What productions are available from The Voices Foundation?
The Voices Foundation has produced “The Voices of Louisiana,” “The Somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood” by Mary Lynn Dobson, “To The Headwaters,” as well as a Documentary of the Evacuation Theatre Company 2006 Road Tour, and the formation of the St. Bernard Voices Chorus.
What is the Voices of Louisiana production about?
The show is divided into three sections. The first is a comedic romp through the pages of our history, taking the audiences from Columbus’ discovery of the New World to the negotiations of the land deal of all time – The Louisiana Purchase. Then, the troupe takes a satiric look at some of the famous people with Louisiana roots and their contributions - including bits with Stanley Kawolsi, Truman Capote, Huey Long, Richard Simmons, Brittney Spears, Anne Rice, and Emeril Lagasse. Through monologues and vignettes, the show then takes a serious look at the recent hardships of New Orleans, putting faces to the tragedy. We end the show in an upbeat fashion, thanking the kindness of strangers for their help and highlighting the resiliency of the people from the Gulf Coast. Hey, we’ve been cheering for the Saints for 40 years, we need to be resilient.
Voices of Louisiana runs about 90 minutes, divided into two acts. The length and content can be modified to accommodate audiences of all ages and sophistication. The show is appropriate for audiences of all ages, though some of the content and humor may be lost on younger audiences.
The show takes no political stance, but highlights the resiliency of people and shows how the troupe and the audience are linked through our history and our humanity.
The cost for the full production is $1500 for up to 100 people (which includes our lights and sound) and $12 a ticket above that.
What kind of performing space is required? What are the technical needs of the show?
The Evacuation Theatre Troupe is self-contained. Lighting, sound, set, props, and costumes are all part of the traveling package, so Voices can be performed in almost any space. Ideally, a venue should be conducive to a theatrical performance regarding lighting, comfort and acoustics. (Gymnasiums are less desirable)
What is the production “The Somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood?”
The story, around Robin Hood and his Merry Men, but there is a myriad wacky twists to the tale. In this version of the well known story, Prince John is an evil ruler because he prohibits the sale of Girl Scout cookies, "even Thin Mints." And the jokes in the show often rely on that type of off-the-wall humor similar to a Mel Brooks film or Monty Python skit. There is plenty of slap-stick and wit so the show covers various types of comedy allowing both children and adults to enjoy the production.By anybody’s standards, it’s a funny show.
What is “To The Headwaters” about?
This original productions describes the adventures, and misadventures, of the Evacuation Theatre Troupe's road tour of 2006. As seven actors and educators take to the road on a mission to tell the story of Louisiana's birth and rebirth, their personalities often clash with hilarious results. If you've ever taken an RV vacation, or consider going on the road with six friends, this show is an education of those experiences.
The actors are joined onstage by the St. Bernard Community Chorus, under the direction of Peggy Weggener, with musical interludes that help advance the story.
Can I obtain a copy of the documentary about the Voices Road Tour?
This poignant documentary details the experiences of the seven members of the Evacuation Theatre Troupe – Barry Lemoine, Rose Marie Sand, Christian Bordelon, Will Schneider, Tom Hassinger, Shannon Gildea and Katie Betz – as they put their lives back together after the devestation of Hurricane Katrina. Produced by Annette Campo, the documentary is available by contacting Rose Marie Sand at rosemsand@gmail.com
How do I join the St. Bernard Voices Chorus?
High school students and adults of all ages are encouraged to be a part of this fun opportunity to help give "Voice" to the St. Bernard Community. The chorus is directed by Peggy Weggener, musical director of N. P. Trist Middle School in Meraux. For more information, contact Barry Lemoine- 504.301.8770 or barrylemoineatgmail.com
How can a show be booked?
To check availability, call Barry Lemoine at 504 301 8770. barrylemoine at gmail.com
or Rose Sand at 504.666.1220 rosemsand at gmail.com
