NOLA Spotlight Top 5 Theaters
Lights gently dim, a hush falls, the curtain rises, and the show begins. There's nothing like the rush of anticipation and excitement when you experience a play, a musical, or a favorite performance on the stage. Art and music resonate within the heartbeat of the city and there is no shortage of venues where they can be seen and heard in New Orleans.
Whether it's in the middle of the street, at a festival, under a tent, on the riverfront, or inside a vermillion velvet-covered playhouse, New Orleans nurtures its musical artists and performers with inclusivity and a community-driven sense of respect, positivity, and support. Which such a love for the performing arts and a desire to share that love with our guests and visitors, we invite you to visit each of our Top 5 Theater picks here in the Big Easy.
@lizzie_rowe
Civic Theater
Legendary producers and theater managers The Shubert brothers singlehandedly established the Broadway theater district in New York City during the early part of the twentieth century. After experiencing unprecedented success in the New England area, the brothers came to New Orleans to expand their empire, and in 1906, the Shubert Theater was born. Having changed hands several times before closing its doors for nearly two decades, The Civic was revived in 2011 and carefully renovated with a hefty $10 million budget. With much of the historical integrity intact, the theater also boasts modular flooring on-stage that can be raised or lowered and state-of-the-art technology to put the wow-factor into any performance. Over 100 years after its inception, The Civic proudly holds the illustrious title of the oldest performance theater in New Orleans.
@stay.stitchy
Saenger Theater
A star-studded ceiling, the deep ruby hues of plush seats, Italian Rennaisance sculptures blanketed in ivy vines along the edge of the vaulted ceiling — it is a truly magical experience simply to sit inside this grande dame movie house of old. After Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans in 2005, the Saenger was among its many casualties. Nearly 8 years and $53 million dollars later, the Saenger was restored to all its magnificent, original 1927 glory. Hosting traveling Broadway theater groups and a wide variety of programming, there's something for everyone to see at the Saenger.
@lizzie_rowe
Joy Theater
Clothed in neon lights and sporting art deco style, the Joy Theater opened in 1947 in the bustling city center on Canal Street, one of four major movie theaters in New Orleans at the time. A historic landmark and fixed memory of a quintessential post-war movie palace, the Joy seats up to 1,200 patrons on its main floor and balcony combined. Now serving the community as a music, performance art, and special event venue, it's a veritable walk back in time.
@ponderosastomp
The Orpheum
Built in 1918, in the heart of the Central Business District, this striking edifice's life story is marked by many intriguing facts, not the least of which is that it served as the home theater to the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. As your eye catches the intricate gold plasterwork with bright, cerulean blue accents across the ceiling and the walls, you cannot help but sit in awe of the ornate architectural detail of the interior of the Orpheum. The heavy, substantial swag of the rich, red stage curtain creates a focal point for the vertical hall design. With impeccable acoustics, this stunning venue for all things artistic and musical also offers a summer film series. Admission is free, seats are available on a first come, first served basis, and the lineup features family-friendly films as well as the classics.
Photo by Joanna Broad White
Marigny Opera House
Originally Holy Trinity Catholic Church, founded by the German community of the Faubourg Marigny in 1847, Marigny Opera House is now accurately dubbed the "Church of the Arts". Offering Sunday Musical Meditations and providing a creative performance space for professional ballet, plays, live music and even weddings, this non-denominational establishment lives and breathes their mission "to celebrate the arts as a common spiritual bond among all people."
Lizzie
Lizzie has been at Loews New Orleans since January 2016 and is a new resident of the Big Easy—but no stranger to its rich culture, colorful character and incredible cuisine. Her mom’s a NOLA native, and she’s excited to be returning to her roots.
