Inside Scoop

JANUARY

Cutting Edge Theater presents “The Color Purple, The Musical”

January 5-27, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.

“The Color Purple” is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music, and blues, “The Color Purple, The Musical” is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life. Tickets are $35-$45 and may be purchased on Eventbrite or by texting (985) 285-6666 to reserve your tickets.

767 Robert Blvd., Slidell, (985) 649-3727, cuttingedgetheater.com

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Northshore Classics - Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No.3

Friday, January 5, 7:30 p.m.

Packed with J.S. Bach’s musical genius, “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3” conveys as much liveliness and orchestral color as its counterparts. This concerto is virtuosic and complex, effectively showcasing the playful competition between one or more soloists and the entire ensemble. For more information about the Northshore Classics 2023-24 season, and to purchase season tickets, visit lpomusic.com/ subscriptions/23-24-nsconcert-package/.

Fuhrmann Auditorium, 317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (504) 523-6530.

SLT Presents “Romeo and Juliet”

January 12-21, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Slidell Little Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” a tragedy about the romance between two Italian youths from feuding families. Tickets for adults are $35, and for students and seniors, $25. Tickets can be purchased online and may also be available at the box office on the day of the show.

2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell, (985) 643-0556, slidelllittletheatre.org/.

Carnival Couture

Friday, January 12, 11 a.m.

The day will be filled with great food, the latest Mardi Gras fashions, and lots of fun as everyone gathers for a great cause. Before the fashion show, guests will enjoy games, libations, a silent auction filled with excellent prizes, and a glitter bar. Tickets are $150 for VIP, $1500 for a VIP Table, and $75 for General Admission.

Fleur De Lis Event Center, 1645 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 276-9751, jlgc.net/fundraisers/carnivalcouture.

Abita Springs International Film Festival

January 12-14

The Town of Abita Springs invites you to join them for a weekend of film screenings and events at its inaugural Abita Springs International Film Festival. The mission of the Abita Springs International Film Festival is to showcase and celebrate creativity, artistic expression, and exceptional storytelling through film from around the world. Details about the event will be announced on the ASIFF Facebook page: facebook.com/abitafilmfest.

Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs, (985) 892-0711, abitaspringsinternationalfilmfestival.org

Dr. Saux’s Pirate Party

Saturday, January 13, 6 p.m.

Grab your favorite bandana, your trusty eye patch, and celebrate an amazing cause or else walk the plank! Great food, open bar, live music, and silent & live auctions to benefit Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, which strives to provide access to cancer treatments, screenings, and resources across the Gulf South. Ticket information can be found online.

The Tap Room, 434 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 215-1150, northshorefoundation.org/pirate-party.

Playmakers Theater presents “The Lion in Winter”

January 13-28, Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

With themes of sibling rivalry, adultery, and dungeons, “The Lion in Winter” is a modern-day classic. Comedic in tone, dramatic in action, the play tells the story of the Plantagenet family, who are locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. The queen, and wealthiest woman in the world, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II. Let out only for holidays, the play centers around the inner conflicts of the royal family as they fight over both a kingdom and King Henry’s paramour during the Christmas of 1183. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and are available online.

19106 Playmakers Rd., Covington, (985) 893-1671, bontempstix. com/organizations/playmakers-theater-of-covington.

Krewe of Kidz Mardi Gras Ball

Sunday, January 14, 1-3 p.m.

Olde Towne Slidell Merchants Association presents the second Krewe of Kidz Mardi Gras Ball. Food, entertainment, dancing, a photo booth, Mardi Gras costume contest, and the presentation of a King and Queen! This event is for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade. A parent must accompany each child. Tickets are $20 per person, advance purchase only.

2056 Second St., Slidell, eventbrite.com/e/krewe-of-kidz-mardigras-ball-tickets-752387349817

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Birthday Celebration

Monday, January 15, 11 a.m.

The City of Covington invites you to join in commemorating the 95th birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 2024 celebration begins with a parade at 11 a.m. (lineup at 9:45) starting at Rev. Peter Atkins Park, at 28th and Tyler Streets. A program to commemorate Dr. King and present community awards begins at 12 p.m., followed by a vendor resource fair and community family fun day through 5 p.m. All events are free and open to the public, weather permitting.

317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (225) 505-3030, covla.com/ city-departments/cultural-arts-and-events

30 by Ninety Theatre presents “Nunsense”

January 20-February 4, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville presents “Nunsense,” a hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia Child of God. Thus, the remaining nuns stage a talent show to raise the money to bury their dearly departed. With catchy songs and irreverent comedy, “Nunsense” is sure to keep audiences rolling with laughter. Tickets: Adult - $32; Senior (65+)/Military $30; Student (13+) $28, and $25 for age 12 and under (+online fees, all).

880 Lafayette St., Mandeville, 844-843-3090, 30byninety.com

Third Sunday Concert: New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale

Sunday, January 21, 5 p.m.

The 2023-2024 season of the Third Sunday Concerts at Christ Episcopal Church Covington continues with the New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale (VOCA) led by Meg Frazier. The one-hour concerts are free and open to the public and are followed by a wine and light hors d’oeuvres reception in the Parish Hall for the performers and audience.

Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-3177, christchurchcovington.com/concert_series

“Playing with Fire” Exhibit

January 22-March 7, Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4p.m. by appointment.

Join the City of Slidell for “Playing with Fire”, on display at the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall. Admission is free. An opening reception will be held on Friday, January 19, 5-7 p.m. Same day viewings will be accommodated based on availability; call ahead to (985) 646-4375.

2055 Second St., Slidell, (985) 646-4375, myslidell.com.

“Play with your Food” - A Fundraiser for Playmakers Theater

Wednesday, January 24, 6-9p.m.

“Play With Your Food” is a unique concept – an elegant threecourse meal, each course followed by a short play written by award-winning local playwright Joe Starzyk and performed by Covington’s own Playmakers Theater players. Each short comedy will examine some aspect of love. Exciting raffles will round out the evening, and the guest emcee will be Heath Allen. Tickets are $85. A cash wine and beer bar will be available. Purchase tickets at https://bontempstix.com/events/play-with-yourfood-1-24-2024. Sponsorships are also available.

The Greenwood, 75082 LA-25, Covington, (817) 734-6496, bontempstix.com/events/ play-with-your-food-1-24-2024

February

Third Sunday Concert: Jay Kacherski

Sunday, February 18, 5 p.m.

The 2023-2024 season of the Third Sunday Concerts at Christ Episcopal Church Covington continues with classical guitarist Jay Kacherski. The one-hour concerts are free and open to the public and are followed by a wine and light hors d’oeuvres reception in the Parish Hall for the performers and audience.

Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-3177, christchurchcovington.com/concert_ series/

Cutting Edge Theater presents “The Prom”

February 23-March 9, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Tickets are $32-$47 and may be purchased on Eventbrite or by texting (985) 285-6666 to reserve your tickets.

767 Robert Blvd., Slidell, (985) 649-3727, cuttingedgetheater.com

Slidell Little Theatre presents “Next to Normal”

February 23-March 9, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. “Next to Normal” takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy, and heart. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors. Tickets for all shows and events can be purchased online or by calling (985) 643-0324.

2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell, (985) 643-0556, slidelllittletheatre.org.

Spring into Summer Arts and Crafts Show

Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.

The Shallow Water Stalkers presents the Spring into Summer Arts and Crafts Show in Folsom’s Magnolia Park. Shop for locally handmade crafts and enjoy food and fun for the kids, including free face painting and the Easter Bunny. Admission is free. Follow @springintosummerartsandcraftsshow on Instagram for more info.

13296 Highway 40, Folsom, (985) 630-7324.

The Sadie Jane Bridal Show

Sunday, February 25, 1-3:30 p.m.

Formerly known as Pinewood Country Club, the Sadie Jane, is a unique venue surrounded by a well-manicured, 96-acre golf course, scenic ponds, grand oaks, gardens and green spaces, giving weddings and receptions numerous idyllic locations for memorable photographs. Bride and Groom suites were designed with wedding parties in mind. Staging rooms include separate make-up stations, sofas and lounge chairs to relax and enjoy Champagne and hors d’oeuvres before your ceremony. And, on-site chefs are available to prepare your menu using local and fresh ingredients. Admission is free for brides and grooms, $10 for guests (cash only).

405 Country Club Blvd., Slidell, (985) 643-6892, thesadiejane.com/ events.