Why just do a thing when you could do it to excess? We believe in that motto here in the city to the benefit of the rest of the world and at a detriment to our own health. There’s nothing New Orleans considers worth doing that isn’t worth going at 110%. Other cities throw parades, we have parade seasons. Other cities have bar districts, we have neighborhood dives on every corner. Other cities would consider it cool to have one swimming-pool-based play a year, we have two this week.
Check out our best bets this week to see how best to overdo it.
Aqua Mob presents ‘The Last!’
https://www.facebook.com/AquaMobNewOrleans/photos/gm.447569015709993/421059375059242/?type=3&theater
If you don’t think water ballet is your thing, maybe you’ll like the aerialists doing stunts on a trapeze over the pool. If that doesn’t get your blood pumping, just know that you have to see The Red Bull’s massive get-up and the other wonderful costumes. If you need still more convincing, know that Ginuwine’s “Pony” factors heavily into the story.
When: August 16-18, 7 p.m.
Where: The Drifter Hotel
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Square Dance NOLA
After too long away, this typically monthly NOLA old-time institution started do-si-doing and promenading again last week. This week’s special second edition will take over the First Presbyterian Church for a night of sweating, sliding, hooting and maybe even hollering.
When: Monday, August 13, 7:30 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church
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Dogfish
https://www.facebook.com/dogfishneworleans/photos/gm.455990068184144/1057935074361628/?type=3&theater
Another monthly must-see. Lifelong local poet Nordette Adams and more recent transplant FreeQuency head up this night at what is potentially the best poetry night in the city. Expect a night of beautiful words with activist energy.
When: Thursday, August 16, 7 p.m.
Where: 2448 N. Villere St.
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Lost Bayou Ramblers Play Louisiana Story
https://www.facebook.com/JoyTheater/photos/gm.356138154921557/1692561014125996/?type=3&theater
You couldn’t have tagged a better band to play along for the 70th anniversary of the classic film Louisiana Story if you tried. The 1948 film is a literal lost bayou ramble, following Alexander Napoleon Ulysses Le Tour as he paddles through the bayou looking for the alligator he believes ate his pet raccoon. Maybe music from these Grammy-winning revivalists will help to paper over the gross “oil companies as saviors” sub-plot. Either way, it’s worth checking out.
When: Friday August 17, 8 p.m.
Where: The Joy Theater
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WaterWorld 3.0
https://www.facebook.com/BelowSeaLevel.NewOrleans/photos/gm.292767154804573/1464023723699594/?type=3&theater
The second of two water-based plays and the third time around for this constantly growing aquatic production. The pool-centered play based around the colossal flop of the same name has been splashing around the city for three years and this year’s take promises new songs, puppets and special guests. Not to mention, you’re allowed to stay in the pool for the whole play.
When: Wednesday August 15, 6 p.m.
Where: 3820 Burgundy St.
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Drag Queen Deathmatch
https://www.facebook.com/SirenNOLA/photos/gm.196875941179467/2046830525582637/?type=3&theater
Do you ever wish your drag shows were a little more…competitive? No? Well, you’re getting it anyway with the Drag Queen Deathmatch. The show pits eight queens against each other in anything-goes, side-by-side lip sync battles and the last queen standing gets $150. It’s going to be messy. It’s going to be funny. You’re going to be there.
When: Friday, August 17, 10 p.m.
Where: The AllWays Lounge
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