Even New Orleans has a chill in the air come January, so why not cozy up in the theater? Local productions and nationally touring shows will keep the winter blues away. Here’s our guide to the winter 2026 season in New Orleans.

 

Jump to: January | February | March
 

January 2026

 

“Hell’s Kitchen”

Where: Saenger Theater   
When: December 30 – January 4  
Tickets: $39+ 

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. 

Mozart Symphony No. 39

Where: New Marigny Theatre
When: January 8
Tickets: $50

This dynamic program takes you on a journey through contrasting styles, from the playful charm of Strauss to the lush modern textures of Schreker and the grand elegance of Mozart. 

“Blithe Spirit”

Where: Le Petit Theatre
When: January 8-25
Tickets: $42+

Novelist Charles Condomine arranges a séance in his home with the eccentric and flighty Madame Arcati as research for his upcoming novel and finds himself haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late wife, Elvira. This unexpected reunion causes conflict with Charles’ current wife, Ruth.

Copland's Rodeo

Where: Orpheum Theater
When: January 15
Tickets: $48+

Journey through the rich tapestry of African American musical traditions with Florence Price's evocative “Ethiopia's Shadow in America” and Carlos Simon's trombone concerto “Troubled Water,” plus finale Copland's “Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo.”

“Fat Ham”

Where: Dillard University's Cook Theater
When: January 15 – February 6
Tickets: $35+

In James Ijames' (WHITE) modern-day comic reinvention of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” an uproarious family barbecue instigates a compelling examination of love, loss, pain, and joy.

“Hadestown”

Where: Saenger Theatre
When: January 23-25
Tickets: $39+

Intertwining two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — “Hadestown” is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.

Brahms Symphony No. 1

Where: Orpheum Theater
When: January 29
Tickets: $48+

From vibrant rhythms to dazzling virtuosity and majestic grandeur, this evening offers a journey for the senses with Valerie Coleman's “Umoja: Anthem of Unity,” a sonic journey through the heart of the African diaspora, the virtuosic brilliance of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto featuring LPO Principal Clarinet, and the breathtaking grandeur of Brahms' “Symphony No. 1.”

“Argentina’s Tango After Dark”

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
When: January 24
Tickets: $42+

Led by tango superstars Germán Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, Tango After Dark sets the stage ablaze with live music, stunning dancers, and the fiery passion of Buenos Aires.

February 2026

 

“Water for Elephants”

Where: Saenger Theatre
When: February 3-8
Tickets: $39+

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to life in a Tony Award-nominated musical adaptation. After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams.

Fire Shut Up in My Bones

Where: Civic Theatre
When: February 22
Tickets: TBA

In the chamber of his soul, Charles confronts the shadows of his past, embarking on a transformative journey of healing and hope. This suite from Blanchard’s critically acclaimed opera features principal artists from the opera and the composer performing his own score.

The Enigma Variations

Where: Orpheum Theater
When: February 26
Tickets: $48+

Dive into the charming world of Grace Williams' "Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes," a delightful tapestry of British folk melodies, be mesmerized by Gold Medalist of the 2024 New Orleans International Piano Competition Zhu Wang's electrifying performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor and be captivated by the intrigue and sheer beauty of Elgar's “Enigma Variations.”

March 2026

 

“Guys and Dolls”

Where: Le Petit Theatre
When: March 5-29
Tickets: $42+

Brimming with gamblers, showgirls, and holy rollers, “Guys and Dolls” is an oddball romantic comedy that finds Nathan Detroit setting up the biggest craps game in New York while fending off questions of marriage from his fiancée of 14 years, Adelaide.

“The Phantom of the Opera”

Where: Saenger Theatre
When: March 4-15
Tickets: $39+

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece returns to thrill audiences yet again in “The Phantom of the Opera.” Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, The Phantom falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness, and passions collide.

French Fables & Fantasies

Where: New Marigny Theatre
When: March 6
Tickets: $50

Delight in the elegant charm of Gabriel Fauré’s “Masques et Bergamasques, op. 112” that sets the stage for Poulenc's playful storytelling in his “L’Histoire de Babar,” bringing to life the beloved tale of Babar the Elephant with humor and heart. The magic continues with Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” and the wonder of Maurice Ravel’s “Ma Mère l'Oye” (Mother Goose Suite)—a vibrant and imaginative orchestral reimagining of childhood fairy tales.

Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Where: Orpheum Theater
When: March 12
Tickets: $48+

Journey through a tapestry of musical brilliance, beginning with the dramatic depths of Farrenc's Overture No. 1 in E minor, followed by the vibrant, modern melodies of Stacy Garrop's "Goddess Triptych," a sonic celebration of Hindu deities, and finally the ultimate crescendo: Beethoven's glorious 9th, a symphony that will ignite your soul and leave you breathless.