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

Billie & Ella

Wednesday Matinee Luncheons, March 8 – June 21

Banter, jokes, jazz, and blues abound when music legends Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald get together. These two iconic musicians are elegantly portrayed by New Orleans' own Kathleen Moore and Chloé Marie Johnson, respectively, and backed by the talented Victory Trio. Enjoy classic hits like “Give Me the Simple Life,” “God Bless the Child,” “Stormy Weather,” and more from music royalty!

11:45 a.m. Seating | 12:45 p.m. Showtime

Pricing: $45 / $42 MembersView Menu

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

Josephine Baker: From Creole Goddess to Siren of the Resistance

Weekends, March 24 – April 2

New Orleans singer and entertainer Anaïs St. John brings her latest cabaret show to BB’s Stage Door Canteen. Through song and spoken word, Anaïs brings to life Josephine Baker’s extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in East St. Louis to the stages of Jazz Age Paris, to her wartime service in France and North Africa, and to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963.

7:00 p.m. Performance on March 24, 31 & April 1
2:00 p.m. Performance on March 25, 26 & April 2

Pricing: $45 / $42 Members

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

Wartime Piano Happy Hour

March 17 | April 14 & 28 | May 12, 19 & 26 | June 2, 16 & 23

After your Museum visit, join us in BB’s Stage Door Canteen for a casual instrumental performance of wartime piano music! Tap along to favorites like “Sentimental Journey” and “I’ll Be Seeing You” and learn how these tunes coincided with significant events of the war. Beverages can be purchased at the bar in the American Sector Restaurant.

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

Dine & Dance with the Victory Swing Orchestra

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! 

View menu.

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

April 15 | May 13 | June 10

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

The Victory Belles Vignette

Vignettes: April 13 & 22 | May 29 | June 3 & 17

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

Letters From Home

Sunday, May 14

As the official Louisiana stop of their 50-States Tour, Letters From Home will bring back the style of the USO with a high-energy performance featuring Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann!

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BB's Stage Door Canteen

The Victory Belles Matinee Luncheon

April 25 | August 9

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
View Menu

Enjoy a delicious buffet style luncheon then tap your toes to a one hour show from the charming Victory Belles.

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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