It’s no secret that New Orleans loves to put on a show. It’s a theatrical city that lives and breathes live entertainment.
From a full ensemble filling the stage to a street performer standing as still as a statue, every corner of New Orleans has an artistic side to explore.
With so many live acts and special shows on any given night, it can be hard to choose just one. Check out some of our favorite highlights for the best theater, comedy, and more in New Orleans!
Theater
If you love the time-honored, traditional theater show, Le Petit Theater never disappoints. There’s always a spirited performance on the marquee of this iconic spot in the French Quarter.
Le Petit theater is NOLA’s most historic theater and is still going strong as a non profit venue. With a well-curated events calendar, the space is dedicated to presenting high quality theater, as well as supporting the local theater community. Every evening in the audience is sure to be a treat.
The Orpheum Theater is a gorgeous historic venue with live entertainment in New Orleans. (Photo by Anthony Turducken)
If musical theater is more of your thing, the Orpheum Theater is the place for you. The theater hosts all the big-name traveling musicals and plays on the NOLA leg of their national tours.
The spot is also a great concert venue for those who enjoy seated concerts. With a schedule full of famous solo musicians as well as orchestras and symphonies, the Orpheum is arguably the most diverse in the city. Check out their event calendar to find the perfect live show for you.
Comedy
While Saturday-night people watching on Bourbon street might give you your fill of cheer, a comedy show at the New Movement is a sure thing. This full-time comedy conservatory hosts a range of improv troupes, touring comedians, and more.
The New Movement Comedy Shows Offer Tons of Laughs. (Photo courtesy of Chris Trew via gonola.com)
Every Tuesday, Howlin’ Wolf hosts their Comedy Beast showcase in the Den. This intimate stage next door to the main venue is perfect for comedy shows, and some of the best stand-up comedians in the city take the mic for this weekly event.
Burlesque
New Orleans’ burlesque history is more than an intriguing story. The city has long regarded burlesque as a cherished art form, and the live shows of yesteryear helped shape the free-spirited charm that New Orleans is so well known for.
During the heyday of Bourbon Street, it wasn’t odd to have upwards of 20 different venues hosting burlesque shows on any night of the week. The dancers were considered to be local celebrities and many drew crowds of hundreds for their live performances.
While the burlesque community is now somewhat smaller, it certainly has not gotten any tamer. You can stroll down Bourbon and find tasteful and graceful adult entertainment shows happening every weekend. And The AllWays Lounge and Theater on St. Claude hosts a wide variety of burlesque shows – the spot is a local favorite for a night of risqué entertainment.
Burlesque is a time-honored art form in New Orleans that continues to take center stage. (Photo credit: DivaGirl)
Even if you’ve never attended a burlesque show, it’s worth seeing a NOLA performance. Give it a try while you’re in New Orleans!
Book Your New Orleans Vacation Today!
Whichever form of theater strikes your fancy, you’re sure to find the perfect show for you in New Orleans. And when you stay at our boutique hotel, our prime location makes it easy to join the crowd at any world-famous venue.
Come experience the magic of live New Orleans entertainment – Book your stay at Bienville House today!