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by Brian Sands Email: [email protected] Melissa Etheridge at The Orpheum Using the latest technology to create a one-woman band, Melissa Etheridge slyly claimed “I am this close to being Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins” during her magnificent Boys, Boys, Boys @ Flip Side This Is M.E. Solo tour stop at The Orpheum recently. When she came on stage, Etheridge told us there’ll be “nothing else but me tonight” yet by using a looping device she Hello Jeff & Patrick was able to add in snatches of her playing a drum, tambourine and a hollow wooden box to provide accompaniment to her vir- tuoso guitar-playing. She could even be her own back-up singer. Or singers. From Etheridge’s comments, she still seemed to be exploring all the possibilities of the looping machine, and the results were almost like a kid playing with a new toy on Christmas morning. But if she couldn’t always initially get her playing to measure up to her high standards, she didn’t mind trying to loop it again. As she stated after one attempt, “It wasn’t perfect. You deserve perfect.” And perfect she was on a stage be- The Midas Touch decked with a piano, nine guitars that she Miss Penny Holiday @ B-Bob’s used throughout the evening, flickering candles, and glowing lava lamps. She Melissa Etheridge at the sprinkled hard-won truths (“Life’s about Orpheum Theater joy. It took a long time to figure that out, but Based on the novel by Ernest J. Gaines, I’m in my 50’s now.” (tho she doesn’t look Lesson focuses on Jefferson, an innocent it.)) and bio tidbits (“The first job I got was young black man who happened to be “in playing the piano at the Ramada Hotel in the wrong place at the wrong time”, and has Leavenworth.”) among twelve numbers and been sentenced to death for the murder of an encore. a white shopkeeper in a small Louisiana Songs of love and need and connec- town in 1948. Called “no more a human tion define Etheridge’s oeuvre. They can being than a hog” at his trial by his lawyer be hauntingly beautiful (Dance Without in a misguided attempt to save his life, Jerry & the Boys Sleeping), poetic (Nervous), or spunky Jefferson has lost all hope and has begun (Monster from her new album for which she to act like an animal in prison insisting that accompanied herself on harmonica). he be dragged like a hog to his death in the Etheridge delivered passion from the electric chair. gut in Yes I Am, an ardent Bring Me Some Jefferson’s godmother summons Grant Water, and a lovely and insightful cover of Wiggins, whom she helped raise and is Joan Armatrading’s Weakness In Me. Her now, after receiving a university education, two biggest hits, Come To My Window and teaching in Bayonne’s small, disadvan- I’m the Only One, both great songs, taged schoolhouse, and asks him to work Miss Cie welcomes Eric home sounded, in her strong, husky voice, as with Jefferson and help him find his inner fresh as when she first sang them. dignity so he can die like a man. Wiggins

This Grammy and Academy Award- must face the town’s narrow-minded sheriff City By The Bay ~ Mobile, Alabama Photos by Miss Cie winning artist truly seems to be a very and the parish’s minister, who offers down-to-earth person, easily connecting Jefferson only boilerplate religious pieties, with her fans; simply dressed, she could be as well as his own inner demons, but ulti- mistaken for an audience member. Until mately enables Jefferson to embrace his she starts to sing, that is, with an expressive own humanity. face that conveys as much as her lyrics do. Playwright Romulus Linney’s stage mobile Under gloriously dramatic lighting, it adaptation doesn’t entirely escape its liter- paparazzi was wonderful to watch Etheridge expand ary origins and he sometimes has charac- the range of her accomplishments before ters addressing the audience as much to Hello Delta our eyes. She may have been the only provide exposition as inner thoughts, but DJ Leroey & Sound Techs person on stage but she certainly filled The he does capture the hard truths of this @ B-Bob’s Orpheum all by herself with singing, music, terribly sad story. We observe Wiggins’ and joy. existential dilemma and his, understand- ably, nihilistic views as he takes a journey A Lesson Before Dying of self which builds to dramatic confronta- tions. at Slidell Little Theatre Tony Cisek’s set features a brick wall that envelopes the stage, holding all in; an through March 20 enormous image of Jefferson is part of it, Slidell Little Theatre is to be com- looming over the playing area and looking mended for presenting A Lesson Before down in judgment. Wilbert Williams Jr.’s Dying. This powerful and important play is direction is basic but it keeps the play’s worth doing any time, but particularly so in momentum going forward. His use of a these days of “Black Lives Matter” as it puts range of appropriate music, from gospel to into historical context the social injustices that continue to haunt this nation. [continued on 29] King Stevie & Boys @ B-Bob’s Edward & Skylar with Miss Cie 26 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • March 15-28, 2016 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • March 15-28, 2016 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 27 ambush paparazzi Night of A Thousand Stars Celebrates Life of Vickie Vynes @ Oz~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon Vynes Night of A Thousand Stars Celebrates Life Vickie

28 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • March 15-28, 2016 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com Despite these reservations, this is an sense her need for everyone to approve of a community within communities effective presentation of an involving story her, lacking is a sense of her combative- with profound insights into the human con- ness. dition. Slidell Little Theatre can be justifi- (Interestingly, the real Sister Helen ably proud of its efforts. Prejean was sitting near me in the audi- by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, ence. Just from her body language I sus- New Orleans The New Orleans Opera/ pected that, even at an earlier age, she was Email: [email protected] a tougher cookie than the somewhat mousy Dead Man Walking at Sister Helen portrayed on stage.) Mahalia Jackson But most important, while I cared about Born Again! the plight of the innocent Jefferson in Slidell’s SLAP! Pastor-Man slaps you on the English is “repent.” Now there’s a word with Theater through April 10 less-than-perfect production, it never mat- forehead. BAM! You are falling back into baggage. Sort of like the opening descrip- By sheer coincidence, the day after I tered to me what happened to De Rocher the arms of those good Christian folk sur- tion it reminds us of Bible thumpers that saw A Lesson Before Dying, I saw the in this superbly realized Dead Man Walk- rounding you. You are dressed in a white would love to condemn instead of finding a Louisiana premiere of Jake Heggie’s Dead ing. Maybe some other composer/librettist MuMu ! BLUB! You are gasping for air as way to love. “Repent, repent the end is Man Walking based on Sister Helen team could make me feel for this ruthless they plunge you deep into cold water. Just near! Doom looms!” Well, really, not so Prejean’s novel. Both works deal with a killer (never mind that he was drunk and as you are about to pass out they raise you. much. condemned prisoner and the attempt to stoned when he did the evil deed), but The choir shouts “Alleluia” and Pastor- Metanoia means finding a new self a reach his soul before it is snuffed out. Yet, despite sniffles, even sobs that could be Man says, “Brother-Man or Sister-Woman perhaps hidden self that needs to break out otherwise, these productions were ex- heard in the auditorium, I’m still, having felt you are born again!” and that unloads the things that hold us tremely different. the same way about the movie version, not Nope it really shouldn’t work that way. down. A person suffering from deep de- Unlike the community theater offering sure why so much time and effort was spent But hey I got you this far along in this pression may find a drug therapy that really in Slidell, this was perhaps the most impres- to tell of De Rocher’s all-too-brief redemp- column. One of Jesus’ disciples ask him works and it’s a new world! The person in sive physical production that New Orleans tion. how one can be born again. Believe it or not recovery discovers a new and fantastic Opera has ever mounted. Keith Brumley’s While Dead Man Walking is an unde- many of us are. Were you in the closet then person that has been suppressed by drugs scenic design fluidly shifted from one locale niably powerful work, if New Orleans Opera came out? Born again! Have you had an or alcohol. I know, most of you are sitting in to the next using a rolling platform, screens really wants to present an opera about addiction and sought treatment and are a bar right now, what you must be thinking. and projections; the mechanics of the show acceptance and forgiveness and Christian now “happy, sober and free.” Born again! But, hey, I am not talking about you it’s the seemed as contemporary as the work itself. values, may I suggest they consider the Have you carried a burden of enmity against person next to you. No really. No really. Well NOO Artistic Director Robert Lyall’s brilliant Jerry Springer: The Opera (or a friend or family member (hating or at least give this some thought anyway. conducting, excellent as always, provided even, perhaps, Anna Nicole). loathing them) and then found forgiveness Easter is all about metanoia or becom- the necessary propulsive force for Heggie’s Still, Dead Man Walking is a signifi- in your heart? Born again! ing a new person. It is in the springtime, score. Director Tomer Zvulun’s staging, cant achievement for NOO and I’m happy In Jesus terms and real terms “Born “new life” and it celebrates “resurrection” aided by Brumley’s set and Don Darnutzer’s that they gave me the opportunity to see it. Again” means to become a new person. In or coming back to LIFE. I do mean LIFE lighting, created handsome images that Next up is Tosca (April 8 and 10) at Greek we might think of the world metanoia SPELLED LARGE! So many of us spend reinforced the characters’ relationships. The Mahalia Jackson Theater followed ìåôÜíïéá. It is an interesting word and one time thinking about the things that we should The cast was topnotch. As the mur- by Brundibár, in conjunction with the Na- worth considering. It means a change of have done; dwelling in the past in emotions derer Joseph De Rocher, baritone Michael tional WWII Museum, on May 14 and 15 at mind but more. It means a change in our that should be left in the past that we are Mayes delivered firm virile tones and pro- the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing very being; a change in how we experience absorbed by it. jected the desperation of a caged animal, Center. the world around us and interact in that new Easter is about refreshment, newness, flailing out at all one moment, piteously world. Very regrettably the translation into starting over. Lent was supposed to set that crying the next. (And just to fulfill my repor- Dina Martina stage by “taking a fearless moral, ethical, torial duties, let it be noted that Dead Man and spiritual inventory.” Easter is that time Walking included Mayes’ chiseled body at Café Istanbul matters of health ...from 13 when the opportunity to, with great joy, doing push-ups in his boxer shorts; would Prior to her debut here last year, I had cians seeking to provide sensitive care for embrace the new you. Easter is a time to that more operas had such scenes.) no idea what to expect from Dina Martina. transgender and gender-nonconforming take a stand against our own internal dark- Having begun her relationship with De This time around, I suspected—and clients. The guidelines give a clear expla- ness and allow light to shine into that Rocher as pen pals, mezzo-soprano Jenni- hoped—we’d get more of her brilliant anar- nation of terms and concepts, recommen- darkness. fer Rivera’s Sister Helen was determined to chic humor. I wasn’t disappointed. dations for supportive therapy and research, If you think the Resurrection of our carry through to the end the promises that Coming out in a tacky Janet Jackson- and some acknowledgement of the vio- Rabbi Jesus was metaphor or historic fact she has made. Not always sure of her ish outfit and oversize mic, Dina cannily lence, abuse, and stress many transgender the truth is this: that all humans have the mission, Rivera brought out the struggles exploited the dichotomy between the faux and gender-nonconforming people face. opportunity to be “born again.” I believe and Prejean faces with convincing vitality and lack-of-talent she displays and our image of You can check out the guidelines by going I want you to believe that such can be done supple singing throughout. what such a musical performance should to http://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/ hourly. If we are mindful of our milieu, if we Other stand-outs included Margaret be like to hilarious effect. transgender.pdf are mindful of our spiritual nature, if we are Lattimore whose plush yet anguished tones Continuing on, she told how her “fa- mindful of forces and principals greater pleaded for her son Joseph’s life; Adrienne ther died in childbirth”, how she’s a “fashion Report Says Health Care Costs for than our selves we are approaching new Danrich who graced Sister Rose, Sister model for Braille publications”, and how Transgender Military Is Minimal life. Helen’s superior, with a pure, heavenly “going to IHOP in Harvey and not sampling A study published in the New England Easter, it is the time of new life, of being soprano ; and all four of the victims’ tortured the culinary delights is like going to Europe Journal of Medicine finds that the cost of born again, of raising the standard that parents (Kathleen Halm, Dennis Jesse, and not seeing the pyramids.” These unex- providing transition-related health care for says “I matter. I love. I offer love. I can be the Amy Pfrimmer, Tyler Smith). pected turns of phrase combine with her transgender service members will be mini- beloved.” Yet while I admired Heggie’s lush, ro- innocent-seeming personality to make your mal after the Pentagon lifts its ban. Aaron mantic music, best heard in the complex face hurt from grinning so much. Belkin, the study’s author, found the total trodding the boards choral numbers, I never found it distinctive. Appearing in outfits that always seem a size too small, Dina gave us wildly ridicu- price tag for the military’s healthcare sys- ...from 26 One can discern gospel influences and tem would be an estimated $5.6 million strains of Elvis Presley rock, but this grisly lous parodies of television ads and ‘80’s each year, or 22 cents per member per blues to pop, covers scene changes and story almost demands harder rock, per- music videos, and favored us with an epic month. That amounts to one one-hundredth makes them go by quickly. haps an operatic version of heavy metal. tale of meeting Maya Angelou that involved of one percent of the military’s $47.8 billion Williams, one of this town’s most out- Terrence McNally’s libretto held my canapes and a fart which led to a rendering annual health care budget. To arrive at his standing actors, is less successful with his attention throughout, but, after the shatter- of The Ladies Who Lunch that was almost conclusion, Belkin used data from large cast (Oukeem Casnave, Don Guilot, Lionel ing first scene, never fully engaged me; as unforgettable as Elaine Stritch’s ver- employers whose insurance plans offer Jackson, Kimberly McDuffey, Cindy Miller, other than Prejean’s trying to get De Rocher sion. transition-related care. He analyzed the Reggie Populus Jr., Tirrell Sylvas, TJ Toups). to accept God and responsibility for what If Dina’s hour-long set felt shorter than annual incidence of claims for — and the To the actors’ credit, there’s not a false he did, the only potent drama was her it was, well, time flies when you’re having cost of — such care, and reached an overall moment in the production; all the emotions conflict with the victims’ parents who can’t fun. Yet, counterintuitively, it also felt longer cost figure using an adjusted estimate of they communicate come across as true and understand her efforts on behalf of their than it was because it was so jam-packed the number of transgender people (12,800) deeply felt. To achieve the full impact of children’s murderer. with solidly funny material. who serve in the military. Gaines’ story, however, Linney’s script re- Disappointingly, McNally never pro- I’m not sure if Dina Martina is a stand- Jack Carrel, MPH has worked in HIV, quires actors who can give more nuanced vides any explanation as to why Prejean up, drag, or cabaret performer, or maybe a STD, and LGBTQ health for over 30 years. performances; a greater variety of line read- gets so involved with De Rocher; she says “performance artiste”, or all of the above, Currently he is a doctoral student at Walden ings from each would help. Williams should “I gave you my word” but that’s about all. (I but she’s wonderfully witty and fabulously University, a consultant in grant writing. He also have insisted that cues be picked up guess that’s just what nuns do.) If McNally’s bizarre and I can’t wait till she comes back can be reached at [email protected]. more quickly. Sister Helen can be sanctimonious and we here again. GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • March 15-28, 2016 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 29 Ambush’s Paul, King Mwindo Saturday night's Divas R Us Glenn, Willie & Charles Lance Miller, Paul Melancon & @ The Golden Lantern @ the Page Andy Bergeron @ Good Friends ambush paparazzi

EGM Monica & friends feeling the jubilation @ Golden Lantern Jack in the Barry Bareass Dance Contest @ The Corner Pocket

Bartender Josh serving Bloody Mary’s @ The Golden Lantern

O of the Pub & the Page with Errol @ Bourbon Pub Barry Masters does Zingo with Trey @ The Corner Pocket

Excitement during Drag Dinner @ The Country Club Bartender Kevin belts out “Walking in Memphis” for Kafe Karaoke @ Lafitte’s Showgating before Wednesday night show @ Oz

Sir Speedy’s Wayne & bartender Justin @ Bourbon Pub

Guy, Danny, Kent, Ben & Richard Miss Louisiana Leatherette Gregory Cain’s going away party do Hump Day cocktails Vanessa & friends join Lords of @ The Phoenix @ Rawhide Leather Rush Party @ Phoenix The Social Scene ~ New Orleans Photos by Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys, Jeremy Weinberg

Cocktailin’ with Chuck @ Bourbon Pub & Parade

Jackie O & Cherry Forever invite Easter Grand Marshal Monica, you to experience the changes @ Miss New Orleans Pride Vanessa Bartender Chris welcomes you to Angeli on Decatur 17th CWB in the Streets & Miss Vieux Carre USofA @ Oz Kajun’s Pub