Collar Me Cool
Costumed canines steal the spotlights and hearts this year on Feb. 12 in the Mystic Krewe of Barkus parade, which starts at Armstrong Park at 2 p.m., and winds its way through the French Quarter, setting tails wagging for the 20th year in a row with the theme of “Mission Impossible: Canine Protocol, Armstrong Bark Reloaded.”
The parade features royalty, celebrity guests, marching bands and no shortage of elaborately decorated floats. Membership to the krewe is open, and proceeds from the parade are donated to various animal welfare shelters.
Information, barkus.org.
GALACTIC ON LUNDI GRAS
Every year locals and visitors look forward to a Lundi Gras evening performance from New Orleans’ own internationally known Galactic. The annual blowout concert lasts all night long; then you catch the sunrise and head out to catch Rex and Zulu. The group will celebrate the release of their new album, Carnivale Electricos, which explores the connections between New Orleans’ Mardi Gras and the mega-Carnivals of Brazil. The doors at Tipitina’s open at 10 p.m., and the concert will also feature Corey Glover of Living Colour and Corey Henry of the Rebirth Brass Band; the Soul Rebels are also slated to perform.
Information, tipitinas.com.
Immortal Tribute
The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil present “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” on Feb. 15 and 16 at the New Orleans Arena. Featuring Jackson’s world-famous music and choreography, the performances demonstrate the late icon’s electrifying creativity in a tribute with more than 60 international dancers, musicians and acrobats.
Information, CirqueDuSoleil.com/MichaelJackson.
SPOTLIGHT
Divinely Lenten
Acclaimed local writer and director Ricky Graham presents his latest play, The Divine Sister at Mid-City Theatre starting on Feb. 24. Written by Charles Busch, the comedic performance is directed by Graham and produced by Theatre 13. Information, MidCityTheatre.com.
What’s this show about? This is the latest play by Charles Busch. The Divine Sister is a satirical take on Hollywood movies about religion, including The Trouble with Angels, The Song of Bernadette, The Nun’s Story, The Sound of Music and the Da Vinci Code, [among others]. The show takes a raucous, and slightly risqué, look at convent life – the nuns are all played by comic male performers, including the fabulous Varla Jean Merman, Brian Peterson and Boston star Olive Another. The cast also includes local luminaries Gary Rucker, Tari Hohn and newcomer Molly Ruben-Long. It is the perfect adult entertainment to balance out Lent.
You’ve been on the theater scene for a long time. What do you love the most about it? I have been acting, writing and directing for some time now in New Orleans, and it always thrills me that I still get so excited every time I start a new project – especially one like this, which has so many splendid, funny actors. I’m always in love with good, funny performers. And I’ve reached a point where it’s just as fulfilling to watch someone else getting laughs as it would be if it were me – of course, only if they’re doing the bits I gave them.
What can audience members get out of this play? New Orleans is such a Catholic city, and it enjoys shows like Late Night Catechism and Nunsense. I think our audience will enjoy this, especially those with an open mind – and a slightly twisted sense of humor.
Through Feb. 28. Joyce Tenneson: “Trees of Life”; A Gallery for Fine Photography. Information, AGallery.com.
Feb. 4. Southern Art, Southern Stories (for children); Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Information, OgdenMuseum.org.
Feb. 4. Krewe du Vieux; downtown. Information, KreweDuVieux.org.
Feb. 4 & 5. JPAS presents Hairspray; Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Information, jpas.org.
Feb. 6,8,10,13, 29. New Orleans Hornets home games; New Orleans Arena. Information, NewOrleansArena.com.
Feb. 18. Morning 40 Federation; One Eyed Jacks. Information, OneEyedJacks.com.
Feb. 19. Trombone Shorty’s 6th annual Bacchus Bash featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Tipitina’s. Information, tipitinas.com.
Feb. 20. Juvenile with special guests at the 4th annual Lundifest; Republic New Orleans. Information, RepublicNola.com.
Feb. 21. 2nd annual Revivapalooza featuring the Revivalists, Sun Hotel, Coyotes, Habitat, Bantam Foxes and Gold & the Rush; Howlin’ Wolf. Information, TheHowlinWolf.com.
Feb. 22. Oscar Night New Orleans, benefiting American Red Cross; Theatres at Canal Place. Information, 620-3162.
Feb. 24- May 20. “Hard Truths: The Art of Thornton”; New Orleans Museum of Art. Information, noma.org.
March 2. Stephen Petronio Company; Freda Lupin Memorial Hall. Information, NobaDance.com.
