November 18, 2024
Fill your heart with joy this holiday season with iconic Broadway shows, magical musicals and legendary performers. Whether you’re a fan of classical, R&B, comedy or drama, there’s no shortage of spirted shows that totally sleigh!
House of Blues – houseofblues.com/neworleans
Dec. 21: Home for the Holidays presented by the NOCCA Foundation
The 20th anniversary celebration of Home for the Holidays features a star-studded lineup including, Irma Thomas, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, John Boutte, DJ Raj Smoove, Flagboy Giz and emcee Gralen Banks.
Joy Theater – thejoytheater.com
Dec. 13-15 and 20-22: The Heartbeat of Bourbon Street
This one-of-a-kind New Orleans melodic drama-comedy is this holiday’s rewarding theatrical performance for the discerning audience. The intricate, unique musical score features an elevating street fusion that tastefully accompanies the storyline’s inclination.
Le Petit Theatre – lepetittheatre.com
Dec. 17-18: The Skivvies
The Skivvies return to perform classic Christmas tunes, comedic mashups, nostalgic medleys and wildly absurd musical theatre moments sure to bring joy and laughter this holiday season. Local celebrities will join them each night as surprise guests.
Jan. 9-26: Good Night, Oscar
It’s 1958, and Jack Paar hosts the hottest late-night talk show on television. His favorite guest? Character actor, pianist and wild card Oscar Levant. Good Night, Oscar explores the nexus of humor and heartbreak, the distinction between exploitation and entertainment and the high cost of baring one’s soul for public consumption.
Mahalia Jackson Theater - mahaliajacksontheater.com
Dec. 21-22: Delta Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Since 1981, Delta’s exquisite production of The Nutcracker has delighted local audiences of all ages. This holiday treat is accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and features international guest stars, outstanding local professionals and a youth corps of young, local dancers.
Dec. 28: Chelsea Handler Live
Chelsea Handler is a comedian, television host, six-time New York Times best-selling author and advocate whose humor and candor have established her as one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture.
Feb. 1: New Orleans Ballet Association presents Ballet Hispanico CARMEN.maquia
Ballet Hispánico brings the premiere of CARMEN.maquia, a Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on Bizet’s beloved classic by choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano. The physically charged choreography fuses contemporary dance with nods to the Spanish paso doble and flamenco.
Feb. 7: Kevin Hart – Acting My Age Tour
Over the years the Emmy and GRAMMY® nominee has become a box office powerhouse, opening 11 films at number one. Hart’s last special, Reality Check, was named the #1 Comedy Tour of 2022 by Billboard, and in 2023 Billboard named him the highest grossing comedian of the year.
New Orleans Jazz Museum – nolajazzmuseum.org
Dec. 7: Improvisations Gala
Don’t miss the musical event of the year, which features a dynamic lineup including, Cimafunk, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Wanda Rouzan, Little Freddie King, Erica Falls and more. Enjoy culinary creations by Messina’s Catering, craft cocktails, immersive exhibits, light installations and an exciting online auction.
New Marigny Theatre – newmarignytheatre.com
Dec. 5: The Trojan Woman
Set the morning after the fall of Troy, this play chronicles the fate of the last great women of Troy. This production will explore our current social and political climate and its effect on the women of this country and of the world.
Dec. 28-29, Jan. 2-5: Streetcar Collective for the Arts presents Human Troubles
An uncomfortably hilarious dark comedy that dives into the complexities and absurdities of the mental healthcare system in the United States. Human Troubles explores the chaotic world of inpatient psychiatric wards through sharp wit and humor.
Jan. 8: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Mozart and Tchaikovsky
Classical music fans will love this exciting performance featuring a Neo-Classical nod to the form and flair of Amadeus Mozart written by French composer Jacques Ibert, followed by a work by Mozart himself. The music continues with Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ operatic overture and ends with Mozartiana.
Orpheum Theater – orpheumnola.net
Dec. 5: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Classic Christmas
This special holiday program begins with Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti’s music inspired by the story of the Three Kings. The performance continues with composer Felix Mendelssohn’s reverent Christmas cantata and concludes with traditional excerpts of Handel’s glorious work Messiah.
Dec. 14: New Orleans Ballet Theater presents Nutcracker
Come see this classic Christmas tale and experience the incredible talent that is New Orleans Ballet Theatre’s company of dancers (plus the charming addition of over 120 local children), stunning sets and costumes, and the iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Dec. 17: Harry Shearer and Judith Owen’s Christmas Without Tears
For the 19th straight year, in an intimate evening full of music, laughter and special guests, critically acclaimed vocalist Judith Owen and her husband, actor and humorist Harry Shearer, will spread their special brand of Yuletide cheer. This festive, homespun variety show will benefit Innocence Project New Orleans.
Dec. 18: An Evening with Gregory Porter – Holiday Tour
GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Gregory Porter released his first-ever Christmas album titled Christmas Wish last year as a tribute to his favorite time of year and to music legends including Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Dinah Washington and Nat King Cole.
Dec. 19: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular
Celebrate the magic of the season with this exciting annual performance of everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. This program has something for everyone and has become a holiday tradition for our LPO audience.
Jan. 8: Pink Martini featuring China Forbes – 30th Anniversary Tour
Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world – crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop – Thomas Lauderdale founded Pink Martini in 1994. Twenty years later, Pink Martini still tours the world, singing in 22 languages.
Jan. 16: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
This theatrical concert begins with Gershwin’s Promenade, followed by Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto featuring esteemed soloist Sirena Huang. The evening continues with Duke Ellington’s milestone “jazz symphony” and Leonard Bernstein’s energetic music from Broadway’s West Side Story.
Jan. 18: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents A Tale of God’s Will – A Requiem for Katrina
Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans native Terence Blanchard will join the LPO in an impassioned, GRAMMY® Award-winning work. Blanchard's visual arts collaborator, Andrew F. Scott, created a tapestry from still photos taken in the aftermath of the hurricane to accompany the piece.
Jan. 29: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2
The LPO’s own Alex Mayon is the featured soloist on Hadyn’s Trumpet Concerto. Concluding the program is late-Romantic composer Rachmaninoff’s triumphant and emotional second symphony.
Feb. 14: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Beethoven & Strauss
Join the LPO for a night of romance and delight by following the legendary lover in his ardent pursuits in Strauss’ epic tone poem Don Juan, followed by Beethoven’s grand Symphony No. 4.
Saenger Theatre – saengernola.com
Dec. 3-8: Elf The Broadway Musical
The hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve and is raised in the North Pole. Upon discovering that he’s actually human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, and in turn, helps the Big Apple and the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Dec. 11-12: Lauren Daigle – The Behold Christmas Tour
The two-time GRAMMY®, seven-time Billboard Music, four-time American Music, and twelve-time GMA Dove Music Award winner continues to cement her status as a modern vocal powerhouse. Since the release of her GRAMMY® Award-winning, 2x platinum-certified 2018 album Look Up Child, she has been a mainstay on the Billboard charts.
Dec. 17-22: The Cher Show – A New Musical
The musical biopic tells a rollercoaster ride of poor to rich and back to poor again, coinciding with the highs and lows in her marriages and relationships. Three actresses play Cher, one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century, as we follow her meteoric career from childhood to her early years in Los Angeles through to her hugely successful 1998 departure single Believe.
Dec. 30: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international, all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics! Share the tradition of pure holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages.
Jan. 14-19: & Juliet
Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.
Jan. 28: The Temptations & The Four Tops
Often referred to as American music royalty, The Temptations are world-renowned superstars of entertainment, revered for their phenomenal catalog of music and prolific career. The American vocal quartet, The Tour Tops were one of the most commercially successful American pop music groups of the 1960s and helped propel the Motown label to international fame.
Feb. 11-16: MAMMA MIA!
Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.
Smoothie King Center – smoothiekingcenter.com
Feb. 14: Mary J. Blige – The For My Fans Tour with special guests NE-YO and Mario
Often referred to as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” iconic nine time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment.
Feb. 20: Jim Gaffigan & Sebastian Maniscalco – A Night of Comedy
Jim Gaffigan is a seven-time GRAMMY® nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times best-selling author, three-time Emmy winning top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling recording artist. With over two decades of experience, Sebastian Maniscalco has cultivated a massive, loyal fanbase with his engaging physical comedy. The New York Times called him the "hottest comic in America.”
The Fillmore – livenation.com
Dec. 8: Sounds of the Sixties featuring Drifters, The Coasters and The Platters
Get ready to be transported back in time as these talented artists take the stage to perform their classic hits. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relive the magic of the sixties with some of the most influential and iconic voices of the era.
Dec. 17: Ben Folds – Paper Airplane Request Tour
Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of his generation, Folds’ career of genre-bending music includes numerous solo albums, as well as multiple with Ben Folds Five and collaborative records. On his latest tour, Folds performs your favorite songs, playing song requests shared via paper airplane.
Feb. 18: Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes
Nicolas Reyes, co-founder and leader of the Gipsy Kings for over 30 years, has led the group to dominate World Music charts with over 14 million albums sold globally. Their ninth studio album, Savor Flamenco, won the GRAMMY® for Best World Music Album in 2013.
The Sazerac House – sazerachouse.com
Dec. 18: Candlelight – Holiday Special featuring The Nutcracker and More
Get your tickets now to discover Holiday-inspired classics from The Nutcracker, as well as other beloved holiday tunes performed by the Delachaise Ensemble String Quartet under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Dec. 19: Candlelight – Christmas Pop Classics and New Favorites
The Sazerac House will light up like a Christmas tree to set the scene for this enchanting holiday concert. Enjoy favorite holiday classics as well as festive, contemporary hits with the Listeso String Quartet performing in a magical, candlelit setting.
House of Blues – houseofblues.com/neworleans
Dec. 21: Home for the Holidays presented by the NOCCA Foundation
The 20th anniversary celebration of Home for the Holidays features a star-studded lineup including, Irma Thomas, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, John Boutte, DJ Raj Smoove, Flagboy Giz and emcee Gralen Banks.
Joy Theater – thejoytheater.com
Dec. 13-15 and 20-22: The Heartbeat of Bourbon Street
This one-of-a-kind New Orleans melodic drama-comedy is this holiday’s rewarding theatrical performance for the discerning audience. The intricate, unique musical score features an elevating street fusion that tastefully accompanies the storyline’s inclination.
Le Petit Theatre – lepetittheatre.com
Dec. 17-18: The Skivvies
The Skivvies return to perform classic Christmas tunes, comedic mashups, nostalgic medleys and wildly absurd musical theatre moments sure to bring joy and laughter this holiday season. Local celebrities will join them each night as surprise guests.
Jan. 9-26: Good Night, Oscar
It’s 1958, and Jack Paar hosts the hottest late-night talk show on television. His favorite guest? Character actor, pianist and wild card Oscar Levant. Good Night, Oscar explores the nexus of humor and heartbreak, the distinction between exploitation and entertainment and the high cost of baring one’s soul for public consumption.
Mahalia Jackson Theater - mahaliajacksontheater.com
Dec. 21-22: Delta Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Since 1981, Delta’s exquisite production of The Nutcracker has delighted local audiences of all ages. This holiday treat is accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and features international guest stars, outstanding local professionals and a youth corps of young, local dancers.
Dec. 28: Chelsea Handler Live
Chelsea Handler is a comedian, television host, six-time New York Times best-selling author and advocate whose humor and candor have established her as one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture.
Feb. 1: New Orleans Ballet Association presents Ballet Hispanico CARMEN.maquia
Ballet Hispánico brings the premiere of CARMEN.maquia, a Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on Bizet’s beloved classic by choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano. The physically charged choreography fuses contemporary dance with nods to the Spanish paso doble and flamenco.
Feb. 7: Kevin Hart – Acting My Age Tour
Over the years the Emmy and GRAMMY® nominee has become a box office powerhouse, opening 11 films at number one. Hart’s last special, Reality Check, was named the #1 Comedy Tour of 2022 by Billboard, and in 2023 Billboard named him the highest grossing comedian of the year.
New Orleans Jazz Museum – nolajazzmuseum.org
Dec. 7: Improvisations Gala
Don’t miss the musical event of the year, which features a dynamic lineup including, Cimafunk, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Wanda Rouzan, Little Freddie King, Erica Falls and more. Enjoy culinary creations by Messina’s Catering, craft cocktails, immersive exhibits, light installations and an exciting online auction.
New Marigny Theatre – newmarignytheatre.com
Dec. 5: The Trojan Woman
Set the morning after the fall of Troy, this play chronicles the fate of the last great women of Troy. This production will explore our current social and political climate and its effect on the women of this country and of the world.
Dec. 28-29, Jan. 2-5: Streetcar Collective for the Arts presents Human Troubles
An uncomfortably hilarious dark comedy that dives into the complexities and absurdities of the mental healthcare system in the United States. Human Troubles explores the chaotic world of inpatient psychiatric wards through sharp wit and humor.
Jan. 8: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Mozart and Tchaikovsky
Classical music fans will love this exciting performance featuring a Neo-Classical nod to the form and flair of Amadeus Mozart written by French composer Jacques Ibert, followed by a work by Mozart himself. The music continues with Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ operatic overture and ends with Mozartiana.
Orpheum Theater – orpheumnola.net
Dec. 5: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Classic Christmas
This special holiday program begins with Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti’s music inspired by the story of the Three Kings. The performance continues with composer Felix Mendelssohn’s reverent Christmas cantata and concludes with traditional excerpts of Handel’s glorious work Messiah.
Dec. 14: New Orleans Ballet Theater presents Nutcracker
Come see this classic Christmas tale and experience the incredible talent that is New Orleans Ballet Theatre’s company of dancers (plus the charming addition of over 120 local children), stunning sets and costumes, and the iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Dec. 17: Harry Shearer and Judith Owen’s Christmas Without Tears
For the 19th straight year, in an intimate evening full of music, laughter and special guests, critically acclaimed vocalist Judith Owen and her husband, actor and humorist Harry Shearer, will spread their special brand of Yuletide cheer. This festive, homespun variety show will benefit Innocence Project New Orleans.
Dec. 18: An Evening with Gregory Porter – Holiday Tour
GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Gregory Porter released his first-ever Christmas album titled Christmas Wish last year as a tribute to his favorite time of year and to music legends including Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Dinah Washington and Nat King Cole.
Dec. 19: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular
Celebrate the magic of the season with this exciting annual performance of everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. This program has something for everyone and has become a holiday tradition for our LPO audience.
Jan. 8: Pink Martini featuring China Forbes – 30th Anniversary Tour
Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world – crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop – Thomas Lauderdale founded Pink Martini in 1994. Twenty years later, Pink Martini still tours the world, singing in 22 languages.
Jan. 16: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
This theatrical concert begins with Gershwin’s Promenade, followed by Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto featuring esteemed soloist Sirena Huang. The evening continues with Duke Ellington’s milestone “jazz symphony” and Leonard Bernstein’s energetic music from Broadway’s West Side Story.
Jan. 18: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents A Tale of God’s Will – A Requiem for Katrina
Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans native Terence Blanchard will join the LPO in an impassioned, GRAMMY® Award-winning work. Blanchard's visual arts collaborator, Andrew F. Scott, created a tapestry from still photos taken in the aftermath of the hurricane to accompany the piece.
Jan. 29: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2
The LPO’s own Alex Mayon is the featured soloist on Hadyn’s Trumpet Concerto. Concluding the program is late-Romantic composer Rachmaninoff’s triumphant and emotional second symphony.
Feb. 14: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Beethoven & Strauss
Join the LPO for a night of romance and delight by following the legendary lover in his ardent pursuits in Strauss’ epic tone poem Don Juan, followed by Beethoven’s grand Symphony No. 4.
Saenger Theatre – saengernola.com
Dec. 3-8: Elf The Broadway Musical
The hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve and is raised in the North Pole. Upon discovering that he’s actually human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, and in turn, helps the Big Apple and the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Dec. 11-12: Lauren Daigle – The Behold Christmas Tour
The two-time GRAMMY®, seven-time Billboard Music, four-time American Music, and twelve-time GMA Dove Music Award winner continues to cement her status as a modern vocal powerhouse. Since the release of her GRAMMY® Award-winning, 2x platinum-certified 2018 album Look Up Child, she has been a mainstay on the Billboard charts.
Dec. 17-22: The Cher Show – A New Musical
The musical biopic tells a rollercoaster ride of poor to rich and back to poor again, coinciding with the highs and lows in her marriages and relationships. Three actresses play Cher, one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century, as we follow her meteoric career from childhood to her early years in Los Angeles through to her hugely successful 1998 departure single Believe.
Dec. 30: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international, all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics! Share the tradition of pure holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages.
Jan. 14-19: & Juliet
Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.
Jan. 28: The Temptations & The Four Tops
Often referred to as American music royalty, The Temptations are world-renowned superstars of entertainment, revered for their phenomenal catalog of music and prolific career. The American vocal quartet, The Tour Tops were one of the most commercially successful American pop music groups of the 1960s and helped propel the Motown label to international fame.
Feb. 11-16: MAMMA MIA!
Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.
Smoothie King Center – smoothiekingcenter.com
Feb. 14: Mary J. Blige – The For My Fans Tour with special guests NE-YO and Mario
Often referred to as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” iconic nine time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment.
Feb. 20: Jim Gaffigan & Sebastian Maniscalco – A Night of Comedy
Jim Gaffigan is a seven-time GRAMMY® nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times best-selling author, three-time Emmy winning top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling recording artist. With over two decades of experience, Sebastian Maniscalco has cultivated a massive, loyal fanbase with his engaging physical comedy. The New York Times called him the "hottest comic in America.”
The Fillmore – livenation.com
Dec. 8: Sounds of the Sixties featuring Drifters, The Coasters and The Platters
Get ready to be transported back in time as these talented artists take the stage to perform their classic hits. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relive the magic of the sixties with some of the most influential and iconic voices of the era.
Dec. 17: Ben Folds – Paper Airplane Request Tour
Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of his generation, Folds’ career of genre-bending music includes numerous solo albums, as well as multiple with Ben Folds Five and collaborative records. On his latest tour, Folds performs your favorite songs, playing song requests shared via paper airplane.
Feb. 18: Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes
Nicolas Reyes, co-founder and leader of the Gipsy Kings for over 30 years, has led the group to dominate World Music charts with over 14 million albums sold globally. Their ninth studio album, Savor Flamenco, won the GRAMMY® for Best World Music Album in 2013.
The Sazerac House – sazerachouse.com
Dec. 18: Candlelight – Holiday Special featuring The Nutcracker and More
Get your tickets now to discover Holiday-inspired classics from The Nutcracker, as well as other beloved holiday tunes performed by the Delachaise Ensemble String Quartet under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Dec. 19: Candlelight – Christmas Pop Classics and New Favorites
The Sazerac House will light up like a Christmas tree to set the scene for this enchanting holiday concert. Enjoy favorite holiday classics as well as festive, contemporary hits with the Listeso String Quartet performing in a magical, candlelit setting.
