A scene from 'The Addams Family' musical, which premieres in New Orleans on Sept. 15..
A scene from 'The Addams Family' musical, which premieres in New Orleans on Sept. 15.










To boost the local economy, state government officials have set their sights on an unlikely industry: theater. And the ongoing effort to develop the local theater industry takes a big step forward when "The Addams Family" kicks off its national tour Sept. 15 at Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans.


The production will be the first to take advantage of Louisiana's Live Performance Tax Credit, which rewards traveling shows for beginning their tours in the state.

New Orleans is already a stop for many traveling shows, which tour the country spending a few nights or weeks in various markets. But the economic benefit of having a traveling show make its premiere in the city is even greater, because crews arrive weeks before the tour begins to tweak sets and rehearse. In the process, the crew spends money locally, patronizes Louisiana vendors and sometimes hires local workers.


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Head over to Actor's Theatre of New Orleans Aug. 11-27, when ATNO produces "The Graduate" as the opening work of the compoany's 2011 fall season. René J.F. Piazza will direct.

Next up for ATNO is Stephen Karam's "Speech & Debate" (directed by Chelle Duke with Amanda Francis) Sept. 8-24; Buddy Thomas' and Kenneth Elliott's "Devil Boys from Beyond" (directed by Piazza) Oct. 13-29; Beth Henley's "Crimes of the Heart" (directed by Chelle Duke) Nov. 10-26; winding up with the 19th presentation of "A Christmas Carol – The Whole Story," written and directed by Piazza.

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Joy Theatre
Canal Street's Joy Theatre
Canal Street's Joy Theatre, closed since 2003, has been purchased and will reopen in the first quarter of 2012 following renovations, a partner in the development group that purchased the theater said Friday.


The new owners, NOLA Theatre District LLC, a company made up of businessmen Neal Hixon, Joe Jaeger, Allan McDonnel and Todd Trosclair plan to use a variety of tax incentives, including state and federal historic tax credits and the Louisiana Live Performance District tax credit to restore the theater.

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An image from the German zombie film 'Rammbock: Berlin Undead.'
With a new horror movie debuting every month and screening each Wednesday and Friday night for the length of its run, AMC Theaters' new Bloody Disgusting Selects program isn't your normal screening series.





That makes "Rammbock: Berlin Undead" a perfect inaugural offering -- because it isn't your normal zombie movie.

It's a German zombie story, one that has recently toured various horror-heavy film festivals -- including the Austin Fantastic Fest in September. But it's not just that, either: It's a German zombie love story. That, it is safe to say, makes it a genre of one.

Leading up to its AMC run -- which is the closest it's likely to get to a full U.S. release -- director Marvin Kren's film has been generating a good amount of buzz. What's more, it mostly lives up to it, as Kren spins a tense, absorbing yarn that knows just how to get the job done before wearing out its welcome. Admittedly, some of that is because Kren's film -- bowing Wednesday (May 4) at the AMC Elmwood -- clocks in at just a shade over an hour, a good 20 to 25 minutes shorter than even the shortest of features.

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RAMMBOCK: BERLIN UNDEAD
3 stars, out of 4

Snapshot: A horror movie about a lovelorn Berliner trapped in an apartment building after a virus suddenly turns nearly everyone else in town into flesh-eating zombies. In German with subtitles.

What works: It's a brief but well-crafted movie, filled with intense moments built on suspense rather than gore.

What doesn't: Most of the characters are woefully underdeveloped, and beneath its fresh veneer -- a German zombie love story -- it's built solidly on genre convention.

Starring: Michael Fuith, Theo Trebs, Anka Graczyk. Director: Marvin Kren. Rating: R for some horror violence. Running time: 1 hour 4 minutes. Where: AMC Elmwood, screening at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and midnight on Fridays through the end of May.

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The Big Easy Foundation recognizes top performances from 2010 and bestows special awards for lifetime achievement and arts education. Bryan Batt emcees the event and there are performances by nominated actors. Call 483-3129 for reservations. Tickets $125. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday. Harrah's New Orleans Casino, 8 Canal St., 533-6000; www.bestofneworleans.com


Source: Gambit
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