14 minute read
Cultural Guide 2023
CULTURAL GUIDE 2023
YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING HAPPENING IN THE ARTS –THEATER, MUSIC, ART, AND SO MUCH MORE!
Broadway in New Orleans at the Saenger Theatre
The ultimate Broadway experience! Broadway in New Orleans presented by Entergy opens its curtains with A Wonderful World, Oct. 1–8. The season will include MJ The Musical, Nov. 1–12; Wicked, Nov. 19–Dec. 17; My Fair Lady, Jan. 9–14; Les Miserables, Jan. 30–Feb. 4; Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, Feb. 27–March 3; Annie, April 5–7; Mrs. Doubtfire, May 14–19; Clue, June 18–23. For tickets, times, and more details, visit neworleans.broadway.com.
Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans
The Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, is a vital hub for contemporary art in the Gulf South. It fosters artist-community connections, idea exchange and social exploration through creative expression. The CAC's programs reflect our mission in action: commitment to artists, the presentation of multidisciplinary artworks and advancing the value and power of the art of our time. For more information on exhibitions and programs, visit cacno.org.
Cutting Edge Theater
Cutting Edge Theater has established itself as an important voice in regional theater focusing on American classics as well as new and lesser-known projects that illuminate the “total theater experience.” The company realizes its mission by uniting an ensemble of theater artists from diverse disciplines who work together with the goal of maintaining a high standard of artistic excellence with programming easily accessible to patrons of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds, and thereby enriching our community’s cultural life. Opening Sept. 9–23 with Love is a Battlefield… Back to the Chapel!; Back to Babs, Oct. 6–14; The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 2; The Color Purple, Jan. 5–27; The Prom, Feb. 23–29, Designing Women: The Play, coming April 2024; and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, in September 2024. For more information, visit cuttingedgetheater.com.
Hammond Regional Arts Center
Since 1982, the Hammond Regional Arts Center has served the area with art exhibitions, performances, educational opportunities and cultural celebrations. City of Hope: Resurrection City & The 1968 Poor People’s Campaign honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s daring vision for economic justice and opportunity for every U.S. citizen, showing Sept. 8–Oct. 5. Subconscious Line by Sierra Arbaugh expresses the artist’s experiences with emotion through the subconscious motions of her own hands and feet, Sept. 8–Oct. 5. Vanishing Pages, an exhibition of artwork by Amy Neill, Amy Schwartzmann Harvie & Diana Clements showing Oct. 13–Nov. 9. Fragments of Nature by Ryan Gianelloni utilizes both natural and found objects to bring texture and depth to otherwise flat surfaces, Oct. 13–Nov. 9. Exhibition of Work by members of the Contemporary Fiber Artists of Louisiana is a group exhibition including a variety of media and techniques (textiles, paper, digital printing, dyeing, natural and man-made fibers and materials) in multiple dimensions, Nov. 17–Dec. 21. For more information, visit hammondarts.org.
Jefferson Performing Arts Society
Jefferson Performing Arts Society is a non-profit performing arts organization with diverse programming including musical theater, ballet, plays and more. JPAS annually provides a wide range of theatrical performances that appeal to many interests and age groups, including a selection of musical theater, drama, dance and music. JPAS strives to network and partner with national and international artists and companies to bring new and diverse programming to the southern region. Their season continues with The View Upstairs, Sept. 8–17; Steel Magnolias, Sept. 21–Oct 7; Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, Oct. 27–Nov. 5; Looped, Nov. 9–19; The Nutcracker, Dec. 16–17, The Mountain Top, Jan. 25–Feb 4; Jesus Christ Superstar, March 15–24; and Michael Frayn’s Noise Off, April 12–21. Touring shows include The Adventures of the Tortoise & Hare, Sept. 24; Snow White performed by the Grand Kyiv Ballet, Oct. 7; Swan Lake performed by the Grand Kyiv Ballet, Oct. 7; Whose Live Anyway, Nov. 11; and Blind Boys of Alabama, Dec. 1. For details and ticket information, visit jpas.org.
Le Petit Theatre Du Viex Carre
New Orleans’ most historic playhouse, Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré, has played an important role in our nation’s theatrical history since 1916. Since moving into its current home in 1922, the “Little Theatre” has entertained thousands of audience members in a wide array of dramas, comedies and musicals. Hundreds of actors, designers, directors and technicians, both local and national, have shared their talents to make Le Petit a true shining star in the theatrical world. The current season will include Let the Right One In, Oct. 5–22; Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Jan. 11–18; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, March 7–31; Born with Teeth, April 25–May 12; and The Importance of Being Earnest, June 6–23. For more information, visit lepetittheatre.com.
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) is dedicated to maintaining live orchestral music and a full-scale symphonic orchestra as an integral part of the cultural and educational life of the New Orleans area, the state of Louisiana and the Gulf South. Formed in 1991, the LPO is the oldest full-time, musician-governed and collaboratively-operated orchestra in the United States. Their Northshore Classics Series take place at Fuhrmann Auditorium in Covington. Performances this season include Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, Sept. 21; Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 21; Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Jan. 5; and Copland’s Appalachian Spring, March 14. This year’s Sunset Symphony will take place on the Mandeville Lakefront on Oct. 28. For more information, visit lpomusic.com.
LUNA Fête
LUNA Fête is a visionary initiative created by the Arts New Orleans to demonstrate the power of art to transform communities. This free and open-to-the-public festival of light, art and technology celebrates New Orleans creative industries and provides a memorable experience for diverse event attendees. Happening Dec. 7-10. For more information, visit lunafete.com.
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
Situated in Louis Armstrong Park next to the historic Congo Square, the Mahalia Jackson Theater seeks to honor the music and culture of the past while ushering in the best of performance art today. Shows happening this season include Anthony Jeselnik “Bones and All”, Sept. 7; Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert, Sept. 16; Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party, Oct. 6; Snarky Puppy, Oct. 10; The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 28; and Wheel of Fortune Live, Dec. 12. For more information, visit mahaliajacksontheater. com.
New Orleans Ballet Association
New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) cultivates understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of dance through performance, education and community service. Dynamic programs and innovative strategies position NOBA as the leading dance presenting and service organization in serving over 30,000 people in Louisiana through two services. The Main Stage Series is a full season of performances by world-class dance companies of all genres presented at the Mahalia Jackson Theater and in partnership with NOCCA and Tulane University. The second program is a comprehensive health/wellness and arts healing programs that educate, train and nurture individuals ages 4-80+ through tuition-free classes and outreach activities annually at up to 20 neighborhood sites, as well as virtually. For more information on shows and programs, visit nobadance.com.
New Orleans Jazz Museum
Celebrating jazz in the city where it was born, the New Orleans Jazz Museum offers a collection of more than 25,000 artifacts, making it the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world. With permanent collections including The Wildest! Louis Prima Comes Home and Drumsville: The Evolution of the New Orleans Beat, 300 concerts, and 15 festivals a year, there is something for everyone. For more information, visit nolajazzmuseum.org.
New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), the city’s oldest fine arts institution, opened in 1911 with nine works of art. Today, the museum hosts an impressive permanent collection of nearly 50,000 pieces. The collection continues to expand and grow, making NOMA one of the top art museums in the South. Right outside the museum is the 12-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, one of the most important sculpture installations in the US, featuring 90+ sculptures amidst lush landscaping, lagoons, ancient oaks and bridges. Current and upcoming exhibitions include Monochromes: Japanese Zen Paintings and Ceramics, through Nov. 5; Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour, through Nov. 26; New at NOMA: Recent Acquisitions in Contemporary Art, through Dec. 31; and Ring Redux: The Susan Grant Lewin Collection, through Feb. 4. For a list of all exhibits and programs, visit noma.org.
New Orleans Opera
New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA), which began its 81st season in July, is committed to enriching the lives of all people by producing opera of the highest artistic quality and providing educational opportunities through traditional and innovative approaches. The season kicks off with The Marriage of Figaro, Sept. 29 and Oct. 1; BLUE, Nov. 10 and 12; Lisette, Dec. 1; and Lucia Dilammermoor, March 22–24. For more details and tickets, visit neworleansopera.org.
Northlake Performing Arts Society
The Northlake Performing Arts Society was founded in 1995 as an auditioned community choir to establish a venue for fine choral arts performance. Over the years, the NPAS chorus has developed into an organization known for musical excellence and a high level of professionalism. NPAS recognizes great music can inspire profound change in our lives, our community and our culture. Shows this season include Don’t Stop Believing: A Rock Collection, Oct. 13 and 15; Christmas with the Covington Concert Band, Dec. 14–15; Cinemagic: Music from the Movies, March 8 and 10; and “Pop” Through the Decades, May 17 and 19. For more information, visit npassingers.org.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Located in the energetic Warehouse Arts District, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art and is recognized for its original exhibitions, public events and educational programs. It intertwines visual art, music, literature, and culinary heritage to offer a comprehensive narrative of the South's development and traditions. Current exhibitions include the Louisiana Contemporary 2023 presented by The Helis Foundation, through Feb. 18; 10th Annual HBU Art Showcase, presented by the New Orleans (LA) Chapter of The Links, Inc., through Oct. 8; Knowing Who We Are: From 19th Century Academic Painting Through Southern Realism, through Feb. 18; and Knowing Who We Are: The Rise of Abstraction, Vernacular Art and Photography, through March 3. For more information, visit ogdenmuseum.org.
Playmakers, Inc.
One of the longest continuously operating community theaters in the U.S., Playmakers, Inc., was organized in 1955 as a non-profit, voluntary amateur theater and has functioned as an organization for the promotion of dramatic interests in the Covington area. Playmakers gives an opportunity to all interested persons to participate in live theater. The season kicks off with Into the Breeches, Sept. 30–Oct. 15, A Christmas Story – The Musical, Dec. 2–17; The Lion in Winter, Jan. 13–28; Murder at Weathersfield, March 9–24; Picasso at the Lapin Agile, May 11–26; and The Pirates at Penzance, July 13–28. For information and tickets, visit playmakers-theater-05.webself.net/home.
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts’ mission is to bring new and exciting productions to the New Orleans area while providing local theater artists an opportunity to perform and create. They produce a wide range of professional theatrical performances, from musicals to children’s theater to more controversial and thoughtprovoking works. This season will showcase Singin’ in the Rain, Sept. 8–24,; Assassins, Oct. 20-–Nov. 5; A Christmas Story – The Musical, Dec. 1–17; The Big Easy Boys: Live on Lloyd Price Ave., Jan. 12–28; The Prom, March 8–24; Sister Act, The Musical, May 3–19; and Mean Girls – High School Version, July 11–21. For more information on upcoming shows, visit rivertowntheaters.com.
Slidell Little Theatre
Slidell Little Theatre offers the finest in community theater on the Northshore. It was founded in 1963 by volunteers who recognized the need for live theater in St. Tammany Parish. Over the years, it has produced over 350 main stage productions, showcasing the on-stage and off-stage talents of nearly 400 area residents and entertaining approximately 10,000 adults and children each season. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Aug. 18–Sept. 10; Harry and the Thief, Oct. 6–15; The Christmas Schooner, Dec. 1–17; Romeo and Juliet, Jan. 12–21; Next to Normal, Feb. 23–March 9; and Legally Blonde, April 12–18. For details and ticket information, visit slidelllittletheatre.org.
Southeastern Louisiana University / Columbia Theatre
Established in 1928, the historic theater has a long, significant history within the Hammond community and Southeastern Louisiana. The Columbia Theatre produces plays, musicals and interactive events, screens major motion pictures and hosts concerts, special events and a variety of live performances. Every square inch of this historic building is utilized, whether the event be held in the 830-seat Hainkel Hall, the Studio Theatre, the Balcony Lounge or the main lobby. The season will feature Aladdin! Choose Your Own Arabian Night, Sept. 22-–30; The Dinosaur Experience, Oct. 7; Tango in the Night: Mary’s Wish presents an Evening of Fleetwood Mac, Oct. 13; The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 20–21; Southeastern’s Dance Performance Project: Alumni, Nov. 5; Southeastern’s Concert Choir and Bella Voce, Nov. 9; Southeastern’s Wind Symphony, Nov. 14; Holiday Extravaganza: Southeastern’s Big Band Christmas Concert, Nov. 30; Holiday Extravaganza: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dec. 1; The Nutcracker, Dec 8–10; Grease, March 15-23; The Bill Evans Jazz Festival, Apr 17-20; Northlake Community Band, University Chorus, Northshore Choral Society & Southeastern’s Symphonic Band, April 30, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, May 2. For more information, visit columbiatheatre.org.
St. Tammany Art Association
The St. Tammany Art Association was founded in 1958 by a small group of civicminded individuals dedicated to bringing art to western St. Tammany Parish. Today, STAA has grown into an organization with over 300 members. Serving as a catalyst for the arts, the organization’s Art House building in downtown Covington serves the needs of emerging and established artists and provides arts education and exhibitions to the community. Join STAA in downtown Covington on Oct. 14 for Fall for Art, featuring new work from dozens of artists, live music and entertainment. For event details visit sttammanyartassociation.org.
Three Rivers Art Festival
Since 1997, the Three Rivers Art Festival has bombarded the streets of downtown Covington with fun, music, color and, most importantly, art. Attracting upwards of 60,000 visitors, the award-winning festival is dedicated to bringing the best of fine arts and fine crafts to historic downtown Covington. Held Nov. 14–15. For more information, visit threeriversartfestival.com.
The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. THNOC has helped local residents and visiting tourists better understand the multicultural history of the region through thought-provoking exhibitions, original books, periodicals, and articles, and its public research center. In addition, it offers a robust programming schedule and an extensive array of educational resources for teachers and students of all levels. Current exhibits include American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, until Oct. 8, and “Yet She Is Advancing”: New Orleans Women and the Right to Vote, 1878-1970, until Nov. 5. For more information, visit hnoc.org.
30 by Ninety Theatre
30 by Ninety Theatre’s mission is to create a personal experience for the audience through the shared medium of theater that invigorates, challenges and entertains. Showing this season is 13 The Musical, Sept. 8–17; The Rocky Horror Show, Oct. 14–29; and A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular, Dec. 1–10. For tickets and more information, visit 30byninety.com.
