BIG EASY: Cirque Dreams Holidaze

For anyone who’s a Cirque du Soleil aficionado (or at least a fan), if you attend a Cirque Dreams Holidaze performance this week at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, you’ll know right away that it’s no Saltimbanco or Alegria. Gone are the foreign languages and super eccentric musical scores and freaky clowns and the slightly aloof air of sophistication of many of the other shows.

Naturally!

Because this is not your run-of-the-mill Cirque show. Its holiday themes are designed to capture adults’ and children’s attention with a more accessible wonderment. That’s not to say that the performances are anything but astonishing. While this kinder, gentler production is probably more palatable to a wider audience, it still has the “Whoa!” and “Wow!” factors. Both of which I uttered more times than I can count.

Throughout the show, an international cast of over 30 artists demonstrates feats of strength and balance, magical illusions, soaring vocal performances, and of course, there are the elaborate costumes, props and set design. There are daring penguins, fearlessly flipping gingerbread men, dancing trees, giant candy canes, and a whole lot of people whose sole purpose, I’m convinced, is to remind me that I’m sorely lacking in any sort of physical talent, stamina or flexibility. I feel confident, however, that I could do a bang-up job as one of the guys with sparkly cornucopias on their heads who always look astonished and do “ta-da” hands after someone does something amazing.

Maybe I can run away and join the circus afterall!

But, I digress. Get your tickets soon -- I'm sure they're in short supply!

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is at New Orleans’ Mahalia Jackson Theater through this Saturday,
Christmas Eve. The performance schedule:

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 8:00pm
Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 8:00pm
Friday, December 23, 2011 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm
Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 2:00pm

For tickets, click here or call 800-982-ARTS(2787).

Enjoy!

BIG EASY: Cajun Holiday Tea with Papa Noel

So, there I was at a Laser Tag birthday party in Elmwood, trying to decide if it was worth it to drag my son away from his friends and brave the Krewe of Jingle traffic/parade route to get to the Cajun Holiday Tea with Papa Noel… well, I’m pleased to announce that, YES! We made it, and it was, in fact, totally worth it!

My husband wasn’t really thrilled at the prospect, not being a very tea party kind of guy, but nonetheless, we made a mad dash across town and boarded the Creole Queen. We were handed an agenda for the event, and directed to the next room for Santa pictures. And what to our wondering eyes should appear? But a little person in a Gingerbread Boy suit, a tall dude in a very silly Gaston the Gator costume, and a Cajun-ly dressed Papa Noel in front of a tin-roofed cabin and swampy backdrop. What an eclectic group – I’d expect no less from a Cajun tea party! Such a hoot!

With a buffet-style set up and okay food, it was certainly not the Ritz. But the jovial, attentive staff and very kid-friendly activities more than made up for it. (And, truth be told, the laid-back approach made it much more palatable to many of the macho menfolk and squirmy kids!)

Holding an eighteen-inch live alligator was certainly a highlight, as was the candy buffet. Writing, decorating, and mailing a letter to Santa was a pleasant little activity, as well. But the Magician Elf was, by far, the most entertaining part of the day. Not only did he perform some pretty amazing tricks and handily field some odd questions and requests from the kids, but he stepped up when the Gingerbread Boy was either unwilling or unable to perform his reading of The Cajun Night Before Christmas. Mr. Elf looked a bit surprised by the circumstances, but he took it all in stride, prefacing his reading by saying, “Boys and girls, I’m from a magical land called Pennsylvania, so this should be interesting…”

Hilarious! And the kids were delighted!

It’s hard to tell how these events are going to go (especially if you’re captive on a boat the whole time), but this actually wound up being one of those “good for the whole family” deals, and it really sped by. As we disembarked, each child was handed a huge stuffed alligator. Details like that made the whole experience quite unique. So many element at that party screamed New Orleans. I mean, do you think they’re petting live gators at kiddie Christmas parties in Atlanta? I don’t think so.

I highly recommend you snap up your tickets quickly. Only two more Saturdays for this special holiday party/cruise!

Boarding: 1:30pm - 2pm at RiverWalk Dock (next to N.O. Hilton Riverside Hilton Hotel)
Cruising: 2pm - 3:30pm
Price (taxes are included):
Adult: $49
Child (under 12): $34

BIG SCREEN: The Skin I Live In Revieux (Rated R)

If you dig movies about beautiful people in horrific situations that make you squirm in your seat and beg for mercy… well, look no further. Yes, just in time for Christmas, Antonio Banderas provides eye candy that quickly gets mauled, gutted and violated before your very eyes!

In In the Skin I Live In, Banderas plays Robert Ledgard, a brilliant surgeon who has developed a synthetic skin that can withstand injury. Seems like an interesting concept that was born from the grief of losing his wife in a fiery car accident. But, there’s way, way more to it, beginning with the woman/guinea pig he keeps in a sealed room in his mansion and monitors on a giant screen. She’s beautiful and mysterious and practically mummified in the aforementioned faux skin, leaving us dying to figure out who the heck she is.

Ah, but be careful what you wish for. As the story begins to unfold, we discover that Ledgard is actually a mad scientist who is tortured by a series of traumatic events that turned him into a sadistic monster. That it’s all in Spanish somehow makes it more sensuous and sinister, which raises the creepy factor to almost unbearable levels.

I kid you not, I had to run to get groceries from WalMart after the screening (I know, glamorous, right?), and I found myself nervously checking out seemingly normal people to see if I could figure out which of them might have similarly twisted, sociopathic secret lives. The movie obviously made an impression on me, at the very least. So, kudos for that!

It’s certainly not for mainstream audiences, but I certainly applaud Antonio Banderas for a bold and convincing departure from the mainstream, and celebrated Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar for delivering a unique, albeit demented, movie experience.

BIG EASY: Holiday Tea Time in New Orleans

New Orleans may be best known for its more boisterous festivities, but this city also has mastered the art of hosting refined afternoon teas–-especially during the holidays. Below is a listing of yuletide teas for both children and adults:

Tea For The Holidays at Windsor Court Hotel
Dates: November 25-December 31
About: Highlights of this decadent tea include featured holiday teas and cocktails, special cranberry-orange and gingerbread scones, holiday sweets, 26 of the finest loose-leaf teas, souvenir holiday menus.
Seatings:
November 25-December 23 & 26-30 – 11am, 2pm, and 4:30pm
December 24 & 31 – 11am and 2pm
Reservations: Online or call 504-596-4773

Teddy Bear Tea at The Roosevelt Hotel
Dates: December 3-23
About: This tea is for both children and adults. Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome the whole family while fancy tea and tea sandwiches, scones, desserts, sparkling wine are served. Kids get hot cocoa, peanut butter & jelly/ham & cheese sandwiches, holiday cookies, and other goodies. Kids 12 and under also get a Roosevelt Teddy Bear, Mrs. Claus will read holiday stories, and several holiday characters will appear. Pictures with Santa will be available for purchase.
Seatings:
December 3, 4, 19, 20 -- 10am and 1pm
December 10, 11, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23 -- 10am, 1pm, and 4pm.
Pricing: General reserved seating: ages 3 and under, no charge; ages 4-10, $37 ($46.16 with tax and gratuity); 11 and up, including adults, $54 ($67.37 inclusive of tax and gratuity); Limited VIP reserved seating (includes Roosevelt champagne flute for adults, one commemorative photo per family, and premium seating near the stage): ages 3 and under, no charge; ages 4-10, $47.00 ($58.63 with tax and gratuity); 11 and up, including adults, $69 ($86.08 with tax and gratuity).
Reservations: Online or via The Roosevelt Holiday Line at 504-335-3129.

Cajun Holiday Tea with Papa Noel aboard the Creole Queen
Dates: December 3, 10, 17
About: Guests on the paddlewheeler will join Papa Noel, the Cajun Gingerbread Boy, Gaston the Gator and other jolly Cajun characters. This classic tea with tempting treats will also feature storytelling, children's activities, and merriment while cruising the mighty Mississippi. Children can hold a real live alligator and take home a stuffed one.
Boarding: 1:30pm - 2pm; Cruising: 2pm - 3:30pm
Price: Adults: $49, Children under 12: $34 (includes tax)
Reservations: Online

Papa Noel Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
Dates: December 3-24
About: This elegant tea is for both parents and their children. There will be music, storytelling, and a gingerbread masterpiece. Children will receive gifts from Papa Noel.
Seatings: December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17-24 – 11am and 2pm
Pricing: Adults and children $45 each (does not include tax or gratuity)
Reservations: Online or call 504-524-1331

Longue Vue Tea on Tuesday: Gracious Global Gifts with Vom Fass
Date: December 6, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
About: Join Denise Dussom, co-owner of Vom Fass New Orleans as she discusses delicious vinegars, oils, and cordials from around the globe. Sample some tasty treats and learn how to give a gracious gift this year, “straight from the cask to the customer.” A traditional tea will be served after the lecture with a selection of scones, pastries, homemade lemon curd, and finger sandwiches.
Price: $25 members; $30 nonmembers.
Reservations: Online

Longue Vue Holiday Tea and Tour
Dates: December 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, and 29, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
About: Tour the house, decked in twinkling lights and festive greenery; toast the holidays with a complimentary glass of champagne; savor tea with friends; enjoy seasonal sounds; and find the perfect gift at The Shop at Longue Vue.
Price: $30 for members; $35 for nonmembers.
Reservations: Online

Longue Vue Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays Family Tea with Santa
Date: December 10, from 1 to 3 p.m.
About: Children and their parents are invited to join Santa in celebrating the holidays at Longue Vue with caroling, crafts and good cheer! Have photos taken with Santa and create a festive frame to capture and share the joyful spirit of the season. Toast the holidays with a complimentary glass of bubbly cheer, served with hot chocolate, cookies, sandwiches, and tea.
Price: For children, $15 for members; $18 for non-members. For adults, $25 for members; $30 for non-members.
Reservations: Online www.longuevue.com.

Monte Lion's Children's Holiday Tea at The Hotel Monteleone
Dates: December 10 and 17
About: Hotel Monteleone’s loveable mascot Monte the Lion hosts his annual children’s party, along with friends Santa, Frosty, Rudolph, and the elves. Mrs. Claus will read classic Christmas tales while guests enjoy savory treats, games, and caroling as a trumpeter leads a parade. Plus, photos with Santa and a complimentary stuffed Monte.
Seatings: 10am and 2pm
Pricing: $50 for adults, $36 for children.
Reservations: Online or call 504-681-4452

The Royal Teddy Bear Tea at the Royal Sonesta Hotel
Dates: December 11-23
About: Highlights include a visit from many favorite holiday characters and a parade. Guests get a select assortment of freshly prepared tea sandwiches, homemade currant buttermilk scones and breakfast breads are served with lemon cream and preserves. Christmas cookies, chocolate truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and much more.
Seatings:
December 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 -- 11am and 2pm
December 20, 21, 22, and 23 -- One seating only at 11am
Pricing:
Premium Seats (closest to stage): Adults $68, kids $53
Regular Seats: Adults $58.00, kids $43.00
Prices include tax and gratuity.
Reservations: Online or at 504-553-2201