An American in Paris, Jan. 30 – Feb. 4 at Saenger Theatre
It’s inspirational. It’s moving. It will make you laugh, and it will make you cry. There is something about watching actors in person, on a stage that can’t be fulfilled by watching a movie or a television show. For a few years now, I have been a frequent patron of The Saenger Theatre. And I am sure to be spotted at the theater many times throughout the Broadway in New Orleans season. In 2013, it was announced that the newly renovated Saenger was bringing Broadway shows back to its stage. Since then, patrons have seen Tony award-winning production, after Tony award-winning production.
Already this year, the Saenger has been visited by Jimmy Buffet and the debut of Escape To Margaritaville, The King and I and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.
But New Orleanins should not fret. As the start of the new year brings resolutions, Broadway in New Orleans is delivering a lineup to ensure your “new year, new you” has a dose of artistic flair. Try these upcoming productions; I know I will.
An American In Paris
Jan. 30 – Feb. 4
If you’re like me, typically the book is better than the movie. The same, I feel, can be said for a play and a movie.
That being said, I don’t know how a production could be better than the 1951 MGM Technicolor dream staring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. As mentioned in a review by The New York Times, “the production pays a loving tribute to the movie.” I am envisioning beautiful costumes, stellar dancing and a beautiful love story set in the city of light.
The Color Purple
Feb. 20 – Feb. 25
This is a production everyone should be dying to see. The 2016 Tony award winner for Best Musical hits the stage this February, bringing with it the journey of a young southern women through love and triumph. A New York Times review called it “a glory to behold.” This production is highly anticipated and sure to bring a flood of emotion throughout the theater. I, personally, cannot wait for opening night.
Phantom of the Opera
March 14 – March 25
With the exception of Cats (yes, I said it; Cats is awful), Andrew Lloyd Weber is responsible for a number of Broadway powerhouses that have changed the way we view live theater. And the Phantom of the Opera is probably my favorite of the bunch. The drama, the power ballads, period-piece costuming – it all makes for a goosebump-giving, quintessential Broadway moment. If you haven’t already, buy a ticket and join the “Masquerade” this March.
Rent
April 17 – April 22
“We’re not gonna pay rent!” If only we all could say that to our landlords or the mortgage company. This rollercoaster of emotion set in the early 90s, at the height of the AIDs epidemic, is sure to have you on your feet, and probably crying. Inspired partly by Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Bohème, Jonathan Larson’s Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning1996 production is still speaking loudly to issues we are facing today. From the Big Apple to the Big Easy, see the story of seven New Yorkers living, loving and surviving this spring.
Waitress
June 12 – June 17
This is another production I am dying to see. The show premiered on Broadway to rave reviews, and is surrounded by powerful women. The music and lyrics, from Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, are original to the play, as well as original direction by Tony award winner Diane Paulus. Based on the film, Waitress is the story of a small town waitress, duh, and pie maker who dreams of leaving her hometown and loveless marriage and moving on to bigger and better things, by winning a baking contest in a nearby town. It’s a show about strength, courage and is sure to inspire.
New Orleans Magazine attempted to gain additional information on the highly anticipated visit of Tony award-winning Hamilton: An American Musical. All we can confirm is that Hamilton is set to play next season and is listed among the tour cities for the 2018-2019 season on the Hamilton U.S. Tour website. Until the official announcement, we are all “Helpless.”
