Laissez les bon temps rouler: Let the good times roll.
No, it isn’t Moliere.
It’s Mardi Gras.
Jerry McGonigle can explain.
McGonigle is the artistic director of West Virginia Public Theatre, the venerable acting troupe that’s been part of Morgantown’s cultural dealings for some four decades now.
Fundraising season is upon the land for said troupe.
However, McGonigle and the other kindred spirits who keep the place trodding the boards didn’t want the standard fundraising evening – with plastic cups and plates of appetizers, fresh from the freezer to microwave.
Given that Fat Tuesday and Lent are both waiting in the wings, they decided to stir some ingredients for an evening that would blend just as perfectly as red beans and rice.
Thursday is that evening.
It’s a French Quarter happening they call “Morgantown Mardi Gras” – now the second annual, in fact – and the good times roll from 6-9 p.m. at the 123 Pleasant Street music venue downtown.
Look for music from Matt’s Blues and Appalachian Paradise Brass Band, McGonigle said.
There’s that, plus a Mardi Gras menu from Madeline Marie’s, which includes all the staples from shrimp and grits to blackened catfish, jambalaya and king cake.
Visit West Virginia Public Theatre on Facebook or wvpublictheatre.org for ticket prices and all the particulars.
Over the years, the troupe has staged productions from “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Driving Miss Daisy” – bringing a level of stagecraft to the Mountain State that might not be here otherwise.
McGonigle wants to keep all those actors and all those scripts in the lights – and it’s as easy, he said, as simply showing up at 123 Pleasant Street tonight.
“We promise you a night of pure fun, great food, amazing music and even better company,” the director said.
