Jefferson Performing Arts Society Presents The World Premier of the most important new work to come from Louisiana in over fifty years!

In October 2005, David Cuthbert of the Times Picayune wrote: “Let’s not talk about the Hurricane Katrina books, TV movie, blockbuster disaster feature film sure to be in development as we speak. What could be the definitive Katrina play has already been written.” New Orleans playwright, Yvette Sirker, wrote the first draft of Pink Collar Crime in 2003/04. It was a play she considered “meditation on the cycles of human existence.” In her original playwright’s notes from June 2004, she wrote: “Everything in life moves in a circular pattern: the seasons, the earth, our DNA, the cycle of life and death, and of course, hurricanes. Pink Collar Crime is a depiction of a group of New Orleans residents facing the harsh reality of life in the shadow of possible annihilation by a Category 3 or higher hurricane. Forced to take stock of their lives, and their loves, three New Orleans women are also forced into a face-off with a deadbeat dad, a white collar criminal and a major hurricane. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. The subsequent levee breaks decimated 80% of the city of New Orleans. As a result, Pink Collar Crime turned from a cautionary play into an account of two days before the worst natural disaster in the history of the USA.

Directed by Ray Vrazel, this play is a must see. Through laughter and tears, the playwright makes audiences leave the theater thinking long and hard about what it means to call New Orleans, or the Gulf Coast, “home.” A first rate cast of “refugee” actors will venture back into the destroyed city to perform in this project. The cast includes Patrick McNamara*, Peggy Walton-Walker*, Sherri Marina*, Yvette Sirker*, (*members of Actor’s Equity Assn.), Morla Gorrondona, LaMya and Roscoe Reddix.

Once again, Salaville Perk will provide an exquisite super buffet two hours prior to show time. The menu will consist of traditional New Orleans foods such as a gumbo, jambalaya, etc. JPAS will also continue to offer its new service of FREE transportation from the East Bank to the West Bank. Please call 885-2000 to reserve your seat on the bus and/or at the buffet.

The show will be performed at Teatro Wego! Dinner Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego starting Friday May 12 & run Fridays, Saturdays (7:30 p.m.) & Sundays (2:00 p.m.) through Sunday May 28.

Show Tickets:

Adult $25
Senior $24
Child/Student $12

Buffet:

Adult $19
Child (12 & Under) $12

Once again, JPAS would like to thank our Sponsors who have kept the arts alive after Katrina:

Adams & Reese, Amsouth Bank, Arts Council of New Orleans, Bellsouth, Chase, Entergy, Hibernia, I-55, Louisiana Division of the Arts, McGlinchey Stafford, Omni Bank, Southern Arts Foundation, United Way of St. Charles, Whitney.