You could say it’s going to be a “Wicked,” “Wonderful” season.
From classics to cutting edge, the next Broadway in New Orleans season promises a dazzling variety of shows with across-the-board appeal.
With blockbusters like “Wicked,” and “Les Misérables” will come “MJ: The Musical” and the new Louis Armstrong show, “A Wonderful World.”
“The season couldn’t be more suited for our audiences,” said David Skinner, general manager of the Saenger Theatre. “There is a performance for everyone this season. We’re especially looking forward to hosting ‘A Wonderful World,’ which tells the story of Louis Armstrong, a native New Orleanian and musical pioneer.”
The strength of the season is a testament to the growing importance of the Crescent City as a spot for theater.
“One of the best things is that when it comes to Broadway, in the South, we are one of the strongest markets,” said Skinner. “It says a lot about New Orleans and how the community loves Broadway. It speaks volumes.”
And New York producers and touring companies have taken notice.
The 2023-24 Broadway in New Orleans presented by Entergy season of seven shows and two season add-ons includes:
Tony-winner James Monroe Iglehart will play Louis Armstrong in ‘A Wonderful World.’
“A Wonderful World”: Oct. 1-8. Louis Armstrong’s life, music and relationship get the jukebox musical treatment in this new show, as told from the perspective of the women in his life, with classics and original tunes. Tony-winner James Monroe Iglehart will play Satchmo.
“MJ: The Musical”: Nov. 1-12. The late Michael Jackson is the focus of this show, centered on his 1992 “Dangerous World Tour,” with the pop sensation’s moves, music and mystique.
“Wicked”: Nov. 29 to Dec. 17. The story of the witches from “The Wizard of Oz” gets a behind-the-scenes retelling in this stage juggernaut still running on Broadway. The show will have an extended run at the Saenger and is one of the optional productions that can be added to the season ticket.
Jonathan Grunert as Professor Henry Higgins, Madeline Powell as Eliza Doolittle and John Adkison as Colonel Pickering in the national tour of ‘My Fair Lady.’
“My Fair Lady”: Jan. 9-14, 2024. The classic Lerner and Lowe musical of the Pygmalion story with Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle hits the stage with iconic songs such as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.”
“Les Misérables”: Jan. 30, 2024, to Feb. 4, 2024. Victor Hugo’s immortal story of Jean Valjean and company in 1800s France has become one of the longest-running shows in Broadway and London history, thanks in part to such soaring melodies as “I Dreamed A Dream,” “Do You Hear the People Sing” and “One Day More.”
“Ain’t Too Proud”: Feb. 27, 2024, to March 3, 2024. The Temptations’ vast songbook comes to life in this show, packed with songs by Holland Dozier Holland, Smokey Robinson and members of the group, including “Ball of Confusion,” “Come See About Me” and “Get Ready.”
Ellie Puslifer as Annie and Addison as Sandy in the touring company of ‘Annie.’
“Annie”: April 5-7, 2024. Based on the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” this musical sees the lovable redhead goes from rags to riches. The show has won seven Tony Awards and has such memorable hits as “Tomorrow,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and “N.Y.C.” It is also an option that can be added to the season ticket.
“Mrs. Doubtfire”: May 14-19, 2024. Based on the Robin Williams movie, this musical version of the story of a man who transforms himself into a woman to see his children features songs like “As Long As There is Love” and “Make Me a Woman.”
The cast of ‘Clue.’
“Clue The Musical”: June 18-23, 2024. The “whodunnit” board game got a film treatment that has now been turned into a musical with Mr. Boddy, Col. Mustard, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Miss Scarlett and lots of mayhem and music.
New subscriptions are expected to go on sale in March, but a waiting list, requiring a $49 deposit, is open now. Prices for the seven-show package start at $269.
For information, visit broadwayinneworleans.com.