Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal St. | New Orleans
800-218-7469 | saengernola.com
Experience Broadway in New Orleans at the grand and historic Saenger Theatre. The freshly renovated downtown icon is a hit all by itself, and the line-up on its stage is not to be missed.
Upcoming:
Chicago (Oct. 7-12). Find the essence of Broadway in a tale of fame, fortune and jazz, with show-stopping songs and energetic dancing.
Phantom of the Opera (Nov. 5-16). A spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stunning work, with the show’s legendary chandelier, new staging and choreography.
Dirty Dancing (Dec. 16-21). The classic musical love story explodes with heart-pounding music and sensational dancing.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker (Dec. 27). Forty world-class Russian artists bring Tchaikovsky’s charming classic to life with the magic of life-size puppets and a growing Christmas tree.
Mamma Mia! (Jan. 13-18). A feel-good tale that unfolds in a Greek island paradise.
Annie (Feb. 3-8). One of the world’s best-loved musicals is back.
Once (March 17-22). The Tony-winning musical tells an enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who nearly gives up on his dream.
Sean Patterson, Mandy Zirkenbach and Jefferson Turner performed a “Midsummer Night’s Cabaret” at Mid-City Theatre.
Mid-City Theatre
3540 Toulouse St. | New Orleans
504-488-1460 | midcitytheatre.com
Discover the Bayou St. John ambience of Fred Nuccio’s creative theater, offering entertainment that ranges from cabaret to comedy to drama.
Upcoming:
A Lie of the Mind (Sept. 12-Oct. 4). Sam Shepard’s landmark play about two families linked by marriage but divided by distrust. Presented by The Elm Theatre and starring Garrett Prejean, Andrew Vaught, Becca Chapman and more
.
Miss Gulch Returns! (See website for dates in October). Bob Edes Jr. returns with his award-winning cabaret performance. Presented by Running With Scissors.
William Shakespeare’s Star Wars (See website for dates in November). The Royal Players of Alderaan present “Star Wars Episode IV” told in iambic pentameter. If you love Shakespeare AND “Star Wars”, your head just might explode.
3X3 (Oct. 20-21). Three original one-act plays by New Orleans writers, produced by Southern Repertory Theatre.
6X6 (Dec. 17, Jan. 14, March 25). Six staged readings of new 10-minute plays interpreted by an ensemble of actors and directors. Produced by Southern Repertory Theatre.
Debauchery (Oct. 8, Nov. 5, Dec. 10, Jan. 7 and Feb. 4). Pat Bourgeois presents the ongoing antics of a snooty Uptown family in New Orleans’ only live soap opera.
Laura Friedmann, Rebecca Frank, Phillip Karnell, Emily Russell, Kristin Witterschein, Ashley Ricord Santos in Southern Rep Theatre’s Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, adapted by Jon Jory. Photo by Jose L. Garcia.
Southern Repertory Theatre
New Orleans
Box Office: 504-522-6545 | southernrep.com
Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes takes top-quality productions to venues around the city.
Upcoming:
Broomstick (Oct. 4-Nov. 2). New Orleans playwright John Biguenet presents a National New Play Network rolling world premiere, featuring Liann Pattison; directed by Amy Holtcamp. At Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans.
A Christmas Carol (Dec. 3-21). Spud McConnell returns for this revamp of a holiday classic.
Suddenly, Last Summer (March 4-April 5). Tennessee Williams’ masterwork is set in the Garden District of New Orleans. See website for location.
“Boudin: The New Orleans Music Project” (April 15-May 17). A musical celebration of the city’s music, history and magical nature performed in true tales from local writers and artists. See website for location.
Detroit (May 27-June 21). The regional premiere of a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lisa D’Amour in which a fun backyard party turns dangerous. See website for location.
Nathan Hannan and Amelia Jacquat (standing), and Riley Macicek and Tyler Riggs (kneeling) appeared in Seussical at Rivertown Theaters.
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
325 Minor St. | Kenner
504-461-9475 | rivertowntheaters.com
Theatre 13 founders Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi keep the big-time entertainment coming at the lovely riverside theaters.
Upcoming:
One Man, Two Guvnors (Nov. 7-22). Richard Bean’s hilarious comedy, set in Brighton, England in 1963, has won raves from London to New York. Directed by Ricky Graham.
Radio City Entertainment’s A Christmas Carol (Dec. 5-21). A beautiful show with a marvelous score by Alan Menken, this musical extravaganza retains the emotional power of Dickens’ original, marvelously told story. Directed by Scott Sauber.
The Will Rogers Follies A Life in Revue (Jan. 16-31). A standout among musicals because of the magic of its protagonist, a rare man who rises to the level of legend. Directed by Kelly Fouchi.
When Ya’ Smilin’ (March 13-28). A heart-warming comedy about growing up in New Orleans in the 1950s, as seen through the eyes of 10-year-old Paulie Dufour. Directed by Ricky Graham.
Susan Shumate, Idella Johnson and Martin Covert in Le Petit’s September production, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Photo by Frank Aymami.
Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré
616 St. Peter St. | New Orleans
lepetittheatre.com
One of the city’s oldest theaters has a storied history and an enticing location just off Jackson Square in the French Quarter.
Upcoming:
Peter and the Starcatcher (Nov. 7-23). A dozen actors play more than 100 unforgettable characters using ingenious stagecraft in a swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan that will hook family audiences from the moment the curtain opens.
Jesus Christ Superstar (Jan. 16-30). In the rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the meteor-like rise of Jesus provides a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship.
Dinner with Friends (March 20-April 4). Donald Margulies’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells of a couple unnerved when they learn their best friends are divorcing.
Merrily We Roll Along (May 22-June 6). The Stephen Sondheim, George Furth musical crackles with wit as it traces the journey of a jaded composer and his two estranged friends and includes one of the greatest musical scores in American theatre.
Anthony Bean Community Theater
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.
Following his September presentation of August Wilson’s Two Trains Running, an exploration of social attitudes toward race in Pittsburgh neighborhood in 1969, Bean continues with a stimulating lineup that features talented local actors.
Upcoming:
I’d Rather Be Rich (Nov. 1-24). A world premiere, by Fred A. Roberts Jr., in which a group of superficial friends show their true colors in a comedic quest to become rich that carries a lesson.
A Christmas Carol (Dec. 5-21). Harold X. Evans appears as Scrooge in a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic using contemporary carols.
“Perfect Wedding”
Jefferson Performing Arts Society
Jefferson Performing Arts Center: 400 Phlox St., Metairie
Box office: 504-885-2000 | jpas.org
Under the direction of Dennis Assaf, the regional theater offers a diverse line-up of musical theater, with performances on the West Bank at Teatro Wego, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego, 504.371.3330.
Upcoming:
Waitin’ Around, The Restaurant Musical (Oct. 17-Nov. 2). The musical comedy about working in the service industry had an off-Broadway run in 2006 and returns to the local stage. By Harry Mayronne, with lyrics by Ricky Graham. At Teatro Wego.
The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. (Dec. 5-7). Presented by JPAS Theatre Kids, an ordinary 10-year-old yearns to be a three-dimensional boy. At 400 Phlox St., Metairie.
The Nutcracker (Dec. 20-21). At 400 Phlox St., Metairie.
Ain’t Got No Home (Jan. 16-Feb 1).Written and directed by Butch Caire, the story behind the characters you loved from “Blueberry Hill.” At Teatro Wego.
Sex Please, We’re Sixty (Feb. 27-March 15). Hilarious antics at Mrs. Stancliffe’s Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast, by Michael Parker and Susan Parker. At Teatro Wego.
The NOLA Project
New Orleans
504-302-9117 | nolaproject.com
Actors “inspired by the energy of New Orleans” comprise this ensemble-driven theatre company, founded by original Artistic Director Andrew Larimer. Now directed by A.J. Allegra, the innovative 10-year-old nonprofit company offers a line-up of diverse works that includes original plays.
Upcoming:
Shiner (Oct. 1-18). A regional premiere of Christian Durso’s play about two suburban 13-year-olds facing a big decision in the 1990s era of grunge rock. At AllWays Theatre, 2240 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans.
Twelfth Night or What You Will (Dec. 2-21). Allegra directs Shakespeare’s heartwarming comedy set in the mysterious land of Illyria, where a shipwrecked pair of siblings must find their way back to one another. In the Great Hall at New Orleans Museum of Art.
Camille (Jan. 29-Feb. 29). The company dives into a beloved local art form, drag comedy, with Charles Ludlam’s hilarious, high-style melodrama based on Alexander Dumas’ tale of a French courtesan torn between love and survival, featuring Ricky Graham and directed by Jeffrey Roberson. At Mid-City Theatre, 3540 Toulouse St., New Orleans.
Robin Hood: Thief, Brigand (May 2015). The world premiere of a new play by Cripple Creek Theatre Company’s Andrew Vaught that re-interprets the classic tale of social injustice. In the Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
The Civic Theater
510 O’Keefe Ave | New Orleans
504-272-0865 | civicnola.com
This beautiful theatre, opened in 1906, now is equipped with cutting-edge technology that enables a premier audience experience.
Upcoming:
Preservation Hall Ball (Oct. 3). The Bowery Presents a benefit concert for the Preservation Hall Foundation’s community outreach program, featuring the PHJ Jazz Band Allen Toussaint, Ani DiFranco and Beats Antique.
Gino Vannelli (Oct. 24-25). The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Montreal performs live.
Amon Amarth (Oct. 27). With Sabaton and Skeletonwitch.
Neon Trees: First Things First Tour (Oct. 28). An upbeat collection of sleek, modern alternative pop, powered by Tyler Glenn’s bright melodies.
The Nick & Knight Tour (Nov. 4). Veterans from the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block join forces for a hot collaboration.
The New Pornographers (Nov. 7). With the acclaimed group The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.
Chris D’Elia: Under No Influence (Nov. 20). One of today’s most-sought young comedians recently was named among Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch.
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts | New Orleans
Box office: 504-523-6530 | lpomusic.com
Music Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto presents the orchestra that recently received ASCAP’s “Award for Adventurous Programming,” in a season featuring great works and star soloists.
Upcoming:
“American Fanfare” (Oct. 24). A program of Barber, Peck and Copland, conducted by JoAnn Falletta.
“Brahms and Bartok” (Oct. 30). Featuring pianist Viktor Valkov, with Prieto conducting.
Pan-American Life Fiesta Sinfonica (Nov. 1). A multimedia concert experience.
“Mozart Symphony No. 40” (Nov. 22). Featuring cellist David Finckel.
“Cirque de Noel” (Dec. 6). The return of a performance combining death-defying cirque acts with full orchestration. Robert Bernhardt, conductor.
Béla Fleck and the New Orleans Symphony (Jan. 8).
Nadja Plays Piazolla (Jan. 16). Featuring violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg.
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” (Jan. 17). An evening with singer-songwriter Randy Newman. Stuart Chafetz conducts.
New Orleans Opera Association
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts | New Orleans
Box office: 504-529-3000 | 800-881-4459
neworleansopera.org
General and Artistic Director Robert Lyall again leads the association in presenting opera of the highest musical and artistic caliber, drawing heavily on Louisiana’s abundant artistic talent.
Upcoming:
Carmen (Oct. 10, 12). Bizet’s great story of unrequited love is a tour de force, with such famous music as “Toreador Song” and “Habañera.” This must-see opera is the one your mother warned you about!
Rusalka (Nov. 14, 16). Dvorák’s fine work shows that hell hath no fury like a mermaid scorned. With one of the most sumptuous arias in opera, this darkly sensual fairy tale goes to the nature of what it is to be human.
Lucia Di Lammermoor (March 13, 15). Lose your mind for love in Donizetti’s most popular work, about star-crossed lovers from feuding families, an arranged marriage for political gain and a psychotic bride, and including what may be the most famous mad scene in all of opera.
The Marriage of Figaro (April 10, 12). Mozart’s brilliant scoring of a play that “launched the French Revolution” is not just another typical day at the castle!
Opera Ball 2015 (Jan. 17). You’ll be flying high at this signature event of the New Orleans Opera Women’s Guild as the evening unfolds in the ornate art deco terminal of Lakefront Airport. Dine and dance the night away as you support local opera.
Parsons Dance
New Orleans Ballet Association
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts | New Orleans
Box office: 504-522-0996 | nobadance.com
The central Gulf region’s premiere presenting organization dedicated solely to dance, the association offers another season of main stage and educational programs featuring world-class dance companies and artists.
Upcoming:
“Alchemia” (Oct. 17). See the marvelous MOMIX in a mesmerizing and magical performance of dance and illusions.
Stars of the American Ballet (Nov. 7). New York City Ballet principal dancer Daniel Ulbricht directs this exciting new project with an amazing cast.
Black Grace (Feb. 28). New Zealand’s renowned company blends Pacific Island indigenous dance forms and contemporary dance.
“Nuit Blanche” by Unión Tanguera (March 20, 21, 22). The sexy and flirtatious tango takes center stage with the French/Argentinean ensemble. Co-presented with The NOCCA Institute at Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, NOCCA.
Limón Dance Company (May 9). A tribute to the legacy of company founder José Limón, this brilliant program includes the musical gem “Mazurkas,” set to Chopin, and the revival of the masterpiece “Missa Brevis,” with an exuberant score by Zoltán Kodály.
