Anthony Bean Community Theatre
1333 South Carrollton Ave. | New Orleans | 504-862-7529
www.anthonybeantheater.com
Founder and Artistic Director Anthony Bean has dedicated this theater to developing young talent and providing a stage where novices and professional actors may work side by side.
“El Hajj Malik: A Play about Malcolm X” (through March 10). By New Orleans’ own N.R. Davidson Jr.
Upcoming:
“Spell No. 7” (April 5-28). Written by Ntozake Shange, a striking choreopoem by the author of “For Colored Girls.” Directed by Anthony Bean.
“Sanctified” (June 7-30). This gospel musical comedy opens a window to the African American church. By Javon Johnson.
“Nu Skool/Old School” (July 19-28). Youngsters explore the music of their parents, ranging from Motown to contemporary hits. Written and directed by Anthony Bean.
Jefferson Performing Arts Society
Jefferson Performing Arts Center | 400 Phlox St. | Metairie | Box office: 504-885-2000
Westwego Performing Arts Theatre | 177-A Sala Ave. | Westwego | 504-371-3330
Teatro WEGO! Dinner Theater | 177 Sala Ave. | Westwego | 504.371.3330 | www.jpas.org
The regional theatre, under the direction of Dennis Assaf, offers a diverse line-up on stages in three locations, plus selected additional venues (see below). Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.)
Upcoming:
“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” (March 9-10, 16-17). The story of his three-year climb to become the world’s top recording artist, the show features more than 20 of Holly’s greatest hits from “Peggy Sue” to “Maybe Baby.” At Jefferson Performing Arts Center.
“Frost Nixon” (April 26-May 5). The legendary interview by British talk-show host David Frost with Richard M. Nixon is a battle for public image between desperate men. At Westwego Performing Arts Theatre.
“Driving Ms. Daisy” (May 10-19). Starring Janet Shea and Lance E. Nichols, a warm-hearted, humorous study of an unlikely relationship. At Westwego Performing Arts Theatre.
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
325 Minor St. | Kenner | 504-461-9475 | www.rivertowntheaters.com
Theatre 13 pros Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi continue their first season at the helm of Rivertown Theaters, which is in its 25th season.
Upcoming:
“Noises Off” (March 8-24). Directed by David Hoover, the production often called the funniest farce ever written presents a manic menagerie as a cast of itinerant actors rehearse a flop.
“Gypsy” (May 10-26). The ultimate story of an aggressive stage mother. Join Rose, June and Louise in their trip across the country in the 1920s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Directed by Gary Rucker.
“Monty Python’s Spamalot” (June 14-30). Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy, starring Ricky Graham, Gary Rucker, David Hoover, Marc Fouchi, Mason Wood and Mike Harkins.
“When Ya Smilin’ “ (July 19-Aug. 4). Written and directed by Ricky Graham, a heart-warming comedy about growing up in New Orleans in the 1950s.
Southern Repertory Theatre
In residence at Contemporary Arts Center | 900 Camp St. | New Orleans | Box office: 504-522-6545 | www.southernrep.com
Artistic Director Aimée Hayes presents this season in residence at the Contemporary Arts Center’s Freeport-McMoRan Theater.
Upcoming:
“Mold” (March 20-April 14). By John Biguenet completes his award-winning trilogy about the flooding of New Orleans. A young husband is forced to choose between his wife and the city he loves. Directed by Mark Routhier.
“Next to Normal” (May 15-June 9). Featuring Leslie Castay, directed by Aimée Hayes, the powerhouse musical tells of a suburban mother’s fight with mental illness and her family’s attempt to hold things together.
“Debauchery! The Soap Opera” (selected dates March-June, see website for details). Pat Bourgeois continues the fun and soapy story of a wealthy, eccentric New Orleans family.
“Shirley Valentine” (May 9-27). A one-woman show starring Ricky Graham. A City Series production.
Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane
Dixon Hall | Tulane University Campus | New Orleans | 504-865-5269 | www.summerlyric.tulane.edu
Now presenting its 46th season, Summer Lyric Theatre each summer employs the talents of over 200 paid and volunteer actors, singers, dancers, musicians, directors, choreographers, designers and technical artists. Its mission is to preserve one of America’s greatest art forms by producing the highest quality musical theatre.
Upcoming:
“La Cage aux Folles” (June 20-23). The delightful story of a gay couple and their nightclub home, starring Bob Edes Jr. as Albin.
“A Little Night Music” (July 11-14). The Stephen Sondheim musical stars Elizabeth Argus as Désirée.
“Kiss Me Kate” (Aug. 1-4). The music of Cole Porter enlivens the story based on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
801 N. Rampart St. | New Orleans | 504-525-1052 | www.mahaliajacksontheater.com
Broadway does exist in New Orleans – it’s on stage at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Along with hit musical classics, the theater presents a range of entertainment, from standup comedy to rock ‘n’ roll bands.
Upcoming:
“Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!” (March 18). Get the Sillies Out with the one and only DJ Lance Rock, plus Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee, Plex and Biz Markie. Shows at 3 and 6 pm.
“Pajanimals Live: Pajama Playdate” (March 27, 6 p.m.). Jim Henson’s Pajanimals stop in New Orleans on a nationwide tour.
Leonard Cohen’s “Old Ideas World Tour” (March 28, 8 p.m.). The master songwriter, musician and poet performs songs from his five-decade career.
“Million Dollar Quartet”April 16-21, see website for times). The Broadway hit musical inspired by a recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Timeless hits will sweep you away.
