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poetry of a genius.

The Misanthrope

Jean Baptiste Moliere’s The Misan-thrope was presented by The NOLAProject in The Stern Auditorium of The

New Orleans Museum of Art.James Tripp directed the Richard Wilbur

translation of the play with a quick pacing anda finely touch and sensitive touch. His solidvision of Moliere’s style gave us a galvanic andwonderfully rhyming itchy bitchy production.The simply chic setting, by Jenni-Lee Crewe,was in present day Paris, France in the houseof Celimene (Alexis Jacknow); and demon-strated what can be well done with a couple offolding screens stage right and left, and a fewpieces of ornate gilded furniture stage center.The lovely Celemene is the object of many men’saffections; but the greatest mismatch seems tobe the misanthropic, sensible in brown, Alceste(Peter McElligott).

In the brilliant and luminous performanceswe find not one weak link in the entire cast ofthis arch and satirical play which featured A. J.Allegra as Oronte, Michelle Bart as Basuqe,James Bartelle as Dbois, Scarlett Berminghamas Eliante, Will Connolly as Clitandre, SeanGlazebrook as Philinte, Alexis Jacknow asCelimene, Andrew Larimer as Acaste, PeterMcElligott as Alceste, and Janet Shea as Arsinoe.These players were astonishing as they pre-sented fully fleshed interpretations of Moliere’sinsightful and wickedly funny play about shal-low characters, outrageous love affairs, andspiteful women and men. I cannot praise thisproduction enough!

Stylish and elegant costume design wasby Scarlett Bermingham. Perfect hair styleswere by Marcos Gonzalez; and Gary Solomonprovided the highly effective lighting design.Andrew Larimer was the Producer, and heshould be quite proud of his efforts, both as afine and handsome young actor and obviouslya wise producer.

The galvanic charm and electricity of thissparkling Richard Wilber translation was quitesimply amazing to watch when done by sotalented a group of performers and tech crew.

18th New OrleansInternational PianoCompetition

From July 24-30, 2006, the MusicalArts Society of New Orleans presented its 18th year of piano com-

petitions; choosing 12 semi-finalists from a totalof 134 aspiring young pianists from 26 coun-tries. This world renowned competition waspresented in the acoustically wonderfulRoussel Hall of Loyola University, where thecontestants were able to display their prodi-gious talents playing on an imposing nine-footSteinway concert grand set in the middle of thestage.

I was able to attend the Semifinal Round IIon Friday, July 28, hearing the astonishingrecitals of the six artists selected to competethat night which included Mr. Dustin Gledhill(America), Ms. Young-Ah Tak (Korea), Mr. AlexeiGulenco (Moldova), Mr. Assaff Weisman (Is-rael), Ms. Eugene Choi (Korea)and Ms. Jun Asai(America).

Dustin Gledhill was the first contestant toplay that evening; and I was completely sweptaway. Mr. Gledhill played Handel’s Chaconne inG major, HWV 436; Rachmaninov’s Etude-Tab-leau in C Minor, OP. 33, No. 3; and Prokofiev’sToccata, Op. 11. (Each contestant played threeselections that night and after hearing all Ibelieved that Mr. Gledhill was the best.) He hasa style of playing that causes him to become onewith the piano and the music seems to flowseamlessly and joyfully from his efforts.

After hearing the other five artists I wouldhave had a difficult time picking out the winnerfor the next round; but I still had that specialfeeling for Mr. Gledhill pure and glorious artistry.

But there was still the final round of artistsplaying for the winning seat on Sunday, July 30.My favorite was among those selected from thesix performers that night.

I was unable to attend the final competitionon Sunday which climaxed a week of compe-tition by the three finalists, Mr. Gledhill; fellowAmerican, Mr. Chetan Tierra(www.chetantierra.com); and DmitriLevkovich from Canada. That night each artistplayed a 50 minute recital.

trodding the boards ...from M-24

Much to my joy, my first choice, DustinGledhill won the Grand Prize of $16,000 and aGold Medal. Winner of the Silver Medal was Mr.Tierra; and the Bronze Medal was awarded toMr. Levkovich.

Hearing the news that my first choice wonthe final competition, I could only wish that I hadthe same ability in choosing winning lotterynumbers as I seem to have in choosing greatpiano artists. What a wonderful gift I thought itwould be to have Mr. Gledhill’s talents, and afew million in the bank. Far more preciousthough and priceless was being able to hear Mr.Gledhill’s playing and I look forward to hearinghim again in the near future.

Congratulations to all involved.

on the boards

ANY WEDNESDAY. Minacapelli’s DinnerPlayhouse, 1540 Lindberg Dr., Slidell,985.781.6565 — Muriel Resnick’s comedic playabout a businessman, his wife, his mistressand a corporate apartment. Elisabeth Pagedirects Scott Steckler, Krista Shafer, KeithLauney and Linda Aubert. Tickets $35 (dinnerand show). 6:30pm Friday-Saturday, 1:30pmSunday. Through Aug. 19.

BUSTOUT BURLESQUE’S FRENCH

QUARTER FOLLIES. Tipitina’s French Quarter,223 S. Peters St., 975.7425 — A 1950s-styleburlesque show featuring MC Dante the Magi-cian, singer Debbie Davis, Harry Mayronne,Miss Viola and four exotic striptease dancers.Jerry Christopher and his Big Easy Band ac-company the show. Tickets $20 reserved-tableseating, $15 general admission. 8pm and 10pmSaturday. Through August.

CHILDREN OF EDEN. Slidell Little The-atre, 2024 Nellie Drive, Slidell, 985.643.0556 —Stephen Schwartz’s musical about the age-oldconflicts between parents and children. AllenLittle directs the 46-member cast. Tickets $17,$10 kids ages 18-under. 8pm Friday-Saturday,2pm Sunday. Through Sept. 10.

CLOUD NINE. NOCCA/Riverfront, 2800Chartres St., 940.2787/304-3753 — The NOLAProject presents Caryl Churchill’s play aboutissues of gender, race and geneology. JamesTripp directs A.J. Allegra, Angela Vitale, PeterMcElligott, Andrew Larimer, Molly Schreiber,Alex Martinez Wallace, James Bartelle, LauraRamadei and Whitney Thompson. Tickets $20,$15 students. 8pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sun-day. Through Aug. 27.

FAT PIG. Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans,4539 N. I-10 Service Road, Suite 200, Metairie,

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GayNewOrleans.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayAmerica.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • August 15-28, 2006 • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayAmerica.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • August 15-28, 2006 • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayAmerica.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • August 15-28, 2006 • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayAmerica.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • August 15-28, 2006 • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayMardiGras.COM • GayAmerica.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • August 15-28, 2006 • AmbushMag.COM • MAIN~27 of 60MAIN~27 of 60MAIN~27 of 60MAIN~27 of 60MAIN~27 of 60

MAIN~28 of 60 • MAIN~28 of 60 • MAIN~28 of 60 • MAIN~28 of 60 • MAIN~28 of 60 • AmbushMag.COM • August 15-28, 2006 • The One & Only Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM• August 15-28, 2006 • The One & Only Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM• August 15-28, 2006 • The One & Only Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM• August 15-28, 2006 • The One & Only Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM• August 15-28, 2006 • The One & Only Official Southern Decadence Guide • SouthernDecadence.COM

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456.4111 — The regional premiere of NeilLaBute’s Off-Broadway hit about a man who’sdating a woman whose figure is Rubensesque.Rene Piazza directs Nick Thompson, CammieWest, Leon Contavesprie and Angela Papalé.Tickets $16, $14 students/seniors. 7:30pmThursday-Saturday, 2:30pm Sunday. ThroughAug. 26.

HAMLET. 104 McWilliams Hall, TulaneUniversity — Michael Santora presents a one-man interpretation of Shakespeare’s classictale. Free admission. 8pm Friday and Saturday,Aug. 18 and 19.

HOUMA’S GOT TALENT. The steps ofthe Houma Court House, 876-2222 — Talentshow taking place at the beginning of theDowntown Alive After Five event. 5-6:30pmFriday. Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 22.

LATE NITE CATECHISM. Skyfire The-atre, 332 N. New Hampshire St., Covington,985.975.7577 — Amanda Hebert stars as Sis-ter in Maripat Donovan’s original Catholic schoolcomedy. Tickets $25. 8:30pm and 11pm Friday,8:30pm Saturday, 3:30pm Sunday. ThroughSept. 23.

THE MUSIC OF NAT “KING” COLE.Skyfire Theatre, 332 N. New Hampshire St.,Covington, 985.975.7577 — Philip Melanconbrings his campy cabaret act with his trio ofpiano, bass and guitar to Covington. Tickets$15. 6:30pm Sunday. Through Aug. 27.

OKRA. True Brew Playhouse, 200 JuliaSt., 451.2070/800.595.4849 — Evangeline OaksEntertainment and Eshleman Entertainmentpresent Anne Galjour’s award-winning Cajuncomedy. Perry Martin directs Becky Allen, Anne-Liese Jure Fox, Tony Molina, Denise Ponce andManuel Ponce. Tickets $21. 8pm Friday-Satur-day, 2pm Sunday. Through Aug. 20.

THE SOPHIE TUCKER SHOW WITHSPECIAL GUEST JIMMY DURANTE. MarignyTheater, 1030 Marigny St., 525.4498 — MGPProductions presents a new two-act cabaretshow starring Becky Allen and Bob Edes thatexplores the careers of the two entertainmentlegends from the first half of the 20th century.George Patterson directs with musical directionand accompaniment by Jim Walpole. Tickets$20. 8pm Friday and Saturday, 6pm Sunday.Through Aug. 27.

TAKE ME OUT. Marigny Theater, 1030Marigny, 948-9608 — Glenn Michaels and To DoProductions present Richard Greenberg’s 2003Tony Award-winning play about a gay baseball

player. The cast features Jason George, CarlosGonzalez, Steve Kubic, Dave Hotstream, DuckTennant, Alphonse Bladergroer, GemayelHolloway, Chris Schlumbrecht, Joe Roybal,Jorge L. Lugo & Steve Patrick. Tickets $20-$30.8pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday (No 2pmshow on Sept. 3; 8pm instead). Sept. 1-30.

THICK AS THIEVES. Le Chat Noir, 715 St.Charles Ave., 581.5812 — Le Chat Noir’s NewPlay Festival’s featured play by Michael AaronSantos. Ashley Ricord, with David Hoover,directs Blake Balu, Jim Winter and Scott Theriot.Tickets $20 (includes $5 bar credit). 8pm Thurs-day-Saturday. Through Aug. 27.

WISE GUY. Oswald’s Speakeasy, 1331Decatur St., 218.5953 — One-man show star-ring Harry Anderson, accompanied by pianistGilles Marschall. Tickets $25. 8pm Thursday-Saturday.

King & Queen Amon Ra 41 KennyWalker & Safonda Peters

SDGMs Lisa Beaumann & ReginaAdams flank Max

Miss Southeast Leather Fest, SolitaireRussell, from Baton Rouge

Emcee's Lauren Brown & Opal Masters

Miss Kansas/Swimwear Competition

Miss Tennessee/SwimwearCompetition

Miss Texas/Swimwear Competition

Mr. Hawaii/Swimwear Competition

Mr. Montana/Swimwear Competition

Mr. North Carolina/SwimwearCompetition

Mr. Texas

Special Lt. Electra City

Miss Queen Fashions Tami Tarmac

SDGM XXXIII Lisa Beaumann

SDGM XXXIII Regina Adams

paparazziambush

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clubs & krewes

by Douglas Minich, New OrleansE-mail: nolaclubrptr@yahoo.com

Are you ready for Decadence? I certainly hope so for it isright around the corner. While there are plenty of eventsplanned around the Quarter and Marigny some of the

clubs have events you may not be aware of.The Lords of Leather will be holding the Mr. Louisiana Leather

Contest on Saturday, September 2nd at The Howlin’ Wolf, 828 SouthPeters St. Doors will open at 6pm with the contest starting at 6:30pm.Mr. Louisiana Leather is a pre-curser to International Mr. Leather heldin Chicago every Memorial Day weekend. Best of luck to all thecontestants .

If you are interested in competing, check with any Lords memberor their website, www.lordsofleather.com.

The New Orleans Bear and Bear Trapper Social Club;a.k.a., da Bears. Have a very busy schedule. They kickthings off on Friday, September 1st in the Annex behind

the Friendly Bar with their annual NOBBTSC Banquet at 7pm.Following the banquet will be their annual Sire Ursus Contest.Trophies will be presented to Sire Ursus, as well as 1st and 2ndRunner Up.

On Saturday the 2nd, the Bears will gather at Sweet Olive B &B, owned by bear members Dale and Dave. They will be continuingthe Bears and Baubles party from 4pm till 7pm. If you know these guysyou are aware of how good a time they have at their get togethersat Sweet Olive.

Sunday starts early, at least for some. Need to get prepared forthe Decadence Parade? The NOBBTSC in conjunction with thePhoenix Bar, will continue the traditional “Make-Up Party”. They willhave breakfast and mini-contests. Prizes will be awarded for BestChest, Best Bear Butt and more. NOBBTSC Secretary Ken tells methe food and contests alone are worth the time to attend. This shouldbe a great way to kick off Sunday Morning.

The Cavaliers are planning their festivities at this time. Theannual “Hangover Ride” is scheduled for Sunday, Sep-tember 3rd. After the ride look for the bikers partying on

Bourbon Street.

Clint over at the Phoenix Bar tells me they are working ontheir annual Leather Block Party. I understand it will beheld on Friday Night. He also tells me the Phoenix is still

looking door staff and a Boot Black for Decadence.

Now believe it or not, the world does not end afterDecadence. The Crescent City Outlaws will presenttheir annual run, The S & M Olympics, September 29 –

October 1. Most of the festivities will be held at the Outlaws’ homebar, Cowpokes.

Plans are in place for eleven cocktail parties hosted by local andvisiting clubs. Kevin Chesnut of the outlaws tells me that clubs fromas far away from Nashville, Cleveland, Dallas and more will beattending. “We will be having our banquet on one of the river boatsas well” he continued. Tickets can be purchased from any Outlawmember. More information on the run can be found on the Outlawsweb site.

The Bears will continue their support of NO/AIDS Task Force bymanning the water stations for the NO/AIDS Walk on September 17th.

Coming back to Decadence. I heard a news broadcast thisafternoon that admittedly disturbed me yet again. Itappears the very un-Christian Rev. Grant Storms and his

3 followers have risen their heads again. Guess what, he actuallyblames Southern Decadence for Hurricane Katrina.

Now I have said many times how small minded many people areand we all know how closed minded some can be but give me a break.Can people actually believe that?

Remember back a few years when the Reverend first raised hisoutraged voice against Decadence? One of the best responses Ihave ever witnessed was at Café Lafitte’s. As the few protesterstraveled down Bourbon Street then DJ Chris played Love Is In TheAir and napkins were tossed. As they passed, the crowd sang alongto Hey Hey Goodbye. Nobody got into a confrontation with thesesmall minded bigots and they went away.

If we can rise to this level once, we can do so again. Please ladiesand gentlemen, ignore these hate mongers every time you see them.You cannot hold a discussion with them. The only thing they have aninterest in is causing problems and inflaming tempers. Yes they arerude and obnoxious but we are better than that and always will be.

I can only believe that one day they will have a day of their ownjudgment and the truth will hit them hard. The God I know supportslove of mankind and not the toxic vitriol these people spew.

Have a cocktail, meet new people and have a great time thisDecadence folks. We deserve it as a community.

sappho psalm

by Toni J.P. PizanieE-mail: Psalmwrite@aol.com

Great Southern Sing Out

The Twin Cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Gay Men’s Chorus celebratedits 25th Anniversary with a tour of Southern neighbors, Nashville,Birmingham, Jackson, Mobile and New Orleans. I was privileged

to hear the chorus at St. Andrew Episcopal Church with supporters JulieThompson, Courtney Sharp and Ade with new girlfriend, Amy. The selectionsencompassed classical music numbers to Country and Western. The solotalents of many of the chorus’ members were highlighted. Even the audiencegot caught up into We Shall Overcome and Walk Hand In Hand With Me.While the chorus had difficulty finding a site for the concert in New Orleans,they were welcomed into the Historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. You

may remember that the Grand Ole’ Opery usedto be held in this location. In Mobile, the groupwas welcomed into the Yvonne KennedyAuditorium at Bishop State Community College.This is a rather sad note for the GLBTS commu-nity in New Orleans.

Dr. Stan Hill is the Artistic Director of theChorus and Timothy DePrey is the PrincipalAccompanist. Hill has been with the Twin Cities

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