Trodding the Boards

trodding the boards

by Brian Sands Email: [email protected] Sleeping Beauty at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré through Feb. 14 I’ve never seen a panto, that traditional program of tomfoolery beloved by the British that turns up each Christmas season throughout England and usually retells a classic fairy tale with song, buffoonery, slapstick, in-jokes, audience participation, and winking innuendo. But I worked on a musical, Poppy, by Monty Norman and the esteemed British playwright Peter Nichols that used the form of the panto to relate the story of the British- Chinese Opium Wars. It won the West End’s Olivier Award for Best Musical in 1984, but, perhaps understandably, never made it chop chop ...from 25 over to this side of the Atlantic. So I was quite intrigued when Le Petit Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; announced that it would be doing Sleeping Deanies.COM. Featured on the Travel Beauty, an “original American Panto” writ- Channel’s “Man v. Food,” Deanie’s signa- ten by Jon Greene whose production of ture BBQ Shrimp served the New Orleans Faustus last year had greatly impressed way--jumbo head-on Louisiana Shrimp me. It’s just the kind of adventuresome served in our unique blend of seasonings programming that the dowager lady of St. with a crusty baguette. For 50 years Deanie's Peter Street needs. has been serving huge portions of the best As with any panto, Greene has taken boiled, broiled and fried seafood in New the basic Sleeping Beauty story and re- Orleans. constituted it to allow for local jokes, current Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris,1040 events references, puns, and an older fe- Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861, male character, or “pantomime dame”, www.genespoboys.com, is famous for its played by a man in drag; signs cue the New Orleans style po-boy sandwiches audience to call out various catchphrases chockful of ingredients. Open 24 hours. at appropriate times. All well & good, and Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., quite a bit of fun. 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro, I just wish the production was funnier, offers home cooking and friendly service, Stuffed Bell Pepper Special with tighter or both. Greene gets in some good serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featur- Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, Peas lines but he doesn’t sustain them the way Varla Jean Merman or Bianca Del Rio do in ing plates, poboys, and daily specials. & Texas Toast @ Ilys Bistro, 1040 Breakfast Mon.-Sat. 6am-11am & Sun. their shows. This Beauty takes a while to 11am-1pm; lunch and dinner 11am-close. Elysian Fields Ave. get going and a certain talkiness substi- The Classic Archie Burger with Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 tomers back to the Huey P. Long era with tutes for dramatic tension to move the plot crispy fried bacon and cheddar Chartres St. 598.5005, vintage-inspired cocktails & unique Creole [continued on 34] www.KinfishNewOrleans.com,"brings cus- and Southern dishes. Join us for dinner, or cheese @ Manning’s Restaurant, meet up with friends to relax at our cocktail 519 Fulton St. bar.” both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.- Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, Welcoming sports fans and food lov- Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri.-Sun. 11am-10pm. 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, ers alike, Manning’s Restaurant, 519 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bis- www.QuartermasterDeli.net, voted Restau- Fulton St., 504.593.8118, tro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a rant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 www.manningsneworleans.com, offers a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and menu featuring shareable favorites, hand a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list late night menu, the deli offers free delivery. held classics and other craveable game with 200 selections, and delicious food Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal day inspired items. Open Sun.-Thurs. 11am- including soups, salads, appetizers, en- St., 528.2601, 10pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm. trees and house made desserts that will www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com, is a ca- Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serv- sual classic, offering fresh-shucked oys- Sloppy Roast Beef Po-Boy @ St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties ing dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.- ters and fresh local seafood in a setting that Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and Sat. 5-11pm. follows the best traditions of dining in the Fields Ave. heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter.

26 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • Feb. 2-15, 2016 • Official Mardi Gras Guide© • GayMardiGras.com SouthernDecadence.com • Feb. 2-15, 2016 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 27 RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., St., 522.2666 CANAL STREET 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM Mickey Nolan's Salon, 717 Toulouse St., 100 TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Gre- 587.7782 nade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St. Claude IBERVILLE TropicalIsle.COM Ave., Suite 125, appointments: Adikus 200 VOODOO LOUNGE, 718 N. Rampart, 215.519.5030, Trent 504.239.2397 BIENVILLE 265.0953 300 Slidell, LA [985] hardware CONTI BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARD- 400 Biloxi, MS [228] WARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 ST. LOUIS CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

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MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 House with 5 suites provides a peaceful retreat in 1100 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1915] the center of the Faubourg Marigny, just blocks from the French Quarter and Frenchman St. GOVERNOR NICHOLLS [1115] 1200 circuit/events BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, BARRACKS Feb. 5-9, 2016, 67th Official Gay Mardi 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Conti- 1300 Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.com nental US only): 1.800.970.2153, ESPLANADE Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, 17th www.theburgundy.com, E-mail us at 1800 Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, spon- [email protected]. Gay owned and operated sored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.com in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest 1900 Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 2016, 45th Official South- rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half- kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with FRENCHMEN ern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Mu- 2000 sic & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sun- ELYSIAN FIELDS bathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to 2100 the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of ac- MARIGNY tivities, bringing over 180,000 revelers to New French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & lesbian bars/venues. [0815] 2200 SouthernDecadence.com THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 2300 Oct. 27-Oct. 30, 2016 Halloween 33, ben- efiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, spon- 70116, Phone: 1.800.367.5858, 2400 sored by AmbushMag.COM, FrenchQuarterGuestHouses.com, email: HalloweenNewOrleans.com [email protected]. Four me- FRANKLIN2500 RAMPART Dec. 26, 2015-Jan. 1, 2017 Gay New Year's ticulously restored boutique inns located in the CHARTRES in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, heart of the French Quarter's most popular LGBT 2600 GayNewOrleans.com neighborhood. Each building's individual character and charm provides an unforgettable authentic ROYAL LOUISA French Quarter experience! costumes FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, DAUPHINE New Orleans, LA [504] 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, classifieds French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 581. 6633 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at [email protected]. Official Host Metairie, LA [504] Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A locally owned and attorneys FOUR SEASONS & PATIO STAGE BAR, florists operated French Quarter hotel that has been 3229 N. 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Email us at Mobile, AL [251] CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Decatur St., cassellbergengallery.com, [email protected], Official Host B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM 504.524.0671 Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A 19th century home 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, that has been historically restored and transformed Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception 568.9829, CornerPocket.NET into a locally owned and operated hotel. Experi- St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.COM COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., guides ence the rich history and hospitality of New Or- GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 America leans at an affordable price. Just 3 blocks from Joachim St., 432.4900 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, Bourbon St, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and con- THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, www.damron.com tinental breakfast included. Off street parking is 450.1555 523.4517 Gulf South/United States available. THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Pensacola, FL [850] 943.8929 Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, AmbushMag.COM; [email protected] marketing & printing 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM 529.2860, Facebook.COM/GoldenLanternBar New Orleans, LA [504] THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 433.8482 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM groceries/delis 586.9817, offering printing and marketing ser- GRANDPRE'S, 834 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA [504] vices including web design and hosting. Baton Rouge, LA [225] 267.3615, Facebook.com/grandpres QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE [email protected], GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 sirspeedyneworleans.com SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, 947.3735, KajunPub.COM SplashBR.COM OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM hair salons Lake Charles, LA [337] PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA [504] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 945.9264, www.phoenixbarnola.com Head Quarters Hair Salon, 906 Bourbon 28 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • Feb. 2-15, 2016 • Official Mardi Gras Guide© • GayMardiGras.com LGBTQ youth of color, 504.252.9025, 1001 S. & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Broad St. #119, NOLA 70125, @youthbreakout, 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, Chartres St. 598.5005, massage www.youthbreakout.org, [email protected] www.KinfishNewOrleans.com New Orleans, LA [504] COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a PRIDE, NOLAPride.ORG Little Vic’s Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for 304.1238, www.littlevics.com - Full body therapeutic massage (Swedish/Deep with the gay community to implement HIV preven- PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 Manning’s Restaurant, 519 Fulton St., Tissue); heated table; private studio; tropical gar- tion activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK 504.593.8118, www.manningsneworleans.com den; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. noaidstaskforce.com [RAIN], 523.3755 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & Thai/Sport COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO 522.6746 Stretching massage). Call/text 504.458.5996 / Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, For pictures http://www.christophernola.com. #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org [email protected] 720 Orleans, 523.1930, License #LA4553 [is2515] FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bour- www.OrleansGrapevine.com FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, bon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, SouthernDecadence.COM Bourbon St. , 529.1416, media ForumForEquality.COM ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 www.QuartermasterDeli.net New Orleans, LA [504] FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Parade (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 947.2121, stannanola.org St., 528.2601, Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official 70179-1376; 733.3311, VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, Official Pride Guide, Official Southern Decadence [email protected] [email protected] Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A real estate Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: New Orleans, LA [504] AmbushMag.COM/GAA pets [email protected] New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gay- GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., owned boutique real estate agency for locals and St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, newcomers. 504.273.0088 www.NOLArelo.com email: [email protected] [email protected], Rampart, 523.4455 GayEasterParade.COM GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., retail/shopping museum/arts 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] GayMardiGras.COM Baton Rouge, LA [225] New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 566.1570 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, convenient care to those affected by chronic ill- Chartres, 523.7257 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian GayNewOrleans.COM nesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assis- CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Fields, 945.9264 HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance Region Two, tance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 CUIR, 708 Toulouse St., 249.5603 Inc.), 4550 North Blvd. Ste. 250, Baton Rouge, LA calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org HIT PARADE, 741 Bourbon St., 70806, 225.927.1269, www.haartinc.org, offers Every prescription filled today helps Avita give EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Facebook.COM/HitParadeNOLA a complete continuum of care to people living with back to the community tomorrow. Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN HIV/AIDS including housing, primary care, medi- www.avitapharmacy.com 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 cations, case management, and an array of sup- New Orleans, LA [504] led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and in- MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE, 107 Chartres portive services. In addition HAART provides HIV AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, cludes the award-winning documentary video, St., 302.2095, MrBinkys.com prevention education and FREE testing to the convenient care to those affected by chronic ill- Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 Baton Rouge area. nesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assis- 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., tance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722 581. 6633 PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MU- RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 neworleans.com/ambush Every prescription filled today helps Avita give SEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville Royal St., 525.6662 HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 KREWE OF AMON-RA, PO Box 7033, back to the community tomorrow. St. Louis, 525.5661 Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM www.avitapharmacy.com HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge services Chartres, 524.9077 New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, New Orleans, LA [504] HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, kreweofarmeinius.org www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & ABC Title Services, www.abctitle.com 533 Royal, 523.4662 KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years. LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, Local pharmacy offering personalized family-like Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, [email protected] service, automatic refills & free metro wide confi- theatres MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MU- KREWE OF NARCISSUS, PO Box 3832, dential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping SEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605 New Orleans, LA 70177. Contact: 504.228.9441 for out-side our delivery area. When you call us New Orleans, LA [504] NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 1102, you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad. CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631 Kenner, LA. 70063-1102, #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, www.kreweofpetroius.net photography 925 Camp St., 539.9600 KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING tours OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bour- New Orleans, LA [504] PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson bon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW OR- New Orleans, LA [504] Square GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Cres- ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square KREWE OF URSUS, cent City Tour Booking Agency, (LGBT Busi- WORLD WAR 2 MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, [email protected] ness of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow 527.6012, http://nationalww2museum.org LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, restaurants Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM 1308 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116, Metairie, LA [504] 504.475.7911, www.lgbtarchivesla.org Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. music LORDS OF LEATHER, 1631 Elysian Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans [504] Fields, #161, 70117, www.lordsofleather.org New Orleans, LA [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., Louisiana Equality Foundation, serving Besh Steak at Harrah’s New Orleans, 592.4666 the Louisiana LGBT Community through educa- 228 Poydras St., www.HarrahsNewOrleans.com, tion, activism, and awareness. 504.533.6111 www.louisianaequalityfoundation.org, The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, organizations [email protected] 577.2237, www.bombayclubneworleans.com New Orleans, LA [504] Metropolitan Community Church of New Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, Orleans, services at 10am, 6200 St Charles Ave., 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http://broussards.com P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, New Orleans, LA 70118; 504.270.1MCC Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, www.mccneworleans.org 265.0045, www.TheCheezyCajun.com laaclu.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 2443 Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Or- Halsey Ave., New Orleans, LA 70114, www.CloverGrill.com leans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide 504.906.7990 Todd J. Blauvelt / Secretary, Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., [email protected], www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com, Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM 945.0742 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 NEW ORLEANS BEAR AND BEAR Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 BIG EASY STOMPERS, Country & West- TRAPPER SOCIAL CLUB, P.O. Box 57756, Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., ern line dancing. Weekly lessons and monthly New Orleans, LA 70157-7756, 504.298.0061, Metairie, 831.1316; www.Deanies.com theneworleansbears.com Country & Western dance party, Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, www.bigeasystompersneworleans.com, House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 322.7007, nogmc.com; [email protected] [email protected] FatoushRestaurantNOLA.com, 371.5074 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FES- Advertising Info BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris, 1040 Elysian TIVAL, nojazzfest.com Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; Fields Ave., 943.3861, 945.9455 NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., 504.522.8049 Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; www.genespoboys.com BreakOUT! builds the power of youth ages Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 13-25 in New Orleans to end the criminalization of NOAIDSTaskForce.COM [email protected] PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro SouthernDecadence.com • Feb. 2-15, 2016 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 29 sonalities such as Varla Jean Mermen, turn his business around with help from Michael Sullivan, and the RuPaul Drag Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of under the gaydar Race and hilarious singing sensation Willam some sturdy stilettos. Together, this un- Belli. Doors open at 7pm and the ball starts likely pair finds that they have more in at 8pm. For more information or tickets, go common than they ever dreamed possible… by Tony Leggio to www.armeinius.org. proving that when you change your mind Email: [email protected] about someone, you can change your whole Photo by: Larry Graham Sunday, February 7, 2016 world. Inspired by a true story, KINKY Join the Mystic Krewe of Lords of BOOTS features a joyous, Tony®-winning Leather as they cruise their way through score by Cyndi Lauper, direction and Tony- Bartender of the Month exotic ports of call in celebration of 33 years winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell What I love about writing this article are of “Leather, Love and Laughter” at Bal and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time the amazing people I meet. Personally I Masque XXXIII: "There’s No Cure Like Travel" Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. This new believe bartenders are some of the most on Sunday, February 7. musical is the winner of 6 Tony Awards® fascinating people to interview. They are Rupaul’s Drag Race Season Six win- including Best Musical and Best Original personable, always have great stories to ner Bianca Del Rio and Mobile, AL television Score and has the biggest heart on Broad- share and just are downright fun to be personality Darwin Singleton will serve as way. around. My bartender of the month for your tour guides for an evening sure to be Showtimes are Tuesday through February is truly one of those gems. I am remembered. Doors open at 7pm and the Thursday and Sunday at 7:30pm, Friday talking about Dakota Hunter from the Four tableaux begins promptly at 8pm. This and Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sun- Seasons Bar located at 3229 North Cause- year’s festivities will be at the John A. Alario, day matinees at 2pm. For tickets and more way in Metairie. Sr. Event Center, 2000 Bayou Segnette information, go to www.saengernola.com. Dakota Hunter or his sister Miss Da- Blvd in Westwego, LA. kota Spring has been a Gulf Coast Queen Dress code: formal leather attire, black Thursday, February 18, 2016 since the age of 17 in Jacksonville, Florida. tie, floor length gowns or Bal Masque cos- Mardi Gras may be over but the sordid Miss Spring has performed all over the Gulf tume. Ticket sales are now open at times do not end. Come out and see DEL South but the past 10 years has been in Bartender of the Month, Dakota www.lordsofleather.org. SHORES SINgularly SORDID at the Allways Biloxi, Shreveport and now proudly calling Hunter, Four Seasons, Metairie Lounge (2240 St Claude Ave). Del Shores, New Orleans my home. Dakota was Tuesday, February 9, 2016 the creator of Sordid Lives the hit comedy prompted to trek to New Orleans at the The 52nd Annual Bourbon Street film from 2000, is back with all new hysteri- urging of a good friend who he considers a Hot Happenings Awards show, the ultimate costume con- cal, sordid stories. Del discusses the unex- brother. His friend was left stranded in test, takes place at noon. Oz New Orleans pected comedy of returning to the world of Carnival is here! And was it a quick NOLA during Hurricane Katrina and Da- presents this fantastic contest sponsored dating after divorce in your 50s. Tinder, season this year, so many balls, parades kota made a promise to him just before they by Ambush Magazine right in front Oz on Grindr, Scruff, OkCupid—oh, sh*t, some- and parties all packed into a little over one lost cell phone service and I quote, “I don’t Bourbon Street. Award category prizes are times it’s just too damn much! He shares a month. But as we count down to the big day, care if I have to walk, boat or swim... I’m worth a total of $3,000 and include: Best litany of bad dates and the trials and tribu- here are just a few of the hot happenings. coming to find you once the worst of the Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and Best of lations of being on the prowl again when storm has passed and you better still be Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each you are a “minor gay celebrity”. The cen- Friday, February 5, 2016 f*cking breathing!” He held true to the category. First place in each category wins sors will be absent, F bombs will fly and if Wave your magic wand! The 2016 promise and found him safe and sound, and $500 cash. The Best Overall Costume, the you are easily offended—stay home. For Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Ball is then he decided to make a go of it here in grandest award of all, garners a whopping more information, go to almost here. With the theme “Once Upon New Orleans. $1,000 cash prize. Celebrity emcees will www.DELSHORES.TIX.COM. A Twisted Time,” this year’s event is bring- As a bartender (and performer) Da- feature the talents of world famous, and ing you a wild and wicked world of fairy kota is a true professional in every sense of RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner Bianca Del Rio Saturday, February 20, 2016 tales, fiends and fantasies. The event is the word. His signature and most well- and New Orleans’ Blanche Debris. Oz, The cast of Exotique presents very from 9pm – midnight at The Cannery (3803 known shot is the SoCo Sweet Tart. But his located at 800 Bourbon Street, has won first “Miss Exotique Pageant 2016” at the Toulouse St). Wear your best take on a favorite shot to drink while bartending is both Dance Club and Show Club of the Year Four Seasons (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) “twisted” fairy tale character for the cos- Cactus Juice. by popular vote of Ambush Magazine read- starting at 9pm. This new pageant is sure tume contest ... Be dazzled by a magical Dakota has performed and bartended ers for many years. to be entertaining. The theme for this very evening of music, dancing, great food and all over the Fruit Loop; from Cafe Lafitte, first Miss Exotique Pageant is “Exotic won- a fabulous open bar ... Bid on fantastic Oz, The Corner Pocket, Cowpokes, The Tuesday, February 9, 2016 ders of the world. Categories and guide- items in their outstanding auction ... And Bourbon Pub and last but not least my Celebrating the 67th Gay Mardi Gras, lines include Presentation: (Costume your- experience special pampering for VIP home bar (after Katrina) Starlight by The Aubrey Synclaire will lead the 29th Annual self as exotic as possible and have a 30 guests! Shuttle service from the French Park. I was Madam Adam Hawkins partner Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss beginning at second introduction prepared letting us Quarter is available, plus plenty of secure in crime along with Sandy Phillips and Rikki 2pm. It all takes place from the world- know who you are, what exotic creature or parking onsite. This event benefits LGBTQ Redd. Those are some great blasts from famous balcony at Ambush Mansion, 828 thing you are, and why you should be causes and HIV services right here in New the past. I always like to ask bartenders Bourbon Street, between Oz and Bourbon chosen Miss Exotique 2016.) Orleans. For tickets and more information, what is their favorite drink and Dakota’s is Pub Parade, and Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Talent: (one number up to 5 minutes go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com. a Madres with lime. When he is not working Clover Grill. The 22nd King Cake Queen of long. You may sing live or lip sync. You may you will find him at Kajun’s Pub for Karaoke, Gay Mardi Gras is the first in history to not have any other people with you on Saturday, February 6, 2016 Phoenix for Billiards, The Four Seasons (of continue her reign into a second year re- stage during your talent. You may not leave Come enjoy DRAG BRUNCH at the course) and The Korner Lounge as well as turning as Queen of the Opera: Act II. Co- the stage. You may not accept tips.) Country Club (634 Louisa St.) from 10am to Central Station both located in Shreveport, Captains of the Krewe of Queenateenas Evening Wear: Gowns must be at least 3pm. Call to reserve a table at LA. He is also very active with the Metro- added this interesting twist to this short to your ankles. Your gown can have slits. 504.945.0742. Experience a new kind of politan Community Church of New Orleans. Carnival season. You may have a train. brunch this Mardi Gras season with deli- He is their Community Outreach Coordina- The Miss Exotique winner will receive cious food, $15 Bottomless Mimosas, Build- tor in addition to singing in the choir. Wednesday, February 10, 2016 a brand new tiara, sash, $100 cash, and a Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar and fabulous What I find so refreshing with Dakota Mardi Gras has officially ended so permanent spot in the Exotique show cast, performances by The Southern Barbitchua- is that he has a humble personality. Picture where do you go. You head over to the a beautiful floral bouquet, and more prizes tes. a sassy Southern Belle with mad mixology OFFICIAL Mardi Gras RECOVERY DAY to be announced. (1st runner up: $50 cash skills all wrapped up in a very hot package. BRUNCH from 10am to 3pm at The Country prize and a floral bouquet). Saturday, February 6, 2016 So come belly up to his bar and let him Club (634 Louisa St.). Come grab a daiquiri If you are interested in being a contes- Come see the fabulous Krewe of create a special shot or drink for you in a and a float in the pool and get ready for tant contact me via messenger at John Armeinius put on the 2016 Armeinius Bal drama free environment. He credits bar spring. Joseph Delgadillo or email me at Masque XLVIII - "Beauty and the Beast" at barons Gary and Tip from the Four Sea- [email protected]. the Frederick Sigur Center (8245 W. Judge sons and another one of my favorite bar- Tuesday – Sunday, February 16 – Perez) in Chalmette. Come see New Or- tenders there Jake Morris for giving him the 21, 2016 leans’ largest gay krewe put on the greatest Party Down encouragement and confidence to get back Let’s get kinky at The Saenger Theatre spectacle of the year. An Armeinius Bal behind the bar and keep his passion for (1111 Canal Street). KINKY BOOTS is the Mardi Gras has finally arrived in all its Masque is the stuff of dreams are made of bartending and this community alive. To be exhilarating Broadway musical that will lift glory and revelry. It was a very quick and this year see the beastly side to Mardi honest he says, “The MCC and The Four your spirits to new high-heeled heights. season this year; if you blinked you missed Gras. Shuttles from the French Quarter and Seasons has saved my life in ways they Winner of 6 Tony Awards® including BEST it. Now we move onto the rest of the year Marigny will be available to the ball. Get don’t even know.” Now this is a guy I want MUSICAL, this inspirational story follows a and guess what more parties. My last two your tickets early to this incredible once in taking care of me when I feel like drinking. struggling shoe factory owner who works to [continued on 32] a lifetime event. Come see celebrity per- 30 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • Feb. 2-15, 2016 • Official Mardi Gras Guide© • GayMardiGras.com