New Orleans sees premieres, balls and more inside and out | Entertainment/Life
The dazzling palette hitting Crescent City stages is in full color glory this week as people stay alert in Jefferson, laugh in the bayou and head outdoors for a premiere about a magic can.
‘Go to your dance’
From tap to ballet, hip-hop to high jumping, Broadway is full of movement and dance that keeps performers on their toes and audiences enthralled.
Jefferson Performing Arts Society takes a look at some classic moves in two performances with more than 40 dancers opening Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
“The Ballet Goes to Broadway,” choreographed by JPAS artistic directors Kenneth Beck and Kimberly Matulich-Beck, will include local and visiting artists in works across eight shows. Productions, shown on Great White Way from 1936 to 2000, include “Oklahoma!,” “Damn Yankees,” “On Your Toes,” “West Side Story” and “42nd Street.”
“This show pays homage to some of the greatest dance stories in Broadway history,” said Beck. Many of the plays were considered groundbreaking moments in theatrical innovation.
The show will take place at 7:30 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive in Metairie. Tickets start at $25. Visit jpas.org.
A tempting triangle
The new theater debuts in the unique setting of The Music Box Village when the Intramural Theater presents “The Bermuda Can Company,” running from Friday until May 27.
The original work, directed by playwright Bennett Kirschner, looks at a New Orleans-based startup on the eve of a major launch: “the world’s first fully sealed, recyclable can.” The innovative container will have a wide launch, with a popular social media provider available.
But there are problems because the prototype is missing. Tempers flare, accusations fly and chaos abounds.
Participating in the program are Philip Yiannopoulos, Madi Zins, Ricky Ostry, Mary Langley, Topher Johnson, Mary Davis, Lauren Wells and Samille Ganges.
The show runs most nights at 7:30 p.m., with a 2:30 matinee on Sunday at 4557 N. Rampart St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $20 and include entry to the sound sculpture garden. Visit intramuraltheater.org.
A story for two
The struggle of mothers spanning generations comes to life in the hands of local writer and actress Jenny Mercein in “Two Elizas,” running for four performances at Casa Hermann-Grima in the French Quarter, opening Thursday.
Mercein, an associate professor at Tulane University, crafted a story about her ancestor Eliza Mercein Barry and her 1847 Supreme Court case establishing child custody rights for women. The solo performance offers a comparative look between Mercein of the past and Mercein of the present.
Lori Elizabeth Parquet and Ryder Thornton direct the production.
Performances are at 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at 820 St. Louis St. Tickets start at $35. Visit hggh.org.
Funny business on the bayou
Laughter will be part of the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo festival package on Bayou St. John as things get underway in the Comedy and Cabaret tent Friday through Sunday.
Organizers of the two-stage festival, known for music, food and art, have also added some acts that include stand-up games, LGBT comedians and a drag brunch.
Of special note on Friday will be “Stoned vs. Drunk vs. Sober,” hosted by Isaac Kozel, a competition where the audience decides which comedy ensemble is the best of the three options.
Saturday will see LGBTLOL with Ryan Rogers and Shep Kelley, plus Matt Owens and Samantha Bednarz; also a Bayou Roast Battle, hosted by Pickle, which has comedians throwing shade and the audience deciding who got burned.
For Sunday, check out Comedy Beast with Amanda G and Allison Hotard, plus Andrew Polk, Taj Washington, Jason Leonard and Tyler Arceneaux.
Admission to the festival at 3205 Orleans Ave. starts at $20. Visit thebayouboogaloo.com.
Opening this week from May 16th to 22nd
In production
“THE FELT MENAGERIE”: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3 pm; May 17-19 at the Robert E. Nims Theater at UNO’s Performing Arts Center, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, and May 24-26 at the New Marigny Theater Church of Arts and Sciences, 2301 Marais St. “when she” comes across a gathering of Southern ladies that is categorically not what she planned. Can she count on the kindness of these strangers? Probably not. Tickets start at $30. twtheatrenola. with.
“Mrs. DOUBT”: Thursday at 7:30 pm, Friday at 8:00 pm, Saturday at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm; Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans. How far will a man go to see his children? In the hit musical comedy based on the Robin Williams film, a father creates the character of a Scottish nanny, learning more about himself and how to be a good father. Tickets start at $30 through a special drawing. saengernola. with.
“SHAKESPEARE’S ‘STORM’ REIMAGINED”: 8pm on Thursday, Monday and Wednesday until May 25th; Lafitte Greenway, 436 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway, New Orleans. Updated version of James Bartelle’s adaptation, first performed by the NOLA Project in 2006 following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, filled with shipwrecks, magic, mischief and more. Customers provide their own seats. Tickets start at $10. nolaproject. with.
“SISTER’S ACT”: 7:30pm Fridays and Saturdays until May 16th, 2pm Sundays until May 19th; Rivertown Performing Arts Theatres, 325 Minor St., Kenner. Based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg/Maggie Smith film about a mobster’s girlfriend who needs to disappear for a while and a cop hides her where no criminal would think to look. Tickets start at $39. rivertowntheaters. with.
