Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball takes mad trip ‘Through the Looking Glass’

A wave of madness swept through the Rayne Civic Center Saturday night. Nothing was as it seemed as the Rayne Chamber of Commerce led a capacity crowd “Through the Looking Glass” and down a rabbit hole for the sixth annual Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball.
The interior of the center was transformed into a “wonderland” for the event with backdrops and decorated tables carrying out the night’s theme.
Reigning over the night’s activities were Grand Court King Jamie Bergeron and Queen Suzette Leonards, who were introduced to the cheering attendees before being seated for the presentation of the Court.
Following the night’s theme, the “White Rabbit,” – late for a very important date – was portrayed by Layne Autin. “Alice,” portrayed by Cecile Benoit, followed the hare into its lair, thus beginning the night’s frivolity.
Bringing madness and mystery to the stage, Anthony Beslin, as “The Mad Hatter,” stepped through the looking glass before Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, portrayed Klarisse Thibodeaux and Analise Fruge, respectively, came in with their characteristic mischievousness.
Amber Richard exuded the magical mystique of “The White Queen” before Drew Racca illustrated both the allure and the playfulness of the “Cheshire Cat.”
A high-energy dance number by Lexi Thibodeaux of Project Dance, provided an intermission in the presentations before Carson Houston as the hookah-smoking “Caterpillar” demanded to know, “Whoooo are you?”
“Card Soldiers” Ashley Brasseaux and Michelle Arsement sought to bring some semblance of order to the assembly before presentation of the strict and always dangerous “Red Queen,” portrayed by Jennifer Autin.
Finally, Blake Alleman, as “Mr. Time,” searched frantically to find the missing numeral from the large clock. He finds the “5” on “Mr. Too Much Time,” portrayed by Chad Dupuis, and a relative sense of normalcy is returned to the setting.
In touching, pre-recorded statements, King Bergeron and Queen Leonards toast each other and members of their court, adding their personal thanks to the many members of the Ball Committee and volunteers who helped to make the night a success.
A promenade of the royal court, each of whom answered the traditional call of “throw me something, mister,” concluded the formal ceremonies for the night. Dance music for the remainder of the evening was provided by DJ Blaine Dupont.
Special guests for the night were Robert and Lindsey Credeur, the King and Queen of the Krewe de Joie de Vie; and Susan Roy, Queen of the Krewe de Red Hot Scott.
Jessica Houston chaired the 2017 Grand Court Mardi Gras Committee with committee members including Nikki Link, co-chair; Rachel Guidry, Dakota Henry, Maureen Benoit, Angie Bourgeois, Jo Ann Meche, Dawn Morgan, Sue Leonards, Aileen Prevost, Janet McFarlain, Blaine Dupont, Maggie Reed, Tiffany Thibodeaux, Michelle Autin, Brian Mouton, Jeremy Lavergne, Suzette Leonards, Jimmy Prevost and Fran Bihm.
Decorations in the Civic Center were under the direction of Sue and Bubba Leonards, Jimmy and Aileen Prevost, Janet McFarlain, Jessica and Craig Houston and Nikki Link, assisted by committee members and volunteers.
Mistress of Ceremonies for the night was Shawn Murphy of Big 102.1 FM.
Past Grand Court royalty include King Jimmy Prevost and Queen Cheryl Richard Boudreaux, 2012; King Pesh Patel and Queen Jena Bordes, 2013; King Pat Bordes II and Queen Monica Bihm, 2014; King John Jude Beslin and Queen Claire Benoit, 2015; and King Sam Babineaux and Queen Nikki Link, 2016.