GayNewOrleans.COM GayEasterParade.COM February 17-March 2, 2009 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM 11

Transcription

1 GayNewOrleans.COM GayEasterParade.COM February 17-March 2, 2009 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM 11

2 Power? the pink pastor...from 8 sappho psalm by Toni J.P. Pizanie Psalmwrite@aol.com Ihave been accused of the misuse of power. I don t believe that I have any power unless it is over my precious Freddie or me. I can dictate when Freddie goes outside, when he eats, where he sleeps but if I misuse my power, he ll just pee in the house or bark until he gets his way. As for me, power is self-discipline. That s a good trait. These days it includes taking my meds on time and bed rest when I want to be up and out running the streets. Having a heart attack isn t something to be frivolous about; neither are the several ulcers brought on by not using self-discipline. When I started writing for Ambush, Rip warned me not to take feedback too seriously. People will accuse you of having power that you don t have, he said. And so it is with the last issue of Ambush where I was accused in the letters to the editor of causing the resignation of four Community Center board members. To use anything I have written in the last two issues as grounds for quitting is ludicrous. If these people wanted to do their jobs and take responsibility for their actions, there is nothing I could say that would make them leave the Center. It sounds to me like they were not fully committed to the projects they gave their word to complete. In a conversation with Board Chair Crystal Little, I learned that the board did not agree with the letter. If that is so, why didn t they write saying that the attitude expressed was not shared by the board. As I understand it, the board had a copy of the letter. I, however, was not sent a copy. Doesn t that speak volumes? And all this comes at a time when the real workers are doing so much to make the Center a success. They now have enough in the general fund to run the Center for several months. There are events planned and January was a very busy month. I don t know many of the Center board members but the ones I know Crystal, Julia, Alan, Lynn and Roberts are dedicated and hard working. I am hoping that in the future many of you with experience and the desire to help will come forward and volunteer your services. One volunteer who has caught my eye is Hector. I enjoyed listening to his ideas and hope that he will run for the Board. Ked is also a person of great interest. She is an intern from NO/AIDS who works with the Center and has the drive and knowledge to help turn energy into neighborhood that said God thinks you re Faaaaabluous! Cheesey as this may be, it signalled to me that this was a safe place, that I did not have to be concerned that the most tender and vital part of me my soul would be exposed to the icy wind of hatred and ignorance. I pray that The Big Easy MCC can provide as much for the folks here in New Orleans. action. As I have said for the last two issues, the Center does have a future. There is renewed hope for a stronger board with a more positive attitude. It s nice to know that the power I don t have has made a difference. 5 Continents Before the blame letter arrived at Ambush, writing about 5 Continents Bed and Breakfast was slated for this issue. This lovely home is owned and operated by Jesse Beaty. I met Jesse at Christ the Liberator Church about Jesse is a handsome man with the qualities of a gentleman. He was in the process of purchasing and renovating the property located at 1731 Esplanade Avenue for the purpose of opening a bed and breakfast. My first look at the home was during an Easter season when he opened the house to the church for services and Lenten meetings. Since Jesse s first love was travel, he has lived or visited five of the seven continents. It was his desire to have the b and b reflect his vast travels and experiences. His home is located six blocks from the French Quarter on the avenue to the race track at the Fairgrounds where World famous New Orleans Jazz Festival is held each spring. It is perfectly located for a memorable visit to the Big Easy. The house is a two story Greek Revival Mansion with the original carriage house and overseer s cottage. Jean Francis Del Corral-Monent built the home in the late 1880 s. Architectural features include the 14 foot cove ceilings that lead to a delicate plaster shell and fleur-de-lis motif. Both the ladies and gentlemen s parlors contain original ceiling medallions and gasolier crystal chandeliers. Eight fireplaces with original mantles and ceramic tile hearths set into hard wood floors are set throughout the house. Guests are accommodated in two room suites upstairs in the main house or in the cottage surrounded by a garden area. Each suite is named for a different continent Europe, Asia, Eurasia and North America. The suites are decorated with artwork from the continent they represent and are furnished with an eclectic collection of antiques and reproduction pieces. The polished hardwood floors in the main house are dressed with oriental rugs. The colors used in draperies, pillows, bedspreads, and wall covers is opulent and exciting. Jesse is a gourmet cook who loves researching new recipes in his vast kitchen. A hot breakfast is served in the formal dining room. It is a two course event beginning with fresh seasonal fruit, yogurt, coffee (freshly brewed, of course) and a selection of fine teas and juices. The entrée is truly a treat for the palate. Some of the selections are smoked salmon scrambles with hot buttery biscuits, buckwheat and pecan waffles with maple sausage links, Louisiana shrimp Benedict, baked pear French toast with hickory smoked bacon or an omelet to order. 5 Continents is perfect for the weekend get away or for your friends visiting from out of town. The front parlor is also perfect for a commitment ceremony or wedding. The wedding suite or European suite will fill your senses with happy memories. My favorite season at 5 Continents is Christmas when Jesse turns the house and budget over to Ray Bates to dress the house for this happy season. The Ladies Parlor held a twelve foot tall Christmas tree with antique ornaments and a ribbon that ran from the angel on top to the floor below. The mantel was covered in an asymmetrical design of silver, gold, white and crystal decorations which were a joy to the eye. Every angle was exquisitely overdone. The Gentlemen s Parlor was filled with dozens of nutcrackers of various sizes that covered the mantel and side tables. spotlight The Sixth Annual Ambie Awards at Le Chat Noir By Brian Sands & Patrick Shannon On February 9, Co-Theater Editors Brian Sands and Patrick Shannon presented the Sixth Annual Ambie Awards for theater excellence. Le Chat Noir was packed to overflowing with a fun and festive crowd of theater luminaries, their friends and family members. While we crowned a Best in 26 categories (see list below), with nominees of such outstanding caliber, no one was a loser. We also gave out some Special Ambie Awards as noted below as well as many Glammie Awards in categories both tongue-in-cheek and heartfelt. Ambush Magazine, which sponsored the event, is very proud that $1,700 was raised for NOCCA s Department of Theater. In addition to presenting the Someone to Watch Out For Special Awards, Interim President/CEO Kyle Wedberg of the NOCCA Institute spoke about NOCCA s wide range of programs and how vital such funds are to support those youth who are dedicating themselves to the arts. Many thanks to all our presenters, particularly President of the City Council Jacquelyn Clarkson; WWL-TV s Angela Hill; OnStage Magazine s Kathy Finn; and, especially, Broadway star Michael Cerveris (Sweeney Todd, Assassins, Tommy, etc.) who came down to New Orleans from New York just to be part of the ceremony. A huge round of applause to Musical Director Alan Payne and all our performers (Idella Johnson of Rent; Becky Allen/Annie; Dan deshazo/miss Saigon;Michael Moore, Josh Smith, Sarah Jackson, Chrissy Bowen/Tommy; Lauren Elens, Matthew Mickal/Assassins; Anais St. John/ A Purrfect Evening; Danielle Edinburgh- Wilson/Mahalia!, and pianists Jonne Dendinger, Jefferson Turner and Albinas Prizgintas) who gave of their talents so generously. And, as always, we couldn t have made the Ambies happen without the tremendous support of Le Chat s Barbara Motley and her incredible staff (Su Gonczy, Jamie Montelepre, Thad Griffin and Phil Cramer). As we salute the best of the best who Music boxes were also set out with glass containers filled with chestnuts. Another tall tree was placed in the dining room. I had to continually turn around to see all the items placed throughout the rooms and hallways. Garlands ran up the stairs to the second floor of greens and berries with gold ribbons. Decorative arrangement were hung above each suite and walkway. The rooms themselves were so ornate that there was little need for additional Christmas dressing. I was in awe of the beauty created by Ray over an already beautiful home. If you are interested in getting in touch with Jesse, please call or log on to fivecontinentsbnb.com. Jesse is a member of Professional Innkeepers Association of New Orleans; Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Association; and Professional Association of International Innkeepers. trod the boards in 2008, we are already enjoying the 2009 Season and look forward to many more fabulous shows this year! Best Production of a Musical: Tommy, NOCCA Best Production of a Drama: Metamorphoses, UNO Dept. of Film, Theatre, & Communication Arts Best Production of a Comedy: Die! Mommy! Die!, Running With Scissors Unique Theatrical Experience: Spaces in Between, Kathy Randels/ Artspot Productions and Art in Action Best Original Work: Crimes Against Nature, Otter/Backyard Ballroom Best Children s Show: Once Upon a Mattress, JPAS Summer Youth Theatre Best Director of a Musical: Roland Butch Caire, Miss Saigon Best Director of a Play: René J. F. Piazza, Rabbit Hole Best Actor in a Musical: Joey Taranto, Rent Best Actress in a Musical: (tie) Idella Johnson, Rent and Jessie Terrebonne, Cabaret Best Actor in a Play: Jason Kirkpatrick, Coyote on a Fence Best Actress in a Play: Ashley Ricord, Side Man Best Featured Actor in a Musical: Richard Alexander Pommes, Assassins Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Leslie Limberg, Rent Best Featured Actor in a Play: Dui Jarrod, A Soldier s Play Best Featured Actress in a Play: Peggy Walton-Walker, The Clean House Best Ensemble: Speech & Debate (Natalie Boyd, Sean Glazebrook, Sean Knapp, Liann Pattison) Best Costume Design: Roy Haylock, Cabaret Best Lighting Design: James Clotfelter, The Seafarer Best Set Design: Shannon R. Miller, Return to the Forbidden Planet Best Choreography: Blake Coheley, Tommy Best Music Director: Donna Clavijo/ Alan Payne, Fiddler on the Roof Best Sound Design: Christopher Wright, Gem of the Ocean [continued on 14] 12 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM February 17-March 2, 2009 Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM SouthernDecadence.COM

3 GayNewOrleans.COM GayEasterParade.COM February 17-March 2, 2009 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM 13

4 Armstrong Hotel ambie awards...from 12 Best Hair/Wigs/Make-Up Design: Tori Bernard, Heather Autin, Back to the 80s Best Special Effects: Splatter House Best Food/Dining Experience: Ginger Luke, Minacapelli s/luke s Brisket & Broadway Dinner Playhouse It s Not the Size That Counts Special Ambie Award: Susan Domangue, Fiddler on the Roof; Morrey McElroy, The Taming of the Shrew/As You Like It Someone to Watch Out For Special Ambie Award: Colby Lemaster; Samuel Repshas Special Ambie Awards: DramaRama; Jefferson Turner, musical adaptations & arrangements for The Sweetest Sounds: The Music of Richard Rogers; Thomas Little & Lisa van Wambeck, animation for Crimes Against Nature; Liz Zibilich, props person extraordinaire trodding the boards by Patrick Shannon, III nedcat@earthlink.net Rivertown Repertory Theatre recently had a world wide premiere production of a new comedy Armstrong Hotel by Mikko Macchionne. It starred local seasoned actors Becky Allen, Mary Pauley, Rudy Rasmussen, and Kate Adair Labouisse. It was directed by our very talented Dane Rhodes. With a cast and director of such local renown and talent one would expect that the show would have had considerable merit. Unfortunately, it was sheer torture to sit through two hours of such uninteresting writing that we were absolutely shocked and very happy to leave the show after final curtain. Armstrong Hotel, needs a lot of rethinking and rewriting. It ranks among the worst productions I have seen in over 45 years of patronizing the legitimate theater. The plot concerns itself with two maids in the Armstrong Hotel in New Orleans circa 1984 just before the New Orleans World s Fair. They are sisters. When not working they hide away in a little suite in the hotel and look at TV and talk and complain about their past lives referencing certain old, long gone New Orleans establishments. One of them has a secret. She has slept with the husband of the other. Well, as pedants advise us there are only so many plots that can be used in the theater and they are used, over and over again... But what makes them seem so occasionally wonderful is how they are written and staged and performed. The performances of Becky Allen playing Josie LaSalle as a near perfect Y at, was nearly perfect as was Mary Pauley, who played the sister, Mickie LaSalle. What else could one expect from these actresses? That s a role they have played a thousand times, especially the fantabulous local living legendary Y at, Ms. Allen. And the performance of Randy Rasmussen as an over sexed hotel employee named Sam was as funny as he is in real life - and that s funny. His scene between a little hippy-like street whore with whom he tried to have sex was hilarious. As was the wonderfully skillful performance of the little sex kitten he picks up, Kate Adair Labouisse, who bounced around the bed as Tiffany, no doubt a unique and expensive creation from the sex department of Tiffany s in NYC, if there were such a thing. But her performance was priceless if not a real high gloss item from a jewelry store known for it s good taste. So why didn t this play work? Was it in the direction of one of our best local director/performers, Dane Rhodes? Perhaps. There was the use of a down stage platform upon which the bedroom suite in which the LaSalle sisters played most of their scenes was an awkward bit of set use. The platform astonished and distracted the audience by rolling from left to right and back again across the stage for various scenes, none of which seemed to make any sense nor add to the appreciation of the play. Or was it the very slow, slow pacing? Or how miss Allen appeared to have no legs as she sat in certain positions on one of the two single beds in that secret suite? Or was it the lighting which seemed to be so pedestrian and uninspired, all of these items coming from director Dane Rhodes vision. Or was it just a badly thought out and poorly written play? Mostly the latter, although I have only seen four other such dull productions in four decades of going to the theater in America. At least Armstrong Hotel does have that distinction. Disney s Beauty And The Beast The sets and costumes were beautiful, the singing and acting was excellent and the choreography was wonderful. What are we talking about? Well, none other than the JPAS recent production of Disney s Beauty and The Beast at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. The theater of over 1000 seats was sold out which is good except for the fact that most locals have no understanding or knowledge of theater etiquette. It s wonderful that so many families took their adorable little boys and girls to see this lovely show; but they should be taught to pee before the opening and during the intermission. And they should be given a heavy tranquilizer or a sip of wine or something to keep them in their seats and not walking up and down the aisles. Trying to concentrate on the lovely production was like seeing someone stage a musical at the airport during a Mardi Gras weekend with the Little Rascals Parade marching about. Other than these distractions, the JPAS production was extremely well done. Musical Director and Uber talent Alan Payne directed the JPAS Broadway Pit Orchestra with wonderful aplomb, bringing out a big big Broadway sound with style and sensitivity. Robert Mulholland directed the enormous cast with professionalism and Donna Clavijo did Musical Direction more than equal to the task. Tara A. Brewer s choreography was a lot of fun to see and done so well by so many very good performers, all of which made this big show a really big show in every aspect of theatrical magic. More than memorable among a cast of memorable performers were Frances Bordlee as Belle; Turner Crumbly as The Beast; Keith Warren as Gaston; Scott Sauber as Lumiere; L. Jeffery Maertorell as Cogsworth; Janet Shea as Mrs. Potts; Wayne Gosoulin as Maurice; Matias J. Grau, III, as Lefou; Jennifer Delatte as Madame La Grande Bouche; Jeff Haffner as M sieur D Arque, and Jonathan May as Chip. It s a wonderful thing that the Jefferson Performing Arts Society is able to bring such large and luscious Broadway Musicals to out town and to do it so well. Dying City Southern Rep s recent production of Christopher Shinn s Dying City was a masterpiece of directorial and acting restraint. Once again we were able to experience another cutting edge play in a high quality production. To quote the good synopsis of the plot from the program, Dying City is a theater goers play requiring a lot of concentration. The plot concerns a young female therapist, Kelly whose husband Craig was killed in Iraq. A year later, Kelly is attempting to move on when Craig s twin brother, Peter, arrives unbidden and unannounced. An actor and a star, Peter s just walked off-stage mid-performance. Although he seems to have everything, what Peter needs only Kelly can give. In a taut, unique structure, we jump between this reunion and Craig and Kelly s final revelatory night together. The direction of Julie Hamburg was faultless. Peter McElligott, playing the roles of both brothers, Craig and Peter was inspired and Angelena Swords as Kelly was at the top of her talent. Needless to say, this compelling and singularly unique play was done on a chic set by Geoffrey Hall, with lights by Marty Sachs and costumes by Kellie Grengs. Sound was by Mike Singleton. The overall effect of this daunting production was pure theater at its best. Nothing less than we have come to expect from our own Southern Repertory Theatre. Romeo & Juliet - The Westside Story The Actors Theater of New Orleans is currently running a mish-mash-makeup of pieces of Shakespeare s tragedy Romeo and Juliet and Bernstein s musical Westside Story - a modern adaptation/version of the play; and concocted and mixed together and directed by that irrepressible talent Rene J. F. Piazza. This farcical adaptation of two classics of theater makes for good family fun. Who doesn t know the story of Romeo and Juliet, two teenagers from another age, each from a family that hates the other murderously. The fall in love and accidently end up dying from poison and a rapier. Only Mr. Piazza could combine these two plays in such a way as to create moments of laughter from everything but a pratfall and the old slip on a banana routine. Combine Shakespeare s tragedy with Bernstein s music and a stage full of adolescent aspiring actors and you get an often times comedy of the ridiculous by Piazza. [continued on 16] 14 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM February 17-March 2, 2009 Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM SouthernDecadence.COM

5 GayNewOrleans.COM GayEasterParade.COM February 17-March 2, 2009 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM 15