May 10, 2016
Get out those fashionable white linens, espadrilles, sandals and seersucker suits, and other stylish, summer-ish threads as New Orleans’ semi-tropical climate is upon us. As we spring into summer, New Orleans’ year ‘round seasonal festivals and cultural events are soaring.
Now is a particularly excellent time for festivals, outdoor extravaganzas devoted to all matters New Orleans - music, culture, cuisine and celebration.
At the same time, there is chock-a-block scheduling for our theatres, grand evidence of the rebirth of stage presentations on a world-class scale. New Orleans theatres are fully open, fully renovated and are sights to behold. Historic, comfortable, great acoustics and overflowing with amazing entertainment for every taste.
Keep in mind that New Orleans is a city of about 400,000, yet we would be surprised if there is another city of this size anywhere in the world where there is this much entertainment, so many theatrical productions and performances of this caliber. In those regards, as in so many other quality of life issues, New Orleans is truly unique.
Local musical greats, Galactic, masters of the funk and jazz experience, will take the Orpheum Theatre by storm April 30, alongside their friends, JJ Grey, Mofro, and special guest, Moon Hooch.
The Joy Theatre stays up all night on April 30 and May 1 with a cover-band from Leeds, England, the New Mastersounds, who will be onstage at 2 a.m. Crediting their influences to Jimi Hendrix, Jimmie Smith and Jimmie McGriff… the Mastersounds quartet are four very talented musicians who are ready to share a heavy dose of Soul and Funk with their sleep-deprived fans.
Heavy Metal settles into the Orpheum Theatre when Lamb of God arrives May 3, alongside guests Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity.
Television and Film Star, William Shatner shares his vision of life along with some very personal interpretations, on May 5 at the Orpheum in a one-man performance, It’s Shatner’s World, We Just Live In It.
Comedy is key with Paul Rodriquez and the Latin Kings of Comedy settling into the Orpheum May 6.
ZMR is a publication that honors music in the areas of New Age and World, and for the 12th year the ZMR Awards will be staged Live at the Joy Theatre May 7 with a large representation of award-winning acts performing their music. This exciting night is open to the public. Guests may even choose to walk the red carpet.
Across the street, coincidentally, World Music moves into the Saenger Theatre May 7 with an Irish group performance of Celtic Woman presents Destiny. The 11th world tour for this amazing quartet and the live concert from this ensemble will feature all new sets, an array of stunning new wardrobes, and music that will have theatre-goers both tapping their feet or going into retrospective reverie.
Also on May 7, at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre, the evening will feature a South American beat when the New Orleans Ballet Association welcomes Che Malambo from Argentina. This mostly male percussive dance troupe expresses themes direct from the soul of the gaucho personality.
On Mother’s Day, May 8, Memphis’ musical maven K. Michelle will bring her talents to the Saenger Theatre to celebrate her third studio album, “More Issues Than Vogue.”
Beethoven, as interpreted by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Carlos Miguel Prieto, returns in grand style to the Orpheum Theatre for three performances, May12 – 15.
Electronic Music masters, Beats Antique, arrive at the Joy Theatre on May 12. Special guest, Pres Hall Horns, joins in the performance designed to take the audience on an around- the-world musical journey, complete with video support and specially designed lighting.
The following evening, May 13, West Texas meets Illinois at the Joy in the form of “Explosions in the Sky.” The purely instrumental nature of the band’s music, described as “post-rock,” has kept these musicians making albums and touring since 1999.
Back at the Orpheum Theatre, and fitting comfortably into the open evening among the Beethoven performances on May 14 is the amazing Abba tribute band, “Arrival from Sweden.” Somehow, when the Orpheum blends musical styles, even separated by centuries, it all works.
“How do they do that?” will be the question on everyone’s lips at the Saenger Theatre, May 13-15, when Blue Man Group overwhelms the stage for five performances showcasing their unique and amazing talents. Everywhere Blue Man Group goes, Late Night Television, Las Vegas, Europe, and even a town as eclectic as New Orleans, they leave true believers in their wake.
The Sacramento, California rock band, The Deftones, arrive onstage at the Orpheum Theatre May 18, fully prepared to share songs from their latest album, Doomed User.
Following the Deftones at the Orpheum is the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra continuing their celebration of the Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary Year, with a season-closing performance of Richard Strauss’ symbolic masterpiece, A Hero’s Life. The orchestra feels this is a personal statement of what the company has endured and conquered.
In the heart of the French Quarter, on a corner across from Jackson Square, sits the historic Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The theatre is going back … way back… with what is still one of the funniest musical farces ever to hit the stage, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” graces the boards at Le Petit Theatre May 20 – June 5. Timeless is an overused description but this play, featuring music and score by Stephen Sondheim, is set more than 2,000 years ago so it truly qualifies in that regard.
The Orpheum hosts one of the most impressive American dance ensembles of all time May 24, New York’s Paul Taylor Dance Company. Founded in 1954 by choreographer Paul Taylor, this touring group brings joy and rhythm to every stage it graces.
Returning to New Orleans and the Saenger, May 25 – June 19, probably because they loved it so the last time, is “Wicked,’ the story of Glinda, the Good Witch, and her sister, the Wicked Witch of the West, as envisioned by Broadway. The Land of Oz becomes a real place, long before that wayward child from Kansas dropped into Munchkinland. Not recommended for children under 8 years old and no one under 4 will be admitted.
New Orleans’ own queen, Bianca Del Rio, stages an evening of outrageous drag performance,alongside her collaborators, We 3 Queens, Chris Harder, Cherry Brown and other guests on June 17 at the Joy Theatre. It goes without saying that “over the top” will be the style of the evening.
The inimitable Whoopi Goldberg drops by the Saenger June 25 to share her life-wisdom and world-views. Whoopi has been a formidable presence on the stage, television, in literature, and the silver screen. She is in the elite group of performers who have been awarded a Grammy, an Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe Award and a Tony. Star quality, indeed.
Across the street at the Joy Theatre, also on June 25, in a bit of theatrical counter-programming, will be Ru Paul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons 2016 Extravaganza Tour. Hosted by Michelle Visage, and including Ivy Winters, Manila Luzon, Bendelacreme, Katya and Jinx Monsoon, among many other talented “ladies,” the evening will be filled with pre-show festivities and VIP package experiences.
If wacky, folk-comedy, whatever that means, is your style, then you are in for a treat when the Grammy Award winning duo of Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie return to the U.S. and the Saenger Theatre July 11 for the Flight of the Conchords Tour.
Miss D and her Dancing Dolls from Lifetime TV’s hit series stage, “Bring It.” They will do just that at the Saenger Theatre on July 20. Audience members, who will participate by voting for the best number, are involved in Question and Answer sessions, and hear about behind-the-scenes stories and situations from the popular television program.
Take your pick…. you can’t possibly go wrong!
#
Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal Street
www.ticketmaster.com
(504) 287-0351
Joy Theatre
1200 Canal Street
504-528-9569
www.thejoytheatre.com
The Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts
1419 Basin Street
1-800-745-3000
www.ticketmaster.com
Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre
616 St. Peter Street
504-522-2081
www.lepetittheatre.com
The Orpheum Theatre 129 Roosevelt Way
504-274-4871
www.orpheumnola.com
Now is a particularly excellent time for festivals, outdoor extravaganzas devoted to all matters New Orleans - music, culture, cuisine and celebration.
At the same time, there is chock-a-block scheduling for our theatres, grand evidence of the rebirth of stage presentations on a world-class scale. New Orleans theatres are fully open, fully renovated and are sights to behold. Historic, comfortable, great acoustics and overflowing with amazing entertainment for every taste.
Keep in mind that New Orleans is a city of about 400,000, yet we would be surprised if there is another city of this size anywhere in the world where there is this much entertainment, so many theatrical productions and performances of this caliber. In those regards, as in so many other quality of life issues, New Orleans is truly unique.
Local musical greats, Galactic, masters of the funk and jazz experience, will take the Orpheum Theatre by storm April 30, alongside their friends, JJ Grey, Mofro, and special guest, Moon Hooch.
The Joy Theatre stays up all night on April 30 and May 1 with a cover-band from Leeds, England, the New Mastersounds, who will be onstage at 2 a.m. Crediting their influences to Jimi Hendrix, Jimmie Smith and Jimmie McGriff… the Mastersounds quartet are four very talented musicians who are ready to share a heavy dose of Soul and Funk with their sleep-deprived fans.
Heavy Metal settles into the Orpheum Theatre when Lamb of God arrives May 3, alongside guests Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity.
Television and Film Star, William Shatner shares his vision of life along with some very personal interpretations, on May 5 at the Orpheum in a one-man performance, It’s Shatner’s World, We Just Live In It.
Comedy is key with Paul Rodriquez and the Latin Kings of Comedy settling into the Orpheum May 6.
ZMR is a publication that honors music in the areas of New Age and World, and for the 12th year the ZMR Awards will be staged Live at the Joy Theatre May 7 with a large representation of award-winning acts performing their music. This exciting night is open to the public. Guests may even choose to walk the red carpet.
Across the street, coincidentally, World Music moves into the Saenger Theatre May 7 with an Irish group performance of Celtic Woman presents Destiny. The 11th world tour for this amazing quartet and the live concert from this ensemble will feature all new sets, an array of stunning new wardrobes, and music that will have theatre-goers both tapping their feet or going into retrospective reverie.
Also on May 7, at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre, the evening will feature a South American beat when the New Orleans Ballet Association welcomes Che Malambo from Argentina. This mostly male percussive dance troupe expresses themes direct from the soul of the gaucho personality.
On Mother’s Day, May 8, Memphis’ musical maven K. Michelle will bring her talents to the Saenger Theatre to celebrate her third studio album, “More Issues Than Vogue.”
Beethoven, as interpreted by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Carlos Miguel Prieto, returns in grand style to the Orpheum Theatre for three performances, May12 – 15.
Electronic Music masters, Beats Antique, arrive at the Joy Theatre on May 12. Special guest, Pres Hall Horns, joins in the performance designed to take the audience on an around- the-world musical journey, complete with video support and specially designed lighting.
The following evening, May 13, West Texas meets Illinois at the Joy in the form of “Explosions in the Sky.” The purely instrumental nature of the band’s music, described as “post-rock,” has kept these musicians making albums and touring since 1999.
Back at the Orpheum Theatre, and fitting comfortably into the open evening among the Beethoven performances on May 14 is the amazing Abba tribute band, “Arrival from Sweden.” Somehow, when the Orpheum blends musical styles, even separated by centuries, it all works.
“How do they do that?” will be the question on everyone’s lips at the Saenger Theatre, May 13-15, when Blue Man Group overwhelms the stage for five performances showcasing their unique and amazing talents. Everywhere Blue Man Group goes, Late Night Television, Las Vegas, Europe, and even a town as eclectic as New Orleans, they leave true believers in their wake.
The Sacramento, California rock band, The Deftones, arrive onstage at the Orpheum Theatre May 18, fully prepared to share songs from their latest album, Doomed User.
Following the Deftones at the Orpheum is the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra continuing their celebration of the Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary Year, with a season-closing performance of Richard Strauss’ symbolic masterpiece, A Hero’s Life. The orchestra feels this is a personal statement of what the company has endured and conquered.
In the heart of the French Quarter, on a corner across from Jackson Square, sits the historic Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The theatre is going back … way back… with what is still one of the funniest musical farces ever to hit the stage, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” graces the boards at Le Petit Theatre May 20 – June 5. Timeless is an overused description but this play, featuring music and score by Stephen Sondheim, is set more than 2,000 years ago so it truly qualifies in that regard.
The Orpheum hosts one of the most impressive American dance ensembles of all time May 24, New York’s Paul Taylor Dance Company. Founded in 1954 by choreographer Paul Taylor, this touring group brings joy and rhythm to every stage it graces.
Returning to New Orleans and the Saenger, May 25 – June 19, probably because they loved it so the last time, is “Wicked,’ the story of Glinda, the Good Witch, and her sister, the Wicked Witch of the West, as envisioned by Broadway. The Land of Oz becomes a real place, long before that wayward child from Kansas dropped into Munchkinland. Not recommended for children under 8 years old and no one under 4 will be admitted.
New Orleans’ own queen, Bianca Del Rio, stages an evening of outrageous drag performance,alongside her collaborators, We 3 Queens, Chris Harder, Cherry Brown and other guests on June 17 at the Joy Theatre. It goes without saying that “over the top” will be the style of the evening.
The inimitable Whoopi Goldberg drops by the Saenger June 25 to share her life-wisdom and world-views. Whoopi has been a formidable presence on the stage, television, in literature, and the silver screen. She is in the elite group of performers who have been awarded a Grammy, an Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe Award and a Tony. Star quality, indeed.
Across the street at the Joy Theatre, also on June 25, in a bit of theatrical counter-programming, will be Ru Paul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons 2016 Extravaganza Tour. Hosted by Michelle Visage, and including Ivy Winters, Manila Luzon, Bendelacreme, Katya and Jinx Monsoon, among many other talented “ladies,” the evening will be filled with pre-show festivities and VIP package experiences.
If wacky, folk-comedy, whatever that means, is your style, then you are in for a treat when the Grammy Award winning duo of Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie return to the U.S. and the Saenger Theatre July 11 for the Flight of the Conchords Tour.
Miss D and her Dancing Dolls from Lifetime TV’s hit series stage, “Bring It.” They will do just that at the Saenger Theatre on July 20. Audience members, who will participate by voting for the best number, are involved in Question and Answer sessions, and hear about behind-the-scenes stories and situations from the popular television program.
Take your pick…. you can’t possibly go wrong!
#
Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal Street
www.ticketmaster.com
(504) 287-0351
Joy Theatre
1200 Canal Street
504-528-9569
www.thejoytheatre.com
The Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts
1419 Basin Street
1-800-745-3000
www.ticketmaster.com
Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre
616 St. Peter Street
504-522-2081
www.lepetittheatre.com
The Orpheum Theatre 129 Roosevelt Way
504-274-4871
www.orpheumnola.com
