BB's Stage Door Canteen

BB's Stage Door Canteen

At The National WWII Museum
Learn More about the History of the Stage Door Canteen

Bette Davis served the desserts. Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall danced the night away. Red Skelton told the jokes and Bing Crosby crooned. The place was the Stage Door Canteen and the guests were the steady stream of GIs headed off to war. Many were leaving home for the first time and the Canteen offered a welcome opportunity to forget their anxieties—if only for a time—with entertainment, fellowship, and a little American spirit.

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans honors this memorable wartime tradition in our very own BB's Stage Door Canteen, an exciting entertainment destination.

BB's Stage Door Canteen presents a wonderful series of unique entertainment, showcasing the songs, style, stars, and spirit of this incomparable era. Enjoy evening and matinee performances by headliner acts, signature musical productions, big bands, dancing, the Victory Belles vocal trio, and more! It's all at BB's Stage Door Canteen!

For more information or to book tickets by phone, please call 504-528-1943.

If you would like to be seated with someone that is not included in your order, please contact us at least three hours before the event.

BB's Stage Door Canteen

Lady Legends Matinee Luncheon

Wednesdays from October 2023 – June 2024
11:45 a.m. Seating | 12:45 p.m. Showtime (1-hour performance)

Honoring the legendary female singing groups from the 1930s to the 1960s and beyond.

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

The Diary of Anne Frank

March 14 – 24, 2024
(2-hour performance)

In this transcendently powerful adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts the horrors of a rapidly changing world with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination.

Ticket is for show only, no meal service.

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

The Victory Belles Matinee Luncheon

March 26

The Victory Belles are a delightful vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum and across the globe.

11:45 a.m. Seating | 12:45 p.m. Showtime (1-hour performance)
Pricing: $45.00 / $42.00 Members
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Enjoy a delicious buffet style luncheon then tap your toes to a one hour show from the charming Victory Belles.

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

The Victory Belles Vignette

Vignettes: April 2 | May 7 | June 4

The Victory Belles are a delightful vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum and across the globe.

1:00 p.m. showtime (A 30-minute show with many of your favorite popular and patriotic 1940s tunes.)

Pricing: $20.00

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

Wartime Piano Happy Hour

April 19 | May 17 & 31 | June 14 & 28

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

After your Museum visit, join us for a live instrumental showcase of wartime piano music! Guests of all ages can tap along to favorites like “Sentimental Journey” and “I’ll Be Seeing You” and learn how these tunes coincided with significant events of World War II. 

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

Swing Caesar Swing! The Music of Nat King Cole

Friday, May 10, 2024 | 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 12, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.

Travel back in time as jazz crooner Caesar sings the music of Nat King Cole and other jazz standards.

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

Dine & Dance with the Victory Swing Orchestra

June 1

Come put a spring in your step at BB’s Stage Door Canteen, the only place in New Orleans where you can experience a live 1940s big band. This amazing ensemble of talented local musicians will have you swinging the night away just like your parents and grandparents did!

Included in the evening is a delicious 3-course meal and a glass of wine to accompany the sounds of the era! 

6:00 p.m. Dinner Seating
7:00 p.m. Music and Dancing

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For more information or to book tickets by phone, please call 504-528-1943.

If you would like to be seated with someone that is not included in your order, please contact us at least three hours before the event.

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Auditions & Employment Opportunities

Find out about audition information for future productions or learn more about employment opportunities at BB’s Stage Door Canteen.

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The story of how Bob Hope gave levity and laughter to troops during one of the most brutal conflicts in human history is a crucial component of the history of the war—and a demonstration of how humanity can shine through in the darkest of times. The National WWII Museum is proud to have BB's Stage Door Canteen performances supported by Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. If you are a veteran of any war, you may be eligible for free show only tickets to BB's Stage Door Canteen performances through our Tickets for Troops program. Please call our box office at 504-528-1943 for more information. 

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Now Playing: So Ready for Laughter

An 11-minute documentary, featured in the recent special exhibit dedicated to Bob Hope’s tireless efforts to entertain servicemembers during World War II, now plays continuously in BB’s Stage Door Canteen. Look for it on your next visit.

Supported by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation.

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The Original Stage Door Canteen

Where could a GI enjoy the best big bands, dance with the ladies, and rub elbows with the likes of Marlene Dietrich? Only at the Stage Door Canteen.

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Victory Belles Birthday Serenade

Do you know a WWII veteran or Home Front worker who’s about to celebrate a birthday? Invite The National WWII Museum’s 1940s songbirds to the party!

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The National WWII Museum

Museum Campus

Location

Solomon Victory Theater