“Hedy! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr”
Shows are back on at BB’s Stage Door Canteen at the National World War II Museum. From May 21-30, check out “Hedy! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr.” Born in Vienna, Lamarr was an actress once known as “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World” while she shined on the silver screen from the 1930s to the 1950s.
There was much, much more to Lamarr than her beauty and acting talent, however. While married to an Austrian arms dealer, she retained knowledge about munitions and put that knowledge to use aiding the Allied war effort. She invented the Secret Communication System, which made torpedoes more accurate. This technology would later be used in cell phones, WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth among other innovations.
To make a full evening out of it, enjoy drinks at the American Sector cafe pre-show or treat yourself to a light dinner at Rosie’s on the Roof, the new rooftop lounge at the Higgins Hotel.
The show’s availability is subject to change depending on the city’s COVID-19 restrictions throughout May. For up-to-date information, visit the National World War II Museum’s website at NationalWW2Museum.org.
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“Built: Sculpture from the Collection”
Now through July 25, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art is showcasing “Built: Sculpture from the Collection.” It is the first exhibition drawn from the Ogden’s permanent collection to focus exclusively on sculptural work from Southern artists. OgdenMuseum.org.
NOLA Gold Rugby
If there’s a sports void in your life with the Saints season over, drive to the Gold Mine on Airline (formerly known as the Shrine on Airline and Zephyr Field) to catch New Orleans’ professional rugby team in action. NOLAGoldRugby.com
“Port of No Return: Enemy Alien Internment in World War II New Orleans”
A little-known bit of local history centers around Camp Algiers, which housed people classified as “enemy aliens” in World War II. Author Marilyn Grace Miller explores this chapter of the Crescent City’s past in her new book “Port of No Return: Enemy Alien Internment in World War II New Orleans.” New Orleans was identified as one of two main ports that enemy aliens might enter the country, so the U.S. government set up Camp Algiers. Most detainees had no criminal record and had escaped difficult political or economical situations. Many were denied return to their countries of residence, and in some cases were repatriated to their native countries (a terrifying prospect for Jewish detainees and others who suffered under the Nazis).
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Support Your Local Music Venues
Due to the nature of magazine deadlines, we cannot provide a list of specific shows, but March brought fantastic news for local music. Venerable venues like Tipitina’s and the Maple Leaf hosted shows again. So monitor your favorite venue’s websites for updated info and support them in what has been an extraordinarily difficult period.
Fontainebleau State Park
For people looking for a short day trip or a weekend camping trip, visit this 2,800-acre park on the north shore that sits on the site of a former plantation. One of its most popular features is a beautiful beach for sunbathers. You don’t have to go all the way to Mississippi to see a beach!
The Tammany Trace, an old railroad corridor repurposed for cyclists and pedestrians, runs through the park, and across the parish. If you’d like to stay the night, there is a campground and lakefront cabins with scenic views. The nature trail features helpful signs along the way to aid you in identifying the trees and shrubs you will see. Over 400 different species of birds and animals live in and around the park. Visit lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park for more information.
