Eat, Drink & Be Artsy, a Halloween fundraiser for Anthony Bean Theater

By Kelly Parker
Contributing Writer

This Halloween, residents can come and enjoy a different type of treat in the Carrollton area. The Anthony Bean Community Thea­ter is holding a fundraiser, Eat, Drink & Be Artsy, on October 31 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Headlining the event will be two of the city’s most noted entertainment ambassadors; Irma Thomas and Kermit Ruffins. Tickets are $100.00. ABCT Director Ant­hony Bean is urging members of the community to come and enjoy performances by several of the theaters young actors, along with food and drinks. Oliver Thomas will serve as Emcee. In keeping in the spirit of Halloween, those in attendance are encouraged to come in costume.

“It’s going to be a typical New Orleans evening,” Bean says. “Eat and drink; and second line with Irma Thomas.”

The theater, located at 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. suffered extensive damage as a result of Hurricane Isaac. Leaking in the building has caused production and all youth activities to be postponed.

“Major renovations will be needed to operate,” Bean said, pointing out ceiling damage and buckling tile caused by water. “The (upcoming) Malcolm X show was suspended. There is no program. “They (students) can’t come in the building; we won’t allow children in the building until this work is done.”

Renovation is estimated to cost at least $15,000.

The ABCT was established in 2000; giving a positive platform for area youth; by providing education in the area of dramatic arts. About a hundred youngsters; raging from ages 8 to 17 take part in the program every year; and have performed in such shows as “Cats” and “The Wiz.”

As the onslaught of violence continues in the city, Bean realizes how necessary positive outlets are for area youth, and believes the city and the community needs to make constructive alternatives to crime and violence (like afterschool programs) a priority.

“We do not invest in our kids,” he told The Louisiana Weekly. “These kids have nothing to do-and not everybody plays basketball. “I am a firm believer in that saying ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’ if you don’t invest in our youth, this is what’s going to happen.”

District A. Councilwoman Susan G. Guidry states, ‘Now more than ever, our city needs innovative afterschool programming like the Anthony Bean Community Thea­ter provides to give our children more positive ways to express themselves.’

For more information on the fundraiser, contact the Anthony Bean Community Theater at (504) 862-7529, or visit anthonybeantheater.com.

This article originally published in the October 29, 2012 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.