Key Takeaways:
- The holiday season is bringing a variety of shows to the New Orleans area, including "Christmastime in New Orleans," "Dixie’s Holiday Bar," and "It’s a Wonderful Life: 1940s Radio Play."
- These shows offer a range of entertainment options, from musical comedies to radio plays, and feature local talent and iconic characters.
- Tickets are available for these shows, with prices starting at $20-$53, and can be purchased through various websites, including rivertowntheaters.com, bkhouse.org, and nationalww2museum.org.
- Other holiday shows in the area include "A Christmas Carol," "Annie," "Back to the Future: The Musical," "Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas," "It’s a Wonderful Life Y’all," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "’Twas the Night Before Christmas."
Introduction to the Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a plethora of festive shows and performances to get us in the mood for merriment and cheer. In the coming days, a trio of shows with a seasonal slant will open in the New Orleans area, offering a range of entertainment options for all ages. From musical comedies to radio plays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Big Easy Boys Bring Holiday Cheer
The Big Easy Boys are putting the cool in Yule with their new holiday revue, "Christmastime in New Orleans." The quartet, accompanied by the Big Easy Babes at the Kenner shows, brings a bit of nostalgia and fun to the performances of tight harmonies and fond memories. With a live band backing them up, the show is a compilation of favorites and holiday hits that is sure to keep the season merry and bright. The shows will be held at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts and the Historic BK House and Gardens, with tickets starting at $53 and $30, respectively.
Dixie’s Holiday Bar: A Musical Comedy
Reality television personality Marguerite "God Warrior" Perrin is hitting the stage for the first time in an immersive musical comedy at Café Istanbul. "Dixie’s Holiday Bar" is set in 1956 and follows the legendary Bourbon Street personality as she helps the LGBT+ community of patrons and performers. The show, created by Jason Derek North and Vaughn Trudeau and written by Quinn L. Bishop, promises to be a night of cocktails, carols, and merry mayhem. Tickets start at $30, and the show will run from Tuesday through December 18 and December 20-21.
It’s a Wonderful Life: 1940s Radio Play
BB’s Stage Door Canteen at The National WWII Museum is presenting a radio play perfect for the season, "It’s a Wonderful Life: 1940s Radio Play." The show features a host of local vocal icons and young talents in a one-night-only offering on December 19. The story follows a man who sees what life would be like without him, and the show brings the classic holiday movie to life using Foley sound effects and a sizable company. Tickets start at $27, and the show starts at 6 p.m.
Other Holiday Shows in the Area
In addition to these shows, there are many other holiday productions in the area, including "A Christmas Carol," "Annie," "Back to the Future: The Musical," "Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas," "It’s a Wonderful Life Y’all," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "’Twas the Night Before Christmas." These shows offer a range of entertainment options, from classic tales to modern twists, and feature local talent and iconic characters. Tickets are available for these shows, with prices starting at $20-$54, and can be purchased through various websites.
A Christmas Carol: A Classic Tale
Crescent City Stage is presenting a one-night-only reading of the popular adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" by Patrick Barlow. The show features Michael A. Newcomer as Scrooge and four actors as the rest of the characters. Tickets start at $54, and the show will help fund Crescent City’s season and studio programming. The show will be held at The Josephine on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Annie: A Broadway Smash
Slidell Little Theatre is presenting the Broadway smash "Annie," about a Depression-era orphan selected to spend the holidays with megas rich "Daddy" Warbucks. The show is filled with singing orphans and memorable songs like "Tomorrow" and "You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile." Tickets start at $25, and the show will run through December 21.
Back to the Future: The Musical
The Saenger Theatre is presenting "Back to the Future: The Musical," based on the hit movie. The story focuses on the hapless teen who befriended scientist Emmett "Doc" Brown and travels back in time to when his parents were teens. Tickets start at $39, and the show will run from Thursday through Sunday.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts is presenting "Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas," based on Jane O’Connor’s books. The show follows the title character as she prepares for a festive Yule, from tree trimming to sparkling fashions. Tickets start at $20, and the show will run through December 21.
It’s a Wonderful Life Y’all
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts is also presenting "It’s a Wonderful Life Y’all," a takeoff of the 1946 film with New Orleans touches. The show features local entertainment icon Ricky Graham and promises to appeal to all ages. Tickets start at $43, and the show will run through December 21.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Jefferson Performing Arts is presenting "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," based on the Rankin/Bass stop-motion TV show. The show features the songs and characters from the classic tale, including Rudolph, Hermey, and Santa. Tickets start at $28, and the show will run through December 21.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Playmakers Theater is presenting "’Twas the Night Before Christmas," a holiday show about a mouse, elf, and little girl who won’t take no for an answer. Tickets start at $23, and the show will run through December 21.