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I’d just like to take a moment to give New Orleans a big ol’ round of applause for their theatre scene. It’s like that ball in Katamari. Everything it touches, it grabs a hold of and makes it a part of it. Now let’s give it up for ME, because that was a damn good metaphor. #TFIOS ain’t got nothin’ on this gal.
First and foremost, let me clarify something with you all about the word “theatre”. Not only is it a word that I hold dear to my heart and also have tattooed on my ass, it’s a word whose spelling means more to me than gold. I’ve never actually owned any gold, but that’s beside the point. Theatre ends in “re”, not “er”. I realize both spellings are equally correct, but both are not equally cool. Don’t you want to be cool? I thought so. Use “re”.
Onward!
Theatre is a wonderful form of entertainment, and, luckily, New Orleans is teeming with exciting shows and companies composed of passionate members. Theatre in New Orleans is extremely diverse. For example, you can catch a matinee at Rivertown with your little ones and view something a little more risque at The Allways Theatre that evening. Family-friendly and nudity ALL IN ONE DAY! Something for everyone!
For your enjoyment, I have created a list, in no particular order, of a few shows happening in the coming months in our beloved city. Dust off those ol’ dancing shoes and get yourselves down to the theatre this summer! Where you will sit. And not dance. But, hey, at least your feet will feel fancy.
“Bug” by Tracy Letts – a story of sex, drugs and paranoia
The Allways Theatre
August 7-23, Thursdays-Saturdays at 8PM
Tickets $17-$22, call (504) 758-5590 for tickets
*Disclaimer: don’t bring your little ones, your faint of heart, or anyone who is offended by boobs, balls or booze. This show bares all. 18+!
SEUSSICAL JR!
Rivertown Theatre for the Performing Arts
August 15-24, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30PM and Sundays at 2:00PM
Tickets $16.50, call (504) 461-9475 for tickets
If you’re a fan of Sr. Seuss, a mom with a bunch of children, or a 30-something still holding onto your childhood, then this show is for you. All ages! Rhyming! Primary colors! In all seriousness, Rivertown puts on some pretty fantastic musicals, so I would highly recommend this one, youngster or not!
A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepard
The Elm Theatre with performances at The Dryades Theatre
September 11-October 4, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30PM
Tickets $15-$20, call (504) 218-0055 for more info
*Disclaimer: contains content related to domestic violence, but guarantees some damn fine acting. I’ve seen performances by cast members Chris Marroy, Becca Chapman, and Joel Derby in other productions in New Orleans, and they’re excellent actors. Definitely worth a view!
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
The NOLA Project with performances at NOCCA’s Nims Black Box Theatre
September 4-21, Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00PM and Sundays at 2:00PM
Ticket and show info can be found on nolaproject.comor by clicking here
*Disclaimer: contains adult content such as, but not limited to: the mention of drugs and alcohol, the presence of prostitutes, electroshock therapy, lobotomies, an imaginary man named George, and maybe some boobs. Who knows. The possibilities are endless with this one! If you look closely, you can see Yours Truly playing the role of Nurse Flinn. Fun stuff.
Saints & Sisters: Nuns With Guns in Old New Orleans
Second Star Performance Collective
August 13-15, 20-22, 27-29
Tickets $15 and can be purchased here
I wish I could describe this in some way, other than it sounds like a freaking hoot and is guaranteed to make you laugh so hard, you’ll rupture your spleen. Fear not, the nuns will pray. Six actors play twenty-two roles and the title alone sounds like a good time. I mean, nuns. Nuns with guns.
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre
September 5-6, 10-13, 18-20 at 8:00PM and September 14 at 3:00PM
Ticket info here
This is a New Orleans premiere about dysfunctional siblings who live off of their movie star sister, Masha’s, income. All hell breaks loose when Masha’s man candy, Spike, visits. All I know is that this poster features a tan gentleman’s abs, aka take all of my money, aka drool.
As you can see, there’s a lot going on in this sweet city of ours, and it’s common to miss out on something because you didn’t know about it or you were too drunk to remember (we’ve all been there). Thankfully, for all of you, I exist! And I’m sober, as of now, so you can take my word.
If you take anything away from this article at all, I hope it’s one of the following:
- ‘R’ before ‘e’, except for any other word that requires ‘e’ to come before ‘r’ with the exception of the word “theatre”. Make sense?
- Theatres are supported by their audiences. If you love this city, or yourself, you’ll check out some of the shows I’ve listed!
- I truly do think that my metaphor was superior to the cigarette metaphor in The Fault in Our Stars…
*Please note that this is not a complete list of all of the theatre happening in New Orleans at this time. Please feel free to check out each company’s individual websites or join the Facebook group “New Orleans On Stage” for updates on theatre in New Orleans!
Have you seen any theatre in New Orleans recently? If so, tell us about it in our Comments Section! If not, then stop reading this and go buy a ticket or something.
