Theatre--Auditions

Chez Gisele is a drag musical comedy noire.  It's a tribute to the life of a lovely French woman, Gisele  Carriton (1928-2008) who had the first gay cabaret nightclub in Lafayette from the late 1960s to the early 1970s.

It was an era of emerging civil rights for gay and African-Americans, who wildly supported Chez Gisele because it was a safe haven for acceptance.  Gisele was put into the spotlight by a local bigot with political ambitions, Puggy Moity.  He used his television show and newspaper to slander and libel Gisele and build a consensus of hatred directed at her personally; calling her a madam and her nightclub a house of male prostitution.

Gisele had to make her nightclub into a private membership club to protect her customers because of a hate crime that occurred at the bar.  She strictly kept the identity of her customers protected as she wanted them to have one place in their lives where they were free of harassment, hate, prejudice and simply be themselves.  Within the walls of Chez Gisele gay people and African American heterosexual couples could find acceptance, entertainment, fun, Parisian elegance, and unconditional love from Gisele who was considered a friend and extended family.

Unfortunately, the murder of a Chez Gisele employee took place in the parking lot of the nightclub, and was never prosecuted, an occurence not uncommon at the time as crimes against gay people didn't carry the interest of the police or judicial system. 

Despite the circumstances of hate and murder, Gisele herself was a very playful, happy person with  a great sense of humor.  She loved using colorful expressions and being a clown to lighten the spirits of those around her.  The music of the play assists to tell the story of colorful characters that passed through Chez Gisele and recreate poignant memories of an era in Lafayette history.  Chez Gisele was more than the house of Gisele, it was the birth of an attitude of grace that is still growing today.



Actors Needed:

  Gisele “Gigi” Carriton - age 30-45 can do a French accent, female
 Clarence Dupuis - age 20-35 handsome and well built, male
 Miss Doo - age 20-40 able to be a drag queen, man or woman
 Miss Marie - age 20-40 able to be a drag queen, man or woman
 Miss Fancy Fontenot - age 20-40 able to be a drag queen, man or woman
 Miss Hannah - age 30-60 man or woman Cajun looking a plus
 The Reverend - age 30-60 man
 Sofonda Peters - age 20-35 man or woman to be able to play a transvestite
 Puggy Moity - age 35-60 man
 Sheriff Landry - age 30-60 man
 Gov. Edwin Edwards - age 30-60 man


The roles of the Gisele, The Reverend and the drag queens require the ability to lipsync and dance.
It isn't necessary to bring something to read as people will be asked to read from the script.

Auditions will be Monday, April 5th and Wednesday, April 7th at 6:30 pm at Cité des Arts, downtown Lafayette.  For more information about the auditions,  please call (337) 291-1122.  The play will be performed at the Cite Des Arts main stage theater, 109 Vine St., Lafayette, LA. 70502,  May 20th through the30th (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays).   Performances will be at 7:30 pm with Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm.  Tickets are 10.00 for students and senior citizens,  and general admission is 15.00.  Tickets can be obtained in advance by calling (337) 291-1122.