A Ball of Illusion

The annual ball thrown by Lake Charles' Krewe of Illusions is an elaborate pageant attended by the refined, as well as the not-so-refined, of the Louisiana refinery town.

Krewe of Illusions King XVIII Cornell Thomas: El Sol, the Sun (photo by: KXM)

Members of the court are adorned with crazy outfits featuring back-pieces and headdresses that seem to reach up to two-stories high. This year's show – a curious mix of community fandango, regal promenade, and perhaps even a tetch tongue-in-cheek Waiting for Guffman thrown in for good measure – heralded the theme: Celestial Celebrations, featuring some wild and wacky interpretations of the Aztec Calendar, Tuscan Wine Country, Junkanoo, and more.

Maria, Lady of the Dead (Shelbie Huggins) (photo by: KXM)

"We sew together a myth of our own," said this year's Illusions King XVIII Cornell Thomas, whose own role in the pageant was as El Sol, the Sun. The krewe's ball is distinguished from other balls by its performative nature, he said, "We put on a theatrical show. It's more than just walking up the stage showing the costumes."

The Celtic Warrior (Carl Reeves) (photo by: KXM)

The Illusions ball is also distinct in that outsiders are invited to come see. Krewe members and honored guests attend the formal gathering in tux, tie, and gown, but the general public (riff-raff like yours truly) is also allowed access to tickets to observe from the balcony.

According to Thomas, Illusions is, "Considered the 'gay' krewe by all the other krewes," and is mixed – male/female, gay/straight. "If there are gay members in other krewes… well, Illusions is where you can let your hair down."

Designer Kevin Hodge in pre-show performance-wear. (photo by: KXM)

Designer Kevin Hodge standing next to one of his creations at Lake Charles' Mardi Gras Museum. (photo by: KXM)

And some of that hair is piled pretty high, as you can see from most of the ensembles. Designers like Thomas and Illusions member Kevin Hodge (above) stay busy all year designing and creating the intricate outfits worn during Mardi Gras. Many past year eye-poppers can be seen year-round at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, located in the historic Central School Arts and Humanities Center.

A pamphlet from the Mardi Gras Museum shows beloved young designer David O'Quinn, who passed away in the 1990s, and whose work still influences Mardi Gras gown designers of today. (photo by: KXM)

Gay Krewes, like black krewes and women's krewes, were, at their genesis, often formed in an atmosphere of satire, as much reaction to the dominant white male culture as anything else. Since their inception, these groups have developed their own cultures with their own traditions and events.

The big "wow" moments at the Illusions ball, however, are "the Reveal"s of the various Priscilla Queen of the Desert-worthy outfits. Click the photo gallery above, and the movies below to see.

The lights burn into the wee wee hours at Crystal's Downtown. (photo by: KXM)

From the looks of the increasing presence of formal-clad clientele as the evening progressed, the ball's unofficial "afterparty" place-to-be was the cozy Lake Charles gay bar, Crystal's, a friendly danceclub in the heart of downtown that caters to everybody.

Let's just say a little too much fun was to be had by all… but not too too much.

"Elvis & Ricky" share a moment at Crystal's. (Guess we don't have to ask where Priscilla & Lucy are...) (photo by: KXM)

Strapping Nicholas pours 'em stiff at Lake Charles' Crystal's Downtown. (photo by: KXM)