Producers: The Strand Theatre in downtown Shreveport hosted the Broadway show “The Producers” on Jan. 17. The show was nearly sold out. The next show at The Strand, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” is March 11.

–Mark Crawford

Film Prize: The kickoff event for Louisiana Film Prize was hosted Jan. 12 at artspace in downtown Shreveport. With the competition launched, participants have until July 12 to submit their short film. More than 120 short films were submitted last year. This year marks the fifth year for the $50,000 grand prize film festival.

–Mark Crawford

Marlene Yu Museum: The Marlene Yu Museum celebrated its first year Jan. 21 with a gala. “Water - Element of Life,” by Yu was debuted as well as a fashion line featuring dresses, scarves, bow ties and neckties. The Rainforest Art Foundation presented a new exhibit curated by founder Yu and opening at the gala. “Abstract Nature” featured abstract art from local and international artists.

–Mary Ann Van Osdell

Van Cliburn: The East Wing Auditorium of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum was dedicated in honor of Van Cliburn on Jan. 24. The Shreveport Symphony and Noel Foundation sponsored a chamber music concert at the museum. An artists’ reception followed. The international guest artists were Stanislav Khristenko and Tomer Gewirtzman, performing solo and piano four-hands. Both musicians are winners of the Wideman Competition, which brings to Shreveport an incredibly talented group of pianists to compete. Symphony Music Director Michael Butterman and violinist Jennifer Carsillo also performed on the program. Shreveport native Cliburn won the Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow in 1958. Auditorium renovations began with replacement of the ceiling tiles, then painting, carpeting, a new curtain and re-sanding the wood stage. The most extensive work included updated lighting and refinishing every chair back and new upholstery for 325 seats.

–Mary Ann Van Osdell

Gemini: “Mardi Gras Magic,” Gemini’s Grand Bal, was Jan. 23 at the Shreveport Convention Center. The ballroom was magical, as all the tables were top notch. The captain, king and queen tables were decorated by Mike and Richea Corbin. To start off the night, princes and princes were introduced. Capt. Mary Louise Stansell represented the Magical Bunny. The Duke and Duchess of Arkansas, Jamey Purdy and Mona Vienne, had beautiful blue and green costumes that represented a witch and wizard. The Duke and Duchess of Louisiana, Robert Bakowski and Teri Morrow, wore beautiful green costumes that represented Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. The Duke and Duchess of Texas, Gary Jones and Gloria Haskin, wore burgundy and gold that represented Harry Potter and Hermione. The King and Queen Gemini XXVII, Chris Stansell and Debbie Garrison, wore deep purple, black and silver costumes representing Black Magic. The guests danced the night away to a band from New Orleans, Flow Tribe.

–Mary Ann Van Osdell

Membership Event: Robinson Film Center hosted a membership event Dec. 3 at their location in Downtown Shreveport. The film center has a goal of recruiting 1,500 members by the end of the year. There are currently about 1,100. Go to robinsonfilmcenter. org to join.

–Mark Crawford

Centaur: The Krewe of Centaur hosted their 25th Grand Bal on Jan. 16 at the Convention Center in Downtown Shreveport. A delicious dinner provided by Silver Star Steakhouse was served before the royalty tableau began. Capt. Randy James presided over the precession of royalty, which included King Larry Ryan and Queen Diane Aillet.

–Mark Crawford