The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is. The New Orleans Museum of Art

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1 Movie Review: Inside Job under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM Sony Pictures Inside Job is one of those documentaries, that after viewing, leaves you dumbstruck with a mixture of emotions ranging from anger to utter disbelief. This is one film that should be mandatory viewing in every school. Academy Award nominated filmmaker Charles Ferguson brings us the first film that exposes the shocking truth behind the economic crises of The global financial meltdown, at a cost of over 20 trillion dollars, resulted in millions of people losing their homes and their lives and this movie tells you how it happened. Inside Job was an official selection of the 2010 Cannes, Toronto International, Telluride and New York Film Festivals. As producer, writer and director of Inside Job, Ferguson has done a brilliant job of exposing a rogue industry that has corrosive relationships which has corrupted politics, academia and regulation. I was fully enthralled by Ferguson s film, as he takes you carefully and with methodical precision on how the crises started, it s causes and the global effect it has had on the world. Through extensive research and interviews with financial insiders, politicians, and journalists, all the key elements are displayed beautifully giving an accurate timeline of the crises and a thorough identification of all the key players. No stone is left unturned in this searing account of the cause of the economic crises. From politicians, billionaires and global leaders to a psychotherapist and a notorious madam, Ferguson produces a wide range of experts and players in the financial industry. The film is narrated by Academy Award winner Matt Damon. Charles Ferguson, the founder of Representational Pictures, is a filmmaker, writer and political scientist. His first film, No End In Sight: The American Occupation in Iraq, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007 wining their Special Jury Prize. It also was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary. I cannot urge people enough to see this film, it is an important wake up call for Americans. It s insightful view into the financial industry and its corruption. LGBT activist and political leader Barney Frank is also interviewed. He is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees the entire financial services industry including the securities, insurance, banking, and housing industries. This is definitely a large box of popcorn movie, although you may not be able to stomach it after viewing the blatant disregard of ethics brought to light in this film. Movie Review: Tamara Drewe Reach the Market NEXT EDITION Holiday Shopping Guide Deadline Nov. 30th marsha@ripandmarsha.com This month has been exceptionally crazy so unfortunately I have not had a chance to finish reading any novels, but I was able to fit another movie into my schedule. So lets talk about Tamara Drewe, a Sony Classics release by Stephen Frears and based on the graphic novel by Posy Simmonds. The story takes place in the English countryside, right outside the quaint village of Ewedown. Famous crime novelist Nicholas Hardiment, played pompously by the wonderful actor Roger Allam, runs Stonefield Farms with his wife Beth. The farm has been turned into a writers retreat through the hard work of Beth and gardener and handyman Andy Cobb. Cobb is played by the deliciously handsome Luke Evans who played Apollo in the Clash of the Titans remake. Cobb s family fell upon hard times and sold their neighboring farm Winnards to the wealthy Drewe family as their summer estate. As teenagers, he was romantically involved with the Drewe s daughter. Now, he and Beth slave tirelessly keeping Stonefield running while Nicholas churns out best sellers and has numerous affairs with younger women. Adding to the complications is American writer Glen portrayed by Bill Camp, who is at the retreat to help his severe case of writer s block and who has fallen in love with Beth. Then like a comet, Tamara Drewe enters the scene. She has returned from London after her mother s death to fix up the family home. She is now a celebrity columnist who chronicled her recent plastic surgery. She is barely recognized by the locals since this surgery and the refinement of her nose which was large and beaklike. Gemma Arterton, who was cast opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in The Prince of Persia, has taken the role and made it her own. Rounding out the cast of characters in this romance comedy is Tamara s rock star boyfriend Ben (Dominic Cooper), a local barmaid who occasionally sleeps with Andy, and two schoolgirls with a penchant for trouble. What ensues is a mixed bag of romantic and sexual dalliances among the cast. Tamara Drewe is a fun film, but ultimately does not add anything new to the genre. If you want lighthearted escapism, it succeeds on that level and the ending is very predictable. Among the other film s shortcomings is the plotline slowed in some places, but in the end it is the cast that saves this picture from being just another British romantic comedy. I recommend seeing this picture with a medium size popcorn, Luke Evans and the smoldering Dominic Cooper as rock star Ben make it worth the price of admission. It s a Snow Day The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is hosting the opening night performance of Running With Scissors newest parody just in time for the holidays, Snow Girls. Come celebrate the start of the holiday season with the Krewe of Satyricon on Friday, December 3 at 8pm at Southern Rep Theatre. All your RWS favorites such as Kyle Daigrepont, Bob Edes, Armando Leduc, Jack Long, Dorian Rush, Lisa Picone and the amazing Brian Peterson are back once again to make your holidays just a little bit gayer. Snow Girls is a take off of the soterrible-it s-fabulous movie Show Girls. The story follows a brave, ambitious woman on her quest for fame, fortune, and an igloo to call her own. Watch as the heroine Nomey braves ice floes, polar bears and Elvis impersonators on her way to the shimmery North Pole. But the Big City is not all what it is cracked up to be, as it is littered with wannabe stars craving the warm glow of those Northern lights. From creepy gingerbread men to wisecracking reindeer, this play has it all. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets, call Southern Rep is located at the Shops At Canal Place on the third floor. NOMA: 100 Years in the Making The New Orleans Museum of Art on November 13 began the celebration of their centennial with unveiling their new exhibit at the Odyssey Ball, their largest fundraiser. Great Collectors/Great Donors: The Making of the New Orleans Museum of Art, will run through January 23, The Odyssey Ball was just an incredible evening of wonderful cuisine provided by the Ralph Brennan restaurants, great dance music, incredible décor, a one of a kind auction and of course, world renowned art. As guests entered the entire length of trees along Diboll was lit up in pink lights as was the front façade of the building. Once inside, the entire Great Hall illuminated pink. With inspired and artistic floral arrangements and décor, the night was turned into a special evening honoring those who have made NOMA the cultural jewel it is today. The special exhibition has been organized to examine the pivotal role played by private collectors in not only the growth of the permanent collection, but in creating its essential character by supporting specific areas of world art. Needless to say, hundreds of people have generously donated artworks to the Museum over the years. Great Collectors/Great Donors: The Making of the New Orleans Museum of Art, focuses on just twenty-seven of these individuals or couples who have played a transformative role in setting new directions for the future growth of the collection. During the past century, NOMA s great collectors, together with hundreds of other donors, have built a fabulous art collection for the citizens of New Orleans. The exhibit gratefully salutes these donors foresight and generosity. The museum is open five days a week, Wednesday, 12pm to 8pm and Thursday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Louisiana residents get in free on Wednesdays. For more information, go to or call Sunday Successes On Sunday, November 14, I was able to attend two wonderful events that were lots of fun and very winning fundraisers for all involved. The first was the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon s Holiday Auction and show at the Old New Orleans Jazz Hall. If you were not there then you missed an incredible afternoon of amazing food, a fabulous silent auction of wreaths, holiday décor and gift baskets, hot men and a drag show that was beyond words. I was lucky enough to emcee this event with the Hostess with the Most Stephen Rizzo, who just looked absolutely divine in his afternoon outfit. Entertainers included Deja Déjà Vu (who also donated some beautiful holiday displays for the auction), Queen Amon-Ra Countess C. Alice, Queen Petronius Natasha, Queen Petronius-Elect Bootsie Deville, Princesse Stephaney and King Cake Queen Opal Masters all doing holiday numbers to get everyone in the spirit of the holidays. Richie Rich kept things lively as the DJ. For more information on Satyricon and its events go to mystickreweofsatyricon.com or call As Captain of Satyricon, I along with the entire krewe offer our heartfelt thanks to all the people and other krewes that came out in support of our fundraiser. This was probably our largest fundraiser yet and it is all because of your generosity. Another thank you goes out to Scott Graves who donated many ornaments to our event for the auction. The second event of the day was Craftin and Cocktails with the Countess, the second fundraiser to help Odyssey House s Women and Children s Program. It was held at JohnPaul s and was another huge success for Countess C. Alice. Guests were able to decorate their own gingerbread men while they dined on fabulous food supplied by Odyssey House s own catering department. There was another fabulous show with some very special ladies of New Orleans. For more information on Odyssey House and its programs, go to Out of the Frame and Off the Wall Out of the Frame and Off the Wall is the theme this year for Art Against AIDS being held at Canal Place on Saturday, December 11. This year s event holds many new special features that will heat up your holiday season. It is presented by the John Burton Harter Charitable Remainder Trust. The 24 th annual holiday gala features some of New Orleans finest art, entertainment and cuisine from some of the best restaurants in town. There is also a marvelous retail area featuring ornaments [continued on 18] 16 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Nov.. 23-Dec. 6, 2010 Official ficial Gay Mardi di Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM

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3 under the gaydar...from 16 made by children from surrounding schools. New this year in the retail area will be the hot New Orleans Fire Fighters selling and signing their calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the calendar goes to the Task Force. Also, the fabulous ladies form the Tales of the Cocktail will be on hand this year selling some of their merchandise such as glassware, tee shirts, bar supplies and such. As with the calendars, a portion of these sales will go back to the Task Force. There will be an exciting DJ this year spinning some of the hottest dance and holiday music. Adding to the festivities, featured entertainer Josh Duffy from Logo will make an appearance and sing some hits off his new CD. He will also have his CD for sale in the retail area and will sign them afterwards. From the incredible art to the free flowing libations, this is one party not to be missed. The Patron Party starts at 7:30pm with the gala and auction following from 8:30pm to midnight. Tickets start at $50. For tickets or more information, call the NO/AIDS Task Force at , ext or go to noaidstaskforce.org. Man Up For the Holidays The holiday shopping season is once again upon us and I have just the item to give that special man in your life. Uniquely Male is a masculine line men s accessories. This collection exudes confidence, sexiness and is definitely all male. All their jewelry is made from 100% stainless steel and you can choose from several different designs such as the tribal blade, the pyramid key, the tribal block, the double take and my favorite, the titan. All these items are on sale for the holidays and make that perfect gift for that special man on your list. And, if there is not a special someone on your list, I am a huge fan of giving myself gifts during this season. To find out more information or to buy one of the hot necklaces, go to uniquelymale.com. Bouvier Bounces Back with a Brand New Show Jeff Mallon, show director for FourPlay at JohnPaul s, sheds his alter ego Elizabeth Bouvier in December for Big Bell Productions presentation of the Southern premier of After Dark. This autobiographical play written by Steve Kluger, is a romantic comedy of two gay men finding, losing and possibly reclaiming the great love of their lives. This two character play features Mallon who plays angst filled attorney Ryan opposite Trenton Perez, cast as wild boy Craig. This two-act play explores the love and friendship between these two men with humorous banter, witty repartee and emotion filled dialog. After Dark is directed by William Powell and runs December 8-11 and December at the Shadowbox Theatre located at 2400 St. Claude Avenue. All performances begin at 7pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For tickets, Trenton Perez & Jeff Mallon in After Dark Hay, Girl! Irecently did something so much fun that I had to let Ambush readers know about it so that they can attend it when it comes around again. The Marigny bars got together on Saturday, November 6 and did an old-fashioned hayride through the streets of the Faubourg Marigny. The event started at Kajun's Pub, who graciously supplied the wagon and truck for the event. About twenty of us boarded a hay covered wagon filled with beer, graciously donated for the event by JohnPaul s. We slowly toured the historic Marigny neighborhood to our first stop, Cutter s, where co-owner Jimmy made an amazing spaghetti dish. After a few cocktails and a quick roll in the hay with one of the regulars, I was off once again. We circled the crowded Bywater Mirliton Festival on our way to the next destination which was the Friendly Bar, where Marty and Koo had some incredible treats in store for us. Along the way, the merry revelers aboard the wagon picked up people and shouted "Hay" to the passersby. Some people actually thought we were throwing beads instead of hay and tried catching it. When we arrived at our final location, JohnPaul s, everyone was pretty liquored up and the entire event turned into a dance party. So the Marigny bars do this event twice annually, so keep an eye out for this event and jump on the bandwagon (or more like hay wagon). I can guarantee you will have a blast, and possibly a roll in the hay with someone cute. Varla Jean and the Mushroom Heads: The Movie If you have been seeing film crews all around town, it is because New Orleans major celebrity has been making a movie entitled Varla Jean and the Mushroom Heads. If you remember a few years ago, this play debuted at the Thanksgiving Now the ex- Deadline: Tuesday, November 16 wonderful Le Chat Noir. tremely talented Varla Jean Merman is bringing the show to the big screen and I got an opportunity to be in a crowd scene. We had a grueling day on the set at Le Chat Noir one Thursday morning portray- ing an audience of gay gentlemen watching a Varla show. Talk about typecasting. There was a bevy of other local entertainers who were part of a stage scene with Brian Peterson. Tami Tarmac, Coca, Maybelline Mascara,Princesse Stephaney were just a few on hand. Actually there was nothing hard about working on this film. It was an absolute pleasure being part of a scene and I thoroughly enjoyed the morning of filming. So keep an eye out for this movie coming to theatres soon. If you want to find out more about Varla and her new movie as well as all of her tour dates and upcoming shows, go to There is also a place where you can make tax free contributions of the making of Varla Jean s new movie. I wonder if you will be given producer credits. A Stritch Cornered What the hell are you doing here? I said flabbergasted as I stood in front of room 312 at the Hilton. Elizabeth Bouvier and I had trailed a suspect in the possible blackmail of Elaine Stritch, I mean Cathy Fox, to this room. The suspect, one Vespa Vic, was a male for hire to wealthy older women, and after leaving this room we lost him outside in the crowd, so we decided to find out who he was seeing. When the person opened the door shock had set in. What am I doing here, what are you doing here, Cathy Fox said as she stood in the doorway in a plush white bathrobe, high heels, and a cigarette in her hand. You are not room service. No sister, we are not, move aside, said Elizabeth as she pushed her way into the room and went straight to the mini bar. She opened it up selected a mini bottle of vodka, downed it then retrieved another one. Look Bouvier, those drinks are not cheap. Can it lady, do not poor mouth me, if you have enough money to ride on Vespa s little scooter, then you can shell out for a mini bar drink, if you know what I mean. Cathy, what are you doing here with Vespa, he could be the one blackmailing you? No, not Vespa, we are in love, it can t be him. It has to be one of the others. Vic and I are going to be married, you just wait and see. He loves me for my talent and my essence. Well I see he left some of his essence on these sheets, Elizabeth said. I do not think there is enough detergent in the world to get rid of those stains. I think they may have to be burned. She downed another mini bottle of vodka and grabbed a beer. [continued on 23] "Elaine Stritch, I mean Cathy Fox..." ---Tony Leggio marsha@ripandmarsha.com 18 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Nov.. 23-Dec. 6, 2010 Official ficial Gay Mardi di Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM

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5 20 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Nov.. 23-Dec. 6, 2010 Official ficial Gay Mardi di Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM