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.
Dames at Sea
Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, Inc.
Books and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller
Music by Jim Wise
This tap-happy gem of a show, called “a winner” by The New York Times, celebrates the golden era of movie musicals. A long-running Off-Broadway hit that brought stardom to a 20-year-old Bernadette Peters, this production is a tongue-in-cheek version of those large, flashy, 1930s Busby Berkeley-style musicals in which the naive chorus girl arrives in New York on the bus, steps into a role on Broadway, and becomes a star.
Selected as “Best Musical of the Year” by TIME, Newsweek, and the Outer Critics Circle.
Weekends, October 19 – November 11, 2018
*Performances on October 20 and October 27 are show-only and exclude dinner.
The Best of Sinatra
Our salute to “Ol’ Blue Eyes” features the adorable and charming Spencer Racca backed by the Museum’s Victory Trio. Join us for a nostalgic matinee performance featuring Frank’s classic hits such as Fly Me to the Moon, All of Me, One for My Baby, Come Fly with Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, My Way, and New York, New York. This legend lit up the world with his voice!
Wednesday Matinees through November 28, 2018
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!
November 17 & 24, 2018
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: February 15 & 27, 2019
Dinner & Show: December 30, 2018
Teddy Bear Tea
Don’t miss our third annual Teddy Bear Tea! It’s the perfect holiday experience to share with children and grandchildren, featuring delicious food and sweet treats, lively music from the Victory Belles, a visit from Santa Claus, and a special teddy bear gift for all children in attendance.
December 8, 15, 20, 21 and 22, 2018
Christmas Belles are Ringing!
Ring in the holidays with our talented Victory Belles as they present classic holiday favorites sung in beautiful harmony. This musical smorgasbord features gems of the season such as "The Christmas Song," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Santa Baby," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," "Winter Wonderland," "White Christmas," and a sleighful of other holiday classics.
Select Dates from November 30 – December 29, 2018
Matinee: December 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28
Sunday Brunch: December 2, 9, 16, 23
Dinner & Show: November 30 & December 1, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 29
New Year's Eve
New Years Eve in BB's Stage Door Canteen at The National WWII Museum
With dining by The American Sector Restaurant + Bar
Ring in 2019 at BB’s Stage Door Canteen! Join us as Spencer Racca, Elizabeth Floyd, 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. In between, dance 2018 away to the unrivaled sounds of the 1940s and enjoy a four-course seated dinner with complimentary beer and wine. Close out the year in style!
Monday, December 31, 2018
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.