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!
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!
January 25 (SOLD OUT), February 13 (Valentine's Day), February 29 & April 18, 2020
Elvis: Through the Years
Spencer Racca is back at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a new look! Journey through the career of Elvis Presley as Racca pays tribute to “the King” with hits such as “All Shook Up,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” and “Suspicious Minds.”
Wednesday Matinees | January 22 – June 24, 2020
We’ll Meet Again: A Tribute to the Blonde Bombshells of World War II
Join us for this brand new tribute show honoring the best of the WWII songbirds—women who healed the heart and instilled patriotism through their songs.
Weekends | March 7–15, 2020
HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr
HEDY! explores Hedy Lamarr’s Hollywood stardom and inventive achievements in the war effort.
Weekends | March 20–29, 2020
Songs That Won the War
The Victory Belles bring to life the songs that inspired the Allies to victory during World War II.
Saturday, April 4, 2020 & Sundays | April 5 – May 3, 2020
Chaps!
Whoa, Britannia! Panic at the BBC! The year is 1944, America’s favorite singing cowboy Tex Riley and his troupe are late for a special broadcast at the BBC in London.
Weekends | May 8–31, 2020
Hank Williams
There is only one Hank Williams, and only one actor who can bring him to life: Jason Petty. Petty is the only actor to portray Williams in New York City’s hit Off-Broadway musical, Lost Highway, where he won an Obie Award and earned multiple nominations for his performance.
Weekends | June 5-14, 2020
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 | January 30 – June 26, 2020
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.
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!