Three for One!
This month, the New Orleans Opera Association will present a complete production of Puccini’s three masterful one-act operas. Il Trittico has been revamped with a local twist – each opera will take place at a French Quarter locale. The Cloak (Il Tabarro) is set on a docked boat in the Mississippi River, with passionate lovers meeting in the dark, betrayal, murder (and the usual stuff that passion brings out). Sister Angelica, (Suor Angelica) shows the guilt of a young woman condemned to life as a penitent for an illegitimate child. The last opera performed will be filled with trickery and is considered to be a comic masterpiece. Johnny Schicchi (Gianni Schicchi) is a story of a greedy family who hires a cunning individual to help them obtain their deceased relative’s inheritance – which has been left to a monastery. All of these riveting performances under the direction of Jay Jackson will be enhanced by the sounds of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, not to mention the amazingly talented cast. Performances will be held Nov. 16-18 at Tulane University’s McAlister Auditorium.
Information, 529-3000, www.neworleansopera.org.
A Patriotic Pastime Revisited
Baseball has been known as “America’s Pastime;” this month that notion will be looked at in great detail as the World War II Museum presents its new exhibit, “Duty, Honor, Country: When Baseball Went to War,” presented by Humana, which will be on display through March. The weekend of Nov. 9-11, the museum will host a conference to honor baseball players, including Yogi Berra and Ted Williams, who put down their bats to fight for freedom.
The museum will also host a conference on Nov. 9, followed by an evening reception. The next night, Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, the longtime manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be the featured speaker at a dinner. World War II Veterans and former major leaguers including Bob Feller, Dom DiMaggio, Morrie Martin, Jerry Pesky, Jerry Coleman, Lou Brissie and others will join baseball historians and authors to discuss their experiences and the importance of baseball to a nation at war.
The exhibit itself will feature all kinds of rarely seen artifacts, memorabilia and photographs on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, from private collectors and from the World War II Museum’s collection.
Information, 527-6012, www.nationalww2museum.org.
Rich with poor boys
Supposedly, New Orleans’ favorite sandwich, the poor boy, got its name when a local shop owner (and former streetcar driver) began feeding workers on strike – for free. Every time one of these workers came into the shop, the cry would be heard: “Here comes another poor boy!” Now the sandwich has evolved through the years and appeals to just about everyone, rich or poor.
On Nov. 18, the 8100-8300 block of Oak Street will host the first annual New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival, complete with offerings from restaurants throughout the city. Hosted by the Oak Street Association, the festival will celebrate the sandwich and its role in local culinary culture and will also show locals and visitors that the Oak Street area really is strengthening.
There will be two stages of music plus arts and crafts, a silent auction, a children’s section and a beer garden with a big screen TV so you won’t have to miss the Saints game. Just make sure to arrive with an appetite for a poor boy (and a win).
Information, 228-3349, www.poboyfest.com.
Native November
This month at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, the cultural focus is on Native American culture. Ongoing activities include a canned food drive, a “Give Thanks” installation, totem pole design and a collaborative weaving loom where children can add their own yarn and ribbon designs. On Nov. 3, a newspaper teepee will be built and the following week, on Nov. 10, the museum will host a Native American Festival celebrating the culture and traditions of the local tribes: The Houma and Choctaw Nations of Louisiana. There will be demonstrations and Whole Foods will provide an apple tasting.
Information, 586-0725, www.lcm.org.
Trans-Siberian Sleigh Ride
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be stopping at the New Orleans Arena as part of its its winter tour. Formed in 1996, the group performs with a fusion of styles including classical, rock ‘n’ roll, Broadway and R&B. The orchestra has sold more than five million Christmas albums and they’ve been known to put on a dazzling show featuring lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and music
Information, 587-3822, www.ticketmaster.com, www.trans-siberian.com.
