In many ways "Ain't Dat Super" is a big wet, sloppy kiss to the hometown heroes New Orleans Saints. It plays to an audience that is as much a part of the show as the actors on stage. Adapted from the novel of the same title by Steven Scaffidi and Nick Gambino, the play is the result of efforts by the authors to turn Saints fever into theatrical spectacle. It is somewhat appropriate insofar as the plays on the field of the Saints have kept many a patron away from theatres on game days. Now "Ain't Dat Super!" is bringing them into the Mahalia Jackson Theatre Performing Arts in droves.
The show stars John "Spud" McConnell and Randy Chermamie as Bubby and Marty, two twin brothers who appear as commentators at the beginning and near the end of the show, revealing the history of the New Orleans Saints franchise from inception to Super Bowl XLIV win. Local favorite Becky Allen is Roxy, the owner of McNutt's Bar in Mid City and her one-line zingers are among the best part of the show. When Matty and Bubby show up at the bar unannounced on game day, the cast of zany characters - Saints fans to the last - make their entrances too.
As Sal, funnyman Dane Rhodes portrays several other noteworthy Saints figures including a wonderful take-off of Saints owner Tom "B." Apparently, the actual names of living persons are altered slightly for legal purposes and it does take a little getting used to it. Even cast members would slip up occasionally. After one such gaff by Cheramie, Rhodes actually broke out of character once to comment on it to the delight of the crowd.
The only person whose real name figures prominently throughout the show is the man called "the father of the Superdome and the father of the Saints," the late Dave Dixon, who passed away only a few weeks ago. Dixon's widow Mary, son Stuart, grandaughter Madeline and namesake grandson David were all in the audience enjoying the show, knowing the fact that without him the domed stadium, the team and the reason for the show would never have existed. The show was dedicated to Dixon's memory.
Travis Resor plays Lenny, a bit of a bufoon, but he excels when channeling quarterback Drew Brees and the former owner of the Saints, John "Texan." Comic relief is provided by supporting actresses Mary Lee Gibbons and Casey McMurry.
The set would play better in a smaller venue. McNutt's Bar is depicted on the day of the Saints' eventual Superbowl win, but the set is voluminous for the actors who are vocally challenged even when the sound system and microphones are working. The script, which was drafted by Scaffidi and director Perry Martin, seems to allow actors a few opportunities to be extemporaneous. It would seem that Martin knew the audience was there for the tailgating and cheerleading and few would care if the actors went off script. Even the intermission was titled as a "15-minute Halftime."
The audience was truly forgiving. If things got a little restless, all the actors had to do was throw out a timely "Who dat?" and the response was tumultuous. The show is truly a love letter to the Saints and the phenomenal win that occurred in February. Rabid Saints fans will not miss the opportunity, especially since the first home game against the Minnesota Vikings isn't until next Thursday.
"Ain't Dat Super!" plays at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre with a tailgating party located in the rear of the auditorium some two hours before show time, which is at 8:00 p.m. Only two performances remain tonight and tomorrow night, Sunday, September 5.
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