SHOW TOPPERS
Nov. 5-21. “Biloxi Blues,” Rivertown Repertory Theater, 468-7221. Chapter two in the Tony Award-winning comedy about playwright Neil Simon’s alter-ego, Eugene Jerome, who is a young Brooklyn army recruit going through boot camp in Biloxi, Miss.
Nov. 16-21. “Oliver!,” Saenger Theatre, 522-5555. Broadway in New Orleans presents this classic family musical in Lionel Bart’s adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist.ART OPENERS
Through Nov. 20. “Broken Earth,” Arthur Roger Gallery, 524-9393. Small-to-monumental-scale abstract sculptures made of cut and polished granite by Jesus Moroles.
Nov. 1-30. “Erte – The Art, The Artist, The Legend,” Martin Lawrence Gallery, 299-9055. The unveiling of the “Adoration of Woman” collection featuring bronze sculptures celebrating females.
Nov. 1-30. “The Beauty is in the Detail,” Martin Lawrence Gallery, 299-9055. Artist Liudmila Kondakova’s latest original paintings and watercolor sketches, as well as the release of her newest, “Montmartre Morning.”
Nov. 6-27. “Narrative Waterscapes,” LeMieux Galleries, 522-5988. New Orleans artist Debra Howell’s computer-generated, large-scale, photo-based digital prints of various bodies of water.
Nov. 6-27. “Suicide Attempts,” LeMieux Galleries, 522-5988. Dick Johnson’s newest series of paintings depicting the Etienne Bore live oak tree, also called the “Suicide Oak” in Audubon Park.
Nov. 13-Jan. 16. “Tools of Her Ministry: The Art of Sister Gertrude Morgan,” New Orleans Museum of Art, 488-2631. Never-before-seen works by Sister Gertrude Morgan, a New Orleans evangelist street preacher, who used her art as a tool for her ministry during the 1960s and ’70s.
HELMET BANG
The annual football matchup between Southern Athletic Conference rivals Southern University and Grambling State University touches down Nov. 26-27 in the Louisiana Superdome for the State Farm Bayou Classic. The nationally televised game airs live on NBC Nov. 27 and attracts 200,000 fans. Many events surround the Bayou Classic such as the popular Battle of the Bands, a job fair and keynote speaker Tom Joyner, a nationally syndicated radio personality and philanthropist, at the State Farm Bayou Classic Sponsorship Gala held Nov. 27 at the Hyatt Regency. Information, 522-5555.
NIGHT LIGHT
The lights will shine brightly at the annual elaborate holiday display Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park Nov. 26-Jan. 2. The preview party for Celebration in the Oaks is held Nov. 19 at the Botanical Garden and Hines Carousel Garden; attendees can preview the display as well as sample food and spirits from more than 100 local restaurants and taverns, and enjoy entertainment by local artists. Information, 483-9415.
IN GOOD FAITH
Faithful fans of William Shakespeare’s work will enjoy his “greatest hits” rolled into one performance: “Cymbeline,” a romantic tragicomedy in which Shakespeare revisits his favorite, darkest character types from his earlier masterpieces and has them meet his heroes and heroines. Presented by Tulane University’s Department of Music and Dance at Lupin Theater Nov. 16-21, Shakespeare’s third-to-last play examines a central issue of his time and ours: faith. Information, 865-5106.
PERFECT PRESENTATIONS
The New Orleans Opera Association presents a quest for the perfect woman in “The Tales of Hoffmann” Nov. 18 and 20 at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts. Jacques Offenbach, the king of French operetta, uses German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale as the basis for his only opera, which blends an improbable comedic plot with romanticism. Hoffmann recounts wasted years in pursuit of his ideal woman: first, a mechanical doll assembled by a mad scientist; next, a singer who must choose between her career and life itself; and then a depraved Venetian courtesan who collects men’s shadows. Information, 529-2278.
MUSICAL GREATNESS
The New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts presents two events this month at Lupin Hall on the NOCCA/Riverfront campus. On Nov. 7 the NOCCA Institute partners with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for world-famous conductor Rob Kapilow in his “What Makes It Great?” concert. On Nov. 20 Verb Ballet, a new modern dance company, dances to music that ranges from classical to classic rock. The event is presented by Center Stage, a blend of educational performance activities, and is an outgrowth of the institute’s long-standing Artists-in-Residence program. Information, 940-2900.
HORNET HYSTERIA
A new coach and new season should catapult the New Orleans Hornets’ 2004-2005 season into a packed house. The Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 3 kicks off the home opener at the New Orleans Arena, followed by the Orlando Magic Nov. 5; L.A. Lakers Nov. 9; Atlanta Hawks Nov. 12; Phoenix Suns Nov. 17; and Minnesota Timberwolves Nov. 20. Information, 525-HOOP.