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. With special thanks to the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum.
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: Select Wednesdays from January 9 – June 26
Sunday Brunch:
April 28 & May 5
*Additional matinee dates:
Friday, October 4
The Best of Sinatra
Our salute to “Ol’ Blue Eyes” features Spencer Racca backed by the Museum’s Victory Trio—returning to BB’s for a limited engagement weekend cabaret, dinner, and brunch performances.
Dinner & Show:
May 10, 18, 24 & June 1
Cabaret Show:
May 11, 17, 31
Sunday Brunch:
May 12, 19, 26 & June 2
The Rat Pack Now
The Rat Pack Now is a world-class tribute show recapturing the music, style, comedy, and camaraderie of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.
Dinner & Show:
June 14
June 15
Sunday Brunch:
June 16
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.
Dinner & Show:
June 8
Latin Music Dine & Dance with Muevelo
Join us for a musical journey to the Caribbean, complete with guest musicians and a special menu.
Dinner & Show:
June 22
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.