New Orleans details from conference chair

New Orleans details from conference chair

Brochures for the New Orleans conference will be winging their way to ATCA members next week. We have a short window to make bookings (by Feb. 22). The rate of $159 per night is far and above the best rate in town for the French Quarter. Most rooms on the weekends are going for $229-299 each, minimum.

We will have the following plays or stage works during the conference:

1. “When Ya Smilin’” – An original work by Ricky Graham reminiscing growing up in New Orleans in the 1950s and 1960s – Rivertown Repertory Theaters for the Performing Arts, Kenner, LA (Buses provided)
2. “Tennessee Williams Tribute” – Professional reading at Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the Mississippi Delta, featuring writer-director John Waters
3. “Suddenly Last Summer” – Tennessee Williams’ classic staged by the award-winning Southern Repertory Theater – Site to be determined
4. “Don’t Get Dressed Until after Dark on Sundays” – Professional reading by the award-winning NOLA Project of the work that eventually became Tennessee Williams’ “Vieux Carré.”
5. “Dinner with Friends” – Donald Margulies’ Pulitzer Prize winning drama – Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré

     We will have a big reception party at famous Gallier Hall with a reception featuring New Orleans traditional jazz clarinet player Tim Laughlin and his trio. The Honorable Mitch Landrieu, mayor of New Orleans, is expected to attend. Later that night we are expected to be greeted by the Honorable Mike Yenni, mayor of Kenner.

     Aside from the two professional readings, we are also expected to take part in several events with the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival, including an interview with John Lahr, the author and critic who has just published Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh, and a panel with playwrights John Patrick Shanley and Martin Sherman.

     There is also a progressive tour by bus of the local theater scene including athe historic Saenger Theater, Joy Theater, Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts and other smaller venues with iconic New Orleans libations and foodstuffs along the way.

       We are very grateful that the conference is supported by a generous grant from the New Orleans Theatre Association. Get ready for a good time!!! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

— Alan Smason