Key Takeaways
- The city of New Orleans is gearing up for the theatricality of Carnival, with a range of shows and performances set to take the stage.
- Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré will present Noel Coward’s "Blithe Spirit" from January 8-25, directed by Ricky Graham and featuring a talented cast.
- Poppet Theater will debut its first show of the year, "Stanley and His Demon", a dark comedy of satire and supernatural chaos, at the New Marigny Theatre.
- The Saenger Theatre will host the North American Tour of Alicia Keys’ "Hell’s Kitchen", a musical that fuses family, music, and life, featuring some of Keys’ top hits and new songs written for the show.
Introduction to Carnival Season
The city of New Orleans is known for its vibrant and eclectic cultural scene, and the upcoming Carnival season is set to bring a range of exciting shows and performances to the city’s theaters. As the city plunges headlong into the theatricality of Carnival, residents and visitors alike can expect a season of sensations and spirits, with a focus on costumes, makeup, music, and mirth. With a range of productions set to take the stage, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from classic comedies to dark satires and musicals.
Noel Coward’s "Blithe Spirit"
One of the highlights of the season is set to be Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré’s production of Noel Coward’s "Blithe Spirit". Directed by Ricky Graham, the show features a talented cast, including Vatican Lokey, Jessie Terrebonne, and Ashley Santos. The play tells the story of a writer who invites a medium to dinner for a seance, only to find himself haunted by the ghost of his first wife. With its flawless construction, believable characters, and hilarious complications, "Blithe Spirit" is a classic comedy that is sure to delight audiences. Graham, who will also appear in the show as the medium, has a long-standing love for Coward’s work, and is excited to bring this production to the stage.
Poppet Theater’s "Stanley and His Demon"
In addition to "Blithe Spirit", Poppet Theater will debut its first show of the year, "Stanley and His Demon", at the New Marigny Theatre. Written and directed by Mariana Santiago, the show is a dark comedy of satire and supernatural chaos, featuring a talented cast, including Peat Wolf, Mia Frost, and Thugsy DaClown. The story follows Stanley, a grifter who masquerades as a church leader, and his wife Esme, who accidentally perform a true exorcism and find themselves stuck with a demon. With its hilarious acting and ironic setting, "Stanley and His Demon" is sure to be a hit with audiences.
Alicia Keys’ "Hell’s Kitchen"
The Saenger Theatre will also host the North American Tour of Alicia Keys’ "Hell’s Kitchen", a musical that fuses family, music, and life, featuring some of Keys’ top hits, including "Fallin’", "Girl on Fire", and "If I Ain’t Got You", as well as new songs written for the show. The musical is roughly based on Keys’ life, and features a dynamic display of music, dance, and drama. With its talented cast and catchy soundtrack, "Hell’s Kitchen" is sure to be a must-see for fans of Keys and musical theater alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming Carnival season in New Orleans is set to be an exciting and eclectic one, with a range of shows and performances set to take the stage. From classic comedies like "Blithe Spirit" to dark satires like "Stanley and His Demon", and musicals like "Hell’s Kitchen", there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of theater, music, or dance, or just looking for a fun and unique experience, the Carnival season in New Orleans is sure to have something to offer. So why not come and experience it for yourself, and join in the spirit of sensations and spirits that defines this vibrant and eclectic city.