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Today on the blog, we’re combining two of my most favorite things: theatre and the Christmas season. If you’re a fan of good theatre and seasons greetings, then you’ll LOVE what the theatre scene has to offer this month. If you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum and consider yourself to be more of a Scrooge, fear not, there’s a show specifically for you.
(A Night at the Theatre Part One, Two, and Three in case you missed them)
Without further ado, I present thee with A Red Beans and Life(time) Original: A Night at the Theatre: Part IV – Christmas Edition.
NOMA and The NOLA Project present Twelfth Night
The NOLA Project continues it’s collaboration with The New Orleans Museum of Art and presents a damn near perfect production of “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare. I had the pleasure of seeing this show on it’s opening night, and it blew me away. I had a permanent smile swept across my face for the entire show which was only broken by laughter, especially from Malvolio, played by Keith Claverie. Every single actor in this production was perfectly cast, and having such a play set in NOMA’s Great Hall made it all the more breathtaking. I highly recommend seeing this show while you can, as it is to not be missed. The NOLA Project proves time and time again that their level of professionalism, talent, and dedication to their craft is unbeatable, as they continue to set the bar for some of the best work I’ve seen in the city.
December 2-21 at NOMA’s Great Hall
Tickets $18-$24 and can be purchased here
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ iconic tale of rediscovering life and love is truly magnetic. Charming, whimsical and invigorating, this production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL features singing, dancing, and an exuberant joyous energy – even Scrooge can’t avoid it!
For all you Scrooge-lovers out there, this one’s for you. Join Southern Rep (and Spud McConnell!) on a journey of rediscovering the magic of Christmas. I’m a fan of the work that Southern Rep produces, so I definitely plan to check this show out! “A Christmas Carol” runs December 6-21 at the Marquette Theatre at Loyola University. Tickets are $12.50-$25 and can be purchased here.
A Christmas Carol The Musical
No, this isn’t deja vu. There really is another company putting on a production of “A Christmas Carol.” I’m not complaining! After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear (NAME THAT FILM). Anyway. Rivertown, in my opinion, puts on some of the best dang musicals to see in New Orleans. They’re always fun and upbeat, and I enjoy every show I have the pleasure of seeing there. Rivertown’s last show, “One Man, Two Guvnors”, was fan-freaking-tastic, so I have no doubt that this Christmas musical will be just that. Directed by Scott Sauber, and comprised of boatloads of New Orleans talent, this show is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. I, for one, can’t wait to see it. Check out their Facebook page for a sneak peek into their rehearsal/behind the scenes process! The show runs from December 5-21 at Rivertown Theatres for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $32-$37 and can be purchased here.
A Christmassacre Story
We’re switching gears here a little bit and bringing a little gore into your Christmas holiday. You’re welcome. Brought to you by See ‘Em On Stage: A Production Company, “A Christmassacre Story” is described as “a musical mashup of beloved Christmas TV specials & movies meets “Silence of the Lambs””. COUNT ME IN.
“See ‘Em On Stage” will offer New Orleans audiences an immersive, interactive, multi-media, hilarious, and heinously gory theatrical experience that will be the perfect way to spend a gruesome and entertaining night out during the Christmas season. Be prepared to be dazzled by some of New Orleans finest actors, singers, and puppets; all while trying to dodge endless snow and red and green blood splatter. If your preference is to actually leave the theater completely covered in blood, then be sure to get a seat in our SPLATTER ZONE. But be warned: these seats sell out quickly. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll scream. You’ll try to sing along to your favorite Christmas songs (except you won’t know the new lyrics). And you’ll have plenty of laundry to do the next day. Patrons are advised to wear their ugliest Christmas sweaters.
I’ve sat in the aforementioned “splatter zone” for their previous show, “Musical of the Living Dead”, and let’s just say I was scrubbing fake blood off of my skin for about a week. It was awesome. “A Christmassacre Story” runs December 4-14 at The Shadowbox Theatre. Tickets are $15-$20 and can be purchased here.
Nightmare Before Christmas Burlesque
Boys and ghouls of adult age:
Wouldn’t you like to see something strange?
Come with us and you will see
A classic film enhanced with tease!Come watch the greatest holiday movie of all time like you’ve never seen it before! Join Jack, Sally, and all the other denizens of Halloween town as they put on a Christmas celebration the world will never forget. Hosted by none other than Santa Clause!
Please don’t bring your children. December 5-20 at The Shadowbox Theatre. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.
The Amazing Acro-Cats Meowy Catmas!
I couldn’t leave this one out. I do believe that would be considered a sin, and this is the season for not sinning. Anyway, this is for all you crazy cat people out there. As if watching a cat bathe themselves isn’t fun enough, you can now watch cats skateboard, play the drums, and probably even decorate an entire damn tree in five seconds flat. Felines these days, man. I’m definitely going to this. If I’ve ever wanted one thing in life, it’s to see a kitten get drunk on eggnog. The show runs from December 5-21 at The Allways Theatre. Tickets are $16-$19 and can be purchased here.
Alright, you’ve got your Shakespeare, you’ve got your gore, and you’ve got your felines. What more could you possibly want for Christmas? Aside from a holiday buzz, but you can get that yourself. What do I look like? Jesus?
Get your cheery butt down to the theatre this weekend and see one or all of these fantastic shows! Make a night out of it and visit Celebration in the Oaks and kiss your sweetie under the mistletoe and all of that other nauseating CRAP. Just kidding, it’s super cute.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Merry/Happy any other almost politically correct thing you happen to celebrate.
Which show are you most excited to see this month?! Pitch it in the Comments Section like you’d pitch fruitcake into the garbage.
