By Jeanni Ritchie
Buckle up and grab a playbill — exciting shows are headed to Cenla stages.
Aladdin Jr.
Presented by Pineville High Theatre at PHS Auditorium — 1511 Line St., Pineville
February 26–March 1 (School shows Feb. 27)
A youth adaptation of the Disney musical, following Aladdin’s journey from street thief to hero as he discovers friendship, courage, and self-worth.
Legally Blonde Jr.
Presented by Bolton Academy Theatre at Bolton Auditorium — 201 Vance Ave., Alexandria
March 5–8
A high-energy musical adaptation of the Broadway hit, following Elle Woods as she enrolls at Harvard Law School and proves herself through determination, intelligence, and heart.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Presented by Holy Savior Menard Central High School Theatre at Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center — 1202 3rd St., Alexandria
March 6–8
A classic musical retelling of the beloved fairy tale, emphasizing kindness, transformation, and the power of hope.
Suffs: The Musical
Presented by ASH Theatre at ASH Auditorium — 800 Ola St., Alexandria
March 12–15
A contemporary musical centered on the women’s suffrage movement, highlighting the activism, resilience, and political struggle that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
The Drowsy Chaperone
Presented by TLC at Martin Performing Arts Center — 1140 College Drive, Pineville
March 12–14, 19–21
A comedic musical within a play, featuring a musical theater enthusiast who brings a 1920s show to life in his apartment as commentary unfolds.
Newsies
Presented by Lagniappe Theatre at Lagniappe Event Center — 7521 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria
March 20–22 (School shows March 18–20)
A rousing musical inspired by the 1899 New York newsboys’ strike, featuring working-class youth who organize to stand up against powerful publishers.
Dare to Dream Jr.
Presented by RPSB Talented Theatre at LSUA Richard Gwartney Theatre — 8100 Hwy. 71 South, Alexandria
March 26–29 (School shows March 27)
A musical revue-style production featuring songs from across the Disney canon, celebrating courage, friendship, and believing in oneself.
Almost, Maine
Presented by City Park Players at Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre — 1102 3rd St., Alexandria
April 16–19, 23–26
A play composed of interconnected vignettes exploring love and loss in a small northern town, blending realism with whimsical elements.
Pippin
Presented by Empty Space Players at LSUA Richard Gwartney Theatre — 8100 Hwy. 71 South, Alexandria
April 17–19
A coming-of-age musical that follows a young prince’s search for meaning and fulfillment, presented with theatrical flair and a self-aware performance style.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Presented by Pineville High Theatre at PHS Auditorium — 1511 Line St., Pineville
April 23–26
A family musical adventure about an inventor and his children who restore a magical car and outwit a tyrannical ruler in a whimsical fantasy world.
From seasoned performers to rising young stars, the depth of theatrical talent across Cenla is on full display this spring.
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
