The Saenger Theatre in New Orleans Reopens Sept. 28 with Jerry Seinfeld

The long-awaited reopening of the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans takes a tantalizing step closer to reality with the announcement of a fall lineup that begins Sept. 28 with two performances by master ironist Jerry Seinfeld. A full season of shows will be announced at a later date. 

The Saenger has been closed since 2005, when the levee failures that followed Hurricane Katrina allowed floodwaters to flow into the old theater. In the intervening eight years, the luxurious 1927 playhouse has undergone a $52 million restoration and expansion of the backstage area led by the City of New Orleans, Canal Street Development Corp., and ACE Theatrical Group.

The theater announced the Broadway in New Orleans season in March, kicking off with “The Book of Mormon,” a musical comedy from the creators of “South Park.” The show earned nine Tony Awards and a Grammy Award for its cast album. It opens Oct. 15 and runs through Oct. 27.

Here’s a look at other entertainment that has been announced so far, with ticket sale dates noted where available:Sept. 28 -- Comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld performs two shows. Tickets on sale June 21.

• Sept. 29 -- “Men of Soul,” a musical review with Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson and Howard Hewett. Tickets on sale June 22.
• Oct. 2 -- “Band Together,” a free community concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Oct. 4 -- Comedians D.L. Hughley and Eddie Griffin perform. Tickets on sale June 22.
• Oct. 5 -- The Saenger Opening Gala, starring Kristin Chenoweth and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Oct. 10 -- Comedian Brian Regan appears Oct. 10. Tickets on sale June 28.
• Oct. 12 -- “A Prairie Home Companion,” the long-running radio variety show starring Garrison Keillor. Tickets on sale June 29.
• Oct. 13 -- Wynton Marsalis and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra perform the Abyssinian Mass. Tickets on sale June 27.
• Nov. 9 -- “1964: The Tribute,” a Beatles impression concert. Tickets on sale June 27.
• Nov. 16 -- Topical comedian Bill Maher appears. Tickets on sale June 28.
• Nov. 17 -- The “Celtic Thunder” musical group performs. Tickets on sale June 22.
• Nov. 26 -- Bluesman Joe Bonamassa appears. Tickets on sale June 27.
• Dec. 3 -- The Irish Tenors appear. Tickets on sale June 28.
• Dec. 6 -- Blues artist Bonnie Raitt performs.
• Dec. 26 -- The theater presents the Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker.” Tickets on sale June 29.
• Jan. 10 -- The Fresh Beat Band plays. Tickets on sale June 29.

FROM: www.nola.com