October 27, 2014
New Orleans is often associated with hot, humid summer weather, or with a single day of celebration, Mardi Gras.
On both counts, local residents look at their city a little differently. Locals like the season we are in now. It's not really Winter, as defined by most of the rest of the United States. Not really as cold as most places. Definitely not snowing. And big heavy clothes are not a requirement when strolling from one place to another.
As for the visitor's appreciation of Mardi Gras, to locals that's just one day. The season, which begins January 6, leading up to Fat Tuesday is where the real fun takes place. Balls, parades, special events, and lots of community spirit are the hallmarks of Carnival. It's all very traditional, dating back to our European heritage, and takes place in every corner of town. As a rule, the closer to the French Quarter you are, the more intense the celebration.
Seasonal celebrations are not limited to dining experiences or amazing street happenings. Our recently resurrected theatre community contributes greatly to making memories for New Orleanians and our guests alike. Our idea of a perfect evening would be an incredible early dining experience, a leisurely stroll to one of our delightful theatrical facilities, and then an after-theatre cocktail in a watering hole of your choice. Does not get any better than that.
The grand Saenger Theatre, just reopened on Canal Street in all of its 1920's architectural splendor, is putting on its top hat in best Broadway style with the amazing, "Phantom of the Opera" taking residence, November 5-16. This newest North American touring company boasts new scenery, an updated array of special effects while sacrificing nothing from the original production, beloved by theatre audiences on every continent since 1986.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's composed the score, with Charles Hart's lyrics, and the collaboration was an amazing transition to the stage from Gerald Leroux's book, first published in 1911. It's never been out of the public's mind since. The company that will grace the Saenger is comprised of 52 talented professionals in cast and orchestra. It will be grand indeed.
November 7 through 23, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre is staging an enchanting production that is a great beginning to the family Holiday Season." Peter and the Starcatcher" introduces a Neverland you never knew. Ingenious stagecraft and a dozen actors playing more than 100 roles will have your imagination picturing the possibilities of Peter Pan before that magical lad became leader of the Lost Boys.
On November 28, for one night only, join the silky soul sounds of Grammy Award Winner Lalah Hathaway, accompanied by Najee and Kindred The Family Soul. The Saenger is going to be mellow as Lalah presents you with her Number One single, a cover of the Luther Vandross classic, Forever For Always, For Love. If R&B is your style, this is the night for you.
The Saenger is host to legendary song writer and stylist, Melissa Etheridge, December 1. The appropriate opening song from her new album, This is M.E., is titled "I Won't Be Alone Tonight, " and when Melissa rocks New Orleans with special guest, Alexander Cardinale, there is no chance anyone will be alone, or even the slightest bit unhappy.
The kids know, even if you don't, that Yo Gabba Gabba is a blast, and the live version takes over the Saenger, December 2. Comprised of dancing, singing, original music, stage acts, animation, this incredibly popular television series truly comes to life when the magic words," Yo Gabba Gabba," are uttered.
Happening literally just down the street, Rampart Street, that is, at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts, in the heart of Armstrong Park (how's that for a powerful local musical heritage, Louis Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson?), from December 2 through the 14th, the South African cultural blockbuster, Africa Umoja, The Spirit of Togetherness, will gladden every heart.
This energetic production brings the music, the dancing, and the heritage from the international cultural melting pot that is South Africa.
The Holiday Season comes into view just a bit early, thanks to the Southern Repertory Theatre, home-grown and affectionately abbreviated to Southern Rep. Opening December 6, and sticking around until the 21st, is Charles Dickens' immortal tale of life's lessons and undigested beef, A Christmas Carol.
In Southern Rep's capable and professional hands, this dark tale becomes brighter, fresher, and immeasurably more fun.
Musical group, Third Day, has just completed their 12th album, and they are bringing all that is new as well as familiar to the Joy Theatre, December 11. Their body of work includes 4 Grammy Awards, with 11 nominations. The heart of Third Day's style is to entertain and affirm. They prove that concerts do not end as the audience exits the performance. The wonderful feeling goes on.
Talking about music that you can't get out of your mind, Dirty Dancing, the stage version, comes to town at the Saenger December 16-21. This story of summer camp in the Adirondacks puts Baby and Johnny together with the now-classic song, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life."
The true "spirit of the season," as interpreted by one of the greatest ballet companies on earth, will be staged with the Moscow Ballet's presentation of the Great Russian Nutcracker, December 27 at the Saenger Theatre. You may have seen this ballet many times but you never have seen a production like this one. Grand in every sense.
Cultures don't clash; they blend, and sound sensational with a grand New Year's Eve bash at the Joy Theatre. From Leeds, England, the soul-jazz stylings of the New Mastersounds comes to town, yielding the stage only to Dumpstaphunk, a New Orleans funk band that has established itself at the top of their genre.
And they are followed, finishing off an amazing end to one year and the beginning of another, by the legendary Jon Cleary, English by birth but New Orleans because he had to be here. He knew that when he was 17.
January 8, for one night only, modern jazz moves into the Mahalia Jackson Theatre with Bela Fleck and the New World Symphony rendering fresh interpretations of Bernstein's Three Dance presentations from the musical, "On the Town," along with Dvorak's New World Symphony and in Fleck's infectious style, The Imposter Concerto for Banjo and Orchestra.
And just because the celebrations have indicated the end of another year, does not mean the theatrical fireworks have died away. Mamma Mia hits the boards at the Saenger, January 13-18. The music of the 80's, as originally written and presented by Abba, could not be more alive. Originally on the Top 40 music charts, then on to Broadway, and in full glory on the silver screen, this musical presentation wrapped in a delightful story is cause for hope and joy.
The historic and intimate Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre brings to its charming locale just off Jackson Square the long-running and blockbuster show, Jesus Christ Superstar, January 16-30.
Considered to be Broadway's first rock opera, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice moved a Biblical tale into the genre of 20th century show business. Reverent and rocking.
Argentina and its amazing native dance, Tango, takes center stage at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre, January 16 in a presentation brought to New Orleans by our own Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and featuring the internationally-acclaimed violinist, Nadja. She will not only be presenting Piazzolla's fiery Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, but will also share her interpretation of Liszt - The Preludes, then finish the evening with Lutoslawski's Concert for Orchestra.
The next evening, January 17, in the Mahalia Jackson, another New Orleans native son, Randy Newman, joined by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra team together for a full recital of Newman songs written for recording and radio air-play, as well as for theater stage and movie screen.
Newman's unique singing style and his songwriting spring from his heritage and love of New Orleans and the South. His interesting musical phrasing and creativity promise an evening of music with which you are well familiar, but take on new dimensions with a live performance.
More than 5,000 years of Eastern Civilization are on full display at the Mahalia Jackson on January 30 and 31, with the presentation of Shen Yun. The production has been designed to include the beauty and the Chinese art of music and dance. Ancient legends and tales of heroism will be told of this amazing civilization through classically trained dancers and musicians.
Venue and Ticket Information
Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal Street
Ticketmaster - 1-800-745-3000
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/221664
Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts
1419 Basin Street, located in Armstrong Park facing Rampart Street
Ticketmaster - 1-800-745-3000
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/221664
The Joy Theatre
1200 Canal Street
504-528-9569
www.thejoytheatre.com
Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre
616 St. Peter Street at Jackson Square
504-522-2081
www.lepetittheatre.com
On both counts, local residents look at their city a little differently. Locals like the season we are in now. It's not really Winter, as defined by most of the rest of the United States. Not really as cold as most places. Definitely not snowing. And big heavy clothes are not a requirement when strolling from one place to another.
As for the visitor's appreciation of Mardi Gras, to locals that's just one day. The season, which begins January 6, leading up to Fat Tuesday is where the real fun takes place. Balls, parades, special events, and lots of community spirit are the hallmarks of Carnival. It's all very traditional, dating back to our European heritage, and takes place in every corner of town. As a rule, the closer to the French Quarter you are, the more intense the celebration.
Seasonal celebrations are not limited to dining experiences or amazing street happenings. Our recently resurrected theatre community contributes greatly to making memories for New Orleanians and our guests alike. Our idea of a perfect evening would be an incredible early dining experience, a leisurely stroll to one of our delightful theatrical facilities, and then an after-theatre cocktail in a watering hole of your choice. Does not get any better than that.
The grand Saenger Theatre, just reopened on Canal Street in all of its 1920's architectural splendor, is putting on its top hat in best Broadway style with the amazing, "Phantom of the Opera" taking residence, November 5-16. This newest North American touring company boasts new scenery, an updated array of special effects while sacrificing nothing from the original production, beloved by theatre audiences on every continent since 1986.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's composed the score, with Charles Hart's lyrics, and the collaboration was an amazing transition to the stage from Gerald Leroux's book, first published in 1911. It's never been out of the public's mind since. The company that will grace the Saenger is comprised of 52 talented professionals in cast and orchestra. It will be grand indeed.
November 7 through 23, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre is staging an enchanting production that is a great beginning to the family Holiday Season." Peter and the Starcatcher" introduces a Neverland you never knew. Ingenious stagecraft and a dozen actors playing more than 100 roles will have your imagination picturing the possibilities of Peter Pan before that magical lad became leader of the Lost Boys.
On November 28, for one night only, join the silky soul sounds of Grammy Award Winner Lalah Hathaway, accompanied by Najee and Kindred The Family Soul. The Saenger is going to be mellow as Lalah presents you with her Number One single, a cover of the Luther Vandross classic, Forever For Always, For Love. If R&B is your style, this is the night for you.
The Saenger is host to legendary song writer and stylist, Melissa Etheridge, December 1. The appropriate opening song from her new album, This is M.E., is titled "I Won't Be Alone Tonight, " and when Melissa rocks New Orleans with special guest, Alexander Cardinale, there is no chance anyone will be alone, or even the slightest bit unhappy.
The kids know, even if you don't, that Yo Gabba Gabba is a blast, and the live version takes over the Saenger, December 2. Comprised of dancing, singing, original music, stage acts, animation, this incredibly popular television series truly comes to life when the magic words," Yo Gabba Gabba," are uttered.
Happening literally just down the street, Rampart Street, that is, at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts, in the heart of Armstrong Park (how's that for a powerful local musical heritage, Louis Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson?), from December 2 through the 14th, the South African cultural blockbuster, Africa Umoja, The Spirit of Togetherness, will gladden every heart.
This energetic production brings the music, the dancing, and the heritage from the international cultural melting pot that is South Africa.
The Holiday Season comes into view just a bit early, thanks to the Southern Repertory Theatre, home-grown and affectionately abbreviated to Southern Rep. Opening December 6, and sticking around until the 21st, is Charles Dickens' immortal tale of life's lessons and undigested beef, A Christmas Carol.
In Southern Rep's capable and professional hands, this dark tale becomes brighter, fresher, and immeasurably more fun.
Musical group, Third Day, has just completed their 12th album, and they are bringing all that is new as well as familiar to the Joy Theatre, December 11. Their body of work includes 4 Grammy Awards, with 11 nominations. The heart of Third Day's style is to entertain and affirm. They prove that concerts do not end as the audience exits the performance. The wonderful feeling goes on.
Talking about music that you can't get out of your mind, Dirty Dancing, the stage version, comes to town at the Saenger December 16-21. This story of summer camp in the Adirondacks puts Baby and Johnny together with the now-classic song, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life."
The true "spirit of the season," as interpreted by one of the greatest ballet companies on earth, will be staged with the Moscow Ballet's presentation of the Great Russian Nutcracker, December 27 at the Saenger Theatre. You may have seen this ballet many times but you never have seen a production like this one. Grand in every sense.
Cultures don't clash; they blend, and sound sensational with a grand New Year's Eve bash at the Joy Theatre. From Leeds, England, the soul-jazz stylings of the New Mastersounds comes to town, yielding the stage only to Dumpstaphunk, a New Orleans funk band that has established itself at the top of their genre.
And they are followed, finishing off an amazing end to one year and the beginning of another, by the legendary Jon Cleary, English by birth but New Orleans because he had to be here. He knew that when he was 17.
January 8, for one night only, modern jazz moves into the Mahalia Jackson Theatre with Bela Fleck and the New World Symphony rendering fresh interpretations of Bernstein's Three Dance presentations from the musical, "On the Town," along with Dvorak's New World Symphony and in Fleck's infectious style, The Imposter Concerto for Banjo and Orchestra.
And just because the celebrations have indicated the end of another year, does not mean the theatrical fireworks have died away. Mamma Mia hits the boards at the Saenger, January 13-18. The music of the 80's, as originally written and presented by Abba, could not be more alive. Originally on the Top 40 music charts, then on to Broadway, and in full glory on the silver screen, this musical presentation wrapped in a delightful story is cause for hope and joy.
The historic and intimate Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre brings to its charming locale just off Jackson Square the long-running and blockbuster show, Jesus Christ Superstar, January 16-30.
Considered to be Broadway's first rock opera, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice moved a Biblical tale into the genre of 20th century show business. Reverent and rocking.
Argentina and its amazing native dance, Tango, takes center stage at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre, January 16 in a presentation brought to New Orleans by our own Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and featuring the internationally-acclaimed violinist, Nadja. She will not only be presenting Piazzolla's fiery Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, but will also share her interpretation of Liszt - The Preludes, then finish the evening with Lutoslawski's Concert for Orchestra.
The next evening, January 17, in the Mahalia Jackson, another New Orleans native son, Randy Newman, joined by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra team together for a full recital of Newman songs written for recording and radio air-play, as well as for theater stage and movie screen.
Newman's unique singing style and his songwriting spring from his heritage and love of New Orleans and the South. His interesting musical phrasing and creativity promise an evening of music with which you are well familiar, but take on new dimensions with a live performance.
More than 5,000 years of Eastern Civilization are on full display at the Mahalia Jackson on January 30 and 31, with the presentation of Shen Yun. The production has been designed to include the beauty and the Chinese art of music and dance. Ancient legends and tales of heroism will be told of this amazing civilization through classically trained dancers and musicians.
Venue and Ticket Information
Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal Street
Ticketmaster - 1-800-745-3000
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/221664
Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts
1419 Basin Street, located in Armstrong Park facing Rampart Street
Ticketmaster - 1-800-745-3000
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/221664
The Joy Theatre
1200 Canal Street
504-528-9569
www.thejoytheatre.com
Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre
616 St. Peter Street at Jackson Square
504-522-2081
www.lepetittheatre.com
