by Jessa Bingham

With Thursday arrived, New Orleans theatre is once again resurrected this weekened, with Jesus Christ Superstar added to local stages. And if you have not  seen it yet or would like to again, Waiting Around (last chance!) is back again at The Shadowbox Theatre and The Allways Lounge, respectively. Also, Balm Gilead continues its success this week, showcasing its plethora of talented its performers. Ricky and Varla will still Turn You On, and for something equally as light, Legally Blonde: The Musical continues its run.

by Jessa Bingham

Looking to be tempted and teased by the titillating dancers of New Orleans? Or enjoy a classic cabaret act with comedians that are sure to bring on hearty laughs? Come inside the venues to cool off from the August weather, and get re-heated the right way with peeks at the city's sexiest movers and shakers. Here's a look at what's going on in the burlesque and cabaret scene this weekend in the Big Easy.

NoDef Drama Critic Jim Fitzmorris shines the spotlight on the local theatrical explosion that follows JazzFest: 5 shows opening in 2 weeks.

Deadpan monologues about massive penises, triplets who water torture, nefarious monks brandishing revolvers in catacombs, dark tales of faith shaking sea voyages and babies born out of wedlock. Throw in a song or two, and it is all just another day at St. Veronica's Catholic Church and Parochial School in 1964.

Much of Holywood South will be watching our namesake's big awards tonight. Others will take their drama live at a new show, and some y'ats will eschew watching, and just dance. 84 years ago, today Fats Domino was born. So was jazz guru, Bill Russell's birthday. It is also when, in 1971, Louis Armstrong recorded his last work, "twas the Night Before Chrstmas."  Fortunately, on the same day in 1958, Alan (then just "Al") Toussaint made his first solo recording, "The Wild Side of New Orleans." Let's see what's happening in the present.

NoDef Theatre Critic Jim Fitzmorris looks back at a handful of awe-inspiring theatrical moments from 2011

NoDef Theatre Writers Jim Fitzmorris and Helen Jaksch explore both sides of the holiday spirit with reviews of two yuletide productions: Mid City Theatre's rendition of The Santaland Diaries, and Ricky Graham Productions' The Pecan Cracker.

NoDef Drama Critic Jim Fitzmorris stops by Canal Place for Southern Reprertory's season-opening production of Yasmina Reza's "God of Carnage."

In its latest incarnation at the Allways Lounge, Waiting Around comes at the viewer with the sort of speed that would put even the best table jockeys into the weeds.

NoDef Drama Critic Jim Fitzmorris takes on the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane's production of Twelfth Night.