OnStage: Profiles

Saenger Theatre

1111 Canal St. // New Orleans (800) 218-7469 // saengernola.com
 

The majestic Saenger Theatre is a home on the road for Broadway musical companies and a host of big-name entertainers that this season includes Jackson Browne, Jerry Seinfeld, Diana Krall and Joe Bonamassa. See the full lineup on the website.

UPCOMING:

Masters of Illusion (Oct. 11). Believe the impossible as the hit television series breaks out of the box and comes to the stage.
“So You Think You Can Dance” (Oct. 19). The hit show now in its 12th season brings its top 10 finalists to the city.

“Cinderella” (Oct. 27-Nov. 1). Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical still delights audiences with a contemporary take on the classic tale.

Neil deGrasse Tyson (Nov. 10-11). An astrophysicist brings science and a great deal more to the stage with an amazingly accessible presentation.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (Dec. 29-Jan. 3). A smash hit on Broadway is sure delight local audiences as well.

“Motown the Musical” (Jan. 19-24). The American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul.

See the website for the full lineup and purchase tickets online at BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or by calling 800-218-7469.
 

Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts

325 Minor St. // Kenner (504) 461-9475 // rivertowntheaters.com
 

Another blockbuster season kicked off with “The Producers” at the beautiful theaters by the river, under the direction of Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi.

UPCOMING:

“The Addams Family” (Nov. 6-22). The lovable family of creepy kooks is alive and funnier than ever in a new musical comedy by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice.

“Sweet Charity” (Jan. 15-31). Terrific choreography enlivens this tender and poignant, yet funny musical, directed by Gary Rucker.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (March 4-20). Making a return visit after a well-received run in 2009, the fast-paced and wildly funny tale is unforgettable.

"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" (May 6-22). Big business means big laughs in a lampoon of life on the corporate ladder.

"The Wizard of Oz" (July 14-24). Click your heels together and join the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion and Dorothy on the yellow brick road.

Check the website for details of other upcoming shows.

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”

Southern Repertory Theatre

New Orleans // Box Office: (504) 522-6545 // southernrep.com
 

A crown jewel of local theater continues to draw audiences interested in quality drama presented professionally under the artistic direction of Aimée Hayes. Check the website for updated times and locations.

UPCOMING:

“Stage Kiss” (through Oct. 10). This regional premiere of Sara Ruhl’s drama is directed by Jason Kirkpatrick, featuring Trey Burvant, Aimée Hayes, Richard Hutton, and more. At Ashé Power House, 1731 Baronne St.

“Song of a Man Coming Through” (Nov. 4-6). The world premiere of the Joe Morris Doss and Andrew Doss features an all-start cast including Robert Doqui and Lance Nichols, in telling the true Louisiana story of convicted murderer Earnest Knighton Jr. At First Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 Canal St., New Orleans.

“Orpheus Descending” (March 12-April 2). In partnership with the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival this is a re-imagining of the Orpheus myth. At University of New Orleans, Robert E. Nims Theatre.

“Colossal” (June 4-18). After suffering a catastrophic injury on the football field, a star player faces greater challenges than just his physical recovery. At University of New Orleans, Robert E. Nims Theatre.

Left to right, Trey Burvant, John Neisler and Aimee Hayes star in Southern Rep’s “Stage Kiss.”

Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré    

616 St. Peter St. // New Orleans // (504) 522-2081 // lepetittheatre.com
 

Rejuvenated and still in its prime location just off Jackson Square in the French Quarter, the theater offers a season of fresh performances under artistic director Maxwell Williams.

UPCOMING:

“Our Town” (Oct. 2-18). Maxwell Williams directs Thornton Wilder’s masterpiece that tells of two intertwined families and the small town of Grover’s Corners. Local history gives the production a captivating freshness.

“The Bluest Eye” (Dec. 4-20). This theatrical adaptation of Toni Morrison’s classic novel brings the poignant story of an 11-year-old girl’s struggle to be loved in the face of ridicule and abuse, revealing the crippling toll of racism on a small Ohio town.

“Sleeping Beauty” (an American Panto) (Jan. 15-Feb. 14). In a world premiere adaptation, comedy meets Carnival in a feast for the senses. Recommended for children of all ages.

“The Glass Menagerie” (March 18-April 3). The Tennessee Williams play that marked a turning point in American theatre brought a radical new lyricism to Broadway. Timeless and compelling, it remains a moving and exquisite drama.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (May 20-June 5). The Stephen Sondheim musical farce based on the plays of Plautus closes the season with a joyous romp through Rome.

“HAIR” actress Idella Johnson

Anthony Bean Community Theatre

1333 South Carrollton Ave. // New Orleans // (504) 862-7529 // anthonybeantheater.com
 

Founder and Artistic Director Anthony Bean dedicates the organization to developing young talent and providing a stage where novices and professional actors may work together. The situations and characters of the productions reflect issues in the New Orleans community, past and present.

Bean launched the current season with August Wilson’s “Fences” in September and follows with a lively musical production.

UPCOMING:

“Simply Irma” (Nov. 6-15). Grammy-winning New Orleans entertainer Irma Thomas plays herself in a musical production that documents the pitfalls and successes of her dramatic career.

Sing along and dance in the aisles to her many hits, including “It's Raining,” “Ruler of my Heart,” “Hip Shaking Mama,” “I Wish Someone Would Care” and more.

“A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 11-20). Bean puts a New Orleans twist on the classic tale, presented by students from his after-school program, for children ages 10-17.

ABCT City Choir 4 Peace will hold choir auditions for youth ages 10 to 21 on Jan 19. Call 504-427-8774 to register for the Vocal Approaches training program.

Alfred Aubry as Jenkins and Harold X. Evans as Mr. Parker

Jefferson Performing Arts Society

6400 Airline Drive // Metairie // Box Office: (504) 885-2000 // jpas.org
 

Presenting the 38th season, now in the beautiful new Jefferson Performing Arts Center, Artistic Director Dennis Assaf offers a line-up of shows sure to excite audiences from around the region. The organization also continues to offer performances at Teatro Wego on the West Bank.

UPCOMING:

“Rigoletto” (Oct. 23-25). Verdi’s tragic story is also a beautiful tale of love.

“Sister Act” (Dec. 4-13). The feel-good musical comedy will keep audiences jumping.

“The Nutcracker” (Dec. 19-20). The holiday classic features the JPAS Symphony Orchestra.

“The Light in the Piazza” (Jan. 22-31). The delightful musical follows a Southern woman and her beautiful daughter to  Italy.

“Mary Poppins” (March 11-20). Everyone’s favorite nanny takes the stage.

TEATRO WEGO
177 Sala Ave., Westwego:

UPCOMING:

“Ain’t Got No Home” (Oct. 2-11).

“Hello Josephine” (Nov. 7-22).

“The Amorous Ambassador” (Feb. 19-March 6).

Nutcracker

The Civic Theater

510 O’Keefe Ave. // New Orleans // (504) 272-0865 // civicnola.com
 

A beautifully restored theater that dates to 1906 now features advanced technology and a greatly enhanced audience experience. The diverse lineup is offered by The Bowery Presents.

UPCOMING:

“Preservation Hall Ball” (Oct. 3).

A John Waters Christmas (Dec. 17).

Photo courtesy Civic Theatre
 

The Joy Theater

1200 Canal St. // New Orleans // (504) 528-9569 // thejoytheater.com
 

Renovated to its original art deco grandeur, including the iconic marquee, the Joy is conveniently located on the Canal streetcar line in downtown New Orleans, within walking distance of the French Quarter.

UPCOMING:

Joe Jackson – Fast Forward Tour (Oct. 14). Brilliant music by a singer and instrumentalist with an affinity for Duke Ellington.

Drive By Truckers (Oct. 17).

Odesza (Oct. 30). A brilliant duo with striking voices.

Suicide Girls (Nov. 8). Sexiest show on the planet.

STS9 (Nov. 19). Instrumental electronic rock.

The Dandy Warhols (Nov. 14).

Mac Miller + Tory Lanez + Michael Christmas (Nov. 28). Skillful rhymes and humorous themes mark this hip hop performance.

Photo courtesy Joy Theatre
 

The Orpheum Theater

129 Roosevelt Way // New Orleans // (504) 274-4870 // orpheumnola.com
 

The nearly century-old Beaux Arts theater in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District has at long last come back to life in the hands of Roland Von Kurnatowski. One of the few remaining vertical-hall designs in the country, the Orpheum, built in 1918, has hosted vaudeville acts, films and countless performances by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Once again the home of the orchestra, the theater also offers other musical performances.

UPCOMING:

Dwight Yoakam (Oct. 10).

Sinatra 100 (Oct. 23). Saluting the singer with performances by Kermit Ruffins, John Boutte, Jeremy Davenport, Clint Johnson, Leif Pederson, Phillip Manuel and a special guest. Conducted by David Torkanowsky, hosted by Harry Shearer.

“The Wizard of Oz” (Nov. 6-7). The thrilling classic movie is presented with a live orchestration by the LPO.

Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 12-13). Gather the entire family for this musical journey through New Orleans, led by the legendary 610 Stompers and featuring singers, dancers and musicians representing our culturally diverse hometown.

Soul Revival The music of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder presented by Ellis Hall.

The Music of ABBA (May 14). Performed by the LPO

Photo courtesy Orpheum Theater
 

Ashé Power House

1731 Baronne St. // New Orleans // (504) 569-9070 // ashecac.org
 

Efforts of Grace, Inc./Ashé Cultural Arts Center recently partnered with Gulf Coast Housing Partnership to open this addition to the Ashé Cultural Arts Center Campus in Central City. Theater consultant John Grimsley worked with Ashé director Carol Bebelle to develop a lofty, well-equipped, 200-seat theater with an art gallery lobby and spacious dressing rooms.

The Power House will host and produce shows, and can also be rented for theater, concerts and other events.

UPCOMING:

“Stage Kiss” (through Oct. 10). Southern Repertory Theatre presents the regional premiere of this romantic comedy by Sarah Ruhl, featuring Trey Burvant, Aimée Hayes and Richard Hutton in the lead roles.

Long after their disastrous but passionate love affair, two actors are reunited on stage in a 1930s melodrama. The charming play-within-a-play is directed by Jason Kirkpatrick.

Other cast members include Madison Kerth, John Neisler, Matthew Thompson and Kristin Witterschein.

Check the website for updated information on plays, music and events planned at both Ashé Power House and Ashé Cultural Arts Center.

Photo courtesy Ashé Power House