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. 

SEPTEMBER 

“A Doll’s House” – Crescent City Stage 

Where: Marquette Theater at Loyola University   
When: September 5-8, 12-15, 19-22 
Tickets: $41+ 

A seemingly perfect life unravels as Nora, a charming wife and mother, grapples with a shocking secret: she's been living in a carefully crafted dollhouse, yearning for freedom. In a daring move that shakes the very foundation of her world, Nora makes a choice that will leave audiences questioning everything about love, marriage, and self-discovery. 

Penny Dreadfuls: The Remarkable Rooming-House of Madame Le Monde by Tennessee Williams – The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans 

Where: Lower Depths Theater at Loyola University   
When: September 13-15, 19-22, 26-28 
Tickets: $35+ 

Slapstick and horror abound in this night of grotesque Tennessee Williams vignettes set against a macabre funhouse, with a cast of bizarre and zany characters. This show is for adults only. 

“Tosca” – New Orleans Opera 

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater 
When: September 27, 29 
Tickets: $32+ 

“Tosca” is a timeless opera that tells a story of love, passion, and political intrigue set in the heart of Rome. The story revolves around the fiery opera singer Floria Tosca, who finds herself caught up in a web of political upheaval and personal sacrifice. Musical accompaniment provided by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. 

OCTOBER

“Murder for Two” – Le Petite Theatre 

Where: Le Petite Theatre  
When: October 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 
Tickets: $37+ 

“Murder for Two” is the perfect blend of music, mayhem and murder. In this hilarious 90-minute show, two performers play 13 roles—not to mention the piano—in a witty and winking homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries. 

"Girl from the North Country” – Broadway in New Orleans 

Where: Saenger Theater  
When: October 15-20  
Tickets: $44+ 

Set in 1934 Duluth, Minnesota, journey alongside a group of travelers whose paths cross in a guesthouse filled with music, life, and hope. Written and directed by Conor McPherson, with Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, this extraordinary production reimagines 20 iconic Bob Dylan songs, including classics like "Forever Young," "All Along The Watchtower," and "Like A Rolling Stone." 

Houston Ballet – New Orleans Ballet Association 

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater 
When: October 19 
Tickets: $35+

Houston Ballet makes its highly anticipated return with a stunning program that showcases the artistic depth and technical virtuosity of one of America’s premier ballet companies. George Balanchine’s “Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux” is described by New York City Ballet as “an eight-minute display of ballet bravura and technique.” Stanton Welch’s “Velocity,” created for The Australian Ballet in 2003, is a study in speed, characterized by rapid precision. 

“Dracula” – New Orleans Ballet Theatre 

Where: Orpheum Theater 
When: October 26, 27, 30 
Tickets: $38.50+ 

From the New Orleans Ballet Theatre comes Dracula, a new production from choreographer Oliver Halkowich. 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. 

NOVEMBER 

“Samson and Delilah (in concert) ” – New Orleans Opera 

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater 
When: November 8, 10 
Tickets: $32+ 

With themes of power dynamics and oppression, “Samson and Delilah” remains profoundly relevant, sparking conversations and provoking thought about ever-present realities. Musical accompaniment provided by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. 

“Beetlejuice” – Broadway in New Orleans 

Where: Saenger Theater  
When: November 12-17 
Tickets: $44+

Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. This show is recommended for ages 13+, parental discretion is advised. 

Giordano Dance Chicago – New Orleans Ballet Association 

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater 
When: November 16 
Tickets: $35+

Celebrating over 60 years, this iconic organization’s imprint on the art form is profound with worldwide performances in over 1,300 cities. The evening of quintessentially American works will feature the premiere of “Gershwin B” by the Emmy-Award winning “So You Think You Can Dance” choreographer Al Blackstone in a glorious tribute to the music of George Gershwin. 

DECEMBER 

“Elf” – Broadway in New Orleans 

Where: Saenger Theater  
When: December 3-8  
Tickets: $44+

Based on the movie of the same name, Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. 

"Speak(Easy)" – Mélange Dance Company

Where: Robert E. Nims Theatre 
When: December 13-15
Tickets: $25+ 

A premiere from Mélange Dance Company, Speak(Easy) tells the story of Prohibition-era New Orleans through song and dance at Robert Nims Theater this December 13-15! Whether they were running bootlegging missions, operating gin bathtub parties, or wildly dancing on the speakeasy stage, women ran the revelry. In an adventurous cat and mouse game between enforcement and evader, dancers race against the raids and face hidden themes of this transformative time in American history. The show is set to live jazz from Gabrielle Cavassa + Band.

“The Nutcracker” – New Orleans Ballet Theatre 

Where: Orpheum Theater 
When: December 13-15, 20-23 
Tickets: $38.50+ 

New Orleans Ballet Theatre is thrilled to be bringing The Nutcracker back to its home at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans this December. With nine performances in New Orleans, this beloved two-act ballet will be performed by the professional company and the charming addition of over 120 local children. 

“The Cher Show” – Broadway in New Orleans 

Where: Saenger Theater  
When: December 17-22  
Tickets: $51+ 

Telling the story of one of the most iconic singers of the twentieth century, this musical biopic tells not so much a rags-to-riches story, but rather a rollercoaster ride of poor to rich and back to poor again, coinciding with the highs and lows in her marriages and relationships. Three actresses play Cher as we follow her meteoric career from childhood to her early years in Los Angeles through to her hugely successful 1998 departure single “Believe.”