Krewe of Les Femmes

The Krewe of Les Femmes held its 59th annual Mardi Gras Carnival Ball celebration on January 24, 2009, at the Biloxi Community Center. The theme for the event was “Direct From Broadway”. For the evening, the ladies of Les Femmes offered guests and members alike the unique experience of various Broadway musicals. The tableau began with the presentation of the 2008 royalty, Queen Andrea Huff, and King Roy Gibson. Before turning over their reign to the new Krewe of Les Femmes Royalty, they made their way around the floor and then sat back to enjoy the festivities.

Representing various musicals “Direct From Broadway, members, led by their group leader, performed an assortment of dance routines. Group leaders and the Broadway musical each symbolized are as follows: Kim Bourgeois and Chicago; Eve Halliburton-Shannon and Sweet Charity; Dusty Burdine and the ladies from Moulin Rouge; Rosemary Eicher and Kismet.

The Krewe of Les Femmes was proud to present not one but two separate performances for the special entertainment that evening. First, a group of young ladies from Nancy’s School of Dance for Education and Performance, located in d’Iberville, performed a fabulous routine from the musical, Grease. This routine was followed by vocals from the wonderful ten-year-old, Sydney Migues, of Biloxi. She first sang “Romeo and Juliet”. Next, the young ladies from Nancy’s School of Dance returned to the stage and danced to the song “I Would Die For You”. The special entertainment portion of the nights tableau ended with another crowd-pleasing performance by Sydney. She sang “Over The Rainbow”.

Following, officers of Les Femmes 2008 were introduced and made their way around the floor. Officers for 2008 were Sandra Doll, President; Eve Halliburton-Shannon, Vice President; Kathy Terry, Treasurer; and Tina Morrow, Secretary.

After experiencing just a glimpse of various Broadway musicals, it was time to present the royalty of the krewe, who, by their grace and charm, gave a unique glance at each musical “Direct from Broadway” as each maid of the royal court descended from the stage. Jennifer Hill, Ms. Chicago, was escorted by duke Ken Hill; Shannon Kern, Ms. Sweet Charity, was escorted by duke Kevin Kern; Laverne Burdine, Ms. Moulin Rouge, was escorted by duke Rick Burdine; Rosemary Eicher, Ms. Kismet, was escorted by duke Jim Ragsdale; Kim Bourgeois, Ms. Grease, was escorted by duke Michael Fay.

Prior to the representation of His Royal Majesty, the king’s page, Tanner Alan Boney was introduced. He is the three-year-old son of Melissa Burdine and Brent Boney. Dressed in a white tuxedo with tails, Tanner anxiously awaited the presentation of the King Les Femmes.