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!
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.
Freedom
A new American play, Freedom tells the story of a Holocaust survivor and an Irish immigrant who meet hours before their American naturalization ceremony. Freedom looks at the ways we yearn for freedom—the freedom to face the truth about ourselves with grace, acceptance, and forgiveness.
Special thanks to Sid & Joyce Pulitzer for underwriting this production.
Show Only:
July 19 & 27
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 dates:
Friday, October 4
Thursday, October 24
Sunday Swing
Now in its 14th season, Sunday Swing is a popular summer program featuring local swing bands and dance instructors.
Sunday afternoons | July 7 through August 25
Stage Door Idol
Join us in BB's Stage Door Canteen as singers vie to become the next Stage Door Idol!
Preliminary rounds: July 9, 16, 23 & 30
Finale: August 13
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.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Stage Door Songbook Series: Cole Porter
Travel through Cole Porter’s life and career while hearing his biggest and best hits including “Let’s Misbehave,” “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “From This Moment On,” and “Anything Goes.”
Weekends | September 6–29, 2019
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
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.