New Orleans Summer Theater Guide

As New Orleans heats up, there’s nothing like the refuge of a cool theater. What better way to support local artists than by checking out one of the plays or musicals below? Enjoy Shakespeare, Broadway musicals, new productions, and timeless favorites this summer in New Orleans.

June

Waitress

Who: Broadway in New Orleans
Where: Saenger Theater
When: June 10-12
Tickets: $30-70

Back for a limited run this June, Waitress brings the film of the same name to life with the story of Jenna in her quest to win a baking competition - and maybe something more.

As You Like It

Who: New Orleans Shakespeare Festival
Where: Lupin Theater at Tulane University
When: June 10-25
Tickets: $24-40

Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “As You Like It” takes the main stage of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival this June. Cousins Rosalind and Celia flee their home for the Forest of Arden, finding a whimsical community in nature beaming with joy, poetry, and radical acceptance. 

School Girls: Or, The African Mean Girls Play

Where: Loyola’s Marquette Theater
When: June 15-July 1
Tickets: $22-50

Inspired by the hit movie Mean Girls, this version of the film follows much of the same story line with a few exceptions. This play set in Ghana and centers around a fierce rivalry for pageant queen, exploring the similarities (and glaring differences) of teenage girls around the world.  

Choir Boy

Who/Where: Le Petit Theatre
When: June 16-26
Tickets: $17-62

Postponed from its original premiere in January, this deeply moving, Tony-nominated play follows the students at Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys and their quest for gospel choir greatness.

Hamilton

Who: Broadway in New Orleans
Where: Saenger Theater
When: June 21-July 10
Tickets: $59-249

The smash-hit Broadway musical returns to New Orleans this summer with all its hip-hop magic.

By Any Scenes Necessary - Richard III

Who: New Orleans Shakespeare Festival
Where: Lupin Theater at Tulane University
When: June 22
Tickets: $25

One night only and back by popular demand, the actors in By Any Scenes Necessary will attempt to recreate Shakespeare's “Richard III” ... without a script.

Bandstand

Who: Tulane Summer Lyric
Where: Dixon Hall at Tulane University
When: June 23-26
Tickets: $30-50

The Tulane Summer Lyric Theater season kicks off with this musical about a group of veterans returning home to the United States after World War II.

July

Into The Woods

Who: Tulane Summer Lyric
Where: Dixon Hall at Tulane University
When: July 14-17
Tickets: $30-50

This musical from Stephen Sondheim is a dark yet whimsical tale where storybook characters like Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk intertwine.

Henry IV Part I

Who: New Orleans Shakespeare Festival
Where: Lupin Theater at Tulane University
When: July 15-30
Tickets: $24-40

The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane presents “Henry IV, Part I” for the first time in its 29-year history. King Henry IV and his son, Prince Hal battle to keep the crown in this tale of power, honor, and rebellion.

August

Rent

Who: Tulane Summer Lyric
Where: Dixon Hall at Tulane University
When: August 4-7
Tickets: $30-50

The Tulane Summer Lyric Theater season closes with Rent, a musical following a group of struggling artists during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.