Tina and Brent Indest representing Cha-Cha & Leo. Lee Ball Photography

The 1950s never looked so good

The Mystic Krewe of Iberians celebrated its 71st bal masque Saturday night at The Louisiana Sugarcane Festival Building. This year’s celebration featured the fun and festive theme of “Grease Is The Word.” The theme explored the friendships, romances and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950’s.

The plot of Grease is one of the best-known movie storylines between a wholesome exchange student, Sandy Olson, and a leather-clad Danny Zuko, who after having a summer romance, go their separate ways. Their paths cross again at Rydel High where the T-Birds and Pink Ladies rule the school.

Wess Robison, Co-Captain of the Krewe of Iberians and Parker Templeton, Co-Captain of the Krewe of Iberians, followed the instructions of the previous Captains, Dr. Mike Alavarez and Mr. Preston Broussard, to “keep it fun.”

Reigning over the ball were His Majesty, The 71st King of The Mystic Krewe of Iberians XYZ, representing Danny Zuko was Paul Schexnayder. Her Majesty, The 71st Queen of the Mystic Krewe of Iberians XYZ, representing Sandy Olson, was Amy Russell.

Joining their Royal Majesties were the Maids and Dukes of the Mystic Krewe of Iberians, who represented favorite members of the Pink Ladies, the T-Birds and high-school students from Rydel and beyond.

From the Pink Ladies, representing their fearless leader, Rizzo, and representing Kenickie, the second in command of the T-Birds, is Kaci Beaullieau, escorted by her husband Gerald Beauilleau IV. From Rydel High, representing the cheesy do-good cheerleader Patty Simcox and representing the Captain of the Rydel High football team, Tom Chisum, is Amy Bigler escorted by her husband, Christopher Bigler. From the Pink Ladies, representing the sophisticated wanna-be Marty, and from the T-Birds representing the funny smart-alex Sonny, is April Byrom escorted by her husband Richard Byrom.

From the Pink Ladies, representing everyone’s favorite beauty school dropout Frenchie, and from the T-Birds representing the playful and goofy Doddy, is Donna O’Brien escorted by her husband Dr. Kurt O’Brien. From the Pink Ladies representing the playful and flirtatious Jan, and from the T-Birds representing the epitome of a cheap date, Putzie, Dr. Ellen Mullen escorted by her husband Gregory Mullen.

Invading Rydel High from St. Bernadette’s School, representing their best dancer Cha-Cha, and from the T-Birds rival gang The Scorpions, representing Leo, is Tina Indest escorted by her husband Brent Indest.

A highlight of the pageant was when New Iberia’s debutantes were formally presented to society. They are seniors in high school and are daughters of members who are active in the Krewe. They are by tradition presented in their long white dresses.

Escorted by their fathers for presentation to Their Majesties, the Debutantes for 2018 were Hester Catherine Bourdier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Allen Bourdier II; Lindsay Chayne Delcambre, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chad J. Gary; Brittan Marie Falterman, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James Falterman Jr; Maggie Claire Landry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Malcom O. Landry; Madison Taylor Mestayer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Guidry, was escorted by her grandfather; Theresa Marie Resweber, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Resweber; Grace Victoria Snellgrove, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Boyd Snellgrove; Georgia Ann Tritak, daughter of Mr. John Tritak and Ms. Kathie Alvarez Tritak, was escorted by her uncle.

In keeping with tradition, last year’s royalty was presented to the Krewe’s membership for their final time. The night’s live entertainment included the After 8 Band out of Baton Rouge. catering and bar was provided by Beau Soliel Café & Catering. Costumes were designed and hand-made by Patricia Sigue.

The Mystic Krewe of Iberians was established in 1947 and is celebrating its 71st ball. The Krewe is New Iberia’s oldest and largest Krewe with 324 couple members.