November 05, 2013
The Magic of Broadway is no longer confined to The Great White Way.
Broadway has returned to New Orleans in incredibly big fashion with the reopening of a grand venue, The Saenger Theatre, which takes its important place alongside Le Petit Theatre, the Joy Theatre, the Civic Theatre, and the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts.
New Orleans' theatres are active and they don't take a back seat to any performance venue in the world when it comes to high-level productions and diversity of shows. In other words, New Orleans is a "hot theatre town."
Probably the biggest splash, but not the only one, is the recent reopening of a true palace. The Saenger Theatre on Canal Street, closed since being extensively damaged by Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005, has benefited from $52 million in renovations.
Every area of this historic and breath-taking structure, from the basement to the orchestra pit to the audience seating sections to the balconies and on to the starry, starry ceiling, were all brought back to former splendor.
Coming to the Saenger on November 5 is the "So You Think You Can Dance" national tour. November 9 is the staging of "1964, a Tribute to the Beatles," November 15 showcases Chris Tucker in performance, followed on November 16 by humorist Bill Maher.
The Broadway entertainment continues with "Ghost, The Musical," November 19-24. The holiday season will be all the more festive this year with "The Irish Tenors Christmas," December 3; Bonnie Raitt, December 7; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, December 13-14; "Sister Act, the Musical," December 17-22; and a special holiday-classic performance of "The Nutcracker" by The Moscow Ballet on December 26.
Another festive reopening and restoration in the city's theatrical community is Le Petit, the wonderful little live performance venue in the French Quarter on Jackson Square.
Le Petit's exciting lline-up for the 2013-2014 offers the following hit shows: "Hair," November 8-23; "Golda's Balcony," Januaty 24-February 8; "Death of A Salesman," May 9-24; "Jseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, July 11-26.
Back on Canal Street, the Joy Theatre presents "Tony N' Tina's Wedding," October 29-November 3. and "Lightware: A Very Electric Christmas December 12 -22 .
The Civic Theatre, presents Coheed and Cambria on the November 5th, Robert Glasper Experiment on the 7th, Laura Marling -- the 9th, Bonobo -- the12th, and Jamey Johnson on the14th.
December at the Civic will feature "A John Waters Christmas " on the 10th, and an "Aaron Neville Christmas" on the 15th.
In Armstrong Park, the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts finishes the year in grand style with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Orleans Opera and the New Orleans Ballet Association, all in full grandeur with classic productions and seasonal offerings. Full listings and schedule are at www.mahaliajacksontheatre.com.
Going to the theatre or attending an exciting live performance is always a special experience. The anticipation of the evening, the lights dimming, the orchestra commencing, and then the curtain parts. Whose heart does not race faster during the entire, joyous encounter?
These special moments are extended with pre- and post theatre dining and social opportunities. Choices abound , from quick bites to feasting in New Orleans' fine restaurants.
However, a number of top restaurants are offering pre-theatre prix fixe dinners. GW Fins (808 Bienville St., (504)581-3467), one of the city's excellent eateries, prepares a show stopping three-course dinner featuring seafood at its peak freshness. The menu changes nightly to reflect the availability of the fresh catch of the moment.
Over the past ten years GW Fins co-owner and Executive Chef Tenney Flynn has twice been named New Orleans Magazine's "Chef of the Year."
Flynn, recognized as one of the country's foremost seafood authorities, is nationally known for his weekly cooking segments on the syndicated fishing show, "The Big Fish." The Wall Street Journal has referred to Flynn as "widely acknowledged as the fishmonger czar of the Gulf region."
However, meat-eaters shouldn't shy away from Fins, as Flynn previously served as Ruth's Chris Streak House's director of culinary operation for 7 years and is a mighty meat maestro as well.
A recent pre-theatre menu at Fins presented a choice of Warm Crab Terrine, Albacore Tuna Credo or Seafood Coctel Veracruz with shrimp, crabmeat and squid for an appetizer.
Featured entree selections were Shellfish Cioppino, Louisiana Drum with Spoonbread and Maque Choux or Wood Grilled Triple Tail with mirliton Ssaw and blue crab Fritters with Chili Oil. For dessert, diners could choose Pecan Pie, Panna Cotta or Frozen Fruit Souffle.
Just a block away from GW Fins, Ralph Brennan's Red Fish Grill (115 Bourbon St. (504) 598-1200), is another good choice for pre- or post-theatre gatherings.
Diners can get a festive start to the evening at the Grill's lively bar with fresh shucked oysters on the half shell, Creole marinated Gulf shrimp, BBQ blue crab claws or a combination seafood sampler.
Guests can dine in the bar or step into RedFish Grill's colorful dining room to enjoy the ambience along with specialties prepared by Executive Chef Austin Kirzner and his talented kitchen crew.
For starters, several regional specialties include Alligator Sausage and Seafood Gumbo, Plaquemines Parish Citrus Salad, Blackened Redfish Croquettes, Louisiana Blue Crab Cake and the Grill's Signature BBQ oysters.
Several entree selections featured are Crispy Whole Redfish, cast iron Seared Gulf Grouper, Blackened Catfish Courtbouillon, or BBQ Gulf Shrimp and Grits. For steak lovers, filet mignon is grilled to order.
Ralph Brennan, one of the city's top restaurateurs and a member of New Orleans' legendary culinary dynasty, is the proprietor of Redfish Grill as well as a handful of other esteemed dining establishments.
For diners who want to experience a little more of the city along with a pre-theatre dinner, take a 10 minute ride from the Quarter to Ralph's on the Park (900 City Park Ave., (504) 488-1000) in Mid-City.
Guests can wine and dine on Ralph's 3-course pre-theatre dinner while feasting their eyes on one of the oldest urban parks in the country just across from the restaurant.
The pre-theatre dinner begins with a choice of Turtle Soup or City Park Salad. For the second course, BBQ Gulf Shrimp or Gnocchi with Swiss Chard and Mississippi Shitakes are on the special menu.
Dessert selections showcase Bananas Foster Bread Pudding as well as house made ice creams or sorbets. In addition to the special pre-theatre dinner. Executive Chef Chip Flanagan's entire menu of globally inspired renditions of local cuisine is available to diners.
On theatre nights, the restaurant also provides - for an additional fee - limo service to and from the theatre back to Ralph's on the Park
Back in the Quarter, diners can begin a night of theatre by adding their r own drama. Muriel's (801 Chartres St. 504 568-1885) is set right on Jackson Square, just a short block from Le Petit Theatre, and literally steps away from the very spot where New Orleans was founded in 1718.
The pre-theatre menu by Executive Chef Gus Martin presents three amazing courses for $29.95. Appetizers include Seafood Gumbo, Turtle Soup or a sturdy Muriel's salad.
Entrees continue the Creole theme with seafood "Bayoubaisse," created around Louisiana's bounty of seafood; Pecan Crusted Puppy Drum; sugar cane glazed Wood Grilled Pork Chop; or Pan Roasted Chicken Breast and ratatouille.
Dessert choices include Crème Brulee and Pain Perdu. Guests may also order from the full menu as well. However, any of Muriel's dishes are enjoyable enough to exhibit why Muriel's such a respected dining and drinking destination.
The proper mood for your evening out will most certainly be set with a before-performance dinner at R'evolution i(777 Bienville St. 504 553-2299) in the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon street.
This award-winning, groundbreaking restaurant, designed and operated by two of the greats in the gourmet world, Chef John Folse and Chef Rick Tramonto, has taken New Orleans by complete storm since its opening 18 months ago..
Everything about R'evolution reflects the look, the feel, the taste of New Orleans' and South Louisiana's history and heritage. The menu reflects modern interpretations of ingredients and traditional dishes from the seven nations that contributed to the cultural heritage of the region.
Begin with Seafood Gumbo, Move on to Gulf Shrimp and Grits "Villages de l'Est" or enjoy Braised Boneless Short Ribs. Changing with each performance is a Chef's Choice dessert. Cost for the three-course, prix fixe dinner is $39.95.
The entire evening will seem grander after a R'evolution dining experience. After a dinner by South Louisiana culinary stars, then being entertained by the greatest stage talent in America. A Night at the Theatre was never so magnificent. Bravo!
Broadway has returned to New Orleans in incredibly big fashion with the reopening of a grand venue, The Saenger Theatre, which takes its important place alongside Le Petit Theatre, the Joy Theatre, the Civic Theatre, and the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts.
New Orleans' theatres are active and they don't take a back seat to any performance venue in the world when it comes to high-level productions and diversity of shows. In other words, New Orleans is a "hot theatre town."
Probably the biggest splash, but not the only one, is the recent reopening of a true palace. The Saenger Theatre on Canal Street, closed since being extensively damaged by Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005, has benefited from $52 million in renovations.
Every area of this historic and breath-taking structure, from the basement to the orchestra pit to the audience seating sections to the balconies and on to the starry, starry ceiling, were all brought back to former splendor.
Coming to the Saenger on November 5 is the "So You Think You Can Dance" national tour. November 9 is the staging of "1964, a Tribute to the Beatles," November 15 showcases Chris Tucker in performance, followed on November 16 by humorist Bill Maher.
The Broadway entertainment continues with "Ghost, The Musical," November 19-24. The holiday season will be all the more festive this year with "The Irish Tenors Christmas," December 3; Bonnie Raitt, December 7; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, December 13-14; "Sister Act, the Musical," December 17-22; and a special holiday-classic performance of "The Nutcracker" by The Moscow Ballet on December 26.
Another festive reopening and restoration in the city's theatrical community is Le Petit, the wonderful little live performance venue in the French Quarter on Jackson Square.
Le Petit's exciting lline-up for the 2013-2014 offers the following hit shows: "Hair," November 8-23; "Golda's Balcony," Januaty 24-February 8; "Death of A Salesman," May 9-24; "Jseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, July 11-26.
Back on Canal Street, the Joy Theatre presents "Tony N' Tina's Wedding," October 29-November 3. and "Lightware: A Very Electric Christmas December 12 -22 .
The Civic Theatre, presents Coheed and Cambria on the November 5th, Robert Glasper Experiment on the 7th, Laura Marling -- the 9th, Bonobo -- the12th, and Jamey Johnson on the14th.
December at the Civic will feature "A John Waters Christmas " on the 10th, and an "Aaron Neville Christmas" on the 15th.
In Armstrong Park, the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts finishes the year in grand style with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Orleans Opera and the New Orleans Ballet Association, all in full grandeur with classic productions and seasonal offerings. Full listings and schedule are at www.mahaliajacksontheatre.com.
Going to the theatre or attending an exciting live performance is always a special experience. The anticipation of the evening, the lights dimming, the orchestra commencing, and then the curtain parts. Whose heart does not race faster during the entire, joyous encounter?
These special moments are extended with pre- and post theatre dining and social opportunities. Choices abound , from quick bites to feasting in New Orleans' fine restaurants.
However, a number of top restaurants are offering pre-theatre prix fixe dinners. GW Fins (808 Bienville St., (504)581-3467), one of the city's excellent eateries, prepares a show stopping three-course dinner featuring seafood at its peak freshness. The menu changes nightly to reflect the availability of the fresh catch of the moment.
Over the past ten years GW Fins co-owner and Executive Chef Tenney Flynn has twice been named New Orleans Magazine's "Chef of the Year."
Flynn, recognized as one of the country's foremost seafood authorities, is nationally known for his weekly cooking segments on the syndicated fishing show, "The Big Fish." The Wall Street Journal has referred to Flynn as "widely acknowledged as the fishmonger czar of the Gulf region."
However, meat-eaters shouldn't shy away from Fins, as Flynn previously served as Ruth's Chris Streak House's director of culinary operation for 7 years and is a mighty meat maestro as well.
A recent pre-theatre menu at Fins presented a choice of Warm Crab Terrine, Albacore Tuna Credo or Seafood Coctel Veracruz with shrimp, crabmeat and squid for an appetizer.
Featured entree selections were Shellfish Cioppino, Louisiana Drum with Spoonbread and Maque Choux or Wood Grilled Triple Tail with mirliton Ssaw and blue crab Fritters with Chili Oil. For dessert, diners could choose Pecan Pie, Panna Cotta or Frozen Fruit Souffle.
Just a block away from GW Fins, Ralph Brennan's Red Fish Grill (115 Bourbon St. (504) 598-1200), is another good choice for pre- or post-theatre gatherings.
Diners can get a festive start to the evening at the Grill's lively bar with fresh shucked oysters on the half shell, Creole marinated Gulf shrimp, BBQ blue crab claws or a combination seafood sampler.
Guests can dine in the bar or step into RedFish Grill's colorful dining room to enjoy the ambience along with specialties prepared by Executive Chef Austin Kirzner and his talented kitchen crew.
For starters, several regional specialties include Alligator Sausage and Seafood Gumbo, Plaquemines Parish Citrus Salad, Blackened Redfish Croquettes, Louisiana Blue Crab Cake and the Grill's Signature BBQ oysters.
Several entree selections featured are Crispy Whole Redfish, cast iron Seared Gulf Grouper, Blackened Catfish Courtbouillon, or BBQ Gulf Shrimp and Grits. For steak lovers, filet mignon is grilled to order.
Ralph Brennan, one of the city's top restaurateurs and a member of New Orleans' legendary culinary dynasty, is the proprietor of Redfish Grill as well as a handful of other esteemed dining establishments.
For diners who want to experience a little more of the city along with a pre-theatre dinner, take a 10 minute ride from the Quarter to Ralph's on the Park (900 City Park Ave., (504) 488-1000) in Mid-City.
Guests can wine and dine on Ralph's 3-course pre-theatre dinner while feasting their eyes on one of the oldest urban parks in the country just across from the restaurant.
The pre-theatre dinner begins with a choice of Turtle Soup or City Park Salad. For the second course, BBQ Gulf Shrimp or Gnocchi with Swiss Chard and Mississippi Shitakes are on the special menu.
Dessert selections showcase Bananas Foster Bread Pudding as well as house made ice creams or sorbets. In addition to the special pre-theatre dinner. Executive Chef Chip Flanagan's entire menu of globally inspired renditions of local cuisine is available to diners.
On theatre nights, the restaurant also provides - for an additional fee - limo service to and from the theatre back to Ralph's on the Park
Back in the Quarter, diners can begin a night of theatre by adding their r own drama. Muriel's (801 Chartres St. 504 568-1885) is set right on Jackson Square, just a short block from Le Petit Theatre, and literally steps away from the very spot where New Orleans was founded in 1718.
The pre-theatre menu by Executive Chef Gus Martin presents three amazing courses for $29.95. Appetizers include Seafood Gumbo, Turtle Soup or a sturdy Muriel's salad.
Entrees continue the Creole theme with seafood "Bayoubaisse," created around Louisiana's bounty of seafood; Pecan Crusted Puppy Drum; sugar cane glazed Wood Grilled Pork Chop; or Pan Roasted Chicken Breast and ratatouille.
Dessert choices include Crème Brulee and Pain Perdu. Guests may also order from the full menu as well. However, any of Muriel's dishes are enjoyable enough to exhibit why Muriel's such a respected dining and drinking destination.
The proper mood for your evening out will most certainly be set with a before-performance dinner at R'evolution i(777 Bienville St. 504 553-2299) in the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon street.
This award-winning, groundbreaking restaurant, designed and operated by two of the greats in the gourmet world, Chef John Folse and Chef Rick Tramonto, has taken New Orleans by complete storm since its opening 18 months ago..
Everything about R'evolution reflects the look, the feel, the taste of New Orleans' and South Louisiana's history and heritage. The menu reflects modern interpretations of ingredients and traditional dishes from the seven nations that contributed to the cultural heritage of the region.
Begin with Seafood Gumbo, Move on to Gulf Shrimp and Grits "Villages de l'Est" or enjoy Braised Boneless Short Ribs. Changing with each performance is a Chef's Choice dessert. Cost for the three-course, prix fixe dinner is $39.95.
The entire evening will seem grander after a R'evolution dining experience. After a dinner by South Louisiana culinary stars, then being entertained by the greatest stage talent in America. A Night at the Theatre was never so magnificent. Bravo!
