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 and dining destination.
BB's Stage Door Canteen presents a wonderful weekly 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, plus preshow dinner, brunch, or lunch by The American Sector Restaurant & Bar. It's all at BB's Stage Door Canteen!
Higgins: The Man, the Boat, the War
The story about the man, the myth, the legend—New Orleans boatbuilder Andrew Higgins. A combination of live-action newsreel re-creation, musical revue, and dramatic history, this play tells the story of one of America’s most famous wartime Home Front contractors and the combat watercraft that carried the Allied effort to victory.
Weekends | October 11 – November 10, 2019
Songs That Won the War
The Victory Belles bring to life the songs that inspired the Allies to victory during World War II.
Wednesdays | August 14 – November 27, 2019
Dine & Dance with the Victory Swing Orchestra
The National WWII Museum's own Victory Swing Orchestra celebrates the great big bands of the WWII era. This amazing ensemble of talented New Orleans musicians will have you In the Mood to dance the night away!
Saturdays | October 5, November 16, and January 25
The Victory Belles
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.
*Matinee: Now Playing on Select Wednesdays
*Additional matinee date:
Thursday, October 24
Teddy Bear Tea
It’s the perfect holiday experience to share with children and grandchildren. Young guests will be entertained by delicious food and sweet treats, lively music from the Victory Belles, and a visit from Santa with a special teddy bear gift for all children in attendance.
December 7, 14, and 21
A Merry Canteen Christmas
The Victory Belles are back this Christmas season with all your favorite holiday tunes! When a WWII veteran gifts a trunk full of wartime memorabilia, the Victory Belles unwrap so many memories and reminisce the best way they know how—singing in beautiful three-part harmony!
December 1–23, 2019
New Year's Eve
Ring in 2020 at BB’s Stage Door Canteen! Join us as Spencer Racca, Dody Piper, and the Victory Swing Orchestra lead an enthusiastic and celebratory evening, which begins with a complimentary Bellini and ends with a champagne toast and a midnight chocolate buffet.
December 31, 2019
Auditions & Employment Opportunities
Find out about audition information for future productions or learn more about employment opportunities at BB’s Stage Door Canteen.
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 the 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.
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.
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.