December 05, 2014

Adding French Theatrical Drama...Tour

Burlap Luxe Holiday

My latest French theatre designed and built by designer Dore Callaway (Me)
Ladies and gentlemen,
La Nouvelle French theatre now in appearance.

A Joyeux Noel

Opening for holiday appearances the New Orleans gypsy mice surface from the undergrounds, and
the walls of an abandoned and decayed old French theatre. Its ornate and
stunning architecture still visible, yet shadowed by its disprepair. The
walls dirtied with intrigue of its former glory.

The relief was created from orphaned pieces of antique salvage, it was a work in progress,
and a soulful experience creating it.

A stage where French gypsy mice every December 5th gather for a musical of dance,
and song.

Tickets sold at the door.
Ticket designed by Anita, at Castles Crowns Cottages.

Join in on a theatrical production linking with 4 other beautifully artistic bloggers.

Here...A Tiny Cottage In The Woods
Here...Castles Crowns Cottages
Here...Row Homes And Cobblestones
Here...Violet Skiles

The theatre was filled, stage lights lit, and trees for a Joyeux Noel performance were as
dusty as the stage floor itself.

A side view of the theatre. The main structure I built from deconstructing an
antique 1920's French humidor cabinet by cutting it in half, removing legs, and
adding walls and old wood flooring. Along with all the decorative touches,
and aging technique to the finish art with paints.

Cast: Louise ~ Astier,
Virgil ~ Auguste ~ Rafael

The performers scurried out from the cracks in the walls and gaping stage floorboards,
taking to the stage where they squeaked and danced singing the joys of a French Noel!

Astier leaves the stage for a wardrobe change for the next scene in their gyspy wagon.

Enterance to the abandond and decayed French theatre that inspired the theatre
that I created beyond these New Orleans historical theatre doors.


Creating theatrical drama plays a big roll in our inspired French home.
I will be creating this coming year more French theatres for my
etsy shop.

Please visit my blogger friends and their theatre theatrics with more
holiday performances.

A Joyeux Noel

Source
New Orleans gypsy puppet theater.
inspiring!

57 comments:

Méa Strauß said...

Doré!!! You are one of a kind! I knew this theatre (and this hole project) was going to be gorgeous, but hey, the NAMES of the mice and the story and THIS sentence: "The
walls dirtied with intrigue of its former glory". For me, as a German, I have to hink about every glorious sentence here!!
You inspired me, see me running around like a rocket, alway running back to make little reminders, not to forget the next upcoming idea!!
PHANTASTIQUE, Madame, I bow!
And there is only one thing left to say: ENCORE!!!
Your friend Méa from faaar away, yet so close :))♡♡♡

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Those French theatres are amazing--this one almost unbelievably beautiful! What a wonderful talent you have!

Victoria said...

This is beyond incredible Dore!!! I love anything miniature so this makes my heart sing just to see! So very beautiful and creative:)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ma belle, ma chère AMIE! Merci mille fois de m'avoir invité à ce spectacle....

Doré, I AM THE ONE who feels under-dressed for this magical and magnificent show! First of all, I will be coming back. It is only 5:00AM here, but I need to leave to get to school SUPER EARLY, only to not come home until very late at night, but I wanted to come by to thank you for coming, thank you for staging this, and for ALL OF THIS GLORIOUS vintage love.

I WILL BE BACK! Anita

angie said...

sooo süße bilder!!! danke und liebe grüße von angie

Unknown said...

Dore, these are so unique and magical! They take me to another place and I feel like part of the story! You are just so creative and talented and you inspire me to want to create too! I love these theatre creations and can't wait to see more of them! Blessings for the Holiday Season!

Lin from A {tiny} Cottage In The Woods said...

I am speechless, Doré. Your most beautiful theatre yet!!! Again, I open each image to view the details up close.
Take a bow, dear friend. It is pure Christmas magic.
Much love,
Lin

Unknown said...

so very magical, Dore. The construction of the theater is amazing...all the thoughts and details that went into it. The little wire chandelier is a beautiful touch. Your creativity just inspire me so much.

chateau chic said...

Dore, there's no one who can match your incredible talent. Your theatre production is magical, enchanting, delightful!! Only someone with your gifts and abilities could create such a magnificent theatre with a cast of whimsical characters.
Thank you for delighting us this Christmas season with this amazing production!
Mary Alice

"Create Beauty" said...

Magnifique!!!!!!!!!!!!
Applause arises from the land!!!!!

Oh Dore' ~ I absolutely LOVE the works
of your hands. This theatre is beyond gorgeous! The details. So lovely.

And the mice actors, aren't they so handsome?!?!?

Truly a JOY to see.

I am loving this.

It is so fun to have women of like-heartedness with which to play.

Thank you for the beauty!!!!!!!

I shall return again and again.

Now, off to see the others!
~ Violet

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

So beautiful Dore'.
There is so much imagination captured within that tiny box.
Your talent is a gift and thank you for sharing it!
Susan

DD's Cottage said...

You have a great imagination Dore and creativity! The theatre is a stunner and I love that you built it from parts. The mice-great idea!

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Dore words can not express the wonderment and beauty of your New Orleans Gypsy play. FANTASTIQUE mon amie. Your paper mice are full of personalities matched with perfect names. I love this theatre, so perfectly French New Orleans. Your story line I adore. I'm honored to be part of the production being included in a group of inspirational woman. Working in the Gypsy theme was an absolute delight and your creativity always blows me away. Bravo, bravo Dore.
Love ya,
Vera

Junkchiccottage said...

Oh Dore,
Your creative soul shines through with this. Love the New Orleans French Gypsy Play. That theatre is gorgeous. I hope you do make more of these creative and wonderful theatres. They are simply beautiful. Bravo!
Kris

Vicky said...

Just lovely!! Have a nice weekend!!

Karena said...

Ahhh Dore, your dioramas are so very artistic and those mice are such fine actors! I always love seeing your art and how much creativity you put into every single piece!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest Dore,
What magic to behold! You are such an inspiration... I just adore your Theatre production, and the paper mice are, well, what can I say.. Magnifique!
You imagination is only surpassed by your gifted hands..
Thank you so much for the joy.
Love and blessings this Holiday season.
Penny

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

A-DORE-ble! And magical in every way. Utterly charming and beautiful. I don't have enough superlatives. Gorgeous! I am completely enchanted.

Di@Cottage-Wishes said...

So wonderful. I love that your inspiration was that theater. Those doors are fab. I just love it. Do. Cottage wishes

Jeanne said...

Followed here from Castles Crowns & Cottages...and I have to say WOW. I just fell in love with your Gypsy Mouse Theatre. The set and decorations are just magical. Love it!

Bente said...

Oh my, Dore, you are such a big talent. You make everything beautiful with your magic hands. Love your theatre.

Have a great weekend
Send you a big hug from here

It's me said...

Owww doré ...this is so Nice...love it...!!...enjoy december Darling .....love Ria....xxx!

Anonymous said...

Dore, you have no idea how much and how long I have adored these theatre pieces!!!! I am insanely in love with them......I showed my 2 girls these quaint little theatrical displays and I must say, they have fallen head over heels in love as well. My sweet Lilli (7) and sweet Delilah (5) are now reenacting your very famous theatre plays. Setting up their own "opera". And I can here them saying they must have one =)

Thank you! Thank you! You are so inspiring, I know I say that in every comment I leave and Im sure I will in every one from here on out. I love your work. I simply cannot wait to see more xoxoxo ~Ashley

Botanic Bleu said...

Dore,
What a wonderful creation for your Tales of French Gypsy Mice! I love your repurposed French humidor cabinet. Its life now as a shabby theater is far grander than its former life housing tobacco. Did you draw your mice characters? They are exquisite in their detail as is the gypsy caravan wagon. I love the leaning little bottle tree center stage. Thank you for a night at the theater where the everyday world was left behind.

Judith

Gail Peterson said...

What a beautiful treasure the theatre is. The detail is magical and it's miniature size is so enduring. Dore your so good with working with these smaller scale creations, what talent you have for this.
Happy holidays...
xo,
Gail

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Soulful I must Say ! A sense of freedom and creativity in all that you do my friend.Your unique and I love that about You. Blessings !

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Bravo. I love it.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Bonjour encore mon amie!

I am coming back PROPERLY. I had to rush off to work yesterday only to get home very late.

I hope someone saved my seat here for this spectacular mouse show...it is a pleasure to be part of this traveling show where each of us has slowly opened up a gift of friendship. Doré, your details and theme of patina dreams is such a model for further projects of French dreams. I love the ripped pieces of gauze or linen that you used for the extra touches. I was trying to do my best, while working and only being able to get photos done on the weekends, and my theatre piece took another turn toward Paris. But whether in the outskirts of New Orleans or in the heart of Paris, we all are connected with this love of TELLING A STORY with our hands.

Your production is precious, as your mice, like our ideas, come out of the cracks and on the stage. MUCH LOVE and many thanks. I will be back yet again for act II! BISES, Anita

La Contessa said...

I adore YOUR CAST as much as I adore your THEATERS..........those mice speak VOLUMES!MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HWIT BLOGG said...

Magical...love it!
Have a great weekend,
Titti

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Doré,
I just can't stay away from this wonderful theatre. You outdid yourself with the slow evolution of adding just the perfect salvaged pieces to make a soulful New Orleans French theatre of decay. Your play is most delighful, love the mice. You found the two most inspiration photos to inspire your imagination and it is breathtaking. Your artwork has a way of transporting us to another place and time. Speaking of your artwork ... John is going to hang the Creole angel home up in our dining room today. The way the lights captures a shadow of the banner art on the building gives it such a haunting meserizing beauty it transports me to standing on a street of decay. Much as New Orleans is beloved for a city of decadence and decay.
Sending my love,
Vera

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my word, this is totally amazing. Your theatre and mice are totally exquisite.

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

THAT IS SO COOL! I saw my first one at Chambord years ago! LOVE THIS - I want to try one!

Joy Junktion said...

Your theater is oh so gorgeous, Dore! What creative work you do, perfection! Blessings, Cindy

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest Dore,
Your visit and heartfelt words just filled me with joy... Thank you so much. I am happy you enjoyed my angel..
I am touched by your invitation for next year's Theatre Production. I would be honored and thrilled to be included.
I am afraid it would be a very humble Theatre, but filled with love.
blessings dear friend
Penny

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

p.s. I forgot, YES! I just loved the Gypsy vests dear Vera made for them.. They looked so sweet!

A Joyful Cottage said...

Your French theater is magical and delightful. How wonderful to have the vision for this and the talent to carry it out. I love the names you gave the mice, and could see a charming children's book develop from this. xxx ~ Nancy

Rhonda said...

Your art is magical and your talent never ceases to amaze me. Dore these are so incredibly gorgeous. Because you work with antique pieces, they take on such a wonderful soulful feeling. Blessings to you on this December morn.

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh Dore - this makes me want to take the fairy village I created this summer and toss it right into the trash!
Absolutely magnificent !
You're an artist of the highest calling, really !
XOXO

farmhouse-story said...

you've created the most adorable fairytale here, dore:) just enchanting!

Angie at Home said...

Oh my gosh!!!! I just stumbled onto your blog and came across this fairy tale enchantment. Amazing. I just returned from New Orleans.... and you got the feel right in this little display.

AMAZING

Happy Holidays...

Angela

Cindy said...

Dore, that is the most exquisite thing I have ever seen! You should never sell it. Oh my gosh... Your little theater is a dream and a treasure...

Cindy

June said...

I am at a loss for words Dore, and that in itself is shocking, but your theater is such a work of art that words escape me. I really would love to travel into your brain while you are creating and see what you see through your eyes.
I have gone through the past posts I have missed here and wanted to say that your eye for style is truly a gift. Every detail in your home tells so much about who you are. So lovely!
sending hugs...

Pura Vida said...

I just can't stop being amazed by this. The gypsy fort is incredible...well all of it is...I just can't stop being amazed!

Rié Moratto said...

Your French Theater is so charming!! Love the mice! All the best, Rié | Portobello Design Blog

michele said...

c'est magnifique, dore! i love everything about this conceptually and aesthetically. bravo on creating a masterpiece to be enjoyed for years to come. what a creative spin on holiday decor, oui? and you have instantly reminded me to drag out my dear maileg mice which i sometimes put in the christmas tree. merci, friend! peace to you right where you are.

Ivy and Elephants said...

Dore, I am such a fan of your gorgeous theatre creations, but I believe this is your most beautiful and creative yet.
Simply amazing! All the love and detail you give each one is incredible. Love how you have displayed them.
Big hugs,
Patti

The Speckled Hen Cottage said...

I could never create anything like this. Your talent is superb, your imagination magical!!! Thank you for this wondrous delight~~~

must love junk said...

Dore, this is exquisite! You are soo talented !
Susan

Unknown said...

Dore, Thank you for your sweet comment on my dresser. I have been really wanting to paint a black dresser for awhile but didn't know how it would fits into our home. Now I got to be artistic and part with it when the time comes. Wishing you a Happy Happy Holidays!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good evening beautiful Doré! Thank you so much for coming to my new post. This coming week is going to be a very busy one for me with finals, then the following week, I have two weeks off. I hope to regather my creative thoughts and fine my path once again; the school year really leaves me dry.

Thank you again for your words of encouragement; I truly value YOU and your thoughts, and I will continue to pursue what I love: telling short stories and hopefully, taking more of my own photos. Oh how I wanted to present my home on this new post, but I had a terrible time loading up my photos off of my Pinterest board! I hope to take more next week and share. Thank you for liking my world.

Peace and love to you, in Sweet Harmony. Anita

Julia said...


Me ha encantado tu post, tienes cosas muy interesantes, felicidades por tu bloc. Te invito a visitar el mio, esta semana ponemos espíritu navideño en el exterior, espero que te guste. Ah! Si no eres seguidora deseo que te hagas, gracias por visitarme.Te espero en elracodeldetall.blogspot.com

Elizabeth at Eiffel Tells said...

I love this beautiful, detailed theatre - your creativity is inspirational.Bisous

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Bonsoir mon amie! I just came home from a busy day at school and sweet friend, THANK YOU for coming back to visit. Yes, that is my house but I photographed my husband holding a silver serving dish. Like you, I opted for a simple, fresh Christmas tree only with lights! We are on the same thinking pattern! SIMPLE, REAL, VERY FRENCH.

I again wanted to take more photos this weekend (I can't during the week due to work) but the weather has been very GRAY and foggy, and then my husband took me out both days and I had no time to take photos. But I am hoping that after Christmas, I will be able to share some photos since I will be off for two weeks and I hope that in that time, there will be some sun!

Wishing you much love and peace. Anita

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How perfect for a Christmas delight! Happy holidays, Diane

Marilyn said...

Thank you, Dore´. I have so enjoyed all of your blogs with their Christmas presentations in the French manner. I found you through Violet's blog. That led me to the other four blogs.

Ivy and Elephants said...

Dore, thank you for sharing this gorgeous post with us at Ivy and Elephants. You are featured this week!
Feel free to stop by and grab a featured button.
Hugs,
Patti