnPaul’s - Best Group (minimum of three members), Who Dat Cafe - Best Newbie (for first time participants), Cutter’s - Most Glamorous Bonnet, Big Daddy’s - Widest Bonnet, Mimi’s - Tallest Bonnet, and The Friendly Bar - Best Couple, Ambush Magazine - Best of Best, Event Organizers - Meyer-Routh Spirit Award.
cember 4, 2011 Blue Man Group, January 31 February 5, 2012 Disney’s The Lion King, March 14 - April 15, 2012 Season tickets are on sale now. The prices for the five-show Broadway in New Orleans season start at $128. For more information, patrons can visit BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or call the Broadway Across America Season Ticket Hotline at 1.800.218.SHOW (7469) during extended renewal hours of Monday - Friday, 9am to 6pm, Saturday, 11am to 4pm. Current Season Ticket Holders will receive renewal packets in the mail but can view their renewal invoice online now at BroadwayInNewOrleans.com. The renewal deadline is Monday, April 18. Season Ticket Holders enjoy the privilege of premium seating locations, priority ticket opportunities, lost ticket insurance, and exchange privileges on their existing seats. On-sale dates for individual shows will be announced in the coming months. Groups of 15 or more can reserve seats now by calling 504.287.0372.
French Quarter Wine Festival Has Begun
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ew Orleans is a city known for its unique food and the Maison Dupuy Hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter has begun their 5th Annual French Quarter Wine Festival. The festival kicked off with an opening reception on Friday, March 18 and runs through May 13. Modeled after the prestigious Boston Wine Festival, the dinners are hosted by either a winemaker or the proprietor of the vineyard. The wines are paired with food from the amazing Executive Chef of Le Meritage, Michael Farrell. This restaurant is truly one of my top ten places to dine in this city. And these wine dinners allow you the opportunity to try some of Farrell’s tan-
Broadway Series New Season Announced
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fter a hugely successful second season back in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, Broadway Across America is pleased to announce the line-up for the 2011-2012 Broadway in New Orleans Season. There is something for everyone as both classics and contemporary shows are featured. Playing at Mahalia Jackson Theater, the series includes: The Addams Family, September 15 - 24, 2011 Rock of Ages, November 1 - 6, 2011, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, November 29 - De-
Tony, Laura, Mermaid, WVUE's Jennifer Hale & Elizabeth at the French Quarter Wine Festival Opening Party at the Maison Dupuy talizing dishes carefully selected for each of the wines tasted. Event founder Daniel Bruce has invited fourteen phenomenal wineries to participate showcasing vineyards from Oregon, Italy, Washington State, California, France and Argentina. There [continued on 15]
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ay Easter Parade Board of Directors Opal Masters, Tittie Toulouse and Tony Leggio join Easter Grand Marshals XII Elizabeth Bouvier and Gary Vandeventer, and GEP Board's Electra City for the presentation of the "official" pins for the new grand marshals at the 1st GEP Sponsorship Kick-Off Party hosted at Cutter's in New Orleans.
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enowned photographer Larry Graham of GrahamStudioOne.COM has once again taken the "official" portrait of Easter Grand Marshals XII Elizabeth Bouvier and Gary Vandeventer who will lead all of the events and fundraisers leading up to the 12th Annual Gay Easter Parade on Easter Sunday, April 24 beginning at 4:30pm on N. Rampart at St. Ann Streets in the French Quarter. Graham has served as the "official" photographer of Easter Grand Marshals and King Cake Queens for many, many years. For information on the parade, visit GayEasterParade.COM.
celebrazzi
(celebrations-paparazzi)
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mbush's Marsha NaquinDelain joins Bar Baron Mac McAll for Cutter's 6th Anniversary blowout on St. Patrick's Day for the Downtown Irish Club Parade in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans.
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E
aster Grand Marshals turned out in support of the 1st Gay Easter Parade Sponsorship Kick-Off Party hosted by Easter Grand Marshals XII Gary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier at Cutter's in New Orleans raising $4,361. Anyone who became a sponsor at the party received free well drinks, domestic beer and wine courtesy of the reigning grand marshals. (Photo by Darwin Reed: front row-EGMs I Rip Naquin-Delain, X Tony Leggio, IX Orlando Aloe, I Marsha Naquin-Delain, V Brett Messmer & Princesse Stephaney; back row-EGMs VII Opal Masters, XII Gary Vandeventer & Elizabeth Bouvier, IV Electra City, XI Tittie Toulouse, IX Safonda Peters)
all Lt. Danny Calhoun, Secretary Kevin Donahue, Treasurer George Tresch, Function Lt. & Lord Consort XXVIII Pat Johnson, Captain Gary Vandeventer, and President & Lord King XXVIII Ben Bourgeois were presented at the 39th Lords of Leather Rush Party at the Phoenix. Vice President Troy Powell is not pictured.
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ueen Amon-Ra XLVI Tami Tarmac, Ball Lt. John Zeringue, and King AmonRa XLVI Jerry Scavo make a special presentation to Captain Barry Rutherford at the 47th Amon-Ra Rush Party hosted at Cafe Lafitte in Exile.
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he new officers of the Krewe of Petronius were introduced at the krewe's 51st Rush party at JohnPaul's. (Photo: front row- Co-Captain Chad Brickley, President Randy Chauvin, Treasurer Jimmy de Blanc, Co-Captain Bootsie DeVille; 2nd rowBall Lt. David Aranda; back row- Fall Function Lt. Lui Caleon, Secretary Bradley Morvant, Spring Function Lt. Daryl Dunaway)
14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
under the gaydar ...from 12 will be a different winery featured every Tuesday and Wednesday through the May closing reception on Friday the 13th. Their opening party was an incredible night with outstanding cuisine, remarkable wines and lively entertainment. From the mermaid floating in the pool with a glass of wine to the unbelievable seafood buffet, this evening shined. If you did not get to go, make sure to put it on your calendar for next year. But in the meantime, try out one of their wine dinners or come to the closing reception. For more information on the schedule of events and to purchase tickets, go to www.frenchquarterwinefestival.com or call 504.648.6113. The Maison Dupuy is located at 1001 Toulouse Street.
Spring into Easter
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et ready for the 12th An-nual Official Gay Easter Parade benefitting Food for Friends, a division of the NO/AIDS Task Force, on Sunday, April 24. But Easter is just the culmination of an incredible season of parties and shows that span the next five weeks. We kicked off the Easter celebration with the first Sponsorship Kick-Off Party on Saturday, March 19 at Cutter’s. If you signed up that evening as a sponsor, you got to drink free, and there was plenty of food. This year’s Grand Marshals are show director of ForePlay Elizabeth Bouvier and Captain of Lords of Leather Gary Vandeventer. Both these magnetic personalities are superior on their own, but together they are going to make one powerhouse team for this year. $4,361 was raised at this sponsorship event and the parties have are just getting started. It is definitely looking like we are going to blow the roof off what we made last year. Let’s recap the remainder of the Easter events. On Saturday, April 2, there will be the 10th Super StarStudded Drag Extravaganza at JohnPaul’s from 8 – 10pm. I will be emceeing this show with fellow Gay Easter Parade Board member Opal Masters. This show is a spotlight of King Cake and Gay Mardi Gras Krewe Queens. Then on Friday, April 8, we will have the 9th Annual Spring Fling at 4 Seasons starting at 10:30pm under the direction of GEP Board members Tittie Toulouse and Electra City. The following week on April 16 will be the 12th Annual Purple Party at Double Play from 8 – 10pm, and finally on Good Friday, April 22, I will be hosting alongside Rona Connors the 2nd Annual Bunnies in the Big Easy from 7 – 10pm at Harrah’s Casino Masquerade Club. To find out more information on the Gay Easter Parade or to be a sponsor, go to www.GayEasterParade.COM.
are not talking college, just not a moron). Anyway, I digress, so Jason was perfect. He is a great chef, cute, sexy, brought me roses on our first date and most of all is a great balance for me. So he just informed me that his dream of opening a restaurant is coming true. It is what he always wanted to do his entire life. Why wouldn’t I be happy for him? Well, because it is in Knoxville. I mean really, Tennessee. WTF! That is the second guy who I dated whose dream has come true somewhere else. Brice got offered the job of a lifetime in New York. It is what he went to school for and what he is truly remarkable at doing. And since my family, the job I love and basically my life is here in New Orleans, he left also. Also, neither of them asked me to go with them, so there is that too. Honestly, when you care deeply about someone, then you want the best for them no matter how much it hurts. That is what genuine friendship and love is all about. I wish both of them the best, I will always think of them with light and love in my heart,
then let it go. Moving on is always tough. But I try to keep a happy outlook on these things. Since now I am back out in the dating world, I have a new way to market myself. Date me and your dreams will come true. Not with me mind you, but you’ll be good. So we can have a few months of intense happiness and sex, and then you will find success. Think of me as the gateway (or gayway) to your happiness. Now who doesn’t want that? If you would like your event mentioned in my article, or have something of interest, please email me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom
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believe that there is always a silver lining in every dark cloud that passes in your life. Sounds very trite, but it is true, especially when it comes to my relationships. I recently have been dating this great guy named Jason. He is everything I could want in a boyfriend, mostly because he has all his “tions.” If you do not know what that means, then pay attention single men. If the man you are dating is missing one or more of these “tions” your relationship is probably doomed from the start. So, the ideal man does not have to be blessed with an Adonis physique, or be able to write romantic poetry, or even bring you flowers, but he needs to have the following items. He needs to have transporta”tion,” Habita”tion,” occupa”tion” and most of all educa”tion.” To break this down, he needs to have a job, a place of his own, a car (or at least a bike, I am not picky), and be somewhat intelligent (again, we
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Gold Sponsor Deja Deja-Vue’ & Jim May
Bronze Sponsors Bruce Orgeron & Mark Givens/Givens Graphix
Silver Sponsor King & Queen Petronius L Jimmy deBlanc & Bootsie DeVille
EGMs XII Gary Vandeventer & Elizabeth Bouvier flank EGM V Princesse Stephaney
Gold Sponsor David & Rhonda Roget
Bronze Sponsor Nina Clore & Gold Sponsor Lord Consort & King XXVIII Pat Johnson & Ben Bourgeois
Silver Sponsor Bebe Scarpinato
Bronze Sponsors Bobby Vallecillo & Andy Ehlers
Silver Sponsor Kajun’s Pub’s JoAnn Guidos & Lisa Thomas EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier & Bronze Sponsor Michael Albracht
Bronze Sponsor Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt
Bronze Sponsors Barbara Ella, EGM X Tony Leggio & Randy Chauvin/Designer’s Workroom
Bronze Sponsor Gizelle Bouvier & Jay Cooper Bronze Sponsor David Aranda & Daryl Dunaway
snap paparazzi
Gold Sponsor Stuart Nettles & EGM IX Safonda Peters
Bronze Sponsor Vince & Ron Randazzo/Gallagher
Silver Sponsor George Tresch
Silver Sponsor Darwin Reed & EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier
16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
Gay Easter Parade Sponsorship Kick-Off Party @ Cutter’s raises $4,361 ~ New Orleans
Venue Sponsor Cutter’s Mac & Jimmy
Silver Sponsor Dwain Hertz & Al Dugas
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George & Ken @ Lords of Leather Rush Party
Cathy, Keny, Barry & Rhonda @ Amon-Ra Rush Party
Cutter’s Jimmy & Dudley celebrate Cutter’s 6th Anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day
Daddy Don behind the bar @ the Phoenix for the Lords of Leather Rush Party
Amon-Ra presents over $800 raised at their ball to Buzzy’s Boys & Girls
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Nick & Jim join the Petronius Rush Party
paparazzi
Brent & Lui @ Petronius Rush Party
Trux & Society Page’s Orlando celebrate Cutter’s 6th Anniversary Queen & King Amon-Ra XLVI Tami Tarmac & Jerry Scavo welcome guests to Amon-Ra Rush Party @ Lafitte’s
Opal, Ricky & Monique @ Amon-Ra Rush Party Peter pours beers for Lords of Leather Rush Party @ the Phoenix
Lord Consort & King XXVIII Pat & Ben flank Jason @ Lords of Leather Rush Party
Tony just ain’t right @ Cutter’s on St. Patrick’s Day
Amon-Ra Pledges join Queen & King Amon-Ra @ Amon-Ra Rush Party
John, Robert & David before David's strip-down @ Amon-Ra Rush Party
George, Elizabeth & Deja @ Amon-Ra Rush Party
Robert feeling the luck of the Irish @ Cutter’s 6th Anniversary
Kenny, Stuart & Ron @ Amon-Ra Rush Party
A little “Irish love” @ Big Daddy’s with Wayne & Juanita
20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
Krewe Rush Parties & St. Patty’s Day ~ New Orleans
Queen Petronius L Bootsie DeVille hosts the Petronius Rush Party @ JohnPaul’s
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mobile
trodding the boards
papar azzi
by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Mama Drama at Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans through April 2 Happy Birthday Kyle... We Love YOU!
Birthdays, Drag Races, Performances ~ Mobile, Alabama
From Emerald City/Pensacola, Lauren Mitchell performing @ B-Bob's
Steven & Nicolas with Jasyn for the Drag Race Girls @ B-Bob’s O’Brian & Louis with the Boys for the Drag Race Cast @ B-Bob’s
Happy Birthday Jacob with Mobile Blonde Bombshell Miss Cie
From The Drag Race, Miss Stacey Lane Matthews
From Rupaul Drag Race, Mimi Imfurst @ B-Bob’s
Brian & Company visiting from Atlanta having a cocktail @ B-Bob’s
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oys, frustrations and challenges come through in a multiplicity of permutations in Mama Drama, a charmingly panoramic view of motherhood currently appearing at the Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans in Metairie. Seven women (Leslie Ayvazian, Donna Daley, Christine Farrell, Marianna Houston, Rita Nachmann, Anne O’Sullivan & Ann Sachs) collaborated to write this collage of a show which debuted off-Broadway in 1987. Though occasional moments seem a bit dated or overly sentimental, and one wishes that there might be a few more contemporary perspectives, overall this variety of voices and tones comes together nicely for an evening that will ring true for women while still entertaining the Y-chromosome set. Mama Drama’s comic sketches alternate with more serious ones. A doctor who has seen it all calms a first time mother-to-be. Mothers are frustrated by their children and their own mothers. A young women looks back at the baby she gave up for adoption and never got to know. And in the show’s strongest scene, an upper middle class lady deals with the surly yet emotionally fragile surrogate mother she has engaged. There are bittersweet moments too. A daughter visits her mother who has Alzheimer’s disease. A little girl talks about her sibling who was born with encephalitis; such is the success of Mama Drama that despite this monolog’s underlying sadness, it still amuses in the telling. Leon Contavesprie’s smooth, wellpaced direction brought out a potpourri of characterizations, all good, in his quintet of actresses. He wisely didn’t try to inflate this lite and tasty souffle into anything more than it is. My only quibble, and I’m not sure whom to blame for this, is that the program should have indicated who wrote which scene. Gina Abromson, Claire Conti, Chelle Duke, Anysia Manthos and newcomer Greta Trosclair make up this very strong cast that metamorphose between young & old, mother & daughter, happy & sad, and adult & childish with nary a misstep. Conti’s natural ebullience serves her well yet she tones it down to touching effect as the Alzheimer’s patient. Trosclair brings a sunny, youthful ingenuousness to her roles but is devas-
tating as the surrogate mother with few options. Duke’s comic flair comes through in multiple scenes, but she conveys a nice naturalness in her Bargain Baby monolog. Abromson, a wonderfully subtle actress, ranges from the rueful mother whose first child was taken from her in the delivery room to an inquisitive child questioning her great grandma to a mother overwhelmed by being a mother; as the woman dealing with the surrogate, she found just the right balance between sternness and empathy. And Ambie Award winner Manthos expresses righteous anger (Dimwit), the rectitude of a professional nanny (Soo-Soo), and the dithery excitement felt by a woman about to pick up her adoptive child at the airport (She’s Coming from Korea), all with perfectly calibrated finesse. One could imagine Mama Drama with a few more emotional highs or, pared of some of its more insubstantial segments, as a 75 minute one act. But like a newborn child, just as it is, Mama Drama is lovely.
Gypsy at the Cutting Edge Theater, Slidell through April 9 The Sound of Music at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center through April 3 (plus Slidell/April 9, Meridian, MS/April 10)
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hrough April 9, local theatergoers who don’t mind crossing Parish lines have the opportunity to see two classic Broadway musicals. JPAS is presenting The Sound of Music in Metairie with additional performances in Slidell and Meridian, while Cutting Edge Theater’s Gypsy is at the Attractions Hair Salon (using hair dryers for some seats—really!) in Slidell. While I had my favorite, audiences are leaving neither disappointed. Gypsy with its Stephen Sondheim/ Jule Styne score opened on Broadway in May 1959 with Ethel Merman as Gypsy Rose Lee’s Mama Rose; The Sound of Music, the last of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s great collaborations, premiered six months later with Mary Martin as Maria Von Trapp. Gypsy has had four major Broadway revivals (Angela, Tyne, Bernadette & Patti); Sound one minor one (Rebecca Luker). [continued on 26]
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CANAL STREET
100 IBERVILLE
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BURGUNDY
400 ST. LOUIS
DAUPHINE
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DECATUR
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ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN
800 DUMAINE
900 ST. PHILIP
1000 URSULINES
1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS
1200 BARRACKS
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Slidell, LA [985] OLDE SLIDELL ANTIQUE DISTRICT, First & Erlanger Streets, antique malls, gift shops, doll shop & restaurants, 643.4790, SlidellAntiques.COM
autos Metairie, LA [504] WALKER ACURA, 8951 Veterans Blvd., 464.4004, WalkerAcura.COM
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWNE PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] CAJUN COVE, 4550 Concord Ave., 246.8317 GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807
bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE OF HARAHAN, 301 Funston St., 305.2160
cable shows New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99
casinos New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is0711]
T R PA M A R
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
antiques
LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 264.8000 TONIC, 2013 Pinhook Rd., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BOURBON PUB & PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM BYWATER PATIO BAR, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200, CuttersBar.BIZ THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM
circuit/events Easter Sunday, April 24, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 26-30, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 40th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 27-30, Halloween 28, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 29, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 17-21, 2011, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM
counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, PhD, LPC, Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767
hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555, salondmalta.com
insurance New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0711] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0811] FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of Oz New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites, executive townhouses, intimate cottages and comfortable rooms. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. HOTEL LE MARAIS, 717 Conti St., New Orleans, LA, 800.535.9111 or visit NewOrleansHotelCollection.COM, is the newest boutique hotel property in the French Quarter. This sleek, contemporary hotel offers high level service, a “happening” bar, delightful amenities and an inclusive concept that avoids a “nickel and dime” mentality. It features heated saltwater courtyard pool, complimentary daily newspaper, complimentary Wi Fi in all areas and all rooms, complimentary extended continental breakfast, complimentary fitness center, complimentary business center, and complimentary welcome drink. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE:
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504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0112] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. One of several historic New Orleans homes and cottages that have been lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms, spacious multibedroom suites, luxury townhouses and cottages. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621
marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com
massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is1312]
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504]
BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666
organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH
OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax:
504.962.3246; 962.3245, w w w.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, info@kreweofarmeinius.org, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, KreweOfPetronius.ORG KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, PO Box 15889, 70115-5889 MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION: NOLA PRIDE, 2114 Decatur St., 945.1103, NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 SOFTBALL LEAGUE SPRING SEASON BEGINS AFTER MARDI GRAS. Recruitment day for the NOLA Softball League is February 13, 2011. All skill levels welcome, including beginners. Visit nolasoftball.com for more information. THE COMMUNITY COALITION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS LGBTQ Organizations & Businesses, tccgno.org, 569.9156 Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box
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13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] KREWE OF APOLLO/SHREVEPORT, PO Box 4918, 71134 PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCA AIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717
pets New Orleans, LA [504] CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 511 Dumaine; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455 FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 FRENCH QUARTER VET, 922 Royal St., Office 322.7030, Cell 250.1175, DrScott@TheFrenchQuarterVet.COM
pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865
real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] FRENCH QUARTER REALTY, Agents: Gary R. Williams 251.2047, Sandy Preston 319.7500; Office 949.5400 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 891.6400, brettinla@aol.com WWW.GAYREALESTATE.COM Free Instant Access to New Orleans and the Nations Top Gay & Lesbian Realtors. On-line: www.GayRealEstate.com or Toll Free 1.888.420.MOVE (6683)
restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Cooyon's Cajun Cooking, New Orleans French Market, 1100 N. Peters St., 337.339.1131, CooyonsCajunCooking.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, CreoleCuisine.COM The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse, bakery, cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place Alley, 301.3347, GreenGoddessNOLA.COM Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 Little Vic's Gelateria, 1912 Magazine St., 309.8236 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St., 586.8883, MaximosGrill.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro,
720 Orleans, 523.1930 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET Sante Fe Restaurant &Tapas, 1327 St. Charles Ave., 304.9915 Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360
retail/shopping Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 3209 Edenborn Ave., 888.7722, Suzettes.COM New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [Mid City], 488.4889, 712 Adams St. [Uptown], 861.4644, HerbImport.COM LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, laminasterling@gmail.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 RAZZLE DAZZLE, the newest sensation in a very old place, 524 Royal St. 568.0001, RazzleDazzle.COM Slidell, LA [985] THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 1331 Englewood Dr., 643.8007, HerbImport.COM
spas New Orleans, LA [504] SPA ATLANTIS, 740 Gravier Street, 566.8088, SpaAlantis.NET CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 SOUTHERN REP THEATRE, Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 3rd Floor, 522.6545, SouthernRep.COM
websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM
trodding the boards ...from 22 Both of the scores are chock-full of classics (Gypsy—Let Me Entertain You, Everything’s Coming Up Roses, Some People, etc.; Sound—Do-ReMi, My Favorite Things, the title song, etc.) And both of these bio-musicals take a while, almost an hour, to get going as their episodic stories unfold and dramatic pay dirt is at last struck. Each of the current productions fulfilled their show’s strengths while succumbing to some of their inherent weaknesses. Though Sound finally came to vibrant life when the Captain [continued on 30]
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acadiana
papar azzi
Kendrick Benoit presenting @ Tonic
Oh the people @ Jules
Farewell to Sam!
Jules’ Justin & Wendy
Who are all of these people @ Tonic Miss Mess presenting Tayler with his cake Joey & John
Tayler after Mess threw cake in his face @ Tonic
Steven does more than serves, he sings!
Hunter & Joey @ Jules
Lookin’ Good!
Tonic’s Brodie Mess & DJ Point ‘n Click Blushful & Bashful Party @ Tonic
Miss Mess looking pretty in pink
Jules’ karaoke host Blake Duhon
Justin doing free shots on the bar @ Jules
Andre enjoying Jules karaoke
Having a great time @ Tonic
Besties Jason & Corey
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Winning, Presenting, Enjoying ~ Lafayette, Louisiana
Big Girl & Mario winning @ Tonic’s Beer Pong
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acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com Twitter: JoeyC_583
S
o spring has finally sprung and we’re all ready to soon capture the essence of the season. The tanning appointments have been made, we’ve begun to shop for linen shorts and cute short-sleeve polos. Some of you have stayed true to your workout routines. I guess that means you’re ready! If you’re not ready then you had better spend the next month catching up. You’re listening up with Joey Collins!
Recapping a Night Cap
R
ecently the Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette hosted its annual Rush Party in Sugar Mill Pond in the nearby town of Youngsville in the beautiful home of James Dauzart. The decadent reception was well received by many patriots who were eager to join one of Lafayette’s most entertaining Mardi Gras krewes. The purpose of the event was to invite persons who were interested in joining the local krewe. Current krewe members openly welcomed members of the community. In a very lucid manner, board members of the krewe informed interested hopefuls of the variety of events, responsibilities, purposes, and expectations of krewe members. The board informed guests that membership does not require a certain level of participation within the krewe. Membership dues are $150 and it also includes the $75 ticket to the annual ball. For those of you who are interested, you can visit their website at www.kreweofapollo.com. Pastels painted the evening when Tonic held its Bashful and Blushful Party as a means to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Presenter Kindrick Benoit reminded attendees the importance of such an organization as well as how cancer affects the American population. The infamous Brodie Mess was on a roll when she engaged the evening with her beautiful pretty in pink dress and paraded a lovely group of drag performers. Performers were dressed in pastels and entertained guests with an evening of fun and surprises. The main surprise was when birthday boy, Tayler Savoy, was presented with a birthday cake. While the bar paused to celebrate and join in a chorus of Happy Birthday, Miss Mess shocked the birthday boy with a smash of cake directly into the face. It was truly a memorable moment. Jules has been eager to ready itself for the spring season of downtown Lafayette. With the opening of
Downtown Alive, the staff is ready to usher in a new time schedule that is welcoming to many who attend the free live concerts in the downtown area. Hours may vary from Friday to Friday so be sure to check out Jules’ Facebook page. In the Arts and Entertainment area, downtown performing arts theater, Cite des Arts, recently opened up another season of Chez Gisele. Last year Chez Gisele indulged audiences with the true story of former Lafayette resident Gisele Carriton. Carriton was the owner of one of the very first gay establishment in the Acadiana area. The establishment, which dates back to the late 1960s, was a safe-haven for anyone with an open-mind. Playwright Dennis Ward takes us back in time when the Civil Rights Movement was at its height in the South and when the LGBT community was not necessarily at the top of the list. This magnificent play depicts the journey into several characters’ lives as they deal with a time when the very act of attending a well-known gay establishment could risk their very own lives. The emotions and struggles of such a time, that we today take for granite, is beautifully displayed when one of the cast members is brutally murdered and goes onto remain unsolved in Lafayette to this very day. This true story is such a story that will leave you with an understanding of who we are as a community and how much more we have to accomplish.
Bar Spill
J
ules Downtown has recently gone through a few unexpected changes. If you happen to walk in on a random Friday night and notice the lack of a thin, darkfeatured character behind the bar then you know what I speak of. Long-time bartender, Samuel Richard, has recently decided to pursue his dreams and has moved on to the Baton Rouge area. As a staple to the establishment, he will be greatly missed. The very best of luck is wished towards him. We all know that he will represent Lafayette very well. In other uplifting material, Jules’ owners Darren Parker and Wendy Wallace and their staff will stay true to their passion of making sure you’re given the utmost hospitality. All remains the same when on every Thursday host Blake Duhon delivers his weekly karaoke extreme. Always remember that every other Friday night is drag night hosted by Valerie Sugarbaker
and Saturday nights are set aside for you to dance, dance, and dance more with drink specials called out nightly. Tonic also has much to offer. The crew has many upcoming events planned. Planned events include the ROU Pageant, Spring Fling Block Party, and on Easter Sunday the return of Hunter Holloway and Tori Tayler. Event dates will soon be released. As always, remember that the week begins with Customer Appreciation Night every Monday night with Mario as your bartender and Brodie Lee Meche hosting a beer pong tournament which enables participants to win cash. This highly anticipated Customer Appreciation Night features $1 domestics, $2 wells, and $3 premiums. Tuesday night always features Tuesday Night Talent Show with host Brodie Mess followed by Wednesday night karaoke with DJ Chad Evans. Thursday night ushers in the weekend with all you can drink for $15; Drink ‘n Drown with DJ Point ‘n Click followed by a rotation of Friday with the Krewe of Divas hosted by Chica LaRouge. Saturday nights engage a variety of drink specials then one can finish off the weekend with Sunday Funday. The best way to keep up with each establishment is by following the Facebook groups of Jules, Tonic, Lafayette Gays, and Lafayette Lesbians. Don’t forget that Ambush Magazine can always be accessed via www.ambushmag.com.
Let’s Go Downtown
A
ny patron of downtown can tell you that the area is always bursting with culture. Whenever the typical phone call rings through and a friend is on the other line requesting your presence in the
trodding the boards ...from 26 joins his family in song, Act One’s first half was often flat. Kris Shaw’s direction and Lynne L. Bordelon’s choreography was often too cutesy for my taste; these were characters who moved and acted like musical comedy “characters” rather than real human beings. (Because the Von Trapp children were double cast, it could be Shaw & Bordelon had their hands full rehearsing two sets of kids, but that, I think, is besides the point. And, btw, tho sometimes overpowered by the orchestra, the kids I saw were a great bunch.) Still, Bordelon’s Ländler dance duet for the Captain and Maria thoroughly brought out the romantic interplay between them in a charming manner, and Shaw elicited a genuinely dramatic urgency once the lovers marry and must escape from the Nazis. In Slidell, I didn’t know whether to expect a superb show or a train wreck amidst the curlers, but the result is a
Jefferson Street area, one can’t help but to oblige. Throw on those skinny jeans that you’ve worked so hard to fit in, wear that cute polo, and ready yourself for a time filled with great friends, music, and drinks. Nobody will judge you if the drinks are your main attraction. Spring time in the downtown area always means the start of the Downtown Alive concert season. This seasonal free weekly concert series is always prepared to kickoff the weekend. The venue typically varies from Parc International to Parc Sans Souci. The Pine Leaf Boys, a Cajun-styled band, will begin at 5:30pm on Friday, April 1st in Parc International. Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, a Zydeco band, will then take the stage at 7:30pm. Devon Allmon’s Honeytribe, a Blues/Southern rock band, will take the stage in Parc Sans Souci on Friday, April 8th. Remember that the second Saturday of every month is Art Walk. This free event is an open house of the art galleries in the downtown area. Local artists are featured to the public and everyone is invited to partake in a very cultural experiment. Try not to get too loaded on the free wine that is often served. For more information on events in the Lafayette area, one can visit www.lafayettetravel.com.
Closing Out
W
ith the arrival of Spring I hope many of you are preparing yourselves for Lafayette’s biggest event, Festival International. No other event in the area can ever top this annual event. As always, keep the party going! You’re listening up with Joey Collins. generally fine community theater production with its setting being the ultimate gimmick. Though I trust things have smoothed out as its run’s progressed, at Gypsy’s second performance some sections seemed a bit underrehearsed, in part, I suspect, due to co-director Brian Fontenot appearing as Herbie; though he did a proficient job as Rose’s love interest, for such a massive undertaking, one hat might’ve been enough. Still, despite the first act clocking in at 90 minutes, Fontenot, along with codirector Julie Faust, paced the show well. And, if the comic Have an Egg Roll, Mr. Goldstone was a mess, scenes/numbers with only two people (e.g., Little Lamb) came off with an endearing simplicity. Though Sound has been put together with the same care as any of JPAS’ offerings, Gypsy is clearly a labor of love, and if it was sometimes a little rough around the edges, that worked in its favor. After all, the world it [continued on 33]
30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
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It was a “royal flush” for the last Opal’s Follies @ JohnPaul’s
Channing & Frankie @ the St. Joseph’s Day Parade in the Quarter
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papar azzi
Frankie slingin’ cocktails Wed.-Fri. @ Oz
Aletha sings it @ JohnPaul’s on St. Patrick’s Day
Kevin behind the bar Mondays @ Cutter’s
Bareass Strip-Tease winner & runner-up, Ezequias & Ronnie hosted @ The Corner Pocket Sundays
Amon-Ra Miss America Deja DejaVue’ in Opal’s Follies
Michelle & gang join St. Patrick’s Day @ JohnPaul’s
Princesse opens her ares (or legs) to all the men marching in the St. Joseph’s Parade
Will sings his heart out at JohnPaul’s Karaoke on St. Pat’s Day
Elizabeth is finding out the perks with being Easter Grand Marshal...You get the men!
Darwin with EGMs XII Gary & Jeff @ Opal’s Follies
Cassaundra, Cheryl & Wendy @ FQ Wine festival opening gala @ Maison Dupuy Show host Barry Bareass with John & Wesley @ Corner Pocket’s Bareass Strip-Tease Show
David & Michael B. serving it up @ Lafitte’s
Becky & George @ Cutter’s on St. Patrick’s Day
Hotties @ the St. Joseph’s Day Parade in the Quarter
Tony meets a father & son team @ the St. Joseph’s day in the Quarter God love the Italians!
Daryl, David, Peter & Frank @ Cutter’s St. Pat’s Day Anniversary
32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
The Scene in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans
Georgeanna Belle in Opal’s Follies
trodding the boards ...from 30 depicts was not the polished one of Broadway, and the “realness” of this production was one of its strongest assets. For example, You Gotta Have a Gimmick’s trio of over the hill strippers (Beverly Zanchi, Nicole Wilson & Sally McKellip) avoided the slickness (or “trying too hard to be second rate”) that sometimes pervades professional productions and so gave it a rousing authenticity; that McKellip’s Mazeppa played a mean trumpet only added an extra dollop of fun. Despite its untraditional venue, this was actually a fairly traditional Gypsy except in one respect which I think was a miscalculation on Fontenot’s part. As the adult Dainty June, the real life June Havoc, Fontenot cast Sara Fernandez, an obviously plus-sized actress. As Fontenot explained to me, “some dainty child actors grow up to be not so dainty adults.” This would be an interesting concept to explore but the script simply doesn’t support it; in a world where looks count, Rose would surely comment on June’s stature. Compounding this incongruity was that Fernandez, a vocal performance major at UNO, had come down ill a few days before opening and had basically lost her voice. No mention of this was made before the performance (Fontenot informed me about the situation afterward) which was unfair to the actress; assuming her voice has returned for the show’s final two weekends, it will alleviate the situation somewhat. While this was not a fatal distraction, the second act, sans a postelopement June, was more cohesive without Fernandez who seemed to be a good sport. Among the other featured actors, the excellent Janie Planchet, an Ambie nominee for 2008’s Aida, was a gangly and reserved Louise until she blossomed into Gypsy’s assured headliner. Elizabeth Lewy was fine as Baby Louise, while Mary Beth Lobello was a phenomenal Baby June, just what you would a imagine a vaudeville child star would be like. As Tulsa, who steals June away from her family, Chastin Seeby was a virile chorus boy and shone in his All I Need is the Girl number. In Sound, Chris Wecklein exuded oily charm as the promoter Max Detweiler. Nancy Ross made the Baroness Elsa elegant but with a firm sense of selfpreservation. Dana Rice Guidroz was a very warm and humane Mother Abbess whose Climb Ev’ry Mountain was a highlight. And NOCCA student Austin Alleman convinced both as Liesl’s suitor in Sixteen Going on Seventeen and as a fledgling Nazi. Jeff Haffner well-captured Captain Von Trapp’s emotional vicissitudes but his bearing was more TV talk show host than Austrian naval officer; a Donald Trump-ish hairpiece did him no favors. Of course, both these shows succeed or not on the basis of their lead actresses and here they were 180º opposite. As Maria, Micah Richerand Desonier sang with an absolutely gorgeous voice, but rather than creating a real flesh-and-blood character she seemed more like a princess in a Disney pageant. This was acceptable in the early scenes when she’s sup-
posed to be naive and, admittedly, the saccharine script doesn’t make it easy for her. But she brought no more gravitas to the crucial choice in Act Two of whether to stay in Austria or flee the Nazis than she would to deciding between strudel and sachertorte. Using head and chest registers, Sara Pagones made the most of her decent voice despite lacking the clarion call that Merman or Lupone brought to Mama Rose. And while she may not have the bravura personality of such stars that this Hamlet-sized role would seemingly require, ironically, it turns out to be a plus—for Pagones’ more life-sized Rose, it makes sense that she hasn’t fully gotten what she wants. Despite a deep-rooted indomitability, this is a Rose more easily ignored. Pagones successfully captures
Rose’s self-deluding, eternally hopeful quality and comes into her own in the second act as she desperately tries to make a Louise a star. Best of all is her Rose’s Turn, an elemental plea for the spotlight coming from a marginalized woman, which was further enhanced by Chris Milligan’s perfectly synchronized lighting that cast garish reds and greens upon her with each turn of phrase. Exiting The Sound of Music, I heard audience members saying “That was awesome” and “That was better than the movie”. But for me, it’ll be Gypsy’s Rose, Louise and three strippers with gimmicks who’ll never get a way from my memory.
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Jeff, Princesse & Who Dat Coffee Cafe's Craig on the Prytania Theatre red carpet @ Varla and the Mushroomheads screening
King Petronius L Jimmy, JohnPaul’s John & Randy @ Varla and the Mushroomheads screening
Monica Synclaire, Raven Kennedy & Coca Milan @ Oz’s Sunday Show Night Country Club’s Drew in for CWB @ Oz
Kerry serving cocktails @ Oz Nicole DuBois in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub Parade
ambush
George & King Satyricon IX Kent on the red carpet @ Varla and the Mushroomheads screening
papar azzi Marty James in the Appletini Revue @ Club LAX in Metairie
Paul & Bryan join CWB @ Oz Sean & Tiffany Alexander @ Bourbon Pub Parade
Kendall Creel in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub Parade Jerry & Jim on the red carpet @ Varla and the Mushroomheads screening
Gambit owner Margo Dubos & actor Tom Judson @ Varla and the Mushroomheads screening
More fun @ Oz
Frankie, David & Dusty DeBris @ Oz for CWB
Wendy Kennedy in Appletini Revue @ Club LAX
Oz’s fab Illuminations Tech Johnny Eubanks
Monica Synclaire, Armani Cassadine & Corynne Deville in the Appletini Revue @ Club LAX
34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM
Excitement Reigns ~ New Orleans, Metairie
Frankie & DL @ Oz for CWB Tim & Chris on the red carpet @ Varla and the Mushroomheads screening
chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Orleans Restaurant Guide 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til Wed.-Sun. with extended Decadence hours. Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445, is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials serving lunch and dinner. Now under the direction of Executive Chef David Duvall, the restaurant is open 11am10pm Mon.-Tues., Thurs.-Fri.; 9am-10pm Sat.-Sun. with brunch 9am-3pm, closed Wed. MasterCard/Visa accepted. Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965, CafeAmelie.COM, offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and cocktails. Open Wed.-Sat. with lunch 11am-3pm, dinner 6-9pm, Sun. brunch 11-3. Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY, is a new upscale dessert & specialty food store, open 7 days & weekends 24 hours. Best in desserts, snacks, cheeses, crackers, candies, NY bagels & knishes, po-boys, wraps & sandwiches. PLUS PLUS PLUS many organic, all natural & gluten free items, also DOG TREATS. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. Under the direction of Chef Coy LeBeau, he has taken attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM is part coffee shop, part cafe, and part bakery. "We take pride doing all our own baking, and you can order your next special treat from us," says owners Matt and Kevin. This little neighborhood place will fulfill your sweet tooth or both your breakfast or lunch cravings in a quiet setting while serving "desserts like Mom use to make". Located across the street by the Armstrong Park arch, the cafe is open Wed.-Sun. 7am - 3pm. The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place Alley, 301.3347, GreenGoddessNOLA.COM, opened in May 2009 with a progressive menu that blends New Orleans sensibilities with a globe trotting sampling of ingredients, all emanating from the small open kitchen where chefs Chris DeBarr and Paul Artigues make it happen. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030. Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place, 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM, is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm. Little Vic's Gelateria, 1912 Magazine St., 309.8236, serves over 40 inventive flavors of gelato, including stracciatella, amaretto, bacio de gama, and limoncello, as well as fresh-made panino, pastries, and Lavazza espresso. Open 11am10:30pm 7 days. Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St., 586.8883, MaximosGrill.COM, features New Orleans inspired Italian cuisine along with a wonderfully assorted wine selection. Experience Maximo’s open kitchen and watch Chef Thomas Woods prepare his extraordinary dishes. Open 6pm 7 days a week. Moms Mini Mart, 902 Poydras, 596.2223, is a quick stop in the CBD for hot dogs, nachos, snow balls, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, Icees and groceries. Open Mon.Fri. 6am-7pm, Sat. 7am-7pm, open later & Sundays during special events. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery. Sante Fe Restaurant &Tapas, 1327 St. Charles Ave., 304.9915, serves sensational Southwest and Tapas Cuisine with Happy Hour daily 4-6pm. Call for reservations. Open daily 11am-11pm Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360, offers Fair Trade gourmet coffees, teas, cupcakes, scones, coffee by the pound, gift baskets, art & merchandise by local artists, stamps & mail box rentals, along with outdoor seating & Wi-Fi. Open 7am-10pm daily.
Red Velvet Cupcakes @ Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St. Santa Fe Ceviche: Gulf Fish, Jumbo Shrimp, Calamari in a citrus marinade served with Avacado, Cherry Tomatoes, Radishes & Baby Greens @ Sante Fe Restaurant & Tapas, 1327 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans Muffuletta (generous helping of ham, salami, provolone and olive salad) @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. Custom Breakfast @ Krystal, Bourbon St. @ Canal St.
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
12 oz. Blackened Ribeye @ Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta) @ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place Glazed 10 oz. Pork Chop with Steen's Cane Syrup & Creole Mustard served with duck fat potatoes & green beans @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
Club Sandwich with Zapp's Potato Chips @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St.
Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings @ 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy
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36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar c h 29-April 11, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide• GayEast erParade.COM