Curtains up
After the relative cultural drought of the summer, the many arts offerings starting in September quickly fill up calendars. Many local theater companies begin their seasons at this time. The NOLA Project begins its “Stand Up!”-themed 10th season with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Sept. 4-21 at NOCCA’s Nims Black Box Theatre). Le Petit Théâtre kicks off its season with the new comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Sept. 5-20). The Contemporary Arts Center launches an ambitious season – that also includes performances by music heavyweights Mishell Ndegeocello and Yo La Tengo, as well as its usual offerings of art, film and dance events – with An Illiad, a retelling of the epic poem starring Tony Award winner Denis O’Hare (Sept. 27-28).
Watch out for shows at Rivertown Theatres (see Spotlight), Anthony Bean Community Theater and Mid-City Theatre at this time.
Information, NOLAProject.com, LePetitTheatre.com and Cacno.org.
Manscaping
For whom growing and grooming facial hair is an art, strut your scruff at the New Orleans Facial Hair & Pleasure Club’s inaugural Beard and Mustache Championships. Contestants compete in several categories at the event, which features celebrity judges and music by the Breton Sound. Comedian Chris Trew, who has an impressive beard himself, hosts at One Eyed Jacks on Sept. 26. Information, OneEyedJacks.net.
Bump & Grind
Burlesque is ubiquitous in New Orleans, but for those who can’t get enough – and for performers who want to refine their art of the tease – the New Orleans Burlesque Festival (Sept. 18-21, House of Blues and Harrah’s) offers performances, workshops and parties. You won’t want to miss the crowning of the Queen of Burlesque. Information, NewOrleansBurlesqueFest.com.
Calendar
Sept. 8-14. We Live to Eat New Orleans Restaurant Week, various locations. Information, WeLiveToEatNola.com
Sept. 12. Scales & Ales, Aquarium of the Americas. Information, AudubonInstitute.org/Scales-And-Ales
Sept. 13. Rising Tide new media conference, Xavier University. Information, RisingTideNola.com
Sept. 13. Rodeo New Orleans, UNO Lakefront Arena. Information, Arena.UNO.edu
Sept. 17. New Orleans Magazine’s People to Watch party, Messina’s at the Terminal. Information, MyNewOrleans.com/Events.
Sept. 17. Demi Lovato in concert, UNO Lakefront Arena. Information, Arena.UNO.edu
Sept. 19. Martini Madness, New Orleans City Park. Information, FriendsOfCityPark.com
Sept. 19. Tim and Eric & Dr. Steve Brule, Civic Theatre. Information, CivicNola.com
Sept. 21. New Orleans Saints at home vs. Minnesota Vikings, Noon, Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Information, NewOrleansSaints.com
Sept. 27. New Orleans on Tap, New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. Information, NewOrleansOnTap.org
Sept. 27. Love in the Garden, New Orleans Museum of Art’s Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Information, Noma.org
