A little Mardi Gras, a little mirth, a little marionette? The drama won’t be just in the Dome for the big game Sunday. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
A bit of Brecht?
The works of German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht are celebrated annually in the Crescent City, which has strong links to German heritage, with a hearty population tracing their lineage back to the European country.
“BrechtFest IV” is a rich mix of music, spoken word and puppetry Monday and Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at The AllWays Lounge’s Twilight Room, 2240 St. Claude Ave.
Puppeteer Harry Mayronne, show here with his Brecht marionette, will be one of the artists at ‘Brechtfest IV’ Monday and Tuesday.
The prolific writer is perhaps best known for “The Three-Penny Opera” (“Mack the Knife”), with many of his works having been performed locally.
“Also, the fact that he was a revolutionary and an enemy of fascism seems relevant somehow,” founder David Symons noted.
Brecht’s granddaughter, Sarah Brecht, will be one of the performers, including Chris Beroes-Haigis, Christien Bold, David Buchbinder, Michael Cerveris, Bremner Duthie, Gabrielle Fischler, Grace Kennedy, Karen Kunkel, Rebecca Leigh, Donald Lewis, Harry Mayronne, Stoo Odom, Susanne Ortner, Stephanie Reed and Chris Wecklein.
Tickets start at $30 and benefit Innocence Project New Orleans. Visit brechtfest.com.
Carnival Classroom?
Need a slice of Carnival and a bite of king cake? Head out to Kenner’s Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts Friday through Sunday for “The Professors Carl Nivale Show featuring Grand Marshal Marty Graw.”
Set in a comedy format, the show offers loads of background and lore on the season and the day itself, with audience participation, prizes, royalty and a parade — plus king cake.
The premise is an alumni gathering of Kings College of Carnival Knowledge. A pair of reporters “from a national rag” attempt to research an exposé on the “professor” and the celebration.
Taking part in the academic antics are NOLA Voice Theatre co-founders Vatican Lokey and Edward R. Cox, with Margeaux Fanning, Kristi Jacobs-Stanley, Michelle Plaideau and Tiffany Keller.
The show runs at 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at 325 Minor St. Visit nolavoicetheatre.com.
Hut. Hut. Hike.
It would be nearly impossible to host the championship football matchup and not weave it into theatrics.
Thanks to The Actor’s Apothecary will host staged readings of “Serious Games,” the sports comedy by Steve Monroe Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. at the 1506 Prytania St. facility.
The show, by the New Orleans native, is billed as “two superstitious gamblers and the unlucky girl who gets in the middle of the bet of their lives.” Yikes.
With a different cast each night, the show is a benefit for a trio of local actors headed to the Big Apple for an off, off Broadway play in March, “A Kiss Like No Other.” Also expect some typical stadium food like dogs and brews.
Suggested donations are $15. Visit theactorsapothecary.com.
On stage this week Feb. 6-12
“TRUE WEST”: Opening 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 16; Jefferson Performing Arts, Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave. Sham Shepard’s play about two dysfunctional brothers and a reunion in the California desert. Tickets start at $15. jpas.org.
