Guillot talks Revelers, Mardi Gras

It takes a lot of work to put on a ball; it takes even more to outdo the previous year’s event, just ask the Krewe of Town Revelers.

In less than five weeks, the Krewe of Town Revelers will celebrate its diamond jubilee with the crowning of King Cimmer LX (60th). He, his queen, his dukes, his maids and his pages will be a part of a cast of 42 people that will put on the what will possibly be the Krewe’s biggest spectacle to date as they celebrate James Bond with “00 Cimmer.”

To hear this year’s director, Judy Guillot, tell the tale, those in attendance Saturday, Feb. 14, will be in for a treat and many surprises.

Guillot was on hand for Tuesday’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Crowley to discuss some of the details of this year’s Krewe of Town Revelers Mardi Gras, as well as provide a glimpse behind the curtain.

Guillot first began her presentation by recognizing several Rotarians who have served as king or queen in the past, including Georgie Petitjean, Mike McBride, Elliot Doré, Tommy McNeely, Tim Croughan, Scott Schumacher, Becky Lamm, Chris Brammer and Katie Chiasson.

She then asked all those who have served on the court to raise their hands, leading to many more Rotarians being recognized.

Guillot explained that it took several steps to get to the pageantry and production that the Krewe enjoys today for its ball as for some time they were presentations of the royalty and court at the Town Club. In 1976, the ball found its new home at the Rice Festival Building – where the ball is still held today.

In 2000, the format of the ball changed, and more concern was put on the production of the event. Since then, the event has graduated to more of a production itself and each year the challenge is to keep the event new and interesting.

Part of that falls on the directors like Guillot. She explained that right now the Krewe has about four to five in the directing rotation with several more assistant directors. This year’s assistant director is Casey Vercher.

Those attending this year’s event are promised an interesting night.

“We are having a blast with it,” said Guillot.

It helps greatly that the Bond franchise has 23 films (with the 24th due out this year) to pull material from. Guillot explained that six films in particular will get a spotlight with each of the dukes and maids. But, not to be outdone, the Revelers will provide color by taking on the roles of ninjas and, of course, some of the franchises most notorious villains.

It is not just the material that the Bond franchise is helping provide as it is also providing quite the elaborate costuming, which, for Guillot, is where some of the best fun of the ball lies.

Guillot added that tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, Jan. 15, online at http://ktrcarnivalball.ticketleap.com/60th-annual-krewe-of-town-revelers-carnival-ball/.

The ball will be held on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) at 7 p.m. at the Rice Festival Building. The event is held annually the Saturday prior to Mardi Gras, which will be celebrated on Feb. 17.