Thursday, Aug. 15
Elm Theatre presents the premiere of Venom by Chicago playwright Clint Sheffer. Directed by Pamela Davis-Nolan, the drama finds a newlywed interracial couple (Matthew Thompson and Becca Chapman) in a rural Louisiana hotel being held captive by a pair of cops – who turn out to be sent by the cult-like church the couple had escaped from. The event description warns the show is for “mature audiences.” Info here.
Friday, Aug. 16
In the same vein of theater for mature audiences, tickets for the stage hit Book of Mormon’s Saenger Theatre stop go on sale this morning. You’re gonna want to snag these now. Info here.
For not so mature audiences (“mature” to describe age, not mindset), Rivertown Theaters hosts the stage adaptation of Aladdin performed by young actors. Info here.
The Botanical Gardens at City Park is the site for a mid-summer Garden Party tonight and Saturday. Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Brass-A-Holics perform Friday; Bonerama and Jumpin’ Johnny’s Blues Party perform Saturday. Crescent Pie and Sausage will be on hand with some snacks. In the event of rain, the party’s moved inside. Info here.
Lauded as one of the best documentaries of the year, The Act of Killing opens at Zeitgeist tonight. In the documentary – which has been described as strange, disturbing and inventive – the leaders of an Indonesian death squad during the anti-communist killings of 1965-1966 are given the opportunity to reenact their mass killings in their favorite cinematic genres. Info here.
Magical music man – and “Top Chef: New Orleans” guest star – Dr. John performs with his recently formed band, the Nite Trippers, tonight at Tipitina’s. John “Papa” Gros opens. Info here.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Think you have what it takes to don a mustache and sweatband and take to the streets/Superdome field/seemingly every other location in town with the best of them? The ubiquitous 610 Stompers hold auditions today and Sunday that are open to the public to watch. Info here.
There’s something for both cocktail connoisseurs and fans of drive-thru daq stands at the New Orleans Daiquiri Festival, which includes a frozen craft cocktail competition, performances by Sissy Nobby, Stooges Brass Band, Mississippi Rail Company and DJs, food and more. Info here.
The LA/SPCA hosts its fundraiser Alegria, a "Project Runway"-esque competition for local fashion designers. Local celebrities and some lucky pets will hit the cat – or dog – walk. There will also be entertainment by burlesque performers and an aerialist, a silent auction and drink specials. Info here.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Shipwrecked!, a storytelling showcase and podcast that also includes live music, interactive elements and, sometimes, free vegan cookies, returns with the theme “Plot Twist.” Pre-sale tickets are sold out, but some are available for early comers at the door. Info here.
