Nell Nolan: LPT Curtain Call Ball 2024, Gay LeBreton and James Farwell in London, Alexis Summer 2024

Have your cake…

The 2024 closing ball of the Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, also Petit Théâtre, has just been chaired by Stephanie November. “She really got involved,” said her proud husband, Peteon Stephanie’s leadership, as well as her enthusiasm, for the annual lightheartedness. It included cocktails, dinner and a silent auction at Tableau, the adjoining restaurant; musical performances by a cast of local favorites and Tony Award nominees Betsy Wolfeas well as a live auction led by Marc Romig in the theater itself; and, back at the Tableau, dessert and a nightcap. The silent auction then ended. Chockablock activity!

The artists were applauded Stephanie Toups Abry, MyiaRené Carter, Keith Claverie, Leslie Claverie, Monique Abry Knoepfler, Queen Shereen Macklin, Melissa McKenzie And Jake Wynne-Wilson. Jefferson Turner was their musical director/accompanist, while Cian McCarthyaccompanied by Betsy Wolfe.

There might be too many names to know, but here is an opportunity to seize. Highlight the staff, Don Scott Cooper responses to the executive producer director; AJ Allegra to the artistic director; and Brooke Rabon, Fernando RiveraStephanie Abry, Eddie McIntyre, Suzie Klemmer, Jamie Doyle And Andre LaSalle to other notable publications.

Painting by Dickie Brennan, The Times-Picayune|Nola.com, Rosemary B. and Brunswick G. Deutsch Foundation, and Debbie and Bobby Patrick were the four sponsors of the main stage. On the next level, Red Carpet, the individual sponsors were Mrs. H. Mortimer Favrot Jr. (Kay), Erin and JP Hymel, Novembers, David SchulingkampAnd Kathleen and Charlie Van HornLast year, Kathleen was honored at the gala for her years of involvement with the LPT, including serving as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Backstage Sponsor Sandy Shilstonewho was listed with both spouses Mackie and their Spencernow chairs the theater’s 20-person board of directors. Janet Daley Duval is ex officio. The other officers are vice-presidents Helen Young And Marilee K. Hovettreasurer Ned Benjamin and secretary Anne Redd.

Headlining the Curtain Call Ball committee were Stephanie November, former co-chair. Joey Brown And Mrs. Melwani, Co-Chairs of the Youth Committee Grace Hoefer And Henry Heatonand the co-chairs of this committee for 2023 Katie Van Horn Davis (daughter of Kathleen and granddaughter of Kay Favrot) and Lucie Faust. Thirty-two theatre supporters made up the ball committee. Among those who stood out – the house was full! – were Joey, Janet, Kay, Helen and Sandy, as well as Kathleen “Kat” Edmundson, Janice Foulks, Dana Hansel, And Elizabeth Nalty, Buzzy Brown accompanied by his partner Joey.

Lines formed outside the Tableau buffet. The pork from the carving station and the shrimp étouffée were particularly good. The bar was constantly buzzing.

Everyone had to be gathered and moved to the theater for the program. Doing their steps was Emily and Mike Aratawho described the evening as “great”; his brother Blake Arata with Elinor Bright and Aimee Quirk; and more sponsors in Jennifer and Fred Heebe, Janice Foulks, Stephen and Mara Kupperman, Eleanor Farnsworth, Leslie and Brad Gottsegen, Philip D. Lorio with Pat Denechaud, Patrick M. McCausland, Lynne Neitzschman, Judith Y. Oudt, Jackie and Bruce Shreves, Paulette Stewart And Diana L. Lewis. Quite a few of them were busy bidding in the silent portion.

It was also noted Dickie Brennan, Brenda and Mike Moffitt, Stephen Sonnier, Claudia Baumgarten, Dorothy Clyne, Alan Smason, Sarah Abrusley, Juan Planells, Jan Risher, And David Briggs with Mark Romig. Sitting together in the theater were Marie Beth Benjamin And Pam Georges with his daughter Anita Dongieux.

Don-Scott and AJ stepped forward to open the program, promoting the upcoming season of “five big shows,” thanking many individuals and businesses, and introducing the first of the artists. Mark Romg then grabbed the attention with “Bid high, bid often” and a masterful way of selling the featured packages (and the lagniappe one) and the fundraising for LPT’s various community programs.

At one point, the formalities were interrupted by the announcement that the 2024 CCB would be the highest-grossing gala ever held in support of the theater. The applause was loud.

“I’m so glad to be here,” exclaimed Betsy Wolfe, who entertained the crowd with three songs, including “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” Ha! She was having a love affair with the audience. “Fantastic,” is how one local performer described her. Two favorites, Keith and Leslie Claverie, closed the show with a rousing “You’re the Top,” improvising a bit in praise of “Toots Favrot” (Kay) and “Steph November.”

Now back to the cake. The gala coincided with Stephanie’s birthday and a beautiful confection was rolled out on stage to the sound of “Happy Birthday” singing and the candles being blown out.

After the performance, the cake reappeared, along with mini chocolate cups, brownies and coffee, for guests to enjoy as a farewell. And they did.

Magical Joy

Across the Atlantic, compliments poured in for the people of New Orleans. James “Jimmy” P. Farwell and spouse Gay LeBretonHe wrote the book and lyrics for “The Fabulist,” which is now playing at London’s Charing Cross Theatre. Described as “a playful new musical comedy with an operatic touch,” it is composed by the illustrious Giovanni Paisiello (1740-1816). James, who by profession is “an expert in cyberwarfare and strategic communications,” is the author of acclaimed nonfiction books and a senior fellow at the London-based think tank Sympodium/Institute for Strategic Communications. In addition to “The Fabulist,” his film “Mona Lisa,” produced by Carol Bidault (Dali Land) will go into production in Paris in 2025.

Dozens of Orleanians traveled to London for the premiere of “The Fabulist” at the Charing Cross Theatre — and the socializing that followed, including lunches, cocktails and a post-show party that also included Farwell and LeBreton’s friends from Britain, the continent and Australia. A special reception for James and Gay was held at the Royal Air Force Club in London. Those in attendance included Judith “Judie” Oudt, Dorothy ClyneAnd Eleanor Farnsworth (who were present at the closing ball above); Gay’s brothers Robert and Bretwho was joined by his spouse Rosie; and the dear friends of the winners Tina Freeman and Phillip Woollam.

Tinseltown All

A chic summer cocktail and white tuxedo jackets were the respective dress code for the partying ladies and gentlemen, who headed to Metairie Country Club for Alexis’ summer dinner in response to the Betty Hunley-custom-designed invitation. On the theme “Alexis goes to Hollywood”, it was led (chaired!) by Dr. AJ Friedmanwho was making rounds with Deviate.

After delicious hors d’oeuvres, cinema-goers enjoyed a dinner that began with a balsamic salad and ended with a New York cheesecake. The musical menu was composed by the pianist Jesse Reekswho entertained with a selection of popular pieces from 1930s films.

Noted and discussing the 2025 Carnival season where Alexis will present his next Tsar and Tsarina, along with a select court, was the newest Tsarina Janis Knott with husband John. And, Pamela Brierre, Caroline and Arthur Nead, spouses Shannon Walgamotte and Lynda Moreau, Charlene and Tim Peterson, Melissa and Mark Bickman, Melissa and Bruce Gordon, Rene and Kim Navarre, Ted and Sonda Stacey, Alan and Joan Sheen, Katherine and Adam Lambert, Julie and Drew Jardine, And Hugh Blair.

The theme and enjoyment of the dinner was enhanced by the gift given to each guest. Upon arrival, they received an Oscar statuette.