A Night at the Theatre: Part II

If you happen to be tuning in for the first time to this series, allow me to ease your worry about not having read part one of A Night at the Theatre. You can find that article right here.

I can hear the sighs of relief all the way in Uptown. Which is where I’m at. Sup, Magazine St.?

My weekend was spent immersed in theatre and one too many vodka cranberries with lime. Always with lime. I had the pleasure of seeing three plays this weekend, and I honestly can’t imagine spending my time any other way. For those of you who know me, you know how important the theatre is. For those of you who don’t know me, take this article as an ode to the number one love in my life, Tina Fey theatre.

I present you, now, with a list of shows you absolutely must see this weekend and this month. Whether you go at it alone or ask that blue-eyed babe to accompany you, you won’t be disappointed in what the New Orleans theatre scene has to offer you. And if you are disappointed, then you’re psycho, and, well, we can’t be friends.

“Shiner” presented by The NOLA Project

Shiner

“Shiner” introduces us to two Los Angeles suburban thirteen-year-olds, who in the spring of 1994, vow to make the biggest decision of their lives—and perhaps the last. Struggling through puberty in the aftermath of the devastating California Northridge earthquake, Margot and Jake have two simple goals: Snag tickets to Nirvana’s highly anticipated Hollywood Bowl concert and die happy. But everything changes on April 5th when lead singer Kurt Cobain violently takes his own life, turning their world completely upside down. In the 20th year since Cobain’s famous suicide, Shiner takes us back to the humorous and terrifying world of teenagers who discover a spiritual connection to grunge rock, and despite all odds, each other.

I had the pleasure of catching this show on opening night last Friday. The script, written by Christian Durso, is beautiful and tragic and heart-wrenching and comical all at the same time. It’s everything you could want in a play. It’s fast-paced, but, because of the direction of Alex Ates, isn’t muddled and incoherent. The cast is comprised of Cecile Monteyne and Alexander Neher. Both actors are far from being 13-years-old, with Moneteyne being 30 and Neher being 22, but the age gap doesn’t hinder either performance. The performances that I got to witness with these two was truly remarkable. They never missed a beat and had fantastic chemistry. Once again, the NOLA Project knocks it out of the park, and this is definitely a show that I will be seeing again.

“Shiner” by the NOLA Project
The Allways Theatre
October 1-18 Wednesdays-Saturdays 8pm
Tickets $20

“Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” presented by Theatre UNO

BengalTiger2

The lives of two American Marines and an Iraqi translator are forever changed by an encounter with a quick-witted tiger who haunts the streets of war-torn Baghdad attempting to find meaning, forgiveness and redemption amidst the city’s ruins. Rajvi Joseph’s groundbreaking play explores both the power and the perils of human nature.

Because I am a UNO alumni, I always make it a point to visit their theatre and support their work as often as I can. I had the opportunity to see this show on their opening night, which was last Thursday, and I’m so glad I did. Most of you may be thinking that you’ll bypass this play because it’s “a college production”. Sometimes, college shows can get a bad reputation for being too amateur. I am here to tell you that those are incorrect accusations, and this show is worth seeing. Pictured above are actors John Neisler, Sam Malone and Kyle Woods, all three of whom I have had the pleasure of working with onstage. They, along with the rest of the cast, delivered solid and truthful performances throughout the play. Although the subject matter is far from funny, this play does find it’s humorous moments, which I find to have been appropriately utilized. Bengal Tiger is not for the faint of heart, so I wouldn’t necessarily bring your children, but this is definitely a show that needs to be seen. It’s one of the best roles I’ve seen John Neisler (Tiger) play, and one of the best I’ve seen director David Hoover direct. Props, Theatre UNO. I stand proud to call you my alma mater.

“Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” presented by Theatre UNO
Robert E. Nims Theatre in the Performing Arts Center at the University of New Orleans
October 10th-11th at 7:30pm and October 12th at 2:30pm
Tickets $8 for students and $12 for general admission

“Broomstick” presented by Southern Rep

Broomstick

In a remote cabin deep in the woods, an old crone spins a spellbinding tale about her life, her love affairs, and her “cursed” reputation.

Mischievously funny, dark …and just in time for Halloween…
BROOMSTICK is the story of one woman who hovers in the shadowy space between good and evil, fantasy and reality, and who, some say, may be a little too hungry for justice.

Southern Rep has always been pretty dedicated to producing original work. The playwright’s, John Biguenet, play “Mold” was successfully produced in a previous season of Southern Rep’s. This one-woman show, starring Liann Pattison, will be running the entire month of October, so be sure to check it out!

“Broomstick” presented by Southern Rep
Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
October 4th-November 2nd at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 3pm
Tickets $40

“Musical of the Living Dead” presented by See ‘Em On Stage

MusicaloftheLivingDead

Following and inspired by the success of October 2013’s “Evil Dead: The Musical”; last year’s standing room only production and Big Easy Award nominated best musical of the year, “See ‘Em On Stage” will offer New Orleans audiences an immersive, interactive, multi-media, hilarious, and heinously gory theatrical experience that will be the perfect way to spend a gruesome and entertaining night out during New Orleans’ thrilling Halloween season. Be prepared to be dazzled by some of New Orleans finest actors, singers, and dancers; all while trying to dodge endless blood splatter. If your preference is to actually leave the theater completely covered in blood, then be sure to get a seat in our SPLATTER ZONE. But be warned: these seats sell out quickly. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll scream. And you’ll have plenty of laundry to do the next day. Patrons are advised to leave cashmere sweaters, silk shirts, and expensive designer handbags at home.

In keeping with the theme of Halloween, I present you with “Musical of the Living Dead”, which is based off of the classical “Night of the Living Dead” zombie horror film. Director Christopher Bentivegna had much success with last year’s “Evil Dead: The Musical”, and I can only imagine what this year’s blood-splattered audiences will think. They’re in for a treat, of this I am sure. Featuring the talents of local actors (and friends of mine!) Kali Russell, Levi Hood, Elyse McDaniel and others, this musical is sure to be a freakin’ fantastic way to spend your October evening. I am 100% sure that I will attend and demand to leave smothered in blood and gore. Happy Halloween, New Orleans. This is for you.

Here’s a sick teaser trailer for the show featuring Kali Russell and Levi Hood:

“Musical of the Living Dead” presented by See ‘Em On Stage: a production company
The Shadowbox Theatre
October 17th-November 2nd at 8:00pm
Tickets $25 for general admission and $30 for Splatter Zone

“You Don’t Know the Half of It – October Edition!”

YouDon'tKnowtheHalfofIt

There’s a show that is both scripted and improvised at the same time.

So what happens when scenes written by local writers and memorized by local actors are completed live on a stage with the help of local improvisers (and You Don’t Know the Band !?!)?

What happens, well you just don’t know the half of it…

This shit seems fun, and I have absolutely no doubt that is indeed just that, especially since it’s produced by the talented Cecile Monteyne. I am definitely checking out the October Edition of this show, because I have heard nothing but great things. Along with acting, improv is one of my passions and loves, so this is right up my alley and hopefully yours too! So if you need a good chuckle this weekend or just feel like being amidst of bunch of talented folk, then get yourself down to Cafe Istanbul this Sunday at 7:30pm!

“You Don’t Know the Half of It – October Edition!”
Cafe Istanbul
October 12th at 7:30pm
Tickets $10 in advance or $12 at the door
*Want to get involved? Contact Cecile Monteyne at [email protected]

“Chicago the Musical” at the Saenger Theatre New Orleans

Chicago

A true New York City institution, CHICAGO has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping-song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. It’s no wonder CHICAGO has been honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards®, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations. It’s also no surprise that CHICAGO has wowed audiences all around the world, from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. Whether you’re looking for your first Broadway musical, whether you’ve seen the Academy Award®-winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you’ve seen it before and want to recapture the magic, CHICAGO always delivers.

Come on, babe, why don’t we paint the town…

“Chicago the Musical”
The Saenger Theatre
October 7th-12th
Tickets

And now I think I have Carpal Tunnel from all of this typing. It’s worth it, though, because I’m dropping some theatre knowledge your way! If you’re not impressed by this series, I have two questions for you:

1) Why are you still reading this?
2) What’s your address? I’m sending your boring ass my medical bills. Pay for my aching wrists.

I sincerely hope you grab a buddy and check out some of the cool shows happening in New Orleans this month. Some are closing this weekend, so catch them while they’re still around! Don’t be a poser. Get your theatre on…and whatever else it is that you do. I don’t know. I don’t know your life.

 

Which of these shows are you most interested in seeing? Have any others to add to the list? Gently place them in our Comments Section. Ain’t no room for rough housing.

Or is there?

About Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn currently lives in New Orleans and is thankful for that every morning upon waking. She has a Bachelor's degree in Film and Theatre that she proudly earned/bought from UNO. Apart from acting, Kaitlyn enjoys writing, pretending to be a yogi, and drinking multiple mimosas in one sitting.

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