The Mahalia Jackson Theatre Company in New Orleans is the city’s premiere establishment for hosting major Broadway road touring shows. The company was established in 1973 and its inaugural performance was by Norman Treigle, who was a New Orleans born bass/baritone. He was also an international opera star and delivered an incredibly performance with the New Orleans Symphony of Verdi’s Messa di Requiem. This is one of the city’s top locations for visiting theatre as well as self produced performances and it is popular with both residents and tourists. It is a common association that most of the hotel guests in New Orleans are there to visit Bourbon Street whether it is Mardi Gras or any other time of year, but it is actually true that there are numerous other cultural events that are equally or more inviting, just a little less nationally notorious.
Unfortunately the theatre building was one of the numerous casualties of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina. As the company recognizes, the loss of some of the cultural buildings was not as tragic as the loss of the lives, though this still was a major loss to the city and its arts scene. One of the overlooked tragic aspects of this storm was all of the damage that was done to some of the major cultural landmarks of the city and it was only due to the commitment and efforts of many people, including the Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who supported the construction of the current theatre. The reopening celebration occurred in 2009 and the company is again hosting major touring productions and various music concert events. In addition, some of the top comedians, musicians and bands perform at the theatre when they are in town. Mamma Mia! recently closed its performance at the theatre and the Wicked tour will be opening there later in March. Other productions that have graced this New Orleans stage include Cats, The Color Purple and Avenue Q.
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