Crescent City celebrations stay in full swing this December with a sleigh-full of shows opening and continuing to keep the stages in a merry state.
Plus, the “Nutcrackers” seem to multiply like the mice under the tree. Now, where did that shoe go… .
But fear not, there’s more theater and entertainment on the horizon.
Can a ‘Steamroller’ be lagniappe?
To keep the joy of the season going strong, the Saenger Theatre again welcomes techno-music wizard Chip Davis for “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28.
Celebrating 40 years, the distinctive sights and sounds of Davis’ Mannheim show come alive in the unique setting of the Canal Street theater, with multimedia effects and twists on traditional carols that are still fresh. Blending contemporary musical styles with ancient instrumentation and ambiance, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas is a mainstay in many holiday collections.
Despite early naysayers cautioning Davis against an all-Christmas show, the tour has now become one of the longest-running concert tours. Two traveling ensembles bring the show on tour.
Tickets start at $49. saengernola.com.
On stage this week, Dec. 18-24
“ANNIE”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21; Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Drive. The Broadway smash, about a Depression-era orphan selected to spend the holidays with megarich “Daddy” Warbucks, is filled with singing orphans and memorable songs like “Tomorrow” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Tickets start at $25. slidelllittletheatre.org.
The Big Easy Boys will perform in concert.
“CHRISTMASTIME IN NEW ORLEANS”: 6 p.m. Thursday; Historic BK House and Gardens in the French Quarter; and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday; Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in Kenner. The Big Easy Boys 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 touch of cool to keep the season merry and bright. The new holiday revue, backed by a live band, is a compilation of favorites and holiday hits. Tickets start at $30. bkhouse.org and rivertowntheaters.com.
Marguerite Perrin as Miss Dixie
“DIXIE’S HOLIDAY BAR”: The show is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, except Friday; Café Istanbul, 2732 St. Claude Ave. Marguerite “God Warrior” Perrin, of reality TV fame, stars in the show, created by Jason Derek North and Vaughn Trudeau and written by Quinn L. Bishop, set in 1956 for Miss Dixie’s Christmas Variety Show fundraiser to help restore the bar after a brawl. A night of cocktails, carols and merry mayhem follows. Tickets start at $30. dixiesholidaybar.com.
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: 1940S RADIO PLAY”: 6 p.m. Friday; BB’s Stage Door Canteen, National WWII Museum, 1945 Magazine St. One night only of the classic holiday movie of a man who sees what life would be like without him. Using vintage Foley sound effects and a sizable company, the show brings the story to life as it would have been done in a radio studio during the war period. Tickets start at $27. nationalww2museum.org.
Gary Rucker, left, plays George Bailey and David W. Hoover is the angel-in-training Clarence in Ricky Graham’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life Y’all’ at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in Kenner.
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Y’ALL”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Dec. 18, and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21; Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St., Kenner. Local entertainment icon Ricky Graham has turned his focus to melding Crescent City character with a holiday hallmark in this takeoff of the 1946 film with New Orleans touches that will appeal to all ages. Tickets start at $43. rivertowntheaters.com.
And ‘Nutcrackers,’ too
“THE NUTCRACKER”: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday to Tuesday; Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way. New Orleans Ballet Theatre will perform Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Tickets start at $51.55. neworleansballettheatre.com
“THE NUTCRACKER”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, Metairie. The Jefferson Ballet Theatre presents the ballet based on Hoffmann’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” with the JPA Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Dennis G. Assaf, directed by Kenneth Beck, and choreographed by Kimberly Matulich-Beck. Tickets start at $38.75 via Ticketmaster. jeffersonpac.com.
“THE NUTCRACKER”: 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St. Delta Festival Ballet, with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, will present the story of Drosselmeyer’s gift to Clara, with Joseph Giacobbe as artistic director featuring Sarah Lane, of American Ballet Theatre, and Chun Wai Chan, of New York City Ballet. Tickets start at $54.90. mahaliajacksontheater.com.
“THE NUTCRACKER”: 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Ursuline Academy, 2635 State St. New Orleans School of Ballet presents the classic with guest artists Ingrid Silva and Caio Rodrigo, of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Louisiana touches will be part of the production, from pelicans and magnolias to a female Nutcracker. Tickets start at $28. nosb.ticketbud.com.
“NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET:” 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 26; Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. The 33rd annual tour of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Christmas fantasy will include members of the touring company will be New Orleans children from Arabesque Ballet Theater International. Tickets start at $42. saengernola.com.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
