New Orleans Fall Theater Guide

This fall, enjoy a variety of performances at theaters across New Orleans. From national tours of Broadway productions to local casts in classic plays, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. See below for the best in theater, dance, opera, and classical music this fall in New Orleans.  

  JUMP TO: SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER

SEPTEMBER 

Music of John Williams – Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 

Where: Orpheum Theater  
When: September 18  
Tickets: $35+ 

Immerse yourself in the music of iconic composer John Williams. Experience nostalgia, adventure, and excitement with an evening of music from “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” “Harry Potter,” and more—performed live by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Big Freedia with The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 

Where: Orpheum Theater 
When: September 26  
Tickets: $55+  

Catch this special performance with Queen of Bounce Big Freedia alongside the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Expect an electrifying mashup of symphonic sound and bounce energy as Big Freedia brings her signature style to the concert hall in a genre-defying celebration of music and movement. 

“Prodigal Son” – New Orleans Ballet Theatre 

Where: Civic Theater  
When: September 27-28  
Tickets: $51+  

“Prodigal Son” riffs on the familiar biblical parable. The son, in his desire to be free, asks for his inheritance and embarks on a journey that comes with its set of trials and tribulations. Also on the program is “Cluedo,” choreographed by Julia Adam and based on the popular board game, Clue.

OCTOBER 

“The Lehman Trilogy” 

Where: Le Petit Theatre  
When: October 2-19  
Tickets: $42+  

This epic theatrical event charts the humble beginnings, outrageous successes, and devastating failure of the Lehman brothers. Note: this is a longer play and performances will begin earlier than usual start times. 

“Kimberly Akimbo” 

Where: Saenger Theater   
When: October 7-12   
Tickets: $29.85+  

Winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical, “Kimberly Akimbo” tells the extraordinary story of a bright, funny teenager navigating life with a rare condition that rapidly accelerates the aging process. 

Dance Theatre of Harlem 

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts 
When: October 11   
Tickets: $42+ 

For over 55 years, Dance Theatre of Harlem has been a beloved and groundbreaking force — a singular presence in the ballet world. Witness the dynamic blend of classical mastery and contemporary innovation in this one-night-only performance. 

An American in Paris – Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 

Where: Orpheum Theater  
When: October 22  
Tickets: $35+ 

Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of Gershwin's “An American in Paris,” a sweeping score full of charm and grandeur. 

“Dracula” – New Orleans Ballet Theatre  

Where: Orpheum Theater  
When: October 24, 25, 30  
Tickets: $51+  

Inspired by Bram Stoker’s novel, this ballet will go into the mind of our protagonist, Jonathan Harker, on his journey to Count Dracula’s castle and his inner reckoning with his own darkness and his love, Mina, who fights to bring him back to the light. Costumes are encouraged. 

Market Nights: Alfred Banks – Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 

Where: New Orleans Jazz Market  
When: October 29  
Tickets: $50 

Multi-award-winning, Grammy-nominated rapper/singer Alfred Banks brings his high-energy stage presence and powerful lyricism back to the LPO stage for a night where classical meets hip-hop in thrilling harmony. 

NOVEMBER 

"A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical" 

Where: Saenger Theater   
When: November 11-16  
Tickets: $39+  

“A Beautiful Noise” chronicles the life of legendary performer Neil Diamond, from his roots in Brooklyn to inductions into the Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world. 

Bach & Shostakovich – Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 

Where: New Marigny Theatre  
When: November 14 
Tickets: $50 

Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster, from the intricate artistry of Bach's Ricercare No. 2 and the radiant brilliance of his Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 to the raw, visceral intensity of Shostakovich's Chamber Symphony and the vibrant, theatrical energy of his Ballet Suite No. 1. 

BODYTRAFFIC with Preservation Hall Jazz Band 

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts 
When: November 15  
Tickets: $42+  

BODYTRAFFIC returns to New Orleans with a powerful, one-of-a-kind performance commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Originally commissioned by NOBA in 2008 as a collaboration between Trey McIntyre and Preservation Hall Jazz Band, “Ma Maison” is a love letter to New Orleans. The evening also includes McIntyre’s “Mayday” and excerpts from “The Sweeter End.” Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs with BODYTRAFFIC in this special, one-night only performance. 

Market Nights: Lilli Lewis – Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 

Where: New Orleans Jazz Market  
When: November 19  
Tickets: $50 

Join the LPO for a soul-stirring night with “New Orleans Folk Rock Diva” Lilli Lewis—a celebrated Americana and folk singer, songwriter, and pianist. 

DECEMBER 

Classical Christmas: Messiah – Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 

Where: Orpheum Theater 
When: December 5  
Tickets: $35+ 

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra rings in the holiday season with stunning selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and beloved classical Christmas music. 

“Back To The Future: The Musical” 

Where: Saenger Theater   
When: December 9-14  
Tickets: $39+ 

The beloved film comes to life on stage at the Saenger. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol – Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts 
When: December 12  
Tickets: $34+ 

Bring the whole family to experience the magic of the holidays with your LPO as they perform the film score along with the delightful family-friendly classic, “The Muppets Christmas Carol.” 

Holiday Spectacular – Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 

Where: Orpheum Theater 
When: December 18 
Tickets: $35+ 

This beloved annual tradition brings everyone’s favorite holiday classics to life including Holcombe’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” Silvestri’s Concert Suite from “The Polar Express,” and much more.

“Hell’s Kitchen” 

Where: Saenger Theater   
When: December 30 – January 4  
Tickets: TBA 

Set to the heartbeat of 1990s New York and the music of Alicia Keys, “Hell’s Kitchen” is a powerful coming-of-age story about love, identity, and finding your voice.