Music & Art

AROUND THE STATE: SAENGER THEATRE

by Jeanni Ritchie

My youngest child is turning 30 this year and I have plans to make it a spectacular occasion just as I did her siblings. There was the firstborn who turned 30 during the height of the COVID quarantine in 2020. When her planned girls’ trip to Nashville was canceled, I sent her 30 small gifts over 30 days instead. For my son, I hosted an Amazing Race scavenger hunt all over town for his friends. My third child wanted an at-home celebration with family so I wrote a murder mystery script in which everyone had to figure out who killed the family patriach. 

Thirtieth birthdays are a big deal to me as a parent because my parents made mine a big deal as well!

I spent my 30th birthday weekend in New Orleans with my two oldest daughters (8 and 10, at the time) in a suite at Le Meridian to see Beauty and the Beast at the Saenger Theatre in premium club seats. It was pure magic to watch the Beast twirl around as he was lifted up in full view and then come back down again as the Prince. My girls weren’t the only ones in awe at the magic of that show! 

It is my dream to one day have club seat season passes to the NOLA Saenger. I love it there! Whether I’m on the front-row or at the very top balcony row, when I’m at the Saenger I am in my personal Happiest Place on Earth. 

I’ve also seen Mamma Mia, Aladdin, Annie, The Lion King, and so much more in the theatre that was first constructed in 1927. Most recently I built an entire trip around the production of & Juliet, one of the best musicals out there!

With its ornate designs flanking the walls and mesmerizing sets onstage, the Saenger is a true New Orleans destination. 

The 2025-2026 season has not yet been announced but we did get a sneak preview of one upcoming show: Back to the Future the Musical! The show will run one week only, December 9-14, 2025, and tickets will be on sale soon. I cannot wait to see Marty McFly and Doc sing beside the DeLorean!

In the meantime, we still have a few more runs in the 2024-2025 Broadway series:

Mamma Mia, in its 20th year, returns February 11-16. This is one of the most fun shows out there, especially the audience dance party with the cast post-curtain call. 

Funny Girl, recently back on stage after a decades-long hiatus, runs March 11-16. ASH Theatre put on a fabulous performance of this last year with the multi-talented Belle Fine in the lead role. It would be fun to see again. 

Hamilton, one of the most popular musicals of all time, returns to the Saenger April 8-20. Can you believe I’ve never seen this show? I’m trying to talk my mother into going with me- it’s one of her all-time favorites. 

Rounding out the season are The Wiz (May 13-18) and Chicago (June 10-15). 

While I prefer the touring Broadway productions, the Saenger offers so much more.

 The Temptations and The Four Tops performed in concert January 28. The kid-friendly Blippi comes March 23. Comedian Kevin Hart has a tour stop March 30. Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will hold a concert April 25. 

There’s something for everyone at the New Orleans Saenger Theatre!

Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist and lifelong theatre fan. She will be happy to take any unused Saenger tickets off your hands! She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS BANNER
JAN24 DURACELL BANNER
Bayou Mosquito Licensed to Kill Banner 12.14.20
SOUTHERN HERITAGE NEW 10323 BANNER
Generac Banner Ad for Affiliate Link
318Central.com Banner Ad
PARAGON WAYNE TOUPS MARCH 1BANNER
Cunningham Copiers
FEB25 PARAGON KENNY LATTIMORE BANNER