A Confederacy of Dunces: Off the Page Onto the Stage

 

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The 2019 Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival (March 27-31) presents a theatrical adaptation of "A Confederacy of Dunces" at our opening night event, Wednesday, March 27. John Kennedy Toole's rollicking Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "A Confederacy of Dunces," is brought to life with projections, music, costumes and set. Adapted by Dr. Kenneth Holditch with additional material written by Francine Segal, this full production follows the misadventures of the eccentric Ignatius J. Reilly, played by Charlie Talbert. Theatrically conceived and directed by Francine Segal, the cast includes Brenda Currin as Thelma Toole, Tracey Collins as Irene, Edward R. Cox as Mancuso, Kyle Daigrepont as Claude Robichaux, Zeb Hollins III as Jones, Vatican Lokey as Dorian, Marie Lovejoy as Myrna Minkoff, Jo-Ann Testa as Santa Battaglia, Francine Segal as Lana Lee, and Kate Adair as Darlene with pet cockatoo!

Opening night includes a ‘60’s themed party with food and music at 7 p.m. Guests are invited to dress in early 1960s fashion and compete for Best Costume. The evening also includes an interview with Dr. Kenneth Holditch, nationally renowned scholar and longtime friend of Thelma Toole’s, after the 8 p.m. performance. Tickets for the opening night event are $50 or VIP Festival Pass.

Additional performances Saturday, March 30 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and all performances are at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center. Tickets are $30 or VIP Festival Pass. $25 for students and theater professionals and available to purchase online at www.tennesseewilliams.net and by phone 504.581.1144.

 

 

The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival celebrates the genius of Tennessee Williams, who once called our city his “spiritual home,” and the contemporary artists who are as honest and unflinching in their examination of the human condition as our patron playwright. Founded in 1986 by a group of cultural enthusiasts, the Festival has grown from a small gathering of 500 to a five-day literary and multi-cultural event, which sees 13,000+ seats filled each year. In late March, we toast Williams’ birthday with theater, literary panels, food, and music events featuring luminaries and the brightest new talents in American arts. For more information, visit www.tennesseewilliams.net or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @TWFestNOLA

The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works. Major backing comes from the New Orleans Theatre Association, which supports performing arts throughout the Greater New Orleans area, along with support from The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc.

 

 

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