St. Charles Avenue Magazine October 2019 by Renaissance Publishing

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CO N T E N T S

Features

On the Cover

Photographed by Jeffery Johnston Chairs Michelle and Lamar Villere and Richard and Mathilde Currence with “Cityscape with Cars” by Purvis Young Learn more about our local performers, theaters and artists, and find your next outing from its in-depth calendar in OnStage, starting on pg. 43.

OnStage New Orleans’ Guide to Performing Arts BY KATHY FINN

Talking Trends Local experts share the latest in health BY KELCY WILBURN

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art will honor William S. Arnett, founder of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, and American artist Lonnie Holley at its annual “O What a Night!” gala. The festivities begin with a Patron Party and auction preview on October 17 at the home of Roger H. Ogden and Ken Barnes featuring cuisine by Kristen Essig and Michael Stoltzfus of Coquette and Thalia, followed by the black tie gala on October 19 at the Museum. The gala will celebrate the important mission of the Ogden Museum to broaden the knowledge, understanding, interpretation and appreciation of the visual arts and culture of the American South, and provide critical funds for its award-winning educational programs, the Ogden After Hours music series and its dynamic exhibitions of Southern painting, photography, sculpture and more. The exciting, art-focused live auction will be led by Christy Williams Coombs of Sotheby’s and complemented by a three-course dinner by chef Justin and Mia Devillier of La Petite Grocery and Justine. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit OgdenMuseum.org/OWhatANight. Special thanks to Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s Marketing & Communications Specialist Samantha Scoggins for her invaluable assistance.

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM 3

CO N T E N T S

In Every Issue

8 & 10

PHILANTHROPIC FUN

EDITORS’ NOTES

12 MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Giving Hope NOLA: Where love changes everything

14 KIDS PLAY

Montz Farm: Much more than mere pumpkin picking

16 WHAT’S HOT: Art

18 ON THE MENU

From Table to Tailgate: Chef Scott Craig of Francesa by Katie’s shares his Meatballs

20 THE DISH

Autumnal Aspects: A welcome return to outdoors

42 ONSTAGE CALENDAR 66 VINTAGE WEDDING

Linda Louise Reese weds Robert David Bjork, LTJG, United States Naval Reserve: March 27, 1971

4 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

68 WITH THIS RING

Reily – Yancey Art Night at the Museum The Ogden Museum of Art welcomed 550 attendees to showcase a special exhibition. 22

A Light of Hope Lighthouse Louisiana promoted advocacy for individuals with disabilities. 32

American Altruism The National World War II Museum honored individuals who inspire others through courage, sacrifice, initiative and generosity. 24

Passing the Gavel The JLNO celebrated a 95-year legacy of service. 34

Embracing Entrepreneurship Junior Achievement GNO’s “Business Hall of Fame” inducted nine laureates. 26 Remarkable Role Models Six women were honored at the annual BHGH luncheon that supports substance abuse treatment programs. 28 The Show Must Go On Southern Rep toasted its new sanctuary. 30

Barred from Freedom IPNO raised critical funds to represent innocent clients caught in the criminal justice system. 36 Fundraising Frenzy The LLS honored local blood cancer survivors and those fighting to support them. 38 Spectacular Shakespeare The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane fêtes its opening. 40

YOUNG BLOODS

Emily Leitzinger: Host, “Voluntold Ya!” STUDENT ACTIVIST

Emily LeBlanc: Academy of the Sacred Heart

72 SHOP TALK

Ellen M. Kramer: Productivity & Organizing Consultant, A New Leaf

73 SHOP TALK

Judy Fern: Event Manager, The Elms Mansion

74 SNAPSHOTS 80 NOSTALGIA Business of Death: The Leitz-Eagan Company’s six-generation story.

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 5

OCTOBER 2019 VOL. 24 ISSUE 5 Editorial

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Bev Church EDITOR Morgan Packard Griffith ART DIRECTOR Ali Sullivan SOCIETY COLUMNIST Catherine Freeman FOOD & DINING COLUMNIST Jyl Benson WEB EDITOR Kelly Massicot EVENT PHOTO COORDINATOR Jeff Strout

Advertising

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DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & EVENTS

Jeanel Farrell Luquette

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Production

PRODUCTION MANAGER Emily Andras PRODUCTION DESIGNERS

Rosa Balaguer, Meghan Rooney

TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Lane Brocato

Administration

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Todd Matherne PRESIDENT Alan Campell EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Errol Laborde

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Colleen Monaghan OFFICE MANAGER Mallary Matherne DISTRIBUTION MANAGER John Holzer AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Claire Sargent

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A Publication of Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, © 2019 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. St. Charles Avenue is not responsible for photos or artwork and assumes that all releases have been cleared upon submission to the magazine. St. Charles Avenue is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, La. 70005, (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: one year $17.95, two year $31, three year $43 — foreign rates vary call for pricing. It is the policy of this magazine to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

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B E V ' S N OT E

We are so excited to bring you “O What A Night” for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for our October cover! The gala is dubbed “The Met Ball of the South,” so expect some fabulous outfits! The Patron Party and auction preview will be held October 17 at the home of Roger H. Ogden and Ken Barnes featuring cuisine by Kristen Essig and Michael Stoltzfus of Coquette and Thalia, with the black tie gala on October 19, 6-11 p.m. This year’s honorees are founder of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, William S. Arnett, and American artist Lonnie Holle. Thanks to Co-Chairs Michelle and Lamar Villere and Mathilde and Richard Currence for gracing our cover with “Cityscape with Cars” painted by Purvis Young, a championed artist of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation and the Ogden Museum’s Permanent Collection. This glamorous gala celebrates the important mission of the Ogden to broaden the knowledge, understanding, interpretation and appreciation of the visual arts and culture of the American South! Highlights of the evening will include a live auction led by Christy Williams Coombs of

Sotheby’s and a fabulous dinner provided by chef Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery and Justine. To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit OgdenMuseum.org/OWhatANight. After the summer months, we all get a little lax about our health, so check out our feature on Health Trends for the latest in health from our local experts. What’s Hot for Art showcases the female form, from sculpture to paintings, all tastefully presented and beautiful. “Galatoire’s Goes Pink” will be October 7, at Galatoire’s Restaurant. Cocktails will start at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7, all to raise funds for Breastoration! Breastoration is a local organization that provides education and financial assistance to women requiring reconstruction following mastectomies for breast cancer. They have helped hundreds of women at 24 different surgical institutions in Louisiana! You get to go to Galatoire’s on a Monday night wearing something pink and get to be with your favorite waiters eating the signature dishes that we all love paired with amazing wines all to help a great cause! Event Chairs Jane Goldring and Amelia Leonardi promise a night you won’t forget! Visit Breastoration.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

The “Research for the Cure Gala and Shopping Event” sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue will be October 16, 6-9 p.m. at the Shops at Canal Place, and you don’t want to miss this! Gala Chairs Barbara Greenberg and Sue Singer along with honorary chairs: Angela Hill, Karen Swenson and Carolyn Elder promise a night of fabulous auction items while you shop, eat and drink from some of our top restaurants! Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Louisiana and this is your chance to help with research benefiting the Louisiana Cancer Research Center right here in New Orleans.Visit ResearchForTheCure.org for tickets and information! We are all so heartbroken over the loss of Nancy Parker, who was featured on our August cover, and of Mr. Augustin, a decorated stunt pilot, who died in a plane crash in August. Nancy was an amazing reporter, but more importantly a wonderful wife, mother, daughter and civic activist who helped so many causes in New Orleans. The love she shared with all of us will so sorely missed! Go out and do something wonderful for someone in honor of Nancy.

Beverly Reese Church

Board Member Muffin Balart, Co-Chair Rebecca Schultz Lester and Board Members Dessa Giffin, Natalie Finnegan and Sybil Favrot are pictured for the fabulous fundraiser, “Magic in the Moonlight” presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. The event is 10 years old and this year it will be held Friday, October 11, as always in the Botanical Garden at City Park. It will feature a live auction followed by dinner prepared by chef John Currence of City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi! After guests dine amid flower bedecked tables with candlelight under the stars, they’ll dance the night away in the Parterre Rose Garden. This year they’re offering discounted tickets to young professionals, the “Moonlighters” under the age of 35. For more information about tickets and to purchase them, visit bit.ly/MagicinTheMoonlight2019. This year’s proceeds will be used to restore the WPA era brickwork in the Parterre Rose Garden!

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M O R G A N ' S N OT E

October I had the hardest time writing my note this month. Maybe it’s because it’s too quiet in my house (my son is at school and my husband at work, and for once the neighborhood is silent except for the cicadas). Maybe it’s because there’s too much to talk about (we have a great issue, our annual “Wine, Dine & Design events are almost here and there are so many events, launches, things to do this month). Or maybe it’s because I keep getting distracted by the newest season of “The Great British Bake Off.” (Anyone else?) So before spice week begins, here are two of my favorite things this month! New Orleans artist and Loyola University geneticist, Hunter Cole, widely recognized to be among the innovators in the art/science of bioluminescent light – and one of the first artists to produce significant works using it – will bring her photographs to life at the free, oneof-a-kind interactive art show “GLOW: An Illuminated Living Art Experience” at Zeitgeist Theatre on Thursday, October 10, 6-10 p.m. Once there, you’ll walk into the darkened theatre illuminated by never-before-seen art created with actual, living bioluminescent bacteria, and interact with dancers wearing “glowing art” costumes. You can also become a piece of living art! Cole will photograph guests interacting with living light pieces throughout the evening, which will later be available for purchase as originals on her website, HunterColePhoto.com (you can also place a photo pre-order at the event). Her multimedia exhibit, “Living Light: Photographs by Light of Bioluminescent Bacteria”, will be on display October 5-November 28 in the Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center theatre lounge. I love to read, but with a 2-year-old not only is my quiet time diminished, once it does get quiet, I’m apt to fall asleep! But I can’t seem to put down Poppy Tooker’s sixth book, Drag Queen Brunch. Combining a history lesson on the culture of drag in New Orleans with personal stories, recipes and pictures by Sam Hanna, the book is delicious in more ways than one. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to CrescentCare, a nonprofit organization that has been providing care to the underserved and LGBTQ+ communities in New Orleans and surrounding areas for more than 30 years. Visit PoppyTooker.com to learn more and buy your copy today.

1 “Bubbles and Bubbly for Beethoven,” benefiting Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, 861-2004

1 “Wings & Watts,”

benefiting Energy Wise Alliance, 222-2920

2-3 “Wine, Dine &

Design,” benefiting Bastion, 830-7264, WineDineNDesign.com

4 “Scales & Ales,”

benefiting Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, AudubonNatureInstitute. org/scales-and-ales

4 “Signature Chefs

Auction,” benefiting March of Dimes, 264-9288

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10 “2019 Catholic Community Foundation Annual Dinner,” 596-3044 10 “Big Used Book Sale,” benefiting Friends of the Jefferson Public Library, 455-2665 11 “Celebration of Life Luncheon,” benefiting Cancer Crusaders, 454-7869

11 “Magic In the

Moonlight,” benefiting The Botanical Garden at City Park, 483-9386

11 “2019 Spirit of Charity

Greenway Soirée,” benefiting Friends of Lafitte Greenway, 702-6778

Award,” benefiting University Medical Center New Orleans - Spirit of Charity Foundation, 702-3113

4 “McCCNO 7th

12 32nd annual “Walk

4 Seventh annual “The

Anniversary Party and Fundraiser,” benefiting Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans, MaCCNO. org

5 “Deo Gratias,”

benefiting Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College, (985) 867-2264

5 “Beignet Fest,” benefiting Tres Doux Foundation, BeignetFest.com

5 24th annual “Pasta

& Puccini,” benefiting Jefferson Performing Arts Society, 885-2000

5 “Krewe De Pink Prom,” benefiting Krewe De Pink, 606-1347

5 “Shadows Arts & Crafts

Morgan Packard Griff ith

7 “Galatoire’s Goes Pink,” benefiting Breastoration, Breastoration.org

Fair,” benefiting Shadowson-the-Teche, (337) 369-6446

for Education,” benefiting UNCF, 581-3794

13 Fifth annual

“2019 Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial 5K Run/Walk,” benefiting LSU Department of Neurosurgery’s Brain Tumor Center, KelseysGoal.com

17 “Hannah G. Solomon Award Luncheon,” benefiting the National Council of Jewish Women, 861-7788 18 “City Stars Soirée,” benefiting Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, 569-8657 19 “Gettin’ Piggy With It,” benefiting Brandner Gives Back, BrandnerGivesBack.com 24 “Cocktails for KID smART,” benefiting KID smART, 940-1994 24 “2019 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Gala,” benefiting United Way of Southeast Louisiana, 827-6894, MichelleD@ UnitedWaySELA.org 24-25 “Design

Symposium,” benefiting Longue Vue House and Gardens, 488-5488

25 “Boo at the Zoo,” benefiting Audubon Zoo, AudubonNatureInstitute. org/batz 26 “A Haunting Affair,”

benefiting Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association, 267-9534

16 “Research for the

26 “2019 Tour de Cure

16 “Spirit of the Vieux

30 “Bewitching,” benefiting New Orleans Garden Society, 655-2727

Cure,” benefiting Louisiana Cancer Research Center, ResearchForTheCure.org Carré Gala,” benefiting Vieux Carré Commission Foundation, 342-4760, info@vccfoundation.org

17 “Kickin’ Parkinson’s,” benefiting Kickin’ Parkinson’s, a Team Fox in support of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, KickinParkinsons.com

New Orleans,” benefiting American Diabetes Association, Diabetes.org

31 “Juliette Low Leadership Luncheon,” benefiting Girl Scouts Louisiana East, 733-8220, GSLE.org/ LeadershipLuncheon

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Giving Hope NOLA Where love changes everything By Catherine Freeman

Hunger. Drug addiction. Homelessness. Sex Trafficking. Poverty. These worldwide dilemmas have plagued humankind for thousands of years, appearing too monumental for any entity or individual to derail their potential societal destruction.Yet despite the magnitude of the challenges, there are special individuals everywhere blessed with an optimistic resilience to change lives by seeing beyond the darkness through providing a priceless commodity: hope. I once read that hope is the difference between hanging on and giving up. That sounds manageable, but sometimes don’t we all need someone or something to share the necessary courage to find hope in facing the future? Through their foundation, Giving Hope NOLA, Tracy and Troy Duhon are committed to doing just that and much more. The Duhons’ journey to creating the multi-faceted Louisiana nonprofit was birthed in response to Hurricane Katrina. An owner of many successful car dealerships, Troy’s livelihood was ravaged by the hurricane’s destruction but he discovered his own loss became the impetus to give back by helping others in need. Within the first month following Katrina, a relief center was set up at his New Orleans East dealership and by 2013 it had officially become The Food Pantry of New Orleans. July 2019 broke records for The Food Pantry, with distribution of 67,831 pounds of groceries, 825 hot meals served and 3,012 households receiving food boxes. Motivated by his late father’s directive to “find the injustice that inspires and do something about it” as well as a strong Christian faith, Troy didn’t focus the Giving

12 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

Giving Hope Community Center summer camp

Hope NOLA mission on hunger alone. The Duhons felt called to come to the aid of those most vulnerable in our New Orleans community and around the world. Locally through partnering with the New Orleans Mission, the Giving Hope Retreat Center in Lacombe opened in 2015, providing a peaceful refuge for homeless men to rebuild their lives through training, GED classes and lifestyle courses. Also addressing the sharp rise of homeless women in New Orleans, the Lynnhaven Retreat Center in Hammond opened in 2018 to aid in the recovery of women who have faced homelessness, abuse and human trafficking. Their newest program, supported by former NFL Quarterback Danny Wuerffel and Saints superstar Michael Thomas, is the Desire neighborhood Giving Hope Community Center. In partnership with Thrive New Orleans, the center is providing a safe place for families, youth and senior to foster a greater community to pursue their dreams. Job vocation training, mentoring, a wellness center, summer and after school programming are some of the valuable services provided. Additional foundation efforts target the considerable issues of human trafficking and

re-entry of ex-offenders through their Hope Against Trafficking Everywhere and Angola Re-Entry programs. The Duhons’ personal pain became their purpose in Giving Hope NOLA’s international work through funding and building of orphanages and adoption assistance for families. Hope House orphanages providing a safe, loving environment for children have been built in India, Honduras, Gambia, Russia and most recently Brazil. In their own adoption journey, Tracy and Troy realized the emotional and financial obstacles often encountered by families desiring to adopt. Through Hope for a Home, they’re able to support families through the adoption process, having placed 25 children with forever families since 2013. Through a faith-based vision to change lives through hope and love, Giving Hope NOLA is connecting resources with the challenges we face to make a healthy, happy life a reality for all. n

A little more... You can support the mission of Giving Hope NOLA at the sixth annual “Hope Gala” on November 8. Learn more by visiting GivingHopeNOLA.org/events.

K I DS P L AY

Montz Farm Much more than mere pumpkin picking By Brittany Kennedy

For lots of New Orleanians, there’s nothing quite like the arrival of October. The temperatures and humidity f inally start dropping, and while it may not feel quite like “fall” the way most people imagine it, that doesn’t stop us from costume planning and seeking out the perfect pumpkin for our front porch, and Montz pumpkin patch in St. Charles Parish has over 15 acres of land dedicated to helping local children f ind just the right jack-o’-lantern candidate. Unfortunately, our rainy climate means that pumpkins don’t grow very well here. The result is that most local “pumpkin patches” are forced to get their annual crop from the same sources as your local grocery store. Although Montz Pumpkin Patch technically is no exception to this rule, the experience at this pumpkin patch attempts to show kids the nuts and bolts of a working farm located only about 45 minutes away from New Orleans. Montz Pumpkin Patch is also the site of Perilloux Farms, which is run by Timmy Perilloux – a frequent face at the Crescent City Farmer’s Market and a regular supplier to many local restaurants, most notably Donald Link’s Cochon. Perilloux has farmed since 1977, but he didn’t do so full-time until 1997, when he retired from a job at an oil terminal. His pumpkin patch began with a visiting Girl Scout troupe and a wagon. It grew quickly, however, and has been a mainstay for over 30 years with around 10,000 children f inding their perfect pumpkin every October. The admission gets everyone a hayride on a large tractor trailer out to the 15 acres

14 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

where Perilloux has both traditional orange pumpkins (sourced mainly from New Mexico) as well as “Creole” pumpkins. These special pumpkins – also called “cow” pumpkins by early Louisiana farmers that grew them after seeing how much the cows liked eating them – are the only variety of pumpkin that grow here without rotting in our moist soil. They range from a white to a creamy pale orange color with shapes varying from the more traditional round to gourd-like. The Creole pumpkins haven’t only become increasingly popular with visitors over the years, Perilloux also sells them to restaurants looking to use them in soups and breads. The hay ride out to the patch takes only a few minutes, but along the way you see the vegetables that Perilloux will bring to the Crescent City Farmer’s Market most Tuesdays (Uptown), Wednesdays (the Bywater) and Fridays (Bucktown). Everyone gets plenty of time to wander around and find the perfect specimen for their jack-o’lantern, and upon returning to the farm, water troughs and brushes await children eager to clean the dirt off their pumpkins and get them ready to take home. Snacks and a few crafts are for sale, but the focus

of this pumpkin patch is showing kids the importance of farming as well as supporting your local farmers. While many local pumpkin patches make up for the lack of growing pumpkins with other activities and attractions (like bobbing for apples, photo booths and craft fairs), Perilloux’s Montz patch is still a structured enough experience to feel like an event, but one that gives kids a lot of freedom to wander outdoors and see where their pumpkins – and perhaps some of their food – come from. Perilloux welcomes school groups (by appointment) during the week, and families can visit every weekend in October. n

Just the Facts ... Montz Pumpkin Farm 17834 River Road, Montz (985) 652-3672 Admission: $7 per person (includes pumpkin and hayride) Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. during weekends in October (hayride leaves every hour on the hour); weekday visits and school groups by appointment only

W H AT ' S H OT

Art By Amy Gabriel

�

This month’s feature is a celebration of the female form in all its iterations. From demure and reverent depictions, to bold and dauntless portrayals, to images more symbolic of the feminine form, each representation is a portrayal of the feminine silhouette.

� 1. Erté used a mixture of bronze, brass and plexi to form this femme fatale mirror that rotates 360-degrees. Barnett Fine Art, BarnettFineArt.com

�

2. The “Lounging Figure Study in Burnt Umber” shows an emphasis on pose and posture. Billy Solitario Fine Art, 4531 Magazine St., 919-9346, BillySolitario.com

16 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

SE LEC T PHOTOS BY CHERYL GERBER

3. A glamorous gown in black wire and gold beads from Key-Sook Geum Dialogue VII, 2018 is a visual stunner. Callan Contemporary, 518 Julia St., 525-0518, CallanContemporary.com

ON THE MENU

From Table to Tailgate Chef Scot Craig of Francesca by Katie’s shares his Meatballs

Meatballs 5 pounds mix of pork, veal and beef, ground 1 pint milk 1/2 large onion 5 cloves garlic 1 1/2 cups Italian parsley, chopped 1 1/2 cups high quality Parmesan 1/2 cup dry Italian seasoning 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

ROUND into 2-3 ounce meatballs – carefully, as to not tighten too much. Brown in oven. Finish cooking in sauce (your favorite, or Scot’s below).

Sauce 1 gallon tomato purée Tomato paste to thicken Salt and pepper to taste 1 bunch fresh basil Sugar to taste 1 onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped Olive oil Dry Italian seasoning Olive oil

SAUTÉ onion and bell pepper. Adding Italian seasoning. Add purée. Add paste to thicken. Add water to correct thickness. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 hours. SERVE on Italian or French bread toasted with cheese.

18 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

PHOTOS BY JE FFERY J OHNSTON

FRANCESCA BY KATIE’S 515 Harrison Ave., New Orleans 266-2511, FrancescaDeli.com

THE DISH

Autumnal Aspects A welcome return to outdoors By Jyl Benson

20 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

PHOTO BY MIKE LIRETTE

After spending a sweltering summer snuggled up next to the air conditioner, as a gardening enthusiast I’m beyond eager to spend as much time taking in the beauty that befalls New Orleans with the first hint of autumn. I was recently drawn to the comfortable outdoor space at Copper Vine, where a lush hanging garden and climbing wisteria vines separate the intimate space from the bustle of Poydras Street. Gorgeous both inside and out, Copper Vine was opened last year by hospitality veteran Kyle Brechtel to serve as a neighborhood gathering spot for downtown residents, like himself. Brechtel chose a graceful building on the National Register of Historic Places that once housed the legendary Maylie’s, then restored the original bar inside to serve as a destination offering 30 aromatic and flavorful wines on tap. Chef Mike Brewer’s menu pairs and shares easily: Deviled eggs showered with jumbo lump crabmeat, flatbreads topped with selections of Serano ham, duck confit, fig and goat cheese or grilled vegetables and Crispy Chicken Fricasse with crawfish boil peanuts and boudin rice. The sleek interior of Station 6 opens onto a front outdoor patio adorned in colorful foliage with a horizontal slatted wooden fence that manages to turn the pumping station just behind it into shadowy public art. Happy Hour is just the time to oc-

Happy Hour at Station 6: Cajun Caviar, a glass of Champagne Lallier Grand Reserve Brut and a half dozen Gulf oysters.

cupy the inviting communal sectional sofa in the corner. Offered Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3-6 p.m., for a thrifty $15 guests enjoy a tasting of ice cold Cajun Caviar, a glass of Champagne Lallier Grand Reserve Brut and a half dozen Gulf oysters. Beyond that, it’s impossible to go wrong with chef Allison Vega Knoll’s menu that features updated takes on the kind of humble seafood dishes once found at Bucktown’s many small family-oriented joints: Mamere’s crabmeat casserole served with rounds of toasted French bread; wild fried catfish and chips with malt vinegar tartar sauce; tuna tartar with jicama, avocado and spicy Cajun Caviar; seared pompano with curried brown butter, toasted cashews and roasted asparagus; and the dish that always makes me swoon, garlic shrimp sizzling in a ceramic vessel with butter, capers, lemon, Parmesan and bread rounds to mop up the sauce. With its deep, gracious upstairs balcony from which a colorful planter garden spills over a chic, artsy block Royal Street, if people watching with a side of fine dining is your jam, Curio is your spot. Bottomless mimosas ($12) and Bloody Marys ($15) are offered every day during daily brunch, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Pair that with buttermilk biscuits ladled over with bacon-sausage gravy and a side of sunny eggs for $9 for a relative bargain of a French Quarter meal in a stunning environment that could only happen in New Orleans. One block away on Chartres Street, The Governor is a straight up casual, easy breezy spot to enjoy Cajun and Creole classics on a balcony just up the street from

Try This: For me, autumn arrives with a craving for mushrooms. I was thrilled upon a recent visit to Costera to dive into a dish of mixed roasted mushrooms over which a warm egg yolk was left to melt down into the umami-rich goodness. This bit of heaven is served with sourdough croutons, the perfect vehicle for heaping on the utter deliciousness. Also deliciously heaped is the Pan Con Tomate served with roasted garlic aioli.

Jackson Square. Bottomless mimosas are offered every day for $12 beginning at breakfast until 4 p.m. Sipping cocktails on the veranda at The Columns Hotel while observing the rumbling streetcar making its way down the tracks under a canopy of oaks has the power to fulfill everyone’s moonlight and magnolias vision of our town. The tranquil, languorous beauty of the space will compel you to linger and reconnect with the more graceful aspects of our city. A daily 5-7 p.m. happy hour and free live local music nightly at 8 p.m. make this a pretty sweet destination. n THE COLUMNS HOTEL, 3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308, TheColumns.com COPPER VINE, 1001 Poydras St., 208-9535, CopperVineWine.com COSTERA, 4938 Prytania St., 302-2332, CosteraRestaurant.com CURIO, 301 Royal St., 507-9778, CurioNOLA.com THE GOVERNOR, 301 Chartres St., 291-1860, GovernorRestaurant.com STATION 6, 105 Metairie Hammond Highway, Bucktown, 345-2936, Station6NOLA.com

PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Art Night at the Museum

The Ogden Museum of Art welcomed 550 attendees to showcase a special exhibition. By Shelby Simon

The “2019 Magnolia Ball” celebrated the museum’s exhibition “Piercing the Inner Wall: The Art of Dusti Bongé.” The ball brought to life Bongé’s Surrealist “Circus Series” with a festively engaging evening. The event raised over $75,000 through ticket sales and the silent auction, which provides vital support for the Museum’s exhibitions and programming. Immediately prior to the Magnolia Ball, the Patron Party featured entertainment by DJ Ann Glaviano who played in the atrium with a performance by modern dancers from Trixie Minx Productions. Upon arrival to the gala, guests were served a Sparkling Strawberry Moscow Mule. Food for the evening was provided by 16 local restaurants. DJ Ann Glaviano, DJ Nesby Phips, DJ Otto and Sporty’s Brass Band performed music in the museum atrium. Terrace music was performed by DJ Slumflower and Alexis the Samurai. Trixie Minx Productions provided an aerlialist, contortionists and performances by modern dancers. Krewe des Fleurs also made a special appearance. An auction included 105 items, including artwork by Butch Anthony and David Armentour. Event Chairmen were Ariel and L. Kasimu Harris, Jessie Schott Haynes, Stuart Hurt, Sarah Martzolf and Cameron Elizabeth McHarg. n

Event at a Glance

1. Museum Director William Andrews with Co-Chairs Jessie Haynes, Stuart Hurt and Sarah Martzolf 2. David Bernard and Matthew Moreland 3. Evan D’Antoni, Cat Wilkinson, Elisa Harding and Richard Kohnke 4. Rontherin Ratliff and Ana Hernandez 5. Chris Wayner, David Kerstein and Suzie and Ted Bloch 6. Joey Muething and Sara Allen Harper

22 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

WHAT: “Magnolia Ball,” benefiting Ogden Museum of Southern Art WHEN: Saturday, June 8 WHERE: Ogden Museum of Southern Art

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 23

PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

American Altruism

The National World War II Museum honored individuals who inspire others through courage, sacrifice, initiative and generosity. By Shelby Simon

This year’s “American Spirit Awards” presented by Hancock Whitney highlighted the importance of civil discourse and working together for a common cause – a core value that was integral to securing victory in World War II. Vice President Richard B. Cheney and Senator Joseph Lieberman were selected as this year’s recipients of the American Spirit Award. Honorees are chosen in recognition of an individual’s outstanding qualities of the American spirit: teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice, and who inspire the exploration and expression of these values through their own life and activities. More than 550 patrons participated in the celebration, which took place in the World War II Museum’s own U.S. Freedom Pavilion. The Victory Belles provided entertainment. Chef Susan Spicer created a deluxe three-course dinner, including an antipasto plate, Moroccan-braised lamb shoulder and an olive oil cake as dessert, paired with a selection of wines. Notably in attendance were Marthe Cohn, Charles McGee and Gail Halvorsen, the 2019 Silver Service Medallion Recipients, and Gerhard Weinberg and Everett Alvarez, the 2019 American Spirit Medallion Recipients. Proceeds from the American Spirit Awards will support educational programming at The National WWII Museum. n

Event at a Glance

WHAT: “American Spirit Awards,” presented by Hancock Whitney, benefiting the National World War II Museum WHEN: Thursday, May 23 WHERE: U.S. Freedom Pavilion, The National WWII Museum

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PHO TOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

1. (Standing) John Hairston and Todd Ricketts with (seated) American Spirit Award Honoree Sen. Joe and Hadassah Leiberman and American Spirit Award Honoree former Vice President Dick Cheney 2. Robert and Kikie Priddy with Beth and Museum Founding President and CEO Emeritus Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller 3. Silver Service Medallion Honoree Marthe and Major Cohn 4. Master of Ceremonies Norman Robinson with Jim and Carmen Courtier 5. Paul Hilliard, Silver Service Medallion Honoree Gail S. Halvorsen and Denise H. Williams 6. Suzanne and Michael Mestayer

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Embracing Entrepreneurship

Junior Achievement GNO’s “Business Hall of Fame” inducted nine laureates. By Shelby Simon

More than 300 people attended the gala honoring nine individuals who embody the spirit of business leadership and community values. The evening began with the introduction of 20 members of the Business Hall of Fame, who were introduced in procession style by class year. Recognized for their signif icant contributions to the success of their profession, the 2019 Laureates were: Lynne A. Burkart, Director, Postlethwaite & Netterville; Barry F. Kern, President & CEO, Kern Studios & Mardi Gras World; Dennis Lauscha, President, New Orleans Saints & Pelicans; Curtis A. Pellerin, President, Pellerin Laundry Machinery; James W. Pellerin, Chairman & CEO, Pellerin Milnor Corporation; David M. Rubenstein, President, Rubensteins; and Allen Square, Founder & CEO, Square Button. The Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree was Walter E. Blessey Jr., Chairman & CEO, Blessey Marine Services, Inc. Honored with the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Business of the Year was David Fennelly, CEO, Associated Terminals & Turn Services. Each honoree was awarded a crystal eagle designed by Waterford as a symbol of their entrepreneurial spirit and excellence in business leadership. A special video tribute and Hall of Fame member introduced each newly inducted laureate. The Jimmy Maxwell Trio provided musical entertainment during the three-course dinner. A raff le featured a $3,000 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Gift Card. n

Event at a Glance

1. Lifetime Achievement Honoree Walter Blessey Jr., Event Chair Marty Mayer and JA President Larry Washington 2. Honorees Curtis A. Pellerin and Allen Square 3. Honorees James W. Pellerin and Dennis Lauscha 4. Honorees David Rubenstein and Barry Kern 5. Vincent Giardina, Lisa Romano and Honoree David Fennelly 6. Student Speaker Emily Panzavecchia, Master of Ceremony Anthony Jones and Student Speaker Lexi LeBlanc

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEN N Y MARTINEZ

WHAT: “Business Hall of Fame Gala,” benefiting Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, Inc. WHEN: Thursday, May 16 WHERE: Ritz-Carlton Hotel

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Remarkable Role Models

Six women were honored at the annual BHGH luncheon that supports substance abuse treatment programs. By Shelby Simon

Bridge House / Grace House presented the 24th annual “Women of Substance Luncheon” honoring local female role models for the many women in the BHGH substance abuse treatment program. The luncheon featured three primary honorees centered around the unifying theme of who possesses the ideals women look for in a role model, as well as three individual honorees. The 2019 Honorees were: Elizabeth Boh, Lisa Romano and Susu Stall. The 2019 individual award recipients included: Les Vincent with the Richard “Buzzy” Gaiennie Award, Arlene Rome with the Volunteer of the Year Award and Sadie May with the Alumna of the Year award. Mike Morris sang as guests arrived and followed Les Vincent’s opening prayer with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Mark Romig served as Emcee throughout the luncheon. Leadership Sponsors were the James P. Raymond Jr. Foundation and the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. A raffle notably offered an Electra Women’s Light Blue Cruiser 1 from GNO Cyclery, and the live auction featured a one-week stay in WaterColor, Florida. There were 115 items offered at the silent auction, including a Large Caspari Rectangular Tray from Adler’s, a two-night suite stay at the Windsor Court Hotel, a five-course dinner for 10 guests prepared in-home by Cooks Day Off and a pair of Krewe sunglasses. n

Event at a Glance

1. Susan Gundlach, Honoree Susu Stall and Nickie Lane 2. Susan Zeringue, Suzanne Rusovich, Honoree Elizabeth Boh and Susan Scheinuk 3. Alumna of the Year Sadie May, Michelle Leech, Karen Selenberg and Kathi Pietri 4. Volunteer of the Year Arlene Rome and Rosemary Tunstall 5. Ayesha Motwani, CeCe Colhoun and Laura Ashley 6. Juli Juneau, Diane Franco, Jane Goldring and Walton Goldring

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY GIL RUBMAN

WHAT: 24th annual “Women of Substance Luncheon,” benefiting Bridge House/ Grace House WHEN: Friday, May 17 WHERE: Audubon Tea Room

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

The Show Must Go On

Southern Rep toasted its new sanctuary. By Shelby Simon

Southern Rep touted its new home on Bayou Road at its “Annual Gala 2019”. The Audubon Tea Room, decorated in candles and pink and orange rose petals, reflected the refreshed Southern Rep logo that accompanies the change to headquarters at the former St. Rose de Lima church. Board President Bruce Gordon with Melissa Gordon and Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes delivered opening remarks and a welcome to the more than 200 guests in attendance. Special mention was made of longtime Southern Rep board member Mary Reidy, who passed away a few weeks earlier and whose son Kilty Reidy was present. Serving as Emcee was Hallie Sheck, who has helped launch a series of comedy shows on Southern Rep’s Lagniappe Stage. Popular guitar duo Julio & Cesar provided cocktail hour in the Tea Room garden as hors d’oeuvres were served. Tap Truck NOLA provided and served both wine and sparkling wine. During the event, Troi Bechet sang selections from her hit show Flowers for Halie, which she developed for world premiere at Southern Rep. A three-course dinner featured delectable entrees followed by a chocolate pot de crème for dessert. The evening concluded with a rousing appearance by drag performer Latonia, a frequent guest on Southern Rep’s Lagniappe Stage, performing “I Will Survive,” in testament to the theatre’s tenacity in getting into its new home. Top live auction items included two international trips, a New York City theatre insider package, and an autographed Drew Brees jersey donated by the Saints Auctioneer, David Gilmore. A silent auction featured special experiences ranging from sunset cruises on Lake Pontchartrain, a flight in a World War II biplane and Florida and Caribbean vacations in addition to beautiful pieces from Symmetry Fine Jewelers, a framed Matisse print and a host of fine wines. Raffle items included 2019-2020 all-access season tickets for Southern Rep programs, a swashbuckling/stage combat session with Southern Rep Technical Director and Fight Choreographer Alex Smith, a VIP parking pass for Southern Rep’s lot during Jazz Fest 2020 and a season-long pass for the theater’s new Care for Creatives program. n

WHAT: “Southern Rep Annual Gala 2019,” benefiting Southern Rep Theatre WHEN: Thursday, May 23 WHERE: Audubon Tea Room 1. Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes, Dr. Bernard Jaffe and Kristin Sanders 2. Board Members Alma Dixon and Renee Zack 3. Board president Bruce Gordon and Director of Philanthropy Charlotte D'Oogee

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

Event at a Glance

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

A Light of Hope

Lighthouse Louisiana promoted advocacy for individuals with disabilities. By Shelby Simon

“Soirée de Lumiere,” which raised over $85,000 this year, is Lighthouse Louisiana’s premier fundraising event that brings awareness to the organization’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities through services, employment and advocacy. A three-piece jazz band greeted guests for the cocktail hour. Each guest received a mini bottle of St. Charles Punch made specifically by Crescent City Cocktology for the event. Lead tables were also decorated with vintage skeleton key bottle openers. An array of colorful flowers filled table centerpiece pitchers, each hand painted by the Lighthouse Louisiana visually-impaired community. In a menu specifically created for the evening by Arnaud’s Restaurant Owner Katy Casbarian, the dinner featured: Shrimp Arnaud, turtle soup, parmesan-encrusted fillet of Gulf fish and Paris-Brest Péche Mousseline. The meal was paired with wines from Republic National Distributing Company. Mark Romig served as Emcee for the evening and led the live auction, which featured prizes such as a custom suit, an NFL football autographed by the Mannings, a getaway to Hot Springs, Arkansas and one-of-a-kind, handpainted pottery in Teal Quartz by Brynn, one of the blind children who is a part of Lighthouse’s children’s programs. Additionally, there was a drawing for the winner of a $2,500 shopping spree at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. n

Event at a Glance

1. Lamar Villere, Katy Casbarian and Michelle Villere 2. Fred Holley, Emcee Mark Romig and Lisa and D.J. Romano 3. Dann Cahoon, Bonnie Rault and Vanessa and Chad Berg

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

WHAT: “Soirée de Lumiere,” benefiting Lighthouse Louisiana WHEN: Thursday, June 13 WHERE: Arnaud’s Restaurant

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Passing the Gavel

The JLNO celebrated a 95-year legacy of service. By Shelby Simon

The 95th anniversary gala of the Junior League of New Orleans presented an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s lasting positive impact, in addition to an opportunity to “pass the gavel” to the next generation of leadership: the 2019-2020 JLNO President Christine Vinson. The event, hosted by Canal Place, raised more than $30,000 to support JLNO’s community projects. Event Chairs were Jessica Schulman and Jessica Hardie Davidson. Speakers included outgoing JLNO President Alice Glenn and current JLNO President Christine Vinson; 25 past JLNO Presidents were present to “pass the gavel” to her. Additionally, the program featured a video celebrating JLNO’s milestone anniversary. Roaring 1920s-themed dress was encouraged to mark the passing of the decades since the organization’s beginning. Two best dressed winners received prizes from Kendra Scott and Pearl’s Place. Gala decorations included banners featuring the organization’s values with photos from JLNO’s archives juxtaposed with present day photos. In keeping with the 1920s theme, table centerpieces included ostrich and peacock feathers with yellow and white hydrangeas. Guests enjoyed wine and a specialty Southside Fizz Cocktail provided by Canal Place;VIP guests were treated to bottomless Moet Champagne. Brunch was provided by Brennan’s Catering and Events. Harry Hardin’s three-piece jazz band entertained guests. A raffle featured a $2,500 David Yurman Shopping Spree generously donated by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. There was additionally a Member Mingle Getaway Giveaway sponsored by The Scout Guide New Orleans with a Windsor Court Gift Certificate as the prize. n

WHAT: “Celebrating 95 Years of JLNO,” benefiting Junior League of New Orleans WHEN: Sunday, May 19 WHERE: Canal Place

1. Event Chairs Jessica Hardie Davidson and Jessica Schulman with Jane Dufour and Taylor Morgan 2. President Christine Vinson, Outgoing President Alice Glenn, Katie Crosby and Melanee Usdin 3. Jen BernardAllen, Anne Milling, Jaimee Boyd, Melissa Eversmeyer and Sarah Chase

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PHOTOG RAPHED BY J ESSICA BACHMAN N

Event at a Glance

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Barred from Freedom

IPNO raised critical funds to represent innocent clients caught in the criminal justice system. By Shelby Simon

Innocence Project New Orleans hosted its 18th Anniversary Gala in celebration of the organization’s freed, innocent clients and in recognition of the scores of innocent men and women still incarcerated and needing legal assistance. This year, 450 attended the event which raised over $125,000, helping IPNO represent – and free – even more innocent clients while advocating for a more just and fair criminal justice system. The 2019 Honorees were Ilham Askia and Jonathan Rapping of Gideon’s Promise and Norris Henderson and Sister Alison McCrary of Unanimous Jury Coalition. Held at The Fillmore, 12 Seasons Catering passed appetizers including crawfish ceviche, boudin boulettes and mini cochon tacos. Buffet stations offered a wide assortment of options including a shrimp and crab penne, roasted vegetables and a carving station, and desserts included macaroons, petite eclairs, cheese cakes and a variety of cheeses. An auction of 100 items included several vacation packages, a custom fitted suit by Fellow, Southwest plane tickets, local “staycations,” an Audrey Hepburn tray by Ashley Longshore, Thomas Mann winged heart pin necklace and a one-of-a-kind Ruth Ginsberg purse by Lalla Robinson. The Host Committee included Event Chair Jason Flom with Nicole Burdett, Nandi Campbell, Royce Duplessis, Susan Guidry, Megan McNeill and Olivia Grey Pritchard. IPNO says that it’s proud to have been joined by judges, celebrities, donors, members of the bar, the community, their clients and their loved ones at this incredibly popular event each year. n

Event at a Glance

1. Exoneree Archie Williams and Honoree Norris Henderson 2. Exoneree Darrin Hill and Committee Member Olivia Grey Pritchard 3. Honoree Sister Alison McCrary and IPNO Executive Director Jee Park

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

WHAT: “18th Anniversary Gala,” benefiting Innocence Project New Orleans WHEN: Friday, May 31 WHERE: The Fillmore

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Fundraising Frenzy

The LLS honored local blood cancer survivors and those fighting to support them. By Shelby Simon

A 10-week philanthropic competition for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) “Man & Woman of the Year” campaign provided a platform for local leaders and their teammates to honor local blood cancer survivors, the Boy & Girl of the year. More than $667,000 was raised in the 10 weeks. 2019 Woman of the Year Allison Shapiro Dandry raised $251,000, breaking the New Orleans MWOY candidate fundraising record, previously held by the inaugural year 2017 Man of the Year Sidney Torres. The 2019 Man of the Year was Kurt Evans. Notable guests included Mitch Landrieu and chef Susan Spicer. At the World War II Museum, Centerplate/American Sector Catering provided a dinner that included a victory garden vegetable salad and pan-seared sheepshead donated by Louisiana Seafood. Dessert was a bananas foster cheesecake with Community Coffee and custom LLS cookies donated by Apple Berry Delights. Sazerac/Crescent Crown provided the alcohol with the featured cocktails, a strawberry basil lemonade and a Marigny Mule, made with Sazerac Rye. The 610 Stompers made an appearance to entertain the 550 attendees. Auction items included a private dinner party for 10 with food from chef Justin Devilier and music by SOUL Brass Band All Star Party, a private dinner at the restaurant of one’s choice with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and his wife Cheryl Nungesser, a chef Susan Spicer dining experience prepared in your home and a Harouni “The Judge” painting. Parke McEnery served as Event Chair with Co-Chair Amy Edmond. Norman Robinson served as Emcee. n

Event at a Glance

1. Bobby Dandry, 2019 Woman of the Year and Board Member Allison Shapiro Dandry, Co-Chair and Board Member Amy Kent Edmond and Leon Edmond 2. Board Member Sarah Martzolf and Event Chair Parke McEnery 3. Adam Eversole, Norma Jane Sabiston, Mary Beth Green and Liz Williams

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PHOTOGRAPH ED BY CHERYL GERBER

WHAT: “Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale Gala,” benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society WHEN: Thursday, June 13 WHERE: National WWII Museum

PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Spectacular Shakespeare

The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane fêted its opening. By Shelby Simon

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare was the showcased performance at the annual “New Orleans Shakespeare Festival Opening Night Party” hosted by Tulane University. The festival produces professional, classical theatre with a primary focus upon Shakespeare’s works and additionally provides a remount of one of its summer productions in January of the following year for area high school students. The lobby of Lupin Hall was decorated with posters and production pictures of past performances. Courtesy of The Advisory Board, guests enjoyed delicious small muffulettas, cheese and fruit, bite-sized sandwiches and cookies, along with rosé, red and white wines. Board members, patrons, guests, actors, faculty and staff of the Shakespeare Festival came together to herald the summer season of theatre. n

Event at a Glance

1. Juan Barona, Jessica Podewell and Capt. Bob Phillips 2. Martin Sachs, Burton Tedesco and Ellen Bull 3. Kevin Macku, Shelley Johnson and Graham Burk

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILL STROUT

WHAT: “Opening Night Party,” benefiting The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane WHEN: Friday, June 14 WHERE: Tulane University’s Lupin Hall

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PERFORMING ARTS

October By Fritz Esker

Through 6

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY A highly dysfunctional family airs their grievances with each other as they gather for their patriarch’s funeral. Southern Rep Theatre, 2541 Bayou Road, 523-9857, SouthernRep.com

Through 13

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW This stage adaptation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show follows newlyweds Brad and Janet as they stumble across the mansion of Drive Frank-NFurter. Westwego Performing Arts Theater (Teatro Wego), 177 Sala Ave., 885-2000, JPAS.org

2-20

WICKED The smash hit Broadway musical tells the story of the friendship between Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

THOM YORKE WITH ANDREA BELFI Radiohead’s Thom Yorke will perform a new set of electronic music, as well as previous favorites from his solo albums. Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., 525-1052, MahaliaJacksonTheater.com

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11-November 10

HIGGINS: THE MAN, THE BOAT, THE WAR The life of legendary New Orleanian Andrew Higgins is told through live-action newsreel recreation, musical revue and dramatic history. BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St., 528-1944, NationalWW2Museum.org

6-November 10

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW This outdoor, immersive production will give viewers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden, City Park, 302-9117, NOLAProject.com

18-27

THE SOUND OF MUSIC The classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical about Maria and the von Trapp family returns to the stage. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, 731-4700, JPAS.org

TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY Chicago’s Trinity Irish Dance Company has been hailed as the birthplace of the progressive Irish dance movement, mixing the virtuosity of traditional Irish dance with contemporary American innovations. Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., 525-1052, MahaliaJacksonTheater.com

MIRANDA SINGS American comedian Colleen Ballinger brings her talentless, misguided and delusional character Miranda Sings to the stage. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 523-6530, OrpheumNOLA.com

PEPPA PIG LIVE! This action-packed live show features the beloved characters from Peppa Pig on stage as life-size puppets. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

ROMANTIC GERMAN MASTERS FEATURING CELLIST LYNN HARRELL The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will explore the works of German masters such as Brahms and Haydn. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 523-6530, OrpheumNOLA.com

25-November 10

NOVEMBER This political comedy from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet is a bitingly funny look at a president’s desperate attempts to hold on to his job at the next election. Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St., 461-9475, RivertownTheaters.com

THE CHAINSMOKERS The American DJ and production duo The Chainsmokers are bringing their EDM pop music on tour. The band 5 Seconds of Summer, featured on the Chainsmokers’ latest single “Who Do You Love”, will also be a part of all shows. Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Drive, 587-3663, SmoothieKingCenter.com

WE WILL ROCK YOU: THE MUSICAL BY QUEEN This musical, featuring the songs of Queen, follows two revolutionaries in a post-apocalyptic world out to save freedom and rock ’n’ roll. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

30-November 17

NATIVE GARDENS A disagreement over a fence line turns neighbors into bitter enemies in this culture-clash comedy. Southern Rep Theatre, 2541 Bayou Road, 523-9857, SouthernRep.com

ANCIENT SPIRITS: AN ALL HALLOWS EVE PERFORMANCE The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra evokes themes of terror, madness and fright with “Medea’s Meditation and Dance of Vengeance” and other pieces. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 523-6530, OrpheumNOLA.com

From “Into the Woods” at Rivertown, March 2019

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ONSTAGE FRONT & CENTER

The NOLA Project’s Education wing

NOLA PROJECT SAYS ‘BOOK IT NOW’ Now in their 14th year of presenting fresh and original works, members of the NOLA Project are expanding efforts to bring next-generation dramatists into the fold. The company recently kicked off the second round of its educational “Oskar” series of plays designed for children in grades K-5. “The Oskar plays are always funny, interactive, engaging and smart,” says A.J. Allegra, NOLA Project’s artistic director. This year’s production, “Oskar and the Big Bully Battle,” tells the story of a schoolyard scuffle and how three students deal with and learn from the experience. Not only is the series tailored for the younger set, but NOLA Project makes it easily accessible by bringing the show to kids at no charge. “Our Oskar tour could be coming to your school soon,” Allegra says. Schools can book a free Oskar performance in their own venue, whether it’s a classroom, library, cafeteria, gym or, of course, a theater. NOLA Project’s Theatre for Young Audiences tour is made possible by a grant from the Keller Family Foundation. See nolaproject.com for details.

ALL ABOUT KIDS Aspiring middle- and high-school students with a flair for drama flocked to Jefferson Performing Arts Center recently in hopes of landing roles on a bigger stage. The JPAS Theatre Kids program held auditions to choose students for a local team that next year will head for a national theater competition in Orlando, Fla. JPAS Theatre Kids Competition Team is an intensive program that trains youngsters in teamwork and the ins and outs of performing in a live musical. It prepares young actors to compete as a team at a National Junior Theatre Festival, sponsored by Music

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Theatre International and Disney Musicals. In 2011, the first time a JPAS kids’ team attended the Junior Musical Theatre Festival, 5 JPAS students were cast for the international competition. Since that first year of competition, the JPAS kids’ teams have continued to shine. For information on the program, contact program director Lynne Bordelon at lynne@jpas.org.

OLDEST THEATER COURTS YOUNGSTERS Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré has a tradition of welcoming children through its doors through most of its 103-year history, and under the guidance of Artistic Director Maxwell Williams the theater hopes to attract even more kids. “Not only will we grow our student matinee program to bring in more students without access to theater, but we will commit to having young people onstage, backstage and fully integrated into the artistic process,” he says. Free matinee performances of the theater’s mainstage productions are available throughout the season for local students and educators. In addition, the Young Conservatory program at Le Petit gives students from 8 to 18 the opportunity to develop their talents, perform in professional productions and gain the confidence to succeed, all in a comfortable and fun environment. Young Conservatory students take classes in voice and diction, clowning and movement, stagecraft, stage presence and ensemble building. Classes are led by theater professionals who have a passion for working with young people. The Young Conservatory program is fee-based, but Le Petit offers scholarships to ensure that all qualifying students have access to this training. Le Petit also trains students in the technical aspects of stage performance. The four-day

Theatrical Workforce Development workshop is open to high school students and recent graduates, with preference given to students who have a demonstrated interest in theater and the performing arts. Participating students get an introduction to such areas as scene painting, carpentry, lighting, audio, projection and costumes. To learn more about any of Le Petit’s education programs, contact education@lepetittheatre.com.

NEW AT ASHÉ A new leader soon will take the helm of Ashé Cultural Arts Center, the organization whose mission is to nurture African and Africanderived culture, art, and culture bearers, particularly in the Central City area where the center is located. Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes will assume the post of executive director on Jan. 1, following the retirement of founding director Carol Bebelle. Ecclesiastes, a graduate of McMain Magnet High School and Vanderbilt University, has worked with the organizations behind Congo Square musical events, Essence Music Festival Empowerment Seminars and several neighborhood arts and cultural festivals. She has taught in local public schools, area universities and prisons, and currently is director of strategic neighborhood development for the New Orleans Business Alliance. In 2018 The TimesPicayune recognized her as one of the 300 most influential citizens in New Orleans during its 300-year history. Since its founding 20 years ago, Ashé CAC has become a force in helping to revitalize the Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard corridor. The organization played an important role in the city’s cultural recovery following the 2005 Hurricane Katrina-related disaster.

ONSTAGE

SOUTHERN REP GOES ALL IN “WE’RE THRILLED TO BE BACK for another exciting season in our permanent home on Bayou Road,” says Aimée Hayes, the producing artistic director of Southern Repertory Theatre. Arguably the most respected professional theater in New Orleans, Southern Rep last year settled into permanent quarters in renovated space at a former church. Since then the organization has beefed up its offerings of dramatic productions and supportive activities for members of the surrounding community. The theater debuted its first mainstage production of the current season with the regional premiere of Tracy Letts’ “August: Osage County.” Directed by Jason Kirkpatrick, the limited engagement runs through Oct. 6 at 2541 Bayou Road, New Orleans. “Not only does this play find the funny in the challenges of family, it also pulls at our hearts because of the truth it ref lects about those we hold dear,” Hayes says. When the Weston family – including a vanished father, a pill-popping mother and three sisters harboring shady little secrets –unexpectedly reunites, their Oklahoma homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling truths. “August” is a major play that took Broadway by storm, won a Pulitzer Prize and went on to become an award-winning movie. The New York Times termed it a “turbo-charged tragicomedy” that is “fiercely funny and bitingly sad.” The large cast and intracacies of the plot make it a challenging work to stage, and Southern Rep has risen to the challenge. Hayes says the “bang-up cast” succeeds in “unf linchingly and uproariously” exposing the dysfunctional dynamics of a Midwestern family. The play’s set also is built to impress. Scenic designer David Raphel transformed Southern Rep’s black box mainstage into the Weston family home, a functional three-story house complete with a thrust into the seating area.

Letts’ script, Kirkpatrick’s direction and an original score by Brendan Connelly make the production “a night of theatre not to be missed,” says Hayes, who joins the 13-member cast that features Ellen Barry, Ilyanette Bernabel, Thomas Francis Murphy, Lara Grice, Raina Houston, Robert Larriviere, Jenny Mercein, John Neisler, Lance Nichols, Troy Poplous, Nick Thompson, and Mandy Zirkenbach. On the heels of the opener, Southern Rep’s season will continue with “Native Gardens,” a hilarious hot-button comedy that turns friendly neighbors into feuding enemies when a questionable fence line puts a garden in jeopardy.

December brings “Mandatory Merriment,’ an original holiday musical created by Leslie Castay and Ian Hoch. Filling out the mainstage season are an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s classic “Mother Courage and Her Children;” “Reykjavik,” which unfolds beneath the Northern Lights in Iceland; and “Chemin du Bayou,” an innovative imagining of life over centuries along Bayou Road by local playwright Pamela Davis-Noland. New-play development is a key feature of Southern Rep’s emphasis on original works, and the theater commissioned Davis-Noland to lead a team of artists, neighbors and vendors along historic

Bayou Road to create an interactive play. “Chemin du Bayou” seeks to honor the rich community surrounding the theater’s home, the former St. Rose de Lima church. Meanwhile, Southern Rep has begun its second year of innovative offerings for its neighborhood and the community at-large. Check the website for details of the “Care for Creatives” series, which offers practice in the art of being well; a new season of “Debauchery,” the city’s only live soap opera; and an array of Lagniappe Stage presentations. Southern Rep also touts its program 4D, in which theater teams create three fulllength plays leading to the Ruby Prize, a $10,000 award to a woman playwright of color. The prize is named in honor of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. In addition, Southern Rep’s calendar includes such innovative events as these: • “The Long and Short of It,” an improv comedy show that’s a go-to option for every kind of improv one could imagine; • “Live Girls,” a show that turns a normal Monday evening into a night of hilarious “crop-top comedy” by Emily Slazer and Manifesto; • “Mondays are a Drag,” which brings drag artists to the Lagniappe stage to curate their heart’s desire. As always, Southern Rep keeps in mind the needs of young, aspiring artists. Afterschool workshops in the fall and spring, as well as summer camps, aim to encourage and cultivate the artistry and imagination of New Orleans’ young talent. In separate workshops for students ages 4-7, 8-12 and 13-18, theater professionals give youngsters a safe space to take risks, learn, play, collaborate and create. Workshops are eight weeks long and meet twice a week, and auditions are not required. Each child performs at the end of the workshop, and thanks to sponsors of the program, Southern Rep is able to offer a limited number of need-based scholarships. Email education@ southernrep.com for information.

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ONSTAGE

GOAT LEAPS ONTO LOCAL ISSUES

“Roleplay”

theater company known for taking on contemporary New Orleans problems recently dived into the matter of sexual misconduct. For a new work called “Roleplay,” Goat in the Road Productions took inspiration from a Tulane University survey that showed 40 percent of female students and 19 percent of male students reported they were sexually assaulted during their time on campus. The ensemble members responded by collaborating with Tulane students to create a 90-minute show that followed 11 students through their sophomore year, shedding light on circumstances and personalities that can contribute to assault. Meanwhile Goat’s members also went to work on their Gallier House project, in which they teamed up with Hermann Grima and Gallier Historic houses to create an immersive play based on the history and inhabitants of the iconic French Quarter homes. The production is slated for a January performance. Check the website – goatintheroadproductions.org – for details. Another French Quarter site is the benef iciary of an ongoing Goat-produced “soundscape” that brings local history to life. The 1850 House audio production, created with the Louisiana State Museum and Friends of the Cabildo, re-creates a day in the life of the Cammack family in 1853. Written and directed by co-artistic director Chris Kamminstein, with sound design by Peter Bowling, Soundscape is included with the price of admission to the 1850 House museum, located at 523 St. Ann St. Goat members also focus on the future of local theater with training and outreach in schools. Goat in the Schools is the company’s youth theater program and the only touring show in New Orleans featuring plays written by kids and performed by professional actors. Each year Goat chooses four 30-minute plays by middle-school students in its Play/Write program and stages the works on request for local schools and other

46 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

organizations. Contact Mary@ goatintheroadproductions.org to book a show. For adults who would like to polish their acting chops, Goat offers summer training programs. This year’s lineup included three separate courses covering various aspects of performing. Information about summer 2020 training will be available soon at goatintheroadproductions.org. To meet Goat’s ensemble and production team while supporting future works, consider joining the fun on Bingo Night on Nov. 15. Stop by at 609 Saint Ferdinand St. to help celebrate Goat’s 11th season with food, drink and bingo. Check the website for ticket information.

WHERE BUFFOONERY RULES The performance troupe that wowed audiences last spring with its production of Robert O’Hara’s “Barbeque” soon will raise the curtain on its third season. The Radical Buffoons, a 10-member nonprofit theater collective, touts its dedication “to making work that is outsize in scope or idea, physically evocative, socially provocative, and couched in humor as a vehicle for storytelling.” Works such as “Barbeque,” which was subtitled “A F#&ked Up Family Comedy,” confirm the mission. “We support the radical representation of all diverse communities that call New Orleans home,” the Buffoons declare on their website. Consider their season opener: “Rap Unzel,’ a play by Jeremy Rashad Brown, portrays a

charmingly joyful young man, Reginald “Rap” Unzel, whose mother seeks to protect him from the despoiling forces of the outside world by keeping him confined to his room. As the plot unfolds through rap music and artistic movement, we see that this modern spin on the old fairytale actually is delving into the question: What does it take to preserve joy? In the spring, the Buffoons will present their mainstage production of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” by Tom Stoppard. Billed as a “virtual reality, no gravity, jazz funk spin” on Stoppard’s original, the work will be co-produced with Delgado Community College. Finally, in June the Buffoons will bring a new work of “devised theater” to the stage in “Dreams,” wherein the troupe presents works based upon actual, sleeping dreams reported by well-known New Orleans residents. “Each dream will become a theater experience,” says Jon Greene, Buffoons artistic director. “Each of five theater makers will be responsible for directing and acting in a dream.” The concept, he says, is about finding “what it is that unites us when our imaginations are in dream state.” Leadership of the Radical Buffoons, in addition to Greene, includes Associate Artistic Director Torey Hayward. The productions are staged in an intimate black box theatre called the Fortress of Lushington, at 2215 Burgundy St. in the Marigny.

ONSTAGE PROFILES

LE PETIT THÉÂTRE DU VIEUX CARRÉ

THE NOLA PROJECT

616 ST. PETER ST., NEW ORLEANS BOX OFFICE: 504-522-2081 WWW.LEPETITTHEATRE.COM

900 CAMP ST., NEW ORLEANS 504-302-9117 NOLAPROJECT.COM

Now in its seventh season, Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts continues to win praise as a local gem that presents Broadway-caliber professional theater, from award-winning musicals and locally penned theatrical works, to children’s theater.

Offering contemporary and classic dramas, comedies, musicals and children’s productions, Le Petit embraces the work of the city’s professional artists. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Maxwell Williams, the theatre aims to entertain and educate the region’s diverse populace.

“August: Osage County” (Sept. 11-Oct. 6) A vanished father, a pill-popping mother and three sisters harboring shady little secrets. When the Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoma homestead explodes with repressed truths. Regional premiere of the Tracy Letts play, featuring a cast of luminaries.

UPCOMING:

The 20-member troupe’s 15th anniversary season teems with adventure, from corrupt politicians to headless horsemen, time traveling thieves and swashbuckling pirates. Just off a successful run of “Measure for Measure,” presented with PlayOn Shakespeare, Nola Project will continue its fall season in various locations. Check the website for up-to-date details.

“November” (Oct. 25-Nov. 10) Sean Patterson directs David Mamet’s maniacally funny political comedy that introduces audiences to the SOB who runs the USA. Written in 2008 and originally starring Nathan Lane, the play delivers a great good time no matter how you vote.

“Noises Off” (Oct. 5-20) A joyfully out-of-control British farce about the auspiciously titled play-withina-play, “Nothing On.” Meet the under-rehearsed and over-worked cast with a penchant for drama more personal than professional.

“Native Gardens” (Oct. 30-Nov. 17) A brilliant new comedy by Karen Zacarias proves the painful reality that you can’t choose your neighbors. More problems than a mere fence line dispute are at work here. A regional premiere directed by Helen Jaksch.

“Scrooge in Rouge” (Nov. 29-Dec. 15) Local favorites Ricky Graham, Varla Jean Merman, Yvette Hargis and Jefferson Turner star in the hugely popular musical that they created.

SOUTHERN REPERTORY THEATRE 2541 BAYOU ROAD, NEW ORLEANS BOX OFFICE: 504.522.6545 WWW.SOUTHERNREP.COM At home in a renovated former church, Southern Rep offers main-stage performances as well as staged readings, special events and educational shows. See the lineup below and check the website for up-to-date details about scheduled performances.

UPCOMING:

RIVERTOWN THEATERS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 325 MINOR ST., KENNER 504-461-9475 WWW.RIVERTOWNTHEATERS.COM

“Mandatory Merriment” (Dec. 4-29) A New Orleans holiday musical created by Leslie Castay and Ian Hoch is back with a revamp for a new year. Festive songs, comedy and holiday cocktails.

“Oliver” (Jan. 10-26) Kelly Fouchi directs this timeless musical based on Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” bringing unforgettable characters to life in a heel-kicking tale of an innocent orphan thrown among double-dealing con men in 19th-century London.

“Mother Courage and Her Children” (Jan. 22-Feb. 2) Poet-playwright Ntozake Shange adapted the Bertolt Brecht classic drama, moving it from Europe during the Thirty Years War to the American Southwest after the Civil War. A regional premiere directed by Chivas Michael.

“Peter and the Starcatcher” (March 6-22) This hilarious and innovative retelling about an orphan boy is a grown-up’s prequel to “Peter Pan.” Ricky Graham directs the show that turns the legend upside down with marauding pirates, singing mermaids and a trip to a Neverland you never knew.

“Reykjavik” (March 18-April 5) Aimée Hayes directs a rolling world premiere of Steve Yockey’s play featuring tourists mixing with the sometimessupernatural Icelandic locals beneath the glow of the Northern Lights.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” (May 1-17) Gary Rucker directs one of the best shows you may not be familiar with but will never forget.

“Chemin du Bayou” (May 13-31) A world premiere of Pamela Davis-Noland’s bold new play that spans centuries along Bayou Road in New Orleans, featuring song, dance and oral histories.

“Cinderella” (July 9-19) Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical has a surprisingly contemporary take on the classic tale in a lush production that continues to wow audiences. It’s a hilarious and romantic adventure directed by Ricky Graham.

“A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 6-23) Holiday performances for the family. “Something Rotten! A Very New Musical” (Jan. 17-Feb. 2) Set in 1595, this hilarious show tells the story of two brothers desperate to write a hit play. When a soothsayer foretells that future theater will involve singing, dancing and acting at the same time, they set out to write the world’s first musical. “The Piano Lesson” (March 6-22) Berniece Charles wants to give her family’s antique piano to her daughter, but her brother wants to sell the heirloom to buy the land their family once worked as slaves. In this intimate story, brother and sister struggle over how to claim their family’s legacy. “Angels in America” (April 10-May 3) Part One of Tony Kushner’s “Gay Fantasia on National Themes” is considered one of the best plays of the 20th century. “A Night with Janis Joplin” (June 5-21) Fueled by the singer’s unforgettable hits and a remarkable cast, this musical celebrates Janis and her biggest musical influences.

UPCOMING: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (Oct. 16-Nov. 10) Written by NOLA Project veteran Pete McElligott, this spooky, immersive production of the story of Ichabod Crane features many unusual and unforeseen twists. The horrifically hilarious Halloween-season show is part American classic and part “The Play That Goes Wrong.” In NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden. “Harry and the Thief” (Jan. 16-26) Science fiction, historical drama and comedic farce bubble up in Sigrid Gilmer’s provocative new play about a man with a physics degree and a brand-new time machine. He plans to send Mimi, a professional thief, back to 1863 to alter history. Presented at the Contemporary Arts Center. “Treasure Island” (May 6-24) In a world-premiere comic adaptation of Robert Lewis Stevenson’s novel, the NOLA Project founders present their 21st-century update of the epic adventure. The NOMA sculpture garden waterside amphitheater is a perfect setting for a story featuring sea shanties, as Long John Silver and crew search for Captain Flint’s buried treasure. In NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden. NOLA Project also presents Rough Draughts, a free monthly play-reading series held on the final Monday of most months at NOLA Brewing Company, 3001 Tchoupitoulas St. Check the website for details.

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 47

ONSTAGE PROFILES

SAENGER THEATRE

THE JOY THEATER

JEFFERSON PERFORMING ARTS SOCIETY

1111 CANAL ST., NEW ORLEANS 800-218-7469 WWW.SAENGERNOLA.COM

1200 CANAL ST., NEW ORLEANS 504-528-9569 WWW.THEJOYTHEATER.COM

6400 AIRLINE DRIVE, METAIRIE BOX OFFICE: 504-885-2000. WWW.JPAS.ORG.

Broadway is alive in New Orleans at the majestic tower theatre on Canal Street. Check the website for updated details of these and other, non-musical shows.

The grand art deco theater regularly hosts hot bands and popular comedians at a location on the Canal Street streetcar line in downtown New Orleans. A 10,000-square-foot multipurpose venue, the Joy features live music concerts, comedy shows, theatrical productions, and offers spaces to host private parties or corporate events. With fully re-purposed sound and lighting systems, the space holds up to 1,200 guests with a flexible seating plan that can be configured in a variety of ways. In 2019 the Joy undertook a significant cosmetic renovation to its lobby, bars and concert hall. The venue is operated by Winter Circle Productions.

Artistic Director Dennis Assaf presents a season of musical theater and comedy at Jefferson Performing Arts Center (JPAC), Westwego Performing Arts Theatre and Teatro Wego on the West Bank.

UPCOMING: “Wicked” (Oct. 2-20). The surprising story of friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, long before Dorothy drops into Oz. “We Will Rock You” (Oct. 29) The quirky and heartfelt Queen musical tells a story about social outcasts through the group’s hit songs. “Dear Evan Hansen” (Nov. 5-10). A remarkable musical based on a lie never meant to be told. Be moved and inspired as a young man strives to fit in. “A Christmas Story,” the musical (Dec. 17-22) This hilarious take on the classic movie is a joyous story for the family. “Miss Saigon” (Jan. 21-26) The epic musical about a young Vietnamese woman who meets an American GI in an encounter that will change their lives. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (Feb. 11-16) Willy Wonka opens his marvelous chocolate factory to a select few, and young Charlie Bucket’s bland life is about to sweeten beyond his dreams. “Jersey Boys” (March 6-8) They were just four guys from Jersey until they sang that first note. The story of Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons. ‘Mean Girls” (March 17-22) Tina Fey’s hilarious musical presents the story of Cady Heron, whose childhood on an African savanna didn’t prepare her for her strange new home in suburban Illinois.

UPCOMING: Greensky Bluegrass (Oct. 4) With the Michigan Rattlers. A Winter Circle Production. LSDream & Shlump (Oct. 11) With Mystic Grizzly. Universal Wub Tour by BASSIK Presents. Sofi Tukker (Oct. 19) With LP Giobbi in the R.I.P. Shame World Tour. Summer Walker (Oct. 27) With special guest Melii. GWAR (Nov. 3) With Sacred Reich, Toxic Holocaust and Against the Grain. Mini Ladd and BigJigglyPanda (Nov. 9) Featured in the Demonetized Tour. Girls Gotta Eat (Nov. 14) A Winter Circle Production. Jimmy Herring and the 5 of 7 (Nov. 16) A Winter Circle Production. Gryffin (Nov. 26) With The Knocks and Bunt, in the Gravity II Tour.

“Anastasia” (April 14-19)

A$AP Ferg (Dec. 9) With Murda Beatz and Madein TYO.

“Fiddler on the Roof” (May 12-17)

Madeon (Dec. 10) The Good Faith Live Tour.

UPCOMING: “The Rocky Horror Show” (through Oct. 13) The cult classic about sweethearts who stumble upon the eerie mansion of a transvestite scientist. At Westwego Performing Arts Theater. “The Sound of Music” (Oct. 18-27) The timeless story of a young governess, a widowed naval captain and his children on the eve of World War II. At JPAC. The Comedy Zone (Nov. 15-16) A weekend of standup comedy by nationally touring comics. At Teatro Wego! Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” (Nov. 22-24) A production of JPAS Theatre Kids. At Westwego Performing Arts Theater. “Annie” (Dec. 6-15) The charming little orphan continues her search for her parents. At JPAC. “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 21-22) An all new production of the classic ballet. At JPAC. “Viagra Falls” (Jan. 17-Feb. 9) Two old buddies, a call girl and a little blue pill feature in a story about long-term friendships. At Westwego Performing Arts Theater. “The Mousetrap” (Jan. 31-Feb. 9) Agatha Christie’s murder mystery about strangers stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm. At JPAC. “The Complete History of Comedy (abridged)” (March 6-29) Discover comedy from high-brow to low-brow through the ages. At Teatro Wego! “42nd Street” (April 9-19) Celebrating the people who make musical theater. At JPAC. “An American in Paris” (May 8-17) A post-World War II musical that is beloved in the history of theater. At JPAC.

48 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

ONSTAGE CLASSICAL PERFORMANCE PROFILES

LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

NEW ORLEANS OPERA ASSOCIATION

NEW ORLEANS BALLET ASSOCIATION

1010 COMMON ST. AND ORPHEUM THEATRE, NEW ORLEANS BOX OFFICE: 504.523.6530 WWW.LPOMUSIC.ORG

935 GRAVIER ST., SUITE 1940, NEW ORLEANS BOX OFFICE: 504.529.3000, 800.881.4459 WWW.NEWORLEANSOPERA.ORG

Under director and principal conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, the LPO is at home in the grand Orpheum Theater, while continuing to perform concerts at other venues. Check the website for details of all events.

Artistic Director Robert Lyall leads the opera in a 75th anniversary season filled with drama, grandeur and thrilling voices, performed in the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts.

MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, NEW ORLEANS BOX OFFICE: 504.522.0996 WWW.NOBADANCE.COM

UPCOMING: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (Oct. 12) A movie with orchestra, at Mahalia Jackson Theater. Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 20) A costumed concert with spooky tunes. At Roussel Hall. Romantic German Masters (Oct. 24) Brahms and Haydn, featuring cellist Lynn Harrell. Ancient Spirits (Oct. 31) Featuring Rachmaninov’s “The Isle of the Dead.” The Music of David Bowie (Nov. 15) Relive his music with orchestral accompaniment. At Mahalia Jackson Theater. Mozart Requiem (Nov. 21, 23) Courtney Bryan, commission. Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 14) Celebrating with help from local artists. At Mahalia Jackson Theater. Baroque Christmas (Dec. 19) Seasonal selections including excerpts from J.S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio.” Beethoven’s “Eroica” (Jan. 9, 11) Featuring cellist Pablo Ferrandez. Also, Copland’s “Three Latin American Sketches.” Folk Rhythms (Jan. 30) Roberto Sierra, Fandangos. Nature’s Awakening (Feb. 27) Featuring Beethoven’s “Pastoral” and Ives’ Symphony No. 3. The Music of John Williams (March 7-8) Soundtracks to some of the era’s best-known films. Ferdinand the Bull (March 15) A story time family program, at Roussel Hall. Quint Plays Korngold (March 19) Featuring violinist Phillip Quint and Korngold’s Violin Concerto. Classical Contrasts (March 26) Bassoonist Jack Peña is featured in Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony Opus 25.

UPCOMING:

The central Gulf region’s premiere presenting organization dedicated to dance offers main stage and educational programs featuring world-class dance companies and artists. Performances are at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for Performing Arts.

Mainstage performances

UPCOMING:

Bizet’s “Carmen” (Oct. 4, 6) A mesmerizing gypsy loved and desired by many remains true only to herself. Experience the power and passion of this great music combined with impressive staging and rich orchestration.

Trinity Irish Dance Company (Oct. 19) The Chicago company credited with introducing the progressive Irish dance movement blends virtuosity and rapid-fire Irish rhythms with contemporary American innovations. The troupe debuts a new show that sparkles with percussive power and aerial grace. Mark Howard, artistic director.

Tchaikovsky’s “Joan of Arc” (Feb. 7, 9) After seeing visions of the Virgin Mary, a humble peasant teenager wins the confidence of a future king by revealing information that only a messenger from God could know. She eventually leads the French army through battle after battle, is captured, tried and executed. Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” (May 1, 3) Young love is never easy, especially when your mom is trying to take over the world. This rich fairytale will be framed by a beautiful galaxy of Hubble Telescope photography for a delightful family experience.

Pilobolus (Nov. 22) Known for its breathtaking physicality, the company brings its gravity-defying dancers back with the Louisiana premiere of “Shadowland, The New Adventure,” using mixed media, animation, dance and shadow theater. Renée Jaworski and Matt Kent, artistic directors 50th Anniversary Evening of Stars (Jan. 25) NOBA continues its golden anniversary celebration with a star-studded evening of dance by companies such as American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet. (Full program to be announced.)

Chamber “Detour” Series “The Falling and the Rising” (Nov. 6) The new American opera highlights the sacrifices of American soldiers, through the eyes of one who is recovering from a roadside attack. Produced and performed by active-duty soldiers. At Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Charlie Parker’s “Yardbird” (April 3-5) Composed by Daniel Schnyder and featuring Joshua Stewart in the lead role, this is the story of the jazz legend and his final quest to write a large-scale masterpiece as his life grows increasingly troubled. At the New Orleans Jazz Market.

Houston Ballet Also celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Houston Ballet returns for the first time in more than a decade with an exquisite program that shows off its elite artists in spectacular revivals and new premieres. Stanton Welch, artistic director. Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (April 18) It may be the funniest night you’ll ever enjoy at the ballet. The lovable all-male company returns with hilarious and delightful parodies of classics. Superb technique and faultless timing make for an impressive ballet performance unlike any other.

American Virtuosos (April 16) Barber’s “Medea’s Meditation and Dance of Vengeance.” SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 49

TALKING TRENDS Local experts share the latest in health By Kelcy Wilburn

From treating the root cause of varicose veins to losing and maintaining weight or achieving a younger look, a number of growing health trends are being noted by area specialists who can recommend treatments, as well as questions you might ask your health professional when addressing a particular health issue. From technological to behavioral trends, both helpful solutions and unfortunate tendencies are identified by local doctors who want to help patients achieve their best and healthiest selves. This month, we checked in with a number of healthcare professionals about the latest trends in their fields.

TREATING THE ROOT CAUSE OF SPIDER & VARICOSE VEINS

ACHIEVING WEIG HT LOSS THROUG H METABOLOIC SURG ERY Dr. Matthew French is a bariatric surgeon whose practice, French Bariatric Surgery, offers a spectrum of options for those who want to lose weight and those who need to for medical reasons. From medically supervised weight loss programs to endoscopic and surgical options, patients pursuing weight loss have more options today than in the past. According to Dr. French, one trend in the field of bariatrics is a move towards surgical intervention for smaller patients with lower BMIs than before. “In the past, doctors would only recommend surgery for patients who were very sick, older or with diabetes or high blood pressure – people who weren’t going to live much longer. Today, that’s not the case. We operate on healthy patients who might need to lose weight because of blood pressure or sleep apnea,” says Dr. French. Dr. French credits the safety of the surgery for this trend – smaller laparoscopic incisions, quicker healing, less pain and fewer complications. Also, the surgery is now considered a metabolic surgery; not only does it make the stomach smaller, it also changes hormone levels that control hunger and metabolic rates, increasing life span by an average of 12 years in patients.

50 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

At Gitter Vein Institute, Dr. Richard Gitter focuses on the proper diagnosis and treatment of venous disease, a condition that occurs when valves in the leg veins fail to properly propel blood back to the heart. Common signs and symptoms include varicose and spider veins, swelling or heaviness in the legs and feet, pain and/or itching, restless legs, easy bruising and ultimately stained, leather-like skin around the calf and ankles. By focusing specifically on this disease, Dr. Gitter is able to stay on top of the trends and latest advancements for both diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Proper diagnosis, which is conducted in-house through a standing venous ultrasound is the first important step in approaching venous disease. “The venous ultrasound must be performed with the patient standing. If not, most or all venous insufficiency can be missed,” says Dr. Gitter. After diagnosis, patient-friendly, cutting-edge technologies and medicines contribute to reduced recovery times and little to no downtime. According to Dr. Gitter, the Institute offers treatments that are ideal for even the most challenging anatomies. In all but the most extreme cases patients may walk out after a quick treatment and go back to work that same day, he says.

RE SOU RCE S

French Bariatric Surgery

Gitter Vein Institute

The Skin Surgery Centre

3100 Galleria Drive, Suite 300

1 Galleria Blvd., 100

1615 Metairie Road, Suite 101

Metairie

934-3000, FrenchBariatrics.com

8333-0111, GitterVein.com

644-4226, TheSkinSurgeryCentre.com

Sanova Dermatology

Belladonna Day Spa

3434 Prytania St., Suite 310

2900 Magazine St.

897-5899, SanovaDermatology.com

891-4393, BelladonnaDaySpa.com

EXPLORING TRENDS IN SKIN CARE At Sanova Dermatology, Dr. Kristy Charles provides dermatologic care that ranges from routine skin checks to complex issues and surgical removal of skin lesions. She has additional expertise in cosmetic procedures, including injectable fillers and neurotoxins, chemical peels, sclerotherapy, laser for vascular and pigmented lesions and facial rejuvenation. One trend Dr. Charles notes is that more patients are coming in for full body skin exams. “Not all skin cancers have symptoms. A skin exam is important, as early detection of skin cancer and can be lifesaving,” she says. She stresses the importance of getting a baseline full body skin exam by a dermatologist. Additionally, Dr. Charles is seeing patients with skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis opting for biologics (Humira, Enbrel, Dupixent), which she says provide excellent results and are safe to be on long term for most patients. She recommends patients with these conditions who aren’t responding to topical treatments seek evaluation to see if biologics might be a good option. At the Skin Surgery Centre, Drs. Keith LeBlanc Jr., Elizabeth Bucher and Corey Rougelot provide Mohs surgery and dermato-

logic surgical care. Each surgeon is fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, which is widely recognized as today’s most effective and advanced treatment for skin cancer, offering the highest potential for cure even if the skin cancer has been previously treated by another method. According to Dr. LeBlanc, many people are unfortunately trending away from proper sunscreen application, either by forgetting or choosing not to wear it or apply it adequately. While it’s recommended to apply 1 ounce per application (approximately one shot glass worth of sunscreen), data shows the average American applies less than half of this, according to Dr. LeBlanc. Reapplication should occur every two to three hours of continued exposure and every time you get out of the water. “Most skin cancer treated by Mohs surgery is related to unprotected sun exposure. With that in mind, the best advice that I can give is to protect yourself from unnecessary UV damage,” says Dr. LeBlanc. In addition to sun-safe practices like proper sunscreen application, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade, Dr. LeBlanc also recommends products like Heliocare, a one-a-day dietary supplement that can help protect your skin from chemicals and sun radiation as well as damage from alcohol and tobacco use.

ALTERING AESTHETICS MEDICALLY Belladonna Day Spa has been a staple for self-pampering in the Lower Garden District for more than 25 years, and the spa has added medical aesthetic lasers and medical injectables to its growing list of experiences. Aestheticians offer laser hair removal, body contouring, skin resurfacing and tattoo removal in addition to traditional spa services. “The top trends in medical aesthetics are anti-aging and body contouring,” says Belladonna’s Dr. Donna Tesi. “We have technology that includes lasers and radiofrequency to treat all signs of aging in all skin types. Noninvasive fat reduction and body shaping add to the variety of services we provide,” she says. Dr. Tesi performs all injectables and fillers for smoothing lines and building volume in the face. She also oversees all laser treatments.

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 51

RE SOU RCE S

Dr. Burkenstock’s Skin • Body • Health

Dr. Sean Weiss – Facial Plastic Surgery

Elizabeth Riggs Dentistry

6600 Fleur De Lis

2201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 408

3442 Magazine St.

323-6200, SkinBodyHealth.com

Metairie

891-1115, SmilesByRiggs.com

814-3223, SeanWeissMD.com

ENHANCING HANDSOMNESS WITH BOTOX With over 20 years of experience and international training, Dr. Kelly Burkenstock focuses on anti-aging techniques and disciplines at her practice, Dr. Burkenstock’s Skin • Body • Health. According to her, one of the biggest current trends in the field is more men seeking the benefits of rejuvenation through treatments such as Botox (or BROtox), lip enhancements and cheek fillers. “BROtox for men is safe and effective, and, when performed by an experienced aesthetic physician, enhances male handsomeness and doesn’t feminize the face,” says Dr. Burkenstock. “Men are keeping up and enjoying a youthful appearance as they approach middle age and beyond.” According to Dr. Burkenstock, the youthful appearance has the added benefit of helping male baby boomers compete with younger work competition in their careers.

TAKING A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO FACIAL ENHANCEMENTS While non-surgical anti-aging techniques are popular, so too are surgical approaches to looking and feeling younger. At Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sean Weiss provides surgical and non-surgical treatments focused on the face, head and neck, such as facelift, necklift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, browlifting, hair restoration and skin care. “With focused attention on the face, we’re able to provide optimal results for those wanting aesthetic enhancements,” says Dr. Weiss. As to trends, he notes that younger patients are now having face and neck lift procedures. “More and more patients in their late forties and early 50s are having face and neck rejuvenation procedures. The benefit of doing this is that the tissues respond better for a longer lasting result,” he says. “A combined approach of surgical and non-surgical treatments starting at an early age is the best way to ensure natural appearing, long-lasting outcomes. Patients seeking facial enhancements should ask if their doctor specializes their work in face and neck area,” he adds.

52 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS IN DENTAL RESTORATIONS A restorative-cosmetic dental practice, Elizabeth Riggs Dentistry offers comprehensive dental treatment with a special interest in esthetics. “In recent years, we have seen the rise in all ceramic (white) restorations. These can include various forms of porcelains, solid zirconia, layered zirconia, lithium disilicates and more. Materials are constantly changing and being modified for longevity, durability and esthetics,” says Dr. Riggs. When beginning the restorative process, Dr. Riggs recommends asking your doctor if an all-ceramic restoration is appropriate for the tooth or teeth and, if so, also asking which ceramic material is best. “Can we achieve both strength and beauty with this material? Would a gold restoration be something to consider here for longevity, wear, and overall health?” These are other questions Dr. Riggs recommends patients ask. While acknowledging that ceramic restorations are beautiful, lifelike and at times the right choice, she also notes that with the rise of these esthetic restorations, some patients and dentists might overlook the functionality and importance of utilizing gold, which can be a superior choice when restoring teeth in the back of the mouth due to the material’s kindness to the joints and opposing teeth. Knowing your options and asking questions can help ensure the best restoration techniques are used.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Profiles in Health The healthcare professionals profiled in this section are experts in their field. Find out how they can help you live your best life.

ADVERTISING SECTION

DOCPACE Shelby Sanderford knows firsthand the issues communication missteps can cause in a hospital—after working in one and seeing the problems arise, she knew there was a solution. Enter DOCPACE: status updates for doctor’s appointments, a seamless solution for care providers. The cloud-based application system provides real-time text updates to patients’ phones and to a screen in a doctor’s waiting room, taking the guessing and stress out of the dreaded time spent waiting to be seen. Sanderford aims to use DOCPACE to bring doctors, patients, staff and administration into a clearer, better-communicated alignment, creating a happier relationship for everyone involved. She has her sights set on the future of medical access technology, and is working to take full advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in healthcare spaces to continue to improve those relationships and beyond.

111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 250, Metairie (504) 931-7331 | Info@DOCPACE.com

There are so many worthy organizations doing good work in the New Orleans area. Learn more about their missions, the services they offer to those in need, and most importantly how you can get involved through financial support or volunteerism.

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 59

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V I N TA G E W E D D I N G

Linda Louise Reese Weds Robert David Bjork, LTJG, United States Naval Reserve March 27, 1971 By Bev Church

By any accounts, this was a whirlwind courtship that lasted only three months and ended in the happiest marriage of a lifetime! Linda met Rob on a blind date that she really didn’t want to go on. Dr. Manny David Paine, who was both her doctor and her dad, Ford Reese’s, best friend, asked her to go on a date with one of the officers on a Navy ship that would only be in New Orleans for three months. Linda was dating other people at the time and said no at first, but finally relented – just to show him a little of New Orleans. On the f irst date, Linda got them lost so it didn’t go too well, but they decided to give it two more dates! They hit it off and Rob asked Linda to go to his family’s vacation home in Hazwelhurst, Wisconsin. She met his family, and Rob taught her to climb f irehouses and water-ski over jumps! For a f irst-time girl, she was ver y brave and ended up in a cast and on crutches, but he was ver y impressed. He decided she was the woman for him. When they got back to New Orleans, they dated more and he asked Linda’s dad for her hand in marriage. They were out with friends for dinner and then visited Pat O’Brien’s, where he asked her to marr y him. She was shocked because they had only been dating a while. She promised him that she would have an answer in one month, when his ship was commissioned in Charleston, South Carolina, and she said “Yes!”. He gave her a huge fake ring until the real one was picked out. There was a party in Charleston, then in Chicago where Rob was from and of course in New Orleans at her mom and dad’s house on Pitt Street. Linda’s mom, Bev Reese,

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V I N TA G E W E D D I N G

planned the whole wedding! There were nonstop showers, lunches, dinners and the rehearsal dinner at the Royal Orleans Hotel. The wedding took place at Rayne Memorial Methodist Church with Benedict Galloway performing the ceremony. The wedding reception was at the New Orleans Countr y Club for about 600 friends and family. Linda’s dress was a candlelight gown of imported English net with festooned Alençon garlands. (She saved her dress and remade it to wear at her daughter’s weddings.) Rob had to report to duty in the Navy, so they had a honeymoon at the Royal Sonesta Hotel for a few days and then off to Charleston. They lived in New Orleans where Rob worked for Adams & Reese and then moved to Piedmont, California, where Rob started a new law f irm. He passed away from cancer and Linda moved back to New Orleans. She volunteers at Hope Lodge, YAYA, NOMA and many nonprof its. n

For clarification: Linda Bjork is my sister, best friend and is a photographer for my column for St. Charles Avenue magazine. Beverly Reese is our mother. W. Ford Reese is our father. Both of our parents are deceased.

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WITH THIS RING

Reily – Yancey By Megan Holt

New Orleans native Karen Kristie Reily had just moved back home from New York and was enjoying spending quality time with her friends. Richard Hunter Yancey V, who had been living in New Orleans since college, was also spending a lot of his free time hanging out with friends. As luck would have it, Kristie and Hunter’s best friends were dating, so the two often found themselves together. Slowly, they grew close. This newfound closeness led to a first date at Shaya, followed by more dates and more fun with their group of mutual friends. Almost three years later, the two were planning to build a life together – literally. Their new home was about to start construction on the day that Hunter convinced Kristie to walk over to the site with him. He told her that they were going to dinner at Commander’s Palace for his mother’s birthday, and that they were meeting the family at the site first. As they walked, Hunter handed her a gift. It was a silver dog tag with their dog’s name, Molly Yancey, on it, along with their new address. He told Kristie to flip it over, and there on the back side it said “will you marry me”. Kristie looked over, and Hunter was down on one knee with the ring out! After an enthusiastic “Yes!” from Kristie, the couple set about planning a wedding weekend that would encompass both classic New Orleans and the natural beauty of Louisiana. They began with a touch of southern hospitality: greeting out-of-town guests with gifts from Sweet Olive Gifting upon their arrival. For classic New Orleans, they chose to hold their rehearsal dinner in the main room at Arnaud’s, where guests enjoyed the signature cuisine from one of the city’s oldest restaurants. The wedding itself took place on March 30, 2019, at Marshdown, Kristie’s family’s country house in Slidell, where both of her sisters had also gotten married. Kristie and Hunter loved being able to let all their friends and family experience this special place out on the bayou. Kristie’s uncle, Garner Tullis, married the couple in a classic, rustic outdoor wedding. The simple, elegant greenery with French blue and white flowers perfectly complemented Bayou Liberty. As they said their vows, Hunter surprised Kristie with a second wedding ring: his great-grandmother’s gold band. After the “I dos,” the celebration headed toward the back of Marshdown. Joel’s Catering prepared a fantastic menu that included mushroom ravioli, lobster corn dogs and tacos. Hunter and Kristie surprised guests with a glitter bar, and everyone had a blast! The fun,

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festive atmosphere of the reception was reflected in the Hunter’s choice of song for the couple’s first dance: the upbeat “Too Busy Thinking about My Baby” by Marvin Gaye. They capped off a perfect evening with late night bites and Lafitte’s purple drink. The newlyweds continued the celebration on their own with a

honeymoon trip to Tahiti, where they spent five days on Moorea and five days on Bora Bora. They then returned to New Orleans, where they live in the Garden District. Kristie is a real estate sales agent at McEnery Residential, and Hunter is in real estate management and development with Manson Realty Company. n

WITH THIS RING

Reception Décor: Soho Events and Rentals and See-Hear Productions Coordinator: Angle Events Ceremony Music: Harry Hardin Wedding Gown: Marlina Laina, Town and Country Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Watters, Town and Country Groom’s Attire: Oyster Grey Perlis suit Groomsmen’s attire: Oyster Grey Perlis suits Engagement Ring: Keith Miller Emerald diamond flanked by two emerald cut diamonds and two tampered bagged diamonds Bride’s Wedding Band: Eternity band with

round cut diamonds Groom’s Wedding Band: Hunter’s grandfather’s gold wedding band Florist: Kim Starr Wise Floral Events Invitation: Scriptura Wedding Cake & Groom’s Cake: Zoey’s Bakery Photographer: Love is Rad Videographer: Bride Film Hair: Marcia Wehr Gauthreaux Wedding Specialists Makeup: Tisa Beauty Bar (bride) and Katie Malone Music: Az-Izz

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YO U N G B LO O DS

Emily Leitzinger Host, “Voluntold Ya!” By Lindsay Mack

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nonprofit itself, run by volunteers who put time and love into producing shows.” Supporting the show with donations is also incredibly helpful, and even a $1 monthly donation can make an impact. Plus, Leitzinger is always happy to learn about new opportunities and organizations to feature on the show. “There’s so many ways to get involved,” she says. “My shows give people an opportunity to learn those

ways, but all you have to do is look around and ask your neighbors. That’s the beauty of New Orleans.” n

Tune In & Get Involved “Voluntold Ya!” on WHIV 102.3 Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. WHIVFM.org VoluntoldYa@gmail.com Facebook.com/VoluntoldYa

PHOTO BY CHERYL G ERBER

If you like finding new ways to serve the New Orleans community, one local radio program has you covered. “Voluntold Ya!” with host Emily Leitzinger, airing every Wednesday, 4-5 p.m. on WHIV 102.3, presents new ways to get engaged with New Orleans every week. For two years, Leitzinger has hosted the live weekly radio show that presents the many ways listeners can get more involved in the city. Unlike other radio shows, which may only offer a five-minute spot to these programs, “Voluntold Ya!” invites guests to speak about their topic for a half-hour or more. Fittingly, the show airs on WHIV (which stands for “We Honor Independent Voices”), the radio station with a mission to support social rights and justice. Over the course of 85 shows, Leitzinger has already featured plenty of organizations and individuals that help the city. Previous guests have included the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, which provides health services to local musicians, and the Crescent City Cafe, a twice-monthly breakfast cafe that feeds people who are food insecure. Program topics have included home building, composting, Engineers Without Borders and Mississippi River Delta restoration. One memorable episode featured student poetry about pizza from the 826 New Orleans writing project. “I find all these wonderful opportunities,” says Leitzinger, who adds that there are many nonprofits and people who want to help the city. Getting more involved with the “Voluntold Ya!” community is simple. “Tune in,” says Leitzinger. “WHIV is a

STUDENT ACTIVIST

Emily LeBlanc Academy of the Sacred Heart By Mallory Lindsly

“People aren’t remembered by the material items that they have or where they live, but it’s how they treat others that no one ever forgets,” says Emily LeBlanc, a junior at Academy of the Sacred Heart. “Being involved in your community not only has a positive effect on those struggling, but it also helps the community thrive.” Leblanc has focused her student activism on leading a fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She participated in this year’s “Student of the Year Campaign.” During this time, she committed a lot of time and effort raising money for a cause and organization that she didn’t know much about. Through that fundraising, LeBlanc became passionate in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “The little activism that I’ve done in my life so far has taught me that everyone has good in them and that it’s our job to take the time to see that good,” says Leblanc. Leblanc says, “Helping others has made me grateful for the life that I have, and it has also made me have a better perspective on life and what’s truly important.” She also is involved with the service at Grace at the Greenlight, a nonprofit that serves hot breakfast to the homeless in New Orleans. During her ninth grade project, LeBlanc convinced her dad to go to Grace at the Greenlight to help her video her experience of feeding the homeless.

“That day a man told me, ‘The one thing that people can never take away from you is how you treat others.’ This one sentence meant so much to me because it made me realize that even if you don’t have a house, family or anything in life you can still treat people with love and kindness,” says LeBlanc. “Helping others will always be a major part of my life, especially in the future because I’m so passionate about it,” she adds. Helping others runs in the family; Price LeBlanc, her grandfather, sparked the desire to help others at a young age. “The love that he showed every person he met inspired me from a young age to radiate the same love that he always did,” says Leblanc. LeBlanc spends her time outside of school and volunteering listening to music, painting, traveling and hanging out with friends. She isn’t sure where she wants to go to college, but after she hopes to have a job where she can positively impact others. n SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 71

S H O P TA L K

Ellen M. Kramer Productivity & Organizing Consultant, A New Leaf By Lani Griffiths

Please describe your role at A New Leaf. I founded A New Leaf in 2003 after 10 years as a high-level executive assistant. I wanted to take the skills that I developed over my career to help businesses and individuals get control over their environments, both internal and external. A New Leaf focuses on creating or optimizing systems and structure – in layman’s terms, what does this mean? All of us live our lives in some sort of pattern or system, whether it’s a healthy pattern or not. Often, people come to me when they’re overwhelmed by the consequences of those patterns. Structure refers to the bones of your system of living. Does the person have all the right tools in place to be successful at what they’re trying to do?

What is a common genesis of business clutter? Delayed decisions on items and tasks typically cause problems with organizing in business. Another common issue is difficulty with delegating to others, or feeling as though you need to do everything yourself. 72 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

What is the most integral part of your business process? Establishing and maintaining trust is the most integral part of my process. Admitting that you need help with organization or getting things done isn’t easy for anyone. It’s very important that I make people feel safe and that they can be honest with me about what’s going on with them. Is there a connection between organization and mental well-being? Absolutely, clutter causes people to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Once the clutter is cleared from the physical space, they have enough clarity mentally to tackle the behaviors that lead them to having the problem in the first place. A NEW LEAF, 115 Delton’s Landing, Picayune, Miss., (601) 916-5300, ANewLeafProductivity.com

PHOTO BY J EFFERY J OH NSTON

In a nutshell, what does A New Leaf do? A New Leaf helps people to clear clutter from their mental and physical environments so that they can enjoy their lives and accomplish their goals.

How do you navigate the different organizational styles of your clients? Early in my career as an organizer I had some great training from a group called the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. This helped me to understand the differences in how people attach to objects and how to best help them move through that. Being in business for 16 years, the experience has been the most help in navigating different styles, and has helped me understand where they are coming from, with empathy.

S H O P TA L K

Judy Fern Event Manager, The Elms Mansion By Lani Griffiths

Judy Fern and Jessica Serrano

The Elms Mansion is a New Orleans landmark, can you give us a brief history? The historic Elms Mansion, located on St. Charles Avenue, was built in 1869. John “Tac” Elms purchased the Mansion in 1951, and his daughter turned it into a special event venue (weddings, social parties, corporate events) 50 years ago – we’ll be celebrating an anniversary this year. Today the Mansion is thirdgeneration owned by Mr. Elms’ grandson and granddaughter, Tom and Faith Roche.

PHOTO BY J EFFERY J OHNSTON

When did you become involved? After spending more than 35 years in healthcare and having gone through (Hurricane) Katrina at a hospital, I decided it was time to have a “fun” job. Planning parties and events, working with brides and working with corporate and social clients is extremely rewarding. I love to see the happy ending and everyone enjoying themselves. Since I’m winding down my time, Jessica Serrano joined our team last year. Would you like to share some of the special events that have taken place at the mansion? There are so many remarkable and wonderful events – from GQ’s star-studded Super Bowl Party, to the celebration of a birthday for a Microsoft executive

(including a float in a parade), to gorgeous weddings including some of our local celebrities, like Susan Spicer. A lot of people don’t realize that the Mansion and grounds can accommodate more than 400 guests and that we have our own incredibly talented chef that has been with The Elms for 17 years. Is there anything new coming up that you want to share? The Elms Family has always tried to keep on top of current trends. Weekday weddings and smaller weddings seem to be requested more often. Group tours with cocktails and lunch in the gardens have proved to be popular. We are also offering meeting space rentals for retreats and conferences. We are always looking for new and innovative things to do! You mentioned an anniversary? The Elms is proud to be a continuouslyoperating, local family business in New Orleans for over 50 years. While we love hosting our destination guests, the local ones always prove to be the most exciting! THE ELMS MANSION: 3029 St. Charles Ave., 895-9200, ElmsMansion.com

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S N A P S H OT S By Marie Gabriel 1

1. Lauren Haydel and Andrew Ward emceed the Bridge House / Grace House 10th annual “Recycled Fashion Show” at Rock ’n’ Bowl in March, which featured unique fashion pieces made by local designers from materials they found within the organization’s thrift shops. All proceeds from the event help to fund substance use disorder treatment programs that serve over 800 New Orleanians each year. 2. The King and Queen of Chateau de Notre Dame’s “No Call Ball,” Richard Maturano and Sister Denise Duplessis, celebrated Mardi Gras 2019 in February. Along with two other assisted living communities run by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Chateau de Notre Dame throws its residents a Carnival Ball every year. Entertainment was provided by Ronald Jones and a brass band. 3. King Herbert Kiff and Queen Julia Callahan celebrated Carnival at Our Lady of Wisdom’s Mardi Gras Ball in February, as part of the Archdiocese’s assisted living communities’ annual tradition. The Red Morgan Jazz Band performed for Kiff, Callahan and the rest of the residents. 4. William Bergeron and Annie Gros reigned as King and Queen of Wynhoven Healthcare Center’s “On the Wings of Love” Mardi Gras Ball. The celebration was the assisted living community’s 24th of its kind and the Louisiana Kids, the Wild Opelousas Mardi Gras Indians and Tom Verret provided live entertainment. 5. The Prophets of Persia’s past Queens attended their annual luncheon at the New Orleans Country Club in February. (First row) Pamela Richmond Burck, Nina Margaret Farris, Robin Marlette Burck, Katherine Michelle Bickham, Virginia Verret de Marigny Ernst, Alison Suzanne Rodriguez, Adele Helyn Michaelis Ralston and Emily Caudwell Straub; (second row) Margaret Countiss Harbison, Grace Holly Sharp Snodgrass, Louise Lyell Lampton, Dixie Tucker Madigan, Carolyn Plough Saunders, Deborah Ann Curry Reily, Helen Crosby Gibert, Mary Margaret Crosby Whealdon, Carolyn Francis Balmer, Margaret Farris Adams and Ann-Marie Heslin. 6. The past Queens of Atlanteans gathered for their annual luncheon at 74 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2019

S N A P S H OT S By Marie Gabriel 7

the home of Mrs. M. Ellis Frater Jr. who reigned in 1966. (Front row) Rosemary Turner, Ellie George, Regina Soniat Talton, Talley Hodges, Reid Bergin; (second row) Anne Flower Redd, Tatine Maginnis Frater, Eleanor Williams Hohnstein, Ginger Logan Smith; (third row) Emilie Montgomery, Blathrae Gillin, Eleanor Bernard Carney, Rachael Tullis Gambel, Barkley Rafferty, Kate Gardiner Tucker; (fourth row) Lilo Simmons Ukrop, Anne McIlhenny Gardiner, Susan Wolfe Huppman, Adair Ewin Faust; (fifth row) Anne Fox Gillin, Logan Howcott, Yvette Young Semmes, Miriam Wogan Henry, Stephanie Claverie Wimett; (back row) Eileen Eshleman Stewart, Lydia Williams Buckley and Margaret Villere Wynn. 7. Cancer Crusaders Co-Presidents Susie Baker and Linda Daigle posed with Ye Olde College Inn Owner Johnny Blancher Sr., and Cancer Crusaders event Chairman Jean Rice at the Ye Olde College Inn for the Cancer Crusaders’ annual fundraising event. 8. David Kearney, Caroline Kearney and Kendall and Ben Hales celebrated spring’s arrival at the NOPSI Hotel for the Sybarites’ annual party in March. 9. Kathy Singleton, Ben Bagert and Ann Swayze attended the Sybarites’ spring party at the NOPSI Hotel, where guests were treated to an extravagant meal and live music by BRW. 10. Tom and Irene Lutkewitte enjoyed an evening at the NOPSI Hotel for the Sybarites’ spring party. 11. Richard and Anna Tompson posed with honorary couple Margo and Clancy DuBos at the Harry Tompson Center’s 2019 Gala “Harry Says Aloha!” Around 400 guests were treated to dinner from local chefs, live music by the F.A.S Trio, a raffle and live and silent auctions at the Sacred Heart of Nims Fine Arts Center. 12. The Harry Tompson Center celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Sacred Heart of Nims Fine Arts Center in March. (Seated) Michelle Landry, Pierre DeGruy and Clancy DuBos posed with (standing) Wally Landry, John Litchfield, Denise DeGruy, Joy Zainey, U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey and Margo DuBos at the “Harry Says Aloha!” gala. SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 75

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N OS TA LG I A

Business of Death The Leitz-Eagan Company’s six-generation story. By Seale Paterson

Ambrose Leitz immigrated to New Orleans from Germany and opened a cabinet shop in 1854. Rudimentary medical care and yellow fever led to high mortality rates in the 19th century, so Leitz soon turned to making coffins. Success in this business set the family on a path to becoming the oldest and largest family-managed funeral home company in New Orleans. When Leitz died in 1879, his wife Louise took over the business located at 2409 Tchoupitoulas St. Known as “Widow Leitz,” this pioneer female undertaker was a very successful manager of the family business, growing it to great success and reputation

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as one of the finest in the city, with distinguished carriages and stables. She was also greatly admired by those who knew her – a comforting source for customers during their hardest moments, a generous employer and a charitable donor to various needy organizations around New Orleans. The business was taken over by their son, Fred, who moved it to a larger property at 442-446 Jackson Ave. in the Irish Channel, adding embalming and parlor services. He also established an Algiers Point parlor at 705 Pelican Ave., and soon after also offered ambulance services. When Fred died in 1926, his daughter

Agatha and her husband Charles Eagan took over the business, eventually creating the Leitz-Eagan Company, whose parlor was located on Magazine Street at Phillip Street. That location closed six decades later in 1992, but the family legacy continues six generations later through Joe Eagan, who serves as funeral director and general manager for three funeral and cemetery facilities, located in Covington, Marrero and Metairie. n A receipt for the burial of a child, dated June 30, 1914. A price of $25.75 included a white coffin and two carriages, as well as fees for legal recording of the death.