ON THE BOARDS
by GEORGE PATTERSON, New Orleans

A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE

North Star Theatre, 347 Gerard St., Mandeville, 504.626.1500; 1.800.924.5538.
Another, and far superior, look at the ill-fated country singer written by Dean Regan and directed by Lori Bennett now in its sixth (and final) month. It stars Mari (Serpas) Vigueira with her band, The Instigators. This long-running musical tribute (now in its fifth month) also features Michael Bennett playing a number of roles ala Greater Tuna with Ms. Vigueira's husband, Ed, serving as musical director. Fri., 8:30pm, Sat. 5:30pm & 8:30pm, thru Sat., Nov. 22.

A DELICATE BALANCE

Rivertown Repertory Theatre, 325 Minor St., Kenner, 504.468.7221.
Edward Albee's Pulitzer Prize-winning play about the meaning of friendship and responsibility is directed by Joe Warfield and stars Janet Shea, Elliott Keener, Pauline Prelutsky, Charles Bosworth, Abby Lake & Gina Paretto. Thurs.-Sat., 8pm, Sun., 2pm, optional dinner served from 6pm, 12noon Sun., thru Nov. 30.

...AND THE BALL AND ALL

Tony Mandina's Westbank Theatre Banquet Room, 1915 Pratt St., Gretna, 504.362.4451.
Ricky Graham's award-winning comedy about the members of an all-female krewe trying to put on a Mardi Gras ball returns to the boards in this special dinner theatre production. Mr. Graham directs Sandi Bravender, Amanda Hebert, Renee Maxwell, Jo Ann Testa, Jennifer Breedlove, Denise Ponce & Roy Haylock as Ernesto, the costume designer. Fri. & Sat., dinner at 7:15pm, curtain at 8:15pm thru Nov. 29.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Lupin Theatre, Tulane University, 504.865.5106.
Ken Risch directs yet another production of Williams' masterpiece, last seen only two months ago. This production features Rebecca Lovett, Jon Siegel, Kelsey McLachlan & Max Arnaud as Blanche, Stanley, Stella & Mitch. Wed.-Sat., 8pm, Sun., 2pm, thru Nov. 23. [note: in place of Fri., Nov. 21, there will be an 8pm performance on Tues., Nov. 18]

CINDERELLA BATTISTELLA

NORD Theatre, Gallier Hall, 705 Lafayette St., 504.565.7860.
Director Ty Tracy presents another staging of this original localized treatment of the classic fairy tale written by Bob Bruce and David Cuthbert with music by the late great Fred Palmisano. This edition stars Brennan Manale as Cinderella, with Givonna Joseph, Helen Blanke, Lawana Menendez, Ellen Flohberger and David Tringali. Nov. 14-Dec. 14; Fri. & Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm. (No shows Thanksgiving weekend.)

DR. SEX

University Of New Orleans, Performing Arts Center, Thrust Theatre, 504.280-SHOW.
Philip Zwerling's new play about the controversy of Dr. Alfred Kinsey's sexual surveys is directed by David W. Hoover, and features Michelle Moore, Veronica Oliver, Robert M. Montgomery, Brad Harper, Chris Lusk & Gary Rucker. Fri. & Sat., 8pm, thru Nov. 15.

FLYIN' WEST

Southern Repertory Theatre, 3rd Level, One Canal Place, 504.861.8163.
The regional premiere of Atlanta playwright Pearl Cleage's historical drama that celebrates the determination and fortitude of 19th century African American women is directed by Tommye Myrick and features Carol Sutton, Gwendolyn Foxworth, Troi Bechet, Mitch McMurren, Crystal Bates and Anthony Frederick. Fri. & Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm, thru Nov. 23.

LONELY PLANET

Theatre Marigny, 616 Frenchmen St., 504.944.2653.
A drama by Steven Dietz, directed and designed by Dane Rhodes, which portrays two men striving to live normal lives as their AIDS-stricken friends struggle with death. Lee Prevost and Pete Bontrager star. Thurs.-Sat., 8pm thru Nov. 15.

THE MAGIC FLUTE

Theatre Of The Performing Arts, 801 N. Rampart, 504.529.2278.
Mozart's sublime family opera with captivating music and a production filled with wonder and enchantment featuring forest animals, a heroic prince, a fire breathing dragon and the triumph of true love, stars Stephen Smith, Jee Hyun Lim, David Malis, Erie Mills, Amy Burton & Jerome Hines, with local newcomers Moira K. Girard & John Giraud. Arthur Fagen conducts the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Jay Lesenger directs. Wed., Nov. 12 & Sat., Nov. 15, 7:30pm.

MARIA BENITEZ TEATRO FLAMENCO

Theatre Of The Performing Arts, 801 N. Rampart, 504.522.0996.
A theatrical experience of passion, power and excitement, The House Of Bernarda Alba is a contemporary dance drama based on the Lorca classic, followed by Estampa Flamenca!, a series of solos, trios, and duets of classical flamenco performed by this 8 member troupe of dancers and musicians and presented by the New Orleans Ballet Association. Sat., Nov. 22, 7:30pm.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Claude L. Shaver Theatre, Music & Dramatic Arts Bldg., LSU, Baton Rouge, 504.388.3527 or 504.388.3533.
Barry Kyle directs Shakespeare's comedy-part fable and part crusade-which presents two contrasting worlds, one idealized and the other more recognizably worldly in a fabulous concoction of merchant adventures, stylish fortune hunters, clowns, revelers, socialites and Puritans. Tues.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sat., 2pm, thru Nov. 23.

THE PASSION OF DRACULA

Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, 616 St. Peter St., 504.522.2081.
Not to be confused with the classic Hilton Dean/John Balderston adaptation of the 19th century Bram Stoker novel which made a star of Bela Lagosi, Stocker Fontelieu directs the local premiere of this version by Bob Hall & David Richpond, set in 1911, which will feature Butch Benit as the blood-thirsty vampire with Paul Arceneaux, Garth Currie, John Hammons, Kimberly Patterson, Kathy Taaffe, Peter Gabb, Jeffrey Mortorell and Lance Spellerberg. Bill Walker does sets; Julie Winn, costumes; and, Dan Zimmer, lights. Wed.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm, thru Nov. 15.

PIPPIN

Delgado Community College, Delgado Hall, 615 City Park Ave., 504.483.4817.
Stephen Schwartz and Roger Hirson's musical comedy about war and life in medieval France is directed by Tim Baker and features Kasey Marino as Pippin, Terry R. Poplous as the Player, Rani Fournier as Catherine, with Andre Chifici, Walter Bost, Nicole Boyd, Nicole James, Travis Pesor & William Bowden. Thurs.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm, thru Nov. 16.

STATE FAIR

Saenger Theatre, 143 N. Rampart St., 504.522.5555; (Baton Rouge) 504.488.5252; or (outside NO & BR), 800.488.5252.
A reworking of Rodgers and Hammerstein's hit 1945 movie based on an earlier (non-singing) film (1933), and again remade in 1962, stars John Davidson. It was nominated for a Tony award during its brief Broadway stint last year. With a new book by Tom Briggs & Louis Mattioli and more songs interpolated from other R & H scores, this production is directed by Richard Sabellico, choreographed by Michael Lichtefeld and features the Broadway scenery. Nov. 18-23, Tues.-Sat., 8pm; Thurs., Sat. & Sun., 2pm.

IN THE WINGS

LOST IN YONKERS

Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, 616 St. Peter St., 504.522.2081.
Keith Briggs recreates this Neil Simon award-winning autobiographical play, with the same cast from the Rivertown Rep's Big Easy award winning production. Dec. 6-20.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Saenger Theatre, 143 N. Rampart St., 504.525.2490; 504.522.5555; in Baton Rouge: 504.761.8400, or 800.488.5252.
For groups of 20 or more: 504.569.1520. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical behemoth returns for a five week run. Directed by Harold Prince, and in its ninth year in New York and its tenth in London, this national tour reunites the original London creative team. Tues.-Sat., 8pm; Sat. & Sun., 2pm, Sun., 7:30pm, with additional performances on Thurs., Dec. 18, 2pm; Mon., Dec. 22, 8pm; Mon., Dec. 29, 8pm; Thurs., Jan. 8, 2pm; Mon., Jan. 12, 8pm; and, Thurs., Jan. 15, 2pm. No performances Dec. 24 & Jan 1.