New Orleans On Stage, Spring 2024
It's always unwise to compete with the cultural tidal wave of Mardi Gras, and understandably, much of New Orleans' live theater scene takes a break during Carnival. With the festivities finished relatively early this year, March is set to enjoy a full complement of shows, catering for every taste. As well as touring shows, there's a real treasure trove of local productions, drawing on talent that deserves to be supported so that the theater scene here can flourish. Here's a rundown of the plays and musicals that you can catch live on stage over the next few weeks:
It's always unwise to compete with the cultural tidal wave of Mardi Gras, and understandably, much of New Orleans' live theater scene takes a break during Carnival. With the festivities finished relatively early this year, March is set to enjoy a full complement of shows, catering for every taste. As well as touring shows, there's a real treasure trove of local productions, drawing on talent that deserves to be supported so that the theater scene here can flourish. Here's a rundown of the plays and musicals that you can catch live on stage over the next few weeks:
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The Colored Museum
@ The New Orleans African American Museum Through March 9th This is the last weekend to catch the latest production from the always-impressive NOLA Project. It's a series of 11 "exhibits" representing Black American culture, and is billed as a fusion of an exorcism and a party. A provocative work that has "has electrified, discomforted, and delighted audiences". Make sure you don't miss it. |
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Golden Girls
@ The Saenger Theatre One night: March 15th Miami's sassiest seniors return. 2024 finds Sophia out on bail, while Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from her much younger love interest. A rousing update of the classic sitcom. |
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Top 5 Survival Moves
@ The Contemporary Arts Center Through March 17th Goat in the Road are another local company that regularly present impressively challenging and evocative work. This new, original play is a collaboration with Ukrainian/New Orleanian Katya Chizhayeva. The show offers a glimpse of Chizayeva’s ongoing work with Ukrainian soldiers coming back from the front lines, drawing parallels to political and social conflict in the United States. |
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Jesus Christ Superstar
@ Jefferson Performing Arts Center Through March 24th This 1971 Broadway musical infused with rock, gospel, folk, and funk as well as modern colloquialisms is set against the events told in the Gospels as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The show follows the last week of Jesus Christ's life leading up to his betrayal and crucifixion by the Romans. Combining ancient political history and modern sensibilities, this work explores timeless themes of fame, revolution, radicalism, and humility. |
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Kingdom of Earth
@ Loyola University Through March 24th The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company opens its 8th season with this thriller. A dark, stormy night with the levee soon to burst amplifies the tension of the Ravenstock estate where Lot has returned home for a showdown with his half-brother Chicken. Between these forces of nature, Myrtle finds herself suspended on a tight rope of desire, desperation, and danger. |
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Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
@ Le Petit Theatre Through March 31st Before she was the hit-maker Carole King, she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is the Tony and Grammy Award-winning inspiring true story of Carole King's journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. |
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The Prom
@Rivertown Theatre Through March 25th A heartwarming, uplifting musical that combines catchy tunes, dazzling choreography, and a message of acceptance and inclusivity. The show follows a group of self-absorbed Broadway stars who, in their quest for positive publicity, decide to champion a small-town high school student who is forbidden to attend prom with her girlfriend. It's a a powerful reminder of the power of love, compassion, and standing up for what is right. |