September Theatre

“Because I Love You: A Musical Poem for Oretha Castle Haley by Hannibal Lokumbe” (New Orleans)

Sept. 8, at the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., at 8 p.m. For more info: (504) 528-3800. Composer and Grammy-award winning jazz trumpeter, poet and playwright Lokumbe musically depicts the tribulations and triumphs of life in Black America.

“Curious Savage” (Houma)

Sept. 9-23, at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays, at the Le Petit Theatre de

Terrebonne, 7929 Main St. For more info: (985) 876-4278. This light comedy focuses on a wealthy woman named Mrs. Savage who is institutionalized by her greedy relatives after she begins donating her millions to “frivolous causes.” After she stashes the cash in the sanatorium, the family is intent on finding it.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Kenner)

Sept. 14- 30, at the Rivertown Repertory Theatre, 325 Minor St. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and students, and $12 for children. An optional pre-performance buffet is also available. For more info: (985) 468-7221. With new music and lyrics, this production tells the story of a young woman who has moved to New York City in 1922 in search of a new life for herself.

“Showboat” (Baton Rouge)

Sept. 14-30, at the Baton Rouge Little Theatre, 7155 Florida Blvd., at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on weekends. Tickets are $23. For more info: (225) 924-6496. This classic follows Magnolia, the naïve daughter of the showboat captain, as she marries a gamble and moves with him to Chicago until he eventually deserts her and her daughter. In time, Magnolia and her now grown daughter reunite with her family -including her hubby – on the showboat.

“A Scandalous Affair” (Westwego)

Sept. 14-23, at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 p.m. Sundays, at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave. #A. For more info: (504) 371-3330. Laced with humor, shocking Hollywood secrets and real-life love letters, the story of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy’s affair unfolds as the golden soprano and powerful baritone become “America’s Singing Sweethearts” right before the audience’s eyes.

“Origins of Life on Earth” (Westwego)

Sept. 23, at 2 p.m., at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave. #A. For more info: (504) 371-3330. A multi-disciplinary composition for soloists, chanters, chorus and dancers, the show explores and capitalizes upon specific contributions the Yoruba people of West Africa have made to New Orleans and Louisiana culture and history.