Tut Tut, New Orleans, a blue street?

In Washington, D.C., where King Tutankhamen began his American reign last December, the wait to get in to see his treasures averaged five hours. In Chicago, 2,000 lined up opening day to marvel at the glittering objects found in the tomb of the boy pharaoh who lived in the 14th century B.C. (TIME, May 2). Now it is New Orleans' turn, and though the exhibit has effectively been presented, some of that old Mardi Gras madness has rubbed off on the Egyptian god-king.

For starters, Lelong Drive, leading up to the city's Museum of Art, was painted a kind of Nile blue. The Fairmont Hotel opened a tent restaurant outside the museum with such specialties as Sphinxburger, Queen Nefertiti's Salad and Ramses' Gumbo. Bourbon Street Exotic Dancer Chris Owens, in a new Egyptian costume complete with vulture collar and emblems of the god Ra, is gyrating through a routine entitled "Pharaoh's Favorite Toy." The New Leviathan Oriental Fox Trot Orchestra has released an Old King Tut album, and Tut T shirts are also catching on. For those who must wait outside the museum, 16 portable "Tutlets" are at their disposal.

But not everyone is Tutillated by the city's lighthearted approach. Especially not Jake DiMaggio. His acquaintance with Egyptian authorities (through his construction company's work there) helped land the exhibit for New Orleans. Now he is red-faced over the blue street and the sideshows. "The civic and cultural leaders are ridiculing the Egyptian deity," he complains. "Why can't we do something with a little class?"

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