Captivating their guests, Les Femmes d'Orleans staged its 16th bal masque Saturday in the Mardi Gras Ballroom of Copeland Tower with a series of elaborate tableaux of Carnival pageant titled "Works of Shakespeare."

Like the full sensory experience of his plays, the court procession along the red carpet showcased well-known works of William Shakespeare.

Reigning as queen was Ms. Betina Noveh. She wore a sleeveless gold A-line dress. Imported white fantasia plumes trimmed in gold formed the background of her English lace collar, trimmed in bugle beads and imported rhinestone appliqués. From her shoulders extended a mantle of gold trimmed in ermine. It featured the crest its central motif. A rhinestone crown and a jeweled scepter completed her royal regalia.

Reigning as king was Mr. Danny Fourtunia. He wore a regal robe of gold trimmed in ermine. His crown and scepter matched the queen.

The maids of the royal court were costumed to carry out the theme. Ms. Barbara Claire de'Monsabert, as "Antony and Cleopatra," wore an ocean blue gown displaying a lion and pyramids.

Ms. Ann Halliburton, portraying "Midsummer Night's Dream," sported a purple dress with her collar ornamented with an array of flowers and mystical fairies.

Ms. Marjorie Fourtunia, characterizing "Love's Labour's Lost," wore a kelly green ball gown featuring maidens with arrows shooting a heart-shaped target.

Ms. Tricia Dukes, depicting "Romeo and Juliet," wore black and displayed a dagger, poison and tragic masks upon her collar.

Junior maids were Misses Briana Marie Maique, daughter of Mr. Roberto Manuel Maique and Ms. Megan Sanchez; and Sophie Angelle Koniditsiotis, daughter of retired Lt. Col. Elias J. Koniditsiotis and Ms. Jeanne Koniditsiotis.

Princess to her majesty was Miss Lilly Claire Hatt, daughter of Mr. Jeremy Hatt and Mrs. Aunjel Faucheux-Hatt.

Page to his majesty was Master Danny J. Fourtunia II.

General chairman was Mr. Louis C. Gaudet, with Mr. David "Storm" Manning serving as the evening's narrator.