NEW ORLEANS – WYES is asking guests to let the ghoul times roll and celebrate Halloween. Whether you’re a fan of New Orleans’ own Morgus the Magnificent or just love all things spooky, join us for the 3rd Annual WYES PRESENTS MORGUS MADNESS presented by Keesler Federal on Friday, Oct. 17, from 7–10 p.m. at WYES, 916 Navarre Ave. Tickets available at wyes.org/events.
The event is inspired by Morgus the Magnificent, a fixture on local television beginning in 1959. The local icon was created and portrayed by Sid Noel Rideau, who died in 2020. His daughter, Natalie Rideau, will once again be a part of this year’s WYES fundraising event.
Attendees will enjoy live music from The Consortium of Genius, a mad science-themed rock band. Included in the $45 ticket price will be wine, beer and food from local restaurants and businesses including: Katie’s, Byblos Mediterranean Grill, Dooky Chase, Two Tony’s, Sun Ray Grill, Junior’s on Harrison, Zuppardo’s Family Market, Martin’s, Sala Nola, Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza, G’s Grill at Monkey Hill Bar, Swiss Confectionery, Baker Maid, New Orleans Ice Cream Co., Casa Nola Limoncello, Opelousas Chicken & Seafood, Vaucresson’s Creole Café, Liuzza’s by the Track, Beachcorner Bar & Grill, Cafe Navarre, Ember Indian Cuisine, Ralph’s on the Park, Angelo Brocato, Blue Line Sandwich Co., Coca-Cola Bottling Company United and more.
Organizers share new this year is the VIP Table Experience. Guests who reserve a table for eight will enjoy a specially curated Antoine’s menu with dessert, along with wines and cocktails from Dorignac’s – including a signature “Blood Bag” cocktail, a playful nod to Dr. Morgus. VIP tables will be in WYES’ Studio A, with DJ Bambam Belonge providing music in a dedicated space separate from the main performance area. The VIP Table Experience is $1,200. To reserve, call 504-486-5511 or visit wyes.org/events.
Costumes aren’t required, but guests are encouraged to unleash their inner ghoul and take part in the costume contest starting at 8 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best Morgus Show Character, Best Couple and Most Creative Homemade Costume.
Continuing the legacy of Morgus the Magnificent, WYES will air “AN EVENING WITH SID NOEL: RECOLLECTIONS OF A MAD SCIENTIST” for the first time. This special event, recorded and originally donated to the Historic New Orleans Collection, will air on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 9 p.m. on WYES-TV. Viewers can also stream it live on wyes.org/live or on the PBS app. Viewers will see Morgus the Magnificent in all his scientific glory, but also get a rare glimpse of his alter ego, Sid Noel, as he recounts the Morgus origin story and reflects on his life and broadcasting career.