Gumbo (November 2015)

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November 2015

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Contents

NOVEMBER 2015

ON THE COVER

PUBLISHER

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Brian Rushing publisher@rushing-media.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shell Armstrong editor@rushing-media.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

The cast of ‘In-laws, outlaws & other people who should be shot’ prepare at Le Petit

Gavin Stevens gavin@rushing-media.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Mariella Brochard Todd Rowan SALES MANAGER

Deanne Ratliff deanne@rushing-media.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Events

6 8 10

SOUTHDOWN MARKETPLACE Bringing out the artist in everyone REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM WWII vet keeps it moving at Military Museum

16 18

THIBODEAUXVILLE Fest celebrates cooks, crafts & more EVENT LISTINGS Check out this month’s events

Music

ANTIQUE AUTO SHOW Car rally offers something for everyone

20 22

CHEAP TRICK Wants You to Want Them HOT TIX & CONCERTS Local performers highlighted

Arts

12 13 14

WORLD RECORD GUMBO Coming to Larose BEER FEST Expecting record crowds, record beers HEART & SOLES Half Marathon and 5K set

24 24 26 28

30 32 33 34 36 37 38 38

Brooke Adams THEATRE LISTINGS Performances around the region WETLANDS CENTER ART EXHIBIT Exhibit captures state’s beauty KID’S PAGE Fun games for the younger crowd AT THE LIBRARY More than books at local libraries

NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH Everyone has a story to tell VIDEO GAME REVIEW NBA 2K16 FOR YOUR BRAIN Sudoku, Crossword Puzzle

Gumbo Guru

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Charles Dickens’ classic tale IN-LAWS, OUTLAWS ... ... and other people who should be shot

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CONTRIBUTORS

Jean-Paul Arguello John DeSantis Melissa Duet Casey Gisclair Karl Gommel James Loiselle

NEW ON DVD Jurassic World

DRINKING HABITS Thibodaux Playhouse develops a habit

I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT ... ... now change.

brooke@rushing-media.com

COPELAND’S A hit for quick lunches

6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 985.868.7515 • Fax 985.873.9009 GUMBOGUIDE.COM

The Gumbo Entertainment Guide is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. The Gumbo Entertainment Guide is published monthly by Rushing Media.

Events

SOUTHDOWN MARKETPLACE BRINGS OUT ARTIST IN EVERYONE L

ois Cantrelle’s Lil Swamp Fairies are about to take over Bayou Country as she sets up shop for the bi-annual Southdown Marketplace, a one-day arts and crafts event scheduled for Nov. 7 that brings several hundred vendors to Southdown Museum for an early holiday shopping experience.

Cantrelle’s artistic endeavor is still fairly new, but what grew from a simple Internet search has become a full-time hobby for the Larose native and Houma resident.

When her son was diagnosed with cancer, Cantrelle gave up a 26-year career to be by his side. Shortly after handing in her key in August 2013, however, her son was ruled cancer-free and she found herself with a whole lot of free time.

“Here I was with nothing to do and I was just looking on the Internet and came across swamp fairies,” she re-

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SOUTHDOWN MARKETPLACE WHEN: Nov. 7 WHERE: Southdown Plantation & Museum COST: $5, free for children under 12 INFO: southdownmuseum.org

membered. “I said, ‘Hmm, that sounds interesting,’ so I started experimenting and made one and gave it away. I made another and gave it away and I kept giving them away and my son said, ‘You should sell them, though.’ I said, ‘Oh, come on. No one wants to buy that.’

Then they became personal to me.”

Before long, Cantrelle was working at a furious pace, cranking out so many swamp fairies that the artist actually had to slow production because she was running out of space for them in her home.

And what each fairy is made of isn’t generic arts-and-craft supplies either.

Cantrelle spends about five hours creating each fairy, packing stuffing into panty hose and delicately adorning it with ribbons, feathers, flowers and just about anything else she can scoop up at local stores. What comes from the work are “not very pretty” but entertaining

plays on the area’s swamp lands.

“It became addicting,” Cantrelle said of the project. “I had to make a doll every day.”

No two are alike and each has a name and special story detailing a little of its history. The fictional fairies, although not the most attractive, long to be understood and the stories, which Cantrelle began writing when she created the first doll, aim to entertain with a touch of Cajun flair.

Cantrelle and a host of other vendors will be on-hand for Southdown Marketplace, which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. In addition to handmade wares, the festival also offers a variety of Cajun cuisine and tours of the historic home. All proceeds from the event benefit the Terrebonne Historical and Cultural Society and Southdown Plantation and Museum.

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Events

WWII VET KEEPS IT MOVING AT MILITARY MUSEUM 98-YEAR-OLD TO RETURN TO USO SHOW FUNDRAISER

During his time in Houma, Melvin helped certify residents in the area, as the baptismal certificates were written in French. He was to be wary of Germans coming to the bayou, as German U-boats had sunk ships in the Gulf of Mexico. During his time in Houma, Melvin met Mae, before he was reassigned as a bugler in New Orleans until the war ended.

After the war, Melvin wished to go back to his home parish of Vermillion, but his wife was not ready to leave Terrebonne. Melvin soon found himself as principal at Boudreaux Canal Elementary. He served in the same capacity

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nyone who is looking for an eager dance partner with a almost 100 years of life experience can find Melvin Hebert every Friday night at Jack’s on Barrow Street.

Hebert, 98, arrives around 7:30 or 8 at the bar, and then the night is his. He’ll spend the next few hours ballroom dancing with friends and strangers alike.

Jackie, Melvin’s daughter, will sit at the bar and watch her father glide to the music. While she is her father’s ride home, Jackie is never in any rush when it comes to her father’s pastime.

“He’s always checking his watch. He’ll look at me, and I’ll just say, ‘Whenever you’re ready.’ Because that’s his night,” Jackie said.

Andrus, Melvin’s son, said that his father, even with aching knees, keeps finding a way to get out to Jack’s.

“He’s got some kind of lubrication like WD-40 that the doctor gave him. He puts that on his knees, and he rests all day for [Fridays],” Andrus said.

Melvin, who lost his wife, Mae, in 2006, credits his Friday nights at Jack’s for his ability to keep going on. He advised all those in life to find something to look forward to, like he has with his nights dancing.

“I’ve become so acquainted with so

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many of these young people, that it’s become part of my life. If it stopped, then part of my life would end,” Melvin said.

The near centenarian is not just a dancer, however. Melvin, a native of Kaplan, found himself in the bayou by way of World War II. A teacher in Pecan Island at the time of the Pearl Harbor bombing, Melvin’s school exempted him from service for a year. When that year ended, Melvin signed up with the Coast Guard, where he was assigned to telephone watch. According to Melvin, his commanding officer’s orders were simple yet harrowing.

He said, ‘Melvin, if you hear anything contrary to the safety of this country, you let us know,’” Melvin recalled.

After being on telephone watch for the Coast Guard, he was sent to boot camp.

There, the French he learned growing up in Kaplan made him a prime target to aid the U.S. effort in Houma.

“So I went to the boot camp, and the commanding officer came and says ‘Anyone who can talk, write and read French, raise your hand,’” Melvin said.

“Well I want to go to the front, so I raise my hand. So he says go and pack up, and a truck came and picked us up, and we landed in Houma, instead of France.

I was disappointed,” he says, chuckling.

Wanna Go? REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM ANNUAL FUNDRAISER WHEN: Friday, Nov. 13, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

WHERE: Regional Military Museum, Houma COST: $40 per person INFO: 985-873-8200 or www.regional.daginnovation.com at Bourg Elementary after that before finishing at Oaklawn Junior High.

Melvin said that some Friday nights at Jack’s can end up sparking a memory of his teaching days via the dance floor.

“I have students that I’m dancing with from most of these schools. They come in and say ‘Mr. Melvin, do you remember a problem at Oaklawn or Bourg School?’ And I say, ‘I sure do,’” Melvin said.

The people Melvin has met at Jack’s have taken to watching over him on Friday nights. According to Andrus,

those people sit close by and watch out for danger.

“That’s his posse. These people watch over Daddy, they make sure he doesn’t trip or fall, or that nobody drunk bumps into him,” Andrus said.

During his time at Jack’s, Melvin came across Charles “C.J.” Christ, the director of the Regional Military Museum, also on Barrow Street. Melvin said that he ended up dancing with Christ’s wife, and last year they told him about an event they were planning at the museum soon.

That event was the museum’s first annual fundraiser, featuring a USO-style show and dance. Melvin paid the $40 fee to enter last year, and said he plans to be there this year as well. Melvin recalls how last year’s emcee Courtney Boe made him the star of the night at that show.

“So the curtain opened, and I saw that beautiful woman come sit right down next to me. I said, I can’t believe this. The music started, she caught me, kissing me, and I had to dance with her,” Melvin said. “All these other guys said, ‘Well what you have that we don’t have?’ Well, I can’t tell you. I enjoyed that night, I’ll tell you.”

Melvin’s good fortune that night didn’t end there, though. While his original military garb didn’t quite fit him anymore, Andrus found a similar getup at an army surplus store in Gonzales for $20. At the end of the night, a certain Kaplan native had won the show’s costume contest.

The organizers for this year’s fundraiser on Nov. 13 are excited for another great night. Marena Pizzolatto, who set up last year’s event, said that this year’s will feature a silent auction, another costume contest, free dance lessons and a dance contest at the end of the night.

She said that while last year’s event focused on WWII, this year’s event will have a broader scope, with music from different generations.

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Events

CLASSIC CAR RALLY TO OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

ENTHUSIASTS HOPING TO INCREASE THE NUMBERS AT HOUMA EVENT

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lassic car enthusiasts from all over the U.S. will converge on Houma during the first week in November with their treasures in tow.

Organizers of the Antique Automobile Club of America’s Central Division Fall Meet say the gathering promises a great experience for members and the public.

“Dozens of first class antique cars from around the nation have registered and dozens more will descend on Louisiana like a rain of good fortune and good times,” said Fred Duplechin, a Schriever enthusiast and retired public health administrator. “We have several cars over 100 years old and we will likely have some to represent every decade up to 1990. We’re going to have a great time and we want everyone to be a part of it.”

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The meet will be held Nov. 5 - 7 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. On Saturday, all autos brought to the meet will be displayed and entry for the public is free.

The star of the show, by member estimations, will be a 1921 Bour-Davis automobile, the only car ever manufactured in Louisiana.

The car, restored by enthusiast Dick Nelson, will be loaned by the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.

About 1,500 Bour-Davis cars were manufactured between 1916 and 1922, and the one bound for Houma is one of the few that survived.

One of Duplechin’s own automobiles, a 1981 DeLorean, is likely to draw a good amount of attention.

Duplechin’s other classic is a rare 1988 Avanti convertible.

All manner of vehicles – including motorcycles – are expected at the meet.

Among the things members share, Duplechin said, is an appreciation for automobiles that pre-date current design trends. Most cars consumers buy new are what the collectors describe as “colored jellybeans” that in many ways are indistinguishable from one to the other.

The local club’s president, Buddy Whitney, says he gets a lot of satisfaction from working with an auto’s engine.

“It’s an accomplishment when you get one finished,” he said. “I like the social events and the club’s support. We have six chapters in Louisiana and one time a year each chapter puts on an event.

You get to know the people.”

Whitney said that will give him a lot of opportunities to get the 1976 Corvette Stingray he is currently restoring out on the road.

While Duplechin, Whitney and other members actively work with restoration projects, ownership of a classic is not a requirement for membership.

Those who don’t own a classic can still have full participation in club activities.

Judging contests and generally taking part in social aspects of the club, perhaps even assisting other members with projects, are among the activities that just about anyone might find appealing, the organizers said.

For those who do own what are regarded as classic or antique cars, the club has numerous categories.

Stock autos restored to factory condition, street rods, hot rods and even unrestored autos living in someone’s barn are all included in the mix.

Some people, Duplechin said, buy cars that are already restored while others do the restoration themselves or pay someone else to do it.

His own interest in cars developed

early, he said.

“I have always loved automobiles,” Duplechin said. “We grew up in the 1950s and it was a car-crazy time. The war had just ended and people were getting back to work and buying cars.”

His own career path drew him to study subjects related to dealing with people. But he had a longing to know more about technology, how things work.

“I did my first tune-up with a 12-inch crescent wrench, a screwdriver and pliers,” Duplechin said.

Now he can take engines apart and put them back together. He has also become skilled with other aspects of restoration.

In the garage behind his Schriever home, Duplechin carefully worked on a leather seat from the Avanti, removed from its place in the car and set on a work bench.

In the garage, where the DeLorean is usually covered by a gray tarp, the walls are full of vintage gas station signs.

“You can get in this hobby for $200 or $200,000, whichever fits your budget,” Duplechin said. “You can start from scratch. Cars I have owned were inexpensive. There are a lot of old cars you can get for a reasonable price.”

Insurance for the autos, Duplechin said, is also surprisingly inexpensive.

“You can get full coverage for $100 or $200 for a whole year,” Duplechin said.

The reason for attraction, Duplechin acknowledges, is for many people a matter of nostalgia.

“It makes us feel young again and helps us fulfill dreams that we never could have back when. A lot of people’s first antique is either the model of the high school car they had or, if they are lucky enough, the one they dreamed about having.”

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Events

BRINGING HOME THE TITLE

GUINNESS RECORD-SETTING GUMBO COMING TO LAROSE

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WORLD’S LARGEST GUMBO 500 pounds onions 100 pounds celery 150 pounds bell pepper 105 pounds vegetable oil 115 pounds flour 70 pounds garlic 210 pounds okra 2,300 pounds seafood stock 30 pounds green onions 15 pounds parsley 1,200 pounds shrimp 350 pounds crabmeat 40 gallons oysters

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ook out, John Folse; attorney C. Arlen Braud II is coming!

The legendary Louisiana chef, cookbook author, restaurant owner and namesake of Nicholls State University’s culinary institute is the Guinness Book of World Records’ current titleholder.

Folse whipped up a 3,710-pound pot of gumbo in 2010, topping that figure in 2013 with 4,000 pounds … in Alabama … both times.

Braud and his law partner Michelle Gallagher, with the help of a few friends, intend to bring the title home to Louisiana. They’re cooking a record-setting 5,000 pounds of seafood gumbo Nov. 7 at the Larose Civic Center and everyone is invited.

Initially, Braud intended to throw a get-together for his Lafourche maritime clients and visitors to Storage Depot, his side business. Then he read somewhere that Alabama held the Guinness record for the largest pot of gumbo.

“I just couldn’t believe the world record for gumbo was in Alabama,” Braud says. “That just didn’t seem right. I believe it really needs to come back down to Louisiana.”

An application was filed with Guinness Book of World Records; one of more than 1,000 received weekly from around the world. With a little greasing, the application was fast-tracked, and arrangements were made to have Guinness representatives onsite in Larose Nov. 7 to authenticate the weight of the gumbo.

Encore Custom Fabshop in Houma fabricated the gumbo pot that is 4 feet deep and 4 feet wide. It operates on six burners, each of which is outfitted with 33 jets.

“We had an engineer check to make sure it will hold 5,000 pounds of gumbo,” event director Cynthia Caronna chimes.

Guinness requires that the gumbo must be cooked at one time, which required the gumbo gang to seek the help of a cook to calculate the recipe.

“There’s a whole little science here,” Caronna says. “I cook and I know it’s not a multiplicationthing. You can’t just multiply what you normally do and 5,000 times it up and think it will work.”

Mike Maenza, of MMI Culinary, was called in to help. Maenza got his start as Mr. Mudbug, a catering company that conducted Cajun-styled seafood boils. Today, his Kenner food manufacturing site readies soups for Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, products in grocery stores and more than 500,000 school meals daily in seven different states.

“They make 2,500 pounds of gumbo at a time, so

nailing a recipe for 5,000 pounds was no problem,” Caronna says, smiling.

On gumbo day, MMI Culinary will make the roux in their kitchen. It will be transported to Larose via refrigerated trucks.

The rice will also be made at MMI Culinary and shipped to the site. “The rice is not considered in the weight of the gumbo,” Caronna says.

WORLD RECORD GUMBO

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.

WHERE: Larose Civic Center, Larose COST: Free INFO: wrgumbo.com Cooking will begin that morning and gumbo will be weighed and certified at noon. Organizers intend to use a portable truck scale to weigh the steaming pot.

Afterward, it’s gumbo for everyone, Caronna says.

And in true “one-for-the-record-books” style, the title of World Record Gumbo-Eating Champion will be decided at 1 p.m.

“We have established competitions featuring Louisiana seafood, including oysters and crawfish, but gumbo is an outlier in our sport,” Major League Eating president Richard Shea says. “There is no predicting who will be slowed by the richness of the gumbo.

The prize purse is $5,000, and the contest is open to the professionals and locals. “Maybe we’ll have a sleeper in the crowd who can beat these professionals,” Braud muses. “I would love to see that.”

Hamburgers, hot dogs and smoked sausage will also be available, as well as beverages and daiquiris. And an ice cream sundae bar will satisfy everyone.

The World Record Gumbo organizers expect to feed 8,000 to 12,000 people Nov. 7 – rain or shine.

“We’re doing this on calculations that have never been tried before,” Braud says. “Who knows if it is going to work or not.

“There’s something about it that captures people’s imagination,” he adds. “Everyone who hears about being part of breaking a world’s record really seems to gravitate toward the idea and want to be a part of it. We’re looking forward to meeting them all out there.”

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Events

BAYOU BEER FEST

EXPECTING RECORD CROWDS, RECORD BEERS

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eer drinkers rejoice ... Bayou Beer Fest is back and offering a whopping 300 varieties of the sip for its third annual event Nov. 14.

The lineup includes a dizzying array of lagers, stouts and more from a variety of breweries across Louisiana and Mississippi.

From noon to 5 p.m., attendees may try any of the selections for one ticket. The admission price includes 40 sampling tickets. Presenting sponsor Mudbug Brewery will also offer the first taste of its Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Chocolate King Cake Stout.

“We really pride ourselves on being a beer-centric beer fest,” organizer Joel Ohmer said. “A lot of beer festivals are for profit. One the things we always tell people is we’re the opposite. We started this festival because we love beer...We try to strip the fluff away and focus the festival on the beer.”

Homebrewers will also have a chance to show off their skills during the Brew Dat Competition. A certified beer judge will award medals to the top pours and the public will also have a chance to pick their favorite. The beer that earns the title of “BrewDat’s Choice” wins a custom designed beer label from Ohmer for their prized pour.

The music also has a beer-influenced twist with Nonc Nu & Da Wild Matous,

featuring Mudbug Brewery’s Leith Adams, kicking things off and the Grammy-nominated Lost Bayou Ramblers is also set to appear.

All money raised from this event goes to supporting our veterans, Ohmer said.

“We started the festival because we love beer and then we had to say, ‘OK, what are we going to do with the money?” he explained. “The chief thing we give to is the Tri-Parish Veterans Shelter. A lot of veterans move here hoping to get into the oil field and with the economy like it is right now, they can’t find work. [The shelter] helps them get signed up for benefits, helps them with transportation...It’s not a hand out, it’s a hand up.”

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BAYOU BEER FEST

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14 WHERE: Southdown Plantation, Houma COST: $35 at the gate INFO: bayoubeerfest.com * Note: IDs are checked at the door.

Wristbands will be issued to guests old enough to drink alcohol. gumboguide.com

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Events

HOUMA HEART AND SOLES HALF MARATHON AND 5K SET FOR 6TH GO

HOUMA HEART AND SOLES HALF MARATHON & 5K WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 a.m.

WHERE: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma COST: $65 individual half-marathon, $85 relay pairs, $30 for 5K walkers/ runners INFO: 985-872-5980 or halfmarathon. tgmc.com

By

day, Julio Contreras is an academic man – the principal of Terrebonne High School in Houma.

But on Nov. 14, he will trade his suit, tie and briefcase for gym shorts and running shoes – another step in the local educational leader’s continued push for better physical fitness and overall health.

Contreras is set to run in the Houma Heart & Soles Half Marathon and 5K – the only distance race of its kind in our area.

The race takes place at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Terre-

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bonne General Medical Center and the Cardiovascular Institute of the South put it on.

Proceeds go back to the community to provide cardiovascular screening and education to locals in need.

For Contreras, the half-marathon will be the peak in his recent lifestyle change. The principal started running several months ago as a way to get in better shape. He’s now down 60 pounds and feels great.

“The difference in how I feel is like night and day,” Contreras said. “I feel so much better. I enjoy running.

It makes me feel good to train, and it relieves stress. It’s better for your allaround long-term health. I look forward to trying the half-marathon. I’ll run my own pace and my own speed, have fun and it’ll be a good day.”

A good day, indeed.

Folks who help organize the Heart & Soles race say that this event is for everyone – both young and old – who want to enjoy a nice, family-friendly day.

The half-marathon is the main challenge for participants – a 13.1-mile trek that will challenge the conditioning of the 300-plus participants expected to

attend, including Contreras.

But the event also features a 5K walk/ run (3.1 miles), and a two-man relay is also available for pairs who want to split the half-marathon.

TGMC Director of Marketing Rhonda Alfred said awards are given to the top finishers, but that the race is only competitive if one wants it to be. She said no one is rushed off the course and everyone is given time to finish the race.

Racers are given a red-carpet finish inside the civic center, and every finish is celebrated, regardless of the time.

“It’s a family event,” Alfred said.

“We welcome mothers or fathers who want to push their children in strollers across the track. It’s about encouraging people to remain active. We welcome anyone.”

The day is a long one with the first race set for 7 a.m. But once complete, participants are welcomed to stay and let the good times roll.

Alfred said food and drinks will be available and local band Soul Survivors will provide the tunes. WDSU Channel 6 news anchor Charles Divins will be on-hand and will serve as the emcee for the ceremonies.

“It’s a great day,” Alfred said. “It’s grown from its first year. People come and say they have a great time.”

Non-participants who want to attend the race can do so for $5. Those wanting to sign up and compete can do so at http://halfmarathon.tgmc.com/.

Contreras is already locked in. He said he’s amped up his training regimen in recent weeks to be ready.

“I’ve run for longer distances lately to get ready,” Contreras said. “Running is such a great exercise. I would encourage anyone to try and be active – even if for just a few minutes a day.”

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Events

THIBODEAUXVILLE FEST CELEBRATES COOKS, CRAFTS, CARS AND MORE T

he City of Thibodaux is set to bring the party downtown Saturday, Nov. 14, for the 23rd annual Thibodeauxville Fall Festival, an effort to reacquaint the community with the city’s historic area.

Big Boy’s Main Street Cook-Off serves as the official kick-off to the festival, attracting thousands to the head-tohead culinary challenge on Friday, Nov. 13. Named after prominent city supporter Norm “Big Boy” Swanner, the cook-off pits 30 teams against each other in three categories – soup/gumbo, jambalaya and variety – for a chance to win it all. Under the direction of Randy Barrios, executive chef of Fremin’s Restaurant, dishes are judged by some of the top chefs of the area, including Chef Jim Sothern of Sysco Foods, Chef Randy Cheramie of the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, Chef Mark Herrington of Arkansas’ Abbe’ House Inn, Beau Bourgeois of Bourgeois Meat Market, Chef Ryan Gaudet of Spahr’s and Chef Dominique Malbrough of Dominique’s Bistro.

Winners are selected based on creativity, appearance of the dish and overall taste and quality. Awards are presented to the top three entries in each category, overall best dish and a new addition, the People’s Choice Award.

“This year, public entry begins at 4 p.m. The cooking will already have begun at that point and all we ask is for a $5 donation, which allows you to sample all of the food that has been cooked plus a hamburger or jambalaya from Thibodaux Main Street,” Melissa Chiasson, executive director of Thibodaux Main Street, said. Entrances to the event will be set up at St. Philip and West 3rd streets and St. Louis and West 2nd streets.

While attendees enjoy helpings of the entries, Thibodaux band Nonc Nu and Da Wild Matous, known for their

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THIBODEAUXVILLE

WHEN: Nov. 13 - 14 WHERE: Downtown Thibodaux COST: Cook-Off admission is $5; Festival admission is free INFO: downtownthibodaux.org, thibodauxchamber.com unique blend of Cajun French and English lyrics, will play from 6 - 11 p.m.

On the following day, Thibodeauxville opens at 8:30 a.m. with vendors lining many of the downtown streets. Attendees may peruse a wide selection of arts and crafts and try a variety of delicious Cajun cuisine. Live music will keep crowds on their feet throughout the day-long event, beginning with Treater at 11 a.m., followed by Foret tradition at 1:30 p.m. and The Groove at 4:30 p.m.

Although the festival closes at dark, entertainment continues until 7:30 p.m., according to Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kathy Benoit. A Christian music stage is also part of the entertainment, with a variety of performances scheduled between 9 a.m. and approximately 5 p.m.

For the car enthusiast, some 200 antiques, motorcycles, trucks and more will take part in the Cajun Corvette Club Open Car Show, the annual show of the long-standing local Corvette club that allows anyone with impressive wheels to display their pride and joy.

Registration is $40 and is held from 8 10:30 a.m. Awards are handed out at 3:30 p.m. and the top 11 receive plaques and awards. There will also be awards for the best in show and best of each car category. A portion of proceeds from this event benefits Habitat for Humanity.

And Thibodeauxville hasn’t forgotten about the little ones, either, Benoit said.

“We’re expanding our kid’s area,” she explained. “We’re going to have a few more jump houses and hopefully a

maze for them to play in.”

The festival’s signature Duck Race is also sure to be a delight for young and old. Hundreds of rubber ducks are sent down Bayou Lafourche and attendees can watch the race from vantage points near festival grounds at 4 p.m.

Benoit said the festival works tirelessly to ensure the experience is an enjoyable one and that starts with the parking. Parking is free and a shuttle service is also provided to and from the Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium to make the trip stress-free.

“I know parking is at a premium, so if people want to go over to the auditorium and park, the shuttle will run approximately every 30 minutes,” Benoit explained. “People can park there and be driven to the festival grounds.”

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Events

Have an event scheduled for next month you’d like listed? Upcoming events in Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are printed FREE. Send your information – who, what, when, where, cost and a daytime phone number – to EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM. THE ANNUAL ST. MARY RED RIBBON COMMITTEE FALL ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW BAZAAR FESTIVAL SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 8 A.M.

Featuring arts and crafts for a good cause.

WHERE: PATTERSON AREA CIVIC CENTER, PATTERSON CONTACT: 337-836-6029

REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM ANNUAL FUNDRAISER FRIDAY, NOV. 13, 6:30 TO 10:30 P.M.

This annual fundraiser honors our veterans through the generations. There will be a USO style show and dance, free dance lessons, a silent auction and a costume contest. Dress code is dressy casual, or you may wear your military uniform or favorite U.S. military era costume.

Tickets are $40 per person and are available at the museum.

WHERE: REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM, HOUMA CONTACT: WWW.REGIONAL.DAGINNOVATION.COM OR 985-873-8200

BAYOU BEER FEST SATURDAY, NOV. 14, 12 P.M. TO 5 P.M.

Lagers and porters and ales, oh my! Mudbug Brewing presents the 3rd Annual Bayou Beer Fest, Houma’s premier beer festival. Sample over 300 craft beers brewed from around Louisiana plus some rare beers from your favorite brands.

Tickets are $30 per person in advance and $35 at the gate. All guests must present their ID at the gate and they must be at least 21 years old to enter.

WHERE: SOUTHDOWN PLANTATION, HOUMA CONTACT: WWW.BAYOUBEERFEST.COM

THIBODEAUXVILLE FALL FESTIVAL SATURDAY, NOV. 14, 8:30 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Reacquaint yourself with Thibodaux’s beautiful historic downtown area at the 23rd Annual Thibodeauxville Fall Festival. This arts, crafts and music festival will feature original arts and crafts, and regionally-known musical artists will be present. There is no admission fee, so bring the whole family!

WHERE: DOWNTOWN THIBODAUX CONTACT: SARAH@THIBODAUXCHAMBER.COM

RUDOLPH’S ROUTE SHOPPING SPREE THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

WORLD RECORD GUMBO SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 11 A.M. UNTIL

The biggest tailgate on the bayou and largest gumbo pot in the world will make Guinness Book of World Records’ history with 5,000 pounds of gumbo. A 30-foot screen will air the LSU vs. Alabama football game and free gumbo will be served. Major League Eating, the folks behind the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest, will also be on hand.

WHERE: LAROSE CIVIC CENTER, LAROSE INFO: WRGUMBO.COM

SOUTHDOWN MARKETPLACE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

Southdown Marketplace is a one-day arts & crafts festival that features more than 300 local and national vendors with unique homemade products, including jewelry, clothes, woodcrafts, original art, garden items, seasonal products and more! Entry fee is $5 per person and children under 12 years old get in free. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society and Southdown Plantation & Museum.

WHERE: SOUTHDOWN PLANTATION, HOUMA CONTACT: WWW.SOUTHDOWNMUSEUM.ORG/MARKETPLACE

18 November 2015

Rudolph’s Route is a shopping spree in downtown Houma before Black Friday. Shop local and keep your money in your community! Participating stores include Anela’s Wellness Center, Designs By Two, Earl Williams Clothing, Fakier Jewelers, Funktion Salon, JuJu’s Boutique, J.L. Salon, Mignon Faget, Root 2 Rise, Terrebonne Fine Arts, The Royal Room, The Salon Rubicon and Urban Loft.

BCA 5K WALK/RUN BUILDING PROJECT FUNDRAISER SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 9 A.M.

The Bayou Community Academy Charter School will host its 4th Annual 5K Walk/Run to raise money for a new building project. Registration fees for 5K runners and walkers are $30 per person, plus a $2.50 signup fee. Registration fee for the kids’ fun run, which is open to children ages 4 to 12, are $20 per child plus a $2.50 signup fee. Multiple registrations of two or more people will save $5 off each registration. Registration ends Nov. 5.

WHERE: PELTIER PARK, THIBODAUX CONTACT: BCACHARTER.ORG/BCA-5K-WALK-RUN

SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 10 A.M.-5 P.M.

Local shops offer gift-wrapping and sweet treats, with 10 percent of all sales going to the St. Francis Vegetable Garden. The collaborative community garden supplies the Lafourche Parish food banks with fresh produce and educates the community about fresh, healthy eating. Participants include The Bayou Country Children’s Museum Gift Shop, Three Stitches, Lynn’s Little Feet, Shoe-Shi and Sugar Boutique.

WHERE: DOWNTOWN HOUMA

HEART AND SOLES HALF MARATHON AND 5K SATURDAY, NOV. 14, 7 A.M.

The Terrebonne General Medical Center and Cardiovascular Institute of the South present the 6th Annual Heart and Soles Half Marathon and 5K. The race includes a half marathon (13.1 miles), a two-person relay (6.55 miles per person) and a 5K walk/run. Proceeds go toward free preventative cardiovascular screenings and education. Entry fees are $65 for individual half marathon runners, $85 for relay pairs and $30 for 5K walkers and runners. There will be a $5 entry fee for any non-race participant, and kids ages 12 and under get in free.

CONTACT: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RUDOLPHSROUTE

BIA BENEFIT CAR SHOW AND AUDIO COMPETITION SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 11 A.M.

See vintage cars and hear car audio like none other.

WHERE: FRANKLIN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, FRANKLIN CONTACT: 337-578-9688, 940-3439 OR 578-3885

4TH ANNUAL DOWN DA BAYOU THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY DINNER SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 6 TO 10:30 P.M.

WHERE: HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER, HOUMA

This free event includes baked turkey, baked ham, rice dressing, yams, green beans, rolls and cake, soft drinks and music by Treater.

CONTACT: HALFMARATHON.TGMC.COM OR 985-872-5980

WHERE: GRAND CAILLOU RECREATION CENTER CONTACT: 985-791-5832

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19

Music

Wanna Go? WHAT: Cheap Trick WHERE: Cypress Bayou Casino WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 28, 8:00 p.m.

COST: $50-$65 INFO: cypressbayou.com

20 November 2015

3 million copies. It remains one of the all-time best-selling live recordings available.

Cheap Trick cranked out classics – “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” “The Flame,” “Dream Police,” “Hello There,” “Southern Girls,” “Heaven Tonight” and others. Covers of “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Don’t Be Cruel” proved they could handily take rock to the next level, too.

The high-octane Budokan version of “I Want You to Want Me” would become Cheap Trick’s first No. 1 tune, and a longtime anthem at concerts to this day.

Cheap Trick is also on the eve of dropping it’s first CD since the 2009 release of “The Latest,” according to bassist Petersson. He told the Macomb Daily the newest work is “vintage Cheap Trick,” returning to the power popmeets-hard rock-meets-punk sound that first grabbed listeners by the collar and shook them.

And the band continues to tour nonstop. To date, Cheap Trick has sold more than 20 million records, accrued 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum recording awards. The band also wrote the theme to Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.”

And waits on word from the Hall of Fame.

“I thought I’d probably be dead before we were nominated,” Zander told pop

T

oss Sixties pop, heavy metal, punk and a healthy dose of New Wave into a blender, turn it up high, remove the top and, in the mayhem, you’ll find Cheap Trick.

Nominees for the 2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Cheap Trick – guitarist Robin Zander, bassist Tom Petersson, lead guitarist Rick Nielsen (who is as well known for his zany outfits as his five-necked guitar) and drummer Daxx Nielsen – play Cypress Bayou Casino in Charenton Saturday, Nov. 28.

Cheap Trick bulleted to fame in 1977 … in Japan.

True workhorses, the boys have been one of rock’s hardest-working bands from their outset. Cheap Trick’s self-titled album, an Epic release, sold well in the U.S., but didn’t chart. No worry, the band gained attention stateside opening for the Kinks, Kiss, Santana, AC/DC and Queen. The Queen tour included a Japan stop, which is where Cheap Trick

learned they were nearly bigger than the Beatles.

In an interview with Huffington Post, Rick Nielsen equated the ensuing mayhem to the Fab Four’s arrival in New York City.

Japan loved Cheap Trick, even celebrating the band in comic books. Concerts sold out in as little as two hours.

Rick Nielsen described the frenzy as sheer “pandemonium.”

That fan love and Cheap Trick’s high intensity stage show were captured on vinyl during two live Tokyo concerts.

The result, “Live at Budokan” and, later, “Live at Budokan II”, remain among the band’s top sellers.

And, upon returning to the States, equally enthusiastic fans greeted the band. By Budokan’s live release – the band’s third album – Cheap Trick was in high demand globally. The album peaked at No. 3 on U.S. charts, remaining there for a year, and sold more than

music/culture critic Jay Cridlin of the Tampa Bay Times. “But it is an honor and a privilege, and I really am flabbergasted. I’m very humbled by it. It’s rare that anybody gets in the Hall of Fame, and to be nominated is good enough for me.”

Cheap Trick became eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2002. This is the band’s first time to be nominated. “… we’ve been around, and we’ve stayed around, and we go out and people still enjoy listening to us, and we still sell a lot of tickets, so what do I got to complain about? Nothing.”

Tickets for Cheap Trick’s St. Mary Parish show are $50 to $65, and are available at Ticketmaster.

•

Music

Concert listings are provided FREE monthly to Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne venues. Send your monthly calendar – the band name and date they’re appearing – address and contact phone number to EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM.

GWAR WITH GUESTS: BORN OF OSIRIS AND BATTLECROSS - Nov. 19, House of Blues,

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/MR. LESTER’S STEAKHOUSE

New Orleans, 7 p.m., $23

Josh Malagarie (Thursdays) 822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON;

UPTOWN : DOWNTOWN - LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MUSIC SHOWCASE - Nov. 19, House of Blues, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $5

MUSIQ SOULCHILD - Nov. 20, Xavier University

HOT TIX

TRUKUAZ PLUS GRAVY - Nov. 7, House

TICKETMASTER:

SKINNY PUPPY – DOWN THE SOCIOPATH TOUR PLUS YOUTH CODE - Nov. 8, House of

(868) 448-7849 or www.ticketmaster.com TICKETWEB:

(866) 468-7630 or www.ticketweb.com LIVE NATION:

(800) 745-3000 or www.livenation.com (Ticket prices include handling fees.)

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA - Nov. 1, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, various times, $50-$125

R. KELLY - Nov. 1, UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $45-$125

LAGWAGON PLUS RUNAWAY KIDS PLUS PEARS - Nov. 3, House of Blues,

of Blues, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $12

Center Theater, Baton Rouge, 7:30 p.m., $27.50-$47.50

ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD PLUS JEFFREY LEWIS & LOS BOLTS PLUS ROZWELL KID Nov. 9, House of Blues, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $15

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON - Nov. 10-11, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$179.50

DAMIEN RICE - Nov. 11, Civic Theatre,

EMERIL LAGASSE FOUNDATION’S BOUDIN, BOURBON & BEER - Nov. 13, Bold Sphere Music at Champion’s Square, New Orleans, 6 p.m., $99

MYTHBUSTERS: JAMIE AND ADAM UNLEASHED - Nov. 13, Saenger Theatre,

New Orleans, 7 p.m., $15

MARC BROUSSARD PLUS LANE MACK - Nov. 13, Varsity Theatre, Baton Rouge, 9 p.m., $16

Baton Rouge, 8 p.m., $12

SESAME STREET LIVE: MAKE A NEW FRIEND - Nov. 6, UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, various times, $15-$35

LIGHTS & THE MOWGLI’S - Nov. 6, House of Blues, New Orleans, 6:30 p.m., $22.50 TORI KELLY - Nov. 6, Civic Theatre, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $25

1964 THE TRIBUTE - Nov. 7, Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $19.50-$39.50

PUSCIFER - Nov. 7, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $42.50-$55.50

22 November 2015

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/PAVILLION

Theatre, Baton Rouge, 9 p.m., $17.50

822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON;

Cheap Trick (Nov. 28) 800-284-4386

THE AP TOUR FEATURING MAYDAY PARADE

822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON;

New Orleans, 8 p.m., $35-$125

WHISKEY MYERS - Nov. 5, Varsity Theatre,

COWBOY MOUTH WITH SPECIAL GUESTS WILL VANCE & THE KINFOLK - Nov. 20, Varsity

JOE BONAMASSA - Nov. 24, Saenger Theatre,

MADISEN WARD AND THE MAMA BEAR PLUS FIREKID - Nov. 5, House of Blues,

Nov. 5, House of Blues, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $30

800-284-4386

STRAIGHT NO CHASER: THE NEW OLD FASHIONED TOUR - Nov. 8, Baton Rouge River

DIANA KRALL - Nov. 12, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $59.50-$115.00

RAHEEM DEVAUGHN & LEELA JAMES PRESENT THE LOVE ’N SOUL EXPERIENCE -

822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON;

of Louisiana, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $25-$100

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/ROX

THE WILDERNESS POLITICS TOUR PRESENTED BY JOURNEYS - Nov. 4, House of

Nov. 4, House of Blues, New Orleans, 6:30 p.m., $19

Kip Sonnier (Thursday evenings)

- Nov. 22, House of Blues, New Orleans, 5 p.m., $25.50

New Orleans, 7 p.m., $40

MAX SOUNDS LIKE GIBBERISH TOUR WITH KENZIE NIMMO AND CALL ME KARIZMA -

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/LOCO

Blues, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $25

New Orleans, 7 p.m., $18

Blues, New Orleans, 6 p.m., $30

800-284-4386

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

BY CHIP DAVIS - Nov. 14, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $39.50-$89-50

THE DANDY WARHOLS - Nov. 14, The Joy Theatre, New Orleans, 9 p.m., $22-$97

FALLING IN REVERSE W/ ATTILA & METRO STATION & ASSUMING WE SURVIVE - Nov. 15, House of Blues, New Orleans, 4:30 p.m., $29.50

EMILY KINNEY - Nov. 16, Civic Theatre, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $17-$25

A SILENT FILM PLUS FLAGSHIP - Nov. 18, House of Blues, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $15

RANDY ROGERS BAND & WADE BROWN Nov. 18, Varsity Theatre, Baton Rouge, 9 p.m., $23

La Roxx (Nov.7); Jared Lane (Nov. 14); Keith Frank (Nov. 21); 5th Avenue (Nov. 28)

New Orleans, 8 p.m., $83-$129

800-284-4386

SHAKEY GRAVES - Nov. 24, Civic Theatre,

HIGH ROLLERS CASINO

New Orleans, 8 p.m., $20

FESTIVAL OF PRAISE - Nov. 25, UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m., $55-$65 BAYOU CLASSIC BATTLE OF THE BANDS - Nov. 27, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, 6 p.m., $20

The Boyz (Nov. 4); Rick Price (Nov. 11); Highway 315 (Nov. 15) 9730 E. MAIN ST., HOUMA; 985-872-5659

JESTER’S WALK Seabrook (Nov. 5); Highway 315 (Nov. 12); Pot 2 La (Nov. 19); Treater (Nov. 26) 5375 LA. HIGHWAY 308, MATHEWS; 985-532-5161

JEEZY - Nov. 27, House of Blues, New Orleans, 9 p.m., $65

JOLLY INN

AUSTRALIA’S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER

1507 BARROW ST., HOUMA; 985-872-6114

- Nov. 29, House of Blues, New Orleans, 6 p.m., $28

CONCERTS BAYOU DELIGHT Larry White (Nov. 6, 7, 27, 28); Hue Francis (Nov. 16, 17); Gene Callahan (Nov. 20, 21) 4038 BAYOU BLACK DRIVE, HOUMA; 985-876-4879

BAYOU TERREBONNE WATERLIFE MUSEUM Cajun Music (Every Tuesday) 7910 PARK AVE., HOUMA; 985-876-4879

One man bands (Thursdays); Cajun bands (Fridays and Sundays)

LA CASA DEL SOL Josh Garrett (Nov 6); Blue Label Trio (Nov. 13); Burning Kane (Nov. 20) 141 WESTOVER DRIVE, THIBODAUX; 985-446-2576

PIAZZA BAR/PEPPERS Steve Junot (Oct. 1, 15, 29) Back Roots (Oct. 2); Drunk Punch Ponies (Oct. 3); Kerry Thibodaux (Oct. 8) TBA (Oct. 9); Souled Out (Oct. 10); Bandit (Oct. 16); Blue Eyed Soul Revue (Oct. 17); Rick Price (Oct. 22); Sheaux Down (Oct. 23); Reaux Shambo (Oct. 24); Terry & the Fellas (Oct. 30); Flesh Carnival and Halloween party (Oct. 31) 541 CORPORATE DRIVE, HOUMA; 985-872-0006

BRICKHOUSE DJ Trashy (Nov. 7); Super Bob (Nov. 13); Smoke and House of Goats (Nov. 14); Hydrogen Child (Nov. 20); Jambalaya Cookoff (Nov. 21); 90 to Nothing (Nov. 27)

SILVERADO CLUB

7934 W. MAIN ST., HOUMA; 985-879-2453

847 BRULE GUILLIOT ROAD, THIBODAUX; 985-446-8289

CAJUN COUNTRY EVENT CENTER

SOUTHDOWN BAR & GRILL

Bayou Classics (Nov. 1); Pot 2 La (Nov. 8); Hwy 315 (Nov. 15); Royal Flush (Nov. 22); Rockin’ Oldies (Nov. 29)

216 MYSTIC BLVD., HOUMA; 985-876-7126

2639 LA. HIGHWAY 182, RACELAND; 985-537-2218

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/BOBCAT’S Various performers (Wed., Fri., Sat.) 822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON; 800-284-4386

Tet Dur (Nov. 3, 17, 21); Pot-2-LA (Nov. 7, 24); Pete & Sudi (Nov. 14); Hwy 315 (Nov. 10); Johnny Jay & Times Past (Nov. 28)

Pot-2-La (Nov 6); Southpaw (Nov. 7) Moss Point o .1 te e unot o . 1 rofile o . 2

VINO! Open jam (Nov. 3, 5, 10-12, 17-29, 24) The Fuzz Police tribute by Tab Benoit, Todd Adams, Steve Junot & Cory Duplechien (Nov. 4); Todd Adams (Nov. 6, 13, 20); Velvet Sky (Nov. 7); Bandit (Nov. 21); Category 6 (Nov. 25); Groovy 7 (Nov. 27) 656 CORPORATE DRIVE, HOUMA; 985-856-6664

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23

Arts

THIBODAUX PLAYHOUSE DEVELOPS ‘DRINKING HABITS’

T

he Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have one big secret up their sleeves, the crux of the whirlwind comedy, “Drinking Habits,” brought to the stage by Thibodaux Playhouse Nov. 6 -15.

The play follows Sisters Philomena (Adrienne Naquin-Bolton) and Sister Augusta (Ivanna Brooks) as they toil in the covert wine-making business with the help of convent groundskeeper, George (Chance Simoncelli). The years long “habit” has been paying the bills unbeknownst to Mother Superior (Daphne Hernandez).

Mother Superior has a bit more to be concerned about, however. A memo from Rome threatening convent shutdowns strikes panic in the nun, so much so that she begins to believe a spy is on the way to scope out the convent’s operations.

Before long, wind of the winemaking makes its way to the ears of journalists and former fiancées, Paul (Adam Reece) and Sally (Cheyenne Miller).

The duo, in an effort to bust the under-the-table business, goes under-

24 November 2015

cover to reveal the secrets behind the convent walls.

“The reporters are investigating an award-winning wine,” the play’s director Melanie Bird says of the duo’s mission. “They get sucked into a little undercover investigating, which results in some plot twists and turns.

In true comedic fashion, a new nun, Sister Mary Catherine (Emma Roger) arrives at the same time as the duo and Father Chenille (Mike Bellamy) suspects Paul is out to take his job, creating a case of mistaken identities and snooping that send the entire order into comedic chaos. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone gets wrapped up in what is sure to be a hilariously good time.

“It’s a lot of fun, it’s really funny and it’s a great night out,” she said.

Performances of “Drinking Habits” are scheduled for Nov. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. The show is co-directed by Seth Pontiff and Roger Hernandez, produced by Erica Annis and Alana Buquoi serves as stage manager.

•

BAYOU PLAYHOUSE JUGGLES ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’

B

ayou Playhouse is in need of actors who aren’t afraid of clowning around on stage … literally.

In true bayou style, director Perry Martin is offering his take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” which runs at the Lockport theatre Nov. 27 through Dec. 20. The cast, Martin said, will juggle, mime, clown around and play multiple characters.

The show is being staged in the classic style of Commedia dell’ Arte. This stylized version of old Italian comedy requires the cast have command of movement and comedy, and the ability to imagine, the director said.

Martin said rehearsals for this production will primarily be held in New Orleans.

All roles in the Bayou Playhouse production are paid.

If you meet the bill and would like to tryout, contact Martin at 504-236-1796 or email evangelineoaks@gmail.com.

And in the meantime, Martin said audiences of all ages will love the “play” in “A Christmas Carol.”

•

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’

WHEN: Nov. 27-Dec. 20 WHERE: Bayou Playhouse, Lockport INFO: bayouplayhouse.com

gumboguide.com

25

Arts

IN-LAWS, OUTLAWS & OTHER PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE SHOT

I

t’s Christmas Eve at the Douglas’ and company’s coming, like it or not.

“In-Laws, Outlaws & Other People Who Should Be Shot,” LePetit de Terrebonne Theatre’s latest offering, is destined to be a side-splitting way to ring in the holidays. The show runs Nov. 13-22, and tickets are $15.

The Douglases are one big, little-less-than-perfectly happy family.

There’s dad, Tom (Steve Crispino), Mrs. Douglas (Patty Foret Loupe), their daughter Beth (Carlie Hay). And then there are the relatives – redneck inlaws Bunny (Brittany Pellegrin) and Bud (Larry Hyatt), the couple’s daughter Tracy (Anna Gautreaux), the space invader Aunt Rose (Pat Hornsby Crochet) and her cantankerous husband Uncle Leo (George Beaudry).

And here’s where the real story begins. With the cops hot on their trail, Tony (Reggie Pontiff) and his dim-witted sidekick Vinny (Scott Courville) are looking for a hide-out. The pair just robbed the neighborhood liquor store.

The armed duo sneak their way into the Douglas home, only to find themselves in charge of an ever-growing group of wackos they are forced to hold hostage.

Add to the mix an irritating neighbor, Mrs. Draper (Gayle Walters-Barrios), the Wakowski clan – Paul (Malcolm Parfait), Emily (Abbigail Tuttle) and their mom (Kelly Burlette) and a cop, Officer Henley (Carroll “Cal” McKey III) and you’ve got a fun evening of entertainment.

Steve Franco wrote the hilarious

26 November 2015

script, which Greg Whitney directs.

Donna Benda and Frank Davis are the show’s co-producers.

“It’s a real fun show,” Whitney said.

“As big as the cast is, they’ve really jelled well together. I’m real happy to be working with them.”

Whitney said the large cast is com-

Wanna Go? IN-LAWS, OUTLAWS & OTHER PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE SHOT WHEN: Nov. 13-22 WHERE: LePetit Theatre

de Terrebonne COST: $15 INFO: 985-876-4278

or houmalittletheatre.com

prised of a blend of theatre rookies and veterans, ranging in age from 13 to, well, more than 13.

“It’s a funny Christmas play and our last show before Christmas,” Whitney said. “The title alone makes you laugh. I can’t wait for audiences to get a chance to see it. I think they’ll relate to the characters and enjoy a laugh or two in the meantime.”

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27

Arts

‘I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE’ D

irector Dianne Moss is gambling audiences will love off-Broadway’s second-longest running musical comedy, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”

Running on the Iberia Performing Arts League (IPAL) stage through Nov. 8, curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday night, and 3 p.m.

Sunday. Tickets are $15.

“They may run me out of town after this one,” Moss says, chuckling. “If so, well … I had a good run.”

A series of 20 vignettes, the show scales the dizzying spectrum of romance and its many forms: from dating to marriage, the agonies and triumphs of dealing with in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and the pick-up techniques of the geriatric set.

Authors Joe DiPietro (book and lyrics) and Jimmy Roberts (music) crafted the show, which tackles the truths and myths behind love. Act 1 explores dating, falling in love and taking the plunge into marriage, while Act II follows couples from welcoming the newborn to growing old.

Moss first saw the show in New York and immediately fell in love with it.

About seven years ago, she directed “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” in Iberville Parish. It took a little convincing because of the risqué script, but IPAL accepted the challenge and rehearsals got underway in Moss’ living room in August.

“Each little scene in itself is about something going on in the relationships between men and women and love,” Moss says. “In each scene, people will see something they can relate to.”

“I Love You …” is intended for mature audiences, and does come with a warning. Moss said those under age 17 must

28 November 2015

The cast of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is, from left, Kim Monroe, Clay Chauvin, Jill Stewart and Vincent Barras.

I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE

WHEN: Nov. 5-8 WHERE: Iberia Performing Arts League, 126 Iberia St., New Iberia INFO: 337-364-6114 or ipaltheater.com COST: $15 at eventbrite.com This show is for mature audiences due to adult situations, sexual innuendos and language.

be accompanied by an adult to be admitted.

That’s not to say it’s a bawdy show, the director stresses. “We’ve cleaned it up from the New York version,” she says. “We are pushing it a little bit, but it’s the nature of the relationships. It’s not vulgar, though. We gave it a light scrubbing, but we haven’t completely sanitized this thing.”

The relationships between the four characters – Vincent Barras, Clayton Chauvin, Kim Monroe and Jill Stewart – run the gamut, from funny and

infuriating to sweet and soft.

A unique touch, the show also features two keyboardists onstage. Adam Trouard plays piano and Rebecca LeBlanc plays the violin keyboard.

“This is a bit of a departure for IPAL, but I think audiences will be able to relate to the show,” Moss says. “It’s a gamble, but I can tell you our actors have had no problem with anything.

They’ve enjoyed every word, every scene, every action … they put it out there with gusto!”

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29

Arts

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS NOV. 14

“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for the past 30 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.

SAENGER THEATRE, 1111 CANAL ST., NEW ORLEANS, SAENGERNOLA.COM, 504-525-1052, ($39.50-$89.50)

NEW ORLEANS PLUS VACHERIE = GOOD TIMES WILL BE HAD NOV. 14

1964 THE TRIBUTE NOV. 7

“1964” recreates an early ’60s live Beatles concert, complete with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles and onstage banter.

MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER OF THE PERFORMING ARTS, 1419 BASIN ST., NEW ORLEANS; MAHALIAJACKSONTHEATER.COM; 504-287-0350 ($19.50-$39.50)

IN-LAWS, OUTLAWS AND OTHER PEOPLE THAT SHOULD BE SHOT

THEATER DRINKING HABITS NOV. 6-15

Nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and for er fianc es are hot on their trail. They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down.

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR. NOV. 6-8

When the young James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down an old fruit tree, he discovers a magical potion, which results in a tremendous peach and launches a journey of epic proportions.

JEFFERSON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 1118 CLEARVIEW PKWY, METAIRIE, JPAS.ORG, 504-885-2000 ($25$35)

NOV. 13-22

It is early evening and the Douglas family is busily preparing to be invaded by their quirky relatives for their annual Christmas Eve dinner. After robbing a neighborhood liquor store, Tony and his di - itted side ic inny find the sel es in need of a place to hide out. Using a ruse to gain entrance into the Douglas’ home, they suddenly find the sel es in charge of an e er-gro ing list of family members that they are forced to hold hostage.

LEPETIT THEATRE DE TERREBONNE, 7829 W. MAIN ST., HOUMA; HOUMALITTLETHEATRE.COM; 985-876-4278 ($15)

JEAN LAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AND PRESERVE WETLANDS ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER THE-

DIE FLEDERMAUS

ATRE, 314 ST. MARY ST., THIBODAUX; THIBODAUXPLAY-

NOV. 13 & 15

HOUSE.COM; 985-446-1986 ($18 ADULTS, $13 STUDENTS)

Irma Thomas stars in a biopic musical featuring her hit songs and the story of her life and career.

Filled with colorful polkas, drinking songs and waltzes, Die Fledermaus is a Viennese operetta masterpiece. It joins Prince Orlofsky’s masked ball where intrigue and romance are in the air, elaborate plots are uncorked, and, by dawn, all of the guests end up in jail. Luckily things are resol ed by the final chorus as all oin in song to honor champagne.

THE WIZARD OF OZ WITH ORCHESTRA NOV. 6 & 7

e enty-fi e years after its pre ier The i ard of Oz” and its iconic music are featured. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs the timeless soundtrack live as the full-length feature fil plays.

SIMPLY IRMA NOV. 6-8 &13-15

ANTHONY BEAN COMMUNITY THEATRE, 13333 S. CAR-

MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER OF THE PERFORMING ARTS,

THE ORPHEUM, 129 ROOSEVELT WAY, NEW ORLEANS;

ROLLTON AVE., NEW ORLEANS; ANTHONYBEANTHEATER.

1419 BASIN ST., NEW ORLEANS; MAHALIAJACKSONTHE-

LPOMUSIC.COM; 504-523-6530 ($20-$99)

COM; 504-862-7529 ($25)

ATER.COM; 504-287-0350 ($29.25-$201.25)

30 November 2015

The 3 Charmers – Becky Allen, Jodi Borrello and Allison Hotard – star in this witty, original, homegrown south Louisiana comedic event.

BAYOU PLAYHOUSE, 101 MAIN ST., LOCKPORT; BAYOUPLAYHOUSE.COM; 1-888-99-BAYOU (22968) ($25 IN ADVANCE; $27 AT THE DOOR)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL NOV. 27-DEC. 20

Perry Martin directs the unique musical version of the classic holiday story of Ebenezer Scrooge as sung, danced and juggled by The Halifax Theatre Company.

BAYOU PLAYHOUSE, 101 MAIN ST., LOCKPORT; BAYOUPLAYHOUSE.COM; 1-888-99-BAYOU (22968)

AUDITIONS JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR NOV. 14 & 15

Open cast auditions will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the Essanee Theatre in New Iberia. Actors, chorus members and crew are welcome to audition.

Minimum age for this large-scale musical is 16.

Contact Katherine Caffery at kcaffery@16jdc.org or 337-256-0604.

•

HAVE AN ITEM FOR GUMBO’S OCTOBER ISSUE? FORWARD THE DETAILS – who, what, when, where and cost, along with a daytime contact number – to: EDITOR@GUMBOGUIDE.COM.

gumboguide.com

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Arts

EXHIBIT CAPTURES STATE’S BEAUTY

M

uriel H. Madise stumbled upon her hidden talents later in life, but that hasn’t stopped the artist from capturing the beauty of Louisiana’s swamps.

“I got into painting in February 2011,” said Madise, a Morgan City resident who began dabbling with art at the age of 57. “I was trying to find out what my gifts are. My son is autistic and he’s been able to play the piano since he was 3 years old and I always watched him and thought about what I could do.”

She found painting relaxing, eventually focusing on flowers and landscapes.

The nature theme transpires on both canvas and in her photographs, another skill she has honed since receiving a camera from her husband as a Mother’s Day gift.

Although the artist starts each piece with a general sense of what will be created, Madise said she is often surprised by what appears when she steps back from the work.

32 November 2015

“The one that surprised me the most is ‘Vision Over Flat Lake,’” Madise said of the oil painting, which features a spirit peering out from swampy scenery. “I painted that one at 2:00 in the morning. I told my husband that I was tired of painting and eventually set it aside ... Two weeks later, I was standing at the back door and saw this face and I didn’t even know it was there. It appeared from a part I was trying to actually get rid of.”

The piece, part of Madise’s exhibit, which runs through Nov. 30 and is riddled with imagery of alligators, birds and the like, was the artist’s first sell and earned her the 2014 Samuel Fisher Merit Award in the “Oils” category. The award is named in honor of the late Morgan City artist and is handed out annually during the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival.

Her photos also reflect the artist’s knack for capturing other worldly spirits, her most awe-inspiring one to date

Wanna Go? LOUISIANA: BEAUTIFUL, WHIMSICAL, AND SOMETIMES MYSTERIOUS WHEN: Through Nov. 30 WHERE: ean afitte

ational Historical Park and Preserve Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center COST: FREE

captured near Lake Palourde. While photographing nesting seagulls, Madise captured a face reminiscent of her lake painting, a figure later revealed at the local photo store that looks like a woman from another era with long, wavy black hair watching over the area.

Although much of her life was spent working in as a secretary, Madise said she has always had a desire to use her creativity and only wishes she had pursued her passion sooner. In addition to painting and photography, she also holds several awards for the best Christmas lights in the Morgan City area. Madise said now that she has taken the step to put more of her work out there, she hopes to continue showing the public all that the beautiful bayou region has to offer.

“My grandmother used to tell me, ‘The swamp has a life of its own,’ she recalled. “I’m inclined to believe that now.”

•

Kid’s Page Dots & Boxes

Gobble Gobble!

Players take turns by drawing lines to connect two dots (Up & down and side by side. Never diagonal). A player that completes the fourth side of a square (a box) initials that box and must play again. When all boxes have been completed, the game ends and the player who has more initialed boxes wins.

Tic Tac Toe That’s what they call it ...

ENGLISH:

Turkey

SPANISH:

Pavo

ITALIAN:

Tacchino

FRENCH:

Dinde

GERMAN:

Truthahn

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Arts

VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE

AT THE LIBRARY

NOV. 11

TERREBONNE PARISH

Veterans can enjoy donuts and goody bags throughout the day while supplies last.

TODDLER STORY TIME

GOLDEN MEADOW BRANCH

EVERY MONDAY IN NOVEMBER

Local veterans are invited to enjoy coffee and pastries throughout the day.

This program is open for parents and children ages 19 months to 3 years.

MAIN BRANCH, 10 A.M. AND 6 P.M.

SOUTH LAFOURCHE BRANCH

Vets are invited to an annual Veterans Day breakfast. During breakfast, a choir will perform patriotic songs.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 9 A.M.

LILIANA HART NOV. 12

New York Times-bestselling author Liliana Hart will discuss her latest works. Hart is the author of the J.J. Graves mystery series.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 5 P.M.

WRITING WORKSHOP NOV. 17 AND 24

Get tips, ideas and inspiration from this two-part writing workshop, in honor of National Novel Writing Month. Be sure to sign up at the library first.

LOCKPORT BRANCH, 4 P.M.

BABYGARTEN STORY TIME EVERY TUESDAY IN NOVEMBER

This program is open to parents and children ages newborn to 18 months.

MAIN BRANCH, 10 A.M.

OIL PAINTING WITH GAIL LECOMPTE EVERY TUESDAY IN NOVEMBER

Registration is required, with a limited class size of 20. Paintings take a full month to complete.

DULARGE BRANCH, 10 A.M.

PEEK-A-BOO INFANT READING PROGRAM EVERY WEDNESDAY IN NOVEMBER

This program is open to parents and children ages newborn to 18 months.

EAST HOUMA BRANCH, 10 A.M.

BEGINNER’S CROCHET CLASS EVERY WEDNESDAY IN NOVEMBER

This 10-week series continues from October and is open for children ages 6 and up. Supplies will not be provided, so participants should bring the following items for classes: one No. H8 / 5.0 mm hook and one skein of No. 4 medium weight yarn in a light color. Registration is required.

NORTH BRANCH, 4 P.M.

SHELBY TOUPS NOV. 18

LAFOURCHE PARISH SMART911 FOR PARENTS NOV. 4

JESSICA TASTET NOV. 7

Meet local author Jessica Tastet, the author of “Muddy Grave,” “Muddy Bayou” and “Cara the Pirate: Mermaid Cove,” at a book signing.

Gary Foret with the Lafourche 911 call center will give a brief presentation on Smart911 for parents before story hour at 10:30 a.m.

LOCKPORT BRANCH, 1 P.M.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 10:30 A.M.

NOV. 10 AND 19

VETERANS DAY SOCIAL

Local author Patricia Powell will visit to present “Night Before Wishkas” and Christmas wishes.

NOV. 5

CHOCTAW BRANCH, NOV. 10, 5 P.M.

Local veterans and their families are invited to enjoy coffee and donuts at this early Veterans Day social.

LAROSE BRANCH, NOV. 19, 11 A.M.

RACELAND BRANCH, 2 P.M.

34 November 2015

PATRICIA POWELL

Local author Shelby Toups will join the “Cajun Frog” story hour.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 10:30 A.M.

DEALING WITH HOLIDAY STRESS

ESL “INGLES PARA HISPANOBLANTES” WORKSHOP EVERY WEDNESDAY IN NOVEMBER

This ESL program is for Spanish-speakers who wish to learn English or simply want to polish up their English.

NOV. 18

EAST HOUMA BRANCH, 6 P.M.

Counselor Jaret Hubbell will provide helpful tips for dealing with stress and anxiety during the holiday season.

DROP-IN PAINTING EVERY THURSDAY IN NOVEMBER

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 4:30 P.M.

Bring your own art supplies and join other art enthusiasts for a relaxing morning of painting.

LPSO CHILD ID PROGRAM

NORTH BRANCH, 9 A.M.

NOV. 23

arents can ha e their children s fingerprints taken and provided to them courtesy of the Lafourche arish heriff s ffice s Child progra .

LAROSE BRANCH, 1 - 4:30 P.M.

PEEK-A-BOO READERS STORY TIME

ORAL HISTORY SESSION

EVERY THURSDAY IN NOVEMBER

NOV. 9 AND 30

This program is open to parents and children ages newborn to 18 months.

Adults are welcome to discuss a new topic each time they meet. Share stories of your family, your history and your life. The topic for Nov. 9 will be grade school experiences and the topic for Nov. 30 will be Traiteurs.

NORTH BRANCH, 2 P.M.

COMPREHENSION-FOCUSED STORY TIME EVERY THURSDAY IN NOVEMBER

DULAC BRANCH, 1 P.M.

This after school progra is specifically designed for struggling readers from 1st to 4th grade.

INTRODUCTION TO EXCEL

DULAC BRANCH, 4 P.M.

THE DAY THE NORTH BRANCH LIBRARY JUMPED THE SHARK NOV. 28

Test yourself by trying to stay in your seat as we bring you “Sharknado 2: The Second One.” This fil is not rated and is only intended for an audience with a funny bone. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be served.

NORTH BRANCH, 2:30 P.M.

NOV. 9

Learn to make spreadsheets, charts and graphs in this adult computer class.

HOW TO DRAW MANGA

MAIN BRANCH, 7 P.M.

Learn to draw manga and anime characters in this hour-long class headed by illustrator Alexis Richard. We will cover the basic skills needed to draw the characters in any style, as well as different ways to draw some of the most distinguishing features of manga art.

NOV. 28

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKETRY EVERY FRIDAY IN NOVEMBER

Explore Native American culture by learning this traditional craft. Be sure to bring a large bath towel.

DULAC BRANCH, 11 A.M.

DATABASE TUTORIAL FOR RESEARCH PAPERS NOV. 10 AND 24

Learn to utilize online research databases such as Access on Demand, Britannica eBooks and World Book eBooks before that big paper is due.

MAIN BRANCH, 3 P.M.

•

DULAC BRANCH, 4:30 P.M.

WRITERS UNITE! CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP FOR TEENS NOV. 12

Learn alongside other teens the art and technique of creative writing. This hour-long program will emphasize literary craft as well as the dedicated practice of peer review and revision.

MAIN BRANCH, 6:30 P.M.

MOVIE MONDAYS NOV. 2

Teens are welcome to an afternoon viewing of “Divergent” (2014).

NORTH BRANCH, 2:30 P.M.

#FBF MOVIES NOV. 13

Celebrate lashbac ridays and find out ho “Bohemian Rhapsody” got so popular with “Wayne’s World” (1992).

NORTH BRANCH, 2:30 P.M.

CRAFTERNOONS

YOU SHOULD BE WRITING: CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS NOV. 18

Ever thought “I can write better than this,” while reading a book, watching a movie or digging around online? Then you should be writing! This workshop aims to get you writing with exercises and peer discussion rather than critiques.

Attendees must be 18 or older and come ready to write.

MAIN BRANCH, 7 P.M.

ACT PREP WITH PRINCETON REVIEW

NOV. 5 AND 12

NOV. 21

Open to children from pre-K to 6th grade. Make paper pumpkins on Nov. 5 and turkey headbands on Nov. 12. Registration is required.

Learn studying skills and take an ACT practice test to prepare yourself for the real deal. Registration is required; call 985-876-5861, Option 2, to sign up.

MAIN BRANCH, 4 P.M.

MAIN BRANCH, 9 A.M.

FAMILY STORY TIME NOV. 7 AND 21

This is for families who work or cannot make it to weekday story times.

MAIN BRANCH, 3 P.M.

HISPANIC FAMILY FILM FAMILY MOVIE NOV. 14

Join us at the North Branch for an afternoon viewing of “Cinderella” (2015).

NORTH BRANCH, 2 P.M.

NOV. 28

Families are invited to a viewing of “Le Leyenda de Las Momias,” (“The Legend of the Mummies”), an animated horror-adventure-comedy set in Guanajuato, Mexico.

EAST HOUMA BRANCH, 10 A.M.

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Arts NEW ON DVD – JOHN DESANTIS

VELOCIRATORS, INDOMINI AND BEARS, OH MY JURASSIC WORLD WORTH A VIEW

T

here is a perverse comfort in spending time viewing a film whose setting is well-known, where the good guys and the bad guys are easy to identify, and where you somehow know after a wee bit of time how all might go in the end.

Jurassic World, director Colin Trevorrow’s attempt at Jurassic Park resurrection, is just such a film.

The theme of Michael Chrichton’s novel, which was adapted into Steven Spielberg’s original Jurassic Park, is unassailably classic. Man messes with nature, nature fights back, man learns that he shouldn’t mess with nature, is traceable in some degree to Genesis.

In this incarnation of the ersatz franchise Jurassic Park, a prehistoric Disneyland on steroids, is resurrected (bad idea) after tragedy that the viewer is likely familiar with.

The new park, Jurassic World – and therefore the movie that tells its tale – not only repeats the premise that brought the original bad idea into the world, but compounds the sin with a specific and risky genetic engineering feat.

The genetically engineered killing machine that is the animatronic star of the show is far more scary than a mere velociraptor or a brace of them, a point that becomes well-proven.

The film opens with introduction to Zach and Gray Mitchell, who are off to the island for a special vacation and time with their aunt, who is its marketing chief. The boys, played by Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins, respectively, are somewhat two-dimensional, but in a movie like this not

36 November 2015

much more can or should be expected. The teens give believable (within the context) portrayals, and so do precisely what might be expected.

Bryce Dallas Howard plays the aunt, Claire, who figures prominently in events to come and is a perfect foil to male lead Chris Pratt, the hero, Owen Grady. You’ll remember him particularly from Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as other Hollywood appearances. He is just charismatic enough to make us want to see him succeed, not only for his benefit but because we care about the other human characters.

Vincent D’Onofrio successfully sheds his Law & Order persona as Vic Hoskins, the head of security for the park, and turns in a performance that does not distract from the story nor detract from it overall.

Indominus is the name of the runaway reptile who wreaks havoc, with little Godzilla or Mothra-like camp.

This dinosaur is all business.

The special effects are not lost in translation from big to small screen.

Its human performances are compelling enough to keep one from rooting for the dinosaur, despite its obvious appeal.

One of the dinosaur “cast” in particular – you’ll have to watch the film to find out which and why, no spoilers here – easily draws attention and a sense of pathos.

Jurassic World does precisely what this sort of movie should do, which is to allow an escape from hum-drum reality into a set of events that makes one wish for the hum-drum to return.

•

Arts

EVERYONE HAS A STORY TO TELL

I

t’s been said that everyone has a good story in them, and the Terrebonne Parish Library System is testing the theory.

The library is participating in the National Novel Writing Month. The North Branch Library is the designated “Come Write In” spot, with allotted times and areas for those wishing to write.

National Novel Writing Month, a non-profit organization since 2005 and global initiative since 1999, promotes the art of creative writing throughout the month of November. Those who participate are encouraged to write 50,000 words – roughly the word count of an average novel – throughout the month. Focusing on process and deadline, the goal of National Novel Writing Month is for writers to have a finished novel drafted by Nov. 30.

At the North Branch Library, those

wishing to participate have ample space and time to do so. Through the month’s end, participants can use the computer lab and quiet library spaces designated as “writers’ labs” to write. These areas will be made available Sundays from 2-5 p.m., and Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 4-8 p.m. Coffee will be provided to novel writers.

Every Thursday night from 6-8 p.m., participants can join in the NaNoWriMo Support Group. This group will meet to encourage others who are writing 50,000 words, have work reviewed, share experiences, and collaborate on ideas and novel development.

The group serves as a great networking opportunity, as well as a great peer-topeer review system.

Those interested can pick up registration and prep-work packets at the North Branch Library circulation desk.

•

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL LAUREN AT 985-850-5301 WITH QUESTIONS. gumboguide.com

37

Arts FOR THE GAMERS – CASEY GISCLAIR

FOR YOUR BRAIN

NBA 2K16 MIGHT BE THE BEST YET The objective of sudoku is to enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, in such a way that each horizontal row, vertical column, and subgrid or region contains each digit exactly once.

CLUES DOWN

S

ports fans love basketball. Gamers love the 2K video game series.

Marry the two and you get poundfor-pound the best sports video game that there is – year-in and year-out.

NBA 2K16 was released in late September – a date that is circled annually on the calendars of video game-loving basketball fanatics who are anxious to get their fix.

I was craving that sweet, savory 2K action in mid-October when I scooped up the title online with an Amazon discount card I picked up from doing an online survey.

The survey took 90 minutes to complete, but it was worth it because this game will take hours of my time.

It’s incredible.

Anyone who loves basketball will immediately fall in love with 2K16’s graphic engine. The player’s movements, tendencies and characteristics are

38 November 2015

absolutely spot-on. Playing the game feels like playing actual basketball. The intelligence of the computer-controlled players is insane. Long gone are the days of “cheesing” opponents and passing the ball through opponents.

Cheesing is a video game geek term for outsmarting a video game and using it to do unrealistic things while playing – things that would never actually happen in a real sport.

None of that exists in 2K16. You either play well or lose. There’s no in between.

If you don’t like to actually play the games, but are more a simulation fanatic, 2K has that, too, owning the best multi-season simulation setup that there is.

Simply put, it’s the best game out there for sports fans.

That’s not a surprise. It’s been that for years.

•

CLUES ACROSS 1. Owed 7. Shawl 13. Slow tempo 14. Bodily structure 16. Sun-god 17. Franklin or Eleanor 19. Degree 20. Norwegian poet 22. Local school organization 23. Consumer 25. Brews 26. Hero 28. To clear or tidy 29. 9th month 30. Hit lightly 31. Pinna

33. DoD computer language 34. One Direction won at 2014 awards 36. No. Am. peat bog 38. Clear wrap 40. Napped leather 41. In a way, takes 43. Transported 44. Back muscle 45. Unhappy 47. Wrong 48. Chit 51. Epic poem 53. Capuchin genus 55. ____traz: The Rock 56. Weight unit

58. Foot (Latin) 59. Egg-shaped nut palm 60. A radioactive element 61. Roosevelt V.P. 64. Railroad track 65. More dense, less liquid 67. Block, Fire & Reunion 69. A set that is part of another set 70. Hair product

1. Ineffective 2. 39th state 3. Skins 4. In a moment 5. Japanese Prime Minister Hirobumi 6. Tyrant 7. A cruelly rapacious person 8. Point midway between NE and E 9. Abnormal breathing 10. Essential oil or perfume obtained fro flo ers 11. Italian river 12. i ed fir ly into 13. Opera songs 15. Cloth measurement 18. 7th Greek letter 21. Extractor 24. For boiling water to make tea 26. Possesses 27. Edible tuberous root 30. Glass window sheets 32. Tactics 35. More (Spanish) 37. Our star 38. Makes a choice 39. Great Plains indians 42. Baglike structure in a plant or animal 43. Female sibling 46. Diverge 47. Adherent of Islam 49. Defer 50. Semitic gods 52. Indian term of respect 54. 10 decibels 55. Surface regions 57. Small amounts 59. Liberal rights organization 62. Teeny 63. Volcanic mountain in Japan 66. Atomic #71 68. Canadian province

Gumbo guru

COPELANDS A HIT FOR QUICK LUNCHES

T

he email notification promised “Lightening Lunch: 15 minutes or less or item is FREE.” Copelands of New Orleans had me at lunch.

A longtime favorite for brunch and dinner, Copelands is the perfect alternative for business meetings or gatherings in search of a white tablecloth experience.

The diverse menu and luscious desserts – cleverly displayed near the restaurant’s entryway – will

please virtually any palate. And the upscale motif – deep wooden partitions, soft lighting and multi-level dining room – and southern hospitality make Copelands a great fine dining experience.

On this particular visit, my guest and I were immediately seated. Our waitress quickly took our drink orders and offered to guide us through the new menu.

To begin the meal, we shared the Spicy Crawfish Cheese Fries

($9.99). An ample plate of thick garlic butter fries covered with crawfish gravy, spicy pimento cheese, melted mozzarella and green onions, the dish is a really messy, cheesy, gooey comfort food. The spice is enough to add to the enjoyment of the appetizer, but is not overbearing. Be warned: the appetizer is way larger than the lunch entrée, so either plan to share it with several guests or be prepared to leave with a go-box. We opted on the latter.

For lunch, my guest ordered the Tomato Basil Chicken ($8.29), while I enjoyed Copelands’ traditional Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage ($6.99).

The grilled chicken dish is served over angel hair pasta, tossed with plum tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil and a touch of garlic butter and parmesan cheese.

Best described as a fresh, bright, simple meal, the basil was the real star of the dish, according to my guest. More chicken would have really made the meal, though.

As for my lunch, no one cooks beans and sausage better than Copelands.

Thick and creamy with a slice of the perfectly grilled Andouille, each bite leaves you wanting more. Add the fluffy, tasty biscuit and you’ve got a winner.

For dessert, we shared a slice of Chocolate Fudge Brownie Cheesecake ($7.99). It consists of a decadent slice of

Wanna Go? COPELANDS

1534 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houma 985-873-9600 www.copelandsofneworleans.com HOURS: Monday-Thursday,

11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

CUISINE: American traditional, Cajun/Creole

creamy, Creole-style cheesecake on a pecan crust, the cake was drizzled with a rich chocolate sauce and sprinkled with brownie crumbs then topped with whipped cream. The variety of textures and sweet/tart combo of the cheesecake is a dessert lover’s dream. An enjoyable end to the meal, dessert is best shared … otherwise plan to leave with a tummy ache.

Copelands’ new fall menu promises more Creole favorites, including duck, Andouille and shrimp gumbo.

And we promise to return soon to test them all.

•

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