val. It is truly never a dull moment in Brewing just to name a few. After under the gaydar NOLA. I am all about the Happy Hour partaking in some tasty taps, I went to in this city and I have discovered a Albert Carey’s condo for a martini din- great new one at Morton’s Steakhouse ner party. Now what was it beer in Canal Place. My co-workers and I before liquor or the other way around, by Tony Leggio were invited on Tuesday evening for either way I woke up the next morning Email: [email protected] their Power Hour to check out their with one helluva of a hangover. As you Photo by: Larry Graham venue, private dining spaces and their get older, you learn that Sunday Fundays incredible Happy Hour. Now this is a lead to Monday Migraines. Hot Happenings Saturday, September 19, 2015 happy hour done right with delicious My next week started on Tuesday, Well we survived another Southern Jack Inman presents Unleashed, A bar bites at great prices (their sliders which was an exciting evening that Decadence and now we are on a down- twisted show featuring your favorite are to die for) and wonderful wine and started professionally and ended in hill roll towards the holiday season and Drag Kings, Drag Queens and every- cocktails at half prices. We also got to screams! Literally. I attended the fall, finally. Here are just a few of the one in between at Cutter’s (706 Franklin see their well-appointed private dining/ mixer at the Loew’s Hotel to introduce top picks of events for the coming Avenue). There is no cover for the party rooms which have an impressive the hospitality community to the new weeks. Have fun! show that starts at 10:30 p.m. The view of Canal Street and the streetcars general manager. The new renova- cast includes Mr. Jack Inman, Solitaire, passing. Check this place out. tions of the Swizzlestick Bar made for Tuesday, September 15 – Sun- Crystal Farmer, Napoleon Bonerparte, The next day I participated in Clue a nice setting to this networking event. day, September 20, 2015 Nikcole Sweetington, Lady Godiva and Carre which is one of those escape Then I lucked out to attend the premier I cannot wait to be part of his world more. adventure games with some co-work- screening of Scream Queens at the when the Little Mermaid comes swim- ers. You and your friends are locked in Prytania Theatre. Scream Queens is ming into the Saenger Theatre (1111 Thursday, September 24 – Sun- a room and have sixty minutes to figure the new horror comedy series created Canal Street). In a magical kingdom day, September 27, 2016 out a way out through clues given to you by Ryan Murphy, who is the master- fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little Get a jump start on your Halloween via a television screen and ones you mind of American Horror Story. Guest mermaid who is tired of flipping her fins horror at the NOLA Horror Film Fest find on your own (very “Saw” like). We were treated to popcorn, sodas and and longs to be part of the fascinating happening around the city. See first run did The Voodoo Room where rumor gift bags as we Fox 8 introduced star of world on dry land. Joining her are movie premiers, film shorts, screen- has it that Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau the show Emma Roberts, who is abso- Sebastian, Ariel’s crabby sidekick; play readings and panel discussions. has hidden her last surviving bottle of lutely fabulous in person. She spoke to Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King In their fifth year, NOLA Horrro Film her elusive Love Potion. This was so the audience before the first episode of the Sea and the handsome and Fest’s goal is the promotion of horror/ much fun, I cannot begin to tell you, was played in its entirety and I am human Prince Eric. Based on the Disney sci-fi/fantasy filmmaking in Louisiana, better than a rollercoaster ride and we hooked. It mixes all the best atmo- animated film and hit Broadway musi- as well as nationally and internationally. actually got out with 8 seconds to spare sphere of horror movies with biting cal, The Little Mermaid is making its The NOHFF is committed to celebrat- - very edge of your seat. Then after- comedy. Emma Roberts and Jamie New Orleans debut. So dive on in! Life ing the craft and advancing the art form wards we went for cocktails next door Lee Curtis are brilliant in the show. is the Bubbles, under the sea! Times of genre films. Start the weekend off at at the Victory Bar, a very ritzy craft After the episode, some more of the are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thurs- Mag’s 940 on Thursday, September cocktail lounge. I highly recommend very hot and sexy cast came out for a day and Sunday at 8 p.m. Friday and 24th for the Opening Party to meet and this game located on Camp Street in question and answer session about the Saturday with a 2 p.m. show on Satur- mingle with horror filmmakers and fans. the CBD. For more information, go to show and our city. Skyler Samuels, day. For tickets and more information, There will be live music by The NOLA www.cluecarre.com. Abigail Breslin, Lucien Laviscount, Billie go to www.saengernola.com. Treblemakers, drink specials, food avail- Everyone loves a carnival and Lourd, Glen Powell and the super hand- able for purchase. This event is open Frankie Fierce proved that on Friday at some Diego Boneta all were there. It Saturday, September 19, 2015 to the public. The cover is $5. For more his Southern Decadence Carnival at is a dream cast of new, young and very Not able to make Burning Man this information: http://nohff.com/. the Tulane Avenue Bar. There were all talented stars do not miss this show year, well New Orleans has its own kinds of fun games like the bean bag that premiers on September 22. unique and less famous version of this Saturday, September 26, 2015 toss, darts, and ring toss where you On Thursday, as the anniversary of celebration. Once a year, tens of The Chevron NO/AIDS WALK 2015 can win several fun prizes, like goldfish, Katrina neared, I could not think of a twenties of people gather in St. Patrick’s has moved to a Saturday. This exciting which I added to my pond. It was a more fitting celebration than the grand Park in Midcity (4700 Baudin Street) to event will be held at Audubon Park with festive time as people played the games re-opening of the Orpheum Theatre. create Cirque D’so-lame, a temporary registration starting at 8:30 a.m. of chance, dined on hot dogs and ham- The event was just magical and wan- metropolis dedicated to vulgarity, beet NO/AIDS Task Force, now a divi- burgers then enjoyed the drag show dering around this stunning building was worship, self-gratification and old timey sion of CrescentCare, is in its 26th year afterwards featuring Jasmin Essex and just heartwarming. The Orpheum is a carny fun. In this den of iniquity, all are of the WALK in the New Orleans com- Monique Michaels. Then afterwards, I nearly century-old Beaux Arts theater welcome. This year Inane Clown Posse munity. Over the years, their walkers went to the Quarter to catch the ever so in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Presents: Cirque D’So-lame 5: FLAM- have walked to the moon and back two delightful Retro Review at the Golden Business District directly across from ING MAN! All of your favorite games and half times (that’s more than a Lantern. This show is always different the Roosevelt Hotel. Built in 1918, the and events will return! New features million miles) and have raised more thanks to the antics of Princesse iconic space is one of the few remain- (and failures) will surprise, amaze and than $5 million dollars, funds that stay Stephany, Clorox Bleachman and ing vertical hall designs in the US. It has disgust! Visit our all new Circus side- in New Orleans for AIDS care and Regina Adams. I ended the night bounc- hosted vaudeville acts, films and count- show area! This year’s Birth Canal: services of NO/AIDS Task Force. Your ing between Mags 940 and the Phoenix less performances by the Louisiana heavy flow edition will be juicier than dollars support our many services to visiting with friends. Philharmonic Orchestra. But it has sat ever! Will you be the one to be lard and the 2,500 clients we serve annually. Saturday was another Southern dormant since 2005, when Hurricane feathered? A $10 donation to the Those service consist of: primary medi- Decadence celebration at the Hotel Katrina floodwaters ravaged the build- Mystic Krewe of Inane grants you entry cal care, testing and prevention ser- Storyville. It was a lovely night under ing. With a full renovation and passion- to all of the madness, access to kegs of vices, home delivered meals and food the stars at this costume soiree that ate preservation completed, this clas- beer, performances and debauchery. pantry services, case management, boasted great performances by the sic space will open once more to the Bring cash for food and games chances. behavioral health, legal services, Dapper Dandies, the Rolling Elvi and music-loving public as a fully restored, VIP entrance including luxury glamping lifeskills classes, peer support, hous- Bella Blue. incomparably luxurious entertainment tent, unlimited access to the waterslide, ing, sexual health and wellness and our The House of Blues hosted a won- space. More than a stunning historical and VIP drinks in the air conditioned is PrEP clinic. For more information, go derful festival on Sunday called structure, this reimagined space brings available at the door. Cirque D’So- to http://www.noaidswalk.com. Brewsiana. This music, food and beer an entirely new tier of entertainment Lame is a 21+ event. Mystic Krewe of festival spotlighted all the incredible venue to New Orleans. The Orpheum’s Inane is not responsible for any physi- Party Down beers and breweries from our state. impeccable acoustics, said to rival that cal injury or PTSD you experience as a The weeks leading up to Southern Attendees enjoyed music from of Carnegie Hall, will once again delight result of this event. Play at your own Decadence was crazy with all sorts of Bonerama and Hazy Ray while drinking concert goers. The food, the cham- risk. For more information, go to events from premiers and grand re- brews from Abita, Gnarly Barley Brew- www.twatlife.com. openings to a costume party and carni- ing Company, Parish Brewing, and Nola [continued on 27] 26 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • September 15-28, 2015 • Official Southern Decadence Guide© • SouthernDecadence.com under the gaydar ...from 26 music, indoor and outdoor seating, funky always crowded because you just never pened and we stopped at every gay art, fabulous bartenders and one of the know what zaniness Vinsantos (your bar. Good lord, it was long, hot and so pagne, the mini concert by Allen best Bloody Marys in the city that has host) has in store for you. There were much fun! But I have to say it was Toussaint, the atmosphere all joined steak in it. It is a meat lover’s dream. lots of people getting their Decadence exhausting. Thank god we were together to make an elegant soiree. Then we went to Biscuits and Buns for pre-party fix as they played several dressed like Roman gladiators for the My friends and I posed on the red brunch whish was a comfort food ex- games of unique Bingo. But this is theme, because it would have killed me carpet and mixed and mingled with travaganza. If you have not been put it unlike any other bingo in the city, it is to wear something extremely warm. New Orleans finest before going to the on your must try list and you can bring part drag show, part bingo game and After numerous cocktails, a parade historic Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt. your own liquor. There specialty is all comedy routine. Vinsantos keeps under my belt, several house parties After a few Ramos Gin Fizzes by one of there waffles, but everything on the things lively and moving. (some I do not even remember). Here’s the sexiest bartenders alive, our group menu is delectable. So two bottle of Halloween New Orleans hosted to another successful Southern Deca- retired for the night. Elegance and a champagne later, we were off to tool their Leather and Champagne Deca- dence and to all those people who little decadence, now this is what this around the city before attending a quaint dence event for the second year in a made it great, we appreciate all your city is all about. dinner party at Laura Tennyson’s house. row at Apres Bar on Fulton Street. Hot hard work. After all the drinking and Saturday was all about that kitty Homemade Indian cuisine, good wine men were aplenty as the vodka drinks carousing I did on Sunday, the Roman when I attended Kitty D Liter’s show at and great friends, I can think of any flowed readily. There is no better way Empire fell and I took my sad little self the Tulane Avenue Bar. It was an other way I would like to end my week- to start jump your night then an open home. So with one broken sandal, no eventful evening filled with martinis, end. vodka bar before hitting the Quarter for sword (lost that somewhere) and hav- great performances and a spot on So because of Southern Deca- mayhem. Friday and Saturday nights ing to ask a stranger on the street to celebrity lookalike. Dead serial killer dence we have now added more week were partying nights stopping at all the unzip the back of my costume so I could Aileen Wuornos made a guest appear- of my mayhem, so here we go. On watering holes, Golden Lantern, Oz, get out of it, I stumbled to my humble ance from the great beyond. I mean Wednesday, I added a little culture to Pub, Lafitte’s in Exile and Friendly Bar abode and collapsed. this person was spot on and who knew my life before I dive headfirst into the before having my nightcap at the Phoe- she could dance. Kitty’s cast was lively craziness by attending the Culture Col- nix Block Party which was bigger than Needless to say, little Nero laid on and their outfits were fierce. lision event at the World War 2 Mu- ever. Kudos to them for creating one of the couch the next day not moving. Did My two week romp ended pretty seum. This event brings all non-profit the coolest events of the weekend they even have hangovers in ancient tame with a drunken Sunday Funday organizations together to promote their three nights in a row. Rome. (which is quickly becoming my go to seasons, causes and events in an ex- way to end the week). My friends hibitor style format. So the Louisiana Decadence Sunday started off with Beaux and Barrett joined me for brunch Philharmonic, New Orleans Opera, Le getting ready at the Friendly Bar with all at Biscuits and Buns on Banks Street. petit Theatre, City Park, were all their the other Grand Marshals and their Say that three times fast. This fun little just to name a few. It is a great entourages. I was honored to be one neighborhood restaurant is hugely popu- opportunity for locals to see what is on of Frankie Fierce’s lieutenants this year lar and always has a long wait, so we the horizon for the new cultural offer- and it was an absolutely amazing expe- went across the street to Banks Street ings. rience. The camaraderie with the other Bar and Grill, an eclectic lounge with a On Thursday, I went to Bingo at the grand marshals as you got ready was very folksy feel to it. They have live Allways Lounge. This fun-filled event is just wonderful. Then the parade hap-

GayMardiGras.com • GayNewOrleans.com • September 15-28, 2015 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 27 New Orleans Human Relations Commission Executive Director Larry Bagneris presented a certificate from Mayor Mitch Landrieu recognizing the reigning Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI including Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates, Frankie Fierce & Steven Mora (accepted by Derek Penton-Robicheaux)

big easy paparazzi Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show @ The Golden Lantern ~ New Orleans Photos by Michael Bingham, Rip Naquin 18th Southern Decadence Outer Loop Bar Crawl @ Corner Pocket, Double Play & GrandPre's ~ New Orleans Photos by Darwin Reed 18th Southern Decadence Outer Loop Bar Crawl @ Corner Pocket, Double Play & GrandPre's

28 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • September 15-28, 2015 • Official Southern Decadence Guide© • SouthernDecadence.com ambush paparazzi 44th Southern Decadence Highlights ~ New Orleans Photos by Michael Bingham, Rip Naquin

GayMardiGras.com • GayNewOrleans.com • September 15-28, 2015 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 29 offering an audience little that anyone actor. with a passing knowledge of world Other stand-outs include James trodding the boards history doesn’t know already. Yeargain as a close friend of the Queen; Yes there are some witty lines (“I William Bowling as Marie’s prudish had the goats and sheep perfumed. I brother, more concerned with politics don’t like rustic smells.”) and some than his sister’s welfare; and James by Brian Sands touching ones (“Sometimes I feel like a Bartelle as a sheep who, in a surrealis- Email: [email protected] game that other people play, but with- tic, if overlong, turn, counsels the Queen. out me.”), but we never get a vital After all, she was inclined to dress up Be A New Orleanian: A Swearing In Ceremony at sense of why Adjmi wrote this story in as a shepherdess at Versailles. The The Theatre at St. Claude through Sept. 26 this way. Or as Ben Brantley put it in his things those wacky rich folk do. NYTimes review, “This ‘Marie’ is occa- Still, I would’ve vastly preferred a If there’s anyone who can instruct an audience on how to be a New Orleanian, sionally affecting but never surprising.” tale told from a peasant’s perspective. Jim Fitzmorris, Crescent City native and scion of a Louisiana political family, can. Which is a shame as Adjmi is not an In this noxious age of Kardashian, it And in Be A New Orleanian: A Swearing In Ceremony, he does just that. untalented writer. I’ve read his play would be only fair. Offering six broad topics that range With his great facial expressions Stunning, about Brooklyn housewives from “Put On Costumes” to “Indulge”, and passionate emotions, Fitzmorris at in an emotionally stifling Syrian-Jewish Livin’ New Orleans...Hot Fitzmorris takes us on a whirlwind tour times appears apoplectic and you fear (Adjmi’s own background) community, of the mythology of the city, the do’s he may explode. But he seems to be and found it to be finely textured and Wet & Naughty and don’t’s that separate locals from having a grand old time. And those who quite moving. Marie Antoinette’s sym- Though its run has ended, Livin’ tourists and arrivistes, “NPR soulville want to be true New Orleanians will pathetic yet talky and superficial por- New Orleans...Hot Wet & Naughty cliches” from “spooky voodooville” au- too. trait of celebrity and privilege, how- might turn up again around town and if thenticity. ever, is as appropriate now as a Con- you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned On a set festooned with beads, Marie Antoinette at federate monument. cabaret with deep roots in Nawlins, it’s booze and a football, Fitzmorris alter- Director Mark Routhier’s produc- an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. nately sits at a desk or prowls the stage NOCCA’s Nims Black tion looks like a million thanks to Shauna The inimitable Becky Allen head- letting us in on the meaning of different Box Theatre through Leone’s gorgeous, witty costumes and lines with her distinctive bullfroggy voice NOLA smiles and the driving habits of Sept. 20 Bill Walker’s imaginative set that fea- and if some of her jokes go back to the the city (“Nobody uses blinkers...no tures an array of mannequins wearing Revolution (“Let’s stroll through New one lets anyone merge”). I have long admired The NOLA 18th century outfits looking on like silent Orleans’ culture. Opera, chess, now In a series of sharp observations Project. In their first ten seasons, they witnesses. Matt Jackson’s sound de- we’re finished with it.”) this alumna of (“Dorignac’s—the Yat Whole Foods”) have given New Orleans such memo- sign is excellent and evocative while the High School of Occasional Chastity and riffs on such topics as how we rable productions as A Midsummer Christopher Arthur’s wigs are fabu- knows how to put them over with never say “Enough” here (“Festivals in Night’s Dream, Camille, Adventures lously inventive. Duncan Becker’s bold aplomb. August—god forbid we should ever in Wonderland, and Assassins, projections help move the story for- Marshall Harris sports stylish out- have a break”), Fitzmorris lovingly dem- among others. I might not have been a ward but though the white period shirts fits and a pleasing tenor voice that he onstrates that, despite its flaws, “You fan of every show, but I could always used as a screen are a nice touch, they puts to good use in Elvis Presley, Randy live in the best place in the world.” respect the choice of material. occasionally make the titles difficult to Newman and Jerry Lee Lewis songs as Seen on its opening night, Which makes me wonder what read. well as in his duets with Becky. I just Fitzmorris’ commanding stage pres- was NOLA Project thinking when they With her patrician bearing and Val- wish he could get his snazzy hats to ence brought his smartly written script decided to present David Adjmi’s Marie ley girl elocution, Cecile Monteyne con- stay securely on his head as his con- to life. Occasionally he read directly Antoinette. With hundreds of contem- vinces as the youthful queen. But she stant adjustment of them distracts from from his notebook, rather than just porary plays to choose from, this tale could have infused her Marie with even his performance. glancing at it for guidance; if this broke, of the French queen who lived in a royal greater regalness; this after all was the Piano man Jim Walpole keeps the slightly, the griot-like spell he had cre- bubble until she didn’t would be an odd daughter of the imperious Maria tempi brisk and the momentum flowing ated, who can blame him for wanting to one at any time. Theresa and it would have made her as he tickles the ivories with panache; get his precisely detailed words just But to ask an audience to empa- fall that much more tragic. If Monteyne his jazzy stride piano solo is one of the right. thize with a lead character who’s best evokes our pity in the final scenes, it’s evening’s highlights. Be A New Orleanian is peppered known for her putative utterance “Let hard not to root for her (now) underdog with many funny moments but some of them eat cake” when on the nightly status and appreciate her, to some Chalmatian jokes, Mardi Gras med- its ultra-specific references, especially news thousands of desperate refu- degree, wiser outlook. leys, special guests (the day I saw it, in the “Where’d you go to school?” gees try to escape war-torn countries; As the nebbishy Louis XVI, A.J. Elizabeth Bouvier did a highly effective section, may go over the heads of as young girls are brutally raped by Allegra is by turns childish, whiny and version of the Charles Aznavour song those who didn’t grow up here—which barbarians as an act of war; and as confused as to his lot in life, but he What Makes A Man) all add up to a may be wholly intentional on Fitzmorris’ terrorist attacks take place worldwide— always makes sure we’re aware of his good-natured 90 minutes, that as the part. really? Marie Antoinette? Boo. Hoo. royal pedigree and the innate sense of seasons change, may not be as hot Similar to Urban Education And in case we miss the point, the privilege that comes with it. It’s another and wet as they were in August but will Smackdown, his superb one-man show program contains quotes from Amy incisive portrayal by this outstanding certainly be fun (and a wee bit naughty). about working in the local school sys- Winehouse, Marilyn Monroe and Janis tem, Be A NOian is pure Fitzmorris, a Joplin bemoaning their fates as cultural distillation of the authorial voice heard icons. If there is at best a tenuous matters of health in his multi-character plays. At his most connection between these three art- penetrating, Fitzmorris advises “Ya ists, who sadly succumbed to various by Eugene Collins, Director of Development @ HAART, gotta believe,” and elucidates the ubiq- addictions, and the Austrian-born queen, [email protected] uitous role of religion here even if you’re a victim (if that’s the right word) of not religious. social, political and historical forces, STI rates on the rise Directed with a sure hand by Mike who among us wouldn’t at least con- I’ve known you for 27 years and all Baton Rouge and New Orleans; in fact, Harkins, at just over an hour, Be A New sider trading places with any one of I can say is if God was giving out statewide and across the gulf coast. Orleanian does not feel too long, but them? You may not make it to 40, but sexually transmitted diseases to people This article will focus on the rapid rise some passages come off a smidge I can’t work up too too much pity for as a punishment for sinning, then you of syphilis in the state. preachy and there’s about one (seem- someone who was head of a country or would be at the free clinic ALL the I’m often asked why we have such ing) finale too many. These are just the paramour of John Kennedy. time!” – Dixie Carter. high rates of HIV in Louisiana. But it’s quibbles, though, which, with a little All this might be moot if Marie If you haven’t heard yet, there’s not so surprising when you consider massaging, could easily be adjusted Antoinette was simply a better play. been an increase of sexually transmit- that we lead the nation in STIs gener- leaving room for more of Fitzmorris’ Adjmi gives us a precis of Marie’s life ted infections (STIs) in Louisiana, with [continued on 32] wise insights. but fails to dig beneath the surface, significant increases among gay men in 30 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • September 15-28, 2015 • Official Southern Decadence Guide© • SouthernDecadence.com