Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal St.• New Orleans • 800-218-7469 • saengernola.com
The majestic and historic Saenger Theatre provides Broadway musical companies and a host of big-name entertainers the grand stage they deserve. The line-up of shows, concerts and comedians is not to be missed.
Upcoming:
“Once” (March 17-22). The Tony-winning musical features an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments on stage in telling an enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who refuses to give up on his dream.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (April 14-19). One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s irresistible family musical tracks the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. This new production features Broadway/TV star Diana DeGarmo as the narrator and Ace Young as Joseph.
See the website for a lineup of single-night concerts and performances by entertainers ranging from John Mellencamp and Craig Ferguson to Idina Menzel and Trombone Shorty, scheduled through the spring and summer months.
Will Rogers (Marc Fouchi) and the cast of The Will Rogers Follies at Rivertown Theaters in January. Photo by John Barrois.
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
325 Minor St. • Kenner
504-461-9475 • rivertowntheaters.com
The musical talent and theatricality is nonstop here, thanks to Theatre 13 founders Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi, who keep the big-time entertainment coming at the lovely riverside theaters.
Upcoming:
“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.
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (May 8-23). Based on the popular 1988 film, this hilarious production centers on two con men living on the French Riviera, who battle for the attentions of wealthy ladies and keep audiences laughing and guessing to the end. Directed by Gary Rucker.
Check the website for details of Rivertown’s fall season, which will include “The Producers;” “The Addams Family,” a new musical; and “Sweet Charity;” among other hit productions.
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:
“Suddenly, Last Summer” (March 4-29). Tennessee Williams’ masterwork is set in the Garden District of New Orleans. Directed by Aimée Hayes and presented in partnership with the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. 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” (June 3-21). 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.
3X3 – The One Acts (April 20-21). Featuring plays by Jon Broder, Brian Sands and Lisa Shattuck.
Le Petit Theatre presented “Hair” in November.
Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré
616 St. Peter St. • New Orleans • Box Office: 504-522-2081• lepetittheatre.com
One of the city’s oldest theaters, with a storied history and a lovely location just off Jackson Square in the French Quarter, now has a new artistic director in Maxwell Williams, who is joined by managing director Katie Hallman.
Upcoming:
“Dinner with Friends” (March 20-29, April 2-4). Donald Margulies’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells of a couple unnerved when they learn their best friends are divorcing and that decisions made when they were younger may not be as lasting as they once thought.
“Merrily We Roll Along” (May 22-31, June 4-6). 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 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.
Upcoming:
“Measure for Measure” (March 6-22). William Shakespeare’s play dealing with issues of mercy, justice, truth and pride is directed by Frederick Mead.
“The Glass Menagerie” (April 3-19). Janet Spenser directs the Tennessee Williams play about a young man begrudgingly supporting the family his father has abandoned, which includes a painfully shy and slightly crippled sister who is preoccupied with a collection of glass animals.
“The Color Purple” (May 22-June 14). Anthony Bean directs the inspiring family saga about a woman who finds the strength to triumph over adversity.
“The Glove” (July 17-19, 24-26). Magical things happen when a young boy dons a Michael Jackson glove. A world premiere presented by ABCT/NORDC Summer Youth Program.carols.
Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane
Dixon Hall • Tulane University Campus • New Orleans • 504.865.5269 • summerlyric.tulane.edu
Now presenting its 48th season, Summer Lyric Theatre each summer employs the talents of dozens of 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 high-quality, timeless musical theater.
Upcoming:
“Damn Yankees” (June 18-21). The classic musical comedy became a 1958 hit musical film and now returns to the stage once again.
“Once Upon a Mattress” (July 9-12). This musical comedy was a Broadway hit as a quirky retelling of the fairytale “The Princess and the Pea.”
“Hello, Dolly!” (July 30-Aug. 2). Romantic comedy abounds in a musical based on Thornton Wilder’s farce “The Merchant of Yonkers.”
Jefferson Performing Arts Society
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 both East and West Bank stages, at 400 Phlox St., Metairie, and Teatro Wego, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego.
Upcoming:
“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.
“Captain Louie Jr.” by JPAS Theatre Kids! (March 20-22). Enjoy the tale of young Louie, the new kid in town who feels friendless and takes an imaginary journey on Halloween to visit his old neighborhood. At 400 Phlox St.
“The Lady with All the Answers” (April 3-19). David Rambo’s play explores the struggles of advice columnist Ann Landers with all the funny, no-nonsense wit of the lady herself. At Teatro Wego.
“One Great Moment in Time” (May 1). Acclaimed resident composer Glyn Bailey presents an evening of original music, with performances by “Divas” and veteran JPAS performers Ariel Assaf, Jennifer Delatte and Micah Desonier. At Teatro Wego.
Elvis Costello will perform at The Civic Theater in March. Photo By Karin Lindberg Freda
The Civic Theater
510 O’Keefe Ave.• New Orleans • 504-272-0865 • civicnola.com
This beautiful theatre, opened in 1906, has been restored to its grandness and now is equipped with cutting-edge technology that enables a premier audience experience.
Upcoming:
The Bowery Presents Elvis Costello (March 12).
The Bowery Presents Paula Poundstone (March 21).
The Bowery Presents Mary Chapin Carpenter with Aoife O’Donovan (March 26).
The Bowery Presents Rupaul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons (March 27).
The Bowery Presents Sleater-Kinney (April 19).
The Bowery Presents Father John Misty with Luluc (April 25).
The Bowery Presents a very special solo evening with Joan Armatrading (April 26).
The Bowery Presents Primus and the Chocolate Factory (May 1).
Scottish actor and entertainer Alan Cumming will perform at The Joy Theater in April. Photo courtesy Alan Cumming Instagram.
The Joy Theater
1200 Canal St.• New Orleans • 504-528-9569 • thejoytheater.com
The reopening of this downtown landmark has enlivened upper Canal Street with live music, comedy and theatrical productions. Audiences enjoy a diverse lineup of performances in a great performance venue.
Upcoming:
STS9 + Hermitude: BUKU LATE (March 14).
John Waters: This Filthy World (March 26). A one-man show celebrating Waters’ film career and obsessive tastes.
Crowder + Tim Timmons + Dan Bremnes: The Neon Steeple Tour (April 12).
Alan Cumming: Uncut (April 18). An evening of song and stories from Scotland’s beloved man-child performing cabaret spiked with naughty, comical banter.
The Meter Men with Page McConnell and Earphunk (April 25).
An Evening with the Word (April 26).
An Evening with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (May 2).
“Yes, this irrepressible scamp has feelings, but he is first and foremost fabulous.”
– from Los Angeles Times review of Alan Cumming: Uncut
